Tom had come to understand that the Plersizians knew of emotions only through the books they’d read, but they hadn’t allowed themselves to actually experience them. Despite everything they had endured, even the attacks by humans, they remained expressionless and dedicated solely to their survival. They did only what their leader instructed- never expressing themselves, never crying, never getting angry, never feeling .. fear. Under the wrong leader, they could easily become a dangerous species, yet their Supreme had protected them by sending two good leaders.


So, as Tom and A-01 made their way toward the Headquarters, he noticed something unusual about the Plersizians’ behavior- unrest. They either froze upon seeing them, staring without greeting, or changed direction hastily.


A-01 and Tom exchanged intense glances as they entered the building.


<< Something is happening..>> A-01 confirmed in a whisper.


<< Should we hurry? >> Tom asked.                             


<< You think it’s about us..? >>


<< If it were something else, wouldn’t you already know? >> he replied.


In perfect sync, they began running with quick strides, as if instinctively aware they were trying to evade an impending threat that was hot on their trail. 




They stopped outside a steel door, and A-01 pressed her finger to a rectangular, steel plate embedded in the wall. A loud beep followed and a nearly invisible laser scanned her face.


A female voice announced “ Face recognized: Leader. Access granted. “


The thrill electrified them both, knowing they were steps away from executing their plan. With that device, with the blueprint of the time machine, nothing else would matter. Tom would have his ticket to find her again!


But the door swung open abruptly, wiping the smiles from their faces as they encountered an unforeseen obstacle. Inside the white room, where the critical designs were kept, countless guards stood in their advanced suits, armed with futuristic weapons- all aimed directly at them.


A tense silence fell as the couple and the guards froze like statues. It was as if they were pieces in a live chess game, waiting to see who would make the first move, who would get closer to the queen.


<< Tom Waltts! Leader of the Plersizians! You are coming with me! >> one of the guards commanded, signaling to the others as he approached the couple, fastening those powerful, transparent cuffs around their wrists- the same cuffs Tom hadn’t missed at all.


<< Don’t say a word..>> A-01 whispered to him as the guards escorted them away from the room, a terrifying calm orchestrating the atmosphere.