Delia sat in her room, staring at the dark screen of her communicator, where Jordan's image had just disappeared. Conflicting feelings raged inside her.
"Why didn't I visit him?" she repeated over and over in her head.
When she was leaving for Earth, all she thought about was visiting her beloved, dreaming of romantic evenings and plans for the future. But now, when reality hit her like a cold shower, her dreams seemed unattainable.
"I could have taken him with me," the thought suddenly occurred to her.
They could be together in this amazing but dangerous world. But what difference would it make? She knew that her abilities and the importance of her mission came first. Her fate was inextricably linked to the investigation of the Convention and the mystery of the "Sun Rainbow."
"This isn't just an adventure, this is a battle," she reminded herself. "If I don't figure this out, someone will get hurt.
Every moment she spent thinking about Jordan made her feel guilty. He deserved to be with her, but this wasn't just her fight. She knew there was more at stake than just her own happiness. If she didn't stop Makoto and the Convention, the world as she knew it could change forever.
"I can't let the fears of others dictate my fate," she said out loud, even though the room was empty.
Edwin suddenly walked into the room, interrupting her thoughts. He noticed that Delia looked confused.
"Are you okay?" he asked, coming closer.
She sighed, brushing away the tears that had managed to roll down her cheeks.
"Yeah, it's just... there's a lot on my mind. I'm thinking about Jordan," she admitted, not hiding her emotions.
"You made the right choice," Edwin replied, trying to support her. "He doesn't understand what's going on. This is hard on all of us, but you don't have to feel guilty. You're here to stop it.
"I know," Delia said, feeling the weight on her shoulders ease slightly. "But I'm sorry I couldn't tell him that I'm not here just for myself. I want to protect him and everyone else."
Edwin nodded, his expression growing more serious.
"Maybe one day, when this is all over, you can explain to him. But for now, we need to focus on what's ahead."
Delia looked at him and felt her confidence begin to return. She knew that everything she was doing was not just her own personal struggle, but a duty to everyone who loved her.
"Thank you, Edwin. You're right. I can't leave this unfinished," she said with determination.
A spark ignited inside her again, a spark that reminded her of why she had decided to become an actress and the power she possessed. Delia knew that her mission was more important, and now her resolve was stronger than ever. She had to not only protect her loved ones, but also confront the darkness that threatened all of humanity.
"I'll do this for Jordan and everyone in danger," she thought, looking at her communicator screen, where Jordan's messages were saved.
Then she followed Edwin into one of the old, dimly lit rooms where the archives and rare books were kept. Around them lay scattered papers, old diagrams, and data on the Convention that they had managed to collect over the past few days. Each of them knew that the upcoming clash would be decisive in their fight.
"We can't just sit and wait for them to come for us," Edwin said, laying out the maps and diagrams they had found in the archive in front of Delia. "We need to prepare for the next step."
Delia nodded, feeling a surge of energy.
"Agreed. We need to learn more about their plans and how they plan to use my abilities."
She glanced at the diagrams, and Edwin began to leaf through the pages of one of the old books on the philosophy of power and responsibility.
"Here, look," he said, pointing to a text that explained how energy manipulation could be used to create destructive forces. "If they really plan to use you as a weapon, we need to learn how it works."
"I don't want to be someone's weapon," Delia said, looking at Edwin. "But it looks like that's what they're trying to do."
"We won't let them," he said confidently. "We need to gather a team. People who are willing to fight and support us."
"Agreed. I can turn to my contacts at the Academy. We have a lot of talented people," Delia replied, feeling a surge of hope. "Their skills could be the deciding factor."
Edwin winked encouragingly.
"Good. In the meantime, we can start working on a plan. We need to figure out how they're organized and who's behind this."
He pulled out a note with the names and contact details of the people they'd met during their investigation. Delia looked through the list and suddenly stopped at one of the names.
"What about Ann? She works with energy fields and can give us some tips on how to control my power."
"That's a great idea," Edwin agreed. "I'll go see her, and you gather the others."
Delia nodded, realizing they had to act fast. She quickly made her way to her friends and acquaintances, explaining the situation and urging them to support her in her fight against the Convention. Once she had gathered everyone who could help, they discussed possible strategies and approaches to the upcoming confrontation. When Delia returned to Edwin, he had already found Ann and was discussing the details with her.
"Tell me, is she willing to help?" she asked, approaching them.
"Yes, she is ready to work with us," Edwin answered. "She has experience in creating protective fields and can help you master control over your powers."
"Then let's begin!" she exclaimed, ready to fight. "We must prepare for battle. And the more information we gather, the better."
Amid the sounds of discussions and preparations for the upcoming clash, Delia, Edwin, and Ann gathered a group of witnesses and activists in an old conference room, the walls of which still had posters from past festivals hanging on them.
"So, we must combine our forces," Delia began, standing in front of the assembled group. "Each of you has unique abilities and experiences that can be decisive."
Among the participants were old acquaintances of Delia's "talented actors who once studied with her at the Academy, and several scientific researchers studying the effects of energy fields. Each of them understood that the Convention posed a threat not only to Delia, but to everyone who strives for freedom.
"We need to learn more about how the Convention works," Edwin suggested. "We have a list of witnesses, and each of them can tell us about their experiences and encounters with them."
He looked at Ann and continued:
"She can help you learn to control your powers while we gather information."
"Okay," Delia agreed. "But we also have to be careful. We can't let them find out about our plan."
Once they had discussed the basics, the activists began sharing their contacts and resources. One of them, Jennings, offered his connections to local resistance groups on Earth to gather information on the movements of Convention representatives. Another participant, Carol, was working on creating security systems that could help protect their headquarters from surprise attacks.
"We also need to prepare for a possible confrontation," Carol added. "I can help you prepare protective fields so you can cover yourself during meetings with the Convention."
Delia felt confidence growing inside her. They could really join forces and do something important.
"We should also prepare a cyber attack to find out what data is stored in their systems," Edwin added, glancing at his comrades. "If we can get into their archives, we can get information that could play a decisive role."
Suddenly, Delia remembered the festival where she was supposed to perform. She understood that this event was important for her career, but now it seemed insignificant compared to what they were going to do.
"I was supposed to play at the festival," she said, slightly embarrassed. "But it seems that this is not the most important thing now."
"Your abilities and the lives of people are more important than any performance," Edwin said confidently. "We are creating something more than just a play."
Delia realized that her acting skills could play a key role in preparing the team for the upcoming fight. They decided to use elements of theater to develop skills in improvisation, reaction to unexpected situations and, of course, teamwork.
"We need to learn how to quickly react to changes in the situation," Delia said, standing in front of the group. "I suggest we conduct some role-playing games. We will be able to simulate different scenarios that we may encounter."
All the participants responded with enthusiasm. They understood that Delia had a unique experience, and her ideas could help them improve their preparation. The first task was to divide the group into two teams: one of them was to play the role of agents of the Convention, and the other - the resistance. Delia appointed herself as the leader to coordinate the process and direct the participants.
"Okay, let's start with the first scenario," she said. "Imagine that we are at a meeting of the Convention. You need to find out information, but no one should suspect who you really are."
The team of Convention agents, which included Edwin and Jennings, began to develop their characters. Edwin decided that he would portray a tall and confident businessman, and Jennings became his subordinate, full of confidence but with a hint of incompetence.
"So, I'm a businessman with an interest in the Convention's resources," Edwin began, his voice convincing. "I want to impress these people so that they will not doubt my intentions."
Meanwhile, Delia and the rest of the team prepared their roles, which included spies, activists, and ordinary citizens who happened to be in the right place at the right time. They had to interact, react to the actions of the "Convention agents", and extract information.
"And remember, no matter what you stumble upon, stay true to your characters," Delia reminded them as they began to act out the scene. "Every move you make, every line you say, is part of our strategy."
During the first play, they encountered many unexpected moments. Delia observed how the team interacted, how they changed their strategies and tactics depending on how the events were unfolding. In addition, each member had the opportunity to show their talents, and Delia was impressed by how they were becoming a real team. Then she suggested making the tasks a little more difficult, adding elements of doubt and pressure.
"Imagine that your true intentions were revealed, and you are under pressure. How will you react?"
These changes in the scenario made their training even more realistic. Delia saw how her teammates began to adapt to each other, how they became more united and able to quickly react to changes in the environment. After several hours of training, when their faces reflected fatigue but also excitement, Delia decided to hold a small meeting.
"You have all done a great job," she said. "Each of you has demonstrated your skills and abilities. But remember, the most important thing is to trust each other."
"We need to know that we can rely on each other in any situation," Edwin added. "That's our strength."
"Each of us can contribute," Delia continued. "Let's share what we have and make our team even stronger."
First, Spiletto, who was not only a skilled spy but also an excellent fighter, joined the group. He demonstrated his self-defense skills, showing how simple movements could protect against an unexpected attack. Then, Katherine, an artist and activist, suggested creating tactical visualizations.
"Let's draw our strategy," she suggested. "On paper, it's easier to see where we might end up and how best to act."
She began drawing diagrams and maps, which helped everyone better understand the plan of action and see how they could use their abilities in specific situations. Pasarian, a former engineer who used to work in defense technology, also came up with the idea of building a few simple devices that could help in their mission.
"I can create something that will allow us to hide our signals," he said. "Or, for example, a device that can block sensors."
His technical skills became a real goldmine of opportunities for the team. In addition, Warren, another activist who was an excellent speaker, expressed her thoughts.
"I think we need to communicate more with the people around us, with the people who support us. If we can convince others that the Convention is manipulating people, that will be our advantage."
"I agree," Delia nodded. "We can organize a meeting and attract public attention."
At that moment, the group felt united, as if each member was an integral part of the whole. They continued to train, and during breaks they discussed their personal stories, dreams, and goals. Delia, watching this, realized that they were not just fighters, but people who were ready to give everything for a common goal. They had become a team in which everyone knew that they could count on each other, and this gave them strength and confidence.
"I am proud that we have become a real team," Delia said for everyone to hear. "Each of you brings something unique, and this is what makes us stronger. Let's continue to work together, and we will definitely succeed!"
After these words, Delia and her team gathered in the spaceport, where each member felt like they were on the verge of something important, and a common goal united them like never before. Delia, full of determination and confidence, raised her hand to get everyone's attention.
"It's going to be okay, guys," she said, trying to instill confidence in the hearts of her comrades. "We know what we're doing, and we're ready!"
As they gathered, they went through security and boarded their capsule, which was supposed to take them to Earth. The journey promised to be short, but the tension was growing. Each of them considered their roles in the upcoming conflict with the Convention. Delia settled into her seat, trying to concentrate on their plans and the techniques they had practiced.
The capsule soared into the sky, and through the transparent windows one could see the Moon Base gradually disappearing over the horizon. Delia was lost in her thoughts, imagining how their actions would affect public opinion and the entire situation with the Convention.
"Are you ready?" Edwin asked, sitting next to her.
He had been her support from the very beginning and knew how difficult it was for her to cope with pressure.
"About that... More no than yes," Delia answered with a forced smile. "But I still feel like I have to be on my guard. Makoto Shugarami will stop at nothing."
Edwin nodded, understanding that this was not just a mission, but a fight for life, for freedom, and for the truth.
"You know you can count on me. We'll do this together," he said, hugging her.
When they finally landed in Lisbon, Delia felt a light breeze blow across her face. The city was full of life and energy, joyfully welcoming them, but Delia knew that behind this bright picture there were dangers. Together with the team, they exited the capsule and saw an old arch standing against the sunset, like a guardian of the city.
"This is where we start," Delia said, looking at her friends. "We must act quickly. Let's split into groups and gather information about the Convention. We need to find out which activists and witnesses are willing to help."
The team agreed, and they went their separate ways. Delia went to the local cultural center, where her team had gathered a crowd of witnesses and activists for a meeting, each sharing their stories of how the Convention had ruined lives and stifled freedoms. Suddenly, one of the witnesses stood up in the center of the discussion. Her name was Baylock. She looked unsure, and her voice was shaking with emotion.
"I... I don't know if I can do this," she said, avoiding the others' eyes. "The Convention is a powerful organization. They know everything about their opponents. If I say something, they might retaliate."
Delia moved closer to Baylock, trying to support her.
"We're here to help each other. If you have information, it can save lives. We're stronger together," she said confidently.
Baylock sighed and rubbed her forehead with her hand, as if trying to dispel her doubts.
"I was one of those who signed a confidentiality agreement. I worked for the Convention for several years. They control everything that happens behind the scenes."
All eyes turned to her, and Delia could see fear and worry, but also hope, creeping across the faces of the other witnesses.
"What do you know about the Convention?" she asked, trying to entice him to continue.
"They're working on a plan to disrupt the protests," Baylock said. "I heard them discussing how to neutralize the activists. They have their own spies, infiltrating organizations like ours. If we're not careful, they could destroy us."
Some of the meeting's participants began to whisper among themselves, expressing concern. Delia felt the pressure on Baylock growing, and she took a step forward.
"If you tell us everything you know, we can prepare and defend ourselves," she said confidently.
Baylock took a deep breath, her expression set in determination.
"I... I'll try," he said. "There's a project I've heard about. It's called "Damien Thorn". It's a covert operation to create a killer robot to prevent any protests against the Convention."
The room went silent as she continued.
"The Convention has also set up a surveillance and control network. They use technology to monitor anyone who has anything to do with the protests. And if we don't stop them, they'll destroy us before we can do anything."
Delia realized how serious the situation was. She exchanged glances with Edwin, who also looked worried.
"We need to understand how this "Damien Thorn" project is progressing and find a way to stop it," she said, trying to remain calm.
"I can help you," Baylock continued, her confidence growing with each word. "I know where one of the Convention's servers is. If we can hack it, we'll have access to their plans and all the data they've collected."
The crowd murmured in excitement. Delia felt her pulse quicken as an idea began to take shape.
"This is our opportunity," she said. "If we act quickly and decisively, we can disrupt their plans and make the world a safer place for everyone."
Baylock nodded, her fear beginning to give way to hope.
"But we must be careful. If they suspect we are acting, the consequences will be dire," she warned.
"We will be careful," Delia assured him. "We will gather a team and develop a plan. And we will not leave you alone."
The group began to discuss possible strategies again, and Delia glanced at her comrades. Their determination was inspiring, but she sensed that time was running out. She knew that every second counted, and by the time they gathered their strength, the Convention could have already taken steps to neutralize them.