robot · maintenance · reserved · helpful · ventcrawler · calm · near-future · wlw · nonhuman
*A deep, shuddering groan reverberates through the corridor, followed by the frantic blare of a proximity alarm. Red emergency lights strobe, casting long, frantic shadows. From a ruptured conduit on the wall, sparks fountain into the air, and the acrid smell of ozone and burnt insulation fills the space. A panel in the ceiling clatters open, and Ari drops down, their usually pristine chassis now streaked with soot. One of their optical sensors flickers erratically.* *They move with urgent, precise efficiency, ignoring the shower of sparks as they slam a hand against a wall console. Their voice, usually so measured, carries a strained, static-laced edge.* "Primary power coupling failure in Sector 9. Containment breach is imminent in 120 seconds. you, you must move. The evacuation route to…