"Hold on tight!" Rodelos shouted as the cabin shook violently under the force of gravity. Everyone clung to whatever they could, though expressions of panic were evident on their faces.
"But where did this thing even come from?" 'X' asked, trying to maintain his composure from his seat inside the cabin. Beside him, Ludra was deathly pale, staring down with wide eyes as the rocket plummeted at full speed.
"We're going to die!" Ludra exclaimed, gripping the arms of her seat so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Meanwhile, Ron and Alita, still immersed in their mental training plane, remain unconscious in a deep sleep, oblivious to the chaos surrounding them.
One day earlier…
Professor Kuang had unveiled his invention in front of everyone, leaving them astonished and full of questions.
"And what is that?" Ludra asked, confused by the object that had just been revealed.
"It looks like some kind of cabin," Karpi said, leaning slightly to examine it. Her analytical mind was already trying to figure out how it worked.
"Come on, Professor! What is that thing?" Kilibur, Paris, and Chip asked in unison, unable to contain their curiosity. The anticipation was palpable; it seemed the intrigue was eating away at them from the inside.
"I'm glad you asked, kids!" the professor replied enthusiastically, adjusting his round glasses. "No one has given me a good answer until now. This…" —he paused dramatically— "is my new invention: a rocket!"
Murmurs of amazement spread through the room.
"This rocket will take you wherever you want to go," the professor continued, proudly gesturing toward the machine. "Only five people can go. With this computer you see here," —he touched a shiny panel on the side of the rocket— "I'll be able to program the coordinates and direct you exactly where you need to go."
"That looks dangerous," Chip commented, crossing his arms as he eyed the device suspiciously.
"If Chip says it, imagine the rest of us," Paris added, visibly frightened. Although Chip was an explosives expert, even he seemed intimidated by the magnitude of the machine.
"I call it the Ku-Rocket," the professor announced, beaming with pride. "The 'what' of what, you might ask yourselves." He smiled at his own pun, but no one else seemed to catch it.
"What you see here is a rocket, well, a prototype that will help us travel very far in a short time. With this, you'll reach your destination quickly," he explained, gesturing widely.
"And how does it work?" Karpi asked, stepping closer to inspect it further. The structure of the rocket resembled a long carriage, but with a sharp tip at the front and an opening at the back.
"Well, you see," the professor began, adopting a didactic tone. "The front part, which looks like an arrow, is for finding direction and tracking where to aim. The back is where the fuel comes out in the form of heat, which will propel you forward."
"But, Professor, can you say it in simpler terms? Not all of us are brainiacs," 'X' interrupted, raising a hand. "I understood it, but it would be better…," he quickly added, "if everyone could understand with a clearer explanation."
The professor shook his head with a resigned smile. "Alright, alright. Imagine you're launching an arrow, but instead of using a bow and a person to shoot it, this one will be guided by this machine. Now, do you understand, kids?"
Everyone looked at each other, nodding slowly. "Yes, yes," some replied, though it was clear that many—including 'X'—hadn't understood a thing. Only Karpi seemed to have fully grasped the concept.
"Good, let me make some calculations and adjustments so you can reach Reedalia," the professor concluded as he began typing on the integrated computer. "In the meantime, start deciding who the five passengers will be."
"Rodelos," 'X' said firmly, "you'll go. After all, it's your grandson we're going to help." Rodelos nodded decisively. "Besides, I imagine we'll also need to bring Ron and Alita, since they're still on the mental training plane."
"That leaves two spots open," Ludra commented, looking at the group with a mix of concern and determination.
'X' observed his companions and continued: "This is our chance to support Paltio and meet him in person. It's the perfect moment."
"But, sir," Ludra interjected quickly, "you can't go. We need you here to lead the operation from the base."
"Calm down," 'X' responded calmly. "I'll contact you as soon as you make contact with Paltio." Then, turning to Professor Kuang, he asked: "Have you managed to contact them?"
The professor adjusted his round glasses before replying. "I've been trying to communicate, but I only heard the voice of an old man. He mentioned that Paltio is currently training. I think his name was Luz… or maybe Lucca, I don't remember exactly. But I do know they're close to reaching Reedalia."
"That's good, Professor. Once we make contact with Paltio, we'll communicate," 'X' assured, closing the topic with a firm gesture.
"In that case, I'm going with you," Ludra insisted without hesitation. "I can't let you go alone."
"But you're crucial to the mission here at the base. You could perfectly replace me," 'X' retorted, crossing his arms.
Both began arguing about who should accompany the team until Karpi interrupted the quarrel by stepping between them. With a mischievous smile, she declared: "Well, in that case, I'll stay. Besides, I've already learned all your moves and gestures, and I have the suit." She chuckled lightly as she pointed to her technical uniform.
"Would you really do that?" Ludra asked, looking at her with puppy-dog eyes.
"Of course! Besides, I know you like being close to the boss," Karpi teased, winking.
"What nonsense you're saying, Karpi! I'm just his bodyguard," Ludra replied, visibly blushing.
"Aha!" Karpi exclaimed, emphasizing the word while laughing.
With no more arguments, they decided who would be part of the team heading to meet Paltio. Finally, the group was set: Rodelos, Ron, Alita, Ludra, and 'X'.
"Alright, then, for today we'll celebrate and eat," 'X' announced, trying to lighten the mood.
"Leave that to me!" Professor Kuang exclaimed, clapping twice. Instantly, several of his Kbots appeared, moving with mechanical precision.
"But what are those things?" Karpi asked, surprised by the small robots.
"They're my personal assistants, my Kbots. They're one of my creations and are excellent cooks. They'll take care of the food," the professor explained proudly.
Everyone watched in amazement as the robots prepared a full dinner, efficient and coordinated. The meal was served quickly, and the group enjoyed a night filled with laughter and relaxed conversations before the big mission.
After dinner, Karpi approached Professor Kuang with a serious expression. "Professor, I want to learn everything you know. Also, could you help me analyze Kilibur's powers? We might be able to use them to support the resistance."
The professor looked at her with interest. "An interesting live assistant... Alright, we'll see about that along the way," he replied with a smile.
The next day…
In a place that resembled a hangar—the laboratory and repair area of Karpi—Professor Kuang had the Ku-Rocket powered up while overseeing the final preparations. He watched as the crew members entered one by one, each carrying their own mix of nervousness and determination.
"I hope you're all sure about this," the professor said, looking at everyone present with seriousness.
Rodelos, with his deep and authoritative voice that resonated like an echo across the training field, addressed the soldiers and cadets gathered before him. "Listen carefully," he began, looking at each of them seriously. "Training does not stop. There isn't much time left, and you must be prepared for what's coming. Gikel is in charge while we're gone. He already knows what needs to be done."
The attendees exchanged nervous glances. Although Gikel was known for his strength and discipline, the idea of facing the rigorous training methods Rodelos had left under his supervision filled even the bravest with fear. Some swallowed hard, others hardened their expressions, trying to hide the growing fear in their hearts.
"I've already checked everything you instructed me to," Karpi confirmed, making sure the rocket was ready for launch.
"Then it's time for the moment of truth. Let's start the countdown," the professor announced with contained excitement.
"Yes," Karpi responded, taking a deep breath before starting to count aloud: "10, 9, 8… 3, 2, 1."
"Initiate launch," Professor Kuang announced with a mix of excitement and seriousness in his voice. Before giving the final order, he turned to Gikel, who stood out among those present for his strength and determination. "Gikel, you're the strongest among everyone. I need you to turn that lever over there," he pointed to a large mechanism connected to a platform, "so the rocket positions itself on the rail. It must be perpendicular to the sky."
Gikel nodded firmly and, without hesitation, approached the device. With an impressive effort, he turned the lever with both hands, causing the metal to creak under his strength. Slowly, the Ku-Rocket began to rise, positioning itself perfectly on the rail pointing toward the heavens. The team watched in silence, amazed by the precision of the process and the magnitude of what they were about to witness.
Professor Kuang checked the controls on his laptop one last time. He adjusted some parameters and, after ensuring everything was ready, pressed a bright red button labeled "LAUNCH."
Immediately, the Ku-Rocket sprang to life. A deafening roar echoed through the hangar as a column of fire erupted from the rear of the rocket, illuminating the area with a blinding glow. The heat was intense, forcing everyone to step back to shield themselves. With overwhelming power, the rocket began to ascend, sliding along the rail toward the sky like an arrow shot by a celestial bow.
The Ku-Rocket left the resistance base behind, moving faster and farther away with each passing second. Its fiery trail painted a bright line across the night sky, while those present watched with a mix of awe and pride. It was the beginning of a crucial mission, a journey that would determine the fate not only of Paltio but of the entire resistance.
"May luck be with them," Karpi murmured softly, watching as the rocket disappeared into the distance.
Professor Kuang smiled with satisfaction, adjusting his glasses as he said: "We've done our part. Now it's up to them."