[color=0076a3][u][b]Thomas's AI Holotape  - Lucky 38 27th Floor[/b][/u][/color]

[i]“Jesus, Thomas. Are you certain that these words are not being uttered by your real mouth?” Robert scoffed and addressed the algorithm again. “I am glad that you feel the same way as I. Technological visionaries must rule our progression into the future – the lion’s share of these pretenders wouldn’t know what to do with the breadcrumbs of the old world, even if they possessed them.”[/i]

"I'm glad you agree, although I expected nothing less." The voice replied

[i]Mr. House looked at Jane. “Jane, I want you to prepare for the transfer of my transmission to the Gourmand. Day Two is underway and I am nearly done conversing with Dr. Milburne.” He returned his vision to the holotape. “I will be pleased to see what we can accomplish together, Thomas, but I have to admit that your creation does not sound infallible; you dropped these ‘synthetics’ on my doorstep, but if you had not intervened, they would have lived an entire lifetime outside of your jurisdiction. My securitrons do not have the mental capability to stray from their goal. I have no need for subterfuge with them – they only know their programming.”[/i]

"You touch it with a needle Robert. One of the many reasons I wished to contact you. But that will have to be a conversation for another time I'm afraid. The intricacies of this...problem, necessitate an in person conversation. Speaking vicariously through an AI system will not do. Although, if I'm being honest, the Synths were in never in unsafe hands. The guards of 'Don Salvatore' for instance, did you notice that they did not react? They are synths as well, but a different kind of synth...Institute Coursers. But..more on that later." 

[i]

“I have forged an alliance with the Midwestern Chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel, a partnership that is very valuable to me. They are perhaps the only post-war children whom I would deem worthy of scouring through old world tech. Unlike their western power-armored contemporaries, they seem to have a meticulous grasp on the use and progression of technology, as I. Therefore, if we are to parlay, then we will have to open a conversation with the Brotherhood of Steel…it doesn’t take the logic of RobCo’s founder to understand that the concept of your ‘synths’ could confuse or even anger their leader, ‘Barnaky’.”[/i]

"The Brotherhood of Steel..." the voice's tone scowled out the name with spite, no doubt reflecting the deep-seeded emotions of the man it was emulating, "Now this I'm afraid does disappoint me Robert. That you would associate with such people. Hooligans who've scavenged from United States military equipment and thought this gives them a right to police the world. To think they know better than us? Hmmph. My time in this wasteland has been relatively short and I've already encountered their zealotry first-hand. I would be wary of them Robert, very wary." 

[i]“If you want your work to run alongside mine, then let us truly speak. This coded program of yours is impressive, but superficial. I have a summit to attend to.” [/i]

"Agreed. Until our next meeting...or rather, until our [i]first[/i] meeting....goodbye Robert.[b] Units. Reinitialize 'Cosa Nostra' subroutine. Authorization code Omega 3 1 Nova. [/b]."

The voice of the program cut out as a series of jazzy notes began emanating from it, followed by the lovely voice of a young woman. The synths that had been Salvatore, Antony, and Lucia suddenly stood back up straight, looking a bit dazed but otherwise unaffected. 

"What...uh...what happened?" Salvatore asked.

"The meeting went very well Don Borgio," one of the guards responded, in a strangely monotone sounding voice, "Mr. House agreed to your proposal. Don't you remember? He was also quite pleased with Lucia's performance holotape and wished to have her sing a number at The Aces Theatre for Vegas to enjoy."

"Oh yes...yes of course," The Don replied, "I remember now. Excellent!"

Antony rubbed his head, confused. He didn't remember any of that happening....and then he did. The memories came flooding back to him quickly. He remembered House and his father talking, House enjoying Lucia's melody...of course, how could he forget?

"The Aces Theatre..." Lucia said dreamily, "I can't wait!"

"The summit is resuming shortly," The guard said as he walked over to the holotape player and popped the tape out of the tray. He then slid it into his suit jacket pocket, "We should return to the Gourmand as quickly as possible Don Borgio."

"Ah yes! Lets! Come children, we shouldn't delay." With that, the group of 'New Yorkers' immediately departed the Lucky 38 and returned to the Ultra Luxe, where they once more took their seats and listened as House spoke. To all the world, and themselves, they were nothing more than a crime family from New York looking to make it big. They were real again.