Chapter 12 Part I

The four months of practical training flew by and the exams came as fast as lightning falling from the sky during a storm but the boys felt ready to face any challenge Astolfi would throw at them.

It was a day in mid-November and it was quite cold, it was raining heavily and the water came down lightly and silently in sheets, tapping silently on the windows of the classroom where the Atlases were, which Leonardo and the others were about to enter.

Astolfi had prepared two exams: the first involved a simulation in the Atlas in which the children had to carry out all the tasks previously tested correctly and within the assigned times, after which they would move to the NBL where they would carry out the practical test.

They were about to enter the classroom when Leonardo saw a shape he was familiar with, Aurora was waiting for him to wish him good luck.

She had just returned from Africa where she had successfully completed the high mountain survival exam and was now enjoying a well-deserved rest.

<<Hi, what are you doing here? I didn't think I'd see after happened between us>> Leonardo began as the first lights of dawn made their way through the gray clouds;

<< I came to wish you good luck even if you don't need it, I heard that in recent months you have left Astolfi speechless.

In any case, I wanted to let you know that I have forgotten what happened in the past so I would like us to be friends >> he replied;

<< It's fine with me, also I don't know if you know but I'm getting married in a month or so >> he informed her, leaving her speechless;

<< I'm happy for you, I really mean that on Etna you were quite clear about your intentions so I should have expected it even if this news takes me by surprise >> replied the girl with her eyes still wide with amazement;

<< Sorry but I really have to go now but I hope to see you again in the future and I wish you the best for your career >> he greeted her as he entered the classroom.

Aurora ran to the bathroom to rinse her face, she had barely managed to hold back the tears during the conversation and finally she let herself go.

Leonardo didn't imagine the great difficulties she had faced in Africa but she had managed to overcome them thanks to the thought of being able to see him again, but now she discovered that she had lost him, it was really over, he would get married, putting an end to her dream of conquering him.

While she was despairing, Leonardo and the other boys entered Atlas' shell under the watchful eyes of Astolfi and Andrea, they put on the visors and waited to receive the instructions to start the exam, they were all very concentrated and aware of the importance of moment.

When they met in the classroom they looked at each other without saying a word, they knew what they had to do so they didn't need to exchange any particular pleasantries.

<< Good morning and welcome to the first of the two exams where you will face those parts that, for technical reasons, are not possible in the NBL so listen carefully.

First of all you won't be able to use Pandora in fact it will be deactivated and you will also miss your lunch break so I hope you had a good breakfast.

Your avatar will find itself on a Magellan traveling towards Jupiter after leaving Mars, crossing the asteroid belt you will have to demonstrate that you know how to correctly carry out all those activities that I listed in the presentation of the course.

If there are no questions we start the exam >> explained the colonel general ordering Andrea to start the simulation.

The avatars of the five boys were catapulted inside the Magellan, outside there was only outer space, a black quilt dotted with stars while in front of them they could already see the asteroid belt that they would have to overcome.

The exam consisted of demonstrating the ability to carry out the following tasks:

1. Control and adjustment of suits;

2. Airtight chamber sealing procedures;

3. Knowledge of extravehicular suit systems;

4. Knowledge of the vital systems of the airlock;

5. Recognize and resolve emergency situations of the airlock and extravehicular suit;

6. Opening and closing of the hatch;

7. Safety procedures after opening the hatch;

8. Manual attachment and release of satellites;

9. Space suit systems management;

10. Perform a series of movements;

11. Go up and down stairs;

12. Installation and removal of some antennas.

All this had to be done while crossing the asteroid belt, a very treacherous place because it was composed of rocks of all sizes, from the largest ones on which human outposts were located to the smallest ones, the most dangerous because they could collide with the aircraft without the pilot would notice.

Leonardo knew something about it, in fact he had on his abdomen the signs of the collision he had with a rock during one of the first simulations but this time he was determined not to be fooled by the tension, moreover he had put in the effort and by sacrificing some time with Sofia he had recovered the role of theory that he had not studied during the period in which his head was only thinking about his parents' affair, he had undergone a grueling tour de force, managing to catch up with the program thanks to his eidetic memory.

His future wife wasn't very happy when he informed her that they wouldn't see each other for some time but her happiness in knowing her husband softened the blow and it was only a temporary situation and this convinced her not to make a fuss.

<< To us two asteroids, this time you don't scare me >> thought Leonardo as he piloted his Magellan through those space rocks.

Unlike the previous time, he had a clear heart and a clear mind, in fact during the exam he successfully carried out all the required activities, even when he had to leave the spacecraft due to an antenna malfunction.

He successfully opened the hatch, grateful for the time spent studying instead of despairing, fixed the antenna in question and re-entered the Magellan, just in time to see that he was heading towards a large asteroid much larger than the one he would have crashed into during the first simulation.

Astolfi had done things big and in addition to the gigantic boulder he also had a rain of smaller stones simulated with the aim of covering the pilots' sight and damaging some minor components outside the Magellano.

<< Here we get serious but don't panic, I can do it >> said Leonardo speaking to himself, adjusting the course and facing that rain of small space pebbles, very annoying if you found yourself in a similar situation and without Pandora at your disposal.

He took the control joystick in his hands and without holding it too much he ferried the spacecraft out of the impact area after which, in a surprise move, instead of leaving the band he headed towards an apparently uninhabited asteroid.

It was very large, similar to the one he had had to dodge shortly before and on its surface you could see the holes left by the drills of some companies which had installed perforators there in order to find Helium-3.

"What the hell is he doing? >> asked Astolfi looking at his test on the tablet;

<< I don't know sir, perhaps you want to demonstrate that you know how to land on an asteroid, a skill that is always useful in space >> replied Andrea;

<<I'm not arguing about this but it's included in the exam, any case let's see where you're going with>> said the officer.

Leonardo led the Magellan around the asteroid's orbit, landed there with great skill, put on his extra-vehicular suit and descended, setting foot on an extraterrestrial body for the first time in his life, even if only virtually.

<< Sir, a strange thing is happening, the other participants are trying to land on the same celestial body >> Andrea pointed out, showing Lucia, Alice, Orlando and Chiara performing the same maneuver on the tablet and at that point Astolfi understood.

They had carefully studied the composition of the belt, identifying the last asteroid before outer space.

The plan was to land in the same spot to demonstrate that they possessed the qualities to go into deep space.

The rest of the team descended on the same asteroid and all together planted a flag with the Space Agency logo, striking the same pose with which their favorites were depicted in the museum room dedicated to the great astronauts.

Astolfi immediately recognized the posture in which Leonardo's father used to be portrayed, hands closed in fists at the hips and gaze turned upwards as a sign of challenge, left foot forward and right foot backwards.

<< Ahahahaah now I understand, really funny >> said the teacher laughing heartily at that scene;

<< What do I do? Do I stop the simulation? >> asked Andrea;

<< Let's get them out, they have abundantly demonstrated their potential, furthermore it is almost time for dinner and my mouth is watering >> replied Astolfi.

The shells of the Atlas went out and the boys came out of the simulator one after the other, lining up in front of the officer who meanwhile recovered his serious look.

<< Your behavior was unprofessional, that bluster could cost you the promotion, you know that right? >> Astolfi began with a severe tone, pretending to be angry;

<< Excuse us sir, we just wanted to have fun, space for us is joy and happiness >> Leonardo justified himself with his head bowed;

<< Leo is right, space is first of all passion and feeling, our seriousness is not in question but we don't want to be crushed by the pressure of other people's expectations >> added Alice, hugging the others.

At that point the officer burst out laughing, he had managed to scare them great so he could throw away the mask.

<<Do you really think you're the only one capable of pulling a joke? You totally fell for it, I'm not angry with you, on contrary have demonstrated that all it takes to raise name nation high, therefore I inform successfully passed simulator test.< p>

Now go and rest, tomorrow at dawn you will take the NBL exam and we will see how much strength you have left >> the officer told him, continuing to laugh heartily, leaving the classroom as if he had witnessed a comedy show;

<< Congratulations to everyone, today you were truly impressive. The ease and naturalness with which you drove the Magellano for hours..., ... was incredible >> added Andrea before leaving them alone in the classroom.

The five looked at each other understanding that they had accomplished a great feat but it wasn't over, in fact the main course was yet to arrive, the next day's test would establish their destiny by deciding whether they would pass or fail.

Returning to his dormitories, Leonardo found a holographic message from Sofia under the door of his room in which she congratulated him on the promotion he had obtained.

"I'm really proud of you, my love. Andrea told me that you did very well and this fills my heart with pride, now rest because the practical test will be very difficult but I hope to see you tomorrow evening to celebrate >> the message said.

Leonardo lay down on the bed and folded his hands behind his head and began to think about what his life would have been like without the disappearance of his parents.

He imagined all those little things he would do like fixing an old car with his father and then putting it on the road or eating the biscuits his mother baked.

His thoughts quickly turned to Sofia and the wedding which he was only now truly concerned about as the training bubble began to deflate.

<<Will I have children? What will do if go to space? Is it right for Sofy give up the possibility of having just indulge my ambitions? If didn't back like parents did would break her heart.< p>

My whole life I've blamed them for being selfish and not caring enough about me, but now I realize that I'm much more like them than I imagined. Do I really want to put her through the same pain as me? >> he thought looking out the window observing the photograph given to him by Sofia when they first met.

He was still lost in thought when Orlando knocked on his door, at which point he got up and opened the door with even more doubts than before in his mind.

<< Tell me everything, did something happen? >> he asked his friend;

<< Today is Lucia's birthday but since the exam is tomorrow we can't go and celebrate at "Atlantide" so we have organized a little surprise party in my accommodation and you have to be there.

He should arrive soon so hurry up and reach us >> he replied.

The two slipped into Orlando's room where Chiara and Alice were also staying while Sofia had had to withdraw due to a sudden health problem.

When Lucia arrived they jumped on her and wished her well.

<<It was you, scoundrel>> began the birthday girl with tears in her eyes with happiness, blaming her boyfriend;

<< Happy birthday my love >> Orlando replied giving her a kiss on the lips, embracing her with all the love he was capable of.

Seeing that scene, Leonardo understood that whatever had happened, he couldn't give up on Sofia, so the clouds of doubt were swept away, he wanted to experience moments like those and the marriage would be perfect.

<< Happy birthday Lucy >> her friends said in chorus while Orlando took out a cake bought in the best pastry shop in the city.

<< Thanks guys, you can't imagine how much it means to me. You are the best friends a person could wish for and even though we have a very difficult exam waiting for us tomorrow, you wanted to celebrate my birthday >> Lucia replied;

<<Before an important exam you have to distract yourself otherwise are devoured by anxiety and it's not good>> Orlando replied making everyone laugh;

"You've really got your head straight," Alice replied, taking a piece of cake.

The shy, insecure and tearful Orlando who had set foot at the Astronautical Headquarters almost two years earlier had given way to a much more self-confident boy, aware of his own means and tenacious.

While they were celebrating Lucia's birthday, someone else wasn't really in the mood to be in company and it was Sofia who for weeks had had problems with vomiting, nausea, mood swings and sudden food cravings that altered her mood.

At first he didn't give it much importance thinking it was excessive stress caused by work but despite some precautions the problems persisted and he noticed that he was starting to gain weight, worrying about the wedding.

That evening, after vomiting for the umpteenth time, he decided to go to hospital to get checked and understand the origin of his health problems.

He wanted to be in tip-top shape for the big day and nothing in the world was going to stop him.

He was accompanied by Andrea and Lucrezia as he was having more and more difficulty walking due to annoying swelling in his feet.

She did all the routine tests after which the doctor took her aside to his office but Sofia insisted that the two wedding witnesses also be there, she had no secrets with them and she certainly wouldn't have hidden anything from them at that very moment.

<< Are you getting married soon? So I wish you my best wishes for the event and I also have the perfect gift >> the man told her, tall and thin in his fifties, short blond hair, blue eyes set in a round face protected by a pair of glasses with a thick green frame, button nose, olive complexion and a slightly dreamy look;

"I'm fine, right? I can't postpone the wedding, everything is ready and... >> Sofia struggled to say, fearing she would feel ill;

<< Don't worry, Miss, your symptoms have only one cause >> replied Doctor Domenico Tolentini, taking the results of the "check up";

<<I don't understand>> Sofia replied but Lucrezia sensed what was about to happen and emitted her typical hysterical scream;

<< She is pregnant, congratulations! >> the doctor told her, shaking her hand;

<<What? But…, … I…, so…>> Sofia stammered to herself, in shock at the news;

<< You will become a mother, oh my God! >> Andrea exclaimed, hugging her while Lucrezia still couldn't believe it.

<<Your friend is right, she will become a mother next year. We have to wait little longer for sex but from the first checks I can tell you that fetus in perfect health.< p>

From now on you will have to take precautions to protect your baby, including no stress at work and lots of rest >> the doctor prescribed;

<< Don't worry doctor, we'll keep an eye on you >> Lucrezia replied with tears in her eyes;

<< We have to warn Leonardo, he will become a father >> proposed Andrea crying;

<< Tomorrow he has the second test of the last exam of the training course and it's better not to destabilize him, I'll tell him after he's finished >> Sofia replied.

When she thought of her future husband, a veil of sadness fell on her face and her mind immediately raced to the moment in which he would leave for deep space while she would remain on Earth to raise that child, hoping, one day, to see him safe and sound again. .

What prospects was he offering to that creature? How much time would he spend with a deep space astronaut father? Furthermore, Leonardo aspired to push to the edge of the solar system so it was likely that he would not see it for many years, if he ever returned safely to Earth.

<< Miss, are you feeling well? This is fantastic news isn't it? >> the doctor asked her, seeing her still, almost trembling;

<<Of course doctor, it's just that I didn't expect it>> Sofia replied in a faint voice;

<< Now go home and rest, gestation takes many months. We'll see you again in a few weeks for a routine check-up >> replied the man, discharging her.

Andrea and Lucrezia took her back to her apartment, making sure she followed the doctor's instructions by making her lie down on the leather sofa where she loved to sit, after which they broached the subject of Leonardo.

<< Can you tell us the real reason why you got dark in the hospital? Aren't you happy about becoming a mother? It's a blessing >> Lucrezia began, sitting next to her;

<<That's not the reason>> Sofia replied, lowering her gaze;

<< I bet the problem is your husband and his stupid desire for space adventures >> added Andrea, sitting down on a chair taken from the kitchen;

<< You guessed it, I don't want my child to end up like him, he doesn't have good memories of his parents so why does he want to do the same thing with his son? >> Sofia wondered;

<<Maybe when he knows that will become a father think again, could go as far Mars and back without going into the band of gas giants>> Lucrezia replied;

<< You've never seen the way his face lights up when he talks about space, you can tell he's determined to go there. Nothing will stop him, not even a child >> Sofia replied, caressing her belly repeatedly;

<< Sorry if I tell you but you knew what you were getting into when you decided to marry him so now you can't pretend to be surprised >> Andrea reminded her.

<< At the time I didn't know that I would become a mother>> Sofia justified herself by taking it out on her friend for slapping her so brutally with the rag of truth;

<<Andrea is right, we can't blame Leonardo for not being honest about his intentions so the only thing to do tell him truth.< p>

It is up to him to make the final decision but if you try to hold him against his will it will be much worse and you will lose him forever >> Lucrezia advised her.

Sofia trusted his advice much more than Andrea's as it inspired her with confidence and tranquility as if she were a second mother.

<< This wedding will really be full of fireworks, think about what your parents will say when they find out that they will become grandparents >> thought Andrea;

<< I don't know, at the beginning I didn't even want to invite them to the wedding >> Sofia confessed;

<<Why? >> asked Lucrezia surprised;

<<You can't avoid them forever, they're always your mother and father>> Andrea pointed out;

<< We are not on good terms, when I left home we argued and since then I have never returned so having to face all this alone scares me to death >> Sofia confessed with tears in her eyes;

<< We are here and for the moment so is Leonardo so you don't have to be afraid. For starters, there's no need for you to come to the office, from today no more work>> Lucrezia ordered her;

<< Let me continue decoding Pandora's consciousness, we're almost there and I don't want to miss the moment when we discover what's behind it >> Sofia begged her with the look of someone who ardently desires something;

<<Okay but only that and you will do it from home, the rest of tasks be taken over by Andrea, at least as long remain on maternity leave>> Lucrezia ordered.

After making sure she was okay they left her alone in her apartment, it was late in the evening and they were very tired so they decided to return to their respective homes allowing her to reflect in peace on her future.

Now that she was about to get married and become a mother she would have to put her pride aside by reconnecting with her family and confront Leonardo on the issue of the child, all without losing sight of the work on Pandora that was in the pipeline.

For a moment she feared that her future husband would be frightened upon hearing the news of the baby and would cancel the wedding, however the idea immediately disappeared from her mind.

Since she had known him he had shown her on several occasions that she could trust him and this reassured her, he would not have abandoned her at such a moment.

The following morning arrived earlier than many had wanted so while the boys headed to the island of Lampedusa to face the second part of the last exam of the training course, Sofia woke up with the awareness that from now on things they would never be the same again.

At the first light of dawn Leonardo and the others found themselves at the "Training Facility" where Astolfi was anxiously waiting for them.

He had his arms folded and was looking up, aware of the importance of the moment.

Getting through that final hardship unscathed meant graduating as qualified astronauts as they had the highest scores of all the remaining cadets.

<< Good morning and welcome to the final act, today you will face the practical test and just like yesterday you will have to demonstrate that you are able to correctly carry out all the tasks that we have simulated in the past months so good luck and give it a go >> explained the officer.

The boys headed to the locker room where they began to change and as they did so they felt a certain nervousness, anxiety was creeping into their minds.

<< I don't know about you but I'm a little nervous >> Chiara began;

<< To tell the truth I also have a knot in my stomach but I think it was the cake last night. Where the hell did you keep it, may I know? >> Lucia replied looking at her boyfriend;

<< I have preserved it as it should, don't worry, do you think that after this exam we will be able to call ourselves astronauts in all respects? Furthermore there will be Leo's wedding and the first space mission, in short a lot of interesting things are about to happen to us >> Orlando replied;

<< Before rejoicing, let's make sure we get promoted because Astolfi won't give us any gifts >> Leonardo suggested.

Once they were ready, the crane lowered them into the pool and, helped by the divers, they dived to the bottom. Once they were in position, the exam began which consisted of demonstrating that they were able to do the following perfectly:

1. Operations in depressurized modules;

2. Maintenance of station modules;

3. In-orbit assembly and disassembly procedures;

4. Movement of cargo;

5. Experimental operations.

Even though they had acquired great manual skills in working on the bottom of the pool, they still encountered difficulties in assembling and dismantling the modules or antennas. Aware of this, they had tried to improve as much as possible, however it undoubtedly represented their Achilles' heel and Astolfi exploited it to the full.

The test was mainly focused on that aspect, in fact Orlando and Alice immediately ran into difficulty when it came to dismantling some antennas affixed to a laboratory module, they were screwed in so tightly that they didn't want to come out.

To continue with the exam it was essential to complete that step correctly, at first Leonardo and Lucia offered to give him a hand but Astolfi blocked them.

<< They have to do it alone because in space there is no room for weaknesses, everyone must know how to carry out their own task otherwise it will damage the entire team >> explained the general.

<< Come on guys, we believe in you. You can do it, you just have to believe in it >> Leonardo said trying to stimulate them;

<< Leo is right, you are our two rocks >> added Chiara.

Orlando and Alice felt flattered but it didn't change the fact that the antennas didn't want to come out, the screws seemed stuck or melted, they were so hard, furthermore they were both consuming a large amount of energy, risking compromising the rest of their test.

<<We must do it at all costs>> said Alice, leveraging the screwdriver;

<< It's useless to keep trying, this little devil doesn't want to come out >> Orlando replied, turning purple in the face from the effort.

They spent an hour in that situation but they couldn't get to the bottom of it and in the end they had to take a moment to breathe otherwise they risked having a heart attack.

<< Don't give up, find the right technique and everything will be simpler >> said Leonardo;

<< Let's try to put pressure on the base of the screws, maybe they will loosen a little. At that point we push as hard as we can and see if we can get to the bottom of it >> Alice proposed, receiving Orlando's approval.

Removing those antennas was vital for the continuation of the exam as they covered the external space of the module on which Leonardo and Lucia had to place the heat shields while Chiara had finished moving the cargoes so everyone was waiting for Alice and Orlando to complete their tasks.

Another problem was the time available, being late on the schedule they could not afford further setbacks otherwise they would not have finished the operations on the modules in time, a fundamental point of the exam.

<< On the count of three >> said Alice, positioning the screwdriver under the head of the antenna screw;

<<Whenever you want, I'm ready>> Orlando replied.

The two pushed with all the strength they had left in their bodies and then tried to remove it but with great regret they realized that it wouldn't come off.

<<I don't understand, I thought it would work>> said Orlando, frustrated by that situation;

"There's something strange here," Alice noticed.

As they pushed they had raised some small pieces of a strange substance that were now floating in the water before their eyes.

<< The screws have been siliconed! That's why we can't take them off >> Alice exclaimed.

<<Now what do we do?>> Orlando asked her;

<< First we have to remove the substance so take the screwdriver and remove that imperceptible layer that is between the metal of the module and the base of the screw head >> Alice explained to him.

In a few minutes they removed the antennas and finished arranging the external part of the "mockups" after which they moved on to the second phase of the exam which consisted of carrying out some operations inside the modules simulating a flight in space.

<<It's not fair, this part wasn't present in the training>> Orlando complained;

<< Stop complaining >> replied Lucia who couldn't wait to get out of that pool.

She was suffering more than the others and had difficulty holding back the vomit rising from her stomach.

Astolfi had added a further difficulty in which a malfunction of the graphene batteries was simulated, followed by a blackout inside the modules.

"What the hell is going on? >> Alice asked looking around.

Inside the "mockup" the lights suddenly went out leaving them in total darkness.

<< The graphene batteries have stopped working but we have to understand how to return energy to the module >> replied Leonardo.

They headed to the section of the "mockup" where the batteries were located and found them at the end of their life, a big problem because without power they couldn't get out of the module which had activated the emergency procedures so they were stuck inside.

<< This is a big problem, where can we get two more graphene batteries? >> Orlando asked, panicking;

<< Let's stay calm, it's an unexpected situation but we have to find a way to get to the bottom of it, if Astolfi has placed this obstacle it means that we can overcome it so don't panic >> Leonardo continued.

They racked their brains but nothing came to mind that could get them out of the trouble the general had decided to put them in, wanting to test them in a situation they hadn't experienced during the four months of practical training.

First they looked for a second pair of batteries but obviously they weren't there, it would have been too easy then they tried to remember if there was any help in the theory manuals studied during those two years

In fact there was but it required replacing the batteries since there were always some spares in each station.

<< We don't have power and we can't replace the batteries so we have to think about how to use the old ones >> said Sofia, recovering her lucidity.

<< If you haven't noticed, they're cooked, gone, completely fried >> an increasingly terrified and anxious Orlando replied;

<< Arguing is of no use, we must remain calm otherwise we will fail >> Chiara intervened, trying to defuse the fuse of discord;

<<You're right, we have to stay mentally clear so let's relax and think of a solution>> Leonardo suggested.

They didn't expect to find themselves in a similar situation, they had been betrayed by excessive confidence in their abilities.

They had taken it for granted that after four months of practice nothing would hinder them, but Astolfi had managed to insert a grain of sand into the gears of their security.

<< We know it's graphene, right? What are its properties? I believe this is the keystone >> Lucia proposed;

<< If we don't bring the batteries back to life we're screwed >> Orlando replied.

The more Leonardo listened to him the more he wanted to punch him in the face and if he didn't stop being so pessimistic he would fall into temptation.

<< Graphene is a material made up of a monatomic layer of carbon atoms with a thickness equivalent to the size of a single atom and has the theoretical resistance of diamond combined with the flexibility of plastic.

As suggested by the ending "-ene" in its name, the atoms are hybridized in the sp² form and therefore arrange themselves to form hexagons with angles of 120° while the structure deforms in the presence of imperfections such as pentagons or heptagons instead of hexagons.

With 12 pentagons you have a fullerene and the presence of single pentagons or heptagons causes ripples on the surface.

An ideal layer of graphene consists exclusively of hexagonal cells, whereas pentagonal or heptagonal structures are defects, the planar layer of graphene deforms in the presence of an isolated pentagonal cell until it takes on a conical shape, if instead there are 12 pentagonal structures you have a fullerene .

Similarly, the presence of an isolated heptagonal cell causes a deformation that transforms the planar structure into a saddle and the controlled insertion of pentagonal or heptagonal cells allows the creation of very complex structures.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes can be considered graphene cylinders, sometimes at the ends of these nanotubes there are hemispherical structures made up of graphene sheets containing 6 pentagonal structures that act as "caps" >> explained Chiara, a great material science enthusiast ;

<<What else do we know?>> asked Leonardo;

<< Graphene has various properties but none of them will be useful to us in this situation >> Chiara replied, starting to feel discouraged.

Astolfi continued to watch them from his position, starting to wonder if he hadn't exaggerated the difficulty of the test, perhaps it would have been enough to hide some spare batteries instead he had chosen a rather creative way to test them.

He looked nervously at the clock and realized that time was passing slowly but inexorably so they had to get a move on if they wanted to complete the exam on time and complete all the other required tasks.

<<It was nice to meet you and say that I hate water, damn H₂O>> Orlando cursed but just at that moment the spark of intuition went off in Chiara's head;

<<You are an underrated genius, you know that right?>> he told him, starting to laugh;

<< Are you talking to me? >> Orlando asked her.

<< We are surrounded by oxygen and hydrogen which represents a source of clean energy and we also have graphene batteries, if I'm not mistaken there is the possibility of producing hydrogen starting from water by storing it right between the carbon atoms of the graphene.

We can turn batteries into a kind of catalyst that breaks down water molecules and splits them into hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl (OH) groups.

The hydrogen produced is absorbed on the graphene itself which offers a natural storage system at room temperature, to release the hydrogen simply heat the graphene to temperatures of around 130°C >> explained Chiara;

<< Oh my God it's done, let's get to work immediately >> said Leonardo but at that moment Astolfi intervened, having listened to the girl's explanation.

In a surprise move he interrupted the exam by ordering the assistant divers to get them out of the water as soon as possible as the test was over.

<<What's happening? I don't think we've run out of time>> said Leonardo, terrified at the possibility of being rejected;

<<We should still have a few hours>> Lucia replied.

The divers deactivated the emergency procedures of the module in which the boys were located, inviting them to come out, one by one they were loaded onto the crane which took them to the poolside where their teacher was waiting for them.

<< Go and change, I'll wait for you in my office >> Astolfi told them;

<< Sir, perhaps we don't have much time but we can still do it and... >> Leonardo tried to say but the general turned his back on him and walked away.

The five went dejectedly to the locker room, Orlando had tears in his eyes.

<< I must solemnly apologize to you, if I hadn't wasted time with those damned antennas we would still be in the game now and... >> he whined as he was consoled by Lucia;

<< You have nothing to do with it, I intend to appeal against this unprecedented decision, furthermore the exam rules are clear: as long as there is even a single second available the candidate can be promoted and we still had time, little but there it was >> Alice explained.

When they had finished changing they joined Astolfi in his office where the man had been waiting for them for several minutes.

They lined up next to each other even though it was clear from their faces that they wanted to be somewhere else entirely.

<< Today I observed you very carefully and in the end I decided to suspend the exam as I had seen enough >> Astolfi began, looking at their faces one by one;

<< Before you fail, let me say... >> Alice began to speak but the man raised his hand, stopping her immediately;

<< I stopped you after listening to you solve the problem of graphene batteries, almost no one would have succeeded but you went ahead and found a solution.

You were able to deal with an unexpected situation and this is what is expected from astronauts so I officially inform you that you have been promoted therefore you have successfully completed the training program.

I welcome you as qualified astronauts within the Italian Space Agency but you will have to wait a month for the graduation ceremony.

It will take place on December 20th at the sixth and last level of the Astronautical Headquarters as a sign of continuity with those who have been in your place in the past, it represents a sort of passing of the baton >> Astolfi explained, making a smile appear on his lips.

The boys couldn't believe what they were hearing, they entered the office with their hearts down, believing they had to start from scratch but instead they were astronauts, the dream of a lifetime finally realized and in the most daring way possible.

<<Aren't you saying anything? Are still in shock? You should be happy, let your hair down and go celebrate!< p>

Your first mission should take place at dawn in 2072 so you have time to enjoy this moment and if I'm not mistaken there is still a wedding to celebrate >> added the officer;

<< We thank you sir..., ... we are honored to..., ... yes in short... >> Orlando stammered with tears in his eyes;

<<It's okay, don't worry, there will be time for speeches. Now go back to the Astronautical Headquarters and celebrate, you really deserved it>> said Astolfi, dismissing them.

They turned and walked out of the office, still in disbelief at what had happened.

They only realized they had made it when they were outside the "Training Facility", finally reaping the fruit of two years of hard work.

<< YES! >> Orlando shouted with all the voice he had in his body and that cry of liberation also unplugged the feelings of his companions.

They hugged each other in front of the entrance to the building, they jumped and danced, Lucia and Chiara cried with happiness while Leonardo still didn't believe it.