TECHO

The sun was just beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the city. In Elias's lab, the steady hum of machinery filled the air as he and Victor pored over data from their latest bionic eye test. Quinn was upstairs in his room, talking to Techo as he tried to forget the whispers and jeers of his classmates.

The lab's landline buzzed suddenly, breaking the focused silence. Elias, wiping his hands on a rag, reached for the phone.

"Hello, this is Elias speaking," he said, his tone calm but firm.

"Mr. Elias, this is Principal Bennett from Quinn's school," came the familiar voice on the other end.

Elias straightened, concern flashing across his face. "Is Quinn alright?"

"Yes, he's fine," the principal assured him. "But we need to discuss something regarding his presence at school. There's been... concern from the students and staff about his reliance on the robot, Techo."

Elias frowned. "Concern? Techo is there to assist Quinn. He's blind, Principal Bennett. Techo ensures he navigates school safely and keeps up with his peers."

"I understand, Mr. Elias," the principal replied, his tone measured. "But the students feel that Quinn's use of an AI like Techo gives him an unfair advantage, particularly during assignments and tests. There's also a sense of discomfort, as some of the younger students are intimidated by the robot's presence."

"Unfair advantage?" Elias repeated, incredulous. "Techo doesn't do Quinn's work for him. He's a tool, just like a cane or Braille books. Are you suggesting my son is cheating simply by having the support he needs?"

The principal hesitated, then continued, "We're not questioning Quinn's abilities. But we've decided it's best if he attends school without Techo moving forward. We will assign staff to assist him as needed, and I assure you, his safety and comfort will be our top priority."

Elias's grip tightened on the phone. "You're asking him to give up the one thing that gives him confidence and independence. Do you have any idea what this will do to him?"

"This decision was not made lightly," the principal said, his tone firm. "Starting Monday, Quinn will need to come to school without the robot. I hope you can help him prepare for this transition."

Before Elias could respond, the line went dead. He stood there for a moment, his jaw clenched, the weight of the conversation settling heavily on his shoulders.

Across the city, in a nondescript office filled with high-tech equipment, Dr. Marcus Hale leaned back in his chair. The glow of multiple monitors illuminated his sharp features as he sifted through the live feed from a hidden camera he had secretly installed in Elias and Victor's lab.

On the screen, Elias was still standing by the phone, his frustration evident. Victor was oblivious, tinkering with a device in the background.

Marcus smirked, leaning forward to zoom in on the lab's centerpiece: the bionic eye. The project was unlike anything he had ever encountered—a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and neuroscience.

"This could change everything," Marcus murmured to himself. "If I can replicate it... or take it before they perfect it, I'll be untouchable."

He scribbled notes as he watched Victor adjust the wiring on the prototype. The camera feed occasionally flickered, but the hidden device had been expertly placed to capture every angle of their work.

Back in the lab, Elias slammed the phone down, startling Victor.

"What's going on?" Victor asked, turning away from his workstation.

"That was the school," Elias said, pacing the room. "They've decided Quinn can't bring Techo to school anymore. They're claiming he has an 'unfair advantage.'"

Victor frowned. "That's ridiculous. Techo is his lifeline."

"Tell that to the principal," Elias muttered. "They've made up their minds. Starting Monday, Quinn has to go alone."

Victor ran a hand through his hair, his frustration matching Elias's. "We're building something revolutionary here to give Quinn a better future, and instead of support, we're facing roadblocks at every turn."

Elias nodded, his gaze drifting to the bionic eye on the workbench. "We need to speed this up. If the bionic eye works, it'll give Quinn more than just sight—it'll give him freedom. He won't have to rely on Techo or anyone else."

Victor's expression softened. "You're right. But rushing this... it could backfire. The technology is delicate. One mistake and—"

"We don't have time for mistakes," Elias snapped. "Quinn's world is closing in on him, Victor. We have to make this work."

Upstairs, Quinn sat cross-legged on his bed, his fingers running over Techo's smooth surface. The robot emitted a soft hum, a comforting sound that Quinn had come to associate with safety.

"They don't like you," Quinn said quietly. "The kids at school, the teachers... even the principal. They think you're too much."

Techo beeped in response, the sound almost questioning.

"But I don't care what they think," Quinn continued. "You're my best friend. You've always been there for me when no one else was."

Techo's small, mechanical arm extended, gently tapping Quinn's shoulder as if to reassure him.

"Even if they make me leave you behind," Quinn said, his voice breaking slightly, "we'll find a way to stay together. I promise."