Chapter 2

                                      Chapter 2

The following morning at 06.30 sharp Leonardo jumped out of bed and headed to the bathroom where he rinsed his face thoroughly even though he hadn't slept much the previous night, after all insomnia haunted him every time he had bad thoughts in his head. 

This time he felt all the tension of the case and he had reason for it: the last message left by his parents reverberated in his head like thunder and he continued to think about Alice and the time spent together.

<< I have to get it out of my head, we're just friends. I can't forget why I came here, she is just a useless distraction for me that will lead to ruin! What would my parents think if due to sentimental issues I wasn't able to reach them wherever they are? Without a doubt they would be ashamed of me >> he thought, looking in the mirror and yet he couldn't help but think of his face.

He left the bathroom and put on his uniform and headed to the third level where he would begin training to become an astronaut.

In this regard, the Agency envisaged three phases: pre-flight training (basic, advanced and mission-specific), during the flight (maneuvers with robotic arm, spacecraft piloting, medical) and post-flight rehabilitation phase.

Basic training alone lasted two years at the end of which, if it was successfully completed, one became an officially qualified astronaut and this happened because each candidate, before being selected, was an expert in a specific scientific field while for that job it was essential to have knowledge basis in numerous and varied fields.

The training was based on knowing the systems of space stations orbiting the Earth, Moon, Mars and Jupiter plus theoretical study of the functioning of ground bases on the Moon and Mars, flight operation and safety, basic knowledge in astronomy, mechanics orbital, earth sciences, medicine and biology, survival exercises in the jungle, in the water and in the high mountains. Furthermore, for two weeks the winter one was held on Etna where between January and February the temperatures fluctuated between -5°C and - 16°C.

Training was carried out on extra-vehicular activities (EVA) and on the EMU suit, on robotic knowledge, on the basic study of the Magellan and Pigafetta spacecraft used in the various space missions and on their systems. Furthermore, for those without experience of piloting aircraft there was a course sector-specific training, especially useful for learning how to land the Magellan on the Moon or Mars.

Once officially qualified as astronauts awaiting a space mission they were assigned to the various departments of the Astronaut Office (Department of Exploration, Robotics, Extra Vehicular Activities, Crew Operations and others) where they acquired further knowledge in that field from engineers and technicians of the Space Agency.

In advanced training, qualified astronauts played the role of CAPCOM (Capsule Communicator) in flight controller simulations while waiting to obtain the CAPCOM qualification and also cover that role in the mission control room of the various orbiting space stations or on the ground during more dynamic activities such as vehicle docking and EVAs.

Leonardo had studied space engineering at the Polytechnic, specializing in robotics and consequently, like other freshmen, he had no practical knowledge in maneuvering the Magellan but what scared him most was the flight training.

He had never picked up a control stick and when for fun he tried to fly a plane on a simulator it was a disaster, crashing on a mountain on the first try so how could he compete with those who had received private lessons?

<< Don't let adversity or doubts scare you, you can do it >> he repeated in his head as he took the elevator to go to the third level.

Even though he was ten minutes early, he found everyone else in the classroom waiting for their teacher and, looking for her, he easily spotted Alice who was talking animatedly with Orlando and the two twins.

<< Good morning everyone >> he began, joining the conversation;

<< You've finally done it! I thought you had given up >> Alice mocked him;

<< Seriously, only you were missing but luckily the teacher hasn't arrived yet >> Orlando added, patting him on the shoulder.

Even though he didn't know Leonardo personally, he knew who his parents were and he had taken a liking to Alice who spoke very highly of him so he decided to befriend him even if at first Leonardo was surprised by his way of acting.

Suddenly the door opened and a dead silence fell in the room as if a corpse had been found only this time it was respect towards the teacher that had twisted the tongues of the freshmen.

<< Gentlemen, good morning everyone, please keep quiet so we can begin >> announced a middle-aged man with short blond hair, blue eyes, powerful jaws, a proud and determined look, a sunken mouth and a button nose.

He wore a completely light blue suit and matching shoes, the Space Agency logo clearly visible on the heart and four golden stars adorning his sleeves with a pair of silver wings finely embroidered on the back.

The stars represented the degree of seniority within the Space Agency while the silver wings were awarded only to those who had surpassed Jupiter by going on a mission or on one of the gas giant's natural satellites or even going further on some natural satellite of Saturn or Uranus.

That face was well known to many freshmen but it didn't say anything to Leonardo even though he noticed some classmates whispering something about their teacher's exploits.

They had been divided into three classes of 20 students and each room had 20 desks in pairs of two, Leonardo took the first available seat in the second row and to his great pleasure Alice decided to sit next to him.

<<Are you following me?>> the girl asked him jokingly;

<< I could say the same about you >> he replied, being interrupted by a cough from the officer who announced the start of the lesson.

<< I am General Ferdinando d'Aringhi and I will be your teacher regarding the first phase of basic training, in this class you will learn the theoretical notions regarding the functioning of the systems of the various space stations.

I am referring to both orbiting and ground-based ones, in particular the Italian Space Agency is one of the five in the world to independently own a space station orbiting around the Earth, the Moon, Mars and Jupiter, we also have two autonomous outposts on the ground on the Moon and Mars as well as participating in the International Solar System Research Program with two ground stations also on the Moon and Mars managed by the UN Space Agency in collaboration with other world powers, from the USA to the EU via China and Russia.

In this course you will know everything there is to know on a theoretical level about the Magellan and Pigafetta spacecraft, two of our flagships. We will also study basic concepts of astronomy, orbital mechanics, earth sciences, medicine and biology,

At the end of the two years, those of you who have made it will be given this one >> he interrupted himself, touching his suit with the index finger of his left hand before starting again.

<< The blue suit is the symbol that you have become full-fledged astronauts, while for those rejected, the memory of the experience will remain and the possibility of trying again in a year even if almost no one tries a second time.

Each course is divided into three parts: theory, simulation and practice at the end of which the final exam of each course will take place which will be averaged with the marks obtained during the other tests. To become an astronaut you will have to achieve a minimum score of 99/ 100 below which you will be automatically discarded because here we only want excellence.

Having said that, please wear the viewers on your right which contain all the manuals to study for the theory part and be very careful because if you don't know it perfectly you will have no hope of passing the course exam >> the man finished explaining by motioning to the boys to put on the visor.

Apparently they looked like simple black sunglasses with a slightly larger than normal oval lens squeezed inside, in reality they contained the Agency's digital library from which the kids could consult over 100,000 volumes.

<< Search for "Space manual for astronaut, theory course 1 on flight systems" please. Inside you will find all the information relating to our space outposts and the Agency's spacecraft of which you will need to know everything.

I will give you some basic information by explaining the steps that the Agency deems most difficult. Furthermore, your glasses are connected to mine so I will be the one scrolling through the pages so don't be scared if they seem to move on their own.

The Agency has four identical orbiting space stations made up of three modules of which two laboratories and a "core module", they can accommodate a maximum of three astronauts at the same time, have a T shape and orbit between 340 km and 450 km from the surface of the various celestial bodies, the central module together with the two laboratories attached to the sides allows for a total habitable volume of 110 m³.

The stations are all equipped with a life support and resource recycling system for the astronauts on board, they are powered by a graphene battery recharged by a micro nuclear fusion reactor with Helium-3 propellant installed in the "core module" which it supplies energy to the electrically powered ion thrusters while for transmissions each module has a laser communication system as well as a wireless emergency system that sends information to the ground in S band.

On board the stations, mainly scientific activities in astronomy, space life sciences, biotechnology, microgravity, basic and materials physics are carried out with the addition of an external platform for experiments and extra-vehicular activities.

Each station is accompanied by the Margherita Hack space telescope whose field of view is 10,000 times greater than Hubble but due to the low stability of the stations and to guarantee high quality images it cannot remain attached to them therefore it is placed in the same orbit as them so as to be able to attack for maintenance activities.

The heart of the station consists of the 16.6 m long "Milky Way" module with a maximum diameter of 4.2 m, weight of 22.5 tons and a pressurized space of 50 m³, sufficient for a prolonged stay of three astronauts.

The module has a frame made of 5A06 aluminum alloy and is divided into three sections: a front hardpoint, a pressurized area and an aft service compartment crossed by a pressurized passage to another rear hardpoint.

Externally it has two solar panels, two attachment points for the "payload" and a robotic arm for extra-vehicular operations with a load capacity of 25 tons. Furthermore, the module has a connection node with 5 attachment points and controls the flight structure of the stations as well as hosting the astronauts' accommodation.

The hatch facing Earth, Moon, Mars or Jupiter serves as an airlock for spacewalks while the central pressurized section has a diameter reduced to 3.35 m and the aft hatch is connected to it through the service section which houses the main engines, communications and power systems.

The main module has a 100 V power supply and has backup graphene batteries in case there are problems with the main ones.

I repeat once again that you need to know this information because it could save your life when you are on a mission in space as well as help you pass the course exam.

The two laboratories are called Galileo and Montalcini of which the first is divided into three sections which include a pressurized work compartment, a central "airlock" and a service compartment which also performs secondary control roles, the work compartment in addition to offering space for scientific purposes can serve as a storage area, has two pairs of solar panels, the secondary arm of the station, 30 external and 26 internal "racks".

The Montalcini is divided into three sections, the first of which is pressurised, the second is non-pressurised for application and the third is non-pressurised for service. It also has two pairs of solar panels, 37 external and 26 internal "racks".

As regards the two ground outposts on the Moon and Mars, they are also identical in this case, composed of:

1. "CisLunar/CisMartian Transportation Facility" which supports round-trip transfers between the Earth and the Moon or between the Moon and Mars including descent, landing, ascent and return;

2. "Long-Term Support Facility on Lunar/Martian Surface" consisting of various support modules for operations on the lunar or Martian surface;

3. "Lunar/Martian Transportation and Operation Facility" which consists of modules for lunar or Martian exploration and cargo transportation;

4. "Lunar/Martian Scientific Facility" to support orbital and surface experiments;

5. "Ground Support and Application Facility" composed of various data centers and facilities for surface support operations >> he explained, stopping to drink a large glass of water.

<< Sorry for the interruption but I have to catch my breath. After seeing the various orbiting and ground stations we move on to the Magellan spacecraft which, as I mentioned earlier, represents a true jewel in the crown.

Designed and built directly by the Italian Space Agency, it consists of two stages: the super-heavy launcher (the "SuperHeavy") and the actual spacecraft (the "StarShip").

Magellan has a height of 120 m (50 m "StarShip" + 70 m "SuperHeavy"), a diameter of 9 m, a mass of 5000 tons and is made up of 2 stages with a payload towards low Earth orbit of 100 tons.

The "SuperHeavy" or "booster" is 70 meters long and has a diameter of 9 meters with a total take-off mass of 3065 tonnes.

Made up of a stainless steel structure with a graphene battery inside which powers the totally electric ion propulsion generated by a compact nuclear fusion reactor with Helium-3 propellant which supplies energy to the 33 Cristoforo Colombo engines which generate 100 MN of thrust upon take-off it is completely reusable thanks to the graphene legs which open allowing it to land comfortably on the ground, allowing the Agency to save a lot of time and money for the various launches.

The "StarShip" is the fully reusable second stage with integrated "payload" section that has the ability to operate as a manned spacecraft on long duration flights in and beyond Earth orbit, it has 6 Christopher Columbus engines that provide 12 MN of take-off thrust always with a graphene battery that powers the totally electric ion propulsion generated by a compact nuclear fusion reactor with Helium-3 propellant.

It is built in three versions:

1. Spacecraft i.e. a large spacecraft capable of carrying passengers or cargo to interplanetary destinations, to LEO or between various places on Earth;

2. "Tanker" i.e. a load-only "tanker" capable of sustaining the refueling of propellant in Earth orbit allowing a heavy aircraft to be launched into interplanetary space given that the aircraft consumes the tank twice if refueled in orbit, once per enter LEO and the other to leave Earth orbit finally the design achieves a Delta-v similar to three-stage rockets without needing the corresponding mass ratios;

3. Satellite deployment aircraft, i.e. an aircraft with a large cargo hold door that opens into space to facilitate its placement in orbit or its recovery or the collection of space debris depending on the mission we entrust to it.

Some important features of "StarShip" are:

1. The ability to return close to the launch pad using retro-propulsive landing and reusable launcher technologies developed by the Agency;

2. The reliability of landing at a level of safety similar to that of airliners;

3. Transfers of propellants in orbit from the "tanker" to the "StarShip";

4. A "StarShip" with its load is capable of flying to the Moon or Mars after loading propellant into orbit;

5. Stainless steel construction as the strength-to-mass ratio is comparable to or better than previous carbon fiber composite design alternatives over the intended temperature range from cryogenic to high atmospheric reentry temperatures;

6. Some parts of the aircraft are constructed of a stainless steel alloy that undergoes a type of cryogenic treatment in which the metals are worked to produce a cold-treated steel that is much lighter and more resistant to wear than traditional steel;

7. "StarShip" has a pressurized volume of approximately 1000 cubic meters configured in 40 cabins, large common areas, a central warehouse, a galley and a solar storm shelter plus 12 non-pressurized aft containers for a total volume of 88 cubic meters .

When "StarShip" is used in BEO launches the operation of the overall system of the expedition includes the production of propellant on the surface of Mars, this is necessary for the return journey and to reuse the aircraft at minimal cost.

Lunar destinations (flybys, orbits and landings) are possible without propellant depots on the Moon as long as the craft is refueled in an elliptical orbit prior to lunar transit.

Last but not least our legendary propulsion system as "SuperHeavy" and "StarShip" are powered by Cristoforo Colombo engines both in their "sea level" and "vacuum" versions with a chamber pressure of 33 MPa (330 bar; 4 800 psi).

The engine has been designed with a particular focus on the reliability of each individual component and having seven means we are able to mitigate the failure of another engine or even two under any circumstances so you can lose two and still be confident in the good success of the mission.

In some cases you can lose even four engines and that's still fine so you only need three to land, three out of seven, so the spacecraft is designed to achieve landing reliability at the same level as the safest airliners.

Obviously this transport system is not used for the missions we carry out at our space station orbiting the Earth, in fact to transport our astronauts there the Agency uses another spacecraft, the Pigafetta which is available in two modes:

1. Transport of crew from Earth to the Space Station and back;

2. Cargo for transporting payload.

The Pigafetta has a life support system (ECLSS) capable of supporting the crew for the duration of the flight, is equipped with portholes, latest generation avionics, redesigned solar panels and a modified external structure.

It has an integrated LES (Launch Escape System) capable of launching the aircraft away from the rocket in an emergency with an acceleration of 11.8 m/s² (39 ft/s²) achieved using eight side-mounted Fermi engines grouped in pairs redundant in four engine "pods" with each engine capable of producing 71 kN (16000 lbf) of thrust to bring the crew to safety in emergency situations that force the abandonment of the mission.

The advantages of this configuration instead of the conventional rescue tower are the reusability of the system, the possibility of using it until reaching orbit and the increase in safety resulting from the elimination of a separation event.

The Pigafetta is powered by a graphene battery that generates a completely electric ion propulsion thanks to a compact nuclear fusion reactor with Helium-3 propellant and is ideal for flight around the Earth as it has the following characteristics that make it make it unique:

1. Reusability i.e. partially reusable, it can fly several times significantly cutting the cost of access to space and can also fly ten missions before significant reconditioning is necessary;

2. Capacity, i.e. it can transport seven astronauts for seven days if they need to fly around the Earth, otherwise up to five if they need to be sent to the space station;

3. Landing i.e. ditching with four parachutes and the possibility of an engine-assisted landing should there be problems with the parachute.

4 . Engines i.e. eight Fermi engines mounted laterally grouped in four groups of two, each engine is capable of producing a thrust of 71 kN and each group of engines, called "quad", contains two Fermi engines and four Segri engines for control of trim.

Normally the fuel from two "quads" is used for maneuvers in orbit while the other two for re-entry. Furthermore, the Fermi engines are completely 3D printed while the combustion chamber is printed in "Inconel", an alloy of nickel and iron;

5. Docking i.e. it can dock autonomously to the space station but in case of problems the "berthing" is used, i.e. a non-autonomous system in which the docking is completed by a robotic arm with which the Pigafetta is equipped, in case of further problems the pilot is able to take commands manually;

6. Heat shield i.e. an improved third generation "PICA-X" heat shield;

7. Controls placed on mobile "touch screens" for optimal use by the crew;

8. Atmosphere, i.e. the spacecraft can operate even if depressurized and the crew wears space suits to protect themselves in case of problems. Furthermore, it is possible to return to earth safely in the presence of a hole of 0.6 cm in diameter;

9. Active control of the center of mass to allow more precise attitude control during re-entry and more precise landing;

10. Reusable front cover i.e. the second structural element of the launch aircraft protects the docking system during re-entry and landing by rotating on a pin located on the side of the capsule unlike the cargo version of the capsule which ejects it once in orbit;

11. Hold, i.e. the third structural element of the spacecraft which contains the solar panels, the radiators and provides aerodynamic control in the event of abandonment of the mission.

The landing system includes three different scenarios:

1. Propulsive landing on land;

2. Parachute landing similar to other Agency capsules;

3. Landing with parachute assisted by engines >> concluded the teacher, remaining silent for a few minutes, useful for him to catch his breath and for his students to contemplate those jewels of technology.

<< To bring the Pigafetta into orbit, the Agency uses the Brunelleschi rocket composed of two stages, both driven by Bernardini engines with a graphene battery which generates a completely electric ion propulsion thanks to a compact nuclear fusion reactor with Helium-3 propellant. the first stage is totally reusable.

The Brunelleschi has a height of 54.9 m, a diameter of 3.66 m and a mass of 333.4 tonnes, is two-stage and has the following payloads:

- Towards 25-ton low Earth orbit;

- Towards the 12.5 ton geostationary transfer orbit.

The first stage has a thrust of 6906 kN and is powered by Bernardini Gamma version engines, the second stage has a thrust of 934 kN and is powered by Bernardini Omega version engines.

As regards the specifications of the suits, at the moment it is enough to know that the Agency provides two of them, an intravehicular one for space flight and another for EMUs (Extravehicular Mobility Units) but you will address the topic soon.

Let's continue to take a look at the manual and if you have any questions please ask me without hesitation, that's why I'm here >> concluded the teacher.

The explanation continued for several hours during which the students learned in detail which electronic components they would find on board the stations and spacecraft, the procedures to be adopted including emergency ones and much more.

<< It's 12 so it's time for lunch, I'll give you two hours of rest, I'll see you at 2pm >> the man announced, getting up from the chair and leaving the room.

<< Guys, I don't know about you but I have goosebumps with emotion >> Orlando began, reaching Leonardo and Alice sitting in their seats but just at that moment the robots entered to deliver lunch, pushing him back to his desk.

<< There are a billion things to know >> Leonardo snorted, although he loved studying he was taken by surprise by the enormous amount of knowledge required;

<< One day we will go to Jupiter, what did you expect? A health walk? >> Alice replied;

<< Of course not, imagine if I thought something like that and in any case at the Polytechnic of Turin I had to face much worse tests >> he replied defensively.

The teacher returned shortly after, putting an end to the squabble and starting the lesson again which lasted until 7pm when the students were finally free to go.

<< Mr. Leonardo, will you give me two minutes of your time in private, kindly? >> the general asked him, stopping him as he left the classroom;

<< Absolutely yes, guys, I'll see you soon >> he replied, taking leave of the company of Alice and Orlando;

<< Obviously I know who you are, I knew your parents with whom I had the privilege of carrying out some missions up to Saturn, I can guarantee you a truly unparalleled spectacle.

Their disappearance was a real tragedy, it destroyed me inside >> the man began, sitting behind the desk.

At the memory of the adventures spent with his old companions some tears wet his eyes and it couldn't be otherwise, they were very close ever since they had made a very strong friendship pact after meeting for the first time in the same classroom where he was now with their only son.

<< How much did you know them? >> Leonardo asked him, sitting on a bench as the sun set, giving way to the darkness of the night;

<< We met for the first time right here but we could see that there was a very deep bond between them and yet they had no hesitation in accepting me as a friend >> he replied, stopping to sigh before continuing to tell the story.

<< On the missing Magellan, in addition to your parents, there was also my wife and before leaving I made her promise to come back to me, looking me straight in the eyes she replied that she would have done so whatever happened but evidently fate decided differently > > he finished his story with his face shocked by emotion.

Leonardo didn't know what to say or how to behave, should he cheer him up with a pat on the shoulder or let him vent? After all, he couldn't pretend nothing had happened, he was still a teacher in whose hands his future lay.

<< I'm very sorry but they knew that overcoming Jupiter meant taking risks, furthermore Pluto is located at the edge of the solar system and the further away we get the greater the unknowns to face however I am sure that they would never have abandoned us voluntarily, they were forced to do so from causes of force majeure >> he replied in a condescending tone, failing to mention his certainty that his parents were still alive.

He didn't want to give them false hopes and maybe not even himself, after all, how many chances were there of seeing them alive again after having spent years at the edge of the solar system without communicating with terrestrial civilization? Objectively almost zero.

<< I'm telling you this because everyone here knows who you are, your parents always said that one day their son would also become an astronaut and apparently they were right so if you need help don't hesitate to look for it.

They were among the most brilliant astronauts of the Agency and within the Astronautical Headquarters they left behind many friends who would be happy to lend a hand if she were to go through a difficult moment.

Don't make me unbalanced too much so go, your friends are waiting for you outside the door and I don't want to make them wait any longer >> concluded the man motioning for him to go.

Leonardo nodded his head, drawing a grimace with his mouth, making him understand that he had received the message. As soon as he left the room he found Orlando and Alice waiting for him sitting in the corridor on a bench.

Together they went to the second level where there were the accommodations and after having communicated that they would have dinner out they headed for dinner at a delicious place called "Atlantide" located fifty meters below sea level.

The restaurants in the area had decided to give discounts to all astronauts or aspiring astronauts so it was enough to show up in the official suit and you would pay 30% less than a common diner, after all they were considered a national pride, heroes who risked their lives for their country and that was the way in which the restaurateurs told them "thank you for your work".

<< Guys I have to make a confession, this evening there will be four of us and not three so I ask you to wait a few minutes before going >> Orlando announced smiling and blushing at the same time twiddling his thumbs in shame, taking his friends by surprise .

They were at the entrance to the first level and it was almost 7.45pm, Leonardo wanted to have dinner as soon as possible and then return and have some time to dedicate to studying before going to sleep so he didn't like that unexpected wait very much however he decided to put on a good face in a bad way so as not to anger Orlando.

A few minutes later, a beautiful 23-year-old girl appeared dressed in the official tracksuit, with long curly brown hair, a dazzling smile, doe-like eyes with copper highlights, a few freckles on her face, an aquiline nose and bright red lips.

<< Meet Lucia, we met in the classroom this morning and between one chat and another we immediately hit it off >> Orlando began introducing her to his friends;

<<It's a real pleasure to meet you, you must be the famous Leonardo that many talk about>> he replied showing off his beautiful smile;

<< The pleasure is all mine, welcome to our little group. My fame is linked to my parents' exploits and not to my merits >> he replied rather embarrassed and looking at Alice he noticed a hint of jealousy on her face;

<<I'm Alice>> the girl added;

<< Very pleased >> Lucia added, shaking her hand.

They went to the port where the entrance to the restaurant was located and as soon as they arrived they noticed the hologram of Poseidon, a gigantic being half man and half mermaid who was holding a golden trident in his hands on whose stick was written the words "Ristorante Atlantide" with which indicated the beginning of a tunnel that led to the actual room

They passed through the tunnel and for the entire journey fish of all sorts appeared above their heads, increasing in size as they descended further and further down, some resting on the upper part of the tunnel and appearing to greet passers-by.

<< Really beautiful >> Alice exclaimed, shaking Leonardo's hand.

Once they arrived at the entrance of the restaurant, after passing facial recognition, a robot waiter came to meet them asking if they had booked.

<<A table for four, Mr Orlando>> exclaimed the boy.

The android confirmed the reservation through voice recognition inviting them to enter the atrium, a beautiful space illuminated by soft blue neon light with a blue marble floor depicting the ocean and its fauna.

On the left there were some oak tables at which many people were sitting while on the right there was a large red granite counter behind which there was an enormous metal shelf which housed at least a hundred types of liqueurs and bitters, behind of it three robot-bartenders served customers one after the other.

After crossing the atrium they were made to sit in the main room where they ate literally surrounded by the sea, the android made them sit at a round table in the right corner equipped with augmented reality glasses with which they could browse the menu and order.

They ordered four lobster salads on a bed of mango and fried food, all strictly accompanied by still water.

<< How does it feel to be the son of two Space Agency legends? >> Lucia asked Leonardo after putting away his glasses;

<<What exactly do you mean by "legends"? From what I know they were two excellent astronauts but nothing more and yet today are the second person to call them that, a little while ago general told me similar story>> he replied;

<< They were among the first to go to Mars and to orbit around Jupiter and they also hold the record for humans who have gone further into the solar system having reached as far as Pluto and even if they are currently missing they certainly reached as far as Neptune and yours mother was among the creators of Pandora, the AI that powers everything within the Space Agency.

Why don't you know these things? Sorry if I tell you but it's strange >> replied Orlando who, as a great space enthusiast, had followed the exploits of Leonardo's parents for many years, so much so that he had a poster in his bedroom;

<<I don't know what to say but I wasn't aware of it, it's the truth>> replied the friend, falling silent.

Did he feel terribly guilty for those oversights, his friends knew about his exploits but their only son didn't? Could he have been so distracted that he didn't realize how special they were?

He had listened very carefully to his father's stories but in those stories there was a simplicity and naturalness in performing certain gestures which in his eyes had seemed obvious but instead represented milestones in human space exploration.

He was struck by a sudden anger towards his parents and while he was eating the lobster salad he thought of packing his bags to return to Turin where the rector of the Polytechnic would undoubtedly guarantee him a teaching position.

What was he doing there? Why would he go out into the stars looking for someone who had lied to him all this time? Why hadn't they told him how great they were?

<< Excuse me for a moment, I need some air. I'll be right back >> said Leonardo, suddenly standing up and rushing out of the restaurant.

He ran through the tunnel and found himself back at the port, he was short of air while an ever greater anger rose within him, he wanted to take off that suit and tear it into a thousand pieces right there in front of everyone.

Alice realized from the tone of his voice that something was wrong so she decided to run after him to make sure of his condition and prevent him from committing something stupid that he would regret in the future.

As soon as he was outside he found him with his hands leaning on a wooden fence while he looked at the horizon with the sea in the background and some tears ran down his face.

His gaze spoke of a man whose soul was full of bloody wounds.

<< Are you okay? From your look I understood that you didn't like Orlando and Lucia's words and I don't want to defend them but they are only admirers of your parents and their exploits so I advise you to forget it >> he said approaching him;

<<Did you know? I mean the story of legends, their fantastic records that they collected while waited for them at home hoping to see alive and well>> he asked her, staring straight into her eyes.

He didn't answer immediately but lowered his gaze making him understand that the answer to his question was affirmative and even if he didn't tell him at the time because he knew it would make him even more angry, in reality he knew by heart every flight Leonardo's parents had taken, he admired them so much who as a child had called her little mouse Michelangelo.

<< I'm not angry with Orlando and Lucia or with you, in fact I'm happy that you are great admirers of them, and to be honest, I am too, but I should be the first to know these things, but they never told me, not even once, do you understand? ! When they told me stories about their travels they made them seem so natural and simple, I never understood how special and extraordinary they were.

I just wanted to know, instead I always make the impression of the stupid son who is here for his name and not for his merits >> he replied looking at the ground;

<< They didn't tell you about their records because they didn't want to discourage you from becoming an astronaut, you might have thought they were unattainable, making you give up, but instead they tried to convey to you the emotions and feelings they felt during each trip, in fact you became passionate about this job.

I am convinced that you are here because you deserve it and not for your name, Orlando and Lucia also think the same so put it in your head once and for all >> Alice reiterated giving him a pat on the shoulder before returning to the restaurant.

She understood the doubts he felt and although she didn't want to leave him alone she felt she had to give him space to reflect, according to her experience in those situations the best thing was to stay alone to mull over what to do.

<< Is everything ok? >> Lucia asked seeing her friend return to the table;

<<He just needs a few moments to breathe but I'm sure he'll be fine>> she replied;

<< Maybe we exaggerated with the stories about the parents, they still disappeared and telling them how crazy they were must not have been the best >> added Orlando;

<< You're wrong my friend, I'm the one who has to apologize to you >> Leonardo retorted, appearing behind them with a smile on his lips;

<< He's fine >> Lucia added with a smile;

<< I propose to make a toast to our friendship, may it last forever and overcome any obstacle life throws at us >> said Leonardo, raising his glass high.

The other three imitated him, sealing a beautiful bond from that moment on.

The following morning they found themselves in the classroom for the second day of the theory course and Leonardo was even more excited despite not having had time to study during the previous evening, preferring to go to sleep.

The lesson went smoothly and at 12 sharp the robots served lunch in the classroom allowing the students to have a chat.

Leonardo knew that if he wanted to pass the course exam he had to start working seriously but the only time of the day in which he could do so was in the evening given that classroom lessons lasted until 7pm and attendance was strictly compulsory.

<< How are you?? I haven't started studying yet >> Orlando began while they were on break and the expression on his face said it all;

<< Ditto for me therefore I have decided that from now on no more evening outings, after 7pm only dinner and study also I have heard through the grapevine that we will soon start practical training so by the end of this month there will be the course exam but I don't know if I'll pass it >> Alice replied with a worried look.

Their fears were confirmed by the general who, as soon as he returned to the classroom, answered a specific question posed to him by another student.

<< Each course has a variable duration, for example this one lasts exactly one month and at the end of each one you will have to take a final exam whose grade will be communicated to you later although there may be exceptions at the discretion of the teacher i.e. in some cases the exams there will be many to deal with, there could be three of which one for theory, another for simulation and a third for practice, it depends on the will of the instructor.

Some courses are longer and others shorter, it depends on the subject covered, however many of the notions you will learn now will be taken up later, basically I am giving you a general overview of what awaits you.

Being a beginner, the Agency has decided to make you start with something simple before raising the level, obviously if you don't study the theory you have no hope of being promoted >> he replied in a cold tone, freezing those present.

<<If this is the simple part I can't imagine rest>> Orlando whispered making Leonardo laugh who nevertheless shared his concerns.

<< How many exams are there in this course? >> asked Alice;

<< I will establish it later but I can tell you that in the practical one you will board a Magellano or a Pigafetta and once inside you will have to demonstrate that you know all the parts and procedures but I want to reassure you, you will not get up even one meter from Earth.

Don't forget that this is only basic training >> the general explained to her, putting on the visor again, continuing the explanation.

He understood the normal enthusiasm of freshmen, however going to space for professional and non-tourist reasons required time, effort and preparation.

Once the lesson was over, Leonardo said goodbye to Alice, Orlando and Lucia, immediately returning to the room where he dove headlong into studying and, although he was disappointed at not being able to spend more time with them, especially with Alice, he had to prepare for the exam at the end of the month.

He wanted to start off on the right foot, to demonstrate to everyone that he was there on his merits and not because his parents were legends of the Agency but the only way he could do it was to give his best in every course.

As soon as he was in his room he put on the visor and began to devour one page after another until 9pm when he took a break for dinner then studied again until 11pm.

Exhausted, he was about to get into bed when someone knocked on his door but who could it be at that hour? Maybe Orlando since they were in the same dorm.

<<Who is he?>> he asked out loud but no one answered.

He opened the door but no one was there, just a blue wrapped package at his feet.

He took it and took it into his room, placing it on the desk.

He shook it slightly to see if there was anything fragile inside but no particular noise came from the box so in the end he broke the delay by tearing off the paper and opening it.

Before his eyes a stone appeared set on a small metal pedestal with a golden plate at the base that read "The first rock of the first mission", together with that gift there was an old photo of his parents on the moon and then he was all clear.

Whoever had brought that gift must have been a family friend, perhaps it had been the general himself but, not being sure, he decided not to ask him, he would have made a poor impression if he had been wrong.

He decided not to even talk about it to his friends, being great admirers of his parents' space exploits they would have begged him to see that relic but he was tired of living in their shadow, if he wanted to become someone and make a name for himself within the Agency he had to leave talk about your own deeds and not those of others.

He took the gift, placing it on the first shelf of the bookcase above the desk so he could observe the rock and the photograph from any angle of the room, then turned off the light and fell into a long sleep.

In the following weeks Leonardo stuck to a strict routine: morning and afternoon lessons with a study session in the evening, no going out or distractions, just maximum concentration on the goal of passing the course exam.

Every time he found himself in his room and wanted to give up, he looked at that photo, slightly yellowed by time, and immediately the verve of better days returned to him, he took a long sigh and put on the visor again to study, after all, time passed very quickly and the exam was getting closer and closer.

Fortunately, at the beginning of the second week of lessons they moved up to the fourth level for simulations, allowing him to catch up on the theory.

The classrooms of the fourth level were not very different from those of the third but instead of desks and chairs, each of the twenty students had been given a simulator called Atlas capable of replicating anything with extreme fidelity.

Designed by the brilliant minds of the fifth level, not surprisingly the largest of the six that made up the structure, each simulator was equipped with an enhanced version of Pandora and if on the outside it appeared like a large, completely white egg, on the inside it was made up of a comfortable black leather chair and a viewer connected directly to the shell.

Each student had to sit down, put on the visor and wait for the egg to close, after which they could find themselves in any place through a mixture of holograms, virtual and augmented reality and various movements simulated by the egg.

Atlas could reproduce anything such as the interiors of a spacecraft (Magellan or Pigafetta) or of a space station (orbiting or on the ground) in the case of attending the theory course up to making its user travel to the Moon, Mars, on Jupiter, on their natural satellites and beyond, managing to bring it to the edge of the solar system.

<< Things are finally starting to get interesting >> Orlando said with an excited tone as he entered the classroom on the first day of the simulation.

The room could accommodate thirty shells so ten people from another class would have taught together with Leonardo's group but when they met it wasn't love at first sight.

<<We have company>> said a girl to her friends.

She had short purple hair and a hooked nose, square features, languid brown eyes, very small ears shown off by a military haircut and a large tattoo of a golden eagle that starting from her back showed the white head just behind the his neck.

He didn't look friendly but Leonardo didn't understand the reason because they would have done the simulations individually so there was no reason to harbor all that hatred towards the others.

As soon as they entered, the small group of ten people stood between the group of twenty with Leonardo and Orlando and the simulators, preventing them from accessing their stations, a clear attempt at intimidation that Lucia and Alice didn't like at all.

<< Get out of my way or it will be worse for you >> Lucia said to the girl;

<< Worse for me you say? If I didn't want to move, what would you do, let's hear >> he replied in a provocative tone, giving her a light push;

<<Here's what happens>> Alice intervened, giving her a good shove in turn, making her fall backwards onto her bottom.

A fight would have started if the officer hadn't entered at that very moment, putting an end to the dispute even if Leonardo's instinct told him that it wouldn't have ended there, the girl with the eagle's head on her neck would have returned to torment them.

<< Everyone enters their Atlas >> ordered the general, urging the students to enter one of the shells in front of them.

When everyone had settled down, the general sat down at the desk with one of the fifth level technicians at his side, a girl with flowing red hair, blue eyes as light as the Caribbean sea and skin as white as the sand of a tropical beach, small lips adorned with a seductive purple red lipstick, a few freckles here and there to populate her face and black glasses to complete a truly particular face.

He looked very distracted and seemed very unhappy to be there at that moment, however the Agency required that during the use of Atlante, in addition to the course teacher, there should also be a technician present capable of intervening in case of emergency despite the simulator had always shown excellent performance.

Once the kids entered the shell the engineer entered the simulation program inside through a console connected to all the eggs by a 10G connection and the entire exercise was managed from the outside so if anyone felt bad because of the The high degree of reality reproduced could not be disconnected independently from the program but required the help of the technician.

When it came to a static simulation inside the Magellan or the Pigafetta or one of the space stations there was not much to fear however if the astronauts or cadets had to test space flight or emergency landings or even survival tests then the attention was maximum.

If necessary, Atlante was also able to replicate external atmospheric and environmental conditions, therefore if a survival test was simulated in winter inside the shell it was possible to reach temperatures between +125 °C and -47 °C, in fact often someone he felt bad even though the biggest problems occurred during the flight simulations.

Atlante faithfully replicated the internal and external conditions of the aircraft as it took into consideration over 1000,000 parameters which is why after the first illnesses the Agency had a "patch" inserted with which the engineer and the teacher monitored the parameters in real time vital aspects of every student.

The moment even one of these fell or rose beyond a certain threshold, Atlas automatically turned off and the shell opened, expelling its host, but if for any reason this did not happen, the technician could manually take control of it from the outside, saving the However, the guest inside was so efficient that he never requested such an intervention.

Even though they were very well trained, the system was of such complexity that the teachers did not have full knowledge of it, hence the use of a fifth level programmer.

According to some, Atlas was even superior to the Magellan in terms of ingenuity required and was so realistic that it was used by all the space agencies in the world as a standard simulator after the government had approved its export to a limited number of nations considered friendly.

<< Very well guys, be ready and don't be scared, if there were to be any complications Sofia and I will intervene so stay calm.

First, put on the viewer and then place your hands on the arms of the chair, at which point the shell will begin to close and once the procedure is completed the lady will enter the program at each station.

At the top right you will see a red light flashing so it means that you have to wait because the program is not yet ready, when it turns green you will be able to move freely but always remaining seated, please >> explained the general.

The boys put on the visors after sitting down following the instructions given by the teacher to the letter and while Leonardo was waiting for the shell to close he saw the girl next to the officer staring at him intensely even though they didn't know each other.

<< It's probably another fan of my parents but how many are there in here? In any case, I have to stay calm by concentrating only and exclusively on myself>> he said to himself, gaining courage, soon finding himself in complete darkness.

<< Very good, proceed with entering the simulation program >> the general ordered the girl seeing all the shells closed correctly.

Sofia took the tablet, entering the program at all stations that faithfully replicated the Magellan and the Pigafetta, while they would have to wait a few more days for the orbiting and ground-based space stations.

<< Welcome aboard the Magellano, the spaceship for interplanetary travel designed and built by the Italian Space Agency, this is the first simulation of the theory course relating to basic training in 2070 >> began Pandora appearing to Leonardo as well as to the other participants;

<< Thank you very much Pandora >> he replied finding himself inside the Magellano which was exactly as the manuals described it.

<< At the top right the light is green so you can start the simulation by moving freely inside the spacecraft and if you need anything don't hesitate to ask >> added Pandora with her usual artificially calm and persuasive tone of voice which he always got on Leonardo's nerves;

<< Excuse me but how can I move? The general said to stay seated >> the churches;

<< He is using his avatar faithfully reproduced by me in all its parts including vital parameters, a virtual body with which he can perform any type of movement while the flesh and blood one is inside the shell and does not need to get up .

The objective of today's simulation is to review what you have learned in the theory manuals so if you wish you can activate the "quiz" mode with which I will assign a speech bubble to each part of the spacecraft and you will have to associate the corresponding name with it >> Pandora explained to him;

<< There's no need, thank you >> Leonardo retorted.

He looked first at his hands, then at his legs, finally he looked at himself in one of the windows of the Magellano and the more he looked at himself the more he couldn't believe his eyes: it was really him in flesh and blood or rather in "qubit" since it was a complex quantum virtual reality.

The resemblance to his real self was impressive, Atlas was so efficient that he was able to reproduce not only the facial features with embarrassing precision but was even able to modify them based on the expression that the avatar assumed.

If he had not been aware of being in a simulator he would have mistaken that world for the real one, in fact the more he simulated expressions of joy or pain the greater the degree of accuracy replicated.

<< Let's see what happens if my avatar suffers pain >> he thought, stomping himself violently on his left foot.

Almost instantly his flesh-and-blood self felt a painful twinge in the same foot causing him to jump from his chair and banging his head against the roof of the egg caused a strange noise, alerting the general.

<< Is everything okay Mr Leonardo? >> asked the teacher who could communicate with each student via a nano "bluetooth" earpiece integrated inside the viewer;

<<Okay sir, I was making myself comfortable, just have to get used it>> he replied embarrassed, laughing heartily;

<< We are not playing, next time don't step on your toes because everything the avatar does or suffers is reflected on his real body including the pain. The viewer connects remotely to your nervous system so be careful >> added Sofia in a rather severe tone;

<<If I had known it before>> the boy replied in a low voice;

<< We hear it loud and clear, rather use this time to explore the Magellan by reviewing the manual >> the general simply pointed out, making him blush.

<< Let's get busy >> thought Leonardo as he began to move inside the spacecraft which immediately proved to be much larger than imagined.

He slowly crossed the rooms repeating the names of each system and individual component out loud, he first visited the control room doing a small test on the engine ignition system then moved on to the accommodation equipped with every comfort, very spacious for being on a space aircraft used for interplanetary flight.

<< The fifth level guys did an excellent job, it really feels like you're inside the spaceship.

Now I understand why many foreign nations want to fly with the Magellan, its comfort is such that it does not make space travel stressful >> thought Leonardo, continuing to move in "slow motion" to fully enjoy that moment which for a technology enthusiast like him it was a sort of paradise.

He never would have thought that the Agency had such sophisticated capabilities.

The control room looked like something out of a science fiction film with the control "joystick" more similar to that of a console for playing with friends. Furthermore, an enormous amount of information was projected into the room via holograms and all the data appeared directly on the " cockpit" of the spacecraft.

This was just by trying to start the engines, imagine what happened during a journey.

The only consolation was the presence of Pandora whose main purpose was to help the astronauts by processing the data in the shortest possible time so as not to waste the pilots' time, greatly simplifying their work.

At first Leonardo was scared to see the control room working however he told himself that Pandora would help him and in a real mission he wouldn't be alone so he immediately thought of Alice, Orlando, Lucia and his mind calmed down.

Passing his hand over the seats he felt their softness, ideal when you have to face very long journeys that stress the body and in particular the spine, in fact they were padded internally with a special silicone membrane making them soft but at the same time adherent, preventing anyone from one sat there sliding from one side to the other.

He finished reviewing the entire Magellan just in time for lunch at 12 and when the shells opened he saw his friends equally enthusiastic about the experience but in reality everyone present couldn't wait to return to the Atlas.

<< This is crazy cool >> Orlando began, going towards him;

<< I've never used similar technology, not to mention the Magellano, and when I tried to turn on the controls all that information appeared, it was truly incredible >> added Alice who couldn't stand it anymore.

The general and Sofia remained in the room but the boys were forced to go out into the corridor to eat as there were no benches to lean on to eat lunch.

<< The girl next to the general is staring at you >> Orlando whispered in Leonardo's ear, making him jump and confirming his suspicions;

<<To tell the truth, I've noticed it too, since we started simulation he's been behaving in this way and if I have to be honest find disturbing>> he replied, turning his gaze towards her, receiving confirmation of what he had been told;

<< Go and talk to us, maybe he just wants to get to know you or simply give you some advice >> Orlando suggested, keeping his voice low, taking advantage of the fact that Alice and Lucia were discussing what happened before the simulation;

<< When we finish I will, the general is here now so even if he wanted to tell me something he couldn't, furthermore in front of all these people there is no point in unbuttoning himself too much >> said Leonardo, intent on understanding the strange attitude of that girl.

Even though he couldn't explain the reason, he felt that he had no hostile intentions towards her, but that behavior instilled a certain curiosity towards that girl in his mind.

Time flew by and it was time to return to the Atlas, once in the pods the cadets completed the inspection of the Magellan then moved on to the Pigafetta and it too turned out to be much larger than they expected despite it only being used for flights around the Earth.

Leonardo in avatar format ventured to discover the spacecraft with the same desire shown in exploring the Magellan even if the latter aroused greater enthusiasm in the cadets given the use for which it was intended.

<< Here too there is certainly no lack of comfort, the control room is practically identical to that of the Magellan, however the passenger seats are many fewer, natural given that it only serves flights around the Earth >> thought the boy.

Despite this, he had a lot of fun exploring it, remembering that it would be useful for taking the final exam of the course and, having finished the exploration a few hours later, he sat down on one of the seats with his avatar and began to think about Sofia.

He was sure he hadn't seen her before and yet it seemed to him that the girl had somehow known him for some time but it was impossible as they were approximately the same age so what was hidden behind those intense glances thrown at him during the lesson?

Time passed quickly and when the class clock struck 7pm the general asked Sofia to end the program and send the students back to their rooms.

<< Guys, that's enough for today, we'll continue tomorrow, however I congratulate each of you, we followed you from the outside and I must admit that you did very well, managing to recognize every element of the Magellano and the Pigafetta.

This is the right way to do it, now take a well-deserved break >> he communicated to all the shells.

At a wave of his hand Sofia put an end to the simulation program by opening the eggs and letting the boys out so the four friends could reunite and exchange their respective impressions of the simulation.

<< I can't wait to do it again, so have you seen the avatar? It's spectacular, I'm serious>> Lucia exclaimed going towards the others;

<< Excuse me for a moment >> said Leonardo, taking leave of the group, chasing after Sofia as soon as she left the room;

<<Where is he going?>> Alice asked suspiciously;

<< I don't know, maybe he should run to the bathroom >> Orlando retorted, trying to cover his friend, aware of his true intentions.

It didn't seem like a good idea to him to tell her that Leonardo was running after another girl who had been staring at him during the entire lesson and even if there was nothing official between the two, the way Alice looked at her friend was understand a lot.

In those few weeks the two had formed a very deep bond so why ruin it for something that could end in nothing? It should have been Leonardo who told her the truth, certainly not him.

While Orlando covered for him with Alice, Leonardo ran across the corridor but Sofia wasn't there, she seemed to have disappeared into thin air yet he was sure he saw her going in that direction.

She turned the corner but still nothing, she seemed to have vanished.

<< Are you looking for me? >> asked a female voice behind him, taking him by surprise;

<< To tell the truth, yes, and since I don't like beating around the bush, I'll get straight to the point: why were you staring at me in class? Don't deny it, my friend Orlando had the same impression >> he replied in a decisive but also a little shy tone;

<<Did you receive the package with rock and photograph of your parents?>> he asked him point blank, taking him by surprise;

<< Yes but what does it have to do with it? Was it you who sent me that package? >> replied the young man;

<< Come with me and don't ask questions >> he ordered, walking towards the elevator.

At first he didn't know whether to follow her or not, could he trust a person he had just met? In the end he let his instincts decide and went after her.

Once they reached the elevator they took the first one available to the fifth level where Sofia had her own office.

<<Why are we going there?>> he tried to ask her, getting in response a reproachful look with which she made him understand that she wouldn't accept questions until they reached their destination so she kept quiet.

Having reached the fifth level Leonardo found himself in Sofia's world which began with two robot guards at the entrance used to authenticate anyone entering and exiting there, precautionary measures given the sensitive material handled in that place.

To enter it, you had to pass facial and voice recognition as well as scanning the iris and palm of the hand and finally a different 33-character alphanumeric code had to be entered for each employee who had to remember it by heart.

Sofia skilfully passed the checks but when she was at the entrance door she realized that Leonardo had not followed her, on the contrary he had remained as still as a pillar of salt near the lift.

<<I apologize, I forgot that you are new here>> he told him by entering a second alphanumeric code which allowed him to introduce a guest into the structure.

It was a very risky procedure to carry out because if that person stole something or caused damage, whoever let him in would assume all the economic and legal consequences, however Sofia did not run that risk.

Once the robots crossed they arrived in front of two massive silver doors made of graphene and steel,

when they opened up, an enormous space appeared before Leonardo's eyes and only then did he understand why this was the largest of the six levels.

Given its size, the Agency had decided to divide it into two floors connected to each other thanks to magnetic levitation escalators, however it immediately noticed that there was something strange in that place.

The first floor was divided into four equal rectangles, each of which housed a different laboratory whose name was indicated by a gold inscription placed at the top of the respective entrance and to access it you had to go through a large brass door.

The walls of the central corridor that led to the various laboratories were cream-colored and housed a series of hologram leaflets reporting the latest news from the scientific and academic world, while during the day the lighting was provided by enormous windows through which very intense sunlight filtered in, while in the evening warm yellow lights replaced the sun allowing researchers to work even at night.

<<Aren't you afraid that they might spy on from the outside?>> Leonardo asked her seeing how intense the lights were;

<< The glass with which the entire building was built is reflective and darkening so while from the inside you can see what is happening outside, those outside the building cannot see what is happening inside.

Now follow me so we can take a tour and please listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you because I won't repeat it >> he replied leading the way.

He followed her without making a fuss because he had wanted to visit the fifth level for a long time, the only one he hadn't seen yet having already been to all the others and he also loved the scent of his guide, it reminded him of something even if at the moment his mind couldn't remember where he had already smelled that fragrance of vanilla, lavender and dog rose.

<< The fifth level is divided into two floors and the floor of the first floats on large pneumatic pylons to isolate it from any seismic activity >> Sofia began, opening a door.

<< This is the "Jet Propulsion Laboratory" whose main function is the construction and operation of planetary robotic space vehicles although Earth orbit and astronomy missions are also planned here, it is also co-responsible for the management of the "Space Telecommunication Network" which administers the the Agency's ground and satellite communications network >> he explained, leading him to a real floor of its own.

Over three hundred researchers were going in all directions but no one paid any attention to them until a man noticed the two visitors and ran towards them.

<<What are you doing here among us, Sofi? Do want to join our team? You would always be welcome, know. Today wear the perfume of special occasions, what do I owe this honor?>> asked her a man in his forties, short gray hair and an unkempt white beard, very languid blue eyes and a bulbous nose.

He was wearing black sneakers, dark blue jeans and a heavy black and gray checked flannel shirt.

He had a rather strange look on the border between distracted and moody, he reminded Leonardo of the mad hatter from "Alice in Wonderland" and he had to stop himself from bursting into thunderous laughter.

<< I thank you for your flattery but the answer is always no, I'm taking a tour with my guest.

Dear Leonardo, meet Mark, the director of the laboratory >> Sofia replied, blushing;

<< Very nice >> exclaimed the young man holding out his hand and receiving in return a vigorous shake that left him rather uncomfortable;

<<You have the same eyes as your mother, I would recognize them among a billion>> replied the man who apparently knew him;

<< Now we're going but it was a real pleasure >> Sofia cut short, taking Leonardo bodily out of the laboratory.

<<So he also knows who I am>> said Leonardo, returning to the corridor.

Between one door and another there was one where engineers and scientists walked, many of whom greeted Sofia warmly.

<< It shouldn't surprise you because your parents worked on the fifth level for a long time, your mother was a pioneer of the upper floor where we will be going soon so it is normal that they know who you are but let's not waste time talking, it's already late >> he retorted the girl looking at an atomic clock hanging on the wall showing 8pm.

She opened the second door that led to the second square, returning to explain to a confused Leonardo who still didn't understand why he was there with her, perhaps he only stayed next to her to continue to inebriate himself with her scent.

<< This is the "Advanced Propulsion Physics Laboratory" whose research group investigates a series of theories regarding new forms of spacecraft propulsion.

The group is developing the "White-Juday" warp field interferometer in hopes of observing small space-time disturbances. They are also testing small prototype thrusters that do not use reaction mass with currently mixed results.

The proposed operating principle for these quantum vacuum plasma thrusters such as the RF resonant cavity thruster ("EM Drive") has been shown to be compatible with known laws of physics including conservation of momentum and energy but not you know how much time they had to dedicate to it.

The main purpose of this laboratory is to investigate revolutionary propulsion, an area of technological development that seeks to explore and develop a deeper understanding of the nature of space-time, gravitation, inertial frames, quantum vacuum and other physical phenomena fundamentals with the overall goal of developing advanced propulsion, applications and systems that will revolutionize the way the Agency explores space.

The aim of the laboratory is to explore, investigate and pursue advanced theoretical and propulsion technologies with the aim of enabling human exploration of the solar system and beyond over the next 50 years but the final objective is to make interstellar travel feasible by the end of this century >> said Sofia, taking a very wide tour of that environment which hosted even more scientists than the previous one, leaving Leonardo speechless.

Leonardo didn't understand how the fifth level could host so many scientists and yet from the outside they all looked the same so what was the trick used by the Agency? He decided to write that question down in his mind to ask Sofia later, who gave him no respite, in fact as soon as they left the second laboratory they immediately fell into a third.

<< Here we are in the "Breakthrough Propulsion Physics Program" where we are studying various proposals for revolutionary methods of space propulsion which would require new discoveries in the field of physics before they can be realized.

Here, projects such as propellant-free propulsion, hyperfast travel, innovative propulsion methods and the use of the zero-point energy field have been addressed over the years.

In this place, electrically powered ion propulsion and graphene batteries were developed which give energy to spacecraft, rockets and space stations, both orbiting and on the ground>> he explained to him as he crossed the entire laboratory.

That place was so large that some people moved around in golf carts and Leonardo was increasingly disoriented, so Sofia, noticing his amazement, decided to dissolve his reservations by giving him the explanation he so desired.

<< Before continuing I want to reveal the mystery of the fifth level. As you know it consists of two floors and each of them houses laboratories but the secret in having all this space lies in the layout of the various rooms.

These are arranged as if they were playing surfaces in a 3D chessboard so even if upon entering it doesn't seem like it, in reality you go up or down depending on which one you visit, in this way each room gains a lot of space >> revealed the girl;

<< So we can say that each laboratory is a sort of floor in itself, in practice they are four subsets of the first floor of the fifth level >> Leonardo argued;

<< You understood immediately, it's normal that you can't see it from the outside but now you understand why the fifth level is the largest of the five >> added the young woman.

In fact it was a brilliant solution because by arranging the various laboratories in that way it was possible to obtain a mountain of space and at the same time it was possible to contain everything within a single level.

<< Hi Sofia, why do you hang out around here? I see you have a guest >> a woman in her thirties with brown eyes, jet black hair, mouth embroidered with deep purple lipstick and round glasses with dark blue frames stopped them.

She was wearing black stilettos, a knee-length skirt and a blouse unbuttoned at the neck.

<< Hi Carla, let me introduce you to Leonardo but you already know who he is. Dear Leonardo, you are Carla, the director of the "Breakthrough Propulsion Physics Program" >> said Sofia;

<<It's a real pleasure to meet you, from what I know you do magic here>> the young man began by giving her an elegant kiss on the hand, wanting to give a good impression of himself since that woman knew whose son he was.

< < You are truly a gentleman from another era. Well done Sofia, when it comes to boys you know how to choose well >> the woman replied, winking at her, making her face blush;

<<We are only here as visitors>> he tried to justify himself by throwing her a dirty look which however the woman pretended to ignore.

<< In any case, dear Leonardo, please know that the undersigned has always been a great admirer of the work of your parents and in particular of your mother, that woman was an absolute genius, one of those with a capital G.

To be honest I miss her a little, she was my mentor when I started working here and if I have been successful in life it is her credit and no one else's, however since you are in my kingdom I want to show you some crown jewels > > he said, calling via "Bluetooth" headset a self-driving golf car powered by Pandora;

<<You don't mind, do you?>> Leonardo asked looking at Sofia;

<<If it's okay for you to have dinner later, me>> she replied angrily.

After getting into the car they arrived in front of a large steel door after a few seconds.

<< Are you ready to see something that will leave you completely speechless? >> Carla asked entering her credentials, opening the doors.

Before their eyes there was an enormous concentric structure in which at the center there was a strange machine while on the sides about a hundred scientists and engineers worked hard.

<< Welcome to the "tokamak" room where we have been carrying out experiments on nuclear fusion for many years. As you well know, the "tokamak", a Russian acronym for "magnetic toroidal chamber", is a toroidal (donut-shaped) machine in which a hot and rarefied gas in the plasma state, usually hydrogen, is kept cohesive and away from the walls internal thanks to a magnetic field created by electromagnets external to the chamber.

In appropriate circumstances it is possible to create conditions within it for controlled thermonuclear fusion in order to extract the thermal energy produced by generating electricity in large quantities.

What you have before your eyes is a next-generation prototype, entirely covered in graphene processed at temperatures close to absolute zero.

Without this laboratory we would not have nuclear fusion propulsion. Beautiful, is not it? >> asked Carla, sure she would be able to surprise them;

<< I'd say fantastic, I've only seen something like this in books. In general I know how it works but I would like to know what your secret is if possible >> replied Leonardo who was entranced by that monument to human ingenuity;

<< In a "tokamak" the mixture of gases present inside it is generally composed of two isotopes of hydrogen: deuterium and tritium while the mixture of gases in the plasma state is completely ionized and therefore controllable through appropriate external electromagnetic fields exploiting the Lorentz force.

Magnetic fields are of three types: externally induced toroidal and vertical fields and poloidal fields created by the plasma itself.

The first is generated by means of toroidal coils allowing to create a direct field around the axis of symmetry of the torus which constrains the charged particles to flow along that direction while the second is generated by means of coils allowing the control of the position of the plasma throughout Finally, inside the torus the third ensures the equilibrium of the plasma which must satisfy particular requirements expressed in detail by the Lawson criterion to reach the conditions of thermonuclear fusion even if in the sizing of "tokamaks" it is more appropriate to use the ignition criterion.

To achieve these conditions, an important factor is the temperature of the plasma, by raising which very high energy is transmitted to the plasma through various techniques including "ohmic" heating, the introduction of high energy particles as well as field radiation. electromagnetic waves at the resonant frequency by means of radio frequency (RF) antennas.

In a "tokamak" as an initial condition, a high or ultra-high vacuum is created using special vacuum pumps while the ignition of the plasma current in the toroidal container occurs in five stages:

1. Current is introduced into the toroidal field coils;

2. Then a very small quantity of gas whose properties we want to study is introduced, generally hydrogen or its isotopes;

3. Current is introduced into the central solenoid which occupies the central hole of the torus, creating a flow in the core of the "tokamak", it constitutes the primary circuit of a transformer of which the torus represents the secondary circuit;

4. The current in the primary is rapidly dropped and this creates an electromotive force while the neutral atoms are ionized, creating a discharge with increasingly more electrons due to the collisions between electrons and neutral atoms;

5. The gas is no longer neutral but has become plasma and at this point the electric current due to the Joule effect heats the plasma to very high temperatures reaching a few million degrees.

If the gas introduced into the "tokamak" is a mixture of deuterium and tritium then the thermonuclear fusion reactions of plasmas can be studied, recreating in some ways the environment found inside stars.

Our secret consists in having obtained the ignition of plasma, a self-sustaining phenomenon allowing us to extract energy from nuclear fusion which does not leave radioactive waste nor is it subject to explosions or radiation leaks and in this sense it is a completely "clean".

To achieve this result it took the commitment and dedication of hundreds of scientists, you can't imagine how many sleepless nights I had to spend to complete the necessary calculations.

Working in ignition circumstances, i.e. that operating condition in which the sole power of the confined charged particles is able to support the losses due to conduction and convection is advantageous from an energetic point of view since it is not necessary to provide any external heating power to stabilize the molten plasma.

At the beginning, such an approach was inconvenient from the point of view of reactor control since it depended exclusively on the turbulent and stochastic dynamics of the plasma. However, we managed to solve this problem by using a mixture of Helium-3 and Bose-Einstein condensate as fuel.

In this way we not only stabilized fusion but also managed to make the reactors smaller, enough to be able to use them on spacecraft, rockets and space stations.

It was the research group headed by your mother that I was part of that had this intuition, before it moved upstairs >> Carla explained;

<< She was truly an exceptional woman, you should be proud of her >> added Sofia looking at Leonardo who was speechless;

<<It's all crazy, I don't know what to say. As for my mother, can only add that she was a great astronaut and scientist>> replied the boy, speaking for the first time in his parents' past tense;

<<In any case, your father was also very intelligent, in fact allow me to show you another little gem>> added Carla, enthusiastic about having amazed them.

After wandering around the "tokamak" for about ten minutes, they left the nuclear fusion department and got back into the golf cart to reach another immense laboratory.

As soon as they entered they found themselves in front of a gigantic, completely black cylinder on which some engineers had placed a holographic model of what looked like a passenger plane with a very particular design, in fact it resembled a white and blue arrow.

<< Here your father made a huge contribution to hypersonic flight, without him it would not be possible to cross the Atlantic in a couple of hours.

In front of you is the most powerful wind tunnel in the world capable of simulating the crazy speed of Mach 50, yes: 50 times the speed of sound.

To simulate hypersonic flight we use controlled explosions generated by a mixture of gas and magnetized plasma unlike other wind tunnels scattered around the planet which use mechanical pumps, in this way we can carry out much more complex experiments whose duration is longer than those carried out in other countries.

To withstand such an impact, your father's work group has created an innovative material called "solid plasma" which covers the entire cylinder, by doing so we can generate such speeds without risking blowing up >> Carla argued looking at her guests

Leonardo learned about an aspect of his parents' lives that was unknown to him before but which fascinated him even more than their careers as astronauts.

The boy was astounded by those explanations and understanding the functioning of the technologies underlying space flight would have been useful to him, however he still didn't understand why only he should know certain things.

<<With this I would say that our little private visit is over>> announced the director, accompanying the two guests to the exit with the golf cart.

<<Are you enjoying the trip?>> Sofia asked him when they were again in the central corridor;

<<Not even in a science fiction film could they have imagined such things but here are reality so yes, I'm really enjoying it>> Leonardo replied;

<< Very good because there is still no laboratory to visit >> replied the young woman, opening the last brass door.

<< Welcome to the "Science Mission Directorate" whose purposes are basically three:

1. Understand the history and creation of Mars and the solar system because by understanding their formation we learn more about Earth's future and the most promising opportunities for habitation beyond our planet.

For example, differences in the impacts of collision processes on Earth, the Moon and Mars can provide clues to the differences in the origin and evolution of these bodies;

2. Search for Earth-like planets and habitable environments around other stars. In fact, the SMD pursues multiple search strategies with the aim of developing effective signatures of astronomically detectable biological processes.

Studying the Earth-Sun system can help researchers identify atmospheric bio-signatures that distinguish Earth-like and potentially habitable planets orbiting nearby stars while an understanding of the origin of life and the temporal evolution of the atmosphere on Earth may reveal probable traces of life on extrasolar planets;

3. Exploring the solar system for scientific purposes by supporting robotic and human space research, for example large-scale coronal mass ejections from the Sun can cause potentially lethal consequences for improperly shielded human flight systems as well as for some types of robotic systems.

The SMD's search for areas of interest for interdisciplinary scientific research will help predict potentially harmful conditions in space and protect the Agency's robotic and human explorers >> Sofia explained while Leonard listened to her in religious silence.

As with the previous laboratories, this one was also very spacious and contained a series of instruments that he would have liked to know, yet he didn't have the opportunity to do so as no one showed up to welcome them.

When they left they headed upstairs where Sofia's office was located but Leonardo didn't say a word and even though the girl noticed that strange attitude she decided to continue as she was behind schedule since she had to finish the tour by a certain time. hours.

<< Welcome to the second floor of the fifth level >> Sofia announced in front of a large window that served as an entrance;

<< What do these drawings represent? >> Leonardo asked her, noticing the frescoes on the glass;

<< They are life and death, the artist who created it didn't sleep at night for two years before he managed to complete it, furthermore the glass is the same used for space stations so don't be fooled by its thickness, It has exceptional resistance.

Here on the second floor there is only one laboratory, the "Pandora Lab" where I am employed and soon I will show you my office, our task is to maintain and where possible improve Pandora which you already know so it is useless to explain it to you.

It is made up of over a billion lines of code so we must constantly fix bugs while improving its functionality. Given its complexity, the work required of us is enormous although extremely satisfying.

Hundreds of scientists and engineers collaborated in its creation and development, including your parents >> he explained to him before opening the door.

Leonardo saw in front of him a gigantic plane dotted with tables where at least 4,000 engineers worked at their respective stations frantically writing lines of code while some small groups discussed in front of some holograms which from what he understood represented pieces of Pandora's code.

<< This is where Atlante was born, the simulator that you had the pleasure of trying today. The undersigned can proudly claim to have been a fundamental part of its genesis >> added Sofia crossing the floor, making her way through hundreds of PCs and holograms.

<< This place is really crowded >> Leonardo noticed as he pierced a hologram, provoking the anger of some researchers.

<<Sorry, my fault>> he limited himself to saying.

Once they reached the end they turned right arriving in front of an office door on which there was the writing in gold letters "Sofia Virgilio, chief engineer of Pandora Lab and Atlas".

<< This is my kingdom >> he told him, making him enter a room of about 90 m^2 with the floor covered with a soft white carpet in the center of which there was a steel desk on which a laptop was placed and a hologram generator.

In the corners of the room there were some plants that enjoyed sunlight and a splendid view of the sea during the day.

The furnishings were completed by some wooden shelves placed on the walls on which a series of paper books and a wooden African art sculpture were placed.

<< Please take a seat >> Sofia urged him as she took a seat behind the desk.

Leonardo sat down in front of her and the moment he rested his butt on the chair a bolt of lightning crossed his mind: he finally remembered where he had already smelled that perfume so strong that it threw his senses into a state of complete addiction.

<< Sorry for asking but where did you buy the perfume you are wearing today? >> he asked her;

<< You finally remembered it, I was afraid you had forgotten it but I was wrong >> he replied trying to evade the question.

It was Leonardo's mother's favorite, the woman wore it on special occasions such as on the first date with her future husband or for the first space mission.

<< Even though I was very young, my eidetic memory could not forget such an important detail from childhood, in fact I am amazed that it took me so long. If we have finished the formalities I would like to know what I owe this lap of honor to >> he asked her;

<< The fifth level represents the flagship of the Space Agency, it has always been a magnet for the best talents produced by Italian and foreign universities, moreover we employ 76 Nobel prize winners and this figure alone is enough to make it clear what the our standard.

Ever since you started your studies at the Polytechnic we have kept an eye on you and your brilliance has not gone unnoticed, we also took an in-depth look at the inventions that made you win the university competition for the best technological creation for two years and if I may to say it are truly remarkable.

To make a long story short, the Agency wants you to abandon the astronaut course to work here where you could continue your parents' work >> he explained, taking him by surprise.

<< What's your excuse? Maybe I misunderstood >> he replied;

<< The Agency has been following you since you started studying space engineering at the Polytechnic and from the beginning it was clear that you would come to us one day or another therefore when you sent your application to participate in the training course as an astronaut they took you straight into the program however your brain and intelligence would be wasted on simple operational missions.

If you decide to join the fifth level you could put your ingenuity to use and perhaps integrate some of the inventions created at the university into Pandora. In our opinion this is the place best suited to your abilities >> Sofia replied noticing a strange grimace on Leonardo's face;

<<You and the Agency had better listen to me carefully because I won't say it twice either. The only reason I'm here is become an astronaut, get on a Magellan go look for my parents in space firmly believe that they are still alive.< p>

As fantastic as the fifth level is, I'm not interested in working on it so now I want to know if this means having to abandon the course or if I can continue it >> Leonardo retorted with a ferocity in his face and tone of voice never shown before;

<< Ours was just an offer, certainly not an order, so you can continue your astronaut course, but know that our door will always be open for you >> concluded the young woman;

<<You're really kind but I've made my final decision, if there's nothing else I'd like to go back the room have dinner and rest>> he told her, getting up from the chair like a spring, not wanting to stay a second longer in that room.

<< You are a free man , a robot escort will escort you to the exit. In any case, think about what I told you >> she dismissed him heartbroken.

He hoped to convince him to enter the fifth level with that tour but instead he achieved the opposite effect and now he regretted having put pressure on him.

Leonardo turned and, escorted by the robot, reached the elevator, returning to the second level after a few minutes, then headed to his apartment, finding the dinner delivered a few hours earlier on the door that he had not been able to collect.

He took the bag and entered the room, starting to devour the pasta carbonara along with the diet bars and the "energy drink".

While he was having dinner, Alice's words came back to him when they met, everyone thought that the job of an astronaut wasn't right for him while that of an engineer/researcher seemed to fit him perfectly.

Maybe he would have done better to give up and listen to the advice of Sofia who, from what he seemed to notice during the trip to the fifth level, clearly had a crush on him and hadn't done much to hide it from her. Besides, wearing the same perfume as his mother was already in itself a clear signal that he had not missed.

It was 10.45pm and thoughts were still gripping his mind when someone knocked on the door, it was Orlando who, not knowing where he had ended up, was worried about him and hearing some noises coming from his apartment he decided to go and check.

<<Who is he?>> Leonardo asked in a low voice;

<< I'm Orlando, can I come in? >> asked the friend;

<<Of course>> he replied, making him sit on the bed;

<< May I know where the hell you've been all this time? We were very worried about you, especially Alice. I had to lie to protect you so you owe me an exhaustive explanation with all the details of the case >> the boy urged.

Leonardo really wanted to let off steam with someone so he told him in detail what had happened on the fifth level without leaving anything out, including Sofia's probable infatuation with him.

<< My friend you are in big trouble, let me tell you. Both Alice and Sofia are extremely attractive from a physical point of view but also very intelligent and charismatic, making a choice will be very complicated, I wouldn't want to be in your shoes but what are you going to do regarding the offer at the fifth level? Do you want to accept? >> he asked him;

<< I told her that I don't even think about it, I'm here to become an astronaut and go look for my parents in space but thinking about it with a cold mind I don't know if it's the right choice, you know? What if they were dispersed beyond the solar system? In that case the chances of seeing them again would be zero and I would risk my life in vain >> Leonardo replied frowning in whose mind the first doubts were beginning to form.

<< A nice dilemma but think about it for a moment, you can always become an astronaut and go look for your parents together with myself and then if we both return alive and the company turns out to be a failure you can accept the job at the fifth level while I would have some stories to tell. What do you think? To tell the truth, you, Alice and Lucia are my only friends and if I have to undertake a long space journey I want to do it only with you >> explained Orlando.

<< It's not a bad idea, in fact you know what I'm telling you? For once in my life I will listen to the advice of another person, in this case yours. We will go together to Jupiter and beyond then we will return here to Earth safe and sound together with Alice and Lucia, the rest will be seen >> Leonardo exclaimed full of happiness for the decision made.

He had done really well to vent to someone, now his mind felt much lighter and he could dedicate himself to the training course with renewed energy.