I don't know Mr. President

The clock read 13:01 hours.
Eterrai was sitting on a park bench, watching some children playing nearby. The sound of laughter and joyful shouts filled the air, creating a stark contrast to the thoughtful expression on his face. He was reflecting on the recent events and the information he had managed to extract from Lucas at the abandoned building. The mystery of the drug Merry still loomed over his mind.

The park was one of the few places in Wonder City where natural beauty still prevailed over technological opulence. Tall trees provided shade and shelter, while colorful flowers added a touch of life to the urban scenery. Eterrai took a deep breath, trying to find some peace amid the chaos of his thoughts. Sun rays filtered through the tree canopies, casting dancing shadows on the ground.

Some time later, Aurora came into Eterrai's view. She was walking hurriedly, muttering irritably to herself. Her long red hair was tied up in a messy bun, and her face was contorted with frustration. However, upon seeingEterrai, something changed. Her expression softened, and as if flipping an internal switch, a sudden enthusiasm took over her.

— Hey, Et! — said Aurora, with a bright smile as she approached and sat next to him on the bench. — I thought you wouldn't come!

Eterrai raised his eyes, surprised by Aurora's sudden change of mood.

— And why wouldn't I? — he asked, observing her closely.

— Oh, some people feel intimidated by such beautiful company. — replied Aurora, shaking her head with a mischievous smile.

Eterrai smiled slightly, appreciating her irony.

— I'm glad to be a positive distraction. — he said, with a light tone of humor in his voice.

Aurora let out a soft laugh and said:

— You're not a distraction.

A brief period of silence occurred as Aurora looked at the children playing in the park. For a moment, she seemed to forget the worries that had followed her there.

— What's wrong? — asked Eterrai.

— Nothing... I just miss those times, you know? — she commented, watching the children with a nostalgic look.

— Childhood? — asked Eterrai, leaning forward.

— Yes, I played all day, didn't worry about anything, and saw everything as perfect. How could you not love all this!? — she said, gesturing with open arms, pointing around.

Aurora took a deep breath and continued:

— I remember that, at the beginning of my adult life, my great-grandmother died. She lived in the same house as us: me, my parents, my grandmother, and my great-grandmother. Until one day, my great-grandmother died... It was right around the time when my parents were nagging me to start looking for a job. "What are you going to do with your life, Al?" they asked. There were people I studied with who were married, friends who had their lives figured out at a young age... And there I was, lost. On the morning before the first New Year's Eve without my great-grandmother, I spent the whole day gathering pieces to make a mechanical turtle. When night fell, I went to the typical family party. We ate, talked, and laughed. When midnight struck and the fireworks started, I saw my grandmother in the corner, watching, and fifteen minutes later, turning her back and going back inside. She had no reason to smile; after all, it was the first year without her mother. That's when I realized that I simply didn't want to deal with it. I just wanted to play all day because the longer life lasted, the greater the reason for celebration.

Eterrai was silent for a moment, reflecting on Aurora's words.

— I know how it is. I've had my problems with time too. — said Eterrai with an indifferent expression.

They sat there for twenty minutes, just watching the scenery, the birds, the people, and everything involved in life.

Meanwhile...

The car stopped smoothly in front of the majestic building, an impressive fusion of Gothic and Victorian architecture intertwined with futuristic ray technology touches. The tall, dark towers stood out against the cloudy sky, while rows of stained glass windows shone with colorful lights. Myndi looked out the car window, taking in the imposing sight.

Represents perfectly the ego of these bastards — she said, with a slight tone of irony.

She opened the car door and stepped out, adjusting her elegant coat while the heels of her shoes made a rhythmic sound on the stone ground. The driver, a robust man in an impeccable uniform, closed the door behind her and discreetly moved away.

The path leading to the main entrance was lined with ornate columns and statues of historical figures, casting long, mysterious shadows. As she approached the enormous carved wooden doors, Myndi couldn't help but admire the blend of past and future that permeated every detail of the building.

She pushed one of the doors, which opened with an almost ceremonial creak. The lobby was vast and opulent, with crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling and polished marble floors reflecting the artificial lights. At a desk in the back, a receptionist was sitting, diligently working on a high-tech terminal.

Myndi walked to the desk, her posture impeccable and her gaze confident.

— Good afternoon. My name is Myndi. I have a meeting with the president. — she said with a professional smile, handing a card to the receptionist.

The receptionist, a young woman with perfectly arranged dark hair and an impeccable uniform, took the card and quickly glanced at the terminal screen.

— Good afternoon, Ms. Myndi. Welcome. Your meeting with President Lolligo is on the twelfth floor, you may go up now. — said the receptionist, returning the card. — The elevator is to your right.

— Thank you. — replied Myndi, nodding her head.

She headed to the elevator, which was embedded in an ornate iron structure with intricate details. The doors opened with a slight hiss, revealing a luxurious interior with golden mirrors and cushioned seats.

Myndi pressed the button for the twelfth floor, and the doors closed smoothly. The elevator began its ascent, moving silently as she watched her reflection in the mirrored walls. The seconds seemed to stretch, giving her a moment to breathe and prepare for the meeting.

The elevator doors opened on the twelfth floor, revealing an elegant corridor decorated with richly woven tapestries and dark wooden furniture. Myndi stepped out of the elevator with firm and elegant steps.

She walked to a double door at the end of the corridor, where two security guards were positioned. They watched her attentively, but upon seeing her badge, they opened the doors for her. Myndi entered a spacious and luxurious conference room, with tall windows offering a panoramic view of the city.

President Lolligo was sitting at the head of a long mahogany table, surrounded by advisors and counselors. He was a middle-aged man with well-groomed gray hair and a shrewd look. Upon seeing Myndi enter, he stood up and extended his hand.

— Ms. Myndi, it's a pleasure to see you again. — said Lolligo, with a calculated smile.

— The pleasure is mine, President Lolligo. — replied Myndi, shaking his hand firmly.

They sat down, and Lolligo gestured for the others in the room to take their seats as well.

— Let's get straight to the point. — began Lolligo, his voice resonating with authority. — We are here to discuss the cultural exchange proposal between our countries. We want to send our artists to Great Asia, and in return, we'll receive their artists to perform in New America.

Myndi was listening attentively.

— I understand. And how would this benefit our artists? — she asked, with a professional tone.

— We believe this cultural exchange will strengthen the ties between our countries and open new opportunities for our artists. — explained Lolligo. — They will have the chance to perform in new markets, expand their audiences, and prevent the creation of a vast desolate land.

Myndi pondered for a moment, considering the implications.

— What, is our relationship with them that bad? — she said. — I don't know if a handful of artists can prevent a war of this magnitude, sir.

Lolligo nodded in agreement.

— Ms. Myndi, certainly they won't prevent it, they will only be the excuse we need to strike first. We are already in contact with agencies opposing the current regime in Great Asia to ensure everything goes smoothly. — he said.

Myndi smiled and said with a mocking tone.

— You're asking me to send my stars to their deaths!?

Lolligo smiled back.

— I'm not asking you... I'm just making an offer you can't refuse. You will be exceptionally rewarded, of course. — he said, looking intently into her eyes.

The rest of the people in the room, whom Myndi didn't recognize, were all looking at her, waiting for a response.

— Great. We'll discuss my payment in a more private place once everything is settled. — said Myndi, smiling uncomfortably.

— Very well, Ms. Myndi. Let's make history together. — replied Lolligo, with a smile.

Myndi turned and walked to the exit, but before leaving, she said — Remember, President, the first to strike usually loses.

Myndi left the conference room, concerned and ready to face the challenges ahead. As she walked down the corridor back to the elevator, she knew she was about to dive into a point of no return.

                                                          The clock read 13:22 hours.