Antagonist

On a starry night, there lay a 7 years old girl, tossing and turning for about half an hour. She wants to sleep too, but she can’t.

Why? Was the room uncomfortable?

No, that shouldn’t be the case. Whenever she came to her granny’s home, she would always choose this room. Well, one reason is that it was made for her specifically.

It has a six feet long and soft bed in a corner beside the window where a pleasant scenery of the far away sea will be the first thing one will notice while entering the room.

Peaceful sound of the crashing waves coming into the room like a melodious song played time and again by an unknown artist who knows from where.

However, coming back into the room, lime green colored sheets lay on top of the bed. Hum... then, can it be that she was afraid of the dark? But, the little lamp light beside the bed was enough to see through the whole room. It was bright enough for her not to be scared of.

Then, was something missing? What might that be? A Big white bunny, her favorite doll? No, it’s just beside her.

Then...oh! She knows! It’s her grandma’s stories. That’s it!

There can’t definitely be a child who doesn’t like to hear those stories when they get the chance to! Particularly if the child is her!

Just then, the door cracked open by her grandma. Her blue eyes showed a wave of excitement and hurriedly told her grandma,” Granny, you are finally here. Which of the stories are you gonna tell me today? I want to hear a new one!”

Her grandma gently sat beside the bedside .

“I see dear, you aren’t asleep yet. Were you waiting for the stories?”

“Of course!”

“I can feel your excitement. Then, I shall start it when you lie down on the bed properly. Yes, there you go. ”

After laying Rosanna down she starts again. Today I’m gonna tell you a special story. Are you ready?”

“Yes!” she said with anticipation.

(Grandma started her story)

(Present)

“Under the moonlit a little girl was crossing the street. She wasn’t more than fourteen. Her clothes were tattered. Her hair was disheveled. Her steps were weak and wobbly. Her gaze was unfocused.

One can tell just by looking at her that she went through a lot of hardships ,but, the question is, what were her hardships? Well if we need to know that , then, we have to return to a week before that.”

“Granny, wait! What was her name? You didn't told that yet.”

“Hmm....how about......we name her...ahh...Sancia.”

“Sancia? What does it mean granny? I've never heard of it.”

"It means sacred."

"Woah.....such a pretty name."

“It surely is, then, shall we continue?”

“Yes!”

(Going back to the story )

Sancia who was unconscious laying near the sea shore gained her first consciousness. The sun was shining brightly over her head. It took her some time to adjust to the bright light. She then noticed the crashing sound of the waves.

Waves...yes waves....ocean...yeah she was near the ocean. Her hazy memories of last night started to become clearer in her mind. Last night she was in her space shuttle ,then it landed here, in the ocean. She remembered it all.

It was a hell of a ride. She had to struggle a lot because of her fourteen years old body. She barely survived. She used all of her strength to reach the shore and after reaching there she couldn’t hold back anymore. Thus, losing her consciousness.

Back to the present, she wasn’t in a nice condition now either. her whole body was aching everywhere, but her willpower was strong. She managed to get up and stand on her two feet. With her unsteady steps she started to walk towards the community that she noticed was far away.

After a long walk she was able to reach the town. It was a crowded place , that’s because it was a marketplace. Various traders were trying their best to sell their products.

Some of the stalls were also crowded, but, even among this hustle and bustle her first thought was that if it was the right place she intended to successfully reach or not.

However, that thought was also short-lived as she started to become very hungry. She hurriedly searched her dress-pocket.

“Where’s the pills?”

She was finding her vitamin pills in order to lessen her hunger a little, but, alas! The pill got lost when she had thrown away her costume in the sea to balance her gravity and swim towards the shore.

Unable to find the artificial food supplements, she started to look around. It didn’t take her long to find a food stall. She went near it.

Then, another problem arose. She doesn’t have any money on her, then, how is she going to buy food?

Well, she could ask the lady to exchange the food costs with her locket. It was a pretty locket she brought before her mission.

She got near the shopkeeper. “Excuse me, can I get something from your shop in exchange for this (showing the locket) ? I don’t seem to have enough money with me now. (After a little pause she added) If you would be kind enough ma’am, it would do me a great favor.”

The shopkeeper stared at her for quite some time. Seeing the little girl’s condition she did feel some sympathy.

“Let me see it first. (After checking the locket). Yes, you can order something. What would you like?”

“A cheese hamburger.”

“I see, here you go.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Sancia was very happy to get the first bite of the hamburger, but today didn’t seem to be her lucky day. Before she could even take a second bite, a boy with shabby clothing snatched it and ran away with it.

At first, she tried to chase him ,but his pace kept becoming faster and faster. She ,eventually, stopped running to catch her breath.

However, when she was finally able to calm down she noticed that she reached an alley. It has a damp and chilly atmosphere. There wasn’t a single person. One can hear their own footsteps clearly here.

It clearly wouldn’t be wise to move forward to this alley. She decided to get out of this place first and look for a crowded place instead.

However, when she reached the entrance of the alley ,suddenly, a micro stopped and a strong muscled man put a handkerchief under her nose even before she could react . She started to lose her consciousness again.

She was definitely kidnapped!

(Flashback)

Melonia City > Avenir Tech Company > (Secret Laboratory ) > IT department

Date: 20 March 2025 > Time: 7pm

Verona Rosa, a c-level-manager, along with Vieri Monti, a team leader & an expert, was walking forward to room no 105. Her Steps were confident . One can say, this confidence came with a lot of experiences of working for at least 20 years as a programmer.

It took a lot of time for them to pass the 4 levelled security systems before they reached the door.

After the guards opened the door of the room for them, the first thing Verona noticed was a middle aged man, nearly in his fiftieth year, was sitting on the farthest chair one could sit on. His back was facing her but she knew the man.

He was the ex-c-level-manager who resigned 5 years ago due to personal reasons, making her the then new c-level-manager. Facing him again after such a long time ,made her reminisce about the past. She learned a lot of things from him. She respected him a lot.

She has a lot to ask him, but, today they are here to discuss an utmost important issue. That’s why, the chairman was also present along with three other experts & two specialists on neurosurgery & of course secretary Sergio along with the exclusive board members are also present.

So, it can’t be helped! Without wasting any more time, she walked forward and sat at the opposite side.

(The chairman) “Since everyone is present now, let me announce to everyone today, I’ll introduce Mr. Luciano, our ex-c-level-manager. He will lead the project we will be discussing in this meeting from now on . Please give him a warm welcome.”

At his announcement everyone became confused and started to whisper among themselves. The two experts were even so bold to look at Miss Verona. After all, she was the one who was leading this project up until now.

To be robbed of such a spotlight must make her a little jealous, but Verona herself knows that she has already reached her bottom line on this project. She definitely is a fine talent.

Moreover, she has years of experience, but, for this project that’s the least one could offer. According to the current circumstances, Mr. Luciano might be able to give a proper shape to this project.

So, when he comes to this field again, it’s simply decided who will be in charge.

However, human nature is such a thing!

The more simple it seems, the more complex it is. It would be a lie that she wasn’t bothered at all. She was a little disappointed. Disappointed at her own shortcomings.

On the other hand, Mr. Luciano wasn’t reacting much. On his face, there was neither a smile nor any anxiety. For this very reason “Legendary blank sheet” used to be his other name.

(Interrupting this chaotic situation The chairman talked) “Secretary Sergio, begin with the presentation.”

“Yes, sir. (With this short answer he started to talk after starting the projector) The new project “ST-21” (See through u) which has been currently developing under Avenir, a secret research, mainly concerns human psychology.

Our main target is to venture the human mind and its thought process and to get control over it in the most successful scenario. We have already conducted our research on various animals. 83% of them were successful. Thanks to all of you who are present here for your contribution to this project. (clapping sound)

However, to fully achieve our goal, our board members have agreed on a contract and decided to conduct our research on humans this time.” Instantly the whole room became chaotic.

(One of the experts) “But It’s illegal, you know that right !”

(One of the neurosurgeons)“That’s right, how can you tell us to do illegal research like this! What if we get caught by the law? Our whole life will be destroyed. What’s our assurance?”

Other researchers and programmers presented there also agreed with him. Doing research on something new is challenging, but many people still dare to do it.

However, It’s a whole different matter if this research is on humans. It’s risky.

Moreover, it’s not very human either. Not to mention it is against law and once one gets caught up in court matters with this it’s hard to come off clean and there is another matter of punishment.

One can even be jailed if something goes wrong. They can’t simply move on with such a project. They surely need assurances.

At last Mr. Luciano spoke out ” Everyone, silence please! ”