The ship carrying Azulema and her team quickly approached the designated direction. Leila, with a worried expression, addressed Azulema:
—But how are we going to take someone else? There's no room for anyone else here. We're already cramped, and Mark is squeezed in with you.
Azulema let out a light laugh before responding:
—Relax, girl, we'll figure it out. Don't get all worked up, or you'll get wrinkles.
Leila frowned, feeling somewhat offended, and replied:
—I'm not upset, and I'm not getting wrinkles... am I?
Rosa, who was sitting nearby, glanced quickly and said with a mischievous smile:
—No, although you're starting to look a bit like a raisin.
—Really? —Leila asked incredulously.
—It's just a joke —Ada chimed in, trying to stifle a laugh.
Rosa and Ada burst into laughter at Leila's offended expression, who muttered something unintelligible while crossing her arms and looking out the window.
—Alright, girls, we've arrived. This is the place —Margaret announced from the cockpit as the ship began to descend.
The ship, which had been traveling in stealth mode, switched to its visible form. In front of them was only a solitary house surrounded by dust and silence. The door of the ship opened with a slight buzz, and Azulema was the first to step out, holding Mark's hand.
Through the cloud of dust kicked up by the landing, several silhouettes began to become visible. When the air cleared, a surprised voice was heard among the group:
—Oh! I can't believe it... You're back! —said a woman who was staring directly at Adia in astonishment.
Adia, the mage of the team, responded with a slight nod of her head:
—Yes, it seems so. But I'll need a favor from you when we get to the base.
Azulema, noticing the gathering atmosphere, intervened:
—Well, there will be time to catch up later.
From the back of the group, a familiar and sarcastic voice interrupted:
—New kid. Ezequiel, I see you haven't changed! —It was the leader of Team B, approaching them with a mocking smile. He looked at Azulema and added: —You should have a kid by now.
Azulema narrowed her eyes, clearly annoyed, and responded sarcastically:
—Ah, it's you, old grump. As always, you're like a cockroach: you never die.
—Coming from you, I'll take that as a compliment —said Ezequiel, shrugging as he turned to greet Leila—. Hello, girl, how you've grown. I see they've already replaced you with another —he added sarcastically.
—No, Mr. Ezequiel, it's not like that —Leila replied, blushing a bit, while avoiding his gaze.
Ezequiel then leaned toward Mark, who was observing the scene nervously, and asked:
—And you? What's your name, young man?
—My name is Mark, sir. Nice to meet you —the boy responded, timidly extending his hand.
Ezequiel laughed and shook his hand firmly, saying:
—Come on, I don't bite... at least not like your boss.
Mark smiled nervously, but Azulema noticed and immediately squeezed his shoulder with more force than necessary.
—Ouch! —exclaimed the boy, trying to hide the pain.
—I'm sorry, Marky! Really sorry! —Azulema apologized, somewhat embarrassed.
—Boss, what are you doing to Mark? —Rosa and Ada asked with laughter as they disembarked from the ship.
Meanwhile, Gat, another member of Team B, approached the group with a sly smile.
—Wow, kid, you're really lucky. I envy you so much! A squad full of pretty girls who, on top of that, care about you. Damn lucky —he murmured exaggeratedly, tilting his head down as if resigned.
The girls from Squad C looked at Gat with disdain, but some couldn't help casting flirtatious glances his way. However, the light atmosphere was shattered by the sound of something hitting the surface:
—Don't talk nonsense! —exclaimed Lidia, who had thrown a magazine at Gat's head. She crossed her arms, clearly annoyed, and added: — Every woman is beautiful, not just for their external beauty, but also for what they carry inside. And stop flirting!
Gat turned to her with a mischievous expression and responded:
—Wow, I didn't know you had feelings for me.
Lidia blushed immediately and vehemently denied:
—No! That's not what I was saying...
Rino, who had been watching the scene, stepped in to defend Lidia:
—Hey, that's not what she meant! —he said with a frown.
Gat, without losing his mocking tone, smiled and commented:
—Ah, I see... It seems there's someone in your life, huh? —He winked at Lidia before adding: — Or maybe it's this guy.
Lidia, confused and blushing, tried to respond, but her thoughts got tangled.
—No, he's just my best friend. Besides... well, I'm talking to someone...
Rino lowered his gaze, feeling a knot forming in his chest. He thought to himself: Just her friend? But I thought...
Gat, noticing Rino's discomfort, put a hand on his shoulder and whispered:
—I think you need to try harder, kid.
For the first time, Gat's words didn't sound mocking, and Rino watched him as he walked away toward the group of girls from Azulema's squad.
Leila approached Gat and said:
—Well, I'm not like others who are infatuated with Mark.
As she finished, she blushed slightly. It seemed obvious that the girl liked Gat, but he simply responded:
—Well, girl... —and, without further ado, walked away to talk to the others, leaving Leila looking foolish. Slowly, her expression changed to one of anger.
On the other hand, Margaret addressed Eduard:
—Do you have your concoction?
However, before he could respond, Margaret noticed something and exclaimed in surprise:
—Wow, old man! What happened to your arm?
—Well, you see, it's a long story. I'll tell you on the way. And, about your first question, no, I don't have anymore. It's finished. I hope to get the ingredients at the base —Eduard replied calmly.
—Well, since I'm not one of those who can read minds to know everything... —Margaret added with an ironic tone.
Meanwhile, Ada was observing two scientists, Gin and Dani, and asked them:
—And who are you two? I see you're wearing the Radar insignia on your suits.
Gin and Dani exchanged nervous glances, but Dani responded to both of them:
—Well, miss, we used to be with that company, but now we realize all the bad things they do. That's why we decided to work with you.
—I see. Well, you'll be a good addition to our team. Of course, if the big boss allowed it, Ada commented with a sarcastic tone that made both of them even more nervous.
In another corner, Leila approached a girl dressed in white and asked her:
—Hi, who are you? What's your name?
Reia glanced at her coldly and responded:
—And who are you?
—Don't change the question. I asked you first —Leila insisted energetically.
However, Reia averted her gaze, completely ignoring her. She was more concerned with finding her friends than interacting with Leila.
—How rude... —thought Leila, holding back a sigh—. I came with the best intentions. Besides, I saw her alone and wanted to say hello. She must be shy or something... although she ignored me like it was nothing. Well, I know worse... —finishing this thought, she remembered Sheila with a slight shiver.
Taking a breath, Leila tried again. She gently touched Reia's shoulder and said with a smile:
—My name is Leila. Nice to meet you.
Reia, after reflecting for a moment, decided not to be so curt.
—I'm Reia... Is that what you wanted to know? —she responded with a rigid voice.
Leila felt something strange when she touched Reia. Unintentionally, she had managed to enter her mind. It wasn't her intention to dig into anyone's thoughts, but with just that brief contact, she had perceived many emotions, images of a child and a dog, and other more disturbing scenes, like something out of a horror movie.
—Reia, I... unintentionally entered your mind. I don't do those things, but I don't know how it happened, and well... —Leila tried to explain, but was interrupted.
A loud snap of fingers echoed in the room, capturing everyone's attention. It was Marie, who, with the help of Tron, the robot, had created the sound. After clearing her throat, she said firmly:
—If you're done socializing. We need to get back to the base with crucial information for our boss. So, let's go!
In the telepathic girls' group chat, the comments started:
—Who does she think she is?
—Just because she's the boss's right hand...
Azulema interrupted:
—Well, girls, she's right. We must do what the boss asked.
Everyone boarded the ship. Upon entering, they noticed the space was cramped. Adia, counting the seats, commented:
—But there are few seats. How do you all fit?
—Well, Margaret and Rachel are piloting the ship, and the others are here with me —explained Azulema.
—Yes, but we're still one seat short...
—Ah, the boy is coming with me, on my lap —Azulema replied with a smile.
—Buddy, you've really outdone yourself. My envy level is off the charts —joked Gat, while Mark grew nervous.
—Well, I...
—No problem —interrupted Tron, who in an instant transformed into a row of seats, so the others could sit.
—Wow! That robot is interesting —commented Lidia and Rino.
—Isn't it? The guy who created it is a genius —added Eduard with admiration.
—That arrogant technologist... —murmured Azulema, referring to Tron's creator.
Once everyone was settled, Adia pointed to an empty seat:
—Look, kid, there's an empty seat here.
Mark was about to take it, but Azulema stopped him with a quick movement.
—He feels more comfortable with me —she said, pulling him back and securing the safety belt around both of them.
—He looks like a grown baby —commented Ezequiel with a mocking smile.
—Not a poor kid at all, he's very lucky. I'd love to be there with that big woman... —fantasized Gat in his mind.
Leila, annoyed by Gat's attitude, thought:
—Idiot... he doesn't even notice me. But well, what could Reia have been through?
When everyone was ready, Margaret spoke over the speakers:
—If you're all settled, let's go.
The ship began to vibrate, the engine roared, and finally, it took off, disappearing into the air at full speed.
During the trip, everyone began explaining to each other what they had been through, while Azulema activated a mental link with those present, except for Gin and Dani, who were still being tested. However, each time she tried to include Reia in the link, something prevented her from establishing contact.
—How strange! —the boss said to herself—. What's happening? It's the first time I haven't linked up with someone... Well, no matter, I don't know her. I'll focus on talking to those I know who are present on this ship.
Inside everyone's minds, Azulema explained that the mental link was limited to agency members to better understand the situation. She didn't mention that she hadn't been able to connect with Reia.
Marie began detailing everything they had experienced, while Azulema explained the quest she and her team had undertaken, making sure not to expose the agency or the global dangers they faced.
—Ah! I see —Azulema responded, observing them attentively—. So that's why you're all so dirty.
—We didn't have time to change clothes or anything like that —clarified Ezequiel—. There were too many things at once, but when we get to the base, we will.
—I like your mage outfit —Azulema commented to Adia—. It makes you look mysterious.
—Ah! This is just an old outfit —Adia responded with a smile—. I'll wear something more appropriate at the base.
Both groups understood what the other had been through, while Margaret indicated that they were approaching the base.
—A dog with powers and a boy, huh? —commented Ada, astonished—. What a crazy thing!
—Apparently, they want to create more Metalux. Damn them! Making more children suffer... —said Mark seriously.
—We can help find that boy, Aiden —suggested Adia with determination—. We'll need all the help we can get. If you want, you can come with us. I won't rest until we find him.
Meanwhile, Azulema pondered to herself: Interesting... That girl is an artificial intelligence made human. Maybe that's why I couldn't connect with her. What she didn't know was that Leila had managed to establish a subtle contact.
In her thoughts, Leila also reflected: "She's a human artificial intelligence... But I saw things in her". Vague, but intense, like memories of past lives.
Finally, the ship landed in a hangar whose location was undisclosed. As they disembarked, the hangar operators, dressed in white, greeted them:
—Good afternoon, Miss Margaret.
She had already announced their arrival, and the operators allowed them to open the door to disembark. While everyone was getting off, the technicians began inspecting the ship.
A large door opened on the other side of the hangar, and a man entered the area.
—Who is that old man? —asked Gat, prompting Ezequiel to give him a light tap on the head.
—More respect! That's the big boss, Drake West —explained Ezequiel.
—I've never seen him in person before... —Gat whispered, surprised, just like the other young people present.
—He doesn't usually show himself much —added Marie.
Everyone bowed their heads in respect as the boss approached with an imposing presence and a firm voice.
—Marie —he said, observing her closely—. I see you've brought an unusual group. You're probably wondering why I'm here in person. The reason is what you mentioned in your call.
He then addressed the group.
—Relax, guys, you can lift your heads. There's no need for so much formality.
The boss examined Reia closely.
—So this is the artificial girl, the human artificial intelligence? —he asked, approaching her—. At first glance, she looks like a normal person, flesh and blood, like us.
—Sir, with your permission —Marie intervened—, we need to recover the boy they call Aiden. He was key to the project that created Metalux. I know that, with the help of Team C, we've cleaned up the traces, so the world won't find out, but...
—Marie, you know the protocol —the boss interrupted her.
—Yes, I know, but sometimes I think the world should know —replied Marie, with a firm voice—. It's not fair to see how they hurt children and animals for their own benefit. I feel dirty just knowing that we're doing those companies a favor, letting them get away with it.
—I understand your point, Marie, but we can talk about that another time —Drake replied.
Before he could continue, Adia intervened.
—We must rescue those children! I know Zeus has strong soldiers under his command and all the resources to create more Metalux. We can't just stand by.
—That's true, sir. I even lost an arm in this quest —added Eduard.
—If my best teams can't do anything, what's the point in sending more soldiers? —Drake responded coldly.
—With all due respect, we can't give up —insisted Ezequiel—. We must act before it's too late.
—Unfortunately, the problem is even bigger —said Drake—. There have been reports of mass disappearances of children in the last few hours.
—More children? —asked Adia, alarmed—. If you don't want to intervene, at least we will.
—You've always been this impulsive, Adia... Are you regaining your memories? —Drake asked her.
—No, not yet, but I came to recover them —she replied with determination.
—Perhaps we should study this girl to understand how she works... —the boss insinuated, looking at Reia again.
—She is a person —Leila intervened, with a firm voice—. Excuse me, sir.
Before Drake could approach Reia, something unusual happened. A blue light began to surround her, illuminating her intensely as her body shrank until it disappeared.
Everyone gathered around, surprised, watching as something began to form on the ground.
—You? —was heard in the place.