Chapter 6 Part II

Leonardo obeyed and with the pizza box in hand disappeared from the kitchen just in time, avoiding being seen by Andrea as soon as she entered the living room but neither she nor Sofia could find the headset which was not ringing due to the "silent" mode set previously by Andrea herself so as not to be disturbed while working on the Pandora code.

<< Where will the bedroom be? In this darkness I can't see anything >> thought Leonardo who in his rush hadn't had time to turn on the light so he slipped into the first room and found the door open.

<< Where are they? This is not the bedroom. Here is a hologram, it looks like an algorithm but it uses an unknown mathematical language >> he thought as he watched lines and lines of code whose meaning he didn't understand floating in the air, whoever had written it must have been either a genius or a madman because he didn't he had never seen anything like it.

Unfortunately for Sofia the door to her study had not locked due to a malfunction in the lock and now Leonardo was inside.

<< This must be some secret code, maybe it belongs to Pandora but it's really complex but what's here? >> he questioned himself as he saw another holographic projector, one of those used to store documents.

He pushed the "play" button and to his amazement the classified folder of the parents appeared with their missions and reports, there were all the files including the "top secret" ones that were not found on the sixth level of the Headquarters.

"What the hell is he doing? Investigate them? Why didn't he tell me? >> he thought as he scrolled through the documentation.

Meanwhile Andrea had left and Sofia ran into the corridor to look for him but when she found him Leonardo was holding the holographic archive in his hand and his face was dark as a storm, it didn't take a genius to understand that he had discovered everything.

<<Why are you in my studio? There classified documents there!>> Sofia shouted, scared by the fact that he knew everything;

<< I entered by mistake, I was looking for the bedroom but in the darkness I took the wrong door. I'm the angry one and do you know why? I think so! You investigate my parents' death and keep it from me?! Do you know something I should know too? You better spit it out otherwise you're done with me >> he replied furiously.

He wasn't angry about the lie itself but rather about the lack of trust Sofia had shown towards him.

<< How could you not trust? Do you really think I would jeopardize you or your career or mine for a tantrum? Tell me the truth immediately >> he added in a severe tone;

<< Ok now calm down, let's sit in the living room and talk about it. You're right to be angry but there is an explanation and I can give it to you >> Sofia justified herself by looking at his expression transfigured by anger, she had never seen him in that state.

She was forced to spill the beans on everything including the Pandora code that they had discovered but not yet deciphered.

<<Now you know the truth, I swear. No more secrets>> he explained to him.

At that point it was Leonardo who was in difficulty having hidden from her what had happened with Aurora some time ago, on the one hand he was still angry for not having known about her investigations on the other now he knew the truth so she too deserved his sincerity.

<< I too have to reveal a secret to you >> he began, taking her by surprise, spilling the beans on the story of Aurora and the rocks.

When he finished speaking he expected an outburst, which was absolutely understandable given his behavior but Sofia remained silent, she looked like a living statue like those found from time to time in the streets of big cities.

<< You can say... >> Leonardo began but Sofia blocked him by giving him a powerful slap on the right cheek, so strong that it made her blush.

At that point he thought their love story was over and was about to get up when Sofia sat on his lap kissing him on the same cheek hit a few seconds earlier.

<<I'm a bit confused, if you could clarify your position on the matter I would be grateful>> he told her not knowing whether to leave or stay;

<< The slap was for the kiss you shouldn't have given to Aurora, but the caress is for the courage you showed in being sincere, not everyone would have done it.

You could have taken advantage of the strong situation you found yourself in after discovering me, but you didn't take advantage of my weaknesses, showing me that you really cared about our relationship.

This is what I look for in a man: sincerity, trust and love >> she explained, taking him by the hand and leading him into the bedroom.

<<No sex, just cuddles>> Sofia warned him as she entered the room.

After what he had told her he couldn't refuse so he held her tightly in his arms.

<< I'm sorry for everything, I swear it won't happen again. I chose you and it's you that I want to be with, I'm not interested in the others >> he tried to reassure her;

<< The same goes for me, I'm happy to have taken a weight off my stomach by telling you what I was up to, at least I no longer have to lie to you but at work Martoprete keeps me under close observation >> she replied, hugging him.

They spent the night cuddling each other and when the sun rose it was time for both of them to go back to work, knowing they had strengthened their relationship.

They weren't the only ones to spend a wonderful evening, Alice and Chiara also decided to be together especially after the fear that arose following the head contusion that the former had suffered during the exercise.

They decided to take a walk along the seafront, that evening a light sea breeze coming from the east began to bring the first signs of autumn while the moon high in the sky shone with a warm and reassuring light, illuminating the beach on which the girls were walking side by side to the other holding hands.

<<When you fainted I panicked>> Chiara told her;

<<So you thought about giving me a slap? You have very worrying way of expressing this feeling>> Alice replied, touching her cheek;

<<I'm sorry but I didn't know what to do, really mean it, acted purely instinctively>> his girlfriend replied, hugging her tightly;

<< I know, don't worry. Today Dorato was reprehensible, the exercise he made us do had nothing to do with the training course, in my opinion he's crazy >> said Alice.

As she walked she felt dizzy, she felt dizzy and couldn't stand up so she sat down on the beach giving the excuse of being tired.

She hadn't told anyone but her head hurt a lot, however if she had revealed it she would have been forced to rest, missing the subsequent exercises and probably the course exam, forcing her to withdraw from training.

<< Are you okay? You seem a little tired >> Chiara told her, holding her hand;

<< I'm just a little tired from what happened this morning, I really took a beating but I'm fine now >> she replied, smiling at her.

They remained on the beach for about thirty minutes after which they stopped at the marina, leaning on the old wooden fence which had resisted the advance of modernity undaunted despite the notable transformation of the city in the last twenty years.

<<Do you think we'll do it? I intend to become astronauts>> Alice asked;

<<Why do you ask? This is why I came here and intend to everything can make my dream come true.< p>

When I was a child I admired the exploits of those men and women who defied all odds to venture to the Moon, then came the expeditions to Mars and deep space, from there the seed of the dream grew into a goal.

What fascinates me most about space travel is the possibility of making new discoveries, if you think about it, modern astronauts are the heirs of sixteenth-century navigators such as Columbus and Magellan, who also challenged the unknown in search of glory and wealth.

I'm not interested in money but in knowledge >> Chiara explained to her;

<< Your words reminded me of the reason why I am here but the truth is that whoever chooses to do this work is motivated by a thirst for knowledge, by the desire to push the bar of human understanding higher and higher and I don't exception >> Alice replied looking at the sky one last time before walking together with her beloved towards the Headquarters to rest in view of the next day.

The only couple in the group to stay in the dormitory was Orlando and Lucia, they met in his room where they let loose under the sheets and when they had finished they started talking about the future.

<< What do you think awaits us at the exam? I think that crazy Dorato has more surprises in store. When I saw the faces of the first team I was scared because in that moment I understood that something terrible was about to happen to us and now I have the same feeling >> Orlando told her, panting after sex;

<< Honestly I don't want to think about what the lieutenant is thinking but when I returned to the dormitory I heard that some girls had filed a complaint asking for them to be replaced.

Apparently he has had disciplinary problems in the past but now he is at great risk, however his pedigree is notable so I believe the protests will fall on deaf ears.

We'll see about the exam but we have to be vigilant >> Lucia replied;

<<You are always wiser, I was right to get engaged you>> Orlando told her.

<< Don't talk nonsense, I too am a fragile and vulnerable person, in fact like everyone I have my fears but unlike many I manage to dominate them >> she replied;

<< So let's hear it, what are these fears you're talking about? Since I've known you you've never shown them >> he challenged her;

<<If you really want to know, I'm terrified of lizards>> she revealed to him;

<< The lizards? Seriously? >> he asked her in a teasing tone, his eyes widening;

<< You understood correctly, I can't explain why but I find them disturbing. Since you like playing, now tell me what your greatest fear is >> Lucia continued.

She was offended by his superior attitude so she wanted to reciprocate it with the same coin and although she was aware that her phobia for lizards could make people smile, when she saw one she couldn't hold back the urge to run away.

Lucia hated exposing her weak points to others but with Orlando she knew she could be herself so his arrogant behavior annoyed her a lot.

<< Yours is a very good question but if I have to choose I'll tell you that my greatest fear is not to give the best of myself before I die, I want to overcome my limits by constantly improving myself from every point of view >> he replied ;

<<I wasn't telling you that deeply but you're right, must always try to go beyond your fears>> said Lucia, understanding that the conversation had suddenly become serious, abandoning her intention of mocking him;

<< When I was a child I lost my grandfather who I was very fond of and his greatest regret was that of not having lived his life to the full so I swore to myself that I would not repeat his mistake, I think it is one of the reasons why I want to be an astronaut >> he revealed to her.

Lucia didn't answer but she had discovered a new side of her only love and wanted to enjoy it to the fullest before the sun rose, putting an end to that splendid evening.

The next day, once the training in the water was over, the boys thought they were free, but instead they were told that in the afternoon they would also undergo dry training.

The program would remain as such for the entire following three weeks, seven days a week and Dorato was confirmed as supervising them, in whom the Agency had once again renewed its trust despite the numerous complaints received.

No one had noticed but Dorato had the boys carry out a simulation in which two types of landing on the water had been combined, the long one and the short one, this was because they were late due to the difficulties encountered in assembling the "mockup" of the ship at sea.

The lieutenant knew he had to complete the course within the time established by the Agency so he decided to put the boys to the test and in the following weeks he had the cadets carry out the simulation in water in the morning while they practiced the dry simulation in the afternoon.

The workload became really overwhelming and the officer didn't like to squeeze them like that either but it wasn't his fault.

Some workers who had to assemble the "mockup" of the Magellan at sea went on strike for several weeks so he was forced to subject them to very intense double training.

<< This is madness, they will kill us >> Lucia began, drying herself in the stand in front of the pier when the clock showed midday;

<< We have an hour to have lunch then further training also Dorato has remained in his place so let's hope he doesn't attack us for the complaints received >> Orlando added touching his aching back;

<<In fact the times are very tight but we have to resist also because haven't taken survival courses yet, those will certainly be challenging>> said Leonardo whose cheek still hurt from the slap he received the night before from Sofia.

When they went to the canteen they ate quickly and even though Leonardo felt Aurora's gaze on him he decided to pretend nothing had happened, at that moment he was too focused on what could happen in the afternoon.

After leaving the canteen they went with the golf carts to the internal part of the island where Dorato had placed another "mockup" of the Magellan in which they would carry out dry training and, unlike what Orlando had hoped, the officer had not appreciated the he received a lecture from the Agency so he was determined to make them pay for it.

<< Good morning everyone and welcome to dry water landing training, some of you had the brilliant idea of having me scolded by the Agency with the intention of removing me but unfortunately for you I'm still here so I advise you to give the maximum.

The exercises will always be in teams, the same as in the morning, one team at a time will enter the "mockup" while the others will wait in the stand.

Please know that I have no intention of backing down or being intimidated by your whining complaints, my sacred duty is to prepare you for the dangers of space and that is what I will do.

If you don't like my methods you can leave. Now let's start >> explained the officer;

"It's getting very bad," Alice whispered, her head hurting more and more.

Dorato's harshness was not caused by hatred towards the cadets but by the loss of his astronaut son, which occurred during his return to Earth after a mission to the Moon.

The spacecraft of the time, a Colombo i.e. the ancestor of the Magellan, stopped working and the boy was forced to make an emergency landing on the water but something went wrong so the aircraft sank off the coast of Lampedusa and he died.

When they found the body, Dorato remained impassive, he didn't bat an eyelid even during the funeral but if on the outside he seemed untouchable on the inside he was literally in pieces so much so that he was suspended by the Agency following alcohol abuse.

Once back in service he himself asked to be assigned to the water training of the recruits with the final aim of avoiding further deaths, he didn't want to see fathers and mothers cry over the bodies of their children so he swore to himself that he would never do it again permit.

Leonardo's group could not have known this because the events had happened a long time ago, however the officer had never overcome the trauma.

The dry exercise involved taking off the intravehicular suit, putting on the thermal one and exiting the module while the cadets' vital parameters were kept constantly under observation thanks to a wireless sensor swallowed in the form of a red pill.

In that type of simulation the spacecraft was on land reproducing a scenario in which the aircraft re-entered the atmosphere with the heat shield damaged therefore the temperature inside would have been very high as explained to the students during the theory part.

<< Guys, let's not forget that undressing can last up to two hours and the temperatures will be very high so we will have to take turns drawing on the ventilation vents to cool down otherwise we will lose consciousness >> Chiara remembered while her team was summoned by Dorato's elderly secretary ;

<<It's okay, don't worry>> Leonardo replied.

The team left the stand, determined to demonstrate to the lieutenant that nothing could affect them and the officer himself had high hopes for them having emerged as the best after the first tranche of exercises.

Once they entered the "mockup" the door closed behind them after which the simulation began, the temperatures inside immediately rose very quickly and the boys, having put on the intra-vehicle suit in the stand, began to undress.

The operation took over two hours and the strong heat inside the aircraft easily clouded the senses.

Leonardo and Orlando were the first to go to the vents to cool off while the girls continued to undress, the heat was oppressive and despite wearing the intravehicular suit they were sweating profusely and undressing in those conditions only accelerated the sweating.

While the three women were changing Alice's head, already worn out by the previous blow, it began to hurt more and more, she felt like she was exploding but she had to resist at all costs, she wouldn't give up too easily.

<< Is everything okay? Do you want to go to the jetties and cool off a bit? >> Lucia asked her worriedly without getting an answer.

Alice got down on her knees, she felt like vomiting and her head, in addition to aching, caused her to feel very dizzy, preventing her from standing, it was clear that she couldn't continue the exercise but as long as her vital parameters remained normal Pandora wouldn't have intervened to help her. stop the simulation.

<< Is everything okay here? Alice what's wrong? >> Leonardo asked worriedly as he returned from the pipes;

<< We have to stop, we can't do it. If he continues like this he will faint or worse >> Chiara replied with her heart in her throat and her hands trembling.

<< Let's do something damn it! >> Lucia shouted seeing her friend in very bad condition;

<< Pandora stop the simulation, one of the team members needs immediate medical attention. Start opening protocol of the "mockup" >> Orlando ordered;

<< Simulation suspension procedure in progress >> replied the AI.

At that moment Alice completely lost consciousness, collapsing on the ground in the arms of Chiara who was crying and didn't know what to do. Help arrived immediately, rescuing her, loading her onto a stretcher and taking her to hospital in Palermo.

The team was given the day off however Dorato marked a zero in their completed simulations box and that judgment could affect the future final evaluation especially if more candidates had arrived at the end of the two years of training with the same score but the boys didn't care , at that moment they were only thinking about their friend's health.

They rushed to the airport, taking an eVTOL to fly directly to Palermo where Alice had already arrived at the hospital and was undergoing the necessary tests to check her state of health.

As soon as they arrived at the hospital, still wearing their thermal suits, they rushed into Alice's room, who was sleeping at the time, so they turned to the head doctor to find out how she was and what was the cause of her weakness.

<< The blow to the head she suffered a few days ago caused her a severe head injury, fortunately it is not serious and she will recover but she will need time.

I don't think he will be able to finish the water landing course, if he were to undergo severe stress he would risk a much more serious relapse >> explained the doctor with a serious look and a serious tone, a man of medium height in his seventies with a gray mustache and a thick white hair, light blue glasses and a large mole under his hooked nose.

<< Will he become an astronaut or does his journey end here? >> asked Chiara who had always dreamed of going among the stars together with her beloved;

<< If you remain at rest following the instructions we will give you then you can still hope to graduate as an astronaut because it is a mild trauma >> replied the doctor;

<< How long will she be forced to rest? >> asked Orlando who hated the idea of losing a team member;

<< Within a few days, at most a week she will be able to start training again in a light way but until then we will keep her in the hospital so as to be sure that nothing goes wrong.

We gave her a tranquilizer and now she's sleeping, in a couple of hours she'll be awake >> concluded the man, walking away along the corridor.

<<We had a good escape, luckily she will recover in short time>> said Leonardo, thinking that he could have been in his friend's place;

<<Now what do we do? I mean for the next simulations. Dorato will never give us permission to skip them but then risk being rejected and goodbye space>> added Lucia.

<< We will carry on without Alice and when she has recovered we will do everything possible to integrate her back into the group. She would tell us the same things >> Chiara replied.

They waited for their friend to wake up in her hospital room, taking turns keeping watch while the others at the entrance went to the vending machines to get something to eat.

When the girl finally woke up the sun was setting and as expected she still had a bad headache but she felt much better so it was Chiara's turn to give her the bad news about her forced rest.

<<A week? The doctor is crazy, I don't have the slightest intention of letting Dorato fail me.< p>

Tomorrow morning I'll be with you as usual, I really don't think about staying here >> said Alice trying to get out of bed but was immediately blocked by her friends;

<< The doctor spoke clearly and we agree with him so you will stay here for a week, period. We don't want to get promoted without you, I want to go to Mars with the love of my life but to do that you will have to get back into shape and now you are not.

Better to wait a week than be out of the picture >> Chiara imposed on her.

For nothing in the world would she have had another scare like that, furthermore Alice's presence in the team reduced to those conditions risked influencing the performance of the entire team because everyone would have concentrated on her, losing sight of the real objective, that is, completing the exercise successfully.

<< Chiara is right, you have to stay here for your own good or you won't make it. Give your body time to recover and you will see that you will come back more combative than before >> said Leonardo.

At that point Alice was forced to give in, deciding to continue her hospitalization on the condition that they visited her at the end of each simulation.

After spending the night with Leonardo and revealing her secrets to him, Sofia returned to work on the fifth level but as soon as she arrived at the office she was summoned by Martoprete together with Andrea and Lucrezia.

<< What does that despot want? I swear that if he were to assign us more extra work I could commit murder >> Lucrezia began before entering her office;

<< Sit down and close the door, the four of us need to talk >> the man announced.

Andrea closed the door after which the three girls sat down on the same number of red velvet sofas with gold trim placed in front of the scientist's walnut wood desk.

At first he didn't say a word, just scrutinized the women before his eyes and Sofia began to break out in a cold sweat, fearing that he had discovered their secret and yet they had been so careful so how had he managed it? She was certain that she had never let him into her apartment while in the office they had erased all evidence regarding the Pandora code.

Andrea was so consumed by agitation that she started digging her nails into her thighs and if it hadn't been for the trousers she would have hurt herself, even the impassive Lucrezia was starting to hate that sinister silence.

<<I would really like to know what's going on in your mind>> began Martoprete, breaking the ice;

<< Sorry but I really don't understand >> Sofia replied;

<< I'm sure you're hiding something or you're working on another project and I'm not aware of it because otherwise I can't explain why I haven't received some reports from the missions to the Moon.

I've been waiting for them for days and I hate it when a job isn't delivered on time! >> he scolded them by shouting at the three scientists;

<<I apologize sir, it's all my fault. The reports have been ready for some time but I forgot to send them him, in any case they are here>> Andrea promptly replied, handing Martoprete a USB stick containing the material he requested.

The director of the fifth level inserted the flash drive into the PC, finding the desired minutes and their electronic traces confirmed Andrea's statements, it was just an oversight.

<< Very good, very good. In any case, you have been summoned for another reason: tomorrow morning you will leave for Rome where you will stay for two days.

Apparently the parliamentary commission for the allocation of the space budget wants to have clarification on the Agency's research on new Helium-3 deposits so director Carigge has decided that you three will be the ones to report on it so please don't be rude figure and bring home the budget increase that we need so much >> he explained to them;

<<Why us? Our task is to take care of Pandora, we know nothing about the Helium-3 deposits>> Andrea replied annoyed.

He hated the idea of having to move now that he was secretly working on a new method to crack Pandora's code.

<< Don't worry, we will give you a dossier to study which should convince them to increase the Agency's budget by 20%, in this way we will be able to strengthen some structures including the Pandora Lab >> replied Martoprete;

<<You should send Carla or someone else from another department, honestly I don't feel like being questioned by snooty and arrogant politicians>> Sofia tried to justify herself;

<< Let me be clear once and for all: you are not being asked if you like to do it, you are being ordered to go there so that's the end of the matter.

In your offices there should already be the relevant dossiers that you will study today, then you will take the maglev and cross the strait to go to Rome.

Now you can go if there are no further questions >> Martoprete dismissed them.

When they were in Sofia's office they began to rail against the man who according to Andrea represented the embodiment of evil on the planet while for Lucrezia it was just an attempt to get rid of them as they were seen as those who questioned the infallibility of Pandora however they had no choice and eventually resigned themselves to the idea of having to go to the capital to face the parliamentary commission.

Andrea wanted to solve the mystery of the Pandora code at all costs, he worked on it day and night so much so that his performance on the other projects assigned to him was suffering but somehow inside himself he felt he was close to a turning point so he didn't want to put everything into pause.

<< Girls we have to resign ourselves, tomorrow we will go to Rome and we will do our duty for the good of the Agency after which we will return here and dedicate ourselves again to Pandora, if we persist too much in the protests Martoprete might start to ask himself questions >> said Sofia to whom again he didn't like the idea of having to go to the capital;

<<You have become too condescending towards that man, for this time we will do it his way but in the future he to take our opinion into account, cannot send us around as if were tops>> Andrea replied furiously leaving the office of Sofia;

<<But what's wrong with her? She has been behaving strangely for some time and of her colleagues tell me that lately she hasn't the same work performance dropped.< p>

I also don't want to go to Rome but it's not the end of the world, after all the dossier to memorize is only five pages long >> concluded Lucrezia returning to her station.

Sofia wanted to go and talk to Andrea to understand what the problem was but as soon as she stepped out of the office she heard some colleagues gossiping about an accident a cadet had during water landing training.

<< Dorato has knocked out another one, when will they throw him out once and for all? That man is a danger to himself and to others >> said a woman commenting on the news.

Sofia's heart stopped, she put on the "Delfi" on the fly, sending repeated messages to Leonardo to find out if he was okay, fearing he was the one involved in the accident.

If something had happened to him she wouldn't have forgiven herself, she didn't want to have as her last memory of him the slap she gave him the night before.

She tried calling him but nothing, he didn't respond to messages or phone calls, making her anxiety skyrocket.

<< Go ahead and reply >> she thought, continuing to bombard him with messages and calls but he didn't want to know about updating her.

Could he be the victim of the accident? He could go to his room and check that he was there or call the hospital but how could he justify his interest? Posing as a relative would have protected her from uncomfortable questions.

He was about to exit the fifth level when his headset vibrated, he grabbed it from his left pocket and once put it on he read Leonardo's message projected in his eyes.

<< I'm fine, I'm in hospital because this afternoon a friend of mine felt ill. Do we want to see each other this evening? >> he wrote to her.

Sofia quickly replied <<From me at 10pm sharp>> and, feeling refreshed, she headed to her apartment where she impatiently awaited the arrival of Leonardo who, having left his friends in their respective dormitories, slipped out of the Headquarters and headed towards her.

<< Today I was really scared, when I heard that a cadet had felt ill I feared it was you >> Sofia began, kissing him as soon as he entered the house;

<< We all feared the worst but to tell the truth Dorato had nothing to do with it, apparently Alice had a head injury and had been ill for days but instead of communicating it she hid it and is now hospitalized.

Luckily nothing serious, in a week he will be able to return to training >> Leonardo explained to her;

<<By the way I have to give you an update, will be absent from Palermo in next two days. Martoprete sends me Rome together with some colleagues where we testify before a parliamentary commission on progress of research for new strands Helium-3>> explained Sofia sitting on the sofa;

<< A real shame but when should you leave? >> he asked her;

<< Tomorrow morning I have the maglev to the capital >> he replied;

<<So tonight we have to get down business>> he proposed, grabbing her by the arm and taking her to the bedroom where they spent the whole night.

The following day they woke up earlier than expected as Leonardo had to go to Lampedusa to continue the water landing exercises while Sofia had a maglev to catch leaving the station.

<<So nothing for two days...?>> Leonardo asked her with explicit gestures;

<<Unfortunately, this is the case, but you can always console yourself with your friend Aurora>> Sofia replied, giving him a look that was half serious and half facetious;

<< Come on! I already told you that you are the only woman for me >> the boy reiterated, greeting her and wishing her good luck.

While Sofia went to the station he headed to the airport where he took the usual eVTOL towards Lampedusa, by now his friends were used to not meeting him in the morning at the Headquarters so they didn't ask any particular questions even if, from time to time, Orlando loved to tease him about his evening escapades.

The boys spent the morning carrying out another exercise with the spaceship floating in the sea and even without Alice they were perfectly able to complete it successfully however Dorato had not forgotten their abandonment the previous afternoon.

Meanwhile Sofia, Andrea and Lucrezia arrived in the capital in just over an hour after crossing the underground tunnel of the strait that connected the island with the continent.

During the train journey there was a certain tension, Andrea was clearly the one least inclined to be there but none of the three girls uttered half a word.

They arrived at Rome Termini station at 08.15 and found themselves in what could be defined as a sort of city within the city.

As the largest train station in the nation, it hosted hundreds of thousands of people going in all directions every day.

The ancient green porphyry floor shone with a light of its own, highlighted by the solar tile roof which supplied electricity to the entire station including the many small businesses inside which provided refreshment for the travellers, every day.

A thousand robot guards checked the identity of those entering and exiting while augmented reality holograms advertised, for the evening, the performance of a concert by a well-known international artist.

Waiting for them was Giuseppe, tall and thin in his forties, with brown hair, round wizard glasses, a pale face and very lively brown eyes that would have required an increase in the strength of the lenses of the glasses.

He was wearing a white shirt inside a pair of blue velvet trousers over brown moccasins and from his right hand he projected a welcome hologram with the words "Space Agency, looking for Sofia and colleagues".

<< Here's our man >> said Lucrezia, pointing to him and moving closer to him;

<< Good morning ladies, my name is Giuseppe and the Agency has instructed me to escort you to the headquarters where the director will give you the appropriate instructions for tomorrow's audition, I hope you are prepared >> he explained loading the luggage onto the robot taxi;

<<We have studied the dossier>> Andrea replied dryly, whose irritating attitude was starting to irritate Sofia quite a bit.

The taxi left the station and after an hour of waiting in traffic they finally arrived at the headquarters of the Italian Space Agency, a large square glass and steel building divided into various levels, surrounded by a very well-kept garden where the staff could relax during the lunch break.

The taxi dropped them off at the entrance where on the left there was a large stone with the words "Italian Space Agency" engraved on it and underneath its motto which read " In astris vivimus semper ".

The girls and Giuseppe found themselves in the cobblestone square in front of the entrance and were immediately led by Carigge who was anxiously awaiting them.

<< Welcome to my humble office, please make yourselves comfortable >> he told them when they entered the room which was located on the top floor of the building.

It was an enormous space, well lit by the sun with red silk curtains and a large wooden desk in the center of the room, heatable black leather sofas, bookcases attached to the walls full of finely decorated volumes, fine paintings by Renaissance artists hanging on the glass walls and table on the right side on which some spirits were placed.

<< So much for the humble >> Lucrezia whispered, sparking the laughter of her colleagues;

<< I'm happy that you are in a good mood, tomorrow the future of the Agency will be in your hands. In front of the parliamentary commission you will have to be impeccable otherwise goodbye to the budget increase so we will all be rooting for you >> he explained sitting behind the desk on a red velvet chair with gold armrests, dismissing Giuseppe with a wave of his hand.

<< Don't worry director, we will do our best. Now if you don't mind we would like to go to the hotel to rest so as to better prepare ourselves for tomorrow's hearing in parliament >> said Sofia who couldn't wait to get out of that room;

<<Not so fast miss, you are here for a second even more important reason. Parliament will give us the funds we ask for, still pride of nation.< p>

You were chosen to come to Rome because we are concerned about Pandora and you work on its development, right? >> said Carigge making the girls' antennas stand up;

<< We are among the major exponents of the Pandora Lab and Sofia is its director >> replied Andrea, whose voice had lost the morning resentment, now replaced by a keen interest in that conversation which had suddenly become interesting;

<< You know about the numerous accidents that our missions beyond Jupiter have been victims of and how Pandora is indicated as possibly responsible due to some alleged errors she committed during the expeditions, well I want to know what your opinion is on the matter.

Martoprete is too involved in the story, here in Rome we consider him excessively fond of AI to be able to judge it objectively.

He refuses to conceive the possibility that Pandora could make mistakes, however the great reputation it enjoys prevents us from overreacting towards it but infallibility is not of this world therefore I ask you to express your opinion on the matter.

Tomorrow you will be asked for a hearing so I would like to know your opinion on the matter in advance >> explained the director, taking them by surprise;

<< Are we in Rome just for Pandora? >> asked Lucrezia;

<< Pandora and the budget are the reasons why you are here, we have to get the increase in funding but not everyone in parliament agrees so you will have to convince them also we want to know if the failure of our long-range space missions is really attributable to 'AI.

Since Martoprete has transformed it into a cult element, we must understand if there are reasons to remove him from his position >> replied Carigge, omitting to say that those expeditions also served to test the EM Drive of which only he and Sofia knew the 'existence;

<< At the moment we have no evidence to support the fact that Pandora caused the accidents, however it is a possibility and we are examining it concretely. To date we can't say anything else about the issue >> Sofia replied, understanding that she had to remain silent about the EM Drive;

<< I understand, now if you don't mind I would like to speak for a moment face to face with your director therefore I ask the other two girls to wait outside >> announced Carigge motioning to Andrea and Lucrezia to go out;

<< Go ahead girls, I'll see you soon >> Sofia encouraged her.

<< I'm glad you omitted any reference to the EM Drive, the fewer people know about the project the better for national security. We're alone now so can you tell me what you really know about Pandora, do you have information that your friends don't know about? >> he asked her, scrutinizing her.

He looked her straight in the eyes with a look that was decidedly different from the affable and cordial one he had had until then, suddenly he had become hard and decisive, almost aggressive, scaring her quite a bit, however she resisted the temptation to reveal the discovery of the code to him.

<< My colleagues and I work very closely together so even if I wanted to I couldn't hide anything from them.

I understand the sensitivity of the Pandora issue and we have already discussed it in the past however I can assure you that if we make an important discovery in this regard, you will be the first to be made aware but at the moment we cannot establish with certainty whether it was Pandora that caused those incidents >> replied Sofia;

<< You can't confirm it but you can't rule it out either, right? >> the Carigge churches;

<< Exactly sir, I personally believe that there are two causes behind the accidents suffered by our missions beyond Jupiter: the failure of EM Drive and some errors committed by Pandora, however Martoprete considers her on a par with his daughter therefore investigating the AI has become very complicated.

He doesn't conceive the idea that he could be wrong and is trying in every way to put a spanner in the works >> replied the girl;

<< On the one hand you must understand that Pandora represents the backbone of the Agency, without her we would have to pause all activities, causing us to be enormously behind our rivals who can't wait to surpass us in the exploration of the solar system on the other hand I share your concerns about Martoprete but if we want to remove him we must have solid evidence in our hands with which to nail him to his responsibilities.

He has won two Nobel Prizes and his contribution to space exploration continues to be enormous, if I fired him without proof he could move to some competing agency and the consequences of this would be disastrous but as long as he has Pandora he won't go anywhere, at least for now >> Carigge explained to her;

<< If there is nothing else I would like to go to the hotel and prepare for tomorrow's audition however I will let you know any news on the matter >> the girl reassured him as she couldn't wait to get that man out of sight.

<< Okay, I'll leave you free but please, when you return to Palermo I will keep these conversations in maximum secrecy, no one must know that the Agency is actively investigating Pandora, especially Martoprete >> he admonished her sternly;

<<We will be as silent fish, don't worry>> Sofia reiterated;

<<So we told each other everything, enjoy Rome>> he dismissed her.

Leaving the office she headed to the garden where a robot taxi was waiting for her and her colleagues to take them directly to the "Royal Mint" located in Piazza Giuseppe Verdi n°9, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world which over the years had hosted film stars , sport, international conferences and heads of state.

The building once housed the state mint but after the latter's transfer the building was purchased by an investment fund which transformed it into a six-star luxury hotel equipping it with every comfort and cutting-edge technology. latest generation by committing to a total digital investment of 13 billion euros.

When they arrived they found themselves in front of an early 20th century Art Nouveau building modernized with a series of holograms that projected images of the history of the building while at the entrance they were immediately welcomed by a robot-porter who took delivery of their suitcases and escorted them. in the room.

<< Damn, it's a dream, we are in the center of Rome. Luckily the Agency pays even though after spending two nights here I don't know if I will want to return to my home in Palermo, I could stay there forever >> exclaimed Andrea throwing himself on the double bed;

<< Let's take advantage of this time to review the dossier so that tomorrow at the hearing we will be impeccable >> proposed Sofia;

<< I already know it by heart, but what did you and Carigge say to each other that was so important that I couldn't listen? >> asked Lucrezia;

<< He wants to be the first to know about any discoveries related to Pandora. Typical politician's attitude, nothing new >> he replied;

<< You didn't tell him about the code I hope?! >> Andrea intervened;

<< I'm not naive, I was careful even if I suspect something but I don't like the story of hiding the investigations into Pandora from Martoprete at all, I prefer to do things in the open >> Sofia retorted, opening the suitcase;

<<If he were less obtuse could be involved but I have to agree with Carigge, Martoprete has transformed Pandora into a dogma and when you behave like that often end up doing damage>> added Lucrezia.

The girls stopped talking about it, enjoying dinner in their room and going to sleep early. The next day an important parliamentary hearing awaited them and they didn't want to be caught unprepared but above all they didn't imagine what traps they were organizing against them or rather against the Agency.

Some parliamentarians did not look favorably on government spending on space and wanted to reduce it, so they were determined to fight.

While Sofia and her team faced their first day in the capital, in Palermo Leonardo and the other members of the team had to repeat the dry landing on the water as they had withdrawn from the test the day before.

Everything went smoothly but they were dead tired and even the other cadets were starting to struggle to keep up that pace, after all two exercises a day were really too much so much so that some started to think about withdrawing, others fainted in the stand at the end of the afternoon but no one complained to the Agency knowing that Dorato would remain in his position.

<<I don't know if I'll be able to keep up this pace, three weeks is a long time, maybe too much for me>> said Orlando, leaning his back on the seat of the eVTOL that took them back to Palermo where they would visit Alice in hospital before returning to the dormitory ;

<< As far as I'm concerned I hope that after this course they give us a few days of rest otherwise I'll find it tough, looking at the faces of the other kids I noticed a certain discomfort, on the other hand being an astronaut means having to resist great physical and mental pressure >> replied a proud but exhausted Lucia;

<<Now I just want to lie down on the bed and have a good sleep before starting again tomorrow morning, don't anything else>> added Leonardo.

He loved Alice very much but didn't have the strength to go and see her after that bad day.

<< I can go to the hospital alone, I see you are feeling tired so it's better if you go back to the dormitories to rest >> Chiara added, wanting to stay in private with her beloved for a while;

<<Are you sure? Won't he take it?>> Orlando asked her;

<< Don't worry, I will explain the situation to her and she will certainly understand it even if she should already know it. She wouldn't forgive herself if something happened to you because of her but I will send her your regards >> Chiara insisted hoping to convince them;

<< I'm sorry but I accept the offer, I'm cooked to the core and I absolutely want to lie down. Maybe I'm selfish but I'll jump at the opportunity >> Leonardo began.

When they got off in Palermo they headed to the dormitories except for Chiara who ran away to the hospital where Alice was waiting for them impatiently.

He hadn't notified his family so as not to worry them and spent the hours on the visor reviewing the theory manuals but by now he knew them by heart so he was bored to death.

<< Hey there, how are you love? >> Chiara asked entering the room;

<< I'm very bored, that's all. Where are the others? >> the churches;

<< Since I wanted to spend time together but alone, I told them to go and rest since Dorato is putting us on the spot >> he explained to her;

<< You must be too, why don't you do the same? Thus reduced, I cannot be of help to you >> Alice told her and a veil of sadness fell on her face;

<< Don't talk nonsense, I would spend an eternity with you >> Chiara replied sitting next to her, telling her in detail what they had done during the exercises.

The following day was harsh, on the one hand Leonardo and his other friends had to face yet another tour de force of training under the jaws of an increasingly ruthless Dorato while in Rome Sofia and her assistants prepared to face the audition in parliament.

They arrived at Palazzo Montecitorio around 8 in the morning, immediately entering the building, a large Baroque style palace built in the mid-1600s by Gian Lorenzo Bernini commissioned by Innocent joint session.

<< Please don't be anxious, give short and concise answers but above all provide few details otherwise they will start asking you too many questions >> recommended Giuseppe who had picked them up from the hotel to take them to the parliamentary building.

As soon as they arrived they entered the ground floor and crossed the Transatlantic, a luxurious corridor so called due to its furnishings which recalled those of ships, reaching the green room where the space commission had met.

<< I hate to do it, we are scientists, not bureaucrats >> Andrea began while they were waiting their turn to enter the room;

<< The ladies can take a seat, the commission is ready to listen to them while you have to wait outside >> announced a bagman, a boy in his thirties with short blond hair, blue eyes, the look and air of a ceremonial man for special occasions dressed in a so strange that Andrea almost wanted to laugh;

<< Good luck girls >> wished Giuseppe.

Sofia and her colleagues entered the green room, so called because of the color of its furnishings, where five people, three men and two women, were sitting behind a large oak desk while they were seated in front on three wooden chairs. of cherry.

<< Good morning everyone and welcome to this hearing of the parliamentary commission for space where we will understand what the implications of the research conducted by the Italian Space Agency are, we will decide whether to increase its budget by 20% and we will investigate the causes why some missions were lost >> announced Mrs. Anna Birletti, the president of the commission.

She was a short, stocky woman no more than sixty years old on her shoulders, with curly red hair and a severe look, she was wearing a blue suit with a gold pin on her chest.

That day her face with false lips and wrinkles on display made her look like some sort of evil witch.

<< I'd say let's start right away so here's my first question: in your opinion, could the AI called Pandora that the Space Agency uses so massively be behind the disappearance of the missions? In other words, is it working correctly or should we be worried about it? >> asked the Honorable Maurizio Gisporelli.

He was a long-standing politician who had often been minister for space with a foolish look and was a personal friend of Carigge. His thick gray eyebrows did not improve his image and when he spoke he often gesticulated, highlighting his very small hands.

His gaze immediately fell on Andrea thinking he was the weak link of the three, in fact he indicated her as the recipient of his question and when Lucrezia tried to say a word he silenced her, indicating that he wanted to listen to his friend.

<< In my opinion, Honorable, there are possibilities that Pandora is responsible for the disappearances of the missions, however at the moment we do not have sufficient elements to confirm or deny this hypothesis but we are verifying it >> the girl replied, lowering her gaze.

<< What do you think the Agency should do? To pause the AI or not? >> the man insisted with his typical shrill tone of voice that annoyed many colleagues;

<<Until we have reached a conclusion on the matter, Pandora should remain active as it has demonstrated high level of reliability>> Andrea replied.

She was lying shamelessly because in her opinion she should have been suspended but she couldn't say it otherwise an uproar would have started and she would have certainly lost her job furthermore she was close to completing the new algorithm with which to decipher the hidden code discovered by Sofia so she didn't want to lose access to Pandora for an inference.

<< Let's move on to the other girls. In your opinion, is the Agency doing enough in the search for new Helium-3 deposits in the solar system? France recently discovered a potentially interesting vein on an asteroid around Saturn >> began Francesco Mussorete Gallino, addressing Sofia.

He was one of the emerging stars of Italian politics, Florentine by birth in his forties, short black hair with a strong Tuscan accent, a braggart face and an aquiline nose, he had a large mole under his mouth that seemed to come to life when he spoke.

<< The Agency is making considerable efforts in this sense and we have identified some very promising Helium-3 deposits between Saturn and Neptune, therefore on behalf of the entire Agency I ask you to increase the budget by 20% so as to allow us to make more progress quickly than our space competitors >> replied the girl repeating from memory what she had read in the dossier;

<< If my esteemed colleagues don't mind, I would like to ask a very important question and I would like an answer from all three: in your opinion is Doctor Martoprete still capable of leading the fifth level of the Astronautical Headquarters in Palermo?

From what I have heard, Pandora could have some problems and he is a sort of father of it so I wonder if he is not too involved, perhaps we should replace him >> asked the Honorable Birletti.

That question left them dumbfounded, in the dossier they had studied there was no reference to such a question therefore a wrong or misinterpreted answer could cost them dearly, in fact none of the three felt like answering.

<< Since you are so reticent to talk, should I assume I'm right? >> the elderly politician who had a lot of experience in holding hearings urged her.

<< In my opinion Martoprete should not be removed, he enjoys great esteem and consideration within the Agency and we at the fifth level strongly support him >> Sofia began trying to be as convincing as possible;

<< I agree with my colleague, Martoprete has a charisma that cannot be replaced today >> added Lucrezia.

Only Andrea was missing from the roll call who had preferred to wait for the words of his colleagues so when Lucrezia finished speaking it was her turn to speak.

<< Miss, I would be very interested in your opinion >> the president urged her.

Andrea looked Sofia and Lucrezia in the eyes with a meek look that the two colleagues had never seen on her face but they didn't understand the reason for that attitude, in reality it was her way of apologizing in advance of what she was about to say.

<< In my opinion Martoprete must be removed from the position of director of the fifth level of the Astronautical Headquarters because he has transformed Pandora into an idol, something religious that cannot be questioned instead it is just technology.

I don't know if Pandora has any responsibility for the incidents that occurred, however Martoprete prevents them from investigating by any means possible but this is wrong.

He has completely lost any semblance of objectivity, the worst evil for a scientist >> he stated, pronouncing every single letter well.

Sofia and Lucrezia were stunned by those words, it wasn't an answer agreed upon in the hotel so they wondered why he was behaving in that way.

<< My colleague... >> Sofia tried to intervene but was immediately interrupted;

<< Please be quiet, you can only speak if asked. Tell me miss, if in your opinion Martoprete is no longer suitable to lead the fifth level who would you recommend to replace him? >> the Mussorete Gallino churches;

<< The best person to take Martoprete's place is my colleague Sofia who is here in front of you today >> replied Andrea pointing to her friend;

<<Has she gone crazy? What the hell does he think he's doing?>> thought Lucrezia while Sofia remained speechless at what was happening;

<<Yet your two colleagues don't agree with you so which of the versions should we believe?>> Gaspiroli urged her;

<< I honestly don't know, I expressed my opinion and so did they, now it's up to you to judge and make a decision >> concluded Andrea.

They all remained silent for a few minutes but Sofia had a mad desire to get up from her chair and slap Andrea for what he said. If the parliamentarians had listened to her she would have had to become a bureaucrat abandoning the possibility of deciphering Pandora's code.

<< This commission will carefully evaluate your declarations and will make a decision on the matter, you can go >> announced the president after a brief meeting with her colleagues.

The bagman approached the scientists telling them to follow him, they were escorted out of the building and found themselves in the open air again.

<<What the hell was on your mind? Have you gone crazy by any chance? These were not agreements. Do know what will happen to us if Martoprete remains in his place?>> a furious Sofia shouted towards Andrea;

<<I told the truth and I won't apologize for it>> he replied in a faint voice;

<< Girls, what happened in the audition? >> asked Giuseppe, making them get on a robot taxi headed to the "Zecca Reale" hotel where the three scientists would have lunch and spend the night before returning to Palermo.

When Lucrezia told him how things had gone, the man put his hands in his hair, understanding the gravity of what had happened and then began to think of a way to resolve the situation which had suddenly become explosive.

<<All is not lost, we still have the chance to fix it>> he told them;

<< I don't understand why you're all angry with me, I only told the truth. Martoprete is a danger, he doesn't want to recognize that Pandora has problems but in this way he endangers the survival of the Agency >> Andrea tried to defend himself;

<< May I know why you proposed me as his replacement? >> Sofia asked her;

<< You are charismatic, within the Headquarters and the fifth level everyone respects you and recognizes your high degree of impartiality despite the fact that you are heavily involved in the development of Pandora so you are the ideal person to replace Martoprete >> Andrea explained to her;

<<I don't want to be director of the fifth level, it would take up too much time>> Sofia retorted with tears in her eyes;

<< Don't worry, we will find a solution but now go to the hotel, pack your bags and take the first maglev to Palermo, your second night in the capital is cancelled, it is better that you return as soon as possible.

The commission will take a few hours to decide so don't worry, Andrea did what she thought was right and we can't blame her >> Giuseppe consoled her.

When they returned to the hotel room the tension was palpable and only then, faced with an accusatory silence that nailed her to her responsibilities, Andrea understood that she had made a serious mistake so she tried to apologise.

<<I'm sorry, I didn't want to put you in difficulty>> he began with tears in his eyes;

<< Now don't cry, after all we should have done like you instead of following the script written by Carigge but next time let us know first >> Sofia replied, hugging her;

<< Hey, you don't want to exclude me from a group hug >> said Lucrezia, joining them.

At 4pm sharp they took the maglev returning to Palermo in just over an hour and when they got off at the Sofia station she received a holographic message from Carigge informing her that Martoprete had been removed from his position but the new director of the fifth level would not be It was she and her friend Lucrezia who also managed to convince the commission to increase the Agency's budget by 20%.

<<I really didn't expect this>> Sofia said, showing the message to her friends;

<< Congratulations to the new director >> added Andrea.

The following day, going to work as usual, they saw Martoprete vacating his office while the other colleagues congratulated Lucrezia on the appointment she had received.

When the man passed the three girls in the corridor he limited himself to glaring at them, he said nothing not even a word of congratulations for Lucrezia who took possession of her new office that same day.

<< I have a little gift for you >> Sofia began as she entered the control room on the fifth level, occupied until a few minutes earlier by Martoprete;

<< What do you have in your hand? >> Lucrezia asked her laughing;

<< To celebrate the first woman in history to lead the fifth level, I thought it appropriate to do things big so this morning, before coming to work, I went to buy a bottle of champagne. Andrea should also arrive soon and join the celebrations >> he replied placing three crystal glasses on the desk.

When Andrea arrived they uncorked the bottle, filled the glasses and raised them high.

<< I propose a toast to the new director and let me say that you earned it because you are an incredible scientist, the committee was right to choose you >> Sofia began;

<<The truth is that you are relieved because didn't want to do it>> Lucrezia replied laughing;

<< The parliamentary commission didn't know this, they selected you because you're the best, full stop >> Sofia retorted;

<< I would like to extend this toast to you two, you are my only friends and I want to thank you for your support. I have every intention of continuing the investigations on Pandora therefore I invite you not to give up >> concluded Lucrezia;

<< I too would deserve a toast for having had that snooty Martoprete removed, he absolutely needed to be relieved of this task and I am happy to have succeeded even if now we have to be careful of his loyalists who certainly will not resign themselves to the passing of their former boss > > said Andrea, raising his glass to the sky.

After drinking the champagne Sofia returned to her position and from afar saw her friend basking in her new role, it still didn't seem true to her that Martoprete had been removed, it was the end of a nightmare and an era.

Given the change of guard at the helm she wondered if she could come out into the open with Leonardo, after all she and Lucrezia were friends therefore she would be more tolerant than her predecessor when it came to romantic relationships at work.

<< Better to wait, I don't want the first problem of his management to come to me >> he thought, leaning his back on the chair.

Looking out the window she wondered what Leonardo was doing at that moment, he was probably still training under the clutches of Dorato who was making him suffer while she celebrated the victory even though she still had to climb the highest mountain, decipher the code of Pandora.

He wasn't wrong, in fact the final exam was inexorably approaching and the cadets under Dorato's whip were busy from morning to night, busy honing their skills in landing on water.

In the following days the pace of the exercises did not slow down but neither Leonardo nor his friends threw in the towel and gritted their teeth and moved on.

was over, Alice received the green light from the doctors to return to training in a light way, sparking the happiness of her team who, due to her absence, had struggled to successfully complete the simulations.

Despite the doctors' recommendations to take it slow, Alice immediately returned to training at full speed, wanting to make up for lost time despite her friends advising her to be cautious as she risked having relapses.

The three weeks passed very quickly and in the end, although very late, the day of the exam arrived so the evening before they all met together on the beach to make a small bonfire and get motivated for the following day.

Sofia decided not to be seen as Lucrezia advised her to wait before coming out into the open with Leonardo otherwise many others within the fifth level would have claimed the same exception but she did not want to appear as a boss who grants favors to friends so she told her that if they had seen her she would have enforced the code of conduct.

Since Lucrezia had taken office as the new director, in order not to damage her, Sofia avoided meeting with Leonardo so as not to be discovered.

She knew that Martoprete still enjoyed the favor of many employees who couldn't wait to put their friend in difficulty.

<< I miss you very much >> Leonardo wrote to her every evening;

<< You too my love, at the moment the situation is in the process of settling but soon we will be able to be together again >> Sofia replied.

That evening on the beach Leonardo stayed in the company of his friends, the temperatures were starting to drop but given that winter was just around the corner it was still nice to be outdoors so they brought marshmallows to roast on the fire.

<< How do you think Dorato will perform in tomorrow's exam? >> Orlando asked, reaching out to take a stick of roasted sweets from the fire;

<< I don't know but honestly I prefer not to think about it, this evening I just want to relax >> Alice replied nibbling a couple of marshmallows;

<< Martoprete has been replaced as director of the fifth level so Dorato has lost a powerful ally. The reasons for his departure are unknown but it seems that he was reticent to investigate some unidentified incidents >> added Lucia;

<< I heard about it but I think it's a normal change, he had been leading the fifth level for many years and perhaps in Rome they thought that a breath of fresh air was needed >> added Leonardo pretending to know as much as them.

In reality he knew everything thanks to Sofia's revelations but obviously he couldn't tell the truth to his friends otherwise his girlfriend would have lost her job.

<< Better eat before everything gets cold, we have to be strong for tomorrow. A real war awaits us >> said Chiara.