Chapter 5

Elvira’s POV

The halls were full of people in lab coats shuffling around with equipment and papers, murmuring their conversations that make this collective buzzing sound. I felt relieved, feeling the warm coffee trailing down my system and preparing me for the day.

“Miss Elvira,” Selene beamed at me.

“Please follow me,” She continued before I followed her swerving through crowds and heading into a maze of halls with metallic walls. I could hear the engines humming under my feet as I walk.

“Wow, everyone’s a bit too busy don’t you think?” I commented.

“It is because today’s the second trial, Miss Elvira” Selene replied.

Perfect, I get to see it in action!

We soon arrived at a big room, I fought the urge to giggle like a kid at the sight. It was like in those sci-fi movies but this one’s real. The gentle vibration in the air, the wringing wires inside tubes filled with liquids, and the sounds of electronic making a chaotic orchestra.  A gentle blue light illuminated the room with dozens of people working on several computers.

“Um- Selene. I have a question.”

“What is it, Miss?”

“I can’t seem to figure out why I’m here, I’m a medical doctor, not a scientist. I believe I’m in the wrong room.”

“I’m sure you’re in the right one,” an endearing voice sent chilling sensations in my neck.

“Mr. Wong, good morning.” I gleamed back at the handsome young man. Just a Filipina doing god’s work yet again. He smiled and nodded to Selene who then departs.

“Please call me Louie, I’d appreciate someone my age around here treating me like a human.” He spoke. I have a serious sense of titles but I’d rather have his favor. I cleared my throat and mused,

“Well, okay but what do you mean by ‘treating you like a human’, Louie?” Adding stress to his adorable nickname. He caught on quickly, smiling like a goon.

“I’ll tell you some other time, El.” He winked.

MY GAHD

“Regarding your concerns, I assign you here into our bio-analysis to help monitor conditions of our subject.” He explained while leading me outside of a room. I could see scientists in hazmat suits through the window.

“But don’t worry, you’ll be in charge with the data in a desk not personally check on them when the trial starts.” He reassured.

I mean I wouldn’t mind but it’s good to have as smaller risks as possible. I just now realized that almost everyone was late adults and experts. Now I understand Louie’s request.

“Thank you for the heads-up, Louie. I’ll do my best to help.” I said to him.

“No, thank you. To be honest, I’m nervous.” He replied.

“Why’s that?”

“Because we spent so much effort, time, and money for this. A lot of investors are behind this and I would have a very hard time keeping the project running if it fails.”

“Let’s just hope for the best.”

He gave back a weak smile and had his leave.

“Alright, let see what’s up.” I inhaled deeply and grabbed some protective equipment. The screen showed me numerous results and collected symptoms from the rats. Most of them suffered from a fever and some were asymptomatic. I glanced at the other screens showing live heart monitors. I’d have to report immediately if something’s too off.

I peaked at my phone, seeing numerous emails. I skimmed through them and saw reports back from the Philippines. I replied to several prompts for the crew and remind them to take some rest if they find some time.

“Nothing seems to be out of the normal,” I glanced back at the monitors.

“Hey,” Louie entered the lab. God, he looks hot with a lab coat over his suit. He casually passed me a coffee despite having an assistant that could do that for him.

My inner queen flipped her hair proudly

“Hi, so far so good. Everything’s normal if you don’t count the mouse suffering covid,” I said.

He chuckled and that made me wonder if he can still see me while he’s smiling.

“I just came in to check on you, wanna stroll around? Everyone’s making some final adjustments.”

And who in the right mind would say no to that?

“And to what do I owe the pleasure?” I smiled.

“Company,” he grinned.

“Please, Louie,” I rolled my eyes.

I guess being a young successful man needs some youth once in a while in the middle of this situation and I was more than happy to help him. We passed stations, listening to reports and looking at charts and information that I think is very classified. Does he trust me this much? He glanced back at me flashing a quick smile that made his eyes disappear. How can someone be so cute and hot at the same time, I wonder how he felt being God’s favorite.

I smiled at my silly thoughts before remembering were on a mission to stop a disease that could potentially wipe the human race off the planet.

Hours passed and the room was crowded with more people. There was a huge countdown on the screen showing 30 minutes left for the second trial. Everyone was making sure everything is stabilized and calibrated.

I look at the dome in the center with some sort of speakers surrounding it.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Louie spoke beside me casually handing me a snack. I could see beads of sweat forming on his forehead despite the cool night air.

“Thank you. So, if this works, does it mean we successfully traveled back in time?”

“Technically yes,” He chuckled, “but we’re not really heading towards the goal of human discovery but a desperate need to find a cure for this epidemic.”

“I see,” I thought of spending more time with my family. It was selfish but I can’t help but think about the ways I could be able to be with them again.

The final running of programs are finished and right on cue, the countdown chimed telling everyone to settle to their stations. Louie and I stood behind a thick screen of glass along scientists jutting down notes.

“Commencing second trial,” the speakers blared. I hear Louie taking a deep breath beside me, his brow crunching up.

“I’m sure this time it would go better,” I told him despite the skeptic thoughts I had. This is some crazy science here, I didn’t even knew how plausible it is to travel time using speakers? Sound? I need answers later.

I saw a man on a hazmat suit that I think is thicker than the rest entering the dome. Levers and knobs were then turned making the machine whim to life. I could see pulses of light traveling towards the center and the speakers slowly rotating.

“Activating the reactors in 3...” The speakers blared again as I watch eagerly at the man in the suit. I looked Louie who’s obviously nervous and I took the risk and held his hand.

“2…” He glanced and smiled, his hand tightening its grip to mine, sending warmth of assurance to me.

“1…” A whooming sound starts to get louder, the speakers rotating faster and the dome wavering.

Then at a moment, a blinding light filled the room. Silence enveloped the atmosphere.

My heart dropped when the generator shot sparks all over the machine before a loud explosion sent shrapnel of glass, metal and debris all over everyone. The glass infront of us broke and before I could feel the shards of glass, I was pulled to the ground safely.

I could hear screaming beneath the ringing in my ears. A blurry image of Louie looking at me in concern. I regained my hearing after a few seconds and sat up, nodding to Louie that I’m okay.

The second trial failed.