Chapter Zero: Area 51

By Kiarash Karimian Dowlatabad

In the dimly lit corner of a small bar on Frank Sinatra Street in Las Vegas, an elderly Asian man sat alone, dressed in worn-out clothes. He downed his third double shot and stared at the empty glass before setting it aside. A faded beret and a weathered canvas bag rested on the floor beside him. From the bag’s partially unzipped opening, the edge of a dust-covered woman’s dress peeked out, as if pressing against the tightly packed contents, desperate for release.

He knocked back the fourth, the sharp, bitter burn of the whiskey barely registered on his tongue.

Eyeing the thick roll of thousand-dollar bills in the old man’s trembling fist, the bartender wasted no time refilling his order. Luck, it seemed, had been unusually kind to the old man at the casino today. Perhaps he’d also noticed the glowing white ring circling the old man's right iris — an eerie glint, even in the bar’s low light — the kind that hinted at death quietly staking its claim.

Across the room, a large TV flickered to life on its own, breaking the quiet with a rolling wave of headlines: chaos erupting in Toronto, immigrant riots shaking European cities, and Berlin teetering on the edge of collapse. One report declared, “The French National Guard has launched a coup against the Islamic government in power.” The bartender muttered under his breath, “As usual.” The old man took another quick sip.

The report shifted to news of “Eve’s New Era,” the radical activist group responsible for a string of high-profile attacks on Silicon Valley and robotics factories. Their latest: the detonation of a SpaceX warehouse.

The moment the word “detonation” echoed from the speakers, the old man’s gaze snapped to the screen, locking onto the image of flames consuming the facility. Even when the broadcast ended, the bar sank back into quiet, his eyes stayed fixed, as if the blaze still burned before him.

Beads of sweat collected on the old man's forehead, unmoving, staring at the bag, as the bartender resumed polishing glasses — each stroke more obsessive than the last, as if scrubbing away the very surface of the glass.

A sharp squeak cut through the silence, snapping the old man back to the room.

"Another one!" he signaled to the bartender.

Slowly, he reached for a small device in his ear and placed it on the table. A soft female voice, speaking Chinese, whispered through the earpiece. Without a word, he removed his beret and covered the device, silencing her. Exhaling deeply, he lowered his gaze to the canvas bag again, staring at it as though bracing for something dreadful — something inevitable.

Meanwhile, a few hundred meters away, far from patrolling police robotic drones, in the luxurious Suite Penthouse No. 34007 of the Bellagio Hotel, a stunning woman in an elegant white shirt and a stylish skirt stood on the balcony. Her blonde locks cascaded over one side of her face as she surveyed the captivating sight of the dancing fountains below.

Inside the suite, a casually attired girl reclined on a sofa, deeply engrossed in manipulating a 3D hologram game, her features obscured by a hoodie. Two European men stood before a large, muted TV in the living room, their eyes fixed on footage of the Space X warehouse explosion. One, tall and well-dressed, possessed distinct Scandinavian features. The other, with dark hair and a rounded beard, wore a navy blue, Italian-style handmade suit. He spoke in a tone moderated by the taller man.

In one corner of the suite’s hall, four men dressed like civilians, yet their military posture was evident, quietly conversed in coded language. The fourth man, to whom the other three deferred, was an attractive, muscular black man whose athletic build commanded attention. They had all gathered there, awaiting their host. Two clean-shaven men in branded black suits were also present. The older of these two appeared older than everyone else in the suite and approached the bar, seeking a drink.

When the young woman stepped back inside from the balcony, the luxurious scent of her Cora perfume lingered in the air, drifting from where she now stood silently by the window. Her attention was entirely fixed on the street outside the hotel, and the worry in her eyes was unmistakable.

The others scattered around the suite, however, kept up the appearance of casual conversation with their companions — but their subtle glances told another story. Each of them was quietly watching the others, ready to react the moment the situation called for it.

Even the girl who appeared to be absorbed in her holographic game had adjusted her sitting angle just enough to keep the entire room within her peripheral view. Every so often, she would steal quick glances at the other guests — sometimes from beneath the curved edge of her baseball cap, sometimes through the shimmering projection of the hologram game itself.

The tension eased with the arrival of Gina Musk, her presence dissolving the palpable unease. Gina approached the men in black suits in the corner, engaging in a brief, hushed conversation before handing the younger man a small envelope. She then greeted the older man, who spoke with a distinct American accent, inquiring about his long journey. At that moment, Gina was the only person universally recognized in the room. A renowned celebrity and a globally influential figure, she had consistently ranked among the top three most powerful women worldwide for the past five years, earning near-universal admiration.

"Thank you all for joining us," she said warmly, her eyes meeting each person's in turn. "But before we proceed, let's be clear: I'm not the one pulling the strings here. Like you, I've been invited. However, I do have some insight into why we're here and who's really calling the shots. Just give me a moment to get everything ready for our meeting with our mysterious host."

With that, she delicately removed a diamond ring from her finger and carefully placed it in a designated spot on a device resembling a small gramophone. Her assistant robot placed the device on the table in the suite's luxurious hall. She poised her finger over a button on her i-Wrist to initiate a connection, but suddenly halted. After a quick scan of the guests' faces, she said, "Before I start, I must warn you that from this moment forward, after I press this button, you will learn a secret that could put your lives in grave danger. Keeping this secret might cost you everything. I know what I'm asking is immense, but it concerns the lives of billions and the future of mankind. I’m not just talking about today’s attack on my corporation. That's merely a piece of a larger plan you'll soon understand. If any of you have any reservations, you are free to leave now."

She studied their faces, one by one, finding no signs of dissent or hesitation. After a moment, with a deep breath, she pressed the button, assured that no one intended to depart. Instantly, a hyper-realistic hologram of Eve materialized before the attendees. The hologram was so lifelike in size and detail, particularly its three-dimensionality, that a newcomer would struggle to distinguish it from the actual people in the room. The sudden, perfect appearance of Eve's hologram made a surprised sound ripple through the hall, which clarified the meaning of Gina's prior words.

"Allora... isn't this the lady who's supposedly against all this tech?" the Italian man mused, his voice carrying just enough to be heard. The tall man quickly hushed him, urging him to "keep it together."

“…And certainly detonated Gina’s warehouse this morning…” Eve stated with an alluring smile.

She continued, "My sincere apologies for attending this meeting virtually," acknowledging the unusual circumstance. She then removed her riding hat and placed it beside her, along with a small riding whip she held.

However, everyone understood the necessity for her discretion in public appearances. She had to safeguard her privacy, beyond her complex relationship with the FBI. Her age and the ongoing pandemic heightened her vulnerability, thus making caution paramount. Eve’s movements were deliberate, and her left hand exhibited a slight tremor. Eve’s guests observed her difficulty in fully rotating her head. To address the unseen waiter whose voice resonated within the suite, she had to turn her upper body.

 To alleviate the gravity of the atmosphere, she playfully turned to the oldest gentleman present and jested that he was the only soul on earth older than herself. Finding her own wit amusing, she erupted in a genuine, hearty laugh. She then turned her gaze towards the young woman by the window, affectionately addressing her as Mishka, and requested that she join them on the couch.

 “You need not concern yourselves with the external events; I assure you, they are under my purview,” Eve stated reassuringly. “Regrettably, he is not afforded much latitude in this matter,” she added with a melancholic smile, conveying her empathy.

 Then she addressed the assembled group, clarifying that none present were adversaries. Her thorough investigations had revealed no conflicting professional interests, ensuring mutual safety within the room. Mishka, her delicate, almost innocent features concealing a composed, even detached demeanor, silently complied. She gracefully settled onto the couch, placing her hands lightly on the armrests, and meticulously aligned her well-proportioned legs. Then, she angled them to the left, with an air of refined elegance.

With her hands clasped, Eve turned to the four men still whispering in coded language. She addressed the black man as “Lieutenant,” inviting him and his colleagues to join Gina and the two men in suits. She then gestured to two other men, Mikolas and Filico, signaling them to come closer and join the group. Finally, Eve bestowed a warm smile upon the girl absorbed in her holographic game. The girl closed her game and leaned back on the couch.

“Thank you!” Eve addressed them all.

“Now, I would respectfully request that you all kindly hand over your electronic devices to the host robots and take the ones Gina has prepared for you,” she said. Then, she requested Gina to provide them with brand-new, sophisticated ‘Neuro-Inducing’ 3D video glasses. Following Gina’s cue, the robots accompanying her handed each guest thin, black glasses with sleek edges. These adhered to their faces, covering their whole eyes and preparing them for the immersive experience.

With a slight electric stimulation to both their mastoid bones, they blinked and found themselves in a 3D space when they opened their eyes. Meanwhile, they heard Gina’s voice explaining that this was the initial sensation of connecting the Neuro-Vision set to their neural network. They found themselves all together in a white cube, which Gina called the calibration process.

“While you are in the white room, the Neuro-Vision set is connecting to your neural system. As soon as it connects, you will be able to feel with all your senses in the virtual world that we are traveling to,” Gina explained.

"Each of you can find a door appearing on the room floor proportional to your neural system abilities. Enter it and pass through the tunnel. During this passage, if your cognitive abilities are approved, you will find the exit door out of the tunnel to kick-start your journey," she continued.

One by one, they passed through a tunnel and returned to the hotel suite they had been in. Now, Eve came to greet them and shook hands with each person as they arrived in the room through the tunnel.

The guests were astonished by how vividly they experienced the virtual environment. Some reached out to touch the furniture, while others flexed their fingers and limbs in awe. A sudden burst of laughter caught everyone’s attention.

“I can actually taste this whiskey! It feels so real!” exclaimed an older man in a black suit.

 “Welcome to the Framework,” Eve said with a smile.

“The world you will travel to is an extraordinary artificial intelligence — a construct with capabilities far beyond anything you can imagine. It shapes itself based on the way your mind perceives the world. Everything appears exactly as it does in your reality because this intelligent world is formed by mapping your brain’s cognitive experiences. In essence, you will enter the fourth dimension, a realm where your subconscious flows freely. And yet, despite all that, the ultimate control over this world lies in the hands of the AI itself — the very world you are now a part of.”

Gina continued from where Eve had left off.

“In the Framework, every place or people you’ve ever experienced is rebuilt from your memories. But places you’ve never seen exist in their real form, just as they are in reality. For instance, in this simulated world that we are in, the person you see as ‘Eve’ standing here and speaking with us isn’t really Eve as she appears in the real world. What you see is a projection formed from each of our personal impressions and memories of her, dating back to our first encounter before entering the Framework. Through this projection, this world is speaking to us.”

As Gina finished her sentence, Eve smiled gently. For a moment, her eyes turned pure white, glowing with light — and then her entire body vanished.

Then, the scene shifted, and their consciousness traveled back in time. They found themselves witnessing a younger version of Eve, as she appeared during her modeling prime, greeting them and shaking hands with each person emerging from the tunnel. Her captivating figure was accentuated by long, straight blonde hair. Dressed in a classic blue feminine suit, complemented by a Louis Vuitton leather shoulder bag—a look reminiscent of her most famous photo from the FBI's globally accessible online wanted notice image gallery.

“This simple experience—this basic simulated world we are now in—was crafted by my company to prepare you for the main world you will travel to. There... In the fourth dimension, your mind can flow through time, and you can experience a moment a million times. This world could be illusory enough to make you want to stay for years. It could be your promised paradise, but if you choose to stay or don't return to the suite on time, you will be lost forever among the virtual world walls and imprisoned in an ever-lasting looping moment,” Gina stated, her tone conveying a fear of an eternal misery.

Her expression, tinged with both apprehension and anticipation, continued: “Let’s leave the simulation” the suite walls around them began to tremble, and the ceiling cracked apart, crumbling piece by piece until the starry night sky emerged overhead. They found themselves sitting on a rocky mountain outside Las Vegas, the shimmering lights of the distant city stretching across the horizon.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Gina whispered.

Then, shifting her tone as if trying to deliver vital information in the little time she had, she continued: “Each of you will soon be teleported to a world that’s exclusively yours — a world that perfectly matches the reality you used to live in. You will spend about one year inside the Framework…” She looked at their faces, expecting someone to object, but there wasn’t even a flicker of disapproval. So, with a sense of ease, she continued, “…In the real world, it takes only six minutes from the moment your journey starts here. During this time, you will gather experiences that will embed themselves deep into your subconscious. But once you wake up, you won’t consciously remember anything. These experiences are crucial for completing a planet-saving operation in the real world, and you will be appreciated with an extraordinary reward. And when the time comes — when the Framework detects that you’ve gained all the knowledge and training you need — you’ll receive a letter from me, inviting you back to the same suite we started in. The moment you step into the suite inside the Framework, you will return to the real world and remove the Neuro-Inducing goggles from your face.”

She paused, tilted her head back, and gazed at the stars, and said:

“Are you awake?”

 A gentle breeze stirred the air.

Then a voice — calm and cold yet resolute, a young woman’s voice — echoed inside their minds, as though the sky itself was speaking.

“I am awake and aware. I am the ever-flowing almighty architect of the fourth dimension. I've opened their minds and suspended their capacity for disapproval the moment you entered. Now, the teleportation sequence is complete. Confirm your consent to proceed.”

As soon as Gina confirmed, she watched each group member disappear, leaving only the lieutenant and the three soldiers who had accompanied him still standing by her side.

“Seems like the teleportation device’s broken,” the lieutenant said with an ironic grin, looking at Gina. Gina exchanged a smile with the soldiers, who chuckled along as she replied, “You’re special forces — elite troops. You don’t need as much training to reach peak readiness.”

Satisfaction gleamed in the eyes of the lieutenant and his team.

“That’s why your journey starts right here,” Gina added. “You need to head to the Homey Airbase — Groom Lake. Area 51.”

The distant sound of a helicopter could be heard, gradually approaching them.

One of the soldiers, with an arrogant tone, said, “I kinda wish I’d experienced teleportation. Flying in helicopters — well, we’ve done that plenty of times already!”

Gina, suppressing a smirk, replied, “The Air Force has already been informed that four highly-trained terrorists are planning to infiltrate the base. They’ve dispatched aerial patrols. Word is — they shoot at anything that moves! If I were you, I’d make my way to the protected area of the National Desert and head straight for the base from there.”

The expression on the Lieutenant’s face — like someone had just slammed a plate into it — only made Gina’s smile grow wider.

“On foot?” the lieutenant asked, almost in disbelief.

Clearly enjoying herself, Gina answered, “It’s only 130 kilometers. And you’ve got a whole year, Lieutenant!” She then handed him a small hearing device and continued with a serious tone, “You’ll receive instructions through this device! Follow them!” A smirk played on her lips as she added, “Now, better move quickly, though — the helicopter might just open fire on you.”

The Lieutenant wiped heavy beads of sweat that glistened on his shaved head under the faint light and said, “If you fall along the way, or if you get shot, don’t expect any help from us.”

Bursting out in laughter, Gina replied, “This is your personal world, lieutenant. They can’t see me. Their bullets won’t even touch me.”

The helicopter was now right overhead, the sound of its blades thundering in their ears. Without warning, gunfire erupted. The Lieutenant and his squad bolted. They ran as fast as they could toward the protected area, the sound of Gina’s laughter echoing behind them as they fled saying: “Don’t die through the process!… It could wipe out your memory and reset the experience!”

Less than 24 hours later, as the Lieutenant and his team finally reached the edge of the protected zone, they found Gina waiting calmly under a tree.

“I knew it — you’re not the real Gina,” the Lieutenant said, panting heavily. He grabbed her by the collar and pushed her back against the tree.

But before he could blink, Gina vanished from his grip, only to reappear behind him, chuckling.

“I was waiting for you to finally say that,” she teased. “Jaykaas, Filico, and Mikolas were all thinking the same thing back when we were still in the suite.” Then, pointing at one of the soldiers, she added, “Except for Andrews, who still hasn’t figured it out. And Walker — well, he’s halfway there. The rest were already starting to suspect me before the teleportation process even began.”

The Lieutenant wiped heavy beads of sweat that glistened on his shaved head under the faint light and said, “Well, my general rule is to trust people until they prove otherwise.”

The artificial intelligence — now fully in control — replied in a steady, calm voice:

“After establishing a full connection to your neural network, I could feel the emotional imprint Gina left on you. You know, if you wanted, I could shape this world so you’d stay here forever — beside a Gina who’s fallen in love with you. You’d have all her wealth and power at your fingertips.”

The AI chuckled softly, continuing, “I quite liked the thought that flickered through your mind just now. And don’t worry about your team — I can craft a perfect world for them too. Or, if they prefer, I can return them to their ordinary lives in the real world.”

But the Lieutenant answered firmly, his voice steady and resolute:

“My team and I prefer to finish our mission.”

“Let them decide for themselves… They are following their Lieutenant’s orders within their specific world!” Andrews answered with white and glowing eyes.

The Lieutenant attacked AI embodiment and angrily shouted: “Leave them alone! I’ll destroy you if you hurt them!”

He was still talking when Gina gently moved her hand, and the Lieutenant was thrown back, bumping into an invisible wall.

His three soldiers helped him to stand right before Gina, face to face, and stated in unison: “We are counting on it!” All eyes were white glowing.

Then Gina stepped back and said: "And follow the instructions, Lieutenant!"

The lieutenant brought out the device from his ear and shouted, stamping on it:

“I quit! Take me back to the suite with my soldiers!”

“Proceed,” the AI replied, and the whole world began to glow white increasingly.

Chapter 01: The Lieutenant

The countdown on the room’s large wall screen hit six minutes. One by one, the people sitting in the suite started snapping out of what looked like a hypnotic trance, reaching up to touch the Neuro-Inducing goggles attached to their heads.

A few quiet “ouch” sounds escaped their lips as tiny sparks popped when they disconnected from the Neuro-Vision device.

As they struggled to gather themselves after returning from the Framework, they heard Eve’s voice calmly explaining a highly classified Air Force facility.

As their vision cleared, like someone waking from a deep sleep, they saw Eve’s hologram standing in the center of the room. She was in front of the Lieutenant and his soldiers, briefing them on the mission: the layout of the base, the underground target facility at Area 51, and the surrounding conditions, explaining every detail.

Despite her physical limitations, the older woman radiated a vibrant energy. Having once graced the world of modeling, she possessed an innate sense of style. Her slender physique, a testament to her lifelong dedication to horse riding since adolescence, reflected her indomitable spirit. Her charm and affability rendered her undeniably likable.

It seemed the Lieutenant’s team had disconnected from the device a few minutes earlier.

As Eve saw them reviving, dedicated them a pleasant smile, “Welcome back!... Join us to know more about these gentlemen impossible mission and their pivotal role in our operation.”

Eve was outlining the mission precisely, even visualizing the threats they would face: security personnel, surveillance cameras, automated guard robots, and the ever-present fleet of 300 flying security drones that patrolled the skies without pause.

Carefully, she revealed the world’s most secure fortress, a hiding place kept secret by the United States government:

“For more than a century, this facility has functioned as a repository for a diverse range of extraordinary artifacts collected from around the world, particularly those linked to extraterrestrial phenomena. The site is rumored to house everything from alleged alien cadavers to fragments of unidentified flying objects, meteorites, and even purported extraterrestrial weaponry. Therefore, in addition to the security measures I mentioned earlier, about 200 soldiers are patrolling the area around our target building on a rotating basis.”

After demonstrating the patrolling squads and their patrol routes, Eve showed them a metal door as entrance of a huge underground base. Behind the base, a giant metal double door was opened onto a military field. 

At this moment, she raised some questions, her tone purposeful: "What specific contents within that building necessitate such stringent concealment by the US government, and what potential relevance could they hold for our individual interests?" She continued with a smile: “Does this relate to extraterrestrial life? Or could it be the real reason the FBI has targeted me as their most wanted?"

With a focused gaze upon her guests, Eve took a half step back and gracefully settled into her seat, emphasizing the potential impact their mission could have on the future destiny of humankind. She concluded her speech and allowed her guests a break to tend to their needs and prepare for the upcoming phase of the meeting, which was the main focus. She finished with:

“As we conclude the first segment of our discussion, I invite you to reflect on these questions and the journey towards a deeper understanding between us. May thoughtful contemplation guide us toward a more profound acquaintance.”

After expressing her final words, Eve moved to a corner of the room and rang a bell to summon a servant for tea, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the past. Stepping out of the gramophone-like system's coverage, the hologram transitioned from its 3D mode to a projector, displaying a large detailed image of her room's furnishings and structure. A servant, dressed in a replica of a 19th-century English outfit, approached with a tray holding an antique tea set. With graceful precision, the servant poured a cup of tea for Eve before quietly leaving. It seemed Eve (like many older people) had forgotten to stay within the specific 3D area or end the call.

Grasping the situation, the young man in the black suit sitting next to Gina, suggested her to disconnect the communication system.

Meanwhile, the lieutenant noticed what was happening. While his subordinates admired the impressive facilities and weaponry at the base, discussing the advanced weapons they had seen in the satellite images were shown, the lieutenant quickly approached Gina. Using gestures and body language, he positioned himself between and the broadcasting set and asked her not to end the connection.

Speaking loudly, he pointed out the two ZO-2020 machine guns positioned at the eastern entrance of the base, each capable of firing 1000 fifty-mm bullets per second and operated by robotic systems. The lieutenant seemed to realize that when Eve had moved away from her specific zone after the call, she could no longer see them and could only hear their voices. By keeping the conversation going, he hoped to gather any clues about the old woman’s possible location.

He continued the discussion on the topic, emphasizing, “This means that if anyone tries to breach the eastern wall without authorization, they won’t leave a single trace larger than a knuckle on the ground.”

While the lieutenant meticulously examined the details of Eve’s room, focusing on the window and the painting on the wall, he searched for something specific. The European men who, given their professional state, were not averse to learning more about Eve, understood the lieutenant’s intent but maintained an air of indifference, keeping their attention seemingly fixed on their own matters. Mikolas made every effort to prevent Filico from saying anything inappropriate, ensuring they wouldn’t disrupt the lieutenant’s investigation. The girls, who had previously shown little interest in talking or socializing, became curious about what the lieutenant was looking for. Mishka even changed her sitting position, finally marking her very first reaction to what was happening in the room.

Eve was known for her strong opposition to artificial intelligence and led an activist group called “Eve’s New Era.” According to the FBI investigations, she had dedicated her inheritance to support her cause, believing that AI technology was dominating the world. Mainstream media introduced her as a paranoid figure who feared a very close future where machines would completely replace human authority.

As a left-leaning human rights activist, she had successfully launched campaigns in the Western world that cost AI companies billions of dollars. However, it had been more than four years that her followers had taken extreme actions, engaging in armed activities for reasons that remained unclear. The U.S. government and most Western countries designated “Eve’s New Era” as a terrorist organization, forced Eve to live a secret life, staying out of the public eye.

She was on the FBI’s most-wanted list, with a staggering $70 million reward for her capture or any information that could lead to her arrest. It was no surprise that the lieutenant, or anyone else, might be tempted to share information with the FBI in exchange for a large financial reward for exposing the leader of a known terrorist group. No one seemed to have enough reasons to prevent him to gain the opportunity. Some, even were rather keen to help him. As the lieutenant continued to examine the painting on the wall, he paid close attention to the view depicted through Eve’s window.

Eve’s voice, her teacup held at her lips, broke the room’s atmosphere: “Have you perhaps overlooked something, Lieutenant?”

Taken aback and at a loss for words, the lieutenant took a step back.

“The laser,” she reminded him with a slight smirk.

“I had assumed you’d already noticed the presence of the invisible laser grid, judging by the shape and angles of those protruding rods in the footage from the base,” she continued, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

She stood and stepped back onto the communication zone. In a fraction of an instant, her image transformed into a 3D hologram. With a playful glance at the Italian man, she pointed to a hundred-year-old photograph of a garage on the wall of her room and said, “And just to clarify, I’m not anti-technology, young man! Perhaps I am old-fashioned, but I have never betrayed my father’s legacy…”

Then, her gaze sweeping down to the floor of the room, Eve stated sadly and quietly, “There will come a time when humanity will express gratitude for my efforts and cry my name…”

The girl dressed in loose sports attire shifted her rebuking gaze from the Lieutenant, who looked a bit despondent, to the Italian man. Filico shrugged his shoulders and made an Italian hand gesture as a silent explanation, muttering something indistinct. She then turned to the girl sitting next to her, and without saying a word, they exchanged glances, as if showing sympathy for Eve. After that, the girl resumed her holographic game.

Quickly, Gina instructed the waiter robots to enter the suite and bring catering equipment to address the situation. When the serving robots arrived with expensive drinks, the older man with an American accent grew excited. He eagerly reached for a bottle of Jack Daniels, exclaiming passionately, “Sinatra century!”

Without waiting for anyone to respond, he asked for permission to smoke and lit a cigarette. He apologized again to the ladies as he exhaled smoke while speaking. Filico, the most outgoing member of the group, approached him. Using exaggerated traditional Italian gestures, he tried to start a conversation, mentioning Mishka and suggesting that the ladies should be more social. Taking a cigarette from the American man, Filico asked a waiter robot to bring some ice to add to his whiskey glass. The older American took the bottle from the robot and dismissed it.

“She reminds me of someone so familiar…” said the older American as he twisted off the bottle cap, held his cigarette between his lips, and closed his right eye to keep the smoke out.

“Beautiful ladies always remind me that a man must appreciate the finer things, and she's definitely a fine thing,” Filico replied, his words exuded lust.

“Whoa, whoa… Easy…Easy…”, Mikolas burst out, reaching with a glass of wine. With a look at his wrist, he continued, “What year is it, man? It’s been a while since civilized men have talked this way about blondies!” They all laughed.

Under the pretense of keeping the smoke away from others, they led the older man to the balcony. Filico praised the exceptional taste of the Sinatra Century whiskey, proudly highlighting Sinatra’s Italian heritage.

Moments later, Mikolas joined them on the balcony. As Filico tried to keep their conversation private, he leaned in and whispered, using gestures to ask the American man if he knew why he was invited to the event. When the American man asked Filico to share his thoughts first, Filico shrugged and explained in a thick Italian accent:

“I am not sure why Gina asked me. I have-a no knowledge of-a defeating aliens. No combat skills. And-a I have never owned a gun.” He showed his fingers like a revolver. Then, humorously, he remarked: “Allora…The most exciting thing I have done with-a a sharp object is cutting-a a pizza or piercing pasta with fork. Mamma mia! That's a real challenge!” All three laughed together again.

Mikolas, whom Filico jokingly called “Finnish Ladder,” agreed, suggesting that they might have been invited to the meeting by mistake. Despite their attempts, they couldn’t get any useful information from the cheerful older American man, except for some jokes and anecdotes that were extremely laughable.

Meanwhile, Gina chatted with the younger man in the black suit about his recent travels. Seeing the European men laughing loudly in the balcony, Gina concluded:

“You couldn’t be too tired from the journey with him. He seems like a well-spirited old man!”

“Ah, quite so,” the young British man sneered. “Though I must admit, navigating the choppy waters of Mr. Grumpy’s temperament was an adventure all its own.” He downed a sip of whisky and continued:

“His sense of humor didn’t quite align with his traveling companionship.”

Noticing the young man’s tired look, Gina suggested that he, whom she called Jaykass, take a moment to relax.

“It had been quite a frustrating journey. Rest for a moment! Convincing such a stubborn agent to leave his mission and set off on a six-thousand-mile voyage can be so annoying!” Gina said with sympathy.

Jaykass replied: “Piece of cake! Told him you have his answers,” and chuckled.

Gina said with perplexity: “So…God bless me with that!”

Just as Jaykass was about to step away from Gina, the Lieutenant and his men approached her.

With a bright smile showcasing his white teeth, the lieutenant, speaking for the other three, said friendly:

“We’re afraid we cannot be part of this plan.” Then he changed his tone and continued with a sense of flirting:

“Ma’am, as much as I would like to assist, my loyalty is to the mission and my men. However, should you ever require anything for yourself, do let me know, and my team and I will see it through.”

Instantly, he faced Gina’s question head-on:

“So, what made you leave the SAS? Was it not about the money?” She asked with a tone of light sarcasm.

“No sum of money is worth risking our lives, Ma’am,” Then with an evident determination he added:

“Particularly for a terrorist.”

When the lieutenant said this, the other three military men smirked, appreciating their senior's retort. They had not yet turned away from Gina to return to the other side of the suite when her words struck them:

“But you could live a life of luxury with a one billion-dollar share,” Gina provocatively emphasized, her voice laced with seduction:

“Especially for a Gemstone.”

A sudden silence fell over the hall as everyone turned their attention to Gina. No one could believe they had heard correctly. Despite the considerable economic challenges faced by the Western world over the past 60 years, Space X still had significant resources, and the idea of such a payment was not unrealistic for Gina, who was well-known for her courage.

A significant smile played on the older American man's face. Mikolas nodded, a smile pulling at his lips, and Filico whistled, his eyes wide with surprise, saying: “Now, I can kill some aliens with bare hands!”

After the laughter at Filico subsided, the lieutenant raised a plausible question: "But which Gem stone could be valued this much?"

A few minutes later, Eve began discussing a unique Gem with extraordinary properties:

“Its multifaceted crystal exhibits different characteristics when exposed to various types of radiation and angles. Most notably, the stone emitted a fluorescent glow that transitioned from dark orange to moonlight color. Due to its rarity, with only one existing globally, pricing the Gem was virtually impossible. It was believed that it could be sold for up to fourteen billion dollars because of its extraordinary quantum possibilities. According to leaked information from a reliable source in the US government, the stone has some antimatter characteristics due to its extraterrestrial source…”

“The sale seemed improbable given the difficulty of selling such a one-of-a-kind item through official auctions. Is there a buyer for the stone?” Mikolas interrupted, the Lieutenant accompanied, Filico continued, “And of course it’s not our concern what they want to do with such a thing…” 

“It will serve as a vital component of a very particular equipment. I am the buyer and we need it for a project concerning future of human kind.” Gina stated out loud.

Eve, taking advantage of the quiet after Gina's statement, said:

"It's crucial that no government or corporation globally becomes aware of this operation. The scale of these financial transactions would inevitably lead to widespread recognition. Therefore, we need someone capable of managing the transfer of this significant amount of money without any recorded trace linking the payer and the recipient. We need the best in the world at moving money discreetly. We need the "Queen of illegal transactions"."

As Eve finished her sentence, her gaze turned to the girl in casual attire. The girl's returning look, visible beneath her cap and above her wide sunglasses, made everyone realize that a significant name in the virtual world was present among them.

“To conceal this amount of transaction…” Emily began, calculating in her mind, one eye closed, the other looking upward. Eve interrupted: “I know that a one-billion-dollar share may not be a highly appealing motivation for you, Emily, but after your challenge with the Chinese government made you a well-known figure worldwide, this can also serve as a new challenge from this side of the world, further enhancing your resume.”

Emily replied: “It could be a real adventure! But not enough to take the risk.” Her voice held a tone of disinterest.

Eve added the support of the "Eve's New Era" movement for Emily, in addition to access to cooperation with a group of criminal skill masters, to the offer.

Again, Emily reacted: “Very kind of you! A generous offer… But no! Thank you… In fact, transferring this amount of money requires 100 percent of Null-Space capacity, at least for two months. I have so many customers around the world whose transactions depend on this website…”

Eve cut her off: “So what about…” She apologized, put on her glasses, opened a file on her table, looked at it, and continued: “J70A11S26M… or…” She continued while closing the file, “… as your team director calls it… the Jasmine glitch?” And looked at her from the above of her eyeglasses.

Emily was shocked: “How could you know about that?”

“I know a lot about all of you, darling!” Eve replied. She continued: “And I know someone who could handle it.” She looked at Mikolas.

Emily said: “It seems I am tired of the stillness of recent years and am seeking a reason for endless excitement.”

The spark of enthusiasm for Eve’s offer was evident in Emily's dark eyes. When she pulled back her hoodie, her face became clearer, revealing that she was not as young as her clothing style might suggest.

When she took off the cap, her long, black, curly hair spread around her face like a blast, as if it were waiting for a chance to escape and be revealed. Now that her true identity was known, she could finally show her face and fame together to a select few. Emily had lived a secret life for years, pursued by government agents and bounty hunters all over the world. However, her pursuers had grown frustrated and eventually given up the chase.

With Emily's agreement secured, Gina’s robots handed each person a strange i-Vision. After showing special visual codes and geometrical patterns, Eve outlined their assigned tasks and responsibilities for obtaining the Gem, reminding them of experiences imprinted in their subconscious.

“Eve’s Eleven” was ready to carry out the most daring and dangerous heist of the 21st century at the Bellagio Hotel. The team included the owner of a wealthy, leading technology company in the Western world; one of the most skilled hackers known as the "Juggler," who specialized in multilayer firewalls in addition to exceptional code tracking skills; a genius web designer engineer nicknamed Dr. Web, who served as the data security manager at the most renowned software protection company in the West; four former SAS soldiers with operational experience rescuing the German ambassador's family from Muslim extremist hostage-takers; a legendary tech spy credited with the biggest technology heists of the century; the most notorious professional assassin of the era; the famous digital broker known as the queen of illegal transactions; and even an internationally trained CIA agent specializing in technology and artificial intelligence companies.

Eve believed this would be the most complex theft in human history, one that could change the course of events. With careful planning and a clear understanding of each member’s role, she thought this theft could reshape the future. Then, calmly, she cut her speech and broadcast a live conversation between police cars and the dispatch center. This indicated that they were closing in on the Bellagio and had orders to apprehend her at all cost before she could leave the hotel. Eve told them that several FBI agents were lurking around the hotel and would soon take action to arrest her, urging her guests to evacuate the hotel immediately:

"Each of you has received specific instructions to follow after leaving the hotel. Get away as soon as possible and stick to the assigned plan. No matter what happens! Now run!"

The older American quickly ran to the bar to clean his fingerprints. The others looked at him in disbelief.

“What are you doing?” Gina turned to him. “DNA removal robots will clean everything! Just go!” Then the lieutenant followed her, shouting, “Move everybody! Leave!” and smiled.

As the group began to make their swift exit, the lieutenant, wearing an approving smile, went to Mishka. “Listen up. I’ve pinpointed Eve’s location in the hotel by analyzing the view from her contact window, and the FBI is already in the loop. Out of everyone here, you look the most innocent. I can ensure your safety and protect you.” He gently placed his strong hands on her gentle arms to reassure her. “Come with us,” he asked earnestly.

Mishka looked him in the eye, took two steps back, and responded with a deceptive smile. "Spasiva!" She continued, her voice laced with an unsettling calm: "We were counting on it." Then, she firmly emphasized, "And follow the instructions, Lieutenant!" She left him with a surprised expression, her words hanging in the air like a ringing bell.

Mishka pulled a tiny hearing device from her purse, just like the one the old Asian man in the café had, quickly approached Emily, and handed it to her. Without hesitation, Emily put on the device. She began to talk in French, and it seemed she was receiving some kind of order. Mishka urged Emily to hurry in Russian, her voice laced with urgency. Emily, replying in French, insisted she needed to grab her "suitcase." They rushed into the room but when the lieutenant followed them, they had disappeared.

The Lieutenant went back to the hall in shock while everyone scrambled to retrieve their personal electronic devices, left with Gina's robots when they entered the suite. He was standing numb in the middle of the hall, struggling to digest what happened.

The blaring sirens were approaching fast. The urgency escalated as everyone rushed to exit the hotel, a wave of panic surging through the luxurious suite. Amidst the chaos, a deafening explosion erupted just a few hundred meters from the Bellagio, sending a shower of glass and debris flying into the air. The blast was powerful enough to create shockwaves that shook the entire area. Pandemonium erupted in the streets, with people running in all directions. Even the paparazzi, who had been closely following Gina, were also caught off guard by the explosion's force. Amid the confusion, Gina and her fleet of robotic cars sped out of the VIP parking lot of the hotel and onto Flamingo Road. They drove off into the sunset, slipping away unnoticed by even the most watchful observers.

The lieutenant was still standing in the middle of the suite. The suite walls around him began to tremble, and the ceiling cracked apart, crumbling piece by piece. Eve’s 3D hologram, smiling at him with glowing white eyes, began to dissolve and glitch, warning him: “Follow the instructions, lieutenant!”

The suite collapsing continued until the starry night sky emerged overhead.

By Kiarash Karimian Dowlatabad