Broken V.O.W. (Voice of the World)

Chapter 1: The Lotus Blooms (Part II)

Meanwhile, the employees handle most of the inquiries from all across the world, making letters and emails depending on the situation and task assigned to them. However, their purpose isn’t limited to that. They are mostly in charge of schedules, cleaning protocols, and conveying messages to the main branch of Rapture. The feature of this lobby revolves around its structure, specifically regarding the way it was designed.

 The floors of R.I.A.S.R. are at the top portion, similar to an hourglass but with one side smaller than the other one, which happens to be the lobby. Elevators passing through the funnels in sync while it disperses as soon as it reaches the other side, bringing people to their respective rooms and spaces. From there, Aeda hurriedly rushed her way to the conference room where the seminar was said to be, arriving in the nick of time— almost near the middle of Prof. Desmond Juaquin’s lecture.

Desmond is a forty-two-year-old professor of Philosophy and Anthropology at R.I.A.S.R. He is a dominant figure in research, human reasoning and covers two subjects on his tab (Classical literature in relation to Siphon Philosophy and Logic and reasoning). He is also a writer and has contributed several books in Siphon energy and improvements on the Siphon collars.

Motivated by her eagerness to learn, she sat down on the farthest seat at the back to make her arrival less suspicious to those at the front, especially the person responsible for blocking people that are late. As she fixated herself on the seat, her eyes were dead set on the topic at hand; one of her favorites, the history of the “World”.

*Projector plays*

Desmond paused to get a drink before changing the slides of his presentation. Afterward, he picked up his mic and continued speaking.

“In the year 2187, humanity has changed drastically due to the worldwide phenomenon that happened a century and a half ago in Asia (2037). A meteorite fell from the skies carrying material of unknown origin. A large obsidian like spherical stone with glowing gold engravings on the surface, radiating mysterious sounds from countless lightyears away. Upon speculation, scientists discovered runes of unique origins, written around the meteorite from which the glow is coming from. Audio scanners established the fact that the meteorite is some sort of relic or device similar to a portable radio. Even though a great number of the population died, all nations did their best to decipher the contents of the meteorite, creating the new branch of the UN called V.O.I.C.E. (Vanguard of Intelligence on Cryptic Engagements). After numerous years of research, V.O.I.C.E. found out that the meteorite’s sound waves can be used as a source of life form energy. Due to the progression done by V.O.I.C.E., they were also able to decipher aspects of the meteorite that allow them to harness the energy into physical matter, such energy was named Siphon.”

*Next Slide* Desmond pressed the clicker. The slide began showing several photos of the blast site fifty years ago. The crater was so massive, it is almost the same size as lotus city’s territory combined.

“The blast site of the meteor rendered the entire continent uninhabitable, a dilemma that was present further making the steps of the UN to develop V.O.I.C.E. a questionable move. However, the scientists proposed to reorganize territories and create floating cities using the energy of Siphon. Even though it was just a pending theory to solve the crisis, the global leaders accepted the proposition since they see the potential hidden within the meteorite. Within ten years of development and understanding of the meteorite, humanity developed devices of wonder that transcends one hundred years’ worth of normal scientific research.”

The next pictures that were flashed explain the schematics of a humanoid robot. The blueprints appear to be cryptic, although the shape, parts, and overall body structure is well drawn.

Desmond continued.

“Mechanical beings known as Seraphim were created: artificial humanoid sentinels that harness Siphon to produce wings, allowing them to aid humanity in its endeavors. Levitation also became a common thing, allowing a more efficient usage of land and construction of infrastructures, solving the problem of the uninhabitable portion of the continent. Vehicles no longer consume gas and rubber for tires, and sound therapy was used to cure acute or terminal sicknesses like cancer and other psychological diseases, which was far better than standard medicine could ever achieve. Agriculture production also skyrocketed with the use of Siphon. The energy emitted worked to prevent insects from pestering the crops, and made it grow more in size, making it the most efficient food source for the rest of the planet.”

*Next Slide* this time it was an image of a large cathedral-like building, with structures extending almost all the way to the stratosphere where a blue halo encircles the tallest tower in the middle of it all.

“Because of Humanity’s fascination with Siphon, a new religion emerged within the influence of V.O.I.C.E. called Rapture. The origin of rapture came from the sequence of sounds emitting from the meteorite that for most of the researchers of V.O.I.C.E. is similar to angels singing peace and tranquility. This is also the same sequence being used to cure illnesses which is why the method and existence of the religion are justified. Not only that, but it was also believed that the meteorite itself has its own consciousness, reaching out to people with the use of its sound. The gospel of Lumina as the religion calls it was established to gather the people all across different countries. Thus, Rapture was thoroughly established and became the most dominant religion.”

After delivering the key features of the discussion, they were ordered by Professor Desmond to cluster themselves in small groups of thirty. Given that the number of participants this time were around two thousand, everyone was guided by an army of Automata, relaying the instructions and work materials for each individual, while making sure that the spaces within the conference room is enough for everyone to function properly and without conflict.

Aeda joined with the rest of the pack and sat down with several people studying Rapture Philosophy and the rest related to Siphon engineering. The Materials laid out to them weren’t that simple as it looks. In a piece of paper, they were tasked to write the core foundation of Siphon research, something that Aeda definitely missed out earlier. Apparently, their group had some folks write down most of the notes, and the entire discussion as a whole.

Wrapping up the activity and the listing of names for certification, the seminar ended in a breeze as she celebrated being able to participate amidst being late. Her mind was literally fixed on what it was meant for. As she hurriedly went out of the conference room, she waited patiently for a vehicle that can bring her towards the lockers in the western hall. It took five minutes before she could hitch a ride on a portable A.R.C. Suddenly, when she was just about to sit down in the middle, someone tapped her from behind. Aeda quickly turned around and realized, it was her friend Anna, with her boyfriend sitting beside her not caring with the current exchange of words happening between them. 

“Hey giiiirl!” Anna said as she went close to Aeda, gave her a tight hug, and went back to her seat with a smile.

“What’s going on? Haven’t seen you around for a while.” Aeda trying, trying to gauge the mood without of course involving the bf.

“I’m still fine no worries,” Anna replied as she held the arm of her boyfriend close, giving a genuine smile of satisfaction.

Anna Continued talking “Actually we’re just about to go to the mall to look for parts. My transceiver actually broke when I was jogging.” her tone went condescendingly as if she is disappointed with what happened.

“Hmmm… If you would like, I could try fixing it.” Aeda proposed.

Anna’s eyes widened upon hearing Aeda’s words, “R-really?? I mean, how much would it cost if that’s the case? Besides that, have you repaired a transceiver before??”

“For the price, you could just give me the standard rate. As for my experience, I’ve fixed several transceivers before especially my brother’s. Even though those are military-grade, he still has a weird way to break it,” Aeda replied while chuckling with her last statement.  

Apparently Aeda’s brother works as a Siphon officer on a district that is far from the grasp of Lotus city. Due to the nature and dangers of his work, he rarely goes home and is usually deployed for a few months until they are pulled out to be replaced by a substitute squad to patrol. 

(To Be Continued)