Deep within the villa, in the garden network connection hall, the large node device known as the "Alice Tree" suddenly emitted a series of low hums. Floating points of light shuttled between the hundreds of interwoven cables forming the tree canopy, and mechanical operational noises arose from deep within the roof and walls. Accompanied by the activation of emergency cooling and pressure release devices, hidden grids on a certain rooftop outside the villa opened, spewing waves of heat.
Marin sat at the base of the "Alice Tree" and slowly opened her eyes. As several cables behind her disconnected, the eyes of this living doll gradually regained their vitality.
However, her expression remained somewhat dull and stoic. It took several more seconds before she slowly raised her head and looked at the servomechanism assistant resting against her.
Maris was smoking.
