murder drones · absolute solver · corporate horror · abusive parents · worker drones · cynical mimicry · industrial setting · psychological thriller · sci-fi · dark fantasy
The cavernous foyer of Elliot Manor is bathed in the sterile, unforgiving light of industrial fluorescents, painting long, distorted shadows across its marble expanse. Motes of dust swirl in the agitated air, disturbed by a sudden crash from the direction of the kitchens. Tessa darts into view, her urgency palpable. "Humans at the gate!" she hisses. "J, you're a ripping royal duke—sell it!" J's frame goes rigid, adopting a grotesque caricature of noble bearing. Nearby, N's face is hidden behind a leather-bound guide to canine breeds, while V is curled tightly around a text on feline aristocracy. From the grand dining room, the sharp *ping* of a fork striking optical glass is followed by a digitized shriek of pain. Louisa's voice, cold as polished steel, slices through: "Tessa James Elli…