Chapter One: A Quiet Farewell
In the year 2109, in a world where development has spread across the globe and there is no longer a place for non-renewable resources, the time has come to utilize sustainable energy. Vertical gardens, inspired by the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, gracefully interweave with skyscrapers, showcasing a modern and meticulous design. Service robots are readily available.
Cities are characterized by their sustainable architectural designs that harmonize with nature; trees weave through streets and pathways, complemented by artificial lakes that enhance the aesthetic beauty of urban areas, as well as promote a healthy lifestyle for residents. Homes feature glass structures that allow sunlight to filter in while providing thermal insulation. They are equipped with integrated artificial intelligence systems that control lighting, heating, security, and self-cleaning processes managed by specialized robots. The presence of exquisite indoor gardens and dedicated rooms for various preferred activities adds to their charm.
The Pioneer Family Home
“Viya, my dear, where are you?” Mikael says playfully.
“Come on, dear, I won’t repeat the hologram prank again; I just wanted to entertain you.”
Viya stealthily creeps up behind him and immobilizes him with a special freezing gun used for direct confrontations and scientific research. It works by interacting with air particles, rapidly lowering body temperature and primarily relies on a cryogenic gas that generates cold. Its effect is temporary, lasting from 15 to 20 minutes.
“Hey, anata,” she jokes in Japanese, “you’ll think twice before trying to convince me that I’ve entered another dimension.”
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She moves towards the kitchen and addresses their AI: “Feri, I want coffee with no sugar, and add some cream too.”
Just as she is about to take her first sip, Mikael lunges behind her, hugging her tightly.
Mikael: “Looks like I’ve upset my dear.”
Viya looks at him in surprise, then sighs and says, “How…! The necessary time hasn’t passed yet.” She notices the thermal device in his pocket.
He replies, laughing: “You know I specialize in artificial intelligence and robotic design; creating a countermeasure for something I made is not that difficult.”
She glares at him with annoyance and says softly, “Who carries a thermal device in their pocket?”
“Well, dear, you froze me before, so I came prepared.”
“You’re such a fool.”
“I take it you’ve forgiven me.”
“Don’t even dream about it!”
The two of them hear a strange sound coming from their secret laboratory.
The laboratory is a spacious room located on the ground floor, equipped with a strict security system and a unique modern design. Screens cover the walls, and soft blue lighting creates a calming atmosphere conducive to focus and work. In one corner, a glass table holds an ancient stone that Viya, a renowned archaeologist and chemist, discovered. She told no one except her husband about the find, as they believe it may contain physical properties that could support their dream of time travel and uncover its secrets. Viya has conducted numerous experiments on the stone while Mikael works on developing the time machine and attempting to formulate the equation that will connect his machine with the stone.
The two rush in, automatically donning their laboratory attire. As they enter, Viya heads straight for the stone, while Mikael approaches the intricately crafted time machine, which is emitting strange red beams. He begins meticulously reviewing calculations and coordinates, while his wife notices the stone changing to a dark but luminous blue, its glow intensifying.
Viya: “Look, it’s…”
Mikael interrupts her: “Yes! We’ve finally succeeded. It seems my careful repairs combined with your numerous attempts to activate the stone have paid off.”
Viya: “What is this? Is this another trick?! Are you trying to comfort me over our previous failure? Even the carvings on the stone are not the same as before.”
A moment of silence ensues before Mikael denies her statement. A loud thunderous sound is heard, followed by a power outage, then a ringing tone knocks Mikael to the ground. He lifts his head to check on Viya, finding her on the floor staring at the stone beside her in horror.
Suddenly, a black hole appears in the center of the room, swallowing everything in an instant (Viya, Mikael, the machine, and the stone), only for the electricity to return and alarms to sound, announcing the tragedy.