Wake me up in 2395

Chapter 4: Dead flowers, gone forever

Chapter 4: Dead flowers, gone forever

It wasn’t that long when Lag and I met at the dining hall to have our breakfast. We ate in silence as I gazed at him. He still had his messy bed-hair which made him look sexier and he wore a minimalistic pajama that matched his sleeveless shirt, this showcased his well-crafted biceps and muscles. Bigla akong napaisip, if he was a product of in-vitro fertilization or of a natural s****l intercourse... That made me think, where are his parents too? They are not around the mansion, it was just him and the two beautiful robots who serve him, Tiara and Ingrid.

“Lag, where are your parents?” Hindi ko maiwasang matanong, “I never saw them yet... Are they out for business, or something?”

Tumango si Lag, “yes, they are rarely home... They are actually explorer scientists, and there are only a few of them, they are personally selected by Imperium, and are the only ones allowed to go out of the walls in order to explore, in the hopes of searching for life, and possible habitats... And such...”

“Or so that is what those in power say?” I said.

Hindi umimik si Lag, then he sighed. “Indeed... Whenever they are at home too, which is very rare, whenever I ask, they say they cannot disclose such information regarding the outside world as well, as it was confidential and strictly prohibited to leak such crucial data.”

That, itself, made whatever it is that they are saying about outside the wall to be more suspicious as well.

“Anyway, did you have a good night sleep?” Tanong nito upang ibahin na ang topiko, as it seems like he was stuck in a spot already where he knew the talk shall go next. Nakita ko naman sina Tiara at Ingrid na nasa tabi lang at tila nakikinig muli sa usapan. They were robots, but they sure do act like human beings. You can see the keen interest that was plastered on their face. I guess they just find this scene as something new because Lag normally does not have a guest on his mansion which is on top of a skyscraper.

“For someone who has been asleep for 375 years, I actually did have a good night sleep.” There was a hint of humor in my voice and somehow, Ingrid was able to catch it that is why she giggled. She immediately covered her mouth after when Lag looked at her. I went along to Lag, as I do not want him to feel uncomfortable around me, he is also not yet ready for these kinds of conversations, and I also have to know first if he is also like his parents, who are very loyal subjects of Imperium... Baka may masabi pa akong masama, at palayasin niya ako rito. I cannot risk that.

“As promised, your papers are already settled. You have your identity. You can move freely around the city—but there were slight modifications that we had to do.” He trailed off at the last part of his sentence.

“Slight modifications? Like what?” Tumaas naman ang kilay ko habang sumisipsip ako ng kape.

“Your name by legal papers is Primrose Ghani—but of course, you shall always be Primrose Nightingale.”

“Ghani?!” I asked, dismayed. Napansin naman iyon ni Lag kaya kumunot ang kaniyang noo. He seemed offended by my reaction but I didn’t care. Who the hell would want to have her surname to be replaced by the name of the man who betrayed her? “So, I am your wife?” I scowled after a few seconds.

Dahil dito ay bahagyang humalakhak si Lag, it was a beautiful laughter, though it was brief as he regained his posture after. “Of course, not.”

“Then what am I?” I raised one eyebrow once more.

“I see that you are not pleased... but there was no choice.” Matigas na sambit ni Lag, “and it isn’t like I wanted you to be my little sister as well. It was far from my plan. But doing this was for the best as if you are under my custody and you have my name, people will never dare to put you in harm’s way and such. You are more protected—by papers, you are my adopted sister.”

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, sister. Fine. Fine.” At least I’m not his wife! Akala ko naging asawa na niya ako sa papel. Kapatid lang pala. If this is for survival, then I guess there is nothing I can do but accept it. Plus, carrying the Ghani name will surely make things easier for me too, I can also abuse the privilege that it brings.

“Identity is very important in this world.” Lag said out of the blue. “those who are nameless or are guilty of faking their identity is thrown outside the walls. It is a heinous crime.” Aniya habang nakatingin sa matayog na pader. Mula sa aming pwesto ay nakikita ko rin ang mga matatayog na mga gusali at ang mga lumulutang na mga sasakyan. This really is a new world. I still cannot get used to it. But I have to... I have no choice.

“Thrown outside the wall? Isn’t that too much knowing that they claim it is uninhabitable?”

“Well, that is the only way of the Imperium to keep peace and order—through force.”

“You mean... by governing through fear.”

“Fear united everyone, Prim.” Lag argued. “Because of fear, we are still surviving.”

Umiling ako at saka siya tiningnan sa kaniyang mga mata. “You are wrong, Lag.” Nakita ko naman ang bahagyang pagtaas ng kilay nina Ingrid at Tiara, siguro ito ang unang beses nilang makakita ng tao na magsusuway sa kanilang Master, “you are wrong that fear united everyone and you are right that it is fear that is the reason why we are surviving. You see, it is subsistence that united everyone. We were afraid of ceasing to exist, that is why we united and Imperium was able to give light to a way where we can live in peace, it is through fear—but it is ironically the reason why we are no longer living, but surviving. Because we are just like birds who are trapped inside these walls, thinking it’d be the safest place on Earth. But there is no safe place... And who knows what truly lies beyond the walls given that you also never saw it yourself? And if it is true that the outside world is uninhabitable, why would Imperium still send your parents along with other explorers to check it? To see if it is inhabitable? Does that not ring a bell? Is it not suspicious at all that there may be hidden motives and agenda?” I must have said too much, but I could not help it. Things like this spark my spirit animal.

Hindi nakaimik si Lag, si Ingrid naman ay tumango-tango na tila nakuha ang aking ibig sabihin.

“We would not have come to this point if your generation cared enough for the preservation of the world, for the future generations and the future generations after them.” Lag sighed after.

That is something that caused me to momentarily pause, after that, I held his hand and looked at him with my forlorn eyes, showing him that I was sorry in behalf of my generations who are now dead and are not even aware of what’s happening to the world right now. “Our number one enemy is human nature itself... We are prone to temptations and it is temptation that caused our downfall, we can also take this reference in the bible, where Adam and Eve were instructed not to eat the fruit of the apple at the garden, however, they were tempted to, and that created the original sin. It is always temptation... Because we are always thirsty and hungry for something, and once we get a taste of it, we are addicted, that is why those who fall into temptations can never stand up anymore.”

Bumuntong-hininga si Lag matapos ang ilang sandali at inubos ang kape sa kanyang tasa. “Fiar point, but you should stop referencing the Bible or religion as it is not allowed anymore.”

“What do you mean?”

“There is no religion that exists anymore. It is deemed obsolete, and is now just history.” Lag stated. “And preaching such and that, even knowing a few verses of the bible itself, or being seen to engage in any religious activities, is punishable by law. It is said that religion will simply cause divisions as well, and Imperium does not want that. The only thing, therefore, connecting men, is the government itself.”

That saddened me...

“Anyway, since you already have your forged identity, I will be touring you around the city in an hour. Get dressed.”

Kuminang ang aking mata dahil sa aking narinig. “Yes!”

“I’ll come to fetch you at your room.” Aniya, with that, he stood up and stormed off the place. Leaving me alone with the two robot girls who were looking at me with admiration.

“Mmh?” I asked them.

“How do you manage to contradict Master?!” Tiara said in awe. “Nobody can do that!”

“Really?”

Tumango-tango si Ingrid.

“I guess it’s because all my life, I’ve dealt with people like him—powerful individuals.” Sagot ko naman. Bigla ko na namang naalala si President Duchelli, kung ganito lang din naman pala ang kapalaran ko, sana sinulat ko na lang at sana sinampal ko na lang sa pagmumukha ang matandang iyon. Bakit kasi siya pa ang na-elect na presidente ng bansa noon? Why is it that so many incompetent leaders are being elected to power? I sighed... I guess the lack of option is one of the reasons why, and they have political machinery, and they have connections. Lots of it.

Nang tapos na rin akong kumain ay tumayo na ako. Ang mesa naman ay awtomatikong gumalaw, nagulat na lang ako nang bigla na lang nawala ang mga nakahain na mga pagkain doon sa isang iglap. This technology is pretty convenient... But I’ve also wondered the many familial cultures that it has stolen. There is not much need for household chores already, as everything is automated, and there are also robots who serve as servants too.

Tumungo na ako sa aking kuwarto. Sumunod naman si Ingrid habang si Tiara naman ay naiwan sa kuwadra. Giniya ako ni Ingrid papunta sa banyo at bumungad sa akin ang tila maliit ng pool ng bula. The scent was a mixture of strawberry and vanilla—but I know they were not natural, and just chemicals mixed together to create a specific scent and mood. It was lovely and very grand. Halata talaga ang karangyahan ni Lag sa lahat ng aspekto. Well, he is the city mayor to boot and the Empress is after him. This is already given. Since the Empress is in favor of him, siguradong mas maraming resources ang napupunta sa siyudad na ito.

Naghubad na ako at nagbabad sa maliit na pool. I sighed as the water was warm and the bubbles felt soft against my skin. It was comforting, I sighed in relief as I feel all of the stress in my body to be cascading away.

Nang tapos na akong maligo ay agad na inabot sa akin ni Ingrid ang bathrobe, kinuha ko iyon at nagpasalamat agad. Lumabas ako sa banyo na nakakonekta lamang sa aking kuwarto, matapos ang ilang sandali ay may pinindot si Ingrid sa pader dahilan upang gumalaw ang sahig. A hole suddenly appeared and from there, a tube emerged.

“Ate Prim, pumasok kayo sa tube.”

Curious, I walked and entered the glass-tube. The glass-door suddenly closed and I felt trapped once again. Naramdaman ko ang pagbilis ng t***k ng aking puso, I guess I somehow developed the fear of small spaces already as I have been trapped in such for 375 years. “This is your Tech-Wardrobe, you can wear anything you like. You may conceptualize anything and the technology will immediately weave it for you. Try it.” Ngumiti si Ingrid sa akin. “Of course, this technology is only exclusive for the elites like Master Lucius.”

Nanlaki naman ang aking mga mata, something like this exists?! Then tailors and designers are no longer needed at all!

“Okay... so, how do I use it?”

“Take your bathrobe off and let the tube scan you.” Sinunod ko ang kaniyang utos, nang hubo’t hubad na ako ay nakita ko ang kulay berdeng mga linya na gumalaw at tila ini-scan ang aking katawan, as if getting the specific measurements of my body. They moved from my head to toes. Afterward, the glass lost its transparency and I felt trapped in another dimension. Kasabay nito ay ang pagkaroon ng mga letrang lumulutang sa harap ko... Like a hologram.

“Welcome to Tech-Wardrobe, Miss Primrose.” A mechanical voice said. It was a lady’s voice and it seemed distant and cold. “Your body has been complete scanned. Please select the type of wear that you want.”

Kasabay nito ay nagkaroon ng mga butones sa aking harap... they seemed like holograms, they were options—underwear, dress, shirts, and many more.

Inuna ko ang underwear at pinili na lang ang itim na kulay. “Please raise your hands and do not move.” Utos ng boses. Sinunod ko iyon, kasabay nito ay naramdaman ko na tila may mga kamay ang humahaplos sa aking katawan, and in an instant, I was already wearing the underwear that I chose. It was like magic!

“For another transaction, please say yes, and if otherwise, say no.”

“Yes.”

With this, the list of options appeared again. I chose to wear a crimson dress with maroon floral embroideries. It was until my knees and it perfectly fit my body. Of course, it was I who designed and conceptualized this dress—it seems like the machine is connected to your mind, and it can make whatever it is that you are thinking into a reality, though there will be slight modifications that the machine will create. I matched it with a black sandal that has two-inch heels. A mirror suddenly appeared in front of me and I was able to see myself. I was mesmerized. This technology is awesome...

Satisfied, I smiled. “It’s okay now.”

As if on cue, the glass became transparent again and the glass-door opened. Lumabas na ako at bumungad si Ingrid na naghihintay lamang sa akin sa labas.

“Ang ganda mo, Ate Prim! Para kang manika talaga dahil sa iyong ayos!”

I just smiled.

“Mga bulaklak ba iyang mga nakatahi sa iyong bestida?”

“Yes! Why is it that you seem amazed?”

Instead of answering my question, she pondered again. “Ate Prim, marami bang bulaklak noon sa mundong ito?”

“Yes.”

“Ah. Ngayon kasi wala nang totoong bulaklak. Sa larawan na lang makikita... pati ang mga puno. Kung mayroon man, lahat ito ay peke lang at hindi totoo... Mababa na kasi ang survival rate ng mga halaman ngayon.”

I felt bad because of what I have heard.

“I guess I will constantly wear things that reflect nature from now on, for you.” Ngumiti ako kay Ingrid na agad namang kuminang ang mukha na tila naeengganyo dahil sa aking sinabi.

Sa gitna ng aming pag-uusap ay narinig ko ang pagkatok ni Lag sa kabilang dulo ng pinto. “Ate Prim, kailan mo pala sasabihin kay Lag ang plano mong tingnan ang mundo sa labas ng mga pader?”

“I’ll find the right time.” I smiled at Ingrid and walked towards the door, I opened it. Bumungad ang maamo at matigas na mukha ni Lag sa akin. Maayos na ang kaniyang buhok hindi gaya kaninang magulo. Mas nakita ko ang kaniyang mukha. He was like a god. You can even smell the authority and overwhelming power from his dark and charismatic aura. He wore a black tuxedo with a maroon necktie, as if we just coordinated with our dress.

“Let’s go.” He offered me his hand. Ah, chivalry is still alive. Instead of accepting his hands, I walked to his side and encircled my arm around his. After that, we walked, leaving Ingrid inside my room.

“I must say that you are very creative with your dress.” Lag said as we walked to who knows where.

I smiled at his compliment, “I am glad that you liked it.”

Hindi umimik si Lag matapos iyon. Giniya niya ako papunta sa tila rooftop ng kaniyang mansion kung saan naaninag ko ang maraming mga sasakyan na nakahilera. Iba’t ibang klase at kulay. My jaw dropped. They all looked cyberpunk! I looked up and saw the glass that covered the rooftop, it mechanically moved, giving a space and hole for any of the cars to move out from. “Are these hovercars? I cannot believe it... They are real.”

“Yes, they are.” Ngumiti si Lag. “Narinig ko na ang mga sasakyan noon ay may mga itim na gulong.”

“Yes.” Tumango-tango pa ako. “The cars today do not have, they’re actually of the same color of whatever the car has.”

“Indeed, these wheels are floaters—they were engineered so that the cars can hover up to many altitudes. Thus, they are called hovercars.”

“How are they fueled?”

“Carbon dioxide. As there are no longer any trees or plants to absorb carbon dioxide, hovercars were engineered so that they will be fueled by carbon dioxide. Carbon engineers created a carbon-based and photosynthesized fuel.” Oh, what a great and sad invention. Because there are no longer plants that help to balance the oxygen...

Inalalayan ako ni Lag na sumakay sa itim na hovercar. Nang nasa loob na kami ay agad kong nilagay ang seatbelt. Para lamang akong nakasakay sa isang mas modernisadong bersyon ng helikopter, ngunit ang katawan nito ay kagaya pa rin ng sasakyan. Lag hopped into the driver’s seat. He put his thumbmark into the scanner and when it was successfully inspected, the engine roared to life and the car automatically closed its doors.

“Are you ready to see Ancora City?”

I looked at Lag and smiled, “I am not.”

He chuckled, “off we go.” And with that, the car drifted into the sky and the majestic scenery of the new world finally unfolded before my eyes.