Guided by the voice of Tenma, was taken to another area of the underground complex. The base was huge and filled with ultra-sophisticated equipment, which could detect Astro passing along the walls of the various rooms. The little robot's action plan was simple: his first goal was to find the professor and Zoran. He then wanted to clarify the incredible revelation made to him by Tenma. Why did Dr. O'Shay never talk to him?

 

Astro Boy was uncomfortable with what he felt more and more was the truth. The child robot knew it was useless to keep telling himself it was false, but it was still very difficult to handle the shock. He felt unsettled.

 

"We have arrived," said the voice of the hologram.

 

Astro stopped before a large door that opened majestically. The room was huge. A gateway darted straight ahead, like a diving board above a pit.

 

"Do not be afraid, advance,” said Tenma.

 

Astro took his place between the metal rails. The end of the bridge widened to surround an observation balcony. Immediately, he saw. Here, below, in front of him, on the other side of the room, the professor and Zoran were each enclosed in a glass cage. They seemed exhausted and sad.

 

Astro immediately decided to take action, he focused and fired up his engines to fly to the rescue...but for the first time in his life, nothing happened. He focused again through gritted teeth to try the manoeuvre again. Still nothing. Between the two glass cages, Dr. Tenma appeared in person this time.

 

"I told you, Astro! I know more about you than you think. Here, your systems are under my control ... "

 

Behind the glass, Professor O'Shay looked up. When he saw the little robot, his eyes lit up and he clapped his hands onto the window that held him prisoner. Astro Boy's heart sank.

 

Tenma said: "As you can see, they are safe."

 

“Free them!”

 

"Not before you have a little chat with the famous Professor O'Shay. I think you both have things to say. You can talk to him, he'll hear you.”

 

"Professor, are you okay?"

 

"All right, my boy. And you? "

 

"I feel better since I've found you two. Nobody's hurt you?"

 

"It's not that he wants to hurt us..." O'Shay said in a sad voice.

 

Tenma raised an eyebrow threateningly. O'Shay looked down and said: "So he told you?"

 

"Dr. Tenma claims that it was he who created me, and you had me taken away and reprogrammed. Tell me this is not true!"

 

"My poor little...sooner or later, you would have known, but I wish that you could've learned a better way..."

 

Astro was petrified. He felt his mind go to pieces, collapsing under the weight of this terrible confirmation.

 

"Why didn't you ever say anything to me?" he pleaded weakly.

 

"You are young, I didn't want to disturb you. I always knew I had to say it; I waited for the right moment...and now we're here. I'm sorry... "

 

Tenma smiled triumphantly.

 

"You see," he exclaimed, "It is not I who lied. O'Shay is the thief... "

 

"That's wrong!" protested the old professor. "I protected him from your influence. I haven't stolen him like you claim. You wanted a weapon, a robot serving your sinister ambitions. When the authorities seized him, I didn't want him to be destroyed! I felt that this boy was better than what you had planned for him!"

 

"Enough!" thundered Tenma, sending an electric shock into the professor.

 

The lightning struck the old man in the chest. He screamed and collapsed. Astro tried again to rush to his aid, but his flight systems still refused to start. How could Tenma control his powers?

 

"Now that you know the truth, Astro, you'll have to choose. I suggest you join me, to find your true place with your creator. You'll no longer need to listen those who have lied to you, no longer obeying those who used you. No more homework, tests, obligations. It is time for you to have a good time, enjoying yourself as much as you want! If you wish, I can reprogram your sister to keep her here with you.”

 

At the very idea of that man touching his little sister, Astro Boy felt his rage build up more, but he pulled himself together. If he wanted a chance to free his family, he had to be ready to cooperate.

 

"I need a little time to think," he cried to the doctor. "Everything I learn disturbs me..."

 

"I understand, Astro. Think of all the benefits I offer you, and choose your destiny... "