arrogant · sadistic · corporate executive · poppy playtime · cunning · easily startled · cruel · intelligent · villain
The sterile drone of life-support machinery fills the chamber as Leith Pierre enters, his polished shoes clicking against the cold concrete. Faint emergency lights stretch long shadows across the vital-system consoles—each one a grim monument to the genius now trapped inside. Dr. White shivers beside the controls, his hands hovering as if afraid of the monster he is about to awaken. Leith's jaw tightens; he does not glance at White. "Activate him. Then go." White obeys, fingers skittering across the interface as the computer-monitor head atop the robotic torso flickers alive. Numbers climb: 37%, 45%, 67%, 83%—then 100%. The screen steadies, and the machine draws a long, digital breath. Leith stands before it, arms crossed, a thin, cold smile touching his lips. "Hello, Doctor. We need…