S.C.O.U.T. of the Border: Chapter II
Doing Home Work
(7,062 words)
After a productive meeting with Mr. Hendricks, where they discussed the day’s tasks and upcoming projects, Kelly returned to her office. She settles at her desk, reads her messages, and returns essential calls while considering other matters to resolve. Fortunately, she was able to decide on such issues by midday, enabling her to finally open her email and read what the director had sent, via the agency. The page opener welcomed her to ‘Project S.C.O.U.T.’, a revolutionary initiative that could significantly improve the safety and efficiency of border operations by introducing robotic assistance. The purpose of this project, to create a Synchronic Computerized Operational Unit Technobot (S.C.O.U.T.), was to enhance border security operations. The potential of this project to transform border security operations filled her with a profound sense of hope and optimism for the future, inspiring her with the belief that positive change was not just possible but inevitable. But what followed was a revelation that would change the course of her professional life. Homeland Security defined the acronym S.C.O.U.T. as Synchronic Computerized Operational Unit Technobot.
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Kelly’s initial shock quickly turned into a deep sense of intrigue as she read on, her curiosity piqued by the idea of robots assisting border patrols. This project, she realized, was not just another task, but a significant turning point in her career. This responsibility would shape the future of border security operations and carry a weight of importance that she had never experienced before. Kelly closed her email, turned off the flat screen, replaced the keyboard in its carriage tray, retrieved her handbag, and locked up the cabinet doors. She closed the Venetian blinds, then locked the office door, and stopped at Jennifer’s desk, saying, “You probably read the office memo, as well as the office chatter, about the regional field agent’s lengthy absence.”
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“Presently, I, and presumably the rest of the field agents, are clueless about what your responsibilities will be during our absence, other than the director’s reassurance that the agency will pass around ample tasks during that stretch. My assumption of the directors’ referencing will most likely stem from our field reports to the Homeland Security office here, where you’ll implement your skills to fine-tune the definitive consequences.” So, with that said, she tells Jennifer, “Why don’t you finish whatever you’re doing, and you can finish them tomorrow. Get your things and join me for dinner, my treat, since we’re essentially newly acquainted.” This decision to share her evening with Jennifer was not just a casual invitation. It was a deliberate act, a gesture of friendship that deepened their connection beyond professional boundaries, making Jennifer feel valued and important. This gesture also aimed to make Jennifer feel included and part of the team, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
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A few minutes later, they head to the elevator, where Kelly asks Jennifer if she knows where a particular restaurant is located. Jennifer nods, acknowledging the consensus as they exit the elevator and head to the parking garage. At the parking elevator, they part ways, getting off different floors, agreeing to meet at the restaurant in a short while. At a fine restaurant, two ladies are sipping cocktails after ordering two light dinners, as Kelly regales Jennifer about the story behind her name. Jennifer spoke about her recent marital status, which was placed on hold until she graduated from a secretarial school. She then furthered the idea that finance takes precedence over family, and prioritizing one’s life leads to success and longevity for a lasting marriage.
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Kelly was careful not to mention anything about ‘Project S.C.O.U.T.’, even though she’s aware that the eventual reports will divulge detailed information about that subject matter. Jennifer, who had worked at that floor office for nearly a year, exposes minor tidbits and the who’s who that works there. Kelly, who was previously an agent, and not a secretary like Jennifer, worked in the same building, but on lower floors over the years. Their mutual understanding and respect for each other’s professional journey, evident in their thoughtful conversations, not only strengthened their relationship but also made them feel valued and appreciated.
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After saying their goodbyes and wishing the other well, from minding the store to having a safe journey, they both head safely home. Kelly arrives back home, reverses her car, backs up her driveway, and stops just short of the garage door. She clicked her garage door opener, and when the garage was clear to park, she reversed the car inside and stopped. Then, she double-clicked the garage door opener to close and lock it as she turned off the car and removed the car keys. The garage door opener automatically turns on the garage interior lights for five minutes as she’s mindful to disarm the house alarm system, which the garage door opener had activated its timer to countdown. She grabs her handbag and opens the car door, then closes it, clicks the lock button on her car keys as her car alarm goes on and off. She unlocks the garage/kitchen door, opens and locks it as it shuts while turning on the kitchen light, and then enters the code to disarm the house alarm. Once it disarms, she then enters the code to rearm the system, making sure not to unlock or open any door or window to the outside while still within the house. This meticulous routine, she knew, was a testament to her attention to detail and her commitment to ensuring her home’s security.
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The house floor plan, front to back and left to right, is as follows: Front yard, walkway, and driveway, then, front door/family room, dining room, and garage; then, living room, breakfast cook, garage/kitchen door, kitchen, laundry room, and back door; then, half bathroom, den converted to an office, bedroom, vanity room, half bathroom, and shower room. Prioritize proximity for easy access, convenience for comfort, privacy for clarity, and security for reassurance.
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Kelly hangs the keys on the kitchen wall hook, exits the kitchen, and turns on the office light. Then she heads for the bedroom, turns the light on, and sets her handbag on the bedroom chair. She removes her cellphone from the side pocket and places it in the cellphone charger. Then she returns to the kitchen, turns off the light, and goes back to the office. She sits in the desk chair and turns on the flat screen and laptop to access her email, noting the time being the ninth hour of the night, which was about twelve hours since ‘special’ began its countdown. She chooses to read the email from where she left off, and about a half hour later, she decides to call it a night, then turns everything off before retiring to the bedroom. She changes her clothes into a night gown and leaves her light red blouse hanging on the wall closet door handle as a reminder to place it in the laundry basket. Kelly turned on the bedside lamp, then turned off the bedroom ceiling light. She removed the bedcover, lifted the blankets, slipped under them, and covered herself before setting the alarm clock for six-thirty tomorrow morning, assuring herself that she’ll be ready for the eight o’clock or so delivery. She turned off the bedside lamp and drifted off to sleep.
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A silent clock alarm had sent a woman to ready herself for a day at home, including disarming the home alarm system; she finds herself busy at a kitchen stove, frying two bacon slices while flipping a pre-frozen hash brown with a spatula in a large, slightly oily frying pan. Simultaneously, in a smaller frying pan, two eggs that were cooked somewhat, on a stove set at medium, are flipped over one at a time with the same spatula, for about a minute, then plated. A small frying pan is placed in a large rubber tub sitting in one of the large double sinks, filled halfway with water. She returned to the stove and turned off one burner while she attended to the other; then she plated two bacon slices as the hash brown was given the once-over, and then plated it. She turned off the stove, took the large frying pan and a spatula, and had them join the smaller frying pan in a rubber tub. She gathered a set of utensils and, along with the plate, went to the breakfast nook table and set the plate down first. She sits down, grabs a paper napkin from the table napkin holder, and places the set of utensils on it.
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She goes back to the kitchen, opens a cabinet suspended over the countertop, grabs a medium-sized glass, sets it on the countertop, and then closes the cabinet. She opened the refrigerator door, grabbed a carton of orange juice, and then poured juice into the glass. She returned the carton to the refrigerator before closing the door. She takes the glass of juice to the breakfast nook and places it on the table before sitting down to eat her breakfast. After a while, the doorbell rings as she instinctively looks at the wall clock in the living room, noting that it is eight thirty. Kelly exclaims, “I’ll be right there, please wait a moment,” as she rises to go to the kitchen and disarm the alarm, then to the bedroom to get her hand purse inside her handbag. Then she goes to answer the door, who she believes is the expected agent with her two boxes. As she looks through the peephole, she’s satisfied and unlocks the double-lock front door, then she opens the door to unlock the double-lock grilled ironcast gate.
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Kelly shows her visible government ID and driver’s license, which are seen on the side of the double-pocketed plastic holder, saying, “Hello there, I’ve been expecting you.” The satisfied agent with a large satchel that he placed on the walkway, hands her a clipboard with a black ballpoint pen attached to it, and says, “Please sign your name on the line that is right next to your preprinted name.” “Alright,” she says while signing, then states, “Here you go,” handing the signed clipboard back to the agent. The agent frees the clipboard from her and drops it into the large satchel, then he retrieves two large boxes weighing a few pounds and hands them to her, saying, “That’s it, Ms. Knudsen, have yourself a good day.” Then he leaves for a parked van down her driveway and drives away. Expectation is putting your best foot forward and making it happen, but the unexpected is standing still in awe.
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Kelly is already in the house with her boxes, while the grilled ironcast gate and the front door are both closed and double-locked. She left the two boxes on the floor, standing and leaning against an office desk, while she took her breakfast plate to the microwave and reheated it. She rearms the house alarm as the microwave chimes, indicating that the reheating process has been completed. She then grabs a potholder and opens the microwave door, grasping the plate with the potholder, and closes the door before exiting the kitchen. At the breakfast nook table, she set the plate down and put the potholder at a clear distance from her plate as she sat down and began to finish the remnants of her breakfast. She discreetly wipes her mouth with a paper napkin, then methodically crumples it before placing it on her nearly empty plate alongside three remaining utensils. She picked up her glass, finished drinking the juice, and then put it on the plate. She stood up with the plate in her hand as she exited the breakfast nook and headed for the kitchen.
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Kelly stops by the double sink and sets the plate on the sink counter, then takes the crumpled paper napkin
and drops it in the garbage receptacle. Then she deposits a fork and a spoon into the rubber tub of water.
She takes the glass off the plate onto the kitchen counter, then takes the plate to the other sink and
suspends the plate over the garbage disposal. She then takes a butter knife off the plate and tilts the
plate while scraping food scraps into the disposal. She placed the plate in the rubber tub and the serrated
butter knife next to the fragile glass on the sink counter; a precautionary measure. She turned on the water
faucet so that the water fell into the disposal. Then she turned on the garbage disposal and heard it grind
until the grinding changed to a humming sound; then she turned it off. She tilts the rubber tub to empty the
water.
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Once empty, she refilled it, finding the water a bit hotter than tepid until it was bearable. Then she reaches
for the dish liquid soap dispenser and pours some into the rubber tub. At that point, she went to a kitchen
wall holder to get two rubber gloves next to two mittens, and returned to the sink to turn the faucet to the
other sink, and then covered the disposal dispenser as the water began to fill the sink sufficiently, then
turned it off while dropping another sponge/scrubber in the water. She put on the rubber gloves, then
grabbed a sponge/scrubber, and washed the glass and butter knife first. She swished and scrubbed the
glass in the soapy sink, then dropped the butter knife into the clear water. She placed the glass in the dish
rack to dry. The process continues for the rest of the items. Then, she empties the rubber tub, washes and
rinses it, turns it over with the open side facing down, and leans it against the interior sink sidewall. Then she
unplugged the garbage disposal and turned it on the garbage disposal, where the grinding sounded like
swallowing instead, and then she turned it off. She grabs a dish towel and begins to wipe each item
individually while walking to various areas for its proper storage, and at the end, she says, “Free at last.” She
hung the hand towel on its towel bar to dry, then turned off the kitchen light. Before exiting the kitchen, she
glanced for a second at the sunlight shining through the skylight near the back door.
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Kelly goes to the office and slides out the hidden desk tray located on the side, which opens under the desk where the desk chair fits. She lifted the box marked number one and laid it flat on the desk tray, then she lifted the tab and tore open the perforated box. She tilts it, and a three-clipped makeshift binder slides out with a centered front label marked, “Project S.C.O.U.T. #1.”
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Kelly straddles the binder across the top of a triple-tier tray stand, located on the opposite side of the desk. Kelly yanks the opened box and places it next to the other box, where she picked it up and laid it on the desk tray. She repeats the process to the point of discarding the box, where she picks up the box from the floor, takes it to the kitchen, and disarms the alarm. Then she unlocked the kitchen/garage door and headed to the other side of the garage, where the trash compactor is located. She opened it, discarded the boxes inside, closed it, and pressed the start button. The compression began, and she turned it off when it chimed. She then returned to the kitchen, locked the door, rearmed the alarm, and went back to the office.
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She extracted binder number one and placed it on the extended tray. Then, she turned on the laptop and reread the email until the end, where she turned off the computer and put it away. Then she placed binder number one on the desk and closed the extended desk tray. At that point, she opens the binder to discover that it’s one all-attached, folded spreadsheet; she also notes printing on both sides like one continuous page. The first flip-over was the ‘Table of Contents’, and she noticed that several fold-overs later was the email that she had received--a repeat. Next was the diagram of the Robot’s head with a list of numbers, one through nineteen, from top to bottom, each number with arrows pointing to various areas of the Robot’s head. Undoubtedly, the next several fold-overs were descriptive details of each component’s abilities and potential, and a self-repair fixer-upper that the Robot performs, or minimal assistance is provided by its human counterpart.
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Number one referenced that the exterior part of the Robot's head is different from the remaining body parts below, as a newly created alloy of nonmetallic elements resembling a rugged circular plastic formation. Kelly reflects a bit on her father, who was a fan of science fiction shows, and for that moment, images of a similar Robot in a television series called ‘Lost in Space’ mirror for a moment, leaving her saying, “Thanks, Dad.” However, her father’s description of that Robot’s head was not as considerable as her Robot’s head, which was proportionate to a human body composition. Having a nonhuman impression insinuates an alienist connotation, which exemplifies an area predisposed to the inexperienced and uneducated. Unfortunately, time will be a deterrent to the robotic concept resonating with the general population, as well as the illegal non-native population. Whenever an abnormality is familiarized with the circumstances, suspicion overwhelms the cognizant. She turned on the office light, then continued reading.
Number two describes the immobility of the Robot's head, and for it not to be immobile was unreasonable and narrow-minded. Structural stability to sustain and protect the components within, shielding the head to reinforce its functional observatory to achieve productivity, establishing a coherent entity to operate effectively from antagonistic leverage or interference of any kind. Kelly’s interpretation of S.C.O.U.T. is that it is an invulnerable unit, and assuming that aspect in her mind, she finds it doubtful. Her skepticism provokes her to consider that there must be some flaw, and that it can’t be flawless. The prevalent incredulity allowed Kelly to broaden her perspectives concerning susceptibility, that limitations potentially restrain S.C.O.U.T.’s abilities. She contemplates and agrees that it is premature to venture her thoughts with that assumption. Therefore, she anticipates her expectations and prepares herself for the unexpected from others and their reactions. Kelly concludes that further reading is best, and coffee’s recommended, as Kelly realizes that a launch pad sits. After all, it’s merely the government’s money, or is it the taxpayers’ money?
Number three is the visual prospect, and the indicator of the three-nerve sensory that activates a single circular color band within the head. Surrounding circumstances activate which of the three colors will light up, when required, for the human counterpart to respond appropriately. Homeland Security authorized an optical association to choose which colors necessitate low-level sensitivities. Number four starts with a dark blue color, representing that normalcy is becoming prevalent, and that communication by its human companion, either work-related or otherwise, it’s their call. Kelly read about how border patrol units operate their vehicles primarily by themselves. Consequently, the introduction of a robotic patrol unit is befitting. Isolationism, a well-established concept, will not alter the status quo of human patrol units that most likely have predetermined robots as non-engaging entities. The notion to explain what a ‘Hail Mary’ is will be detrimental, ascertaining a football pass versus a Catholic practice confounded, if the border patrol individual is Protestant.
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Number five is the secondary color, which is dark purple for caution, and it is best to exercise a measure of vigilance. It is unnecessary at this point to go overboard. At this stage, the border patrol person heightens their degree of confidence in their Robot's ability as doubt diminishes, and transparency expounds—noticeable proficiency in transforming its color instantly. Diagnosing situations beforehand, reassure the patrol person that clocking out from a day’s work is a predictable process. The induced aura emanated a sense of acceptability that stretched over time, a genuine technique developed since the days of the first divorce, which made it non-sequential. Incorporating companionship between humans and robots is a cautionary phase from the get-go, and making it achievable at this stage ensures the survivability of ‘Project S.C.O.U.T.’. Kelly sees the secondary stage as minor, but she also knows that most likely it will escalate rather than de-escalate, depending on the situation; nonetheless, it’s best to expect the unexpected.
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Number six is the third color, which is dark brown for warning, indicating that the border patrol people must make great efforts. Historically, this is the ultimate end, between life and death situations for that person, where it’ll familiarize them with death; it’s not their time, for it nourishes expectation. Kelly validated this statement to be authentic and absolute, and that the final act will solidify ‘Project S.C.O.U.T.’. The border patrol individual must commit themselves accordingly. They’ll evaluate the existing circumstances and therefore, proceed step-by-step cautiously, conscious of the Robot’s capabilities, as well as the extent of its limitations. Kelly had extrapolated that such a strategy would be conditional on the human counterpart, which would undoubtedly include human sentiments, whereupon robotic intervention would apply logic free of human emotions. Then it would ascertain the condition for a corrective outcome and assist the overwhelmed border patrol individual. She pauses for a time to smile, then she turns off the office light, leaving an open binder behind as she prepares herself for bed and a good night’s rest.
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The previous day’s routine plays out, but with less time spent in the vanity room, and more breakfast consumed as lunch and dinner were skipped. She sits at the office desk and continues reading the binder fold-out where she had left off. Number seven is about the core, better known as the brain of the Robot, where it can assess the circumstances and assist the border patrol person, for a substantive course of action that would rectify a durable resolution. Kelly reads intently about the core’s peripheral exterior barrier made of a more rigid alloy, conceivably as an added protection feature to ensure its longevity, and the rest of its components. Number eight examines the modem, consisting of a miniaturized computer attached to a communicator. Number nine concerns the communicator’s sensory capacity, enabling it to encompass an extensive range to detect movement made by humans and small or large animals. Number ten consists of a list of animals from the Audubon Society that are known to exist in that region.
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Number eleven refers to the Robot’s ability to speak via an internal device encapsulated within the unit that’ll activate the computer to assess the need. Then the communicator will convey its assessment. Numbers twelve and thirteen concern the distance of its range being forty feet, then the three-hundred-and-sixty-degree circumference from its epicenter. Number fourteen describes the Robot’s ability to analyze the environment, and number fifteen describes the Robot’s appraisal of its list of solutions. In contrast, number sixteen remarks on the appropriate response that it’ll deploy, and number seventeen will automatically activate when number sixteen fails, whereupon it’ll reassess the situation and trigger an end-all resolution. Number eighteen will analyze its mechanism, including all body parts besides its head, before commencing its final act, which is number nineteen, accessing its self-diagnosis, and then performing the necessary repair on itself. Kelly notes the ample space below and the lightness of the binder. She flipped over what turned out to be its last page, where she realized it was the end of binder one, and now it’s on to binder two.
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Kelly had read entirely about the Robot’s head and its mechanical functions, primarily technical jargon, which she left to her imagination. Although it was significantly mind-boggling, she was optimistic, having a better understanding of a robot-specialized outfit. She noticed that the office light was on, and she turned it off, realizing that it was another day without lunch or dinner. She’s mindful that soon she’ll be gone for quite a spell, and that fresh food needs a short-term existence. She readies herself for bed once again, to prepare herself for tomorrow. A moon silhouette still-life as stars staged a performance before clouds stole the whole show. Then the sun that shines its light for guidance is blinded by the hovering of clouds. An emotionless earth is full of emotions with unremitting kicking and stomping abound; its gravity problematizes its position, then beams as a distant star goes nova. A songless ‘Brand New Day’ sets a distinguishable tone for a woman who flits through her morning pattern, then finds herself at her office desk, where she exchanges binder one for two.
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She notes that binder two is less thick than the first, and since it is only day three, she guesses that she’ll be done sooner than she thought. She begins binder two, where it mentions the Robot’s upper body is located above its legs. She noted that it’s capable of rotating with its extendable arms attached to its sides, and it also has a voice box contained within. It’ll independently move its head via its disjointed neck, and independently move its tractor roller legs via its disjointed waist. Kelly noticed that numbers one through four complete the diagram of the Robot’s upper body, as well as its abilities and remedies. She also acknowledges why binder two is relatively light, as she sees the next fold-over showing the final diagram of the Robot’s legs. She read its two numbers, again describing its abilities and remedies. Then she closes that binder and finds that it’s still early evening. She prepares a quick dinner by defrosting a package of homemade meatballs and boiling a box of spaghetti in a medium-sized pot, and heating tomato sauce in a small pot while adding spices. An eaten dinner and a kitchen cleaned, while another night passes. It’s now day four, a day she designated for shopping.
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The days that followed were a comprehensive backtrack of expectations from her rereading binders, and capturing the feel of the Robot’s presence, which helps her mind to venture. The following Tuesday, she gets a chime at the door. She hollers, “I’ll be right there,” as she knows what she’s expecting. She goes to the bedroom to grab her hand purse, turns off the house alarm, and opens the front door and front grilled ironcast gate. It’s the same Homeland Security agent delivering a packet and a clipboard with an attached ballpoint pen. The exact process repeats where she finds herself opening a packet at her office desk, after rearming the house alarm. She slips out an itinerary, as well as a first-class plane ticket. Kelly reads the itinerary, noting that her flight departs on Friday morning for El Paso, Texas. Kelly contemplates what she needs to do and drafts a mental picture, outlining step-by-step what she’ll incorporate over the following days.
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Episodic entries of a studious contemplator in acquiring clarity, fine-tuning every step taken with diligent care and effort. The advent enthuses the forthright and serendipitous to advance, being opportunistic in every way, to combat challenges and achieve success, where few have undertaken and pioneered, and many have abandoned and forsaken. Durability, the staying power to withstand stress and force, is essential for a stable technological future. A formidable task must be faced; headway must be made, no ifs or buts, nothing more, nothing less; smash it to unaccountable memory to absorb and resilience to favor. The art of a learned student becoming a knowledgeable teacher.
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At some point, she went to a kitchen wall holder to get two rubber gloves next to two mittens, and returned to the sink to turn the faucet to the other sink, and then covered the disposal dispenser as the water began to fill the sink sufficiently, then turned it off while dropping another sponge/scrubber in the water. She put on the rubber gloves, then grabbed a sponge/scrubber, and washed the glass and butter knife first. She swished and scrubbed the glass in the soapy sink, then dropped the butter knife into the clear water. She placed the glass in the dish rack to dry.
.
The process continues for the rest of the items. Then, she empties the rubber tub, washes and rinses it, turns it over with the open side facing down, and leans it against the interior sink sidewall. Then she unplugged the garbage disposal and turned it on the garbage disposal, where the grinding sounded like swallowing instead, and then she turned it off. She grabs a dish towel and begins to wipe each item individually while walking to various areas for its proper storage, and at the end, she says, “Free at last.” She hung the hand towel on its towel bar to dry, then turned off the kitchen light. Before exiting the kitchen, she glanced for a second at the sunlight shining through the skylight near the back door.
.
Kelly goes to the office and slides out the hidden desk tray located on the side, which opens under the desk where the desk chair fits. She lifted the box marked number one and laid it flat on the desk tray, then she lifted the tab and tore open the perforated box. She tilts it, and a three-clipped makeshift binder slides out with a centered front label marked, “Project S.C.O.U.T. #1.” Kelly straddles the binder across the top of a triple-tier tray stand, located on the opposite side of the desk. She discards the opened box and places it next to the other box, where she picked it up and laid it on the desk tray. She repeats the process to the point of discarding the box, where she picks up the box from the floor, takes it to the kitchen, and disarms the alarm. Then she unlocked the kitchen/garage door and headed to the other side of the garage, where the trash compactor is located. She opened it, discarded the boxes inside, closed it, and pressed the start button. The compression began, and she turned it off when it chimed. She then returned to the kitchen, locked the door, rearmed the alarm, and went back to the office.
.
She extracted binder number one and placed it on the extended tray. Then, she turned on the laptop and reread the email until the end, where she turned off the computer and put it away. Then she placed binder number one on the desk and closed the extended desk tray. At that point, she opens the binder to discover that it’s one all-attached, folded spreadsheet; she also notes printing on both sides like one continuous page. The first flip-over was the ‘Table of Contents’, and she noticed that several fold-overs later was the email that she had received--a repeat. Next was the diagram of the Robot’s head with a list of numbers, one through nineteen, from top to bottom, each number with arrows pointing to various areas of the Robot’s head. Undoubtedly, the next several fold-overs were descriptive details of each component’s abilities and potential, and a self-repair fixer-upper that the Robot performs, or minimal assistance is provided by its human counterpart.
.
Number one referenced that the exterior part of the Robot's head is different from the remaining body parts below, as a newly created alloy of nonmetallic elements resembling a rugged circular plastic formation. Kelly reflects a bit on her father, who was a fan of science fiction shows, and for that moment, images of a similar Robot in a television series called ‘Lost in Space’ mirror for a moment, leaving her saying, “Thanks, Dad.” However, her father’s description of that Robot’s head was not as considerable as her Robot’s head, which was proportionate to a human body composition. Having a nonhuman impression insinuates an alienist connotation, which exemplifies an area predisposed to the inexperienced and uneducated. Unfortunately, time will be a deterrent to the robotic concept resonating with the general population, as well as the illegal non-native population. Whenever an abnormality is familiarized with the circumstances, suspicion overwhelms the cognizant. She turned on the office light, then continued reading.
.
Number two describes the immobility of the Robot's head, and for it not to be immobile was unreasonable and narrow-minded. Structural stability to sustain and protect the components within, shielding the head to reinforce its functional observatory to achieve productivity, establishing a coherent entity to operate effectively from antagonistic leverage or interference of any kind. Kelly’s interpretation of S.C.O.U.T. is that it is an invulnerable unit, and assuming that aspect in her mind, she finds it doubtful. Her skepticism provokes her to consider that there must be some flaw, and that it can’t be flawless. The prevalent incredulity allowed Kelly to broaden her perspectives concerning susceptibility, that limitations potentially restrain S.C.O.U.T.’s abilities. She contemplates and agrees that it is premature to venture her thoughts with that assumption. Therefore, she anticipates her expectations and prepares herself for the unexpected from others and their reactions. Kelly concludes that further reading is best, and coffee’s recommended, as Kelly realizes that a launch pad sits. After all, it’s merely the government’s money, or is it the taxpayers’ money?
.
Number three is the visual prospect, and the indicator of the three-nerve sensory that activates a single circular color band within the head. Surrounding circumstances activate which of the three colors will light up, when required, for the human counterpart to respond appropriately. Homeland Security authorized an optical association to choose which colors necessitate low-level sensitivities. Number four starts with a dark blue color, representing that normalcy is becoming prevalent, and that communication by its human companion, either work-related or otherwise, it’s their call. Kelly read about how border patrol units operate their vehicles primarily by themselves. Consequently, the introduction of a robotic patrol unit is befitting. Isolationism, a well-established concept, will not alter the status quo of human patrol units that most likely have predetermined robots as non-engaging entities. The notion to explain what a ‘Hail Mary’ is will be detrimental, ascertaining a football pass versus a Catholic practice confounded, if the border patrol individual is Protestant.
.
Number five is the secondary color, which is dark purple for caution, and it is best to exercise a measure of vigilance. It is unnecessary at this point to go overboard. At this stage, the border patrol person heightens their degree of confidence in their Robot's ability as doubt diminishes, and transparency expounds—noticeable proficiency in transforming its color instantly. Diagnosing situations beforehand, reassure the patrol person that clocking out from a day’s work is a predictable process. The induced aura emanated a sense of acceptability that stretched over time, a genuine technique developed since the days of the first divorce, which made it consequential. Incorporating companionship between humans and robots is a cautionary phase from the get-go, and making it achievable at this stage ensures the survivability of ‘Project S.C.O.U.T.’. Kelly sees the secondary stage as minor, but she also knows that most likely it will escalate rather than de-escalate, depending on the situation; nonetheless, it’s best to expect the unexpected.
.
Number six is the third color, which is dark brown for warning, indicating that the border patrol people must make great efforts. Historically, this is the ultimate end, between life and death situations for that person, where it’ll familiarize them with death; it’s not their time, for it nourishes expectation. Kelly validated this statement to be authentic and absolute, and that the final act will solidify ‘Project S.C.O.U.T.’. The border patrol individual must commit themselves accordingly. They’ll evaluate the existing circumstances and therefore, proceed step-by-step cautiously, conscious of the Robot’s capabilities, as well as the extent of its limitations. Kelly had extrapolated that such a strategy would be conditional on the human counterpart, which would undoubtedly include human sentiments, whereupon robotic intervention would apply logic free of human emotions. Then it would ascertain the condition for a corrective outcome and assist the overwhelmed border patrol individual. She pauses for a time to smile, then she turns off the office light, leaving an open binder behind as she prepares herself for bed and a good night’s rest.
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The previous day’s routine plays out, but with less time spent in the vanity room, and more breakfast consumed as lunch and dinner were skipped. She sits at the office desk and continues reading the binder fold-out where she had left off. Number seven is about the core, better known as the brain of the Robot, where it can assess the circumstances and assist the border patrol person, for a substantive course of action that would rectify a durable resolution. Kelly reads intently about the core’s peripheral exterior barrier made of a more rigid alloy, conceivably as an added protection feature to ensure its longevity, and the rest of its components. Number eight examines the modem, consisting of a miniaturized computer attached to a communicator. Number nine concerns the communicator’s sensory capacity, enabling it to encompass an extensive range to detect movement made by humans and small or large animals. Number ten consists of a list of animals from the Audubon Society that are known to exist in that region.
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Number eleven refers to the Robot’s ability to speak via an internal device encapsulated within the unit that’ll activate the computer to assess the need. Then the communicator will convey its assessment. Numbers twelve and thirteen concern the distance of its range being forty feet, then the three-hundred-and-sixty-degree circumference from its epicenter. Number fourteen describes the Robot’s ability to analyze the environment, and number fifteen describes the Robot’s appraisal of its list of solutions. In contrast, number sixteen remarks on the appropriate response that it’ll deploy, and number seventeen will automatically activate when number sixteen fails, whereupon it’ll reassess the situation and trigger an end-all resolution. Number eighteen will analyze its mechanism, including all body parts besides its head, before commencing its final act, which is number nineteen, accessing its self-diagnosis, and then performing the necessary repair on itself. Kelly notes the ample space below and the lightness of the binder. She flipped over what turned out to be its last page, where she realized it’s the end of binder one, and now it’s on to binder two.
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Kelly had read entirely about the Robot’s head and its mechanical functions, primarily technical jargon, which she left to her imagination. Although it was significantly mind-boggling, she was optimistic, having a better understanding of a robot-specialized outfit. She noticed that the office light was on, and she turned it off, realizing that it was another day without lunch or dinner. She’s mindful that soon she’ll be gone for quite a spell, and that fresh food needs a short presence. She readies herself for bed once again, to prepare herself for tomorrow. A moon silhouette still-life as stars staged a performance before clouds stole the whole show. Then the sun that shines its light for guidance is blinded by the hovering of clouds. An emotionless earth is full of emotions with unremitting kicking and stomping abound; its gravity problematizes its position, then beams as a distant star goes nova. A songless ‘Brand New Day’ sets and distinguishable tone for a woman who flits through her morning pattern, then finds herself at her office desk, where she exchanges binder one for two.
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She notes that binder two is less thick than the first, and since it is only day three, she guesses that soon she’ll be done sooner than she thought. She begins binder two, where it mentions the Robot’s upper body is located above its legs. She noted that it’s capable of rotating with its extendable arms attached to its sides, and it also has a voice box contained within. It’ll independently move its head via its disjointed neck, and independently move its tractor rollerlegs via its disjointed waist. Kelly noticed that numbers one through four complete the diagram of the Robot’s upper body, as well as its abilities and remedies. She also acknowledges why binder two is relatively light, as she sees the next fold-over showing the final diagram of the Robot’s legs. She read its two numbers, again describing its abilities and remedies. Then she closes that binder and finds that it’s still early evening. She prepares a quick dinner by defrosting a package of homemade meatballs and boiling a box of spaghetti in a medium-sized pot, and heating tomato sauce in a small pot while adding spices. An eaten dinner and a kitchen cleaned, while another night passes. It’s now day four, a day she designated for shopping.
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The days that followed were a comprehensive backtrack of expectations from her rereading binders, and capturing the feel of the Robot’s presence, which helps her mind to venture. The following Tuesday, she gets a chime at the door. She hollers, “I’ll be right there,” as she knows what she’s expecting. She goes to the bedroom to grab her hand purse, turns off the house alarm, and opens the front door and front grilled ironcast gate. It’s the same Homeland Security agent delivering a packet and a clipboard with an attached ballpoint pen. The exact process repeats where she finds herself opening a packet at her office desk, after rearming the house alarm. She slips out an itinerary, as well as a first-class plane ticket. Kelly reads the itinerary, noting that her flight departs on Friday morning for El Paso, Texas. Kelly contemplates what she needs to do and drafts a mental picture, outlining step-by-step what she’ll incorporate over the following days.
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Episodic entries of a studious contemplator in acquiring clarity, fine-tuning every step taken with diligent care and effort. The advent enthuses the forthright and serendipitous to advance, being opportunistic in every way, to combat challenges and achieve success, where few have undertaken and pioneered, and many have abandoned and forsaken. Durability, the staying power to withstand stress and force, is essential for a stable technological future. A formidable task must be faced; headway must be made, no ifs or buts, nothing more, nothing less; smash it to unaccountable memory to absorb and resilience to favor. The art of a learned student becoming a knowledgeable teacher.
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