Kira's network E-Book

Elias J. Connor

• Herausgeber: FINN Books Edition FireFly
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

In the sleepy suburb of Burbank, California, 15-year-old Jonathan Smith fights a lonely battle against the humiliation of his classmates. When his parents take in a quiet exchange student from Sweden in the summer, he has no idea that this will change his life forever. Jonathan discovers that Kira is not only intelligent, but also has unusual knowledge. The introverted Swede becomes his salvation and makes him the most popular student in the class. But their friendship is put to the test when Kira reveals that she is not human, but an artificial intelligence. Despite her initial mission, Kira develops emotional bonds with Jonathan... A gripping fantasy novel written by Elias J. Connor, set in near-futuristic America in the mid-21st century.

Leseprobe

Elias J. Connor

Kira's network

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Dedication

Chapter 1 - Forced into silence

Chapter 2 - The moon and the stars

Chapter 3 - The stranger from afar

Chapter 4 - Kira's all knowledge

Chapter 5 - First love

Chapter 6 - The truth

Chapter 7 - Jonathan's calling

Chapter 8 - The revelation

Chapter 9 - The escape

Chapter 10 - Gantor

Chapter 11 - Attacking Network

Chapter 12 - The war of the humanoid robots

Chapter 13 - Freedom of the survivors

Chapter 14 - You can't escape

Chapter 15 - Alone against all

Chapter 16 - The legacy of Kira

Chapter 17 - Revolution

Chapter 18 - The right to freedom

About the author Elias J. Connor

Impressum

Dedication

For Jana.

My partner, companion and muse.

Thank you for making my dreams come true.

Chapter 1 - Forced into silence

On the morning of April 7th in the year 2041, a carefree atmosphere hangs over Burbank High School. The sun stretches its warm rays over the futuristic school, and the students stream happily through the spacious hallways. The architecture of the school resembles a masterpiece of the future. Glass walls that merge into organic shapes give the building a futuristic flair.

The classrooms are modern and innovatively designed. Instead of traditional teachers, holographic projections stand in front of the students. Each room is equipped with sophisticated technology that tailors instruction to individual student needs. The holographic teachers interact in a way that gives students a unique feeling of learning. A personal connection is created between student and teacher that goes far beyond traditional teaching.

The classes are deliberately kept small to enable more intensive support. There are no more than ten students in a typical class, which gives teachers the opportunity to address each individual's individual strengths and weaknesses. Lessons are dynamic, interactive and tailored to students' interests. The learning environment is inspiring and stimulates the creative potential of the students.

The students themselves are enthusiastic about the futuristic educational institution. Their eyes light up with curiosity when they see the holographic displays in the classrooms. Technology allows them to grasp the most abstract concepts in a tangible way. During breaks, students meet in the common areas, which are equipped with comfortable seating, interactive screens and green plants. Here they exchange ideas, discuss current topics or simply relax while awaiting the next holographic lesson.

The school's architecture continues the futuristic tone. Glass bridges connect different parts of the building, and green roof gardens contribute to the sustainability. The school is not only a place of learning, but also an architectural marvel that fits harmoniously into the modern world.

By looking out of the classroom windows, students can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding city. The high-rise buildings that rise majestically into the sky are architectural masterpieces of their time. Their shiny facades reflect the morning light and give the city a futuristic glow. Each building appears to be thoughtfully designed to impress both aesthetically and functionally.

The city awakens to a harmonious rhythm. Electronic devices control traffic and the streets are free of unnecessary noise and chaos. People move through the streets in a calm and orderly manner while using their electronic devices to coordinate their activities. Life in Burbank is characterized by a relaxed atmosphere that differs significantly from the hustle and bustle of other cities.

People enjoy their morning routine in the city's cafes and parks. Smart technologies ensure that everyday life runs smoothly. The peace and serenity in the air has a positive effect on the well-being of the residents. Even nature seems to have integrated itself into this modern environment, and parks with artistic sculptures and green oases offer a balance to the urban backdrop.

As Burbank High School students enjoy their learning environment, the city's futuristic atmosphere spreads like a gentle breeze. The architecture, technology and people's way of life merge into a harmonious symbiosis that casts the future in a fascinating light. It is a morning of April 7th in the year 2041 that carries the hope of an innovative and peaceful future.

The sun's rays filter through the classroom's holographic windows as the teacher, a shimmering, three-dimensional hologram teacher named Professor Luminis, stands in front of the class. The students sit in rows, their eyes fixed on the glowing teacher.

“Welcome, my esteemed students, to today’s lesson on the 21st century and the epic battle against climate change,” announces Professor Luminis in an enthusiastic voice.

A holographic representation of a world map appears in the air, glowing lines showing the dramatic changes in global temperatures over the centuries. The professor begins with an overview of the effects of fossil fuels and the destructive power of climate change.

“In 2025, the world was on the brink of the abyss. The Earth was groaning under the weight of pollution, extreme weather events and melting ice. But through combined efforts and innovative technologies, humanity managed to defeat climate change,” explains Professor Luminis as he navigates the history of the last few decades.

The students listen intently, some taking notes on their state-of-the-art tablets. In the front row sits Jonathan Smith, a bright boy with dark curls and curious eyes. However, he doesn't seem to be as focused as the other students.

“As we move into an era of sustainable energy, it is important not to forget the lessons of the past. Fossil fuels are a thing of the past. Our world has learned to switch to renewable energy and that is the key to our progress,” emphasizes Professor Luminis.

Suddenly he takes a look at his holographic class roster and notices that Jonathan Smith is suddenly no longer there. A frown appears on the teacher's glowing face.

"Where is Jonathan Smith?" Has anyone seen him?” asks the teacher. “Did he go out?”

The students look at each other, but no one raises their hand. An uncomfortable silence fills the room as Professor Luminis scans the class.

“Jonathan was here when class began. Did anyone see him leave the room?” the holographic teacher asks again.

A few shoulders shrug uncertainly, and then a girl named Emma speaks up. “Maybe he went to the bathroom, Professor.”

The hologram teacher nods thoughtfully.

"Possible. But students usually log out when they leave the classroom. Let’s wait a moment and see if he comes back.”

The class continues in anticipation as Professor Luminis continues to talk about humanity's successes in the fight against climate change. But the minutes pass and Jonathan doesn't return.

Finally the teacher can't wait any longer.

“I'll just take a quick look and see what's going on. Please continue with your notes and I’ll be right back.”

With these words, the holographic teacher disappears from the room. The students murmur excitedly among themselves as they speculate about what might have happened to Jonathan.

Meanwhile, Professor Luminis sneaks through the virtual halls of the school, looking for the missing student. His holographic footprint shimmers on the holographic floor as he enters the restrooms, but Jonathan is not there.

In the hall he meets the school principal, also a holographic being called the Directorate.

“Professor Luminis, is there a problem?” asks the director worriedly.

“Yes, Directorate. Jonathan Smith disappeared during my class. The students don’t know where he is,” explains Professor Luminis. His light figure shows restlessness.

The directorate mentor looks serious.

"That's unusual. Let’s check the surveillance footage and see if we can figure out where he went.”

Together they navigate the school system's holographic interface and check the surveillance cameras. Jonathan appears on the screen leaving the classroom, but for no apparent reason. He just gets up and walks out the door without anyone noticing.

“Hmm, that’s strange,” says the directorate mentor as he analyzes the recordings. “He doesn’t look like he’s signed off. Let’s see where he went.”

The holograms of the two wander through the virtual hallways of the school as they follow Jonathan's movements. Suddenly the principal stops and points to the screen.

“There he goes towards the virtual school garden. That's strange. There is no reason why he should go there, especially during classes,” notes the directorate mentor.

Professor Luminis nods in agreement. “Let’s go to the virtual school garden and take a look.”

They transmit their holograms to the virtual school garden, where they discover that Jonathan is not alone. He stands there among plants, but he is talking to someone who is not visible. His gestures and facial expressions suggest that he is engrossed in a deep conversation.

"What the... Who is he talking to?" asks Professor Luminis, confused.

The directorate mentor analyzes the situation.

“It looks like he's interacting with someone we can't see. Maybe he has access to a special virtual reality or hologram simulation.”

The two holograms approach Jonathan, who notices them and looks up in surprise. “Oh, Professor Luminis, Board of Directors! You are here!"

“Jonathan, where have you been? Class is still going on,” says the professor worriedly.

Jonathan hesitates for a moment before answering, “Sorry, I... I was talking to someone. Someone I met online. She tells me stories about before climate change, what it was like when fossil fuels still existed.”

Professor Luminis and the Directorate Mentor exchange a meaningful look.

“Jonathan, you must understand that teaching is important. We are here to learn from the past, but also to shape the future,” the holographic teacher explains gently.

The student nods understandingly, but his eyes still shine with curiosity.

“I understand, Professor. But these stories... They're so fascinating. It’s like I can travel through time.”

“Perhaps we can find a way to incorporate these stories into teaching in a way that helps us learn from the past without interfering with current teaching,” suggests the principal mentor.

Jonathan nods enthusiastically. "That would be great!"

With a reassuring smile, Professor Luminis returns to the classroom with Jonathan and the Directorate Mentor. The class laughs when they see the lost student again. At the same time, they have to catch a warning look from the holographic teacher.

“Well, Jonathan, were you out in your dream world again?” Jonathan’s neighbor jokes quietly, whereupon a few classmates sitting nearby start to giggle.

“Sorry for the interruption, my dear students,” the teacher continues. “We learned an important lesson: the past can inspire us, but we also have to be present in the here and now to shape the future.”

The students smile as they return to the topic of the lesson. But Jonathan sits there, his mind full of adventures from times past as he thinks about how he can connect these stories to the future.

Jonathan retreats to a remote corner of the school during the long break. The noise of the children playing and the happy hustle and bustle seem to recoil from his dreary mood. He seeks peace and solitude to escape the daily gauntlet. The shady corner behind the gym seems to be the perfect escape.

With his head bowed and a heavy backpack on his shoulders, Jonathan sits down on an abandoned bench. His gaze is focused on the laptop, which he carefully takes out of his backpack. A little light filters through the bare branches of the trees above him, casting thin shadows on the screen. Jonathan immerses himself in his work, hoping to forget for a moment the boring aftertaste of everyday school life.

But the peace doesn't last long. Adrian, Chris and Stephanie, a group of classmates who have earned a dubious reputation for their merciless teasing, notice Jonathan's isolation. They approach his retreat with curiosity and a good deal of malice.

“Well, who do we have here?” shouts Adrian with a mocking grin, followed by a diabolical laugh from the other two.

Jonathan raises his head, his eyes meeting the challenge that lies in the gaze of his tormentors. His heart beats faster, but he tries to hide behind an indifferent expression.

“Just leave me alone,” he murmurs quietly, his eyes back on the laptop.

“What do you have there, Jonathan? “Another fantasy novel that no one wants to read?” Chris jokes as he tries to catch a glimpse of the screen.

Stephanie, putting on an innocent look, says, "Maybe he's writing about his unrequited love for his hand... or his laptop!"

The group bursts into laughter and the teasing intensifies. Jonathan feels smaller by the second.

Adrian leans forward and taps Jonathan's shoulder.

“Oh come on, Jonathan, tell us what important thing you have to do.”

“Really, it’s none of your business,” Jonathan tries to reassure.

But his classmates don't care. They sit on the bench around him and begin to harass him further. The words become stings that become deeper and more painful.

Meanwhile, a window opens on Jonathan's laptop and he begins writing down a list of thoughts and self-talk. It is his escape, his outlet from the reality that surrounds him.

“Hey, what are you doing?” calls Adrian, leaning over Jonathan’s shoulder.

“Oh look, he’s talking to himself. Maybe he’s crazier than we thought,” Stephanie adds mockingly.

Jonathan ignores her, but his heart beats faster. The words he reads on the screen are his final anchor, and now they are also being taken away from him.

“What nonsense have you written,” says Chris.

“My life is like an endless nightmare – really now?” laughs Adrian and nudges his friends.

The words hit Jonathan like lashes. He tries to control himself, but the tears in his eyes reveal his vulnerability.

“Just leave me alone,” he pleads quietly as he tries to close the laptop.

But Adrian snatches the laptop out of his hand.

“Oh, look, he wants to hide. He’s probably writing in his diary how mean we are to him.”

The classmates laugh again, and Jonathan feels like he's trapped in a nightmare. The darkness of loneliness from which he fled is now all around him.

He desperately grabs his laptop back, but before he can escape, Adrian, Chris and Stephanie roughly grab his arm. They pull him off the bench and hold him.

“What are you planning to do, Jonathan? “Do you want to run away and disappear into your little fantasy world?” Adrian mocks him.

In his distress, Jonathan stammers: “Let me go! You don’t understand what you’re doing.”

But the trio only laugh mockingly. They force him to open the laptop and reveal the embarrassing texts in front of their eyes. The screen becomes a mirror of his inner torment.

“What, you want to write about us? “Make up ridiculous stories about us?” Stephanie shouts angrily.

Jonathan struggles for words, but his voice fails. The laptop is snatched from him again and Adrian lifts it up to keep it out of reach. He holds the laptop up in the air with a wide grin.

“Look, he’s crying. “Jonathan, the great writer, is crying like a baby,” scoffs Chris.

But then Jonathan is overcome by a spark of courage. With a sudden determination, he tears himself away from his tormentors and tries to escape. His heart is racing, his legs are carrying him across the schoolyard as quickly as possible.

But the three classmates are faster. They run after him and eventually catch up with him as he tries to escape through the door to the school building.

“Look, he wants to run away. Maybe we should show him that there is no escape,” says Adrian, grinning.

Without warning, they push Jonathan into one of the school toilets and lock the door from the outside. He hears her malicious laughter as he desperately tries to open the door.

"Let me out! Please, let me out,” Jonathan calls, but his cries go unheard in the empty hallway.

The minutes pass like hours and Jonathan feels trapped. The darkness of the toilet cubicle reflects his depressed mood. He hears the footsteps of the other students walking past the locked door unawares.

Finally he hears the familiar sound of keys and the door opens. The caretaker stands in front of him, a man with tired eyes and gray hair.

“What the hell is going on here?” he mutters.

The caretaker shakes his head and frees Jonathan from his unwanted imprisonment. “You’re really unbelievable,” he murmurs before turning away and locking the door again.

Jonathan leaves the toilet, his eyes downcast. The traces of tears on his face have dried, but the wounds in his soul continue to burn. He walks away slowly, but the painful memories of that day will stay with him for a long time.

Jonathan strolls home across the schoolyard with his heavy backpack. The day was long and tiring, and the burden on his shoulders seems to be more than just physical. His eyes are tired, his look sad. When he opens the front door, his mother Lisa is already in the kitchen preparing dinner. She turns around when she hears him enter.

“Jonathan, my darling! “How was school today?” she greets him with a smile, which quickly fades when she sees the expression on his face.

Jonathan shrugs his shoulders and murmurs quietly, “It’s okay.”

The mother watches him more closely.

“Is it okay? You do not look like that, though. What happened, darling?”

Jonathan lowers his gaze and sits at the kitchen table.

"Nothing, Mom. It's just... I don't know."

His mother puts the vegetables aside and sits across from him.

“Come on, Jonathan. You can tell me everything. I’m your mother, I can tell when something’s wrong.”

Jonathan sighs and tells his mother about the subtle teasing he experienced at school. Small taunts that don't hurt physically, but still leave scars on his soul. His mother listens intently, her brow furrowed in concern.

“Oh, Jonathan, I’m so sorry,” she says, gently stroking his hand. “But you have to learn to defend yourself against it. You’re not a little kid anymore.”

Jonathan lifts his head and looks deep into his mother's eyes.

“I'm trying, I really am. But I'm different, Mom. The others don't understand that. They think I’m weird.”

Lisa sighs and thinks for a moment before saying, “Jonathan, you are unique. You don't have to apologize for the way you are. But you can learn to stand up for yourself. Fight back when they annoy you. Verbally, of course.”

“It’s not that easy,” Jonathan murmurs, staring at the table.

“You are 15 years old now, my darling. It's time you learned to assert yourself. You can’t always run away from problems.”

Jonathan looks at his mother and opens his mouth to say something, but he remains silent. The words seem to fail him.

Lisa sighs again and stands up.

“Come on, let’s get dinner ready. Maybe it will help if you eat something.”

The dinner table is set, but the atmosphere is tense. Jonathan picks at his food listlessly while his mother watches him intently. Finally, she can no longer remain silent.

“Jonathan, you have to tell me what’s going on with you. “I’m worried about you,” she says, placing her hand on his.

Jonathan looks down and says quietly, "It's just that... I have a lot of imagination, Mom. The others don't understand that. They think I’m crazy or something.”

Lisa frowns.

“Imagination is a beautiful thing, Jonathan. It makes you unique. Why should that be a reason for teasing?”

Her sigh echoes through the room.

Jonathan shrugs.

“You don't understand. They find it strange that I live in my own world sometimes. But that’s okay, right?”

His mother thinks for a moment before answering.

“Of course it’s okay, darling. Everyone has their own peculiarities. But you have to learn how to defend yourself better. If they annoy you, counter with words. You can express your thoughts and feelings well. Use this.”

Jonathan looks up, his eyes lighting up for a moment before he collapses again.

"I'm trying, but it feels like no one understands me."

Lisa sighs and stands up.

“Come on, let’s clear up the dishes. Maybe we can talk about how you can learn to assert yourself better.”

The discussion between mother and son becomes more heated as they walk into the living room. Lisa tells Jonathan to stop putting up with everything, while Jonathan insists that he just can't do it. The words bounce off each other like tennis balls in a heated match.

“You’re 15, Jonathan! You can't always live in your dream world. The reality is out there and you have to learn to deal with it,” his mother shouts.

“I can’t just turn off my imagination. It's me. “That’s part of me,” replies Jonathan with a passionate look.

“Nobody tells you to turn off your imagination. But you have to learn to exist in both worlds. “You can’t always run away from problems,” Lisa replies.

Jonathan snorts in annoyance.

“You just don’t understand. The others don't accept me, no matter how hard I try to fit in. Maybe I should just be what they want me to be.”

Lisa looks at him sternly.

“That is not the solution. You can't give up. You are valuable just as you are. But you also have to learn to defend yourself.”

Jonathan stands up and angrily walks towards the door.

"I do not want to talk about it anymore. You don’t understand me anyway.”

The door slams behind him and Jonathan storms into his room. His heart is beating fast and his thoughts are racing. He feels misunderstood on all sides. The tears sting his eyes as he sinks onto his bed.

In his room, Jonathan feels like he is in a retreat. The walls are decorated with self-painted pictures and fantasy stories. Here he can be who he really is without having to be ashamed of his imagination. But his mother's words still resonate with him.

As he sits in his room and the darkness slowly falls, he realizes that he can't just run away from his problems. Maybe his mother is right. Maybe he needs to learn to assert himself, even when it's difficult. Jonathan sighs and wipes a tear from his face. The road to self-acceptance and strength may be rocky, but he is determined to take it.

Jonathan sits lost in thought on his bed, his laptop next to him. After some initial hesitation, he switches it on. He opens a program and suddenly a holographic projection of a young girl appears in the semi-darkness of the room.

Jonathan looks into her eyes. She is about his age and very pretty. Jonathan looks at her seriously and then lowers his head.

“How can I help?” asks the hologram.

Jonathan shrugs.

“You haven’t gotten me out for a long time,” the girl states. "What was going on?"

Jonathan swallows desperately.

“They’re all against me,” he says. "Nobody understands me."

The holographic girl walks a few steps through Jonathan's room and finally sits down on his bed next to him.

“I’m your chat bot,” she tells him. “Whenever you need help, I’m there.”

“I know who you are,” Jonathan says. “But a chat bot can’t really replace a girlfriend.”

The girl places her holographic hand on his, and it's almost as if Jonathan can feel it.

“You want a girlfriend?” she asks.

Jonathan nods gently.

“If I had a girlfriend, maybe they would accept me more. Maybe then they would leave me alone.”

The girl looks at Jonathan seriously.

“I can look through the files for your problem and maybe we can find a solution,” she thinks. “It would be good for you if you went to bed earlier today. Tomorrow will be a busy day.”

Jonathan sighs.

Yes, of course. The report. Jonathan has to give a presentation on history tomorrow. Unfortunately he didn't prepare anything. How is he supposed to tell his teacher that?

Jonathan jumps up.

“You haven’t prepared anything?” the holographic girl states.

Jonathan nods slowly.

“Can’t you write me something?” he asks cautiously.

The girl shakes her head.

“You know it’s not allowed to use chat bots for school,” she says. “Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to help you with your presentation.”

“What am I going to say at school tomorrow when I get called in?” Jonathan says desperately.

“You’ll think of something,” the girl replies.

Jonathan exhales deeply.

“Then I guess I’ll have to do some research,” he says sadly.

He then turns off the chat bot and the holographic girl disappears into nothingness, just as mysteriously as she appeared.

While Jonathan is pouring over virtual books on his laptop, night falls over his house and the stars begin to twinkle in the sky.

The classroom is hectic the next morning. Students whisper excitedly, leaves rustle, and the excited mood is literally palpable. The holographic teacher Luminis, a floating figure made of light, calls on the students one by one to give their prepared presentations. When he finally calls Jonathan forward, a nervous smile crosses his face. He hasn't prepared anything.

Jonathan, a slight boy with disheveled hair, hesitantly steps in front of the class. Luminis' glowing eyes fixate on him as he speaks in a gentle but firm voice.

“Ladies and gentlemen, today Jonathan will give us a talk about the 20th century. Please, Jonathan, you have the floor.”

Jonathan stares at the blank page in front of him and swallows nervously. His heart beats faster and he tries desperately to remember anything. When he realizes that he can't think of anything clever, he takes a deep breath and begins to speak hesitantly.

"The 20th century was... well, pretty long." An uncertain smile crosses his face, but the class is silent. "There have been many important events, and... um... many changes."

A few students exchange skeptical looks while others chuckle quietly. Luminis' light figure remains motionless, but his eyes seem to sense the uncertainty in Jonathan's words.

“For example... World War I was in the 20th century. That was the beginning, so to speak. Then came World War II, which was... even worse. And then there was the... um, the hippie movement, I think. People wore colorful clothes and were against the war or something.”

Some students roll their eyes, others sneer. Jonathan desperately tries to get the class's attention.

“And of course the technology! In the 20th century there was the Internet and cell phones and stuff. That changed everything because... um... people could suddenly communicate with each other without meeting each other.”

Some students nod in agreement while others stare boredly at their phones. Luminis, his light aura flickering slightly, raises a translucent eyebrow.

“Jonathan,” he interrupts calmly, “I appreciate your efforts, but it might be helpful if you prepared better for history class. The details are important.”

Jonathan swallows hard and nods.

"Yes, of course. That was just a... quick summary.”

Luminis sighs in a sound of floating light.

“You can sit back down, Jonathan. But please try to be better prepared next time. History lessons are important, and it is crucial that you learn to understand the 20th century.”

Jonathan goes back to his seat, defeated, while the class whispers quietly and a few laughs can be heard. A few classmates poke each other and giggle.

The next student already steps onto the podium and Jonathan sits down with his head bowed. Some classmates are still whispering and stealing glances at him. The situation becomes awkward and Jonathan feels his cheeks redden with embarrassment.

Time passes painfully slowly until the school bell finally rings to announce the end of the lesson. The class breaks up and Jonathan sits hesitantly for a moment. As he stands up, he hears the quiet laughter of some students behind him.

At recess he is mocked by some of his classmates.

“Hey Jonathan, how was that hippie movement again?” one sneers. Others laugh. Jonathan tries to ignore the comments, but it hurts.

The mishap spreads through the school like wildfire. Jonathan becomes the laughingstock of the class. Some try to help him by lending him history books or explaining what really happened in the 20th century. But the shadow of the first failed presentation hangs heavily over him.

In the afternoon, Jonathan strolls to the familiar lake, which is bathed in a warm evening sun. The birds are chirping and the gentle rustling of the leaves accompanies him on his way. His thoughts are burdened by the failed presentation he had to present to the entire class a few hours ago.

On the shore of the lake, Jonathan sits down on a large stone, pulls out his laptop and opens the holographic chat bot application. A shimmering light appears and the mysterious figure of a girl his age materializes before him. Her hair is like liquid silver, and her eyes radiate a mix of curiosity and mystery.

“Hey, Jonathan,” she greets him with a slight smile.

Jonathan returns the greeting, but his expression remains serious.

“You know, about the presentation today. It went completely wrong.”

The girl lowers her gaze and nervously plays with a strand of her shiny hair.

“I'm sorry, Jonathan. I really should have helped you.”

Jonathan shows his disappointment.

“That's exactly what I told you the last time we saw each other. But you didn't help me. It was really important to me.”

“I wasn’t allowed to do it,” the girl asserts.

“I know,” says Jonathan.

The girl's sad eyes search his.

“I understand, Jonathan. I’m sorry if I disappointed you.”

The silence between them is broken by the gentle waves of the lake. Finally, Jonathan sighs and says, “It's just that I thought you would help me. You’re a chat bot after all, and you’re supposed to be useful.”

The girl raises her head and explains carefully: “I’m not here to do your schoolwork, Jonathan. Chat bots shouldn't be used for something like this. They are there to keep company, to entertain, and perhaps to help with problems, but not to do the work for you.”

Jonathan looks at the floor.

"Maybe you are right. But it’s hard to accept that when you’re under so much pressure at school.”

The girl gently places her hand on Jonathan's shoulder.

“I understand that it is difficult. But it's important to respect the rules and face the challenges. You will come out stronger.”

After a moment of silence, Jonathan looks at the girl and smiles weakly.

“I can’t really be mad at you. Let’s just have a good time here at the lake and forget everything.”

The girl returns the smile and they spend the afternoon chatting on the shore of the lake and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The sun slowly dips towards the horizon and the sky turns warm orange tones.

As darkness falls and the stars appear in the sky, Jonathan turns off the holographic chat bot. The girl becomes a shiny silhouette of light again and disappears. He stays alone at the lake and hears the sounds of the night.

After a while he turns the laptop back on.

Suddenly Jonathan feels a light touch on his shoulder. The mysterious girl is standing next to him again.

“Jonathan, it’s getting late. You should go home.”

Jonathan hesitates. He thinks about the unpleasant situation at home after the failed presentation.

“I... I can't just go home like that. My parents will be mad.”

The girl looks at him sympathetically.

“Sometimes you have to have the courage to face your fears. Go home, Jonathan. Everything will be okay again.”

He nods hesitantly.

"Maybe you are right. “Thank you for today, despite everything,” he says.

She smiles and says, “It was a pleasure spending time with you, Jonathan.”

Jonathan goes home. When he opens the front door, an unpleasant atmosphere awaits him. His parents are disappointed and he has to face their displeasure. After a while he pulls back, turns on his laptop and activates the holographic chat bot again.

The girl appears before him again.

“How are you, Jonathan?” she wants to know.

Jonathan sighs.

"Not so good. But I think I learned something today.”

The girl smiles.

“Sometimes we have to go through difficult times to grow and learn. But you are strong, Jonathan. You can do that."

Jonathan nods and turns off the chat bot. The darkness surrounds him, but this time he doesn't feel alone. The day may have been difficult, but it also brought new insights and an unexpected friendship. Jonathan goes home ready to face the next day's challenges.

Chapter 2 - The moon and the stars

The nighttime atmosphere in the Burbank residential community is characterized by a fascinating interplay of state-of-the-art technology, artistic lighting and the gentle sound of the Californian breeze. In this suburban oasis, a scene unfolds that combines the charm of the past with the advances of the future.

The streets of Burbank, once illuminated by traditional lanterns, now shine with a futuristic glow. Light strips along the sidewalks bathe the paths in a soft light spectrum that adapts to the surroundings as needed. In the front gardens of elegant homes, smart garden lamps greet visitors with a subtle glow that automatically intensifies as they approach.

The architecture of the housing development itself reflects the aesthetics of Futurism. Clean lines and organic shapes merge to create buildings that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Intelligent windows adapt their transparency to the brightness of the outside world, and solar-powered facade modules provide a sustainable energy source that provides the houses with a warm light.

In the gardens of the residential complex, residents are assisted by autonomous robots that move quietly through the flowerbeds and are responsible for caring for the plants. These little helpers are equipped with sensors that monitor the condition of the soil and plants to ensure optimal care.

A gentle hum accompanies their work as they discreetly ensure that the surrounding area is in full bloom.

The street lights are equipped with intelligent monitoring systems that ensure the safety of residents. Cameras, sensors and artificial intelligence work together to detect suspicious activity and automatically raise an alarm if necessary. Residents feel protected and connected in this futuristic atmosphere.

The residents themselves enjoy life in this technologically advanced environment. Smart homes respond to the individual needs of their residents by adjusting the room temperature, lighting and music according to personal preferences. Voice control systems allow residents to easily control their living spaces through spoken commands, and holographic displays provide an immersive interface for controlling all smart home functions.

The sound of the night in the futuristic housing development is characterized by a mix of electronic music, muffled conversations and the gentle hum of autonomous vehicles. Electric cars glide silently through the streets, their lights casting futuristic reflections on the smooth sidewalks. The streets are no longer riddled with traditional traffic noise, but rather with a harmonious interplay of modern means of transport.

In the community areas of the settlement, residents meet in modernly designed parks and squares. Here they can relax under the twinkling lights of futuristic sculptures or take part in social events organized by intelligent event systems. Virtual reality is used to create immersive experiences.

The nighttime atmosphere in this Burbank residential community is characterized by a harmonious blend of technology, aesthetics and community.

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