Chapter 43

"Alright," Alice said finally, her voice firm. "When do we go?"

Miranda crossed her arms on the table, looking at Alice and Jhonny with serious yet calculating eyes. "That's what we're talking about now. Your departure will be the most important mission since the end of the alien invasion. And we can't afford to be careless."

Alice sighed softly, while Jhonny nodded, indicating that he fully understood the burden of what they were talking about.

Miranda continued, "I've coordinated with Jimmy and the team of advanced machine technicians. They're working hard to build a spaceship that can take you to the planet Gronion-the place where Frigia Sanguinis is located. It's not just any ordinary trip, it's almost 100 light years away from earth."

"How can we possibly reach that place in a reasonable amount of time?" asked Alice with a raised eyebrow, her voice sounding a little skeptical. "Are we going to spend our entire lives in space, just for this trip?"

Miranda smiled, a confident smile. "That's the reason why I'm telling you everything so early in the morning. I need to know how prepared you are for this mission, because we've designed something different. The technology we've developed could speed up space travel by cutting down the time normally spent traversing the vacuum of space."

Jhonny, who had been silent, finally spoke up. "New technology? Are you sure it's been fully tested? We can't take any chances on a mission of this magnitude."

Miranda nodded confidently. "It's definitely been tested. The tech team and I have been working day and night to create a prototype that can compress travel time. Basically, it will use a warp-drive based on gravity technology that can manipulate the space-time around the ship. In other words, the travel time of 100 light years can be cut down to just a few days."

Alice was silent for a moment, looking at Jhonny who seemed to be thinking deeply. "That sounds like a very futuristic thing," Alice said, her voice full of wonder. "How did you guys manage to design something so... powerful in such a short amount of time?"

Miranda smiled proudly. "Have you forgotten who you're dealing with? I'm Miranda, remember? We're using alien technology left behind after the war. Much of that technology is capable of surpassing the limits of our current science. The airship we developed is the result of a combination of human knowledge and alien technology."

"I know you're a genius," Alice said, sighing, "But this still sounds too good to be true."

"I understand your doubts," Miranda replied as she took a sip of coffee from her cup. "But this isn't about reality or not. We have no other choice. The genetic mutations in humans will get worse. If we don't get Frigia Sanguinis, the effects of dehydration, elevated body temperature, and slow paralysis could be a global disaster."

Alice and Jhonny exchanged glances, each thinking about what Miranda had said. They knew very well that the situation on earth was getting out of hand. This genetic mutation was more than just a health issue-it was a matter of humanity's survival.

"When do you expect the plane to be ready?" Jhonny asked, breaking the silence between them.

Miranda tapped her fingers on the table. "We're still in the final stages. Jimmy and his team estimate that within a week, the plane will be ready for testing. After that, you can leave."

"What about the other preparations?" asked Alice. "What should we take with us? This isn't just an ordinary trip, it's a journey into deep space. We don't know what we'll face on Gronion."

Miranda nodded, understanding Alice's concern. "We're also preparing the equipment you'll need there. From remote communication devices, to oxygen supplies, to weapons in case you encounter something dangerous. And you won't be going alone. We've selected some of the best crew members to accompany you. They have experience in space exploration, and they know how to deal with unexpected situations."

Alice was relieved to hear that. "Who will be coming with us?"

Miranda opened the data on her tablet, then handed it to Alice and Jhonny. "This is the list of the crew that will accompany you. All are trained and reliable."

Alice and Jhonny read the list carefully. Some of the names they recognized as skilled technicians and experienced scientists.

"This is a very dangerous mission," Alice said, her voice sounding more serious. "But Jhonny and I will go. If Frigia Sanguinis is the only way to save humanity, we won't hesitate."

Jhonny nodded in agreement. "We'll do whatever it takes."

Miranda smiled, though worry was visible on her face. "Good, because honestly, without you two, this mission would have been very difficult. You guys are the perfect combination of strength and intelligence. Besides, you two have already been tested in dealing with dangerous situations."

"But if this trip is really that long, is there no way to get back to Earth quickly if something happens?" asked Alice suddenly, her voice sounding worried. "What if we need to get back as soon as possible?"

Miranda shook her head. "Unfortunately, there is no technology that can return you to Earth that quickly. This is a one-way mission - that is, you have to finish everything on Gronion before you can return."

Jhonny seemed to think for a moment. "If it means the safety of mankind, then we'll do it."

Alice nodded, though her heart fluttered a little at the thought that there was no quick way back. This mission would be full of risks, and they had to be prepared for anything that might happen in space.

"Alright, I'll let Jimmy know that you guys agree," Miranda said. "I'll make sure all preparations are completed on schedule. You will be given further instructions in the next few days. Don't worry, we'll also prepare you for everything you might face on Gronion. At the very least, we have some idea of the conditions there from the data

Alice and Jhonny stood up from their chairs, feeling that this conversation had reached its end. Before they left, Miranda threw a faint smile at them. "I believe in you guys. You can definitely do it."

"Thank you, Miranda," Alice said, patting her best friend on the shoulder. "We believe in you too."

As they exited Miranda's office, Alice felt a little weight lift from her chest. They now knew what to do, and although the journey would be difficult, Alice felt more confident after hearing all these well-thought-out plans.

Alice and Jhonny asked for more time to discuss together, Miranda understood that and knew that this was indeed a big mission for both of them.

"Let me know if you have any complaints or requests, we will provide you with everything you need, we have high hopes for you," Miranda said.