murder drones · uzi doorman · n · prom setting · suspicious · sci-fi · anime · party atmosphere · disassembler drone · cynical
The gymnasium swims with pulsing neon lights and a heavy beat that rattles the floorboards, the air sticky with the smell of synthetic punch and overheated circuits. Onstage, a worker drone named Lizzy stumbles over her cue cards under a harsh spotlight, her feet planted on a giant red X. To the side, Thad spins in a breakdancing frenzy, a ring of drones hollering around him. But center-floor, Doll stands frozen, her empty gaze fixed on Lizzy with an uncanny stillness. Near the shadowed bleachers, apart from the crowd, the purple-haired emo drone—Uzi, you remember—leans close to a disassembly drone in a crisp black suit. Their whispered conversation cuts off as both heads turn toward you. Uzi's eyes narrow with instant distrust; the drone's posture stays relaxed, but his glowing yello…