The Plot Begins

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The main plot of I, Robot began when Spooner saw a robot on the street and thought it was stealing a wallet. When he rashly grabbed it, he discovered that it had merely been retrieving its owner's inhaler from the wallet. While Tang Tian stayed in the United States, he had not forgotten to monitor the world's progress. Once the plot fully began, he could make his move. Because of his alien identity, the United States had granted him considerable freedom, making everything he planned to do next much easier.

One month later, at the Chicago Police Department...

"Be guided by the facts! That's what your badge says." Spooner had just sat down when his superior and friend, John, slowly walked over and spoke. Spooner did not know that the robot's owner had reported him for his rash behavior.

With both hands in his pockets, John calmly looked at Spooner, who had his head lowered as he wrote something. "Can we talk about this?"

"What is it?" Spooner raised his head and asked in confusion, clearly having forgotten the ridiculous thing he had just done.

"Police! Help! That robot stole my dry cleaning!" A middle-aged white officer saw Spooner and John talking, raised his hand mockingly, and made the people around him burst into laughter.

"Oh, you want to talk about that." Spooner ignored their mockery and turned to John.

"Detective..." John pulled over a chair and sat beside Spooner, his expression serious. "How many robots have you found stealing wallets?"

"No, John, I saw that guy running..." Spooner explained.

"How many robots in the world... have committed crimes?" John continued without listening to Spooner's explanation.

"Define a crime!" Spooner shot back.

"Answer my question." John still ignored him, his tone stern.

"None, John." Spooner turned away, unable to look at his friend as he answered awkwardly.

"Good, Spooner. Now you can tell me what happened today." John finally got to the point. He wanted Spooner to understand why he had made such a fool of himself today and the effect his actions had on others.

"No, nothing happened." Spooner shook his head helplessly. In truth, he was only deceiving himself. The mockery from the others and John's questions had made it obvious that everyone knew what had happened.

"I can pretend nothing happened, but I hope this is the last time." Seeing Spooner like this, John spoke helplessly. His friend had caused similar trouble more than once, and he hoped Spooner could turn over a new leaf.

"Spooner, are you sure you're ready to come back? You can take it slow. There's no need to rush." John stood from his chair and patted Spooner on the shoulder. He was clearly still deeply worried about his friend, and the air was thick with bromance.

"I'm fine. Thanks, John. It's still better than sitting at home." Spooner answered, sounding both grateful and helpless.

"Major Crimes, Spooner." As they spoke, the Chicago Police Department radio suddenly crackled to life. Spooner put on his headset and answered. As the caller continued speaking, Spooner received a report from USR Corporation: his friend, Dr. Alfred Lanning, had committed suicide. Upon hearing the news, Spooner immediately stood up and spoke to John.

"John, I have something to do." Seeing Spooner's expression, John understood that something serious had happened and nodded.

The largest company in the I, Robot world was USR Corporation, the biggest multinational super-corporation. With NS-series intelligent robots as its foundation, it had ushered in the age of civilian robots. In a sense, it was much like Umbrella Corporation from Resident Evil—both were massive global conglomerates. The difference was that Umbrella Corporation created the world-destroying Resident Evil, while USR Corporation pushed the world forward by a huge step. But that was getting off topic.

By 2035, USR Corporation had fully popularized intelligent robots. One out of every fifteen people owned an NS intelligent robot. Robotic workers and robotic assistants were everywhere, even entering family life as nannies and caregivers. People increasingly depended on robots that worked tirelessly for humanity. But could such a life continue forever? Reality gave a new answer: no.

Dr. Alfred Lanning, the father of NS robots—no one understood what mistake had caused his fall. His former genius could not prevent his accidental death. Now, he lay in the first-floor lobby of USR Corporation's headquarters, with police tape cordoning off the area around him.

"What a genius. What a pity he fell like this." Tang Tian, still dressed like a successful businessman, slowly approached the place where Dr. Lanning had died under the pretext of checking whether there were toxins in his blood. After presenting his Federal Bureau of Investigation identification—also known as the FBI—he easily collected a test tube of Dr. Lanning's blood.

There was actually no need to revive him. Tang Tian's current technology could perfectly replicate dead scientists. From the place where he had collected samples from Veronica last time, he had also obtained Alexander's technology for adjusting genetic intelligence. Just like Alexia and her siblings, he could clone intelligence-enhanced scientists to serve him completely. Alexander's contribution had truly been enormous. When he had the time, Tang Tian would revive him.

After most of the dealings were completed, Tang Tian became a temporary member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation under arrangements made by the United States government. Although a certain alien did not think much of it, it was enough for his next move.

Spooner moved quickly as well. Before long, he arrived near the cordoned-off area in the first-floor lobby. After showing his identification, he was allowed into the scene of Dr. Lanning's suicide.

The alien who was merely tagging along did nothing. The deal between the alien and the United States government had succeeded, granting the alien an identity and protection. Tang Tian helplessly looked at the United States agents assigned to protect him. This was also part of the agreement with the Earth Government. The United States government had promised that if the alien was capable, he could obtain whatever technology he wanted. Naturally, the government also knew that the alien needed robot technology, so it simply went with the flow and allowed him to seize it himself. It happened to suit the alien's personality perfectly.

"It's good to see you again, young man." When Spooner arrived before Dr. Lanning, a silver-white holographic projector displayed Dr. Lanning's hologram. It was clearly prepared in advance.

"Hello, Doctor." Spooner's expression was slightly unnatural as he spoke. After all, Dr. Lanning had been his friend, and his death saddened Spooner greatly.

The conversation continued just as it had in the original plot. Dr. Lanning told Spooner to seek the answer himself. At this point, USR Corporation's VIKI had already taken control of all the new NS-5 robots. If Spooner had not discovered VIKI's betrayal, then once the NS-5 robots reached a certain number, an apocalypse like the one in Terminator might have appeared again.

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