Wake me up in 2395

Chapter 24: The Fifth Day, During the Exhibition of Innovations & Inventions

Chapter 24: The Fifth Day, During the Exhibition of Innovations & Inventions

“Now, we shall commence with the exhibition!” And with that declaration, the projection of the Empress’s face was cut off, and the broadcast shifted towards the row of inventions across the Arena.

There were scientists behind the inventions and they all wore this white laboratory gown that had their name imprinted on it. They also had this chip attached unto the collar of their gowns. Ang unang napakita ay ang isang inventor at scientist na may hovercar sa harap nito. What is new to this? I wanted to know; I was curious already.

“I am Marco Third, and this is my invention.” He showed the hovercar, tahimik lang naman ang lahat. Halatang nagtataka rin kung ano ba ang bago sa gawa niya dahil ang hovercar naman ay hindi na bagong imbensyon sa taong ito. He tapped his bracelet and a hologram suddenly appeared. We can see it, compared to the M-ring. A few seconds later, the drones zoomed the hologram, enabling us to see whatever it is that the hologram was showcasing.

Marco pressed a button midair, and everyone gasped as the hovercar started to disappear, as if it was never there in the first place.

“Where did the hovercar go? Did it teleport?” Takang tanong ng Empress.

Ngumiti si Marco at umiling, “it is actually still here.” Aniya, sabay turo sa lugar kung saan dati naroon ang hovercar. “But it just turned invisible.”

Halatang namangha ang mga tao kaya naman ang lahat ay nagpalakpakan. Tinitigan ko nang maigi ang sasakyan ngunit hindi ko ito makita.

“If ever a war occurs, I believe this shall be very helpful. The enemy can’t shoot what they can’t see. That’s the goal of my invention, the Invisible Systems Adaptive Camouflage; it enables an object to mask its infrared signature and shield it from detection by allowing it to blend in with its surroundings. The Invisible Systems Adaptive Camouflage pr ISAC is made up of a honey-comb like system that can be installed in modules on any vehicle and heated or cooled as necessary to match the surrounding environment.” He explained. Wala akong naintindihan sa kaniyang mga sinabi dahil masyadong technical ang kaniyang terminolohiya, pero nakakamangha lang.

“Does it apply on living humans?” The Empress interrogated.

Umiling naman si Marco, halata naman ang disappointment sa mukha ng Empress. “The human body is quite complicated, as there are complex systems that it also needs to study and ISAC was initially invented for the purpose of making objects seem they are not there. But, in line with this, it can be applied to robots as robots are not living matters. Anything that is not alive, it can be used.” Marco explained.

“An excellent invention, but can I challenge you, Marco, to also make a system like that which is applicable to living creatures like our kind?” The Empress asked, but it was more like a command as her voice was demanding and brimming with authority.

I get it now—this was not only an exhibition of inventions, but also of power and authority. A way of showing the entire world that all of the great inventors are at the disposal and command of the Union, of the Empress. It was also a way of showing the enemy that they have these great inventions—to somehow intimidate them. I looked at Chun who was a few meters away from Marco, and he just stood still, waiting for his turn to demonstrate live the L-Machine that he created.

“Of course, Your Excellency... But in order to do that, I also need research funds.” Marco said, shyly.

“No need to worry on the research funds, I shall give you whatever you require.” The Empress declared, and everyone clapped, happy to see that the Empress is supporting Marco. But for me, that was not it. She only supported him because it will be beneficial for her and the Union. Well, sino nga namang tama ang magsusuporta sa isang bagay na hindi naman makakatulong sa kanila? Somehow, I get this point.

“Now, we shall proceed to the next invention.” The Empress declared, her voice amplified by the speakers across the stadium.

“I am Arya Steele, and this is my invention.” A woman spoke, showcasing a line of missiles and objects that seem lethal and explosive. “I call this the Magneto Hydrodynamic Explosive Munition, or the MAHEM.”

“And what is it?” The Empress asked.

“Your Excellency, the MAHEM weapons system by yours truly uses a magnetic flux generator to fire a projectile without the traditional use of chemical explosives creating a more efficient and precise launch system. This projectile weapons system also uses molten metal to penetrate an enemy’s armored vehicles increasing lethality and effectiveness on the battlefield.”

Tumango naman ang Empress, at ako naman ay kumunot lang ang noo. It is very ironic how they claim that they have no enemies worth their time, but here they are, creating weapons for these supposed-to-be enemies that are not worth their time. They have been looking down on the ROSE Society, and now that the society has struck them, it is time for them to acknowledge this revolutionary rebels or group. I will be one of them in due time, I know that for sure... But I am still curious as to how my initiation will go to make me an official member.

“The MAHEM weapon is quite explosive especially in terms of its range, which is why a live demonstration cannot happen as it will surely destroy the Arena... But with permission from the Union, I managed to get a live testing of it beyond the wall... And this is the result.” Arya Steele declared, now, the broadcast shifted and it showcased a ruined city, reduced to stones and rubbles. I watched the hologram closely, everyone seems curious as well, as it was their first time to actually get a glimpse of the world outside, of what actually lies beyond the walls. There was nothing but a remnant of the past, and somehow, it ached me.

From the sky, it showcased a missile, its projection was elegant as it traced a parabola-like trajectory, the missile was aimed at the core of the old city, and when it finally collided into the land, it created an explosion that was amplified by the speakers. I heard the explosive noise, but I also felt the impact through the vibrations that made the Arena quiver. It was only a video, but it felt so real.

A time-lapse occurred in order to flash forward, now, the smoke and fire was gone, and it revealed a city with its center, now gone. There was a big hole in it, as to where the missile was directed at. My eyes widened, not with amazement, but in terror... If they manage to find the hidden bases of the ROSE Society, and this missile is aimed at them, they surely will be annihilated. The thought of it somehow made my heartbeat become fast. I looked at Delilah at the 0-district, and at Chun whose eyes were also locked unto the screen. They were unmoving and stoic, but I can feel the terror within them too.

“Impressive.” The Empress declared, and everyone clapped... But not everyone was really impressed like the first invention that turns objects into invisible objects through this complex system that I will not dare understand anymore, I guess since they see that no war is coming ahead of us, but I know all of these inventions here, they are all invented in preparation for a war... I know it, there is a war coming soon. “Now, the next invention.”

This time, the broadcast showcased a man who occupied a big area of the arena. I frowned as there was no object seen. There was nothing. What could be his invention?

“I am Erick Ericson, and my invention is called TASER Shockwave. The TASER Shockwave is a large-scale area denial system designed to help assist with riot control situations. Essentially a large modular system for firing numerous TASER X26 stun guns in a 20-degree arc with a 25-foot range. Not something you’d want to be anywhere near when it went off. The TASER Shockwave is also capable of being daisy chained with multiple other units increasing area coverage and presenting an even bigger threat to violent rioters. A shocking piece of riot control weaponry for sure.” Erick declared. “Now, for the live demonstration.”

And with that, an electricity started to emerge out of nowhere from the vast landscape and area that has nothing but emptiness. The purple-blue like veins of the electricity were warning, and they seemed lethal as well. No one will dare want to walk into that... But in case a riot occurs, and these are installed in the area, I am sure a lot will be rendered useless, paralyzed, and worse, dead. The thought that such deadly inventions were created made me shiver.

“I am sure this invention will not be used, since Imperials are loyal and they will not riot against the Union, right?” Empress Wynzelle asked.

Everyone cheered, and they all screamed, “Dum Vivet Imperium!” They chanted.

Another inventor was shown.

“I am Serene Mendiola, and this is my invention called Oven System. This is a somewhat non-lethal to lethal energy weapon designed to help with crowd and riot control. Also known as the ‘heat ray’ this system works by heating the target’s surface on the same principles as a microwave oven. Under continued exposure, people will surely experience several burns to the top layer of their skin. The idea is simple enough, things get so hot you wouldn’t want to stick around.”

Everyone clapped, but they were not pleased. Then another inventor came, and this time, it was a flying robot. This earned everyone a clap. The robot looked like an angel, with its metal wings that were ever-shifting in silver and snow white. “I am Angelo Crawford. I call this robot as Lucifer. There are more prototypes being made, but this flying robot shall become a General. At the command of the founder, Warez Astarria, and his support for my research, I have made this possible. A legion of flying robots shall be created in three months, and it will be at the command of the Union.”

Everyone cheered, they were all happy.

“As for the mechanisms, I cannot reveal it, but I assure you—these flying robots shall be lethal.”

Everyone cheered once more... They were all pleased and happy, but I was not. And I know the ROSE Society is not too... With all these weapons, how can they fight for their cause? How can they truly move against the Union that seems to have everything? The thought made me shiver, and I was scared somewhat.

“Good job, Angelo.” Empress Wynzelle said, and the man bowed his head, as if showcasing his loyalty to her and the Union. He seems pleased with himself and his inventions too.

“For the Union, Your Excellency. Dum vivet, Imperium.” He declared.

After that, another inventor was showcased. I thought I will be bored with the exhibitions, but now I am very much focused on all of the inventions, especially on the weaponries. Human mind is really scary... To be able to create such powerful and destructive weapons, the thought of it frightened me to an extent that I do not comprehend.

“I am Marceline Starson, and this invention of mine is called Laser Weapon System or the LAWS. The Laser Weapons System is essentially exactly what it sounds like, a ship-mounted laser cannon. This laser system allows for pinpoint targeting and destruction of enemy assets including everything from small ordinance to enemy craft engines. You only need to see the laser in action to appreciate its benefits. It also has the advantage of being much more cost-effective and efficient when compared with traditional projectile weaponry as it only requires sufficient power to fire. Where missiles need to be built, transported, stored and maintained in order to be used.”

Everyone clapped, and the Empress did not question the invention anymore, halata namang hindi siya interesado sa imbensyon.

“I am Serafina Arganoth, and my invention is called Hybrid Insect Micro-Electro-Mechanical System or the HIMEMS. This is a weapon system in the form of bugs. Though it might look like someone’s just strapped a circuit board to the back of a beetle, it’s actually a basic representation of a technology that’s been worked on for decades. Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) have been in the works since before the Union as I have seen through lost archives and are essentially cyborg bugs and winged creatures that have been enslaved to do man’s bidding.”

“I am Hades Marcson, and my invention is called High-Energy Laser, these are powerful energy beams that travel through air or space in straight lines. They travel at the speed of light and can strike over distances of thousands of kilometers, reducing everything in its path into nothing but dust.”

More inventions were exhibited, at habang nakikita ko ang mekanismo ng lahat ng ito, tila bumibigat ang aking pakiramdam. The Union suddenly felt so hard to topple down, not with all these inventions and the inventions before them. These are only some of the inventions that they own, and I know there is more that has been invented already. The thought made me shiver, I looked at Lag, he looked uninterested, but I can sense it too, how he is terrified with all the inventions being exhibited. All of these inventions shall be given and offered to the Union...

“Now, for the most awaited...” Empress said out of the blue when the last invention was showcased and demonstrated, “the Quantum Teleportation or Project Light of Mayor Chun Lee, of Lexus City, Uno.”

Everyone clapped and the face of mayor Chun Lee was broadcasted. He was beautiful and elegant, regal too, like a true royalty. He was neat and like a man carved by the angels into perfection. I cannot deny the fact that he had Chinese roots too, with his eyes and the shape of his face. He was gorgeous, but I am more attracted to Lag.

Wait, bakit bigla ko na namang naisingit si Lag dito?

I sighed and shook the thought away.

“Thank you, Your Excellency. I have managed to have my crew to send this machine that enables quantum teleportation to be possible, just right in time for the exhibition. While it has been showcased through a broadcast already, to see it live will still be different.” He said, there were two machines, and he went to the one closer to him. “This is the L-Machine, or the Light Machine. This machine is the input, and this other one is the output. To make the mechanism more understandable and clear, think of it like the input as the book, and the output is the reader’s mind. A story book will contain details stated in vivid pictures, and once the reader takes it in, the reader will be able to imagine it. The same context is applicable to the L-Machine, but it will only transfer the data into the target location. However, in order to make the teleportation possible, you need an output machine.”

He put an object to the input, and the machine seems to deconstruct its data and turn it into molecules and atom, then slowly, the output machine glowed, now revealing the object that Chun has put into.

“This is still only applicable for objects, as the invention is still incomplete, but sooner or later, we shall also make teleportation possible for everyone, and when the time comes, transportation will surely be easier and faster...”

Pumalakpak naman ang lahat.

“In line with this, let me recognize once more the woman who helped me with her brilliant idea and her genius mind, Primrose Ghani. You made Quantum Teleportation possible. For that, the Union and I will be forever in great debt to you.”

And with that, a spotlight was directed to me, nanlaki muli ang aking mga mata dala ng pagkagulat. Pumalakpak naman ang lahat ng tao, they were cheering my name too. And I smiled awkwardly.

“Indeed,” matigas na segunda ng Empress, as if she was just forced to say it for the purpose of saying it. But her words tasted bitter for me, and I know Lag sensed that too, he just did not pay any mind to it.

After a few more inventions, the event was finally done and we returned to the Palace.

I slumped into my bed right away, and sighed. Pantaleon was beside me too, just watching me.

I closed my eyes and fell asleep—I had a strange dream, of a younger version of me, but I knew as the strange dream played that it was not a dream, but a memory of the time Astaroth Ghani was still here. He was not only a co-scientist, but my childhood best friend too.

“Prim, what if time travel was made possible?”

I laughed at him as we both dissected the frog at the school’s laboratory. We enjoyed doing this, looking into the anatomy and system of random living creatures, “what made you ask that out of the blue, Astaroth?” Umiling na lang ako.

“I do not know, but I am intrigued. I want to create one.”

“Time travelling is not possible.”

“Well, you can never be so sure. As space and time are very complex matters, and I know you are aware of that—that even through the black holes—”

I cut him off, “yes, yes, I get you.”

“But still, what if I can make time travel possible?”

“To go to the future, or the past?” I asked.

“The future, of course. I want to see the future...”

“Then I will be very happy for you.” I smiled at him.

I opened my eyes, forgetting the dream that I had. What was it again?