Chapter 7 Part II

To the enormous bibliography on his account he could add the time spent at his side in which he had been able to observe him closely and managed to understand some of his defects such as that of always dotting the "i"s when he wrote, something she didn't do.

The metaverse was made up of the convergence of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual space, it was the fusion of both that allowed users to experience it as if it were a shared virtual social space with 3D capabilities and that represented the user as if they were in 3D.

New technologies such as extended reality, user interactivity (human-computer interaction), artificial intelligence and vision, edge and cloud computing, the 10G quantum mobile network and quantum computing had been the elements enablers that had driven the transition from the old Internet to the new metaverse.

The metaverse ecosystem allowed human users to live and play in a self-sustaining, persistent and shared realm and therefore included user-centric elements including avatar identity, content creation, virtual economy, social acceptability, presence, security and privacy, trust and responsibility.

Andrea dove into the metaverse as the sun began to show its first timid rays and within a few minutes she collected an enormous amount of information which she completed with her personal observations admitting that perhaps she knew him better than herself.

Once again her finger found itself on the "Enter" key and exactly as before she was assailed by doubts about the ethics of what she was about to do, was it really right to take away people's free will? If a different result than expected had come out, how would you have behaved? Was it really necessary to crack Pandora's code?

<<If it's so difficult there must be a reason, maybe Pandora doesn't want it to deciphered because contains destabilizing information for mankind>> he thought.

Maybe he would have given up if he hadn't remembered all the humiliations suffered by Martoprete, the way he had mistreated her by burying her work under paperwork and scolding her just because she forgot to hand in some stupid reports.

<< To hell with Martoprete, I've worked too hard not to try. It will be what it will be >> he said to himself, pressing "Enter" and starting the algorithm.

She got up from the chair, stretched well then jumped into the shower then got dressed and went to work as the algorithm would have taken hours to analyze the data and issue a response so she left the house calmly knowing that she would have to wait a long time before being able to have concrete results in your hands.

<< After all, it's just an algorithm, what bad could possibly happen? >> he asked himself as he went to the Astronautical Headquarters.

Despite trying to reassure herself about the goodness of her work, she felt that something was about to change radically, having pressed the "Enter" key had been a small gesture for her but a huge step forward for all of humanity.

Her conscience, her innermost "I" tried to make her understand, they screamed at her to go back and stop everything, there was still time to stop but instead she continued on, ignoring the warnings coming from her mind.

Throughout the day she was never abandoned by the strange sensation of not being in tune with the world, she felt that there was something wrong with her but she couldn't understand the reason or perhaps she pretended not to understand the reason for her state of confusion. His soul was halfway between the guilt of having condemned humanity and the happiness of having given him one last hope of salvation and yet he had done none of this.

Without knowing why he felt the duty to share that burden with someone and the only person in the universe with whom he wanted or perhaps had to do it was Sofia so he headed to his office to offer her that boulder.

<< Hi, how are you? Everything OK? Is there any news? >> her friend asked seeing her enter.

Sofia was over the moon after what happened the night before with Leonardo and found herself in a dimension of her own that transcended reality, her body was in the office but her mind and soul lived elsewhere, she felt that whatever happened to her she would get through it without batting an eyelid.

Andrea closed the door behind him, stopping to look at his friend, he stared straight into her eyes while a billion thoughts per second passed through his mind, he knew what he had to say to her and right in that instant the premonition about the Pandora code that he had from for a long time it came back on stronger than before.

If up until that moment he had not had a precise physiognomy, limiting himself to being blurry, resembling more of a shadow than something real, now he saw the outlines, the face, the body and the light that had shown her, all of which was the its algorithm.

<< I..., ...well, ...you know..., ...about... >> he stammered, starting to sweat;

<<Are you feeling well? Maybe have a fever, after all, it's possible given how cold it is>> Sofia told her, getting up from her seat, helping her to sit down.

Andrea calmed down, gathered all the concentration she was capable of, took a deep breath and began to speak, hoping not to be misjudged by her friend.

<< At dawn I completed the algorithm for deciphering the Pandora code and then I decided to test it to see if it worked, it is currently running at my house >> she began feeling her heart explode in her chest, she was sweating profusely and had strong shivers. they crossed her back making her tremble, never before had she found herself in such a state of confusion.

"Okay, you did a great job. Now we have to wait and see if it works but I understand why you're in a shambles, you worked all night without sleeping a wink, maybe you should go home and rest a little >> Sofia replied;

<< It's not that, I have to reveal something to you but promise me not to tell anyone, not even Lucrezia, it must stay only between the two of us at least until we are sure >> he begged her;

<< Ok but you're scaring me like this, anyway I'm all ears >> the friend told her;

<< Since we started working on the Pandora code, a doubt arose in my mind or rather I had an intuition about what it could be and it was this enlightenment, if we want to call it that, that led me to the "Tardigrade Theory" and it always guided me guided in the creation of the algorithm which, incidentally, is a complex quantum artificial intelligence based on the replication of the human neuronal system >> he explained to her;

<< Tell me what your intuition about the Pandora code consists of >> Sofia ordered her;

<<Are you really sure want to know? If I'm right we won't be able go back>> Andrea warned her;

<< I'm one hundred percent certain, now spit it out >> the friend retorted.

At that point Andrea explained to her his intuition, what his thoughts had been in relation to Pandora, what the algorithm he had created was and everything else.

When she had finished Sofia could not believe her ears, she considered Andrea a very brilliant scientist and respected her so much that she was unable to question her conclusions but what she had deduced went too far with her imagination and despite the admiration that he had for her he couldn't let her get away with it.

<< Sorry but you're wrong, so do you realize what you just said? >> he asked her;

<< I know it's scary, I myself only realized it a little while ago and I understand the effect it has but believe me, if you exclude the impossible what remains however unlikely is the truth.

In this case I don't see any other logical explanations and if I'm right my algorithm will demonstrate it explicitly >> he replied;

<<For the moment we are keeping matter to ourselves also because have no evidence support your thesis but if were any will inform Lucrezia and Roma because, dear God, it would be too big a thing, couldn't handle alone>> Sofia replied seeing the his happiness disappearing in an instant, replaced by an anxiety never felt before;

<< If we made it public we would trigger panic among the crowd, but what would the political decision-makers in Rome and around the world think? They would probably brand us as crazy, no one would believe it >> added Andrea, even more shocked;

<< Now we must not lose calm, the best thing is to proceed in small steps. First of all, we verify your hypotheses, we must do many tests and have irrefutable evidence in hand before communicating it to anyone, after which, if your intuition is confirmed, we will turn to Lucrezia and together with her we will decide what to do.

There's no point in bandaging your head ahead of time, do we agree? Please don't talk about it with anyone else>> Sofia ordered her;

<< We will do as you say, I think it's the most rational thing. Proceeding step by step will confirm or deny my hypothesis >> concluded Andrea;

<< Now go home, rest, take a nice hot bath and relax. When you have the results of the algorithm, give me a call, okay? >> Sofia ordered her;

<< Intesi >> replied Andrea;

<<Now go, I have to stay alone for a while digest the news>> her friend dismissed her.

Andrea got up from his chair and slowly walked out of the office, his hands were as cold as ice and he felt his fever rising, the jolt of adrenaline he received was so violent that it would have knocked out an elephant.

For her part, Sofia looked towards the horizon thinking about what Andrea had revealed to her, she couldn't believe it and yet her friend could have been right, following her logic she was either completely off track or completely wrong.

There was no middle ground, either they had made the most important discovery of the millennium or they had made an equally epic blunder but in both cases he felt the emotion flowing through his veins mixing with fear and uncertainty in an absurd cocktail, putting it all together he obtained a mix that she wasn't sure how to handle so she ran to the bathroom to rinse her face several times, still in disbelief at what she had heard.

Suddenly Leonardo disappeared from her mind and the Christmas holidays seemed very distant in time even though they were upon us, her world had been so turned upside down that she couldn't breathe.

<< You have to stay calm and go back to the office as if nothing had happened. You're fussing unnecessarily, maybe Andrea made a mistake in his calculations. It has to be like this, there is no other explanation.

I am a scientist and I cannot draw conclusions starting from simple speculations, science is based on empirical evidence and so will I >> she thought.

Who was he talking to? Perhaps at her reflection in the mirror but that vain attempt to calm down was clearly destined to fail, in fact for the rest of the day she couldn't work, she barely had the strength to open a door she was so upset.

She needed a distraction, an outlet to channel all that adrenaline so she put on the "Delfi" and sent a message to Leonardo inviting him to spend that night together in her apartment after which she returned home, drank an entire bottle of Barolo that she had left set aside for special occasions and awaited the arrival of her boyfriend.

When the boy entered the door she didn't even give him time to say a word, she grabbed him by the jacket taking him to the bedroom venting on him all the fear, uncertainty and doubt that Andrea had instilled in her soul, perhaps it was drunk and it was the alcohol fumes that decided for her or perhaps that was her true nature that had been clamoring to come out for some time.

Whatever the reason for his behavior, it was an unforgettable night, while they were having sex he stared Leonardo straight in the eyes and at some moments he felt like crying instead of laughing at others.

She wanted to share her burden with him, instead by violating herself she performed an act of courage by deciding to keep what she had discovered hidden from him, however by doing so she further increased her adrenaline rate by attacking Leonardo with greater ardor.

<< Without a shadow of a doubt the most beautiful night of my entire life >> he told her when they had finished;

<< I agree with you >> she replied, hugging him tightly;

<<Are you sure you're fine? When I arrived noticed the empty bottle of red wine on table and...>> he was asking her but noticed that Sofia had fallen asleep on his chest;

<< Maybe next time >> he thought, thoughtfully caressing her face.

He loved to see her sleeping because her face took on a sweet and angelic expression. Furthermore, that evening her perfume mixed with the flavor of the wine gave her a very particular smell which brought him to maximum excitement.

He was particularly intoxicated and shocked but despite the sensorial inhibition he realized that something had upset her.

Meanwhile, after leaving the Astronautical Headquarters, Andrea decided to follow Sofia's advice to the letter, so she went straight home and without looking at what her algorithm was doing, she opened the taps of the tub and immersed herself in it with her whole head.

It was cold outside and that evening the wind was blowing strongly, howling between the buildings of Palermo, the weather promised a storm so much so that the fishermen's ships had returned early to avoid encountering it, on the contrary the water in the pool was just right and together with the bubble bath they loosened all her muscles.

Slowly he felt the tension disappear while in the other room the algorithm continued to run on the Agency's quantum simulator to which Andrea had access as an employee with top-level authorization.

She was completely immersed in the ceramic tub, from the tops of her hair to the tips of her toes, she had her eyes closed and was holding her breath so as not to swallow the strawberry-flavored water but in that state she was able to think about what to do.

In less than five seconds, her past, present and future aspirations flashed before her eyes, she remembered how much effort she had had to put in to get where she was and the frustration she felt at not being able to reveal her intuition to her friends. finally, the product of his choices lay immersed in that hot water and an invisible force prevented it from re-emerging to the surface.

She began to fight against that part of herself afraid of a future that she preferred to avoid rather than face, categorically refusing to return to the surface, the oxygen in her lungs began to run low but invisible chains continued to keep her entwined at the bottom of the tub.

Suddenly a thunderous roar came from outside, probably lightning from the storm had struck not very far from Andrea's house so much so that the window panes vibrated so strongly that they risked shattering, fate reminded her of the task assigned to her and that reminder of reality was preparatory.

Andrea suddenly opened her eyes, finding the courage to re-emerge from the tub, as soon as she was on the surface she breathed deeply several times, breathing hard after remaining immersed for so long, she panted heavily for several seconds, her eyes widening while she watched the storm arrive from the window. .

Having returned to her senses, she left the bathtub wrapping herself in the red bathrobe while the PC flashed green, a sign that the algorithm had finished its work, so she sat in front of the desk carefully reading the conclusions of the artificial intelligence.

Based on the parameters and data introduced, Martoprete would have committed suicide that very evening by throwing himself into the sea in the midst of the storm so that his body would not be found, the cause of this gesture would have been the shame felt in having been ousted from the leadership of the fifth level of the Astronautics Headquarters.

According to the algorithm, Martoprete would have left a letter in which he explained what he had done and why, underlining the goals achieved by his work but specifying that the old had to be eliminated so that the new could be accepted.

When Andrea read those results she felt relieved, in her opinion the algorithm had clearly made a mistake as she knew Martoprete and he was certainly not the type to take his own life, in fact he had always been a combative person ready to prove he was right.

<< I was worried for nothing >> she thought, sending a notification hologram to Sofia who was sleeping on Leonardo's chest.

Meanwhile the storm raged more and more, the wind had become extremely violent, the rain beat in a rhythmic manner on the windows as if it were dancing and the lightning lit up the sky emitting rumbles similar to screams, nature seemed angry with someone or something.

Andrea approached the fireplace in his home, a small 60m2 apartment located in via Brigata Aosta n°13 on the third floor of a pink-painted condominium with three rooms, a midnight blue velvet sofa, an open space kitchen and the pink porphyry floor, he stretched out on the sofa and without realizing it fell asleep to the howling of the wind.

The following morning the first rays of the sun illuminated Sofia's face and she found herself with a terrible headache while Leonardo, already up, was preparing breakfast for her.

Seeing it flash, she put on the "Delfi" and opened the notification hologram sent to her by Andrea, observing it carefully several times, after which she breathed a big sigh of relief.

She was certain that Martoprete would not have committed suicide and yet a slight doubt crossed her mind but she immediately ignored it, she knew him very well and in the many years in which she had worked alongside him he had never seemed like a person capable of carrying out such a gesture.

Given his CV, he would have found another equally important job simply by snapping his fingers.

<< False alarm, fortunately >> he thought, getting out of bed.

<< Good morning sleepyhead, last night you were a tiger. Are you OK? >> Leonardo asked her while juggling at the stove;

<< Sorry but it had been a hard day at work >> she replied kissing him on the lips;

<< I prepared breakfast but it's just for you, I have to run to class. Enjoy it and don't forget that we have Christmas holidays to spend together so don't run out of wine >> he told her;

<<You can swear to it>> he replied greeting him.

After eating heartily like she hadn't had in a long time, she got dressed and went to work, she went up to the fifth level beaming more than other days where she met Andrea equally smiling, the two greeted each other warmly going to their respective offices.

The storm had given way to a splendid winter day and even though the temperatures were quite low, the Christmas atmosphere was invading the streets of the city and the hearts of people.

At a certain point Sofia like all the other fifth level employees received a warning hologram from Lucrezia, usually when it happened it wasn't good news and in those circumstances it was about to prove horrendous.

When she opened it she saw her friend's face shocked by tears and with a heartbroken voice she announced Martoprete's death to everyone.

<< Dear colleagues, with enormous regret I must announce the passing of my esteemed and esteemed colleague Francesco Martoprete yesterday, unfortunately he was the victim of a brutal robbery while returning to his home.

This morning the police found his body while the culprit is already in custody and has confessed to the crime. We all join in the family's pain. Thanks for your attention>> the message said.

Sofia darted out of her office and went to Andrea's who in the meantime had remained petrified. When her friend entered, a few moments passed in religious silence.

<<We have to talk>> began Sofia;

<< The algorithm showed conflicting results, on the one hand it correctly predicted Martoprete's death today however it made various errors, this means that it is incomplete but I don't know if it is a good thing or a bad thing >> he replied again shocked by the news;

<<Do you realize what have created? If it worked on Pandora's code we would be in a mess for which I don't think there is solution>> Sofia said, sitting down.

Compared to the previous day they showed a much more rational and reflective attitude, they had metabolised the matter and were now ready to think about it.

<< Based on the test carried out on Martoprete we can conclude that the algorithm, even if it worked on Pandora's code, would produce a partial solution with a significant margin of error furthermore the information regarding Martoprete was a fraction compared to that available to us on Pandora as a result the algorithm will take months to give us an answer >> Andrea explained to her, regenerated by the hot bath the previous evening;

<< The more data provided, the greater the reliability of the result obtained >> said Sofia;

<< Or the greater the error made, in any case we have no other alternatives and a partial solution is better than no solution so I propose to remotely access the Agency's latest generation quantum simulator, from my home or yours it makes no difference starting the deciphering of the code >> said Andrea;

<< Let's do it myself, using my account we will have a higher level of access and no one will ask questions >> Sofia replied;

<< We have to tell Lucrezia, she was part of this research team and is now the director of the fifth level as well as our boss so she has the right to know >> Andrea retorted;

<< I agree, let's go and warn her >> Sofia cut him short.

The two girls headed to Lucrezia, entering her office without even knocking.

<< We need to talk now >> Andrea began.

When Lucrezia saw her friends so agitated she immediately understood that something big was cooking so she abruptly kicked her assistants out of the office, made the two girls sit down and asked not to be disturbed.

<<I'm all ears>> he told them;

<< I don't want to beat around the bush, the situation is the following: since we couldn't get to the bottom of the secrets of the Pandora code, I created a neuronal quantum artificial intelligence capable of predicting the future moves of a single individual or in the specific case of Pandora based on information regarding the past of the subject under examination.

I tested the algorithm on Martoprete as there is plenty of information about his life in the metaverse and to this I added other data that I extrapolated from my experience gained working with him.

Last night I took the test and the result obtained was his death, however, according to the algorithm, he would have committed suicide due to the dismissal, leaving a letter explaining everything but, apart from his passing, the rest of the prediction was wrong.

From this I can conclude that the algorithm, despite arriving at a correct basic solution, still makes many errors, however Sofia and I intend to launch it on the Pandora code to see what results come out >> Andrea explained to her.

Lucrezia did not respond, limiting herself to listening carefully to the explanation of her friend and colleague but when she had digested the information her first reaction was not positive, in fact she was very angry because she was faced with a fait accompli.

<< Let's see if I understood correctly: Andrea created this algorithm capable of predicting the future behavior of a single individual, however its error rate is quite high but despite this you want to test it on Pandora's code.

My question is: why? Do you really think this is the best solution? >> she asked feeling that they weren't telling her the whole story;

<< Tell him >> Sofia began looking at Andrea;

<<Are you sure?>> her friend replied;

<< Yes >> replied Sofia;

<<What do you have to tell me? There is more?>> asked Lucrezia, seeing her doubts confirmed.

At that point Andrea explained to her his conjecture on what the Pandora code discovered by Sofia could represent or rather what it really was for and when he had finished Lucrezia's hair stood on end with fear.

<<If you are right it will be an uproar however we need to have proof so do today, my authorization>> said the director of the fifth level;

<<Are you sure? Nothing will be as before>> Andrea admonished him;

<<The world deserves to know the truth and be honest, we women of science also have precise duty investigate search for as our aim, it is task will do end so proceed>> ordered Lucrezia;

<< If you are sure about it then we will do it anyway considering the enormous amount of data and past updates of Pandora it will take a few months just to set the configuration of the algorithm after which it will take more time before we have results.

On Martoprete the operation was quite simple but for Pandora it's a completely different story >> explained Andrea;

<<It doesn't matter, do it and keep me updated>> Lucrezia repeated;

<< Under orders, boss >> concluded Sofia.

<< This evening let's meet at my house so I can show you the algorithm and we can start inserting the Pandora data >> Andrea proposed;

<<Of course>> her friend replied.

That day was turning out to be really hectic for Sofia, she had lived up to that point on an emotional roller coaster and it wasn't over yet, she just hoped she wouldn't have to face any other complications related to new problems but luckily for her the rest of the time went like clockwork.

Once work in the office was finished, the two girls met at Andrea's house where the latter informed her colleague of her progress, explaining in detail how the artificial intelligence she had developed worked.

<<You did an extraordinary job, after all, to understand artificial intelligence the best thing do is use another one, I don't know why didn't think of it>> said Sofia while Andrea's creature created billions of neuronal connections to the second.

<< I used a new method to multiply the number of neuronal connections per second that my AI manages to establish, when it worked on Martoprete's data we were in the order of 500 billion connections but for Pandora I believe that more will be needed many more, however I am confident of being able to reach 1 trillion neuronal connections per second >> Andrea replied completely satisfied.

He had been working secretly on that project for years and when he saw the possibility of applying it to the Pandora code he understood that he had found a complex enough problem on which to use the algorithm, however he could not imagine that his work would prove to be of fundamental importance for the destiny of humanity.

<< How many years have you been working on it? I mean about the algorithm >> Sofia asked her as they began to insert the first Pandora data into the AI;

<< I couldn't give an exact estimate but I would say approximately since I joined the Agency and even if at the beginning I had a very different purpose now here we are >> she replied feigning modesty when in reality she was very proud of herself.

Her intuition could radically change the way in which the human race looked at reality as a whole and if at the beginning this prospect scared her to death it now thrilled her, inside she had always wanted to make a great discovery, so important as to be able to overshadow even Martoprete.

When she arrived at the Astronautical Headquarters they had described that man to her as exceptional, unattainable and even "infallible" and yet the more Martoprete collected international acclaim and awards the greater her desire to surpass him so she began to work on something that not even that great man had ever thought.

It took him years of sleepless nights to write the source code of the algorithm, suffering continuous disappointments caused by thousands of failed attempts, so much so that he was about to give up until he met Sofia.

Her inclusion in the Pandora team gave her new strength, however the real turning point came with the discovery of the hidden code.

When she was struck by that intuition, as crazy as it was brilliant, she understood that her algorithm could help her solve the problem but she needed a new conceptual approach starting from the drafting of the source code and after having also sacrificed her private life on the altar of that cause he finally seemed to have made it.

While Sofia was inserting Pandora's data into the algorithm, Andrea increased the number of neuronal connections per second, reaching the desired goal of 1 trillion, i.e. 1000 billion, and the more they worked side by side, the more her awareness of being on the right path to confirmation grew. of his hypothesis.

It was almost midnight when Sofia decided to stop work and go home to continue the following day, causing Andrea great disappointment.

<< We will continue tomorrow, now I'm dead tired and I need to rest >> Sofia told her;

<< Go ahead, I'll continue a little further >> replied the friend.

Andrea was in the grip of a feverish excitement that didn't let her sleep, forcing her to spend the entire night on the algorithm which she began to see as her only reason for living.

Unlike Martoprete, she was fully aware that her artificial intelligence could make mistakes and if the first one couldn't conceive it she couldn't wait to discover them and correct them by perfecting her learning abilities.

In one of the darkest recesses of her head she hid the dream of creating an artificial intelligence superior to Pandora and if the latter had required the joint effort of hundreds of scientists she wanted to do it alone to demonstrate to the world that she was superior to all others. others. Now fate had given her the long-awaited chance to show off and she didn't intend to waste it, she would work day and night to create what she called "the supreme artificial intelligence".

The days passed quickly bringing winter, the temperatures dropped even further and now the Christmas holidays were upon us.

The cadets couldn't stand Prescotti and his manuals anymore and yet Leonardo continued to study like crazy, he devoured page after page when he didn't spend the night with Sofia even though, after that magical evening, the two had arranged to meet for December 24th to the girl's apartment to spend the holidays together.

To anyone who asked them where they were going or what plans they had in mind for those holidays, they replied that they would leave Sicily so no one would get suspicious, leaving them alone.

Both were anxiously awaiting the arrival of those days also because if at the end of the following year Leonardo had been promoted he would have become eligible for a first space mission therefore they were determined to enjoy every moment together.

<< Guys, I can't wait for the holidays to arrive, this Prescotti is really oppressive >> said Orlando during a lunch break;

<<You just have to hold out for a few more days, after which you will be free enjoy Lucia>> Chiara replied, laughing about it;

<<Since we started this theory course he hasn't given me a glance, not even kiss>> replied the boy;

<< Maybe because we have long manuals to study, if I were you I would do the same. I have a bad feeling about Prescotti and I don't like this story of not being able to do practical tests before taking the exam, in my opinion he's hiding something from us >> added Lucia, dodging him badly with her left hand;

<< You're not going to spend the entire Christmas holidays studying like crazy I hope?! I want to have fun together with the love of my life >> Orlando told her.

<< We have to be ready for the exams and in case you haven't noticed, yes there are very few of us left so the competition will become increasingly fierce and the slightest mistake could cost us dearly so yes, we will study all the holidays >> she replied, discouraging him ;

<<You have to resign yourself, when Lucia puts something in her head no one will budge>> said Leonardo who, unlike his friend, was already looking forward to the holidays with Sofia;

<<Lucia is right, I did some research and apparently this the exam with highest number of excluded candidates, dropout rate during survival training ever>> began Alice;

<< In my opinion it's not worth bandaging your head ahead of time, when the time comes we'll worry but now let's enjoy this splendid atmosphere >> Orlando concluded before returning to class.

The lesson that day was longer than expected and Prescotti insisted a lot on training under the sea, in particular he explained in great detail the SEEMO of which he was very proud having been one of its creators.

SEEMO or "Space Extreme Environment Mission Operations" was a Space Agency program for the study of human life in an underwater laboratory called Aquarius in order to prepare for future space missions.

Aquarius was an underwater habitat located 5.6 km off the coast of Lampedusa distributed on the seabed 100 meters below the surface and composed of three compartments.

Access to the water was through the 'wet porch', a chamber equipped with a lunar pool which kept the air pressure inside the wet porch equal to the water pressure at that depth, the "ambient pressure" i.e. 2.6 atmospheres through hydrostatic equilibrium. The main compartment was as robust as a submarine so as to maintain normal atmospheric pressure and could also be pressurized to ambient pressure and was usually maintained at an intermediate pressure.

The smallest compartment, the Entry Lock, was located between the other two and functioned as an airlock where personnel waited while the pressure was adjusted to suit the wet porch or main compartment.

This design allowed personnel arriving in Aquarius to return to the surface without the need for a decompression chamber by remaining within the main compartment for 17 hours before surfacing as the pressure was slowly reduced so they did not suffer from decompression sickness afterwards the climb.

Aquarius housed sophisticated laboratory and computer equipment allowing scientists to perform research and process samples without leaving their underwater facilities.

The habitat could host several people for missions lasting an average of ten days and the Aquarius scientists were called "Aquanauts" as they lived underwater at deep pressure for a minimum period of 24 continuous hours without returning to the surface.

<< Guys it is very important that you remember this information, in fact, according to the Agency, the Aquarius habitat and its surroundings provide a convincing analogue for space exploration as it is the only underwater research station in the world capable of hosting astronauts or cadets for up to three weeks at a time in preparation for future space exploration. For humans, the underwater world, like space, is a hostile and alien place to live, and members of the Aquarius crew experience some of the challenges they would find on a distant asteroid, planet, or Moon.

During SEEMO missions, aquanauts are able to simulate life on a spaceship by testing spacewalk techniques for future missions. In fact, working in space and underwater environments requires extensive planning and sophisticated equipment.

The underwater condition has the further advantage of allowing the Agency to "weigh" the aquanauts by simulating different gravity environments >> explained Prescotti.

<< Sir, I have a question >> Chiara interrupted him;

<< Please miss >> replied the teacher;

<<Can you explain to us better how life works when we are in Aquarius>> he asked him;

<< A technique known as "saturation diving" allows aquanauts to live and work underwater for days or weeks.

Usually after twenty-four hours underwater at any depth the human body becomes saturated with dissolved gas but with saturation diving divers can predict exactly how long they need to decompress before returning to the surface, this information limits the risk of decompression.

Aquanauts living in the Aquarius habitat and working at the same depth on the sea floor are able to remain underwater for the duration of their mission and since Aquarius allows saturation diving, dives from the habitat can last up to twenty hours at a time.

In comparison surface dives usually last between one and two hours consequently these long dive times allow observations that would otherwise not be possible >> replied the man stunning his students for the first time since the beginning of the theory course.

<< This was an interesting lesson, Prescotti had left the best for last >> Orlando said as he left the classroom;

<< I don't know why you're so calm, after the holidays the exams will start immediately and if I haven't misunderstood the underwater part will have a very important role. How many of us have experience with diving? >> Chiara asked worriedly but no one answered her.

<< Exactly what I feared, furthermore Prescotti is one of the creators of SEEMO so he attributes great importance to it. These will be very difficult tests, it is no coincidence that they are called "survival" >> added the girl in a worried tone, fearful of the difficulties that loomed on the horizon.

<< What we can do is study all the manuals and give our best during the exams and then whatever happens, we came here to become astronauts and so far we have always managed, I'm sure that this time too it will go well >> Leonardo replied, however his words betrayed a certain insecurity.

It wasn't just the exams that made him anxious but also the fact that the course had reached the turning point and if until then all those who didn't have what it takes to do that job had been eliminated, those who remained had demonstrated that they knew how to do it, however. in his heart he hoped to reach that point with as few competitors as possible, but the number of cadets present was still greater than the ten available astronaut positions.

<< From here on out there will be no easy eliminations. Look at Aurora, despite often winking at Leonardo she has shown great mettle, if she has come this far it means she has qualities >> said Alice recognizing his merits;

<<Did anyone mention me?>> asked a voice behind the boys.

Aurora appeared out of nowhere, wrapping her arms around Leonardo who wanted to avoid her but didn't have time, however he delicately took her arms and put them back in their place.

<<Today you are very grumpy>> Aurora told him;

<<He's already busy, it's you who persists in not understanding him>> Alice replied piqued;

<<I don't think he needs a defense lawyer>> Aurora replied;

<<Enough is enough and in any case Alice right, I'm already engaged so if you want we can be friends but nothing more>> Leonardo explained to her;

<< Whatever you want, by the way, what will you do during these holidays? >> Aurora asked the group but no one wanted to answer her;

<< I will go to Turin, I was invited by my former university rector >> Leonardo replied lying, wanting to corroborate that story as much as possible;

<< Very interesting and you? >> Aurora asked the rest of the troop again but none of the other boys wanted to have a conversation with her so in the end she got tired and left.

<<Why do you keep giving her credit? He was about to ruin your relationship>> said Alice scolding Leonardo loudly;

<< I just wanted to be polite, that's all >> he replied, becoming defensive;

<<Are you really sure about that? In my opinion there's something else>> Lucia interjected;

<< I guarantee you that it is like this, trust me >> Leonardo reassured her.

Prescotti's lessons ended a few days later and on the evening of December 23rd the boys gathered again at the "Atlantide" to say goodbye, making an appointment for the new year in which their fate would be decided.

The following morning the dormitories of the Astronautical Headquarters emptied and the cadets headed to the central station where the maglevs were waiting for them ready to take them away from Palermo, at least for the Christmas break.

Leonardo pretended to get on a train but instead got off just in time to return to the dormitory, get some changes and head to Sofia's apartment who was anxiously waiting for him and when she saw him arriving in the distance she immediately ran to meet him.

He carried her in his arms to the door of the apartment and after spending the afternoon in the bedroom it was time to make the tree and the nativity scene.

Even though it was Christmas Eve, Sofia had waited for her beloved to arrive to prepare them because she wanted to decorate the apartment together with him.

<< It's all as I've always dreamed of! >> exclaimed the landlady;

<<By the way, merry Christmas in advance. I should give it to you tomorrow but since it's past midnight don't think makes much difference>> Leonardo replied making a package covered in red paper and a white bow appear out of nowhere;

<<Did you give me a gift? You shouldn't have>> replied Sofia, taking it;

<< You could wear it tomorrow >> he retorted.

The girl unwrapped the box and after removing the wooden lid she held in her hands a beautiful purple-red dress with very low neckline at the front, covered with small rubies that sparkled under the light of the chandelier.

<< It's wonderful but how could you afford it? It will have cost you an arm and a leg >> he told him, giving him a long kiss of thanks;

<<Let's say I made an investment in a person care lot about>> he justified himself.

In reality, to buy that expensive dress he had to spend every single penny he had saved up over the past years but when he saw it in the shop he immediately thought of Sofia and what it would look like for him. So after a long negotiation with the seller he managed to get a price equal to your entire budget.

<<You're crazy but I thought of you too>> said Sofia, taking a small dark blue package out of the pantry.

Leonardo grabbed it and shook it to understand what it was but no noise came from inside so he opened it and after a few seconds he had in his hands a round watch with a sea blue dial and a gold colored strap.

<< It is an atomic clock designed from the first floor of the fifth level usually supplied to astronauts who go on missions beyond Mars, it is very particular because in addition to measuring time, a nano hologram projector and a quantum memory are integrated inside it which allows to store videos and images so you can see the faces of loved ones when you are away from home.

Maybe you don't know but this belonged to your mother, she left it to me before leaving for her last mission beyond Jupiter, she had a strange feeling about that expedition so she gave it to me but now the time has come to hand it over to the rightful owner > > he explained to him, getting emotional at the memory of Leonardo's mother.

When the boy finished listening to the story he didn't have the strength to hold back his tears and Sofia held him in her arms.

<<It's the best gift I could have given myself>> he told her;

<< I know but enough crying now, it's Christmas >> he replied;

<< You're right, we have to celebrate properly. Luckily we have champagne >> said Leonardo, uncorking the bottle purchased by Sofia;

<< We should have a toast >> she proposed;

<< To the two of us, to these splendid Christmas holidays that we will spend together and to our union which has overcome many obstacles and will have to face many others but we will prove ourselves stronger than anything! >> exclaimed Leonardo;

<< To us >> Sofia reiterated while drinking.

They spent the rest of the evening on the terrace waiting for the sun to rise wrapped in the same wool blanket, holding each other tightly, aware of the magic and unrepeatability of that moment which would be difficult to replicate in the future.

<<It's always a thrill to see the sun rise, plus today is Christmas and it's even more magical than usual>> Sofia began, hugging Leonardo tightly;

<< You can say it, let's enjoy this moment >> he replied, hugging her tightly.

It was as if fate wanted to give Leonardo back some moments stolen from him with the passing of his parents, he was receiving back some sort of compensation for the wrongs suffered in the past.

Since they had been declared missing he had always seen the holidays as something to escape and isolate himself from, the pain was too strong and he couldn't face it but knowing Sofia changed his perception of the holidays and in particular of Christmas.

If for him it was a great December 25th, for others the same could not be said, in fact Andrea continued to work incessantly on his algorithm to further strengthen it and that very Christmas, after having finished entering all the Pandora data including the code discovered by Sofia , started it by starting the process of data analysis and processing.

Ever since her friend told her that she didn't want to work during the holidays, she was a little upset, but she understood her, but she couldn't wait, so she finished the job alone after a tour de force. lasted day and night.

The algorithm would have taken months to provide any concrete results given the enormous amount of information and Pandora updates that it had to examine, not to mention its update code written in such a complicated way that it required an entirely dedicated calculation section.

<< I finally finished, I didn't think I could do it but I did. Now I just have to wait for it to produce confirmation of my hypothesis and if so I will be able to shout to the whole world that I have surpassed the great Martopriest >> she thought, getting up from her chair and looking out the window as the sun rose for her too.

Hundreds of kilometers away Orlando and Lucia were also watching the dawn of December 25th, they were in Sardinia where the girl's parents lived in a splendid villa that directly overlooked the sea.

<< Look at that splendid view, don't you think? >> Orlando asked her;

<<It's extraordinary but don't think you're distracting me, tomorrow we have to go back studying Prescotti's manuals>> he replied.

Since they had arrived they had done nothing but browse virtual pages and pages but Orlando was not the type to engage in such an activity during the holidays in fact he had tried everything to escape it but with little success.

<< We should relax and enjoy the holidays >> he tried to tell her;

<< I don't want to go to Jupiter without you so you'd better put the visor on your head and start getting serious otherwise who knows, I might fall in love with some colleague >> replied Lucia;

<< It won't happen, I can guarantee you that. You won't go this far without the undersigned, that's for sure >> Orlando retorted, stung with pride.

Meanwhile Chiara and Alice watched Christmas rise from Venice, a city chosen as their romantic refuge as Chiara's parents owned a house in the city that overlooked the Grand Canal from which they could enjoy a stupendous view.

<< I had never been in a place like this, it exudes romance everywhere >> said Alice, opening the window, breathing deeply;

<< My parents decided to lend it to me for the holidays so I thought you would like to come, after all, Venice is magical during this time of year >> the girlfriend told her;

<<You're really right, there's a special atmosphere in the air>> said Alice.

Chiara was sitting on the sofa at home and looked at her with her eyes shining with happiness, however she had never confessed to her parents that she liked women, even though they were progressive liberals she feared their reaction so she said that she would be at home with some friends.

She would have liked to tell him the truth but she didn't want to ruin Christmas and, being already subjected to considerable stress relating to training, she needed to spend a few days in total serenity to recharge her batteries before returning to Palermo and diving back into work.

<<Your parents were very kind to let us have a free house>> Alice began as she returned;

<<They wanted to be alone so they went skiing I jumped at the chance>> he replied, averting his gaze;

"You didn't tell him, did you? >> Alice asked her, taking her by surprise;

<<What? >> Chiara replied angrily;

<< They don't know that you like women but I can't judge you because not even my parents know about it however nowadays it shouldn't be a problem and personally I believe that each of us has the right to be happy but I understand you, they are of a certain age and you don't know how they would take the news >> Alice explained to her, leaving her speechless.

<< If you think you are the only one who fears the judgment of loved ones then my dear you are very wrong and even if it may seem silly many still have this reverential fear >> added Alice crossing her arms;

<< I wanted to tell them, I'm serious and sooner or later I will but I had to stay with you for a while without thinking about their judgment which would have ruined my holidays if it had been negative.

Don't get angry if I was weak but we already have the pressure of training on our shoulders, I couldn't bear any more >> Chiara confessed, covering her face with her hands;

<<I'm not judging you silly, on the contrary I understand your feelings and too must apologize to for revealing it my parents>> Alice replied;

<< We should forgive each other since today is Christmas and we are all better >> Chiara proposed, finding her smile again;

<< Today is undoubtedly the most appropriate day to be with someone who truly appreciates us and forgive him for some of his small weaknesses >> the girlfriend replied, kissing her on the lips while the sun's rays illuminated their faces.

January 1, 2071 arrived much more quickly than the boys expected and on the evening of December 31, 2070 they saw each other via holographic projection to exchange greetings so Leonardo took the opportunity to introduce Sofia into his group of friends.

<< Guys, happy new year, this 2071 will be decisive for our future and in this regard I would like to officially introduce you to Sofia, my girlfriend >> he announced, making room for her in front of the holographic projector;

<< Hello everyone, it's a real pleasure to meet you >> said Sofia, waving at them;

<< My friend, I must admit that you treat yourself really well >> said Orlando, receiving an elbow on the side from Lucia;

<< Ouch you hurt me >> he added whimpering;

<< The pleasure is all ours, we hope to be able to see you live soon >> said Alice;

<< There is a very good chance that this will happen >> replied Sofia;

<< Welcome to our group, Leo made an excellent choice. You've already met the black sheep of the gang >> Lucia said, glaring at Orlando;

<< I didn't say anything wrong >> he tried to justify himself, sparking the laughter of the others;

<< See you on January 7th and please prepare for the survival training exams, Prescotti is a tough guy and won't make your life easy >> Sofia advised them before closing that meeting.

The holidays passed quickly and the day came to return to Palermo, some like Lucia began to feel the tension for the start of the exams while others like Leonardo tried not to think about it, preferring to concentrate on the happy moment they were experiencing but the happiness passed away like the wind giving way to new challenges.

On January 7, 2071 they found themselves in front of the entrance to the Astronautical Headquarters and for the first time Sofia made her live appearance as an official member of the group.

<< Tomorrow you will have the first test so I wish you my most sincere good luck and remember that Prescotti is ruthless when it comes to exams. Don't be fooled by his "good-natured" version encountered in the theory course >> Sofia admonished them.

That evening the group gathered in his apartment where he invited them to get to know them better and give him some more tips on the exams, he knew Prescotti very well therefore he knew what he had in store for his new friends.

<< Whatever test you face from tomorrow, remember to keep a cool head and calm otherwise you will be screwed.

I know they tell you this from the beginning of training but they are two indispensable elements for an astronaut without which you cannot hope to go on a mission because in space you can only rely on your skills but if you panic you will be dead before you know it > > he admonished them, serving the pizza slices ordered for the occasion.

The following day the cadets went to the airport to pick up their eVTOLs that would take them to the location where the first survival exam would take place.

They didn't know the destination but judging by the time of year they were in, they would almost certainly face the winter test and everyone was sure that they were heading to Catania from where they would climb Etna.

<<As I suspected, look there>> Lucia said to her friends pointing to the volcano which, although in the distance, was starting to be glimpsed outside the window;

<< Let's start strong straight away, Prescotti wants to start with a bang >> added Alice as the eVTOL landed at the airport where their teacher was waiting for them.

When they got out he had the cadets arrange themselves in front of him before starting to explain what the test they had to face consisted of.

<< Good morning everyone, today you will start the winter survival exam which will take place at the top of Etna where the Agency detachment set up for this test is located.

During this period the temperatures on the volcano fluctuate between -5°C and -16°C and its environment similar to the lunar one is devoid of any vegetation making it ideal for testing yourself and believe me when I tell you that it won't be easy but let's move on to the explanations of the case.

After dividing into teams of five people, you will take an eVTOL that will drop you off at 2800 meters of Etna where we have positioned four life-size "mockups" of the Magellano that you will have to enter to begin the test.

You will be given a survival kit and each group will land in a different area so that you all start on an equal footing, please make good use of the few resources available otherwise you will have no chance of being promoted.

The aim of the exam is to reach 3200 meters where there is a beacon, activate it and launch an SOS however there is only one and it can only send one message therefore the exam will also be a competition between the various teams, wins will be the one who sends the distress signal.

This training is carried out by all spacecraft crews to know how to survive in case of emergency landing in extreme conditions.

According to the procedures you will have to enter the Magellano, dress and remove the intravehicular suit inside the spacecraft wearing the uniforms suitable for the extreme cold and then, after taking the survival kit, exit the aircraft.

During the days of the exercise you will have to build two types of shelters to protect yourself from the cold (a hut and a wigwam) using the parachute fabric, provide medical assistance to a possible injured crew member and keep in constant communication with the recovery teams who will be able to know your position only if reported and radio contact must take place at least once an hour.

The beacon, once activated, will emit a light warning informing the recovery team of your position and only then will you be rescued while we examiners will always keep an eye on you thanks to the images of some satellites dedicated to the observation of this test on kind concession from the Agency.

The survival kit that you will have available in the Magellan will consist of:

1. 100 liters of water;

2. Food and a first aid kit;

3. Equipment needed to build the base camp and survive (machete, beacons, flashlight, knife, radio station, etc.).

On board the Magellano there will be jackets, flight suits, warm boots, fur socks, gloves, caps and wool balaclavas for each of you.

During winter survival training the workload you are subjected to is higher than what you will have to carry out in real conditions, this is done to compensate for the weakness and motor difficulties you would have after a long space flight.

This exam will last 15 days at the end of which, if none of the teams have reached the marker, you will all be judged insufficient and at that point it will be my discretion to decide who can move forward and who cannot based on how you behaved during the test of the exam, a judgment that I will issue based on the images at my disposal.

I think I've told you everything so, if you don't have any questions, form the teams and leave >> Prescotti said with his usual military style tone of voice.

<< I would say that our team is already formed >> said Leonardo looking at his friends while Aurora continued to stare at him in the distance;

<<That one never gives up>> replied Alice who didn't like the fact that her friend encouraged a girl who wasn't part of the "pack".

<< Let's get going >> Lucia ordered.

Once on the eVTOL they took off heading towards Etna, at the beginning they flew in single file but at a certain point they split up and within a few minutes they spotted their Magellan covered almost entirely by snow of which they couldn't even see the entrance.

<< Damn Prescotti, this will be a really tough challenge >> said Orlando.

The eVTOL landed gently, lowering them to the ground, after which it took off again, quickly disappearing into the clouds that were gathering menacingly above their heads.

<< Let's hurry and get in, the weather doesn't promise anything good >> said Alice;

<<We have a problem>> said Leonardo;

<< Let's start well, what would it be? >> Chiara asked;

<< The entrance to the spaceship seems to have disappeared >> he replied.

The whole team gathered around the aircraft and in fact the entrance door was not visible to the naked eye, this was because Prescotti and his team had added millions of tons of artificial snow to that which had already fallen naturally, in fact half the Magellan was buried under a layer of frozen snow making it impossible to enter but in the meantime the sky went from gray to black, a sign that a storm would arrive shortly.

<< The survival kit is inside so we have to get inside at all costs otherwise we're doomed, without it we wouldn't be able to survive in a hostile environment like this >> Lucia began, starting to get agitated;

<<The only way is to dig with our bare hands and we have start doing it now, before the storm starts>> Chiara added.

The five arranged themselves in a circle around the spacecraft and began to move the piles of frozen snow that surrounded the lower part of the aircraft, in the meantime from headquarters Prescotti observed the various teams in action.

<< Lord, haven't we exaggerated? Making them dig with their bare hands can be very dangerous and what if they don't make it? Today's weather forecasts the arrival of a strong storm >> said an assistant looking at the monitors;

<< My job is to prepare the cadets who must be able to face all sorts of adversities, when you are in space anything can happen and even the most unlikely situations can happen so what do you do? You have to improvise, if you stop to whine you're dead.

Space can be a source of great joy but it is a hostile environment for human beings, which is why we have space suits and everything else >> replied the officer.

Meanwhile at 2800 meters the five boys continued to dig with their bare hands to try to enter the Magellan before the storm arrived.

<< Guys, my hands are frozen, I can barely feel them >> Orlando complained;

<< Mine are also battered but we have to keep digging >> Lucia ordered.

After several minutes of hard work, the control panel of the entrance door finally began to appear before their eyes but another problem arose.

<< I see the panel but how do we open the tailgate? We don't know the opening code >> Leonardo pointed out;

<< If I'm not mistaken the Agency uses a standard alphanumeric one in situations like these, it should be 50 characters but I can't think of it >> replied Chiara;

<<You're right, I'll take care of it>> Leonardo replied.

For his eidetic memory, remembering it was child's play and the tailgate opened just as the first snowflakes began to fall on their heads.

One at a time they entered the spacecraft without closing the door because if it had snowed too much it would have been blocked and they would have had no chance of opening it from inside and would have remained trapped in the Magellan.

They dressed and took off the intravehicular suit and then put on clothes suitable for the extreme cold but it was not at all easy as their hands were frozen making it very difficult to carry out any movement, even the most basic.

<< Let's get a move on, we should already be out of here by now, let's take the food and leave otherwise we'll be in trouble >> ordered Chiara, grabbing the survival kit while the two men were tasked with carrying the water;

<< First we have to find a place to build the hut, we'll think about the Wigwam shelter later >> added Alice.

Having taken what they needed, they exited the spacecraft while half the entrance was already blocked, they walked for several hundred meters immersed in the snow with temperatures that had already reached -12°C and their hands still had not recovered from the excavation done previously.

<< Damn Prescotti, there isn't even a small shelter under which we can camp, we'll have to stay in the open air >> observed Lucia.

From where they had been left to the summit there were no trees or caves but only snow and they had to walk on stones since they were on a volcano making their climb even more difficult.

After climbing for a few hours they decided to build the hut with parachute fabric in a sort of plain open to the wind, as they couldn't do otherwise.

<< If we manage to survive I intend to say four things to the managers of the Agency, you cannot put psychopaths in the role of teachers.

First Dorato, now Prescotti, what do those in Rome have in their heads? >> said Orlando;

<< Stop complaining and help us build the hut >> Lucia resumed.