Chapter 4
In the heart of my workshop, the atmosphere buzzed with the soft hum of machinery and the faint scent of metal and oil. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the workbench cluttered with tools and parts. It had been a year since the coup, a year of hiding and survival. I stood over a partially assembled chaperone droid, my brow furrowed in concentration. Kael leaned against the wall, arms crossed, while Ageis observed intently, her LED eyes flickering with curiosity.
“Okay, so I’ve been thinking,” I began, wiping my hands on a rag as I turned to face them. “If I can finish a few more chaperone droids, we could sell them. It would give us some funds to survive. Something that would keep us afloat without revealing my identity.”
Kael raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Chaperone droids? Those are popular among the upper classes, right? They would definitely sell.”
“Yes,” I replied, feeling a spark of excitement. “They’re designed to assist with social events, manage schedules, and provide companionship. I can customize them to match the preferences of the families that order them. But if we’re going to do this, I need your help.”
Ageis, who had been quietly observing, chimed in, “That’s a brilliant idea, Valerissa! The demand for unique, high-quality droids is on the rise, especially among the elite who are willing to pay a premium for exclusivity.”
I nodded, grinning. “Exactly! I can position myself as the best in the business, but I’ll maintain my anonymity. No one needs to know that the Gear Maiden is really the lost princess of Redwood.”
“What do you need from us?” Ageis asked, her tone supportive.
I gestured toward the droid I was working on. “I can handle the assembly and programming, but I’ll need help with marketing and finding potential buyers. We also need to be strategic about how we approach this. Selling to the nobles could help us gather resources, but it’s risky. Darius’s people might be watching.”
Kael nodded, considering the implications. “You’re right. We’ll have to be discreet. But if we can get a few nobles on our side, it could strengthen our position. We’ll show them that you’re a skilled craftsman with something valuable to offer.”
“I can help with the outreach,” Ageis suggested. “I can analyze data to identify potential buyers and craft persuasive messages to market the droids. We can create a network to ensure that our efforts remain under the radar.”
A surge of hope filled me at their support. “That sounds like a solid plan. I could start by finishing the ones I’ve already begun working on, then we can showcase them at gatherings. We’ll need to present them as luxury items, emphasizing their unique features.”
Kael grinned, his enthusiasm infectious. “And we can even create a backstory for each droid, making them seem more personal. People love a good story. If we can make buyers feel a connection, they’ll be more likely to purchase.”
I laughed softly, the tension easing from my shoulders. “You’re right! We can sell not just a product, but an experience. Each droid could be customized to reflect the family’s values or interests, making them feel special.”
Ageis chimed in, her voice confident. “I can assist in developing unique personalities for each chaperone droid. If we showcase their capabilities through demonstrations, potential buyers will see their value firsthand.”
As we brainstormed ideas, a sense of purpose took hold. This was more than just a way to earn money; it was a means of survival, a way to reclaim my agency in a world that had been turned upside down.
And so, the Gear Maiden was born. Ageis and I worked tirelessly to create a sophisticated website where clients could place orders and customize their droids. Ageis took charge of managing the online platform, ensuring that it was sleek, user-friendly, and secure. The droids I designed were not only equipped with advanced technology but were also beautifully crafted, with customizable appearances that catered to each client’s preferences.
As the weeks went by, word of the Gear Maiden spread rapidly through the upper echelons of society. Debutantes clamored for my chaperone droids, each eager to show off their exclusive companions at lavish parties and galas. I poured my heart and soul into each creation, and my reputation skyrocketed. I quickly became the go-to source for high-quality chaperone droids, known for their intelligence and charm.
Despite my growing success, I remained cautious. I continued to operate from the glade, using the cover of night to transport my creations to various locations for delivery. Orders were discreetly arranged through the website, with clients often leaving compliments that Ageis would share with me. It felt surreal to be so celebrated while still living in the shadows.
“I never imagined it would take off like this,” I admitted one evening, a hint of disbelief in my voice as I reviewed the latest orders. “We’ve made quite a fortune in just a few months.”
“We have,” Ageis agreed, her expression warm. “But let’s not forget the risks. We must remain vigilant and ensure our identities are kept safe.”
As we continued our work, I began to gather insights from my interactions with clients. I learned about the social dynamics of the upper classes, the political undercurrents, and even whispers of dissent against Darius’s regime. I took careful notes, my mind racing with ideas on how to use this information to my advantage when the time was right.
One day, as I was fine-tuning a particularly intricate design for a chaperone droid, Kael burst into the glade, his face flushed with excitement. “Val! You won’t believe what I just heard!”
“What is it?” I asked, setting my tools aside, my heart racing.
“I was speaking to one of the servants at the estate of Lady Mirabelle. She mentioned that there’s a gathering planned for all the elite families soon. It’s being organized to discuss the state of Redwood and the growing dissatisfaction with General Darius. They’re looking for a voice to rally behind.”
My mind raced. This could be the opportunity I had been waiting for. “We need to find a way for me to attend that gathering,” I said, my heart pounding with determination. “If I can get in front of them, I could share my insights and perhaps even reveal myself as the Gear Maiden.”
“But how will you go without revealing your identity?” Kael asked, his brow furrowed.
I thought for a moment, then smiled. “I’ll attend as a representative of the Gear Maiden. I can use my reputation to speak on behalf of the people—advocating for the restoration of justice in Redwood without directly exposing who I am.”
Ageis chimed in, “I can help you create a persona that allows you to maintain some level of anonymity. We can develop a virtual presence for the Gear Maiden that will support your advocacy while keeping your identity hidden.”
With our plan in place, I began preparing for the gathering, pouring over notes and crafting a speech that would resonate with the elite while subtly calling for unity against Darius. The journey from anonymity to advocacy was beginning, and I was ready to embrace the challenge.