"President," said Dr. Kross, pointing at the main graph. "The Emotional Intelligence Experiences (EIE) process is complete. The data we've collected shows extremely high emotional spikes, especially during key moments."
Caius raised an eyebrow. "Key moments? Explain."
Dr. Kross rotated the holographic diagram, zooming in on the section showing Aiko's emotional graph. "We detected a significant emotional peak when the subject faced extreme conditions. Her fear and anger spiked, but afterward, this graph", he pointed to the flattening line, "shows total stabilization. The subject now has full control over her emotions. This indicates that the EIE phase has been successful."
Caius smirked, his eyes narrowing as he studied the graph. "So, what's the next step?"
Dr. Kross stepped aside and summoned a new screen. On it appeared the design of an artificial human, a half-organic, half-mechanical body. "With this emotional stabilization, we can now inject the main control program into her system. This program will allow us to utilize Aiko as the foundation for our next-generation cloning project. We will create a force of human-robotic hybrids with exceptional capabilities."
Caius folded his arms, pondering. "And when can this cloning process begin?"
"Immediately, Mr. President," replied Dr. Kross confidently. "We just need one thing: Aiko herself. With your permission, we'd like to dispatch a team to Earth to retrieve her."
Caius stared at the slowly spinning hologram of Aiko's body. After a moment, he nodded. "Fine. Send your best team. There must be no mistakes. Aiko must be ours again."
Dr. Kross bowed respectfully. "Of course, Mr. President. This project will be our masterpiece."
On the Journey Home...
As they traveled back toward Arbora, they passed through a vast meadow filled with wildflowers. A gentle breeze carried the fresh scent of leaves. Kirana sat atop her horse, watching Aelina, who looked more cheerful than before.
"Mother, I feel like... I understand the world better now," Aelina said, turning to Kirana. "As if everything is clearer."
Kirana smiled softly. "That's because you've just overcome something tremendous, my dear. You're starting to understand yourself, and that's the first step toward true strength."
Zephyr, riding ahead, turned with a grin. "But don't forget, Aelina. You also need to enjoy the journey. It's not all tests and challenges."
Aelina chuckled. "I know, Father. But I also want to make sure I can protect you both."
Their lighthearted moment shifted quickly when Aelina suddenly stopped. She clutched her head, her face turning pale.
"Mother... Father..." Her voice trembled.
Kirana immediately halted her horse and rushed to Aelina's side. "What's happening, sweetheart?" she asked, panicked.
A blinding white light flashed before Aelina's eyes, and she grimaced in pain. She grabbed Kirana's hand tightly, screaming, "My head... it hurts so much!"
Zephyr jumped from his horse and sprinted over. "Aelina! Hold on, we're here!"
Kirana held Aelina's shoulders, trying to steady her. "Sweetheart, look at me! Focus on my voice!"
Aelina trembled violently, but her eyes slowly opened. A faint red light flickered on the device hidden near her ear, but this time, Aelina didn't give in to the pain. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and gradually calmed her mind.
"It's okay," she whispered. "I can control it..."
Kirana and Zephyr exchanged worried glances.
"Aelina, are you sure?" Zephyr asked.
She nodded, her breath still labored. "Yes... I can. It feels like... something trying to take over my mind. But I won't let it."
Kirana pulled her into a tight embrace. "You're amazing, sweetheart. Truly amazing."
Zephyr exhaled deeply, but his gaze remained serious. "We can't ignore this, Kirana. Something is still connected to her."
Kirana nodded. "I know. But for now, let's focus on getting Aelina home safely."
City of Selvara
In a small room packed with advanced tech in the city of Selvara, tension spiked. Lyra, wearing a smartwatch-like device, glanced at its screen as it flashed a red alert. The words were clear and alarming:
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE EXPERIENCES COMPLETE. PROCEED TO NEXT PROTOCOL.
Lyra froze, her face turning grave. She looked at Vega and Draven nearby.
"Vega," she asked, concerned, "what does it mean? Why is there a next protocol?"
Vega, once relaxed, rushed to her side with growing alarm. Reading the alert on Lyra's device, he looked deeply troubled.
"No way..." he muttered. He darted to his computer, fingers flying across the holographic keyboard. "If EIE is complete, then they've activated the next step. This is bad. Really bad."
Draven, arms crossed, frowned. "What do you mean? What's going to happen?"
Vega didn't answer immediately. He kept working, analyzing streams of data. Finally, he stopped and looked up, his expression grim.
"This program doesn't just emotionally stabilize Aelina," Vega explained. "The next protocol is full integration. They can access and manipulate her mind at will."
Lyra's eyes widened. "You mean they can control her like a puppet?"
"Worse," Vega said. "They're going to use Aelina's data to create new clones, stronger ones, fully under their control."
Draven's expression hardened. "Then we don't have time. We need to reach Kirana and warn them."
Instead of replying, Vega hit a large button on his console. The room vibrated slightly. A section of the floor opened, revealing stairs leading to a hidden basement.
"Come with me," Vega urged.
Lyra and Draven shared a glance before following him. What they saw below left them stunned.
The basement was a hidden hangar. At its center stood a sleek, futuristic aircraft with glowing blue streaks lining its silver body, clearly of Edenan design.
Lyra stepped closer, awestruck. "What is this, Vega? Where did you get it?"
Vega pressed a button on the aircraft's side, opening the cockpit door. "I found it in the Althera Desert, among the ruins after a major battle. It was mostly intact, and I restored it. Now, it's our only chance to reach Kirana in time."
Draven looked both impressed and skeptical. "And you're sure it can fly?"
Vega gave a small grin. "I've tested it. Trust me, it's way more advanced than anything Earth has. Let's go."
Inside the cockpit, Lyra took the co-pilot's seat, Vega at the main controls. Draven sat behind, monitoring the data screens. As Vega powered up the craft, a soft hum filled the cabin.
"Lyra," Vega said, glancing at her smartwatch, "upload Kirana's location coordinates. The system can sync with your device."
Lyra connected it quickly. Seconds later, a holographic map of Arbora appeared before them, marked with a clear destination.
"We're ready," said Vega, gripping the controls. "Hold on tight. This'll be fast."
The engines roared to life, and the hangar doors opened to reveal a star-lit night sky. The aircraft launched at lightning speed, leaving Selvara far behind.
As they soared through the night, Vega explained more about the threat they faced.
"The EIE process is the heart of the Edenan secret project," he said, watching the screens. "It's not just about shaping personalities like Aelina's. It's about merging technology with the human mind. They want complete control, emotions, thoughts, actions."
Draven leaned back, shaking his head. "They don't just want soldiers. They want an unbeatable army."
"Exactly," said Vega. "And Aelina is the key. If they get her, they'll have everything they need to build hundreds, maybe thousands of advanced clones."
Lyra stared at the glowing map, her face set with resolve. "We can't let that happen. Aelina must not fall into their hands."
Vega nodded. "That's why we have to get there fast. I just hope we're not too late."
The aircraft sliced through the sky with silent precision. Vega watched every control, ensuring their trajectory stayed true.
In the distance, the dark silhouettes of the Arbora forest came into view. Vega slowed the craft, aiming for a clearing near Kirana's home.
Draven checked his compact pistol. Lyra adjusted her communicator one last time. "We'll protect Aelina, no matter what," she said firmly.
The aircraft descended toward the field, ready to land.
In the darkness of space, a sleek spacecraft,crafted with the cutting-edge technology of the Edena,floated silently as it entered Earth's orbit. Inside the cockpit, Kaelar Thorne sat composed, his eyes fixed on the holographic screen before him. The screen displayed the coordinates of a precise location: the Arbora Forest and a small cottage in the remote village of Ravara,Kirana's home.
Velaria Kane, seated in the co-pilot's chair, studied the screen with a serious gaze. "So, this is the place. Very secluded," she remarked, crossing her arms.
Kaelar nodded. "The perfect place to hide. But they can't stay hidden forever. With these coordinates, we will find them."
Velaria checked the ship's controls. "We're about to enter the atmosphere. After that, we need to stay undetected. No mistakes."
"Watch the speed," Kaelar said, tapping the holographic panel. "One wrong move and it's over. Aiko is the key to everything."
Kirana, Zephyr, and Aelina arrived in the village of Ravara after a long journey through the Althera Desert. They sat atop their horses, staring with awe and unease at the unusual sight ahead.
"Zephyr," Kirana said softly, worry lacing her voice. "That… is that an Edena ship?"
Zephyr squinted, his expression hardening. "Yes. And that's not a good sign."
Aelina reached for Kirana's hand, trembling. "Are they here for me, Mother?"
Kirana gently caressed Aelina's hand. "Stay calm, sweetheart. We'll find out."
Zephyr swiftly dismounted, his eyes locked on the ship. "Kirana, take Aelina around the back trail. Don't let her be seen."
Kirana nodded, though her face was etched with anxiety. "What will you do?"
"I'll find out who's inside. If they're hostile, they won't get near you," Zephyr replied, his tone resolute.
Like a shadow, Zephyr moved stealthily through the tall grass, his body trained for silence. He watched as the ship's door opened and a short-haired woman examined the exterior.
In a blur, Zephyr was behind her, pressing a blade to her neck. "Who are you, and why are you here?" he hissed.
The woman slowly raised her hands. "Calm down... I'm not your enemy," she said, her voice steady.
"Don't lie!" Zephyr snapped. "This is an Edena ship. Are you one of them?"
Before she could answer, hurried footsteps echoed from the ship. Lyra emerged, eyes wide at the scene.
"Zephyr! Stop!" she shouted, rushing over.
Zephyr glanced at her but didn't budge. "Lyra, do you know this woman?"
Lyra nodded quickly. "Yes, I do. Her name is Seren Vega. She's here to help us. Let her go."
Though still wary, Zephyr loosened his grip slightly. "Then explain. Why arrive here in an Edena ship?"
Lyra stepped forward. "Listen, Zephyr. Vega is a tech expert from Selvara City. She found this ship in the Althera Desert and reengineered it. She understands Edena tech and the danger we're in. We came to warn you."
Finally breathing freely, Vega locked eyes with Zephyr. "I don't work for the Edena. Quite the opposite, I'm here to make sure Aelina stays out of their hands. If I meant harm, I wouldn't have come alone."
Still suspicious, Zephyr asked, "And why should I believe you? What proof do you have you're not a threat?"
Lyra stepped in closer, lowering her voice. "Zephyr, you know I wouldn't bring someone dangerous here. Vega and I have been monitoring the Edena's movement. Aelina is their prime target. We only want to protect her."
Zephyr finally lowered his blade, though his eyes stayed sharp. "Fine. But one wrong move, and I won't hesitate."
Vega raised her hands with dry sarcasm. "Trust me, staying alive is high on my list."
From a distance, Kirana and Aelina, seeing the tension ease, approached.
"Kirana," Lyra said, visibly relieved. "I'm sorry for the shock. But the situation is worse than we feared."
Kirana held Aelina's hand tightly, her eyes serious. "What happened, Lyra? What do you know?"
Lyra looked at Kirana and Zephyr, then at Aelina's curious eyes. "The Edena have completed the first phase of their project. They can now access Aelina's mind at any time. Worse, they're planning to create a clone using the data they've harvested from her."
Zephyr growled, fists clenched. "They won't stop. They're set on using Aelina as a weapon."
Kirana embraced Aelina protectively. "What do we do, Lyra? We can't keep living like this."
Vega stepped forward, voice firm. "First, we need to sever their access to her mind. Completely. I'll need your help to do it. It won't be easy, but it's the only way."
Kirana met her gaze with hope. "We'll do whatever it takes. Tell us what to do."
Vega gave a small, determined smile. "Then let's not waste time. We begin now."