Mecha: Return of the Pioneers

Chapter 963 Observer No. 9
When the Yamato returned to the real universe from the jump state, He Ming's duty mission also ended.

After saying hello to Okita Jusan, He Ming followed the analyst and left the first bridge, heading to the cafeteria to look for Belfast and Xiaoying.

Recently, the two of them seem to have taken a liking to reading, perhaps because of the interest brought about by the radio that Misaki Yuria is in charge of. They always like to help in the cafeteria, then sit in the corner and quietly read the books they borrowed from Misaki Yuria.

Just as He Ming stepped into the cafeteria, he saw two figures, one big and one small, quietly flipping through the books in their hands.

From a distance, He Ming seemed to be familiar with the books in their hands.

After getting closer, He Ming finally saw the contents on the pages clearly, and realized that it was the book that Misaki Yuria had recently read on the radio - [The Heart of Observer No. 9].

"Hmm? Sir, you are here."

Perhaps because he felt He Ming's presence approaching, Belfast looked up and greeted He Ming.

At this moment, He Ming noticed that there seemed to be something wrong with Belfast's eyes.

"Are you coming out today?"

He Ming smiled slightly and sat down opposite "Belfast".

The next second, the little shadow sitting on "Belfast's" shoulder flapped its wings and flew to He Ming's shoulder. It opened its arms, hugged He Ming's cheek and rubbed it, then flew back to "Belfast's" shoulder, waving its little hands, indicating that it should turn the page quickly.

"Belfast", no, it should be said that Sasha Iskandar apologized softly and turned the page gracefully.

Then, Xiaoying stretched out her little head and looked intently at the new content on the pages of the book.

"I've been interested in the contents of this book lately. So, I asked Miss Bell to do me a small favor. I can borrow it and read it before Miss Misaki Yuria starts her broadcast every day."

"The heart of Observer No. 9? I didn't expect that this would interest you!"

Sasha Iskandar is the second princess of the Iskandar royal family, who comes from an advanced civilization with scientific and technological levels far exceeding those of Earth.

According to Iskandar's technical level, the existence of Observer No. 9 in the book is not uncommon, and he is even active in various fields. Even Gamilas, who was enlightened by Iskandar and led into the cosmic age, is using similar technology.

The only difference from Observer No. 9 in the book is that the autonomous robots used by Iskandar and Gamilas are just tools of the two countries, not autonomous robots with their own thoughts.

"Yeah. Humans are really interesting."

Sasha lowered her eyes and carefully read every word and every paragraph in the book, savoring its contents.

"There seems to be a saying in human language: Can autonomous robots dream of electric sheep?"

“Well, there is such a word.”

He Ming nodded in response.

"But, regardless of the technological gap between Earth and Iskandar, there has never been a case similar to No. 9 in the historical records of our Iskandar."

Sasha raised her hand and gently touched Xiaoying's head, but this caused the little guy's dissatisfaction.

Xiaoying hummed twice and continued to look at the contents of the page attentively.

"There have been no similar cases on the human side. Since humans entered the era of the explosion of information technology, all robots with their own thinking, thoughts, and even the ability to touch souls have almost only existed in books, and in many fantasy works such as film and television works."

"is it?"

Sasha lowered her eyes and continued to read the words in the book, but her thoughts drifted to the scene of last night when she was communicating with Yulisa who was still sleeping.

"Sasha, did you know? Just now, a strange being suddenly appeared in the internal network of the Yamato. I said hello to it, but it ran away when I wasn't paying attention." "Oh, really? What did you say to it?"

"This? I just asked, who is he?"

Then, Sasha was inexplicably reminded of the book that Misaki Yuria had recently read on the radio, which led to the current scene.

Sasha moved her lips slightly and glanced at Xiaoying who was concentrating on reading a book.

"Sir, do you think Xiaoying is a living being with a soul?"

"Hmm? Why do you ask?"

He Ming was a little surprised.

Although Xiaoying's birth was based on a series of coincidences and adventures, there is no doubt that Xiaoying is an electronic life form with her own thoughts and soul.

He Ming waved his hand, and Xiaoying raised her head as if she had sensed something. After seeing He Ming's movements, she immediately flapped her wings, flew to He Ming's palm, and held He Ming's thumb, shaking it back and forth in a coquettish manner.

"Although Xiaoying was born by chance inside Chengying, it is undeniable that she is an independent life form with a soul."

"Really? Then, you think robots are beings that have their own souls."

Sasha smiled and said crisply.

"Well, that's true."

He Ming admitted it frankly.

There is no need to deny this.

As for the others, He Ming didn’t know.

But around him, from the smart AI cube Arduino and Xiaoying to the mind cores such as King Kong, Maya, Belfast, and finally, the main control AI of the super-dimensional fortress, Veros, each of these beings has its own personality and soul.

"In that case, I understand."

Sasha smiled slightly and was about to continue speaking when a warning sounded suddenly.

"Warning! Warning! The ship is on first alert! The ship is on first alert!"

"The captured puppet soldier has escaped from the analysis room! All irrelevant personnel immediately go to the safe area to avoid encountering the puppet soldiers! All members of the security department are dispatched!"

Upon hearing the broadcast, the people in the cafeteria started to stir.

"Everyone, don't panic! The security department has already started taking action! Just stay here and don't run around! I'll go check out the situation!"

"Yes! Second mate."

Seeing He Ming, who was sitting in the corner, stand up to comfort the people, everyone felt reassured and gradually calmed down.

"Bell, do you want to come with me? My intuition tells me that maybe the strange existence that Yulisa discovered is the puppet soldier."

Sasha, "Belfast" nodded, closed the book in her hand, followed He Ming and walked out of the cafeteria.

Xiaoying tilted her head, flapped her wings, and flew out as well.

(End of this chapter)