Chapter 10 Part II

<<You know I love you but you're in too much of a hurry, anxiety personified>> Orlando replied to her.

The four headed towards the point indicated by their friend but when they got there they didn't find what they had gone there for.

<< There is no curse here! Nothing at all! >> Alice shouted angrily;

<<The map says that you are in the exact place>> Lucia replied not understanding what had gone wrong.

He rechecked the calculations several times but there were no errors, the coral they were looking for must be in that place.

They spent twenty minutes searching for the treasure but to no avail, every attempt to locate it proved to be a failure.

<< You must return to the cave immediately or it will be game over >> Lucia began;

<<We haven't found that damned yellow coral, we can't leave now>> Chiara replied, continuing to search frantically;

<< Come away immediately or you won't have another chance, the time window is closing! >> Lucia shouted in turn;

<< Let's go or we'll get stuck, damn the coral >> Orlando added, turning and swimming in the direction of the cave;

<< You're right, let's hurry >> added Leonardo looking at Chiara.

She hated defeat, it had been a characteristic of hers since she was a child, so much so that when she lost at cards she burst into tears like a fountain, her competitive spirit couldn't accept such a debacle and yet this time she would have to bite the bullet.

<< Get a move on, what are you waiting for?! >> Lucia continued to encourage them.

They returned to the cave by swimming towards the exit, they were already behind schedule when Leonardo, looking upwards, realized how naive they had been.

<<Hey guys, stop for a moment and look over your pumpkins>> he said to his companions.

The others followed his example, noticing that the upper part of the cave was carpeted with yellow coral which shone in the light of their torches, seemed luminescent and shone so much that it illuminated the entire cave.

Chiara took tongs and bag, took a very large sample, after which they set off towards the exit.

<<It was always there, how did we not see it?>> Alice wondered;

<< The cave is dark because it is not reached by light but only by illuminating it is it possible to notice it, in fact I had a great stroke of luck >> replied Leonardo;

<<The map was wrong>> Orlando added.

They saw the exit of the cave but the time window to avoid the strong currents had closed and they began to be pushed from one side to the other.

<< These cursed currents, now we are trapped again >> said Orlando;

<< You still have a few moments before they become impossible to cross, at this moment their intensity is low so you have to get out now! >> Chiara encouraged them and she could only pray that her friends would make it;

<<Let's not lose heart, we can and must move forward, let's give up, the last word hasn't been said yet>> added Leonardo who was leading the way by swimming with all his strength towards the exit of the cave.

The closer he got to the exit the greater the intensity of the current became which pushed him back and prevented him from moving forward.

<<Come on Leo, come>> whispered Lucia from Aquarius;

<< Friend, get on with it, we all believe in you, we always have from the first minute our team was formed so don't give up and get us out of here >> Orlando urged him through the audio link;

<<He's right>> Alice and Chiara added in chorus, bringing up the rear of the group.

Leonardo felt all the affection of his friends, he found new vigor in his swim and began to advance towards the exit again, yet the current refused to diminish in intensity, on the contrary it became increasingly stronger.

He stopped for a moment as he couldn't go any further, he was on the verge of giving in when the image of Sofia appeared to him urging him to go forward, urging him not to stop in the face of adversity, in that moment he remembered the slap she had given him after confessed the kiss with Aurora but above all the moments at the lighthouse.

He collected the residues of energy left in his body and pushed, pushed and pushed again until, without realizing it, he found himself outside the cave after which he turned back and held out his hand to his friends.

One after the other he helped them out of the cave and once they were safe Chiara rejoiced at the success of the mission, raising the bag with the yellow coral sample high.

Leonardo saw his friend cheering and a light smile appeared on his face, then he felt a strange heaviness, the effort made in the cave had been too violent and had exhausted all his energy, he felt the urgent need to close his eyes for a moment. moment, just for a few seconds so he fainted.

<< Leo, Leo! >> Orlando exclaimed seeing him collapse on the seabed;

<< Don't worry, he just fainted, his vital parameters are normal but when you were in the cave his body produced impressive peaks of wattage so he is paying for the excessive effort, nothing more. Now come back here so we can analyze the coral >> Lucia explained.

Orlando grabbed his friend and with the help of Alice and Chiara they headed towards the laboratory, the way was lit only by the torches mounted on their wetsuits and they swam close to the seabed so as not to be seen by the large predators.

On a couple of occasions they had to stop to rest and catch their breath as they too had made a great effort to get out of the cave but in the end they arrived safely in Aquarius where a Lucia on the verge of a heart attack was waiting for them.

They entered the depressurization chamber and once the operations were completed they were safe in the common room of the laboratory with Orlando carrying Leonardo's unconscious body.

<< Let's spread it out on the sofa and give me the coral so I can start examining it >> Lucia said grabbing the sachet provided by Chiara.

They stretched Leonardo on the sofa , removing the upper part of his wetsuit, allowing him to breathe better, after which they changed. After that enormous effort, they were exhausted and very hungry having remained submerged for a long time.

<< You can rest, I'll take care of it here >> said Lucia referring to the coral sample.

Its fluorescent yellow color was very characteristic as well as extremely rare to find in nature as it was the fruit of the cave in which it grew, whose rock was very rich in gold sediments that the coral absorbed thanks to its roots.

<<For a moment I really feared wouldn't make it, when Leo stopped said to myself "That's so many sacrifices wasted" but instead we're still in the game>> Alice began;

<< I was also very scared but it's thanks to him that we have the coral, if he hadn't raised his head we wouldn't have noticed it >> added Chiara;

<<Fortune favors the bold>> Leonardo replied as he woke up;

<< Is it better? >> Orlando asked;

<< I think so, I think I fainted after the effort I made to overcome the currents. Tell me that the coral sample is safe because I have no intention of returning to the cave >>;

<< Lucia is examining it, in a few hours we will have the report so the colonel will admit us to the next test, in any case you were truly great because you opened the way for us as best you could, tonight without you we would have failed >> she told him Alice;

<<You're too kind, we actually did a great team job>> Leonardo replied to her.

They had a nice meal of canned food and around three in the afternoon Pandora spat out the results of the test which stated that in fact the coral had this color because it only grew on gold veins.

<<So we were in some kind of mine?>> Orlando asked;

"A golden one," Alice replied.

They communicated the completion of the mission on the surface and the colonel connected with them to verify that everything had been done correctly, in the end he had to surrender to the evidence by congratulating the team for having passed the test.

<< You were very clever in examining the perimeter before attempting a second time, many others would have tried again using brute force but instead you used your brain and achieved your goal, this is a fundamental characteristic for an astronaut who has to go on a mission to the deep space, don't forget it.

Now enjoy two days of vacation and rest, it's not over yet >> said the woman.

The following two days were among the best the five friends had spent since they began training to become astronauts.

They made many underwater excursions gathering a great deal of information that would be useful to those who would occupy Aquarius after them, particularly marine biologists and zoologists.

When you have to go on a deep space mission it is essential to have as much information as possible about the environment to be explored.

The holidays ended and the colonel connected with them again, providing them with information on the third test.

<< First of all I congratulate you for having completed the two previous missions, you were fantastic but now listen to me carefully because this will be your last test and you will have the remaining fifteen days to complete it.

About two hours' swim from Aquarius there is a labyrinth made of rocks called "The Brain of Poseidon" at the center of which is an ancient relic that belonged to the ancient Greeks.

According to legend, after having established the Athenian thalassocracy in the Mediterranean, Pericles received directly from the hands of Hephaestus, the blacksmith of the gods, a trident made entirely of 24 karat gold with which Olympus recognized the Athenian supremacy on the sea.

The trident was much more beautiful and majestic than that of Poseidon who, enraged by the defeat he received, stole it from Athens on a stormy night, hiding it at the bottom of the sea where no man would have admired it >> explained Tariconi;

<< We have to go into the labyrinth, take the trident and bring it back to Aquarius, right? >> Orlando asked mockingly;

<< Exactly cadet but that's not all, since you cannot stay submerged for fifteen consecutive days you will make use of a submarine anchored in the rear part of Aquarius which from today is at your disposal for this mission >> Tariconi explained;

<<If we have fifteen days to complete the test it means that labyrinth is very large>> said Lucia;

<< Exactly miss, furthermore you will not be able to use the satellite scanner otherwise you would have an easy time finding the right path however the labyrinth hides some clues that will help you in the search for the trident. Now I'll send you its position, the moment you receive the map the test will begin.

I wish you good luck, I hope you can make it >> explained the officer.

Tariconi's holographic face disappeared from the center of the room and in its place the map of the seabed appeared with a red dot indicating the entrance to the labyrinth.

<<It's definitely the most challenging test we've ever faced, fifteen days ahead is a long time>> Leonardo noted.

<<If we have to stay away from Aquarius for such a long time will be forced bring food supplies with us, I don't know if able do it>> added Orlando;

<< The colonel said that the final test has already started so let's not waste time talking, let's take what we need and go >> said Chiara.

Orlando and Leonardo took care of loading the shuttle with as many supplies as possible, while Alice and Chiara checked that the wetsuits were in place.

Lucia had to limit herself to piloting the shuttle as she could not be useful in any other way as she was injured and also did not have the software for scanning the seabed at her disposal so she could not develop a strategy.

When the underwater shuttle was ready to leave, they said goodbye to Aquarius and set off in search of the labyrinth. Looking back they knew they had done a great job in the previous fifteen days, memorizing in the laboratory all the information collected on the surrounding environment during the various underwater excursions.

The shuttle had no trouble finding the entrance to the rocky labyrinth, an imposing black complex that wound for miles and miles beneath the surface of the sea.

<<According to the information available in metaverse, labyrinth was formed following various natural phenomena>> Alice explained;

<<It's really huge, it's scary>> Orlando commented when the shuttle stopped right at the entrance;

<< Apparently all the past expeditions that ventured into the labyrinth did not return, luckily they were robotic probes >> added Alice according to what was reported by the "Universal Encyclopedia" present in the metaverse;

<<So we are the first humans to attempt cross it>> Lucia replied;

<<I don't like that>> Orlando added.

At the time no one took what Lucia said to heart but a few seconds were enough for him to digest the news.

<<It's suicide, the Agency can't ask us for something like that>> Leonardo said but his companions didn't listen to him;

<< Full speed ahead captain >> added Chiara referring to Lucia who was driving the shuttle.

The girl pushed the control joystick forward making the shuttle move forward, she knew how to use it as it was very similar to those used during previous exercises.

The shuttle entered the rocky labyrinth under the watchful eyes of the colonel who carefully followed the progress of the test from the surface.

<< This time we exaggerated and don't say otherwise >> protested the assistant while the spy fish followed the team inside the complex.

For the first time Tariconi did not reply to that objection, she thought the same way but becoming astronauts for deep space meant having to face any danger therefore, although reluctantly, she had had to choose that as the last test and she was also amazed by the great work of exploration done by the boys during their days off.

During the various underwater explorations they had collected a lot of useful information, making a great contribution to marine science.

<<Those guys are exceptional, I'm sure they'll make it>> the colonel simply said as he watched them enter the labyrinth.

Leonardo's team took the shuttle into the labyrinth. Not knowing where to go, they began to wander at random trying to find out what was the best way to reach the trident and return to the laboratory.

<< This place is gigantic >> said Orlando, munching on an energy bar;

<< Let's hope we don't get lost or there will be trouble >> Alice replied;

<< If I had the possibility of accessing the scanning software, we would have already finished by now >> added Lucia;

<<Enough crying over spilled milk, right now we can only continue so full speed ahead and let's not lose heart>> Leonardo replied.

They spent the whole day in that situation but there was nothing they could do, they navigated without finding the main road but the strangest thing was that they didn't hit dead ends, it seemed like they were crossing an enormous endless road.

<< Whoever designed this labyrinth knew what he was doing, how do you get out of it? Maybe it really is the work of a God, I don't think mortals could achieve that much, especially in ancient Greece >> said Orlando;

<< I need to rest, does anyone want to relieve me? >> asked Lucia;

<<I'll take care of it, just lie down>> Alice replied, taking command of the shuttle.

The night arrived but it did not bring the hoped-for advice, in fact Leonardo began to have doubts about that situation, there was something strange in the labyrinth, he felt it but couldn't explain it.

<< I see you rather thoughtful >> Alice told him, turning left twice and then right to avoid the rocky walls;

<< There is something very strange, first of all how would the Greeks have built something like this? We are very far from Athens but even if we were there we are talking about an imposing complex that would have required decades of work and the use of an enormous amount of manpower >> Leonardo replied more and more thoughtfully;

<< If I'm not mistaken, Tariconi spoke of some clues that would have helped us find the trident but I don't see anything that could simplify our path, there are only rocks here >> Orlando began, looking around;

<< Leo isn't entirely wrong, the engineering capabilities of the time didn't allow for something like this to be built, there must be something else underneath that we can't understand >> added Chiara;

<< Maybe it was Poseidon >> Orlando tried to say in a playful way, receiving a brutal dirty look from his teammates;

<< I was only joking, how touchy you are >> he defended himself by raising his hands.

In the following seven days they continued to wander in the labyrinth alternating with driving the shuttle equipped with a high performance graphene battery therefore they did not have to worry about running out of energy and they also had abundant supplies of food and water, the real problem was the weather their disposition which continued to decrease.

They ate and drank in the shuttle while from time to time they went out on underwater excursions, approaching the rock ridges, looking at them carefully to understand if there were any clues that could lead them to the trident.

In some circumstances they remained in advance for many hours but each attempt promptly ended in fiasco.

<< I've had enough of this story, the further we go the greater the risk of failure becomes, we've been in here for a good eight days now and we haven't made any progress, damn it! >> Orlando shouted, rocking the shuttle dangerously;

<< Calm down, if we damaged the boat we would be in serious trouble so let's keep a cool head >> Alice called him back.

The shuttle was a "Piranha" with a hull made of a titanium alloy capable of proceeding in silent mode. Furthermore, if the crew's divers went out to explore they could remain in contact with the shuttle, capable of providing them with oxygen for breathing.

Its 2500 kW graphene batteries allowed the vehicle to remain operational for twenty days and within 3 hours to receive enough food, electrical charge, lubricants and air for another ten days, all with unparalleled agility providing members of the crew an unusual comfort for shuttles of that type.

The "Piranha" had a length of 55 meters, a width of 9 meters, a draft of 7 meters, 500 tons of displacement, a "Surfaced" of 450 and a submerged speed (Kts) of 8 as well as its radius range was 10,000 miles, reached a diving depth of 200 meters and could accommodate a crew of 5 people.

It was equipped with SPG, connection to the metaverse, Pandora in its most advanced state, and five cabins, one for each crew member.

The Agency considered it one of its flagships, in fact the armed forces of many foreign countries had tried in vain to seize the "Piranha" projects, forcing the government to place it on the list of non-exportable equipment.

<< How long will we continue to wander around like madmen? First I was out there and a school of fish swam near me, mocking me, passing from one side of the rocks to the other with great ease, if we were so small we could do the same >> Orlando complained.

His companions gave no weight to those sentences, however they were recorded in Leonardo's eidetic memory and the following day he asked his friend for explanations.

<<You have heard the pure truth, some schools of fish manage to pass through rocks, there are probably cracks into which they slip but I'm talking about tiny fish, we no chance copying them>> Orlando explained.

Leonardo felt strong doubts about the matter and these doubts worsened during an underwater mission outside the "Piranha" when he noticed that some parts of the labyrinth did not rest perfectly on the ground, they seemed to vanish in the face of the sand raised by the sea current.

The sand did not stick to the rock but flew away carried by the sea, dispersing in all directions, making Leonardo suspicious.

He pointed this out to his friends who decided to go and check for themselves and discovered that the rocks in the labyrinth were far too clean, free of algae and sand.

<< Leo is right, we are missing something important and we absolutely have to understand what otherwise we won't be able to pass the exam >> said Chiara.

Meanwhile Lucia continued to guide them through the labyrinth, they spent several days wandering around aimlessly continuing their underwater excursions in vain in search of useful clues to find the trident but at the dawn of the fifteenth and final day of the test the unexpected happened.

Orlando was eating one of the last cans of food and had the idea of playing a prank on Lucia while she was piloting the "Piranha": she was about to turn left avoiding a large rock ridge when he approached her furtively from behind, sticking his tongue in her ear.

The girl didn't expect it and jumped in fear, losing control of the shuttle which headed straight for the rocks.

"What are you doing, idiot?! You're about to get us killed! >> Alice shouted at him while the control panel filled with red lights like a Christmas tree;

<<I didn't think he would be scared>> Orlando tried to defend himself but by then it was too late.

The "Piranha" was launched at full speed against the rocks and no matter how hard Lucia held the joystick trying to steer, the omelette was now done.

<<When we are in the other world I swear that will remember this moment>> said Chiara looking at Orlando with eyes full of hate;

<< Gentlemen, it was a privilege to meet you >> said Leonardo, starting to cry.

The rocks were centimeters from the hull and Lucia herself had let go of the joystick, there wasn't enough room to turn so their fate was sealed.

The wall of the labyrinth also covered the sun but instead of crashing into it they passed through it as if nothing had happened and found themselves on the other side.

The "Piranha" passed through various rock walls with disarming ease before stopping its run and when it did, the five boys who until a moment before had thought they were dying, realized they were still alive.

<<What the hell happened? We have..., ... well...>> Lucia stammered, still shaken by the tremors of adrenaline;

<< How the hell was this possible? Have we by chance already become ghosts? >> asked Orlando who didn't think it was true that he had avoided a tragedy.

<<It's the strangest thing that's happened to me in my life>> added a trembling Alice.

The surprises were not over because in stopping its run the "Piranha" had gone out of control and instead of maintaining buoyancy it had crashed onto the seabed, dragging itself for several meters across the rocky ridges of the labyrinth.

In the rush of his run he had hit a strange object which now lay destroyed before the eyes of the boys who, with great surprise, saw a high rock ridge literally disappear before their eyes, dematerialising as if a superior force had teleported it to another place.

<< This place is starting to scare me >> Orlando began, having recovered from the emotional blow;

<< Shut up and thank heaven that you're still alive, let's just hope that the shuttle isn't seriously damaged >> Alice replied.

When he came to from the adrenaline rush Leonardo immediately noticed the strange object disintegrated by the "Piranha"'s run.

<< Look over there, what is that? >> he said pointing to it with the index finger of his right hand.

The others looked at it carefully but no one could understand its nature so they decided to go down to the seabed.

Two of them would have checked the "Piranha" for any damage and two others would have recovered that strange object while Lucia would have remained on board the shuttle to restart the engines.

Having put on their wetsuits, they got out of the vehicle and while the girls headed towards the lower part of the hull, checking that it had not suffered any significant damage, the two men swam in the direction of the mysterious object. When they reached it at first they were very cautious, however it took them little time to understand what it was. is.

Orlando took him and took him with him to the "Piranha" which fortunately had not suffered serious damage, overall he was fine so he could have left quickly.

<<What is it?>> Alice asked, taking the object picked up by Orlando in her hand,

<< Don't you recognize him? >> Leonardo asked her;

<< If I knew I would say it, wouldn't you say? >> she replied sarcastically;

<< It's an underwater hologram projector, it's a drone capable of producing them underwater and as you can see from this symbol on the left side it belongs to our Agency >> Orlando explained to her, pointing to the logo they knew well;

<< I don't understand, what is something like that doing in a place like this? >> Chiara asked, observing him carefully.

It had the shape of a large shell and its yellow color allowed it to camouflage very well under the sand.

<< The labyrinth is just a huge hologram, it doesn't actually exist, do you understand? Now everything can be explained >> said Leonardo.

The girls were speechless at that statement and yet it was the only one that made sense. Otherwise, how could you explain the ability to walk through rocks and everything else?

<<So it's a big joke, did I understand correctly?>> Chiara asked.

<< But then the information we found on the metaverse? >> asked Alice;

<< They were inserted on purpose by the colonel's staff, they knew that we would be informed so they created a cover for this farce, now I understand why we were not allowed to use the scanning software, there was nothing to analyze >> said Leonardo;

<<What do we now? Is the trident also a hoax or does it really exist?>> Orlando asked;

<< I don't know, maybe it's the only real part of the story but to discover the truth we have to go through this hologram and get to the center of the labyrinth >> Leonardo replied.

Once back on the "Piranha" they updated Lucia on what they had discovered and restarted the engines, pushing the shuttle at full speed towards the center of the virtual structure, crossing it wall after wall. At first it impressed them but then they got used to it.

<< How big do you think it is? >> asked Lucia;

<< I couldn't say, however today is the last day available to complete the test so we have to hurry if we want to be promoted >> Leonardo replied.

Her friend didn't have to be told twice, she pushed the joystick forward, bringing the engines to the maximum power allowed.

It was almost three in the afternoon when they reached the center of the labyrinth and to their great surprise they saw that in place of the trident there was Aquarius, the laboratory in which they had been for the entire first part of the month of training.

<< I really didn't expect it >> Lucia began;

<< No trident? A real shame, I would have liked to brandish it >> Orlando said showing his typical beaten dog expression that he showed when he was sad.

Lucia went down gently with the "Piranha", parking it where they had found it and then entered the laboratory, communicating the completion of the test on the surface.

<< Hello to you cadets, do you have the trident? >> asked the Tariconi hologram appearing in the center of the common room;

<< We're in it. When we arrived there after having crossed a holographic labyrinth for fifteen days I remembered that Aquarius seen from above has the shape of a trident >> Leonardo replied showing her the shell drone;

<< We understood the trick, Aquarius is the trident >> added Lucia.

The colonel looked at them for a few minutes without saying a word but the boys were sure of what they were saying and returned his inquiring gaze.

<< I guess I have to congratulate you for successfully completing the mission, it was the most difficult test, the one in which each cadet must demonstrate that they can distinguish reality from what they see with their own eyes.

Just like at the bottom of the sea, even in space nothing is what it seems, to get to the truth you have to use the brain and not the eyes, logic and not emotion and you have succeeded also the explanation on Aquarius is impeccable so yes , you found the trident >> Tariconi explained, clapping her hands.

<<So what happens now? Are you coming to get us or not? The thirty days of submarine training are over , right?!>> said Orlando, who isn't here, he could swim no more;

<< There is no need, take the "Piranha" and with it you can return to the port of Palermo, see you at the Astronautical Headquarters and congratulations again >> the officer explained to them, closing the holographic connection.

<< They have what it takes to become astronauts, if I remember correctly in the history of the Agency very few teams have been able to pass this test, our submarine holograms have an impressive resemblance to reality >> said the Tariconi assistant while the his boss closed the connection;

<< Prescotti wasn't wrong, this year we have some really interesting people who can do great things in the future >> the colonel replied, getting up from the monitor.

Leonardo's team was the second to succeed in the feat of passing the test of the underwater labyrinth, the first having been the one led by his parents.

In the laboratory the boys packed their bags, tidied up leaving everything ready for use for the next team that would have to take that part of the exam and got on the "Piranha" setting sail for the surface which they reached within a few minutes, a once docked at the port they went ashore.

They set the "Piranha" in automatic mode making it return to Aquarius, left alone on the dock they thought back to that last month and what they had been through realizing that they had significantly improved as people and as future astronauts.

<< Do you know what I'm telling you? After all, I will miss Aquarius >> said Orlando, getting into a golf cart with which they returned to the Headquarters where the colonel was waiting for them to give an account of what happened in the underwater laboratory;

<< It was a great adventure but it's time to look beyond >> replied Leonardo whose only thought was to once again hold his Sofia in his arms who was waiting for him anxiously in front of the entrance to the Astronautical Headquarters.

When she saw the golf cart arriving with the team on it she was almost about to burst into tears, Leonardo recognized her in the distance, got out of the moving vehicle and jumped on top of her, kissing her repeatedly on the lips.

<<I missed you>> she told him;

<< You much more, now I have to go to the colonel but this evening I'm all yours >> he replied.

The boys went to Tariconi's office which was normally located on the island of Lampedusa but due to an urgent renovation it had been temporarily moved to the fifth level of the Astronautical Headquarters right next to Lucrezia's which they had welcomed very well. the temporary tenant.

<< Here you are finally, take a seat >> the officer said to the boys, making them sit down;

<< Congratulations for your performances >> began the colonel's assistant.

<< I want to congratulate you, you are now one step away from successfully completing all the survival tests, if I'm not mistaken you still have to face the one in the mountainous area after which you will have two weeks of rest before moving on to the next phase of training.

I observed you in the month in which you remained in Aquarius and not only did you complete what was requested but you went further by collecting a lot of information on the seabed that we did not yet know, for this I am grateful >> explained Tariconi;

<<We had nothing better to do>> Orlando retorted;

<< Unfortunately we cannot afford to lose a single second in the sense that the Agency has asked us instructors to speed up the times so tomorrow morning you will leave for the area where you will carry out the test relating to survival in the high mountains therefore at dawn you will have to let me find you at Palermo airport, once there I will provide you with all the necessary instructions >> explained the woman in a decisive tone;

<<Actually we were hoping to have a few days off as are very tired>> Alice tried to protest;

<< I understand it and to tell the truth you deserve it but as I have already said the Agency wants to accelerate the preparation of the new astronauts therefore you will have to leave tomorrow morning. See you at the airport and be on time >> Tariconi recommended, looking at their faces, in particular Leonardo;

<<Okay ma'am, we'll be there>> they replied in chorus.

They were heartbroken, after having been in Aquarius for a month they wanted to enjoy Palermo and its beauty considering the imminent arrival of spring but instead they were forced to leave again.

<< Ugh that's not fair! >> Orlando exclaimed as he left the building and headed to the pier to take a walk on the beach;

<< Unfortunately it's life as an astronaut, we can't do anything about it. When duty calls we must go >> Chiara replied.

The quietest of the group was Leonardo whose expression did not reveal any emotion, neither anger nor amazement and yet he, more than anyone, knew what it meant to be deep space astronauts.

<<Leo what do you think? Don't think it's unfair? You have experienced the hardships of space first-hand so can understand me better than others>> Orlando asked him referring to his parents;

<< When we chose this job we knew it would be difficult, we knew the asking price but we decided to pay it anyway so there's no point in complaining.

I too would have liked a few days of holiday but if we can't we can't, we just have to think about moving forward united and compact like a tortoise >> she replied with a contemptuous tone, surprising him;

<<This is the right spirit>> added Chiara;

<<If we stay united will do great things>> concluded Alice.

After staying on the beach for a long time they decided to organize a dinner at Sofia's house so as to allow Leonardo to stay close to her for a while since he was the one without a partner in the group of five.

The landlady threw a party in style in her apartment, uncorking a fine bottle of Brunello di Montalcino with which they accompanied a tasty dinner of Kobe beef and rounding off the evening were the inevitable Sicilian cannoli purchased from the best pastry shop in the city .

<<If you don't marry this girl are the stupidest man in solar system>> Orlando said, embarrassing Leonardo and taking a step on the ankle from Lucia;

<< Ouch but what did I say wrong? >> he defended himself making the rest of the team laugh;

<< Under the sea you were fantastic, I'm really happy for all of you but also a little sorry for your departure tomorrow >> Sofia replied;

<< Us too >> Chiara replied.

Once again the only one to remain silent was Leonardo but the evening passed very quickly and like all things it came to an end so when it was time to go, Leonardo was the last to leave the apartment.

<< I want to tell you that whatever happens I will always come back to you, keep that in mind >> he said, kissing her;

<< I'll be here waiting for you like a princess on a tower waiting for Prince Charming >> Sofia replied;

<< How is it going with Pandora? Is Apollo working? When we saw those strange symbols we got worried, it's not the best thing in life to be at the bottom of the sea with Pandora out of order >> added Leonardo;

<< Your interface works very well, now we have to wait for the decoding to finish, however as regards the other day we were scared to death but we still haven't understood what the cause of the malfunction was >> he explained to him.

They remained clinging to each other on the sofa for a few minutes, after which the time came for Leonardo to return to his dormitory.

The next day he had to leave early so he decided to leave sex aside but was determined to make up for it with interests once he returned from the mountain where Tariconi was about to send them.

The following morning the five showed up at Palermo airport punctual like clockwork, the sun was rising just at that moment but they immediately realized that they were alone, the other teams were not present.

<< Good morning to you, are you ready to start this new adventure? >> asked the colonel appearing from behind a hangar;

<< Where are the other teams? >> Orlando asked;

<<It's actually a bit disturbing>> Chiara added in a worried tone.

<< You were the first to face the underwater test so you will also be the first for the high mountain test, we decided to follow a staggered approach but don't worry, your friends will be able to handle it.

Now we come to the exam which will take place in Tanzania, we have chosen Kilimanjaro as the location for the survival test.

With its three volcanic cones Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira it is a dormant stratovolcano located in north-eastern Tanzania, with its 5895 meters above sea level it is the highest peak on the African continent, the highest single mountain in the world and one of the highest volcanoes on the planet as well as being one of the "Seven Peaks" of the Earth.

It is a stratovolcano made up of three craters: the oldest is the western one of Shira with an altitude of 3962 metres, to the east there is Mawenzi with its 5149 meters and between the first two is Kibo, the most recent which shows activity signals in the form of fumaroles.

Between Kibo and Mawenzi lies a platform of approximately 3600 hectares called "the saddle of the winds" which constitutes the largest area of high-altitude tundra in Africa while the summit of the volcano is covered by a perennial glacier, the "Rebmann Glacier" .

You will depart from Palermo on board a KP 9000 landing after a couple of hours of travel at the Dodoma Capital International Airport which serves the Tanzanian capital of Dodoma located within the Dodoma region, at which point you will go to our African headquarters and there you will receive all the necessary instructions.

We have nothing else to say to each other so I wish you good luck but I don't think you will need it >> explained the officer as he took his leave.

<< We will take the Agency's hypersonic jet again, I was hoping to be able to use it at least one more time before concluding the training >> Orlando rejoiced;

<< It represents one of the flagships of world technology >> added Lucia.

With a previous generation plane it would have taken them 21 hours to reach the African city, but thanks to that technological marvel in a couple of hours they were already in sight of the airport which had been closed to allow them to land safely.

Once they got off the jet they were greeted by Gianni Calimero Trivolsi, the head of the Agency for the African area, a very tall man in his sixties, with short gray hair and a big bulbous nose, he wore glasses with black frames resting on fat ears. hairy.

He was wearing a comfortable blue tracksuit and white sneakers while waving a fan in his hands to relieve himself from the heat.

<< Welcome to Tanzania, we don't have a minute to waste so follow me to the office so I can give you the right information about it >> he told them;

"It's really hot here," Orlando complained.

The team jumped aboard some robot taxis with which they crossed the city until they arrived at the building where the African division of the Italian Space Agency was located.

It was a three-storey building located in School Avenue at number 78 near the Gadaffi mosque, externally painted green with a white mural on the front representing the African continent and 54 stars, one for each African state.

<<Please follow me to my office>> the man exhorted them as he walked forward leading the way.

Internally it was equally well cared for and there were a multitude of plants that some employees of the structure looked after with dedication and Trivolsi himself was a great lover of them.

They went up to the top floor where the man's office was located, a not very large room with white painted walls, in the center a small ebony wood desk with some photographs and a PC on it while opposite there were some velvet sofas in which the boys sat.

Hanging on the walls were the inevitable photographs of the President of the Italian Republic, the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy and the director of the Italian Space Agency together with a ceramic reproduction of Africa made up of 54 tiles.

<< You are excited I imagine, by passing this test you will have successfully completed the survival course so no more chatter, here's what you will have to do: as soon as our conversation ends you will return to the airport where an eVTOL awaits you which will take you to Moshi Airport from which you will continue with a robot taxi reaching the Marangu Gate, the main entrance to the Kilimanjaro park about 30 km north of the city of Moshi located at 1,870 meters above sea level.

At that point you will have to enter the park and cross it over the next six days climbing the mountain arriving at Gilman's Point at an altitude of 5,756 meters, one of the three official summit points of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The climb to Gilman's Point starts from the Kibo Huts campsite at 4700 meters and is usually the hardest part of the route.

Climbers arriving at Gilman's Point receive the official Kilimanjaro climbing certificate and can proudly say they have reached one of the 3 peaks of Africa's highest mountain.

You will have to take the certificate and send it to the undersigned within six days from today after which you will be recovered by a rescue team, obviously you will have some material available with which to face the test >> he explained to them pointing to some backpacks near the sofas;

<< Should we do all this in just six days? Don't they seem a bit small to you? We have just finished a grueling month at the bottom of the sea >> Alice asked rather perplexed and she was certainly not the only one, even her companions shared her doubts;

<< This is madness >> added Leonardo, shaking his head in disapproval;

<<In my opinion they want us dead>> said Orlando;

<< Unfortunately I am not the one who makes the rules, I simply limit myself to explaining them but before you go let me give you some more information on the vegetation of Kilimanjaro, one of the most beautiful and fascinating on the planet.

You should know that it can be divided into four macro bands:

1. The rainforest area from 1,801 to 2,700 meters high, full of lush vegetation dominated by tall trees;

2. The moorland area from 2,700 to 4,000 metres, mainly inhabited by shrub species;

3. The high altitude desert area from 4,000 to 5,000 meters, desertic and desolate;

4. The summit area from 5,000 to 5,895 meters, often covered by snow and subject to extreme climatic conditions.

Keep this in mind when you face the climb, having said that, take the kits and go, I have nothing else to say to you except good luck >> Trivolsi dismissed them.

The boys grabbed their backpacks and ran out of the building, quickly jumping into the robot taxi towards the airport.

<< Can I say that it seems crazy to me to do something like this in less than a week or am I too critical? >> Orlando asked ironically;

<< The colonel really wants to test us and we will also have to consider the temperature change we will suffer when we reach a certain altitude, even if it is hot here we will certainly find snow above 3000 meters >> Chiara noted;

<< Those from the Agency have a soft heart since there is a nice fur coat in our backpacks, it will come in handy when we have to climb up the mountain paths and we also have the usual canned food, some water which should be enough for six days, a torch, a "Delfi" headset to take the photo on which only one number is stored and I presume it is that of Trivolsi together with other various gadgets >> added Leonardo rummaging in the backpack;

<< The standard equipment >> sighed Lucia.

She hadn't told anyone but her shoulder still hurt a lot, at the bottom of the sea she had gritted her teeth hoping to rest once she returned to the surface but she was shocked when they were informed of the immediate departure for the high mountains, she didn't give it to see but he knew he couldn't do it in those conditions.

The pain was throbbing strongly and at times it was so excruciating that she wanted to scream but instead she was forced to pretend nothing had happened, she tried to ignore it but with little success and yet she had to resist, she wouldn't have forgiven herself if her classmates had failed because of her.

<<Are you feeling well Lucy?>> Chiara asked her, seeing her with shining eyes;

<< Everything's fine, thank you, I just have to get used to this temperature >> he replied lying.

When they arrived at the airport they struggled to find their eVTOL but once they had identified it they boarded it towards Moshi Airport which was about forty minutes away from where they were located, set the destination on the aircraft and took off.

<<Do you think there will be any pitfalls to face?>> asked Alice;

<< I don't know, the time available to us is already very limited so we will have to be as efficient as possible otherwise we won't be promoted >> Chiara replied.

Those words made the blood freeze in Lucia's veins and her shoulder immediately began to hurt even more, fear is creeping into her soul like a worm in an apple, starting to slowly devour it from the inside.

Once they arrived at Moshi Airport they took another robot taxi and after an hour's journey they arrived at Marangu Gate, the main entrance to Kilimanjaro park.

<< Here we are, our climb begins >> said Chiara.

Putting their backpacks on their shoulders they ventured into the park, walked all day but soon realized that they didn't have the slightest idea of where the useful paths for climbing towards the summit were located, making it useless to use the stars to orient themselves when the vegetation was not too thick.

They wandered around the forest all day and when evening came they realized they were lost so they decided to camp in a corner where they began to consume canned food, being in a natural park it was strictly forbidden to light a fire.

<< Here's the first trap, I wonder how we'll find the right paths, the stars are of little use if you don't know which way to go >> said Alice;

<< I wouldn't be so defeatist, in the past we have faced worse moments >> Orlando continued, usually the least optimistic of the group;

<< We don't even have sleeping bags so we'll have to get used to sleeping under fur coats, which of us wants to take the first watch? >> Chiara asked;

<<I'll take care of it>> Leonardo replied.

It's not that he didn't trust his companions but they were in a situation where it was essential to remain vigilant and if he had to fall into some ambush he preferred to do so with his eyes open rather than while asleep.

<< I'll keep you company >> Orlando replied.

When the girls had fallen asleep it was Leonardo's turn to start the conversation with his friend and, realizing that he had not noticed Lucia's difficulties, he had to inform him.

<<Your girlfriend has a rather bad shoulder>> she told him, taking him by surprise;

<<Are you serious? I thought she was healed>> Orlando replied;

<< You're wrong but we have to ensure that he manages to get to the top with us, he doesn't want to lose a piece of the team >> said Leonardo;

<< We can use the first aid kit found in the backpacks >> Orlando proposed;

<<Those are used to put a patch in case you get injured but need go hospital, I think the pain is very strong want be clear, we will not abandon and if necessary carry on our shoulders summit>>;

<<I'll do it, I'm her boyfriend and if there's anyone who has to take on the burden, it's myself>> Orlando offered;

<< You can be sure of this, it was you I was referring to >> concluded Leonardo giving him a vigorous pat on the shoulder.

At the first light of dawn the following day they set off again but they still didn't know how to orient themselves and yet they had to figure it out quickly if they wanted to find a passage to the summit, towards mid-afternoon they decided to sit in the shade of a tree, drink some water and think carefully about what to do.

<< We need a strategy and immediately >> Chiara began;

<< We can't continue like this, we've been at the same altitude since yesterday, I can see it from the vegetation >> added Alice.

When the girl mentioned the word "vegetation" Leonardo's mind lit up, it was as if lightning had crossed him from top to bottom.

<< Of course, we have to follow the trees! >> he exclaimed, jumping up;

<<What did you say?>> Orlando asked, unable to understand;

<< Do you remember the division of Kilimanjaro into bands that Trivolsi told us in his study before leaving? >> Leonardo asked his friends;

<< Of course, now I understand. We follow the vegetation and when it changes it means that we are rising in altitude, we don't need a compass >> Alice reflected, happy at her friend's intuition that had saved them from a bad problem.

While the others were celebrating Lucia couldn't stand up due to the pain in her shoulder and was on the verge of fainting, her back was leaning against the trunk and she felt so good that nothing could have moved her from there.

<< Guys look, Lucy has fainted >> said Chiara;

<<I think she has a fever but I can't explain the reason>> Alice added, touching her forehead with her hand;

<< The shoulder damaged after the collision with the shark still hurts, I noticed it when we took off from Palermo but I was hoping it would hold out a little longer but instead it collapsed, in any case we will take it with us to the top >> he said Leonardo;

<< Don't worry, I'll take care of it >> Orlando came forward.

He took it delicately and, aided by his friend, loaded it onto his shoulders and set off again. Following the change in flora, they rose in altitude, quickly reaching over 3000 meters where they encountered the first signs of snow.

<<It will be better to camp here, if we continue further risk not finding a suitable place spend the night>> ordered Leonardo.

His goal was to rest Orlando who had been slowing them down considerably since he had to take Lucia on his shoulders.

More than once he had offered to carry her for him so that he could catch his breath but he had always refused, replying that he had to carry out his duty until the end, however from that point on the oxygen would have become rarer and therefore physical fatigue was more difficult. to bear so Orlando's pride risked making them fail.

<< Why are there no traps on Kilimanjaro? >> asked Tariconi's assistant, observing the boys wrapping themselves in furs;

<< There is no need, fatigue will be the trap they will fall into, from now on it will be difficult to recover their energy and they will have to march all day and they will also begin to pay for the physical and mental efforts of the month spent in Aquarius.

They only have four more days to reach the summit, let's see how long they will be able to resist, however if you go into space you have to be used to going from one hostile environment to another so it's better to get used to it from now on >> the man replied to her official;

<< That girl seems to be in great pain, how long will she be able to bear the pain? I don't think for much longer >> added Paola;

<< Her friends are carrying her on their shoulders and that's what I expected, they don't leave a crew member behind however it's slowing them down so they'll be forced to decide whether to move forward with her or dump her.

As long as they are on the moor they will be able to move forward easily but once they have exceeded 4000 meters they will enter the high altitude desert area and in this season there is still a lot of snow also they will encounter the glacier so it will be a good challenge >> concluded Tariconi who on another monitor he observed what the second team selected for the test in Aquarius was doing.

It was the Aurora team that had lost two members in the first two survival tests but they were performing well.

They were dealing with sharks and the sunken vessel, they managed to collect fewer jackets than Leonardo's team and did not see the shark eggs under the bones.

Despite this, the colonel decided to promote them as they had achieved the primary objective assigned to them, however they were awarded a lower score than Orlando and his companions.

<<The first team had done better if I'm not mistaken>> Tariconi's assistant noted while noting the score;

<< There are fewer of them so they have fewer strings to their bow but the most worrying thing is the lack of leadership within the group, there is only one girl who commands while the others just obey but if the leader makes a mistake the mission ends compromised >> replied the colonel who didn't like Aurora's despotic attitude;

<< Any news about Prescotti? >> asked Paola;

<< From what I know he has obtained a prestigious position in the capital so I will be the one to complete the course >> Tariconi cut him short.

Meanwhile in Africa the sun rose again and the boys set off again crossing the moor but the higher they climbed the more they couldn't breathe, they advanced more and more slowly so much so that they had to take several breaks along the way, they stopped frequently to catch their breath but they were unable to recover your energy.

They trudged on all day then set up camp in the evening and set off again the following morning, arriving in the high altitude desert area at an altitude of 4000 meters in the middle of the day.

<<If I haven't made a mistake in my calculations we still have three days to get the top>> Leonardo said breathlessly as he drank;

<< We have to be careful not to run out of supplies otherwise we won't be able to feed ourselves and we'll be screwed >> added Alice.

Orlando placed a trembling Lucia on the ground and his friends gathered around her, looking at her face. She was shivering from the cold despite being wrapped in a fur coat, she barely ate and drank and she often lost consciousness.

<<How do you feel?>> Chiara asked her, making her come to her senses;

<<The pain in my shoulder is exhausting me, I'm sorry I can't help you and know that if decide to give up on me I'll understand>> he replied gasping due to the lack of oxygen;

<< Without you I'm not going anywhere, I will take you to the top at any cost, you can be sure of that my love >> Orlando replied

If there was one thing that motivated him it was pride and he would never abandon his beloved, he had chosen her and he would be faithful to her until the end;

<<Don't even say it as a joke, we started together and will finish together, this is how real team behaves>> Leonardo told her.

Unfortunately, the worst was yet to come, in fact in the area where they were at that moment the plant life was limited to some herbaceous species with a developed ability to adapt to unfavorable environmental conditions.

In addition to mosses and lapidous lichens, there were specimens of "Carduus chamaecephalus" with a flattened shape with hairy and thorny leaves, isolated tufts of "Pentaschistis minor" known as "desert grass" and different species of "Helichrysum" such as "H.kilimanjari", "H.newii", "H.cymosum", "H.argyranthum", "H.meyeri-johannis" but nothing that gave them shelter from adversities such as the increasingly strong freezing wind.

They spent another two days there and at dawn on the last they reached the summit area above 5000 meters above sea level where few plant species managed to survive due to the extreme climatic conditions of the area characterized by low temperatures, very intense solar radiation and rarefied oxygen, among them we could include the herbaceous "Helichrysum newii" and the lichens of the "Xanthoria elegans" species.

<< One last effort, we're almost there, the summit is ever closer, forward! >> Leonardo encouraged them but he was the first to collapse.

As expected by the colonel, the tiredness of the previous tests combined with the rarefaction of oxygen was weakening them, forcing them to make long stops, in some cases lasting several hours.

Time passed quickly and the afternoon arrived quickly and yet they were still far from Gilman's Point located at 5756 meters above sea level.

<< We must arrive by midnight otherwise our sacrifices will be in vain>> said Chiara.

They had underestimated how much the month at the bottom of the sea had affected their bodies but above all their minds and some members of the group like Orlando were scraping the bottom of the barrel of energy just to take a further step forward.

<< Please leave me here, you'll never make it >> Lucia urged him late in the evening;

<<Shut up, if you say it again I'll stop seriously>> Orlando replied, stung with pride.

He was about to collapse exhausted from fatigue when Alice came to his rescue, compared to the others he felt much better and had more energy to expend.

<< Let's get a change >> he proposed trying to carry Lucia on his shoulders.

Orlando didn't want to give in, if he had he would have shown himself weak in front of his teammates and he couldn't afford it.

<< I'll do it >> he replied but in an attempt to avoid her he stumbled and fell.

The rest of the team ran to her rescue and only then realized that they did not have enough strength to carry Lucia to the summit so she accepted Alice's offer.

<< Don't worry, he's in good hands >> Leonardo reassured him, helping him get up.

They continued to climb but they felt their leg muscles bursting, full of lactic acid, they continued only by inertia because the energy had run out for a long time so much so that their vision began to blur noticeably.

They lost track of time, they didn't know what time it was or if they would arrive in time and yet no one threw in the towel and in the end with a Herculean effort they reached the 5757 meters of Gilman's Point where two Agency employees were waiting for them with their certificates .

The boys collapsed to the ground and had to be helped with oxygen, especially Lucia who was already feverish and in pain from her shoulder and had finally fainted.

<<Did we arrive in time?>> asked Alice;

<< It's 11.59.45pm so yes, for fifteen seconds you are within the time limit so I am giving you the certificates in the form of NFTs >> one of the two Agency officials informed her, a very tall young man in his thirties referred to in his face could barely be made out, closed in his winter jacket and with the night covering everything.

Alice downloaded the NFTs onto the "Delfi" headset provided to her by Trivolsi and then sent them to her at 11.59.58pm, two seconds before the exam deadline which they had to comply with to be promoted given that the test was considered passed only after the sending of the certificates.

He received a congratulatory message from Trivolsi which read "Congratulations for having passed the test brilliantly, two eVTOLs will arrive shortly and will take you back to the capital so wait there, they are already in flight".

<<We only made it for two miserable seconds>> she said to her friends with the little breath she had left;

<<Hurray >> Orlando replied feebly, exhausted but happy;

<< I have always believed in us, from the beginning >> concluded Chiara.