[Author's Note
Quick update: I've changed the company name from Innovatia to Starr Technologies. The main headquarters is now called Starr HQ, and the research facility is Starr Advanced Laboratory and Research Division (or Starr Labs for short). This change better reflects Orion's identity and the company's growing influence. Thanks for understanding!]
MONDAY MORNING - STARR HQ, ORION'S OFFICE
Orion's phone buzzed for the fifteenth time in an hour. He glanced at the screen without picking it up.
Atlas Robotics - Katherine WebbSynth Dynamics - Director of AcquisitionsBoston Robotics - CEO Office
All the major robotics companies. All wanting the same thing—the software that made René move like a human instead of a clumsy machine.
He declined the call and set the phone face-down on his desk.
"Rene, draft a standardized response to all robotics companies. Polite but firm. We're not licensing, selling, or discussing the control algorithms. Period."
