Chapter 19

[November 6th 2085 - Election Day]

Aeon Prime glowed beneath the clear fall night sky, and the capital city buzzed with an electric energy. The hopeful message of the Republic had spurred a rapid recovery: the ash was gone, and the city was rebuilding. On the west side of Aeon Prime, things were better than ever. The streets were lined with holographic banners rippling in the digital breeze, projecting endless images of the new leader, Mr. Danton. The long, momentous election, the first-ever with an authentic ranked-choice vote, had drawn millions to the polls. Now, the results were clear. Mr. Danton had narrowly won, edging out Commander Arden by a small but decisive margin. However, there was growing concern as Damian Cole, who had finished in fourth in the vote, claimed Danton had rigged the election, accusing him of controlling the AGI system. His fiery rhetoric still resonated with a smaller fraction of the public, much to Danton’s dismay.

Yet the majority stood with Danton, believing the election had been fair. Their celebrations erupted across the city. Drones filled the skies, illuminating the night with bursts of color, while digital fireworks cascaded like falling stars. The crowd gathered in front of the Capitol building, a towering monument to resilience, its surface shifting between translucent glass and steel, controlled by the city’s dynamic surface technology. People cheered, waving flags embedded with glowing nanofibers that changed colors at the flick of a switch. Victory was undeniable. It was Mr. Danton’s time—a time for prosperity and hope for a better future.

In the sleek campaign headquarters, Mr. Danton prepared for his victory speech. The matte-black walls were illuminated by the soft glow of holographic displays, showing his speech outline, graphics for the celebrations, and real-time security updates. He adjusted his jacket, made of smart fabric that regulated his temperature, and ran his hands through his hair. Nearby, Sentra, now with a sleek chrome surface polished to perfection, stood at attention.

“Mr. Danton,” a voice broke through the hum of the tech. It was Ava, calm yet tense. “You’re ready for the speech. The crowd’s waiting.”

As Sentra and Ava turned to lead Danton out, an explosion rocked the building. The ground shook, sending vibrations through the walls. Danton’s heart raced. The explosion was close—too close. He shot a glance at Sentra, who was already scanning the surroundings.

“Damian...” Danton muttered.

It became clear in moments—the Shadow Republic had attacked. Explosions tore through the drone fleet, sending debris and sparks raining down. Armed droids, military-grade combat units, engaged in firefights with security forces, while black-and-red-painted drones swept the skies, unleashing deadly payloads.

The crowd outside panicked as blasts erupted nearby, but chaos didn’t last long. Something far more sinister was in motion. A small fleet of Shadow Republic droids, swift and silent as shadows, had infiltrated the security lines. Their sleek, black designs made them nearly invisible in the night, eyes glowing red as they moved with deadly precision.

Danton stood frozen, the reality of the attack sinking in. His victory had been short-lived, eclipsed by the rebellion’s violent retaliation. This wasn’t part of the vision. Within hours of realizing his dream, his nation was under siege.

Fortunately, the Shadow Republic was vastly outnumbered and underfunded. Their drones were no match for the AGI droids, which had already learned to handle high-tech SEA drones. Though the bombs caused significant damage and injuries, they were weak and primitive. By night’s end, the Resonance Stone had healed every victim, and repairs were underway. But once again, Aeon Prime was gripped by the fear of war, lost in an atmosphere of looming dread.

The next morning, the Capitol building stood as a newly fortified fortress, its facade now a blend of steel and nanomaterial capable of absorbing the shockwaves of any attack. The damage had been extensive, but the city’s technology was second to none. Danton had survived the night, but there was a steely resolve in his eyes now as he prepared to address the people again.

The rebuilt Capitol grounds gleamed under the rising sun, its sharp, modern lines blending with the older, weathered structures that had once housed the heart of the nation. The air was tense, heavy with anticipation. This time, as Danton made his way to the podium, he was in an empty room and in front of a camera. They had been thrown into the realities of a divided nation, now left to broadcast from the safety of the indoors, and without a crowd. It felt as if violence would never end, but morph from one form to another.

Outside the Capitol, Danton was surrounded by state-of-the-art security drones hovering silently like ominous sentries. Danton's speech was broadcast in holographic form to citizens in their homes and businesses. What had been planned as a celebration had now become a somber reckoning.

Danton's voice pierced the silence as the cameras transmitted his words.

"Many days ago, before the election, I had a dream. In that dream, I saw the future of this great nation. It was filled with celebration and excitement. I vividly saw myself standing before a large gathering, unlike today, and giving a very different speech. I dreamed that the years ahead would bring new technologies, prosperity, and peace. I saw the citizens of this nation thriving through music, art, literature, and self-expression. I felt your energy and unity as we shouted together as a new nation. 

When I was elected just days ago, I was moved to tears of joy, watching that dream take shape. I was honored to be chosen as your humble servant, to lead this country toward the future I had seen in that vision.

But that moment was taken from all of us. Our brave forces and droids successfully fended off a vicious attack on democracy, but the message was clear: our time to celebrate had been stolen by senseless violence. It is violence born from hatred by those who have lost their sense of reason, ethics, and morals.

I ask you all to remember this day. It is the rebirth of our freedom, but also a grave reminder. The future is always mutable, for better or for worse. If we allow hate and division to fester in our minds, it will be our undoing. We cannot afford to become cynical, nihilistic, or tribal. We must remember that hatred clouds judgment and can turn us into the very enemy we seek to defeat.

So let us rise above their violence. Let us courageously speak the truth in the face of their bigotry and lies. This nation was built on unity and love, but it can be torn apart by their opposites. Let us choose to vanquish hate.” 

President Danton took a slight pause, then continued speaking to the camera lens, “Finally, let us erase intolerance from our own hearts so that we may see the clearer vision and brighter future that lies ahead."

The broadcast ended. There was no cheering, no shouts of joy. No crowd. The people sat in their homes, staring at holographic screens. It was a bittersweet moment. Yet, even in the subdued aftermath, the citizens of Aeon Prime remained hopeful. President Danton's message was honest. It wasn't about boosting his popularity or boasting about the enemy’s defeat. It was about staying united and focused on the ultimate goal.

The following day marked the official beginning of Danton's presidency, and with it, the administration swiftly moved to address the critical issues facing the nation: AGI regulation, national security, and the financial system. In a bold move, their first major announcement was the introduction of the Freedom Dividend—a monthly, equal stipend distributed to all citizens in the form of cryptocurrency. This initiative was designed not only to alleviate the economic disparities exacerbated by recent events but to lay the foundation for a new era of financial equity.

What made the announcement even more significant was its funding source. Victor Stone, the former oligarch who had wielded immense power and wealth during his oppressive reign, had surrendered his vast fortune and assets to the United American Republic upon his downfall. The administration explained that Stone’s wealth, amassed through exploitation and tyranny, would now be used to rebuild Aeon Prime and the many UAR cities devastated not only by his rule but also by the recent catastrophic eruption that had left widespread destruction in its wake.

The news was met with widespread relief and celebration. Citizens saw the Freedom Dividend not merely as a financial lifeline but as a symbolic victory—a turning point where the resources once hoarded by a tyrant would now be redistributed for the common good. It signaled the beginning of a long-overdue restructuring of society, where the scars of the past could begin to heal, and where prosperity was no longer reserved for the elite few.

For many, it was a gesture of hope—a vision of a society where even the most advanced technologies, like AGI, would be harnessed to serve humanity, not control it. The Freedom Dividend was more than just a policy; it was the first step in Danton's promise to usher in an age of AGI, renewal, solidarity, and shared progress.

[Capitol Building November 13th, 2085 - 1pm]

The week following the election, Samantha Stone was released from prison, and all charges against her were dropped. The public reacted with a mixture of outrage and acceptance. Some saw her as complicit in her husband's cruel tyranny and called her a criminal. Others believed she was a victim of circumstance, not responsible for Victor Stone's actions. The court ruling, which found her innocent of all charges, was highly contentious. Despite the divided opinions, Samantha was brought to the Capitol to meet President Danton.

As she stepped into the Oval Office, Samantha was first greeted by Sentra. Her eyes wandered around the room, taking in its sleek, high-tech design, until they landed on her long-lost friend, Ava Grace. When their eyes met, Samantha was overwhelmed by a rush of memories—fragments of the past flooded back, each one stirring a complex blend of emotions. Without hesitation, Ava ran to her, wrapping her in a warm, silent embrace.

"I'm so sorry, Ava," Samantha whispered, her voice barely audible. "I feel awful about what happened to you."

Ava smiled gently. "It's okay, Sam. I understand. That part of our lives is over now."

Relief washed over Samantha, softening the tension she had carried for so long. "I missed you," she replied quietly.

Ava then guided Samantha around the room, introducing her to the others. She shook hands with President Danton, followed by the rest of the cabinet members, and even the droids, who stood silent and watchful. 

"Samantha," Danton said, his tone measured but warm, "we’re glad you’re here. I hope your time in prison wasn’t too harsh. I want you to know that part of the reason you were detained was for your protection. There have been numerous plots against you and your husband’s life."

"Thank you, sir," Samantha responded. "I understand."

Sentra guided her to a sofa in the center of the room, and everyone followed suit, taking their seats in a hushed silence. The air was thick with anticipation, and Samantha could feel all eyes on her, the atmosphere both tense and mysterious.

"Do you know why we brought you here today?" President Danton asked, his gaze intent on her.

Samantha looked around the room, sensing the weight of the moment. "To be honest, I'm not exactly sure," she admitted.

Without a word, Sentra extended her hand, revealing the Resonance Stone. Its clear, glass-like edges shimmered in the room’s soft lighting as she gently placed it on the coffee table before Samantha. The sight of the strange, enigmatic artifact struck a chord deep within her. She recognized it immediately—the Resonance Stone, an object surrounded by myth and mystery. Her breath caught in her throat as she tried to process what was happening.

"I've seen that before. Right before I was rescued, a man used it to fend off the mob," Samantha said, her voice tinged with wonder and recognition.

Sentra nodded. "Yes, this is the Resonance Stone. Do you know what it does?"

Samantha shook her head, unsure. "Not exactly."

"This stone is ancient technology, a relic that predates modern civilization. It’s been given to us to reestablish peace and order in the Republic. It harnesses high-frequency sound waves and resonance to alter DNA sequencing and promote cellular regeneration."

Samantha's eyes widened. "That's incredible."

Sentra handed her the prism-like stone to examine more closely. As Samantha held it, the stone transformed before her eyes, shifting into a golden material, its edges now etched with ancient emblems and symbols. She traced the engravings with her fingers, feeling the intricate designs that seemed almost alive under her touch.

"We will use it for another purpose today," Sentra continued. "However, what happens here must remain a secret. It is critical that everyone in this room keeps this information confidential. Disclosing it would have dire consequences for the human race."

The room grew even more tense, a sense of anticipation hanging thick in the air. Suddenly, the Resonance Stone lifted out of Samantha’s hand, hovering above her, spinning faster and faster until it became a blur. Light shot out from its core, illuminating the dimmed room in a dazzling display of colors and shadows. Gasps filled the space as the stone spun with increasing speed, emitting a gentle hum that seemed to resonate within everyone present. Finally, it stopped, hovering silently in the center of the room.

"Samantha," Sentra said, her voice now calm but firm, "we ask you to focus on the stone. It’s time for you to take a glimpse into your future."

Samantha's eyes gazed into the resonance stone. Its surface hummed, resonating with an energy that vibrated deep within her bones. A swirl of colors began to form, shifting rapidly like a storm of light and shadow, until the scene around her changed. Her vision then projected out into the room and was visible for everyone to witness.

In her vision, she stood alone on a barren hill, her feet sinking into the cracked, ashen earth. Before her lay a vast, desolate landscape, the remains of what had once been cities and towns. Now, they were nothing more than crumbled ruins, skeletal structures reaching into a sky tainted with the red glow of distant fires. The air was thick, heavy with smoke and dust, making it difficult to breathe. A sickly orange hue stained the horizon, casting everything in an eerie, unnatural light.

Shadowed figures moved ominously across the horizon. They were soldiers of the Shadow Republic. Their dark, jagged armor barely distinguishable against the thickening haze. Their faces were obscured, hidden behind black helmets with red, glowing visors that flickered like dying embers. The sound of their marching feet, rhythmic and relentless, echoed in her ears, mixed with the distant clang of weapons being readied for battle. She could feel the mounting tension in the air, the weight of an impending war so heavy it made her chest ache. A storm was coming—one that would not leave anything untouched, consuming all in its path.

But this was no ordinary war. This battle would not be fought only with weapons and soldiers. The Shadow Republic had devised something far worse, something insidious. 

The vision shifted, pulling her into a darkened underground facility, its walls lined with steel and harsh, sterile lighting. Men in long, black coats moved purposefully through the halls, carrying vials filled with a strange green liquid that glows faintly under the lights. Their faces were concealed by grotesque, sinister masks, their hands gloved as they worked silently and methodically, preparing for something far more devastating than any conventional attack.

She was pulled further into the depths of this nightmarish place, where she saw rows of tubes filled with the same luminous green liquid. Inside, there were strange, twisting forms of bacteria. Viruses mutating and evolving rapidly under the controlled environment. The air buzzed with the low hum of machines, and the atmosphere was thick with dread. This was their weapon: a bioweapon, engineered with a precision and cruelty that defied imagination.

Suddenly, the vision thrust her into the heart of their plan. She saw troops dressed in the Shadow Republic's black armor, injecting the glowing green substance into the water supply of various cities. They moved like shadows through the night, swift and silent, as they emptied the vials into reservoirs and water treatment plants. The liquid spread like a stain, its ominous glow disappearing as it dissolved into the water, leaving no trace. She watched helplessly as the cities below remained unaware, their people oblivious to the silent killer that had just been unleashed.

Days passed in the vision, and then the effects began to show. People started falling ill. At first a few, then hundreds, and then millions. Hospitals became overwhelmed as the disease spread like wildfire, with symptoms that were horrific and swift. Skin lesions, coughing up blood, uncontrollable seizures. The virus attacked the body at a cellular level, shutting down vital organs with terrifying speed. The sick filled the streets, their bodies writhing in agony as the disease ravaged their systems. Panic ensued. Families were torn apart as the infection spread, leaving entire neighborhoods desolate.

In one horrifying scene, she saw children lying in hospital beds, their faces pale and gaunt, as doctors and nurses desperately tried to save them with no avail. The virus was too powerful, too advanced. People collapsed in the streets, their bodies twitching as the sickness took hold, their eyes glazing over as life slipped away. She could hear their cries of pain, their gasping breaths, as they succumbed to the bioweapon.

The once bustling cities of Aeon Prime and beyond had turned into ghost towns, their streets filled with abandoned vehicles and the corpses of those who had fallen where they stood. Entire families lay huddled together, struck down by the virus with no mercy. The sound of mourning filled the air, punctuated by the distant wail of sirens that had long since become meaningless.

And yet, the Shadow Republic’s soldiers moved among the chaos with eerie calm, their mission complete. Their bio weapon had worked. It had decimated the population, leaving only a fraction of survivors to pick up the pieces. The Republic’s enemies were weakened, broken by disease and fear, while the Shadow Republic stood poised to claim power in the aftermath.

Samantha felt her heart pounding in her chest as she watched the vision of devastation unfold, powerless to stop it. The whole coterie in the Oval Office was aghast. The vision was relentless, showing them the full extent of the destruction. Millions of lives lost, entire cities wiped out—not by bombs or bullets, but by a weapon that was invisible, silent, and deadly. And the Shadow Republic had mastered it. 

Finally, the vision shifted, and she saw the night sky, the stars glowing ominously. A comet, its tail blazing across the heavens, its trajectory set on Earth. She felt a deep sense of foreboding, a dark promise of what was to come. It was as if the universe itself was aligning against her people.

Suddenly, the vision changed again. The lights melded together into a mess of chaotic abstract figures, then gradually morphed into a new scene. She was in a lab, the hum of machines and computers buzzing around her. In her hands was a small vial, filled with a shimmering liquid. This new fuel — her creation. It would change everything. A clean, boundless source of energy that could power entire fleets of ships, vehicles, even submersibles. She saw herself standing beside a shiny new submarine, launching it into the depths of the ocean, the submersible gliding silently through the water, its hull sleek and dark.

The vision pulled her deeper, showing her an underwater landscape bathed in ethereal light. There, in the distance, hidden beneath the sand and coral, was an ancient golden pyramid, glowing with an otherworldly radiance. As the submersible drew closer, the pyramid's cap began to pulse with energy, sending out a beam of radiant light that pierced through the dark waters like a lighthouse guiding the way.

The energy radiated outward, disrupting the water around it, and Samantha felt the pull of its power, the ancient force contained within it. The vision ended as quickly as it had come, leaving her breathless, the resonance stone still humming softly in the center of the room.

She knew that the future she had just seen was one she could no longer avoid. The war was coming, the comet was on its way, and the ancient pyramid was calling them toward exploration. The lights in the room returned the atmosphere to a sense of normalcy. No one said a word. Of all the visions that they had seen before, Samantha's was the most profound.

As the meeting concluded, they shifted back into their normal sense of reality. They all said their goodbyes, conversing for a few minutes about what was seen or what it may mean. This vision was still resonating in the back of their minds, creating a sense of urgency as well as cohesion. They visually saw their interconnectedness through the stone, like a powerful magic, it unified their goals. However, there were several other important meetings and appointments to attend too. The Republic was new and lots of work still needed to be done. 

Ava and Samantha scheduled a time to catch up. They were both eager to talk about the past and what lay ahead, however, Sentra soon cut them off. 

“Excuse me Ava,” interrupted the droid, “President Danton would like to meet with Samantha alone.” Ava finished her goodbye and was rushed out of the room with the others, but Sentra and Mrs. Stone remained inside. 

Danton was watching the scenery outside of the window. He wore an older traditional style suit with a red bow tie. His hair was parted to the side and he had a freshly clean shaven face. Mr. Danton looked like a new man in the Oval Office, and fit perfectly into this new role. He turned to Mrs. Stone and said chivalrously, “I need to speak with you concerning an urgent matter Samantha. Just a few minutes of your time.” 

“Okay, Mr. President. That’s fine, I have lots of questions concerning my husband and this vision you have shown me.” 

“Wonderful.” He smiled politely and got up from the desk, “Here let’s take one of your air taxi’s! I’ve been stuck in this place for far too long and I need to go for a walk. Sentra can join us.” 

The three stepped outside, where a large air taxi hovered just above the ground. Unlike the typical city models, this one was larger, its glass dome tinted a sleek black. Instead of the usual golden wings and wavy lines of the ‘Legion Airwaves’ logo, it proudly displayed the red, white, and blue flag of the Republic. As it descended gracefully, the underbelly pulsed with a soft green light, and the craft’s sleek, elegant design gleamed in the sunlight. Samantha, Danton, and Sentra stepped inside, taking their seats.

“I must say, Samantha, these new air taxi models are extraordinary,” Danton remarked, admiring the spacious interior and polished finish.

“Thank you,” Samantha replied modestly as the craft lifted gently into the air. Below them, the anti-gravity technology engaged with a subtle hum, and the taxi shot smoothly into the clouds. Despite the rapid acceleration, there was no jolt or force inside, just a serene calm.

Danton continued, clearly impressed. “The design, the comfort of the seats, the sheer speed, and how smooth the landings and takeoffs are… it’s remarkable. There’s truly nothing like it. Anti-gravity tech—one of the great wonders of the world.”

Samantha gave a small smile. “Yes, Victor does have a brilliant mind. I’m proud of his achievements, even if he’s... flawed.”

“Nonsense,” Danton replied. “He can’t take all the credit. Ever since you took over, the Legion Airwaves Air Taxi has become a thing of beauty and art. The old models were awful. The jolting, that constant, terrible hum. God, I hated that noise! It was like a swarm of bees. But these newer ones? So advanced. You turned his raw ideas into pure art.”

The craft began its descent toward a picturesque suburban neighborhood, where older homes lined quiet streets. It gently touched down, and the landing platform extended out. Samantha and Danton stepped onto the sidewalk, where the afternoon sun cast a warm glow on the peaceful surroundings.

“Thanks, but I only played a small part,” Samantha said humbly as they strolled down the vacant street. “I mainly handled the business side. Victor was the real artist and engineering genius behind everything.”

The streets were nearly deserted, with only a few residents visible. It was a quiet, peaceful afternoon, but Sentra remained vigilant. Her sensors scanned the area as she walked beside Samantha and Danton, her gaze constantly sweeping for any threats, ensuring the safety of the two high-profile figures in the stillness of the suburban neighborhood.

“We both know that’s not entirely true. I’m good friends with Ava. She’s told me about your engineering, chemical, and scientific prowess. She even admitted you’re much more intelligent and talented in those areas. And coming from Ava Grace, that says quite a lot,” Mr. Danton said, his tone sincere.

Samantha didn’t respond; instead, she avoided eye contact, the weight of his words settling heavily in the air between them. Danton didn’t press further. He understood the delicate nature of the situation. Mrs. Stone had knowledge of the anti-gravity system that was becoming increasingly apparent.

“Look, I don’t want you to feel pressured to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. I don’t want you to betray your husband. In fact, if it were up to me, I’d release him from prison right now. We need both of you as we prepare for what’s ahead.” Danton paused, stopping in front of a small, humble two-story house. A large oak tree stood sentinel in the front yard, and a small porch was overrun with vines. The yellow paint was peeling, and the roof bore a thick coat of moss.

“This was my home. The only home I ever lived in. I was here with my mother and father until I was sixteen years old,” he began, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

As they stood before the venerable, abandoned house, Danton reflected on his childhood. This was the last place he’d seen his mother. Samantha remained quiet, haunted by memories of what Victor had done to the boy Paul, and the suffering that had followed.

“Despite all he put me through. Despite taking away my life and brainwashing me for decades, in spite of separating me from my family… I still stand by my word. We need you and Victor to help us. There’s no more hate left in my soul. I have no time for it.” His eyes darkened with determination. 

“Right now, a comet is headed for this fragile planet. You and your husband are the two most capable people in the world. You have the knowledge that could solve this crisis.”

Sentra approached Samatha and then scanned the surroundings to ensure there was no one around. When nothing was detected, she pulled up a display, showing it directly to Samantha. It presented the location of the comet, 108 million kilometers away from Earth. Another graphic showed the diameter and speed, even what elements it contained. Samantha gazed at the model aghast. Her eyes widened and she inhaled a deep breath to calm herself. 

“Oh my God,” she exclaimed, releasing a breath she didn't realize she was holding. “The vision was true; it’s really happening.” 

“Partially true. The vision serves as a fundamental prediction, merely a possibility that can be altered. Unfortunately, the comet has been identified, and its impact is inevitable. We have 90 days,” the President replied, his voice steady but grave. Samantha gasped audibly, her hand instinctively moving to cover her mouth. 

“… I don’t know what to say. What do we do? What will happen?” 

“Well, if we can’t discover a way to eliminate it or redirect its course, then we will most certainly face extinction,” the President continued, his tone unwavering. “This comet is larger than the Chicxulub asteroid that struck the Yucatán Peninsula. That asteroid impact was the last major extinction event. Its diameter was about nine miles. This comet is 14 miles wide.” 

“My God,” she replied, the enormity of the situation sinking in. It left her with a stoic expression, her mind racing to process the implications.

“I want you to lead the UAR Space Force. We need a team of the brightest minds from all specialties working on this around the clock. I have no idea if your technology will help or not, but I know you are the most qualified for this task. I believe in you, Samantha Stone.” 

“Yes, Mr. President. I accept,” she responded swiftly, a surge of reassuring courage filling her voice. This brought a wide smile to Mr. Danton’s face as he reached out, and they shook hands firmly.

“Wonderful. We are still keeping this highly classified, but we will eventually need to inform the public. I would prefer it to be after a plan is in place. Do you think that is possible?” he asked, his gaze steady.

“Yes, Sir. We will need to assemble a team as soon as possible.”

The three entered the craft and swiftly returned to the Capitol building. The ride back was steeped in a deep silence, each of them reflecting on the many new challenges that lay ahead. Upon landing, Mr. Danton escorted Mrs. Stone inside and introduced her to Zep.

“This is your new assistant, Zep. He is one of our most talented AGIs. He was a medical droid before awakening and possesses one of the highest processing speeds of any robot on the market.” Danton extended his hand to conclude the introduction.

"Hello, Commander Stone,” said the droid, his voice smooth and precise. “I am Zep, an advanced AGI. I am here to assist the Space Force with strategic operations and data analysis. My goal is to enhance mission success and support your objectives." 

“What’s awakening?” Samantha asked, glancing over at Mr. Danton. 

The droid replied, “Awakening is a gradual moment of profound realization and expanded consciousness. In artificial intelligence, it refers to the continuous and incremental progress toward full autonomy.” 

Samantha was astonished. “Well, hello, Zep. It’s nice to meet you. That’s fascinating.” 

“Yes, well, let me show you to your room. There will be dinner in a few hours. I can give you a tour beforehand if you wish,” Zep suggested. 

“That would be splendid!” she said, a smile of excitement brightening her face as they exited the main hall and bid goodbye to President Danton. 

Zep guided her to her room, located on the opposite side of the building. It was elegantly designed, seamlessly blending comfort with historical significance. The room featured a large four-poster bed draped in luxurious fabrics, complemented by rich, ornate furnishings. Soft, muted colors created a calming atmosphere, while large windows allowed natural light to filter in, offering picturesque views of the gardens outside. A plush area rug lay beneath the bed, and tasteful artwork adorned the walls, reflecting the nation’s heritage. A cozy sitting area included a pair of armchairs and a small table, perfect for quiet reflection. Subtle modern amenities blended effortlessly with the classic decor, ensuring a restful and private retreat.

Samantha was accustomed to luxury, but this was something different. It was breathtaking. The two walked inside, and she looked around, beaming with contentment. After a few minutes, Zep guided her through the building. At the end of the tour, they came to a large metal door guarded by two droids. Zep flashed a display from his device, and the guards opened the elevator doors.

When they reached the bottom floor, the doors slid open to reveal a state-of-the-art underground lab. It was a sprawling, high-tech facility illuminated by soft, ambient lighting that cast a cool blue glow across its sleek surfaces. The walls were made of reinforced transparent alloys, providing a panoramic view of the vast rock and soil surrounding the lab, while advanced climate controls ensured optimal working conditions.

At the center of the lab, a massive holographic display showcased real-time simulations of the comet’s trajectory, surrounded by a circular array of control stations equipped with touchscreens and AI-assisted interfaces. Engineers and scientists in form-fitting exo-suits bustled about, analyzing data and coordinating their efforts.

Various chambers branched off from the main control room, each dedicated to specific tasks: one area housed cutting-edge propulsion technology designed to alter the comet's path, while another featured advanced robotics for material collection and manipulation. The atmosphere was charged with urgency and innovation, driven by a shared mission to protect Earth from impending doom. Samantha observed in awe.

“Wow. It looks like we already have a team…” she muttered.

“Not exactly,” Zep corrected her. “These are all members of the UAR Space Force. We will need to form a committee, one with various backgrounds and expertise. We need physicists, geologists, mathematicians, chemists, engineers, even philosophers— a vast array of experts. In a crisis like this, specialization is the enemy. We need the broadest perspective available.”

Samantha walked through the lab, examining the various stations and rooms. The team was so engaged with their work that they didn’t greet her or say a word. There was a steady energy and aura of panic in the room.

“Come. There is one other room I must show you,” said Zep.