“Everything is ready, professor,” announced Tiro.

“So the big moment has arrived,” said Professor O'Shay.

Through his laboratory window, he watched Metro City. In the night, the vast futuristic city sparkled in all its glory. Nobody doubted that the coming hours would be decisive in the history of mankind, and also for the survival of the city...

The scientist adjusted his little round glasses. He looked like the typical type of scientist: white messy hair and a white coat.

“You look worried, professor,” remarked Tiro, the chief engineer.

“Rightly so. So many things will change tonight...Astro Boy is far beyond what I dreamed of, and most important moment in my career and in my life.”

“We've worked day and night for months. Everything has been prepared in every detail. Let yourself relax.”

The Research Centre was on high alert. The doors were locked late in the afternoon, and armed guards took up positions throughout Ikaru Park, famous for its walking paths and the huge tower that overlooked the laboratory.

Inside the central room, engineers and technicians in white jumpsuits came and went from one computer to another. This was the excitement of the big occasion.

The professor went up to the control gateway overlooking the laboratory, followed by Tiro.

“You're aware Tiro, this project is vital. He was born of the genius of our technology, but he's also a secret...”

“I know, Professor, do not worry. This robot is yours. He'll even look like you. Forget those who wanted to use him as something other than an instrument of good...”

“It's hard to forget Dr. Tenma, he is so dangerous...”

“Right now, we risk nothing.”

“You're right, Tiro, I have to devote myself to this historic moment and nothing else.”

From the bridge, Professor O'Shay monitored the final adjustments, but his eyes often returned to the round podium installed in the centre. That was where all cables, tubes, and sensors were going, connected to a platform encased with a high translucent pod. Inside, a boy was lying motionless. Arms along his body, he was more like a statue than a sleeping child. It was true that he was not quite a child...

“We can begin, professor!” called out one of the engineers.

“Perfect. Switch onto the first phase!”

The light of the room slowly declined. Only a series of spotlights illuminated the pod, throwing the child into a bright white light. The power generators began to buzz.

“Connect the neutron flux to the platform!”

The engineer lowered a joystick: a current began to circulate around the child. The pod coursed with some static lightning.

“I have to to go closer and see if everything goes well,” said the professor.

“Very good,” responded Tiro. “I'll wait for you here.”

Professor O'Shay descended from the control gateway. He had spent years awaiting this moment. In a few minutes, he would know if his dream could finally come true.

On computer screens, digits ran at a fabulous speed. The professor's eyes did not leave the small body. Despite the energy pulses, the boy remained immobile.

Worried, the professor scratched his head. It is essential that this experiment succeeds, he thought. If I can give life to this robot, a big step will be taken in history. I can finally consider myself to my true value, and my eternal rival, Dr. Tenma, can never sabotage my plans...

“Professor!” called an engineer, pulling him from his thoughts. “His brain's begun to react!”

On the brain activity monitor screen, the previously all straight lines now formed waves. The child was still motionless, but in his brain, geometric shapes and colour patches began to form. Quickly, his thoughts became more complex. His mind manufactured curved shapes with changing colours.

“Look, professor: the brain activity is increasing.”

On the monitor screen, rippled wavelengths ran wild. Fascinated, Professor O'Shay watched the face of the little boy. O'Shay had an expression much more than the attention of a scientist regarding his masterpiece: it was one also filled with tenderness.

The child was trembling. Come on, my child, you're almost there! the professor encouraged internally. Hang on, you can do it!

He turned to his engineers and exclaimed:

“He needs more power, release the entire energy flow!”

“We are already at the maximum, professor, we have no reserve.”

“That's impossible, we can't fail when we're so close! Call the city centre and ask them to send us all the power possible.”

The power plant, the super-generator Magnamite, fed all of Metro City energy.  This giant battery was as powerful as it was complex to operate.

A female engineer intervened: “Professor, if you ask them to send us all the energy, they'll no longer be able to supply the city. This has never been done before. Who knows what damage this could cause...”

Professor O'Shay hesitated. He knew that his colleague was right, but he had no choice. He ordered:

“Call Magnamite. Ask them for all the power. I'll take responsibility. The boy is almost fully charged. We cannot give up now!”

The woman sighed and picked up the phone.