Year 2033, October
22:00 P.M
Goz Beida, Chad, Africa
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About a month later, we, the scientists who resided in Gheele's palace finally had our own lab. Even though it was underground, we appreciated what he had done for us. There was a catch, however, where anything we would create inside the lab was also Gheele's possession.
But to be fair, we were there in the first place to assist Caesar and the other Users in upgrading their Aegis somehow. The requirement Gheele imposed on us didn't really affect our workflow and resources.
So, it was all good.
Except for one thing.
"Man, this A.V.A plan doesn't seem to benefit Ama and the Pillars. They're making an enemy out of everyone," said Vincent.
"Which the C.U had done before, so it's nothing new," I said.
We were inside the underground lab along with the other scientists, working on a bunch of projects we were set to finish.
For the past two weeks, which was when the A.V.A plan had started, Germany, Italy, and Sweden were involved. Those people who were deemed worthy of being executed had that going for them. The mass purging and extermination were all done by the Anciles Ama had gotten control of.
I could only imagine how many dead bodies there were in those regions.
Vincent inspected a vial containing a green liquid thoroughly, before putting it down on a metal desk. "Aren't the Four Pillars and the Anciles are fighting the rebels in Russia and America right now, Klaus?"
I covered my face from the bright fluorescent light placed at the orange ceiling. "Yeah. At least, that's what Agatha has told me."
"Still, they have so many Anciles in their possession. I thought we have stopped producing them?"
"Hmm, I mean, Ivar and Yvonne's specialties make up for that. Ivar could just use a bunch of Yvonne's clones to stuff the crystals inside the Anciles' metal frames."
Vincent clicked his tongue. "Ah, I forgot. Yvonne has an almost infinite supply of Aegis crystals and clones right now since she has access to the citizens at her fingertips."
"Yeah," I said weakly.
My eyes trailed off to a woman's figure to my right. Jennifer, the former minister of external affairs of C.U, was staring blankly at the orange wall in front of her.
Vincent walked past a few other scientists before he threw his left arm around my shoulder. "Hey, Klaus, why is Jennifer here anyway?"
I sighed. "And why is she staring at the wall for who knows how long now."
"I thought she has been released from serving under Gheele Folami," said Vincent with a frown. "There must be a reason for her to stay here in the palace. Knowing her, it must be about money."
Jennifer, who had been listening to us, cast a lazy look at me. Then, she stared at Vincent. "You guys don't know what it feels like to fall in love."
"Huh?" Vincent and I said at the same time.
"Hope . . . Dear." Jennifer looked down at the white tiles underneath our feet. "You have rejected me, but even so, this gap in my heart can only be filled with your love. I will accept no one but you."
I shook my head. "What on earth are you talking about?"
Jennifer narrowed her eyes at me. "If I am about the same age as Hope, perhaps he will love me, the same way I love him. Both of us could be together."
Vincent and I smiled awkwardly at her. After a minute or so, she just sighed and continued to stare at the wall.
"It's about Hope Domitius," said Vincent after he requested for the both of us to go outside of the lab.
"So . . . She likes him?" I said. "That's a first."
"She only has eyes for money."
"Not right now though."
Vincent crossed his arms together. "I wonder what she likes about him. That boy is seventeen, right?"
"Yup. Well, everyone has a specific type of person he or she wants to have as a partner."
"But Jennifer is obsessed. She has been like that ever since we came here, remember?"
I nodded. "Let's just leave her be. After all, I am kind of rooting for her anyway."
Vincent patted my shoulder. "Hah! So do I. Let's try to think of something to bring those two together."
"Of course . . . Even though he's about six years younger . . . But who cares!" I said.
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The next day, both of us requested the Aegis Users to come to the lounge room. As expected, the only one who didn't show up was Gheele Folami. We wanted to introduce them to a few prototypes we've been working on for the past month.
Jennifer also accompanied us after we asked her the day before.
She stood next to me, and for the past few minutes since the Users arrived, she hadn't uttered a single word.
Her eyes, however, stole a few glances here and there at Hope Domitius.
"I don't like this, honestly," said Hope when Jennifer stared at him bashfully.
"Ah, don't mind me, Dear," said Jennifer as she waved a hand.
"Alrighty then . . ."
Jennifer gave him a look of anticipation, though, she darted her eyes to the wall after a minute or so.
'She was waiting for Hope to call her, darling,' I thought.
Vincent looked at me and shrugged.
'Yeah, this is harder than I thought it would be,' said my inner voice.