Chapter 13 Part II - END

He trusted them therefore, having received the necessary reassurances, he shared with the four friends everything that Pandora had revealed to him. It was a very tortuous story because it included some parts that were very difficult to understand.

<< It's an incredible story, are you sure? Didn't you dream it? Maybe you fainted due to lack of oxygen >> Orlando replied, refusing to believe him.

<< I can guarantee you that it's all true so we absolutely have to set out to try to find out if there is something on the edge of the Kuiper belt.

It could represent the salvation of humanity, do you understand? >> replied Leonardo;

<< I'm with you and I believe it's all true, do you remember when we were in Aquarius? We saw the same symbols and in that case we were all very smart so I'm on Leonardo's side. I vote in favor of leaving for the Kuiper belt >> Alice replied;

<< I'm here too >> added Chiara;

<< This story is absurd but I'm sure of one thing: I certainly won't be the one to condemn humanity, if there's even a one in a billion chance that Pandora is wrong I won't throw it down the toilet so I'll be on board >> said Lucia .

All that was missing was Orlando's assent who hoped that his beloved would give him support but seeing her so convincingly on Leonardo's side convinced him to accept.

<< Ultimately it would be about doing our job so okay, let's go! >> he exclaimed;

<< We should give ourselves a name, something that refers to our mission >> proposed Alice;

<< What do you think of "The Crazy Gang"? >> Orlando asked sarcastically.

Nobody could think of anything really evocative then Lucia had the right idea.

<< I propose to call ourselves "The company of hope", what do you think? >> the girl began, believing she had had the right intuition;

<<It's fine for me>> Leonardo replied, followed closely by the others.

While "The Company of Hope" was being forged on Earth on the space station, Sofia, Lucrezia and Andrea were in the hospital.

Unlike Leonardo, they did not understand that they had seen Pandora's consciousness in its final form. Furthermore, they did not know how to read its language as they did not understand it. However, they knew the future of humanity thanks to the film that Pandora had shown them, even if at the moment they only thought about that of Sofia.

After she fainted, they rushed her to hospital, fearing the worst, but after the first tests, the doctors reassured her.

The fainting had been caused by excessive stress, otherwise both Sofia and the fetus were healthy, however they decided to keep her under observation for a day or two, just to be safe.

The two friends were allowed to stay by her side, on the condition that they did not cause her any more stress otherwise the pregnancy would have had complications.

<<Thank you doctor, let's stay here>> said Andrea, taking two chairs, one for himself and one for Lucrezia, placing them on the sides of the bed, waiting in silence for Sofia to wake up.

Neither of them wanted to talk about what they had seen. Furthermore, absorbed as they were in their respective thoughts, they forgot to inform both Sofia's parents, who returned to their home after a few days, and Leonardo of the fainting.

<< Maybe we should... >> Andrea said trying to break the ice but immediately fell silent.

Lucrezia felt she had a huge gorilla on her shoulders, she was the director of the fifth level and the highest ranking to have seen that stuff, at least as far as she knew so it was up to her to announce it to the rest of the world.

After several hours Sofia woke up, her head hurt, she felt very strong pains throughout the rest of her body but, like every mother, when she realized she was in hospital she turned her first thoughts to the health of the fetus.

<< What am I doing here? Has something happened to the little girl? >> he asked, opening his eyes;

<< You are both fine, you fainted after..., ... seeing that..., ... you remember it, right? >> replied Andrea;

<<Are you sure the little girl is okay?>> repeated Sofia, touching her belly with her hands;

<< Don't worry, the doctors have assured us that you are in perfect health but you don't have to stress >> Lucrezia reassured her.

Sofia breathed a sigh of relief as she rested her head on the cushion of the bed again while the two friends continued to look at her without knowing whether to continue talking about what had happened.

<< Maybe I shouldn't talk about this topic but we need to discuss Pandora, have you two seen it too or am I wrong? Do you think she's crazy? We have to turn it off or... >> Sofia began, caressing her belly.

At that moment Lucrezia received a warning from Astronautical Headquarters in which they advised her that Pandora had returned to working normally and seemed more efficient than before.

<<Who was he?>> Andrea asked her;

<< From the Astronautical Headquarters they let it be known that Pandora has returned to normal and there are no traces of that mysterious alphabet, apparently it has even improved.

In his source code there are no traces of unknown symbols, however the code of his consciousness has disappeared and is nowhere to be found, it seems he has engulfed it >> explained the director of the fifth level;

<< Ok but we know what we saw, right? We should do something, I would like to remind you that it was the three of us who made the mess by putting her unlocked conscience into Pandora so we have a duty to intervene and then that video was scary. I knew I was right, Pandora can predict the future >> Andrea retorted;

<< Don't say it out loud, we don't know if his prediction is correct, however we won't do anything at all, first we will wait for Leonardo and his expedition to return to Earth, only then will we understand what to do.

I have to call him to find out how he is, I hope the Earth space station hasn't suffered any major damage >> Sofia replied;

<<Why wait? We have in our hands something capable of revealing the destiny humanity, we can save species if follow its indications>> complained Andrea who would have liked to reveal his discovery to the world.

She felt cheated by that decision, after all it was she who put her heart into it but now that she had finally made it her friends asked her to wait, if someone else had gotten there she would have lost everything and she couldn't allow it .

He jumped up from his chair and crossed his arms at chest level and began to nervously walk around the room.

<< I'm sorry but I can't, I won't let the discovery of the century be stolen just because of your excessive prudence so I will make the announcement to the public describing in detail what Pandora is, with or without you >> said Andrea leaving the two friends stunned.

At that point Lucrezia also got up from her chair and stood in front of her with the proud look of someone who knows how to enforce her authority, she didn't like being disobeyed.

<< I am the director of the fifth level and your superior, as such I expressly ordered you to keep your mouth shut until we know how to behave.

Only then will you be covered with honors, am I clear? >> he replied in a dry and peremptory tone.

He looked her straight in the eyes in defiance and Andrea understood that if she disobeyed she would be fired from the Agency.

No matter how much they knew each other, Lucrezia would not have given her a chance and since Pandora was a technology covered by state secrecy, a declaration on the matter without the necessary authorization could cost her prison.

<<Okay boss but know that if I am defrauded of my merits then will make you pay>> she replied sitting down again;

<< I'm not interested in glory >> Sofia reassured her, taking her hand.

The real reason why Andrea accepted that decision was the fear of losing their friendship, she knew they wouldn't damage her and being her only friends she didn't want to find herself alone once again.

<< Very good, now I will contact Rome and we will all decide the next moves together >> Lucrezia announced, getting up to contact Carigge.

Going out into the corridor she was about to warn him but then stopped, she couldn't say to him "Dear director, I inform you that Pandora has predicted the future of humanity and our only hope of surviving is a suicide mission to the limits of the solar system".

She put her hands on her face then tightened her hair, what was she supposed to do? Probably even in Rome they had seen that silver sphere made of incomprehensible equations but perhaps he had missed the film but he didn't know what to do.

She decided to contact him to understand what he knew and while she waited for the director's hologram to appear in front of her face she hoped with all her might that he was unaware of the prophecy because she didn't want to reopen the topic.

<< Good morning Lucrezia, Pandora caused some disasters but now everything is fine, right? >> Carigge asked her, appearing to her in holographic form.

<< Good morning sir, everything seems fine now but I wanted to ask you what you saw in Rome. At the fifth level we need to know the full picture of the situation, has Pandora shown you something that we missed? >> asked Lucrezia;

<<A silver ball appeared but disappeared into thin air after a couple of minutes instead you?>> replied the man;

<< The same thing happened to us. I'll let you know as soon as I have any updates on the matter, have a nice day >> Lucrezia cut it short.

Once the call ended she returned to Sofia's room, heartened by knowing that she could still manage the situation, she just had to make sure that Andrea didn't do anything stupid and then she could decide what to do.

She knew she was playing with fire because if Carigge had discovered what secrets she was keeping from him he would have fired her but she couldn't think of a better solution.

<< In Rome they only saw the silver sphere so only the three of us are aware of this prophecy. Furthermore, even if we wanted to make a public announcement, what could we say?

We don't know what the basis is from which Pandora drew her conclusions therefore we need to understand more before making risky moves >> Lucrezia informed her;

<< I don't want to lose your friendship or even seem like a hothead but the world needs to know, we have created the first general artificial intelligence in the history of humanity and its abilities are incredible.

If I have to keep quiet I will but are we sure that keeping something like this hidden is the best thing to do? >> asked Andrea.

The girls could not know that they were not the only ones who knew the prophecy as they shared that burden with Leonardo and his friends whose goal was to complete the expedition on the space station by completing all the assigned experiments and once they returned to Earth they would decided how to behave.

Over the next few days, the five boys completed their respective spacewalks, with Pandora's help they made various plants bloom in the greenhouse, examined cellular tissue samples, and finished the remaining assigned activities.

After Alice and Orlando it was Lucia and Chiara's turn to do their first spacewalk so they put on their extra vehicular suits and headed out of the space station.

<<It's incredible>> said Lucia, moving towards a laboratory module that needed repairing;

<< If we go to the Kuiper belt we won't see this beautiful geoid again >> Chiara replied, looking at the Earth, passing her a screwdriver with which to dismantle the broken panel to replace with the healthy one, just printed in 4D;

<< The Jovian space station is identical to this one therefore we will not need to study other theory manuals and they have also received another module capable of hosting three additional astronauts >> added Chiara.

< < With all that space available we will be able to throw a party with aliens if we meet any >> Lucia retorted laughing;

<< Girls stay focused, the first spacewalk is always special so stop talking nonsense >> Leonardo filming;

<< Under orders, captain >> they replied in chorus, winking at each other.

Such an understanding would be crucial once in deep space.

The boys talked among themselves about future missions to carry out but, unlike in the past, they felt less calm because they knew that Pandora was hostile to them and could kill them at any moment.

The following day it was Leonardo's turn to carry out his first spacewalk so he appointed Alice vice-captain after which he chose Orlando as his adventure companion by going again to the space greenhouse where some plants were emerging early so they had to collect data.

<<Are you ready captain? Going out there is an experience that leaves its mark on>> his friend told him;

<< That's why I'm here so let's do it >> Leonardo replied, bringing with him some tumor cell tissue.

It had to study its behavior in outer space, outside the space station modules, recording its evolution.

<< I wanted to apologize to you for my reaction after your story, I shouldn't have responded to you in that way and I bitterly regret it.

This is our job and I have to accept the consequences >> Orlando told him, grabbing him by the arm as they stood in front of the exit door;

<< Don't worry, everything is forgotten otherwise I wouldn't have chosen you as a companion for my first spacewalk >> the friend replied.

They exited the module and began to float in the void, for Leonardo it was an absolute first and he immediately thought of his parents and was struck by a pang in his heart.

When he stepped outside the space station a shiver went through his back, now he knew what his mother and father had felt.

He felt like a superhero, a special and at the same time privileged person, as he walked on the external deck towards the greenhouse he saw the Earth and thought about how many would have liked to be in his place, about the effort made in the two years of training, about the tears but also to the joys, one above all the daughter who would be born in that same year.

Arriving at the greenhouse, he admired the most beautiful plants he had ever seen and then headed to the table on which the PCs were placed, held firmly to the ground thanks to graphene-plated steel bolts.

<<The Agency has done things in a big way>> said Leonardo;

<< The scientific value of these plants is immeasurable >> Orlando replied;

<< Enough pleasantries, do your job >> Alice rebuked them from inside the space station.

There, plants and flowers from all corners of the planet were cultivated in order to identify which were the most suitable for living outside the Earth and whether they could also grow in other environments.

Leonardo placed the case containing the tumor cell tissue in a special tray in which there was a very particular liquid where the human tissues showed their characteristics and mutations in a hostile environment.

Orlando looked at him with one eye while with the other he stared at some plants from which bluish flowers were sprouting.

He would have liked to pick one up and immerse it in amber and then give it to Lucia, just as the flower would have been preserved for millions of years, in the same way their love would have been imperishable, whatever happened.

Amber was a fossil resin of vegetal origin with a characteristic translucent yellow-orange colour. By incorporating a flower into the resin, more or less the same effect was reproduced except that it was done using an epoxy resin of chemical origin and completely transparent with the result of immobilizing a flower or object within a crystalline form as if immersed in glass, preserving it for millennia.

<<Do you want to get one?>> Leonardo asked him, noticing his friend's greedy look;

<<Actually yes but I don't think can do it>> Orlando replied;

<< In theory you are right but that plant has many flowers so if you take one away I don't think anyone will notice >> Leonardo retorted.

Orlando approached the plant, tearing off the most beautiful flower it had, placing it in his suit pocket, promising to immerse it in amber once he returned to Earth.

The two boys stopped to admire that splendid panorama and then began maneuvers to return to the space station module, successfully completing the operation.

During their stay on the space station they conducted many experiments, one of the most important was to print food, medicine and even prosthetics in 4D with the aim of improving the healthcare of astronauts in the Agency's space outposts and to do so they used some materials that they had brought from Earth.

As far as 4D printing was concerned, the fourth dimension was that of time, in fact the shapes created with that technique had the ability to change over time.

An object created in 4D was printed like any other made with 3D technology but using advanced and programmable materials capable of offering different functionality once in contact with hot water, light or heat.

A 4D printed object changed its shape and/or behavior over time, an application example was biomedicine with which it was possible to revolutionize the lives of those who had suffered trauma and were confined to a wheelchair or it was possible to print materials organic substances capable of adapting to contact with blood, healing internal bleeding.

While they were inside the space station they also tested the famous EM Drive by 4D printing some models of satellites that mounted that particular type of engine and releasing them into orbit.

Some were really large and weighed several tons so much so that it took them two days just to produce them.

The results of the experiments were quite comforting and would allow the Agency to evolve the EM Drive.

The fifteen days of stay on the space station came to an end and it was time to return to Earth, they did so reluctantly as they had become accustomed to living up there, after all, all the Agency's space outposts were equipped with every possible and imaginable comfort therefore the astronauts couldn't complain.

The evening before departure they gathered in the common room and as they ate their last meal in the space station they looked repeatedly at Earth.

Their eyes exuded nostalgia at the thought that very soon they would abandon her not knowing if and when they would see her again so they wanted to enjoy her to the fullest.

The station was at a perfect altitude for taking breathtaking panoramic photos and the boys didn't miss the opportunity.

<< I'll take it to the Kuiper belt >> said Orlando referring to a shot that immortalized Africa from above;

<< Why did you choose that image? >> Lucia asked him;

<< It will remind me of the time spent on Kilimanjaro, that experience has remained with me and it is the best photo, the shades and colors are perfect.

If we return safely from the Kuiper belt I would like to spend some time there, it is a fascinating continent with a very ancient and often underestimated culture >> he explained to her.

Lucia was very struck by that explanation, she had just discovered a secret side of her boyfriend that had been unknown to her until then.

<<Do you think we will see Earth again?>> asked Alice;

<< Now let's think about going back and then we'll see >> Leonardo cut short.

Among the five he was the one who had the most to lose, he had recently married and his wife was expecting a baby girl from him but he wouldn't be able to enjoy it.

On the one hand he felt privileged because the salvation of humanity was in his hands, on the other he cursed Pandora for having chosen him to make her revelations.

<<When I tell Sofia what discovered she will have me locked up in a psychiatric hospital, I'm sure of it>> he thought as he ate his dinner.

That night no one could sleep, so many thoughts gathered in their minds that it prevented them from falling asleep but in the end the time came to abandon the space station so they boarded the Pigafetta, ready to return home.

They closed the hatch and began the undocking maneuvers from the space station, taking the first step towards returning to Earth.

<< Everyone in your seats, we're going home >> Leonardo announced, sitting next to Lucia, the designated pilot of the mission.

The girl started the separation sequence from the space station which gradually became smaller until it disappeared completely from their sight.

In a few minutes the spacecraft was on its way again and guided by Lucia's expert hands it masterfully changed orbit and lowered gently.

The heat shields did their job protecting them from re-entry into the atmosphere which was not as simple as they expected, they encountered a lot of turbulence and at a certain point they feared they would not overcome it but in the end they succeeded in their feat.

While they carried out the necessary maneuvers on the island of Lampedusa Astolfi and Sofia eagerly awaited his return, above all the girl couldn't wait to hug her husband again and talk to him about Pandora.

He constantly kept his hands crossed at his chin in prayer, he knew that these were routine maneuvers and yet there were at least a thousand things that could go wrong condemning the crew to death.

<< Don't worry, they are smart guys, they will land without problems. If you can't handle the pressure you can go and sit outside, I'll call you when it's all over >> Astolfi advised her;

<< Thank you but I have to stay here >> Sofia replied.

The Pigafetta lowered more and more, at a certain point the astronauts inside saw Lampedusa and aided by Pandora they glided onto the island successfully.

The spacecraft rested on the

The door opened, letting out the five crew members who were immediately taken to the Agency's medical facilities where they would carry out all the necessary checks to ensure that their bodies were well.

The Agency's assistants took them from Pigafetta, removing their helmets and gently placing them on stretchers.

The boys were taken to a large white room where they were stripped of their intravehicular suits and dressed in blue overalls and then subjected to medical tests.

They went on all day taking blood tests and other things but in the end they were in excellent shape and were able to return to their respective homes.

<<This evening you are all invited to my house, Sofia has prepared a wonderful dinner>> Leonardo began wearing his "Delfi" reading his wife's message;

<<I can't wait>> added Orlando, whose stomach had been rumbling for a while.

Sofia had organized a welcome home dinner in her apartment to which she had also invited Lucrezia and Andrea with the aim of talking about Pandora.

When Leonardo set foot in the house his wife ran towards him, hugging and kissing him, she hugged him so tightly that she almost suffocated him.

<< Be slow otherwise you'll strangle me >> he told her;

<<I missed you so much>> he replied;

<<Do you want us to leave alone?>> Orlando asked ironically.

After having had an excellent dinner they addressed the topic of Pandora and Leonardo revealed to his wife and her friends what he knew, leaving them dismayed with the exception of Andrea who envied him for the privilege he had received.

<< Lucky you, I wanted to be there in your place >> he told him;

<<Now what do we do? If the "Unistory" is correct don't have much choice, to leave as soon possible for Kuiper belt in search of mysterious object discovered by my parents>> Leonardo replied;

<< Curb your enthusiasm, for all we know that body could very well not exist, if we haven't heard of it up to now it's certainly no coincidence.

We are talking about a mass ten times that of Jupiter. It would be a huge body, how could it have stayed hidden all this time? >> replied Lucrezia;

<<Maybe the situation is not clear. It only possibility of survival human race>> Leonardo replied to her.

<< It would be large enough to contain enough Helium-3 to solve the global energy crisis and save the world.

Going back to fossil fuels would mean polluting the environment to the point of destroying it so there aren't many alternatives >> added Lucia;

<< If I'm not mistaken, the Agency was in a hurry to find new astronauts for deep space, you even have five of them so why are you resisting so much? >> Orlando said, grabbing a Sicilian cannoli, devouring it in a few bites.

Lucrezia was unable to counter those objections because the Helium-3 reserves were running low and new deposits were needed as soon as possible otherwise the energy would run out, as a leading figure in the Space Agency had the task of preventing this.

<< Tomorrow I will speak with Carigge and I will let you know, from the data at our disposal I can tell you that your evaluation of the fifteen days spent on the space station will be 100 out of 100, this should make you eligible for a deep space mission.

Usually one undertakes a journey to Mars and then returns to Earth and only then reaches Jupiter as the Agency's policy is to gradually lengthen the distances faced by astronauts >> Lucrezia explained but the boys were not interested convinced;

<< There's no time, we have to go as soon as possible >> Alice replied impatiently.

<< If there is such urgency we can send another team, you are very good astronauts but there are some in the Agency with many years of experience behind them who would be able to successfully face a journey of this type >> yes defended the director of the fifth level;

<<If Pandora went crazy again, who would you listen to? Leo is the only person he deems worthy of his attention and we're a team so ones can pull this off. To succeed in undertaking we must have on our side but five us guarantee>> Chiara explained to her;

<< They're right, something like this can't be done without Pandora, if she's a sentient being and only trusts Leonardo then they must be the ones to go on the mission >> Andrea interjected.

The girl's lips trembled when she uttered the words "being sentient" in reference to artificial intelligence, it was the type of discovery that would undoubtedly revolutionize the world and sooner or later the Agency would have to show it to the rest of humanity.

In all that crowd of opinions the only one to remain silent was Sofia, the pregnancy was increasingly exhausting and even though she now didn't have the stress of work knowing Leonardo was leaving for the edge of the solar system made her tremble with fear but she didn't want to show it.

She behaved like a perfect hostess for the entire course of the evening, keeping her opinions to herself, she knew that any attempt to convince her husband not to go would be in vain, especially now that he was the only one capable of taming the new Pandora.

<< Okay, I'll talk to Carigge, the Agency is always on the hunt for brave astronauts who want to challenge deep space, I'll let you know as soon as possible.

As for Pandora, we keep the matter to ourselves, apparently we are the only ones who know and it would be better not to spread unjustified fears >> said Lucrezia;

<<It's fine for us, panic is the last thing we need right now>> Leonardo retorted;

<< Telling people that their civilization is in danger of extinction is not the best thing to do so we are here >> added Chiara.

Sofia waited for the end of the evening and when she was alone with Leonardo they sat on the leather armchair, next to each other as they loved to do.

Leonardo gently rested his head on her belly to feel if the fetus was kicking.

<<How soon do you think you'll leave?>> he asked him with his voice breaking with emotion;

<< I don't know but the first we go, the first we come back, I want you to understand or rather that you two understand something very important: I don't face this journey lightly, I would like to stay on Earth to see this little girl be born and grow up but unfortunately I can't.

Pandora only trusts me so I am forced to leave >> he explained to her;

<< How did others react when they heard your story? >> he asked him laughing;

<< Orlando is the one who took it the worst, I don't think he's very happy about going all the way to the Kuiper belt, but the girls seem much more willing.

We are talking about a very arduous journey, the longest ever undertaken in the history of our civilization given that no human expedition has ever gone so far >> he explained to her.

Leonardo was strangely calm, when he broached the subject he didn't get upset in the slightest unlike others like Orlando who was clearly against it despite having agreed to be part of the expedition.

Sofia and Leonardo weren't the only ones who didn't sleep that night, in the lower apartment Lucia and Orlando discussed animatedly the imminent mission that awaited them and he wasn't at all enthusiastic about it.

<< This is madness, if no human expedition has reached there there must be a reason, why do we have to do it? >> he wondered going back and forth in the bedroom;

<< Do you still want to have a planet to live on or not? >> Lucia replied to him, impatient with his cowardly attitude;

<< I know what I said about the space station but we have to think about it carefully, is it a big decision, what if we don't have to return? What if this massive body didn't exist? Maybe it was just a miscalculation by Pandora, do you really think the Agency will send someone to save us?

I say no >> Orlando repeated;

<< If you want to back out, go ahead, no one is forcing you to come but let me be clear, to avoid any misunderstandings: I gave my word that I would go and I will, with or without you >> Lucia reiterated;

<< I know what you think and you know equally well that if you go I'll be in the game too but if we fail we'll be dead >> Orlando underlined;

<< You complain as if you were a primary school child, why don't you take Sofia's example? She would have every right to do so, however she completely supports Leo's choice because she understands its importance, she knows how fundamental it is and she is pregnant instead you will have to share a lot of time with the woman you love, I imagine your heartbreak >> Lucia reproached him.

Alice and Chiara were also talking about it in their ground floor apartment however they were both enthusiastic about the idea of saving all of humanity.

<< We could become the heroines of a new generation of women, inspire them with our deeds, push them to study scientific subjects.

I can already see myself on the cover of "Women at the forefront", what do you think of this pose? >> Chiara asked ironically;

<< It would be wonderful but think about how important it is to have created a general artificial intelligence, we are talking about a quantum leap for the human race as well as the "Unst", "Unic..." >> Alice replied;

<< "Unistoria" >> the girlfriend corrected her;

<< Exactly her, the way in which it was developed is truly revolutionary. From what I understand it is a new science that encompasses the entire knowledge by placing it under one large umbrella.

Doesn't that sound fantastic? >> Alice asked.

<< I have always been a supporter of technology, over the centuries it has helped man progress, making us become the civilization we are today, however I wonder if with Pandora we haven't gone too far.

We are talking about an artificial intelligence whose superiority is so overwhelming that it is able to develop "Unistory", a science that man would not have achieved for four or perhaps five hundred years.

I just wonder if it is right to trust so blindly in this new science which, however exact, has not yet been tested in the field >> Chiara thought aloud.

Alice was not of the same opinion, she continued to maintain that Pandora could be trusted while her fiancée remained sceptical however the "Unistoria" would have allowed her to travel the universe and for the moment that was enough for her.

Chiara wondered what would happen if something went wrong during the trip, would they still have the Agency's support if they miraculously managed to return to Earth but empty-handed?

Everyone believed Leonardo's story but if they had failed what would have happened to their careers? He didn't want to throw away two years of hard training.

This thought scared her more than the idea of not returning to Earth, she had always seen death as an integral part of life in a process in which one did not exist without the other.

He knew he couldn't escape the black reaper so he might as well live briefly but intensely and what better way to do that than travel to the edge of the solar system?

<<If we are making a mistake, the Agency is not there and will forgive us>> said Chiara.

The following morning Lucrezia, who hadn't slept a wink all night, contacted Carigge to convince him to organize the expedition of Leonardo and his team, however she couldn't reveal the real motivation for the mission so she made up an excuse.

<< Good morning director, to what do I owe this very urgent and early morning call? Other problems with Pandora? >> he asked her in holographic connection;

<< Good morning sir, luckily Pandora works well. The reason why I contact you is another and I hope you have a few minutes of your time to listen to me >> she replied;

<< Please, just say it >> Carigge invited her;

<< The results of the expedition of Leonardo and his team are exceptional, no crew has done better on its first time on the Earth space station so, if you agree, I would like to make an exception by sending them as soon as possible into deep space to research of that super massive object I mentioned some time ago.

I have already spoken to all five boys and they said they were enthusiastic about the idea so I wanted your approval before starting the preparations for the expedition >> explained Lucrezia.

Carigge listened to him in silence, however he was not very convinced by those arguments, in his eyes such haste was unmotivated.

<< Can't we send another team? The Agency has astronauts with more experience, with this I don't want to belittle you or the kids but a mission like this is very risky and above all very expensive, furthermore the government is after us because of the budget issue so we can't take risks >> he replied to her Carigge;

<< I understand your doubts but I personally guarantee for each of them, they are the best and we also have solid evidence to support the fact that enormous quantities of Helium-3 can be found on this massive object.

We analyzed its position in the solar system and its size, reaching the conclusion that it could contain enough Helium-3 to satisfy the entire energy needs of humanity for the next four or five centuries but to find it we must send the best team and that of Leonardo it's right for us.

You don't want to risk being remembered as the director who let a resource of this magnitude fall into the hands of our competitors, do you? Parliament wouldn't take it well >> Lucrezia lied, knowing her superior's attachment to the chair.

Carigge was under pressure due to the ongoing global race to conquer new Helium-3 deposits and Lucrezia knew that mentioning this resource would push him to give the green light to the expedition.

<<Are you sure? Before authorizing such a mission we must have high probability of success>> the man replied;

<< I personally guarantee however time is running out and we cannot waste even a second or we risk letting the precious loot slip away so I need your green light and I want it now >> Lucrezia attacked him.

Carigge was taken aback by such a decision because he had never seen her so sure of herself, in the past when they had confronted each other she had always seemed rather reluctant to take risks but it was precisely this determination that made him capitulate.

<<Okay, proceed, you officially have my authorization, however I would like to point out that if things go wrong, we both under>> he said, closing the call.

Lucrezia was calling him from her office on the fifth level, it was so early that only she and a few orderlies were there while the employees would be arriving shortly.

Once the call ended, he got up from his chair, sat down on one of the sofas placed in front of his desk and relaxed.

She was gambling her career by betting all the chips at her disposal on what could have been a hallucination of a novice astronaut and yet her instinct told her not to be influenced by doubts and to move forward because she was doing the right thing.

In the depths of his soul he knew that Leonardo had told the truth so if they had remained idle it would have been a catastrophe for humanity therefore that expedition had to leave as soon as possible.

He sent a message to the five members of the group summoning them to his office at 9 o'clock to inform them of his phone call with Carigge, after which he went to the coffee machine, preparing a double espresso which he felt he needed to face that long day.

At the appointed time the boys with Sofia and Andrea reached the fifth level and entered his office and sat down on the sofas awaiting clarification regarding the expedition.

<< Thanks for coming, I don't want to waste time so I'll get straight to the point: this morning I spoke with Carigge about the mission in the Kuiper belt and I'd like to inform you that we have the official green light so I have already given the order to start the preparations.

After having consulted with the technicians and having made all the necessary considerations I can tell you right now that you will leave from the island of Lampedusa towards the Moon on 2 April 2072 so you will have two months to prepare but you don't have to worry about it.

Once you arrive on our satellite you will receive further training, the same thing will happen when you arrive on Mars >> explained Lucrezia.

They didn't expect to leave so soon but at the same time they were excited not to have to be worn out by the wait.

<<Okay, we're ready>> Leonardo began, breaking the silence;

<< April 2nd is near but we won't back down now that humanity needs us >> added Lucia.

The others did not respond, in particular Sofia and Orlando were shocked to hear the date of departure but having already given their consent they could not back down so they were forced to accept Lucrezia's decision.

<< Once we have passed Mars, how will we communicate with Earth? >> asked Orlando, frightened, whose sweating was rather rapid;

<< Our space laser communication technology is unmatched so we will never lose sight of you.

Thanks to the progress obtained from the fifth level we have managed to improve it further so you can rest assured, in any case this information will be provided to you during the mission preparation course which will begin in a few days, on February 1, 2072.

Until then you are free so enjoy the Earth because you won't see it again for a while >> concluded Lucrezia.

The boys left the room, still disorientated by the news they had received and not knowing what to do or where to go. The next day Lucrezia would officially announce the mission, catapulting them further into the spotlight.

They wandered like lost sheep inside the fifth level and in the end it was Leonardo who brought them out of that state of confusion by deciding to all go to the marina together.

Andrea remained in the office, replacing Sofia as director of the Pandora Lab while the latter joined the group of astronauts.

That news dealt a hard blow to Sofia's heart but by now she was resigned to the idea of seeing her beloved leave.

Once they reached the marina they took a walk on the pier to refresh their ideas, after which they decided to meet again that same evening at Sofia and Leonardo's house to have one last dinner before starting training for the mission. Once this was done they separated into three small groups.

Sofia and Leonardo walked on the beach then returned to the house to prepare food, Lucia and Orlando went to the center to do some shopping where the boy gave her the flower immersed in amber while they were sitting at a table in a bar.

<< I shouldn't have taken it but Leonardo gave me permission, I want our love to remain as immutable as this flower >> he explained to her, melting her heart.

Chiara and Alice decided to go home and once they entered the apartment they first had sex then called their parents informing them of the latest developments.

When the family learned the news they burst into tears, they couldn't accept the idea of not seeing their daughters again for who knows how long, blessing the day they had decided not to break relationships with them.

Obviously the girls provided only the necessary information, not being able to reveal the real reason for the expedition, they said that it was an expedition aimed at scientific research and from a certain point of view it was not wrong.

The evening arrived quickly and the sky was extraordinarily clear so much so that many stars could be seen, perhaps fate had wanted to honor them by giving them an exceptional setting before the fateful announcement of the following day.

<< Tomorrow morning at ten o'clock sharp I will give the news and I would like you to be by my side >> Lucrezia began;

<<No problem, we'll be there>> Leonardo replied.

The evening went smoothly and when everyone had left Sofia decided to go to bed, exhausted from that day full of emotions and with the baby kicking in her belly.

Leonardo stayed awake, the evening was warm and he wasn't sleepy so he went out onto the balcony to enjoy that beautiful starry sky.

He stared at him thinking back to what he had experienced up to that point, more than once he turned in the direction of Sofia's bedroom and, having made sure that she was sleeping, he took a Cuban cigar purchased from a shop in the city out of his uniform pocket, lit it and started smoking it. .

The first puffs were the most difficult but he soon got used to it and when he was halfway through he began to taste it, as he did so he thought one last time about his parents knowing that from the next day nothing in his life would be the same as before.

Other astronauts would probably have protested because they were passed over by five brats with no experience in deep space. Furthermore, he imagined everything he would have missed such as family, happiness and the tranquility of an earthly life and yet he knew he had to go.

He stayed outdoors until two in the morning then went to sleep, entered the bedroom and with the utmost delicacy got under the covers but his wife was waiting for him and when she saw him she hugged him taking him by surprise.

<<We two will wait for you>> she told him with tears in her eyes, he looked like a wounded fawn;

<<I'll be back, I promise>> Leonardo reassured her and in doing so they fell asleep hugging each other.

Around that time the lights also went out in the lower apartments of the building where Orlando, Lucia, Chiara and Alice lived.

<< Tomorrow is the big day >> Orlando began, also getting into bed;

<<Are you sure want to come? It's your last chance save life>> Lucia told him;

<<If I backed out would regret it for the rest of my life>> Orlando replied.

<<So in the end we will do it>> said Chiara, sitting on the armchair in her apartment after having had sex with her girlfriend;

<< It will be the most incredible journey in the history of humanity and I am happy to be able to do it with the woman I love >> Alice replied.

Andrea and Lucrezia returned to their respective apartments but were unable to sleep, the former did not stop thinking about the great potential of Pandora while the latter continued to ask herself if she had been right to bet her career on five young astronauts with a future that was anything but Certain.

The next day Lucrezia would announce the mission in front of the entrance to the Astronautical Headquarters and everyone wanted to be at full strength so, more or less, they went to sleep or tried to do so.

A new journey was about to begin.