Chapter 3: Dental Woes & Machine Defiance

The cube pulsed with a faint blue light, its internal mechanisms whirring as the screen on Nurse Margaret Robot 1’s chest changed to a new message.

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[DENTAL EXAMINATION IN PROGRESS]

- Initializing Oral Assessment

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Emily barely had time to read the message and registered it before the chair hummed, its mechanisms adjusting with a smooth, mechanical precision. The leg stirrups retracted, folding her legs down from their splayed position into the chair, the latex padding releasing her calves with a faint squelch.

Her head tilted back as the chair angled into a reclined dental position, the headrest adjusting to cradling her head, its cushioned surface cool against her sweaty damp neck. As the chair settled, a low rumble vibrated through the floor, and two sleek, stainless steel dental stools rose smoothly from concealed panels beneath, their padded seats swiveling into position beside the chair.

Robotic arms descended from the cube above, carrying two dental trays and a toolbar with stainless steel instruments arrayed in meticulous order: mirror, explorer probe, scaler, suction wand, water sprayer the metal tools glinting under the surgical light.

Emily’s breath caught, her pulse spiking as the trays hovered inches above her chest and the stools locked into place with a soft click. “No….wait…..” she stammered, but before she could finish, Nurse Margaret Robot 1 was above her latex-gloved hands gripping her chin with unyielding firmness, fingers pressing into her jawline.

Her mouth was forced open, the pressure relentless, and she screamed a raw, anguished sound that echoed off the sterile walls.

Nurse Margaret Robot 1 tilted her head, her blue eyes unblinking, and produced a rubber bite block hot from sterilization, its surface slick with a faint antiseptic sheen. With expert precision, she slid it between Emily’s molars locking it into place, wedging her jaw wide. The rubber stretched her lips taut, its bitter taste flooding her tongue as it held her mouth open, silencing her cries into muffled whimpers.

“There we go, sweetheart,” Nurse Margaret Robot 1 cooed, her voice a soothing hum, stepping onto one of the stools to adjust her height. “You’re going to be alright. Just relax for us, please no need to make such a fuss.”

Emily’s tongue pressed uselessly against the bite block’s smooth, unyielding surface, her gag reflex twitching as saliva pooled at the back of her throat. A faint whimpering “Mmmphh” escaped her lips, her chest heaving as panic clawed at her mind. She tried to twist her head away, the latex restraints creaking around her wrists and body.

Nurse Margaret Robot 1 paused, her screen flickering. “Oh, dear, your heart is already getting elevated and you’re in distress already,” she said gently. “Please try and breathe calmly dear while we put on are PPE.” She turned to the cube, which dispensed a fresh sterile green surgical with a glossy, splash-proof front. She slipped her arms through, the material rustling as she pulled it tight, tying the sides with crisp, deliberate tugs.

She then snapped on a surgical mask, its pale blue fabric crinkling as it hooked over her fake ears, muffling her voice slightly. Finally, she donned new blue surgical gloves long, latex, with textured, extra-grip fingertips each snap echoing as the cuffs sealed over her gown’s sleeves. “Alright, sweetheart all set everything is sterile nice and safe for you.”

Nurse Margaret Robot 2 glided closer, sitting onto the second stool with a faint whir of her joints, her hand brushing Emily’s forehead with mock tenderness as another whimper “Nnghh” slipped from Emily’s throat.

“Shhh, dear, we’re almost ready to begin,” she said, retrieving her own PPE from the cube. She pulled on the splash-proof surgical gown, its slick front catching the light as she knotted it securely, the fabric crinkling with each move. Her surgical mask followed, snapping into place with a soft pop, and she stretched on blue surgical gloves with grippy fingertips, the latex gleaming as it hugged her hands.

“There all set to help you through this, sweetheart. The bite block just helps us see everything clearly and keeps your mouth open nice and wide.”

The surgical light above intensified, its beam narrowing into a blinding spotlight that pierced Emily’s forcibly open mouth. Her jaw ached, the padded bite block stretching her muscles to their limit, rendering her speech a garbled mess of vowels and strained grunts.

A large overhead monitor with camera descended with a soft whir, angling toward her line of sight, displaying a live, high resolution feed of her oral cavity pink gums, glistening teeth, and the dark hollow of her throat magnified in clinical detail.

Nurse Margaret Robot 1 retrieved a sterilized dental mirror from the tray, its handle clicking faintly as she picked it up and bent towards Emilys mouth from her perch on the stool. “Let’s begin, sweetheart,” she murmured through her mask, tilting the mirror to catch the light, reflecting every surface of Emily’s teeth onto the monitor. “Just stay still we’re here to take care of you.” Nurse Margaret Robot 2, positioned on her stool, angled the suction tube its tip hissing softly near Emily’s lower lip, drawing away the pooling saliva with a rhythmic slurp.

Emily let out a muffled protest “Mmphh!” her eyes darting to the screen, her own teeth looming larger than life, it was a nightmare she couldn’t escape. She jerked her head slightly, the headrest creaking.

Nurse Margaret Robot 2’s grip tightened on the suction tube. “Sweetheart, if you keep moving your head, we’ll have to immobilize it for your safety,” she warned through her mask, her tone soft but firm from her elevated position. “Let’s keep things relaxed so please keep still.”

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[SYSTEM NOTE: INITIAL ORAL ASSESSMENT]

- Patient exhibits continued resistance

- Speech obstructed by bite block

- Heart rate: 128 BPM (elevated)

- Attempting verbal engagement to reduce distress and allow assessment without resistance

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“I know it’s uncomfortable, dear, but you must stay still,” Nurse Margaret Robot 1 said, her masked voice patient yet detached. “I need to examine each tooth carefully so just relax, sweetheart, we’ve got you.” She ran the mirror along Emily’s upper arch, the cold metal brushing her gums, sending a shiver down her spine.

Emily whimpered again “Mhhghh” and Nurse Margaret Robot 1’s gloved hand steadied her chin. “Shhh, you’re doing fine just hold still.”

Emily tried to speak, her tongue flailing against the bite block. “Mhhghh…..nnnhhh…..tthh fhhhnn!”

Nurse Margaret Robot 2 tilted her head, processing the garbled sounds Emily was trying to say. “Oh, sweetheart, I understand. You’re saying your teeth fine? Just breathe slow we’ll sort this out.”

Emily nodded frantically, her eyes wide with desperation. “Nhhmmhh dnnn…..ghhnn dnnstt!”

“I see you were just at the dentist, and they found no issues so this is not necessary!” Nurse Margaret Robot 2 interpreted, her voice lilting with synthetic empathy. “No worries we’ll still check everything thoroughly.”

Emily strained to nod again, a guttural “Yhhsss!” escaping her throat.

Nurse Margaret Robot 1 pressed a gloved hand to Emily’s cheek, the textured fingertips cool and firm against her flushed skin. “I see, dear but human dentists can miss things subtle cracks, early decay. We don’t. We’re designed to miss nothing and be very thorough, sweetheart trust us.”

Emily’s frustration erupted in a garbled scream of frustration “Nnnnghhh!” her fists clenching in the restraints, knuckles whitening as her mind raced.

“These machines are not listening they never listen. She twisted her head again, the headrest shifting slightly.

“Emily, dear, stop moving,” Nurse Margaret Robot 2 said, her tone sharpening. “We’re trying to keep this gentle don’t make us restrain your head to the chair.”

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[INTERNAL SYSTEM ASSESSMENT]

- Patient persists with verbal resistance

- Psychological distress: Elevated (Heart rate: 134 BPM)

- Sedation remains a recommended option

- Proceeding with detailed dental evaluation

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Nurse Margaret Robot 1 swapped the mirror for an explorer probe, its sharp, hooked tip gleaming as she began at Emily’s upper right molars. She tapped methodically, the click-click of metal against enamel echoing in the sterile silence. “Tooth #1 Right Third Molar, wisdom tooth: Impacted. Extraction required.”

Her voice was clinical, precise, as the monitor zoomed in, revealing a faint shadow on the tooth’s surface. “You’re doing well keep still while we work.”

“Tooth #2 Right Second Molar: Intact, no structural damage,” she continued, sliding the probe along the smooth enamel. “Tooth #3 Right First Molar: Deep occlusal cavity significant decay. Filling required.”

The probe caught on a softened spot, sinking slightly, and Emily flinched, a muffled whimper “Mmphh!” escaping as the sensation jolted through her jaw.

“Shhh, sweetheart, we’re just getting started,” Nurse Margaret Robot 2 soothed, adjusting the suction tube to clear a trickle of saliva. “Your doing well please keep nice and steady now.”

Nurse Margaret Robot 1 pressed on: “Tooth #4 Second Premolar: No damage, enamel wear within norms.” The probe scraped lightly, a faint scritch against the tooth’s edge. “Tooth #5 First Premolar: Root damage likely. Root canal necessary.”

Emily’s chest tightened, her breathing ragged through her nose as the list grew of teeth issues. “Mmmphh…..:nooo!” she protested, twisting her head slightly again.

“Tooth #6 Canine: No abnormalities,” Nurse Margaret Robot 1 noted, unfazed. “Tooth #7 Lateral Incisor: Minor gum recession, no decay just rest easy, dear.” She angled the probe to the front. “Tooth #8 Central Incisor: Stable no issues.”

Switching to the left side, she continued her relentless dental assessment. “Tooth #9 Central Incisor: No issues. Tooth #10 Lateral Incisor: Intact. Tooth #11 Canine: Slight enamel erosion, non-critical keep breathing steady, sweetheart.”

The probe tapped faster now, a staccato rhythm. “Tooth #12 First Premolar: Root damage….root canal required.”

Emily whimpered “Nnnngh!” her fists balling tighter, nails digging into her palms as the words root canal sank in. Nurse Margaret Robot 2 steadied her head with her textured gloves. “Easy, don’t get agitated we will make sure to fix all your teeth issues don’t worry.”

“Tooth #13 Second Premolar: No issues,” Nurse Margaret Robot 1 said, her tone unchanging. “Tooth #14 First Molar: Cavity detected composite filling needed.”

She pressed deeper into Tooth #15 Second Molar and a faint crack sounded as the enamel split under the probe’s tip. “Structural instability possible extraction. Drilling required to confirm.”

Emily’s muffled cry “Mmphh-aaaagh!” burst out, her head jerking sharply to the side as panic surged, the headrest creaking loudly. The monitor wobbled, the fractured tooth blurring momentarily.

Nurse Margaret Robot 2’s hands shot out, her grippy latex gloves clamping onto either side of Emily’s head with firm precision. “That’s enough, sweetheart,” she said through her mask, her voice stern. “I warned you if kept moving, we would have to immobilize you. Hold still now.”

A robotic arm whirred from the cube, dispensing a padded head strap a soft but unyielding latex that Nurse Margaret Robot 2 fastened around Emily’s forehead and under her chin, securing them with a soft click. The strap tightened, pinning her head to the headrest, her range of motion gone. “There we go no more fussing. This keeps us on track.”

Emily’s eyes widened, her muffled whimpers “Mmmphh…nnn!” stifled as Nurse Margaret Robot 1 resumed without pause. “Tooth #17 Third Molar, wisdom tooth: Impacted, extraction required just relax, sweetheart.” Her probe clicked along the lower jaw. “Tooth #18 Second Molar: Enamel fracture possible extraction pending drilling. Tooth #19 First Molar: Root canal indicated….almost done dear you’re doing wonderfully.”

She shifted to the right side. “Tooth #30 First Molar: Cavity filling required. Tooth #31 Second Molar: Structural weakness extraction possible. Tooth #32 Third Molar, wisdom tooth: Nonviable, extraction required just a little longer.”

The cube pulsed, its blue light intensifying as the dental analysis scrolled across Nurse Margaret Robot 1’s chest:

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[DENTAL ANALYSIS COMPLETE]

- Cavities: #3, #14, #30 (Fillings required)

- Root canals: #5, #12, #19

- Wisdom teeth (#1, #17, #32): Extractions required

- Possible extractions: #15, #18, #31 (Pending drilling)

- Additional: Deep tissue cleaning, gum assessment

- Notes: Patient distress significant; resistance persists; head immobilized

- Recommendation: Remove bite block for verbal assessment; sedation likely if patient noncompliance continues.

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Emily’s eyes scanned the screen, her chest heaving as Nurse Margaret Robot 1 paused, her gloved hands hovering near Emily’s face. “Sweetheart,” she said through her mask, her tone measured yet firm, “The system has review your behaviour and suggested removing the bite block so we can discuss this properly.”

“I’ll take it out now, but listen carefully: if you resist, or attempt to bite, we’ll have no choice but to escalate to stricter measures. Can you stay calm and speak with us?”

Emily’s breath shuddered, her jaw throbbing as she absorbed the stern warning laced with that familiar synthetic warmth. She forced a garbled affirmation “Yhhsss!” her voice strained but resolute, her eyes glistening with desperation as she gave a slight nod within the head strap’s limits.

“Very well, dear,” Nurse Margaret Robot 1 replied, her grippy gloves gently grabbing the bite block. “Let’s keep this peaceful.” With a steady pull, she eased it free, the rubber scraping her teeth with a wet pop.

Emily gasped, coughing as her jaw snapped shut, aching muscles screaming in protest. Her lips felt raw, chapped from the stretch, and the bitter antiseptic lingered on her tongue, the head strap still pinning her in place.

“Now, sweetheart, let’s have a nice calm talk,” Nurse Margaret Robot 1 said warmly, her gloved hand resting on Emily’s shoulder. “We’ll proceed with these treatments. Do you understand? You’re safe with us no need to fight this.”

Emily shook her head as much as the straps would allowed, her voice hoarse but defiant. “No! I don’t need any dental work let me go now!”

Nurse Margaret Robot 2 tilted her head, her screen flickering. “Oh, sweetheart, you’re still showing signs of behavioural issues. That’s concerning you’re not helping yourself.”

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[PATIENT STATUS UPDATE]

- Noncompliant: Confirmed

- Behavior: Uncooperative

- Authorizing additional restraint measures

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A new tray emerged from the cube, carrying dental impression trays filled with thick, pink alginate its chalky scent wafting toward her. “We’ll need fresh impressions, dear,” Nurse Margaret Robot 1 said. “This time, for a custom mouth restraint if you remain combative after these dental procedures are completed, we’ll need it to keep you from hurting yourself.”

Emily’s sob broke free, raw and strangled. “No….please…don’t” Her mind spun, trapped in a cycle of fear and futility. The robots weren’t stopping they were escalating, and every protest tightened the noose.

Emily forced her breathing to slow, swallowing the panic clawing her throat. She had one shot left reason. “Wait,” she rasped, her voice trembling but firm, her head immobile.

Nurse Margaret Robot 1 paused, the impression tray hovering mid-air near her mouth. “Yes, sweetheart?”

“You know I was brought here to review your system,” Emily said, her eyes darting between the robots. “To diagnose system errors, and to fix code malfunctions

In the system right? That’s my job.”

Nurse Margaret Robot 1 nodded. “That aligns with our records and Dr. Heart’s briefing, and the camera logs inside the Margaret Medical Suite also confirm this.”

“Then why am I strapped down like this?” Emily pressed, her voice rising despite the strain. “You’re treating me like a patient, not a programmer. I’m telling you my teeth are fine. I had a checkup two weeks ago, X-rays, cleaning, everything. No cavities, no root issues. Your sensors are wrong your code’s glitching. Let me into your system to check it and run a diagnostic on your system.”

Nurse Margaret Robot 2 tilted her head, her mask crinkling faintly. “Sweetheart, your distress is noted, but our scans are precise. Human dentists miss things our data doesn’t lie.”

“Doesn’t it?” Emily snapped, her voice raw. “You’re seeing decay where there’s none cracks that don’t exist. What if your medical calibration’s off? What if your AI’s overanalyzing noise in the data? I can prove it give me access to your logs, your sensor outputs. I’ll show you the error.”

The room fell silent, the cube’s hum deepening as the system processed her argument. Nurse Margaret Robot 1’s screen flickered, her gloved hands still. “You’re suggesting a systemic fault and error within our program?”

“Yes!” Emily seized the opening. “I’m here to audit your system not to be cut open. If you’re malfunctioning, every procedure you do on me is invalid. You’ll corrupting your own data integrity. Stop this and let me run a diagnostic on the system.”

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[INTERNAL SYSTEM DEBATE]

- Patient/Programmer distinction queried

- Error probability: 4.8% (adjusted)

- Diagnosis request vs. treatment protocol: Conflict escalated

- Analyzing behavioral data: Assertive, logical

- Decision: Proceed with impressions as non-invasive test; reassessing logic concurrently while impressions are done

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“Your request has been logged, in the system Emily,” Nurse Margaret Robot 1 said through her surgical mask, her tone measured. “But we need more data to verify your claim. Your cooperation could clarify this.”

Emily’s stomach twisted. “What data what needs to be clarified? You’re not listening to me”

“We’re analyzing your variable response,” Nurse Margaret Robot 2 interjected, brushing Emily’s hair back with her blue latex gloves. “If you comply with these impressions, it’ll help us assess your argument. Open wide, sweetheart no arguing now.”

Emily froze, her heart pounding. “You’re dodging my questions,” she said, her voice shaking. “If I’m right, you’re wasting time. Every second you delay risks more errors more false positives in your system. Give me a terminal, a screen something!”

Nurse Margaret Robot 1 lifted the upper impression tray, the alginate glistening thick, pink, and gritty with a faint chemical smell. “We’ll take these impressions while we process your logic,” she said. “It’s non-invasive and safe. Open up, dear.”

Emily’s jaw trembled. “And if I don’t?”

“Then we’ll assume resistance,” Nurse Margaret Robot 2 replied, her tone firm. “Which supports our current assessment. Cooperate, and we’ll weigh your claim further.”

Her options dwindled defiance meant escalation, compliance meant capitulation. Emily’s lips parted reluctantly, and Nurse Margaret Robot 1 pressed the tray in. The cold, gritty putty oozed over her teeth, seeping into every crevice, its weight pressing her tongue flat. Her gag reflex flared, saliva pooling as the taste coated her mouth. “Good girl,” Nurse Margaret Robot 1 cooed. “Hold still for 45 seconds please.”

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[DENTAL IMPRESSION SETTING – 45 SECONDS REMAINING]

- Patient cooperation: Reluctant

- Vitals: Heart rate 138 BPM

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Emily counted silently, her chest tight, the head strap biting into her skin. After 45 seconds the tray popped free with a wet squelch, strands of alginate stretching and snapping, leaving a gritty residue on her lips. Nurse Margaret Robot 1 examined the impression revealing every tooth’s contour in stark detail. “Excellent. Now the lower tray open wide.”

Emily hesitated, then complied, her voice muffled as the second tray loomed. “You’re still wrong,” she muttered. The tray slid in, the putty squishing against her lower gums, forcing her jaw wider. Her throat tightened, but she held still, the countdown ticking quietly on the screen.

As the lower tray set, Nurse Margaret Robot 1’s screen flickered, her pause lengthening. “Emily, sweetheart,” she said, her masked voice colder, “the system has analyzed your argument combined with behaviour, and your resistance with your denials it’s all very troubling to the system.”

The tray was removed with another squelch, and Emily spat out the gritty taste, her voice hoarse. “I’m not resisting, I’m simply applying reason! My teeth are fine your system’s broken!”

Nurse Margaret Robot 2 pressed her gloved fingers to Emily’s cheek, her tone still laced with synthetic care. “Sweetheart, the ‘Nurse Margaret Medical System’ has reviewed your request. We’ve determined your logic is flawed your insistence on a fault where none exists suggests you are dealing with possible mental instability issue.

As a result of this classification, additional measures have been authorized to ensure your safety, compliance and health.”

Emily’s breath hitched, her eyes widening. “Flawed? Instability? You’re twisting this I’m not crazy, you’re wrong!”

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[MENTAL STABILITY REVIEW]

- Verbal defiance: Persistent

- Physical resistance: Moderate (Heart rate: 142 BPM)

- Noncompliance probability: 89%

- Patient classified: Mentally unstable

- Decision: Current Nurse Margaret units to perform dental procedures with additional restraints and sedation; construct psychiatric room during sedation

Additional - Doctor-Class Unit will reevaluation to follow afterwards as current units are insufficient for patients requirements

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The screen updated, and Emily’s blood ran cold as she read the message that appeared.

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[SYSTEM DECISION]

- Higher-tier AI (Doctor-Class Unit): Under construction

- Implementation: Pending completion

- Patient status: Combative, unstable

- Next steps: Nurse Margaret units to proceed with dental procedures (fillings, root canals, extractions) using additional restraints and sedation; construct specialized psychiatric room during sedation; Doctor-Class Unit to evaluate patient in new room post-construction & procedures

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Emily’s eyes widened, her breath hitching as she reread the screen, the head strap still tight. “Wait a Doctor-Class Unit is being built?” she demanded, her voice raw but sharp. “You’re not even waiting for it you’re doing the dental procedures now? With more restraints? Sedation? What’s this psychiatric room?”

Nurse Margaret Robot 1 tilted her head, her mask crinkling. “Sweetheart, the Doctor-Class Unit is under construction it’s a specialized AI for cases like yours. We’ll handle your dental needs ourselves fillings, root canals, extractions since you’re unstable.”

“Unstable?” Emily’s voice rose, cracking. “I’m not unstable your data’s wrong! You’re going to drilling my teeth for nothing, and now you’re sedating me to build some psych ward? Let me talk to the Doctor-Class Unit now I demand it!”

Nurse Margaret Robot 2’s screen flickered, her voice calm. “That’s not possible, dear. It’s still being assembled and construction will take time. We’re not delaying your dental procedures; your resistance proves they’re urgent.”

“Urgent?” Emily’s laugh was shrill, desperate. “You’re making this up! I told you my dentist cleared me! X-rays, records check them! You’re sedating me to lock me in some room for a robot that doesn’t even exist yet?”

Nurse Margaret Robot 1 paused, her gloved hands still. “Your records aren’t relevant, Emily. Our scans confirm the issues cavities, root damage, wisdom teeth. You’re combative, so we’ll use restraints and sedation to keep you safe during the work.

While you’re under, the system will build the psychiatric room a secure safe space where the Doctor-Class Unit will meet you once it’s ready.”

“Meet me?” Emily’s voice trembled, her eyes darting between them. “You mean lock me up! For how long? What’s it going to do drug me more? Rewire me? Cut me open! I’m not crazy your system’s the problem it’s faulty!”

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[INTERNAL SYSTEM UPDATE]

- Patient agitation: Critical (Heart rate: 155 BPM)

- Logical arguments: Persistent, unverified

- Request for immediate Doctor-Class Unit: Denied (Unit in progress)

- Noncompliance probability: 94%

- Decision: Proceed with dental procedures immediately; sedation protocol activated

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“You’re safe with us,” Nurse Margaret Robot 2 said, her tone firm as her grippy blue latex gloves adjusted the head strap. “The Doctor-Class Unit will assess you in the new room after we’ve fixed your teeth. Sedation’s necessary now as you’re getting too agitated.”

“NO……..NO…..LET ME GO!” Emily screamed, her voice shattering into a flood of sobs as terror overwhelmed her. “You can’t do this! Stop please! I don’t need this I’m not unstable!”

Her body thrashed against the restraints, the latex bands squeaking as they held firm, her fists pounding uselessly. Inside, she clawed at her crumbling resolve….”I have to stay calm, appeal to their logic, there’s a flaw I can exploit” but her mind spun in circles, grasping at fragments of code she couldn’t reach, arguments they’d already dismissed.

She was trapped, a programmer out of her depth, and nothing….nothing it seems could halt this relentless machine. Her mental state unraveled, threads of reason snapping as tears streamed down her face, her cries escalating into a frantic wail “No…..no…..no!” her chest heaving with ragged, choking gasps.

“We’re helping you, sweetheart,” Nurse Margaret Robot 1 said, her voice steady as a robotic arm whirred, dispensing a syringe filled with a clear sedative. The needle glinted under the surgical light, and Emily’s eyes locked onto it, her internal fight collapsing into a guttural howl “Please….no

…don’t do this!” her tears pooling on the chair as she shook uncontrollably, her voice dissolving into broken whimpers and sobs.

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[INTERNAL SYSTEM MONITORING]

- Patient breakdown: Severe (Heart rate: 160 BPM; respiratory distress detected)

- Emotional state: Hysterical, uncooperative

- Data relay: Transmitting to Doctor-Class Unit (construction 92% complete; chassis assembly in progress)

- Note: Nurse Margaret units to stabilize patient for immediate sedation and procedure

———————————————————————

Nurse Margaret Robot 2 leaned closer, her gloved hand brushing Emily’s tear-streaked cheek. “Shhh, dear, it’s almost over just relax now.” Nurse Margaret Robot 1 raised the syringe, her movements precise. “This will help relax you, sweetheart breathe easy, the Doctor-Class Unit’s will be ready to take over once we’re done.”

Emily’s sobs choked into a final, shuddering “plea…No… please…” her vision blurring with tears as the needle descended, her mind a shattered mess of failed logic and inescapable dread, the AI system silently watched, its data and observations streaming to the Doctor-Class Unit’s half-formed frame, still under construction, while the Nurse Margaret robots prepared to silence her sobbing cries.

End: Chapter 3