Everyone except Jenny had gathered at the new training camp set up for the science project.
Nick approached the group as they arrived. "How's the project coming along?"
John wiped sweat from his brow and said, "By luck, we found some radioactive materials and managed to extract the UV elements. We liquefied them through scientific processes. It's going well, but it's exhausting. I wish we had some music or something to ease the stress."
Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe we could ask the hosts to entertain us. They must have their own music here."
"That's a great idea," Mikal agreed. He set off to find the hosts and soon spotted a treehouse with a staircase leading up. Curious, he climbed the steps and found a man wearing a bandana, quietly nodding to music on his headphones.
"Knock, knock," Mikal called softly.
"Who's there?" came the reply.
"Mikal."
"Mikal who? And what's my name?" the man teased.
"I'm a guest here, but I don't know your name yet. Is that the password?"
The man smiled and took off his headphones. "I was listening quietly so I could still hear you while dancing( only headshakes). These headphones came from the government. This is the communication center, where we stay connected in case of attacks."
"Wow, it's impressive you have a communication center here," Mikal said, glancing around.
"What about the headscarf you're wearing? What does it mean?"
"Oh, this is something divine," the man said. "You've heard of Islam, right?"
"Yes, but is that how you honor the divine?"
"It's about guidance. We believe in worship with a fully surrendered heart, not just outward appearance. The Lord is good, though sometimes people make impure requests or configured strippy messages for that matter. I'm eager to see you unlock the 'goodness magic.' "
"Do you think this Lord is connected to the gems we're trying to unlock?"
"I believe this whole thing is about finding two perfect custodians for the gems."
"Two perfect custodians? That sounds familiar."
"Everyone has a chance. These two will act like parents with the help of the gems."
"So, wearing the headscarf means you were listening to worship music?"
"Yes, praise music. Why do you ask?"
"It's admirable how you make time just to be in His presence. But I'm here to find entertainment for my group. They've been stressed and need something to soothe them."
"You mean vocal-less music, like deep house?"
"Yes, something calming and relaxing."
"I can help you connect the speakers. This place doubles as the village's announcement center."
Together, they connected the speakers and quietly played deep house music.
"Don't worry, the villagers won't mind as long as it's not loud enough to disrupt them."
"Thanks. I want to respect everyone."
"I love low volumes too—it helps me stay alert. We also have social entertainment when visitors come by carts or chariots once or twice a year. It's a time for warm, friendly gatherings."
"That's wonderful. I didn't know you had visitors from afar."
"Yes, entertainment helps build peace and harmony."
"Testing the waters, huh?" Mikal smiled.
"I thought you meant 'the girl of your dreams,' " the man teased before adding,
"That's just a metaphor for deep desires. I have always wanted to be in entertainment industry since childhood.What about you? "
"I wanted to be a soldier. Inspired by military allies, though I accidentally joined the hybrids and was neutralized. Now, I want education and to be a soldier for real."
"Those are noble dreams. Keep hoping—they'll come true if you survive."
Mikal raised his hands and prayed, "Lord of second chances, grant me the girls of my dreams."
The man grinned. "I can teach you to dance, if you want."
Mikal shook his head. "They need to focus now, but maybe the cheerleaders can teach us later."
"I won't miss it. Just let me know."
"Thanks for the talk. I have to get back."
"See you later!"
Back with the group, Tiffy asked, "Did you get the communication director to play the deep house music?"
"Yes! It's calming and vocal-less."
"We wanted pop music to remind us of high school moments—dancing fast and acrobatically," Elizabeth added.
Mikal nodded. "Let's finish the project first, then dance before training."
Nick agreed, "With weapons ready, nothing scares us anymore."
They worked quietly for hours. William called their work "Project X."
"Why 'Project X'?" Lama asked.
"We're in a hurry. 'X' is just a symbolic placeholder from my own opinions," William smiled.
Finally, John said, "It's finished!"
"We did it! Now, we need to coat the remaining weapons. They're still lethal, but will neutralize hybrids enough to put victims into a coma rather than kill. Emergency treatment can save them. We'll mix these chemicals with water for the sake of fending off the mutants ," Jasmine explained.
Mikal asked, "Is that why my surgery removed both the lump and the bullet?"
"Probably. You have two stitches we never told you about. You need to heal well. I care about you," Elizabeth said.
"Thanks. For both mental and physical support," Mikal replied gratefully.
They spent the rest of the afternoon mixing chemicals.
---
Later, Nick visited Jenny at the nursing home.
"Welcome! This is where new moms nurse their babies," Jenny said warmly.
"Have you been here all day? I was worried."
"This place feels holy and peaceful. We get all the support we need. Yes, I've been here relaxing with the moms."
"I wanted to let you know we'll leave tomorrow morning. The others plan to train and dance through the night."
Jenny sighed, "I wish I could join, but this time with Billy is special. I want to bond with him."
Nick sat beside her, gently caressing Billy, who giggled.
"For the first time in a long while, I feel you really care," Jenny whispered.
"I'm sorry for leaving you both. I'm married and made mistakes. Please understand."
"I do. Promise you'll stay close to us. We're family."
"I promise," Nick said, hugging her.
---
That night, the group danced and trained together, bonding through the hard but joyful hours.