28. Agreement

“So, what’s the story?” asked Victoria who was now starting to pay attention to the old man.

“Yes, there used to be a scientist, he was a professor I knew, and I respected him. An ambitious man with all his genius. He set up a laboratory underground, which is now where the raid took place. An experiment of his failed, and the man died because of his failure, which then created a strange green creature with a body like a ball and frog legs,” said the old man.

Victoria imagined the creature again, just like what the old man said.

“The experiment caused chaos. They mutated and spread out of their confinement after a long time. The man also created robots to guard the experiment, but it turned out to be not easy when the host was no longer alive. The chaos caused by the creatures made the government deploy military forces, and I was one of the members,” he said while pausing for a moment.

The girl chose to listen without interrupting.

“We had a hard time stopping them. Human life on earth was threatened. Until finally the robot said how to stop the creatures,” she continued.

“How?” asked Victoria curiously.

“Someone had to sacrifice themselves in the place where the creatures nested. At that time, no one was willing, and everyone was scared. There was only me, and finally, I decided after thinking about it. I entered the ship, sacrificing myself so that billions of people on Earth would be safe, peaceful, and happy. When my blood seeped into the floor of the ship, the robots guarding outside managed to stop the strange creatures.”

Victoria was silent, her mind focused on one thing.

“That robot, named Robert Ken, right?” asked Victoria.

The old man looked at her and nodded.

“Have you met him, huh?”

Victoria, who nodded this time, confirmed it.

“Robert is a robot that can take on a form. I know, he will change over time. Before I stopped breathing, I suggested that Robert leave Earth, and take the creature with me. Robert agreed and went into space because we thought it was a suitable place for Robert. However, there was something left behind, which was the ship’s signal control.”

“No wonder. That’s why the creatures returned to Earth because the signal control was left behind. Commander Ben found it and took advantage of the chaos. Inside the ship was a very advanced and modern technological object, surpassing current human technology,” Victoria said.

“That’s right. Humans can be greedy for small things. However, it seems to me that the one who created the technology was Robert. Maybe, Robert also created some other robots to take care of the creatures. Because even though the creatures don’t move, they still develop slowly. Who knows what could destroy them,” the old man said.

“Then, if the signal control is taken into space, the creatures won’t come back and cause damage on Earth, right?” Victoria asked.

“It could be. But it depends on how Robert makes his decision.”

Victoria nodded her head. Now, the girl knew the origin of the creatures, and how Robert and Luna came to be.

“Is that why you never came home, Great-Grandpa?” Victoria asked after a moment of silence.

The old man glanced at Victoria and slowly moved his head.

“Yes,” he answered briefly and sadly. “But I don’t regret it, because I know that’s my duty. Even though I didn’t say goodbye, at least I’ve written a lot of wills, and I’m thankful that your Great-Grandfather understands my work and attitude,” he continued.

This time it was Victoria who nodded her head, understanding what the girl’s great-grandfather was saying.

“However, I made a pact before I died,” he admitted.

“What pact?” Victoria asked curiously.

“If something similar happens one day, only one person can enter the plane and stop it. Since the plane will recognize my bloodline, that’s the only way to stop it all. And, who would have thought that my descendant would be a girl,” he said with a chuckle.

“So what if I’m a girl? I can still stop it, right?” Victoria replied.

The old man laughed again.

“Yes, you are right. Most importantly, she is my descendant.”

Victoria nodded her head again, understanding what he meant.

“Anyway, I am great, Victoria. You inherited your father’s spirit, which came from me. You serve selflessly. Keep going even though you know it is dangerous. You have such a big heart, and courage that no one else has. You are very cool, Victoria Della,” the old man praised, looking at the girl gently and caringly.

A smile appeared on Victoria’s lips, the girl blushed at the praise from her great-grandfather who could only see her this time.

“I never thought I would meet you like this, Great-Grandfather. Even though this is a dream, I am very grateful. Great-grandmother was still alive when I was fourteen, she had a long life, right? Even so, my Great-Grandmother always told me stories of great things. Grandfather also told me stories about how Great-Grandfather became a hero.”

The old man laughed at what Victoria said.

“I think Great-Grandfather has met them, right? He died when I graduated from medical school and entered the military as a doctor,” the girl said.

“Yes, I have. Your grandfather seemed proud, and so did I. So Victoria, continue to hold on to what you want in life. However, do not be constrained by anything. Keep moving forward no matter what happens. Protect many people without expecting anything in return. Be someone with a big heart.”

Victoria listened to him intently, absorbing what the old man had said even though she knew her life would not be long.

“So, have you found a reason to be happy in your second life?” the old man asked.

But this time Victoria seemed to be avoiding him.

“It’s okay, I won’t force you. However, think about it again, because the agreement is still valid until you make a decision,” he said.

Victoria looked at the man.

“So, think carefully, don’t regret it later. I don’t regret it, because I have felt the love, and happiness of the people closest to me.”

The man stared at Victoria more deeply.

“I’m sure you want to feel the sweetness of love, right? You have someone who makes your heart beat, right? How does it feel? Even though it’s annoying, I always want to be together, and I don’t want to be apart again. That’s what I felt when I met your Great-Grandmother, Victoria.”

The old man’s words reminded Victoria of Sean, and what the man had said indirectly. Could Sean have feelings for Victoria?

The girl’s attention was drawn to her surroundings because of the sudden change.

“Your heart wants certainty, Victoria,” the man said because the changes around her were like waves, something abstract and so on. “So, decide. You don’t have much time.”

Should Victoria consider it?

“What’s the deal?” the girl asked suddenly.

The old man stared at Victoria for a long time.