Interlude I: (End of Record 1)
As Sophia's eyes gradually adjusted to the surroundings, the dim light transformed into a bright illumination, flooding her field of vision. With a groggy yet determined demeanor, she emerged from her pod and lifted herself up, her muscles adjusting to the return of gravity.
Her attention immediately shifted to Touch Me's motionless form, still encased in the stasis pod beside her. Multiple diligent healthcare workers surrounded him, attentively monitoring his vital signs and ensuring his well-being. Sophia couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and concern as she witnessed the dedicated care being provided to her companion.
One of the healthcare workers approached her. "Are you okay, Sophia?"
With a reassuring smile, she nodded. "Yes, thank you. Just a bit disoriented. How is Touch Me doing?"
The healthcare worker gestured toward the pod "He's stable, Sophia. His vital signs are within normal range, and we are closely monitoring his condition. However, the Head of Operations, Sylvester, wants to speak with you in his office. He requested your immediate presence."
Sophia's eyebrows furrowed slightly, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension filling her thoughts. She nodded to the healthcare worker, expressing her understanding. "Thank you. Please let Sylvester know that I'll be there shortly."
Sophia made her way through the bustling corridors of the facility, her mind buzzing with questions and anticipation. The familiar surroundings, the hum of machinery, and the occasional glimpse of other staff members going about their duties reminded her of the vast operation that lay behind their virtual world.
"Sophia, please have a seat," Sylvester said, his tone both welcoming and business-like. He motioned to a chair opposite him, and Sophia complied.
"I trust you are adjusting well to the immersive world," he began, his voice measured. "We have been closely monitoring your progress, and I must say, you and Touch Me have exceeded our expectations. The EU council is anxious to hear a first-hand report from you." He gestured towards the door to the next room.
Sophia nodded, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and responsibility. She understood the significance of the EU council's interest in their progress.
"So, they have decided to finally take notice."
"Yes. Just like you, they are starting to understand the threat of unrestrained American dominance."
"Remember Russia. Always." She crossed her fingers.
In a small room, Sophia put on a VR headset. Unlike a Deep Dive headset, it simply projected everything on a screen. In front of her, the EU council awaited. Their room was adorned with flags of each member of the European Coalition. The delegates sat around a round table, their expressions a mix of anticipation and curiosity.
"Ms Sophia Volkovskaya. We have been waiting for you." A thin man spoke with a heavy Russian accent. "Thanks to your help, the evil deeds of the Americans have been brought to light once more."
"The death of a significant British citizen on Japanese soil, orchestrated through a plot by the American government. That is unforgivable." A female British delegate spoke with a splash of Scottish accent. "We have begun leaking the documents, it is only a matter of time before the public catches up. Once they do, I can assure you that the backlash will leave the CIA paralysed."
"From your point of view, how viable is the new world for colonisation?" A French delegate asked.
"They have great potential for the exploitation of natural resources with vast lands for settlement. It is a viable candidate for a colony. I only worry what the international community might say if they found out."
"Europe has and will always stand strong, as a fair and equitable society." The German delegate spoke. "We will not repeat the atrocities of the Second World War, nor the colonial era."
"They have great potential for the exploitation of natural resources with vast lands for settlement. It is a viable candidate for a colony. However, I worry whether the native inhabitants would welcome us."
"Ms Sophia how is this any different from space colonisation?" the Swiss delegate countered. "We have a strong legal system to prevent such inhumane crimes from taking place."
"I understand. It's just, my father died in the Third World War. Everything he fought for and cared for – our homeland of Russia, its people, and its culture – all of it was destroyed in the end. And for what? American imperialism? Global safety? The spread of democratic ideals? Was it worth it?"
"In France, we have a proverb, Qui a froid souffle le feu. Fuel without fire is soon quenched. National sentiment for the revival of European culture is high. The people of France are looking for a second Renaissance and you have the chance to provide it to them Madame Sophia."
"The EU is one of the last bastions of true democracy. We are the exception. Unlike others, we still have a functioning centralised government that cares about its ordinary people. You should take pride in your European Heritage, Sofia." The Spanish delegate expressed, with his hands to his chest.
"Thank you everyone for your kind words. With your permission, I'd like to give you my report on the extent of the YGGDRASIL operation so far."
As the conversation continued, Sophia revealed that she had formed a close bond with Ryuki, a Japanese Field Agent whom she regarded as morally upright and a potential moral figure for their upcoming Crusade. She expressed admiration for his character and the positive influence he could have in shaping the future.
"What is the stance of the Japanese government on our ongoing operation? I'm surprised the US has not played their cards yet."
"As of now, the Japanese government remained unaware of the conspiracies unfolding thus far, thanks to the vigilant efforts of MI6." Sophia responded, nodding to Slyvester, who was standing in the corner of the room, away from sight.
Turning the discussion to their field operations, Sophia commended Punitto Moe for his remarkable leadership qualities and suitability as a field commander. "The Tsaritsa figure has declared the first war on a major superpower in this new world. I will submit regular reports on this."
"Excuse me," Sylvester appeared on the VR world next to Sophia, "my name is Sylvester, MI6, and I am the head of the YGGDRASIL operation, it's my pleasure to be here in the presence of the EU council. I have something else to report."
"Speak." The British delegate seemed impatient.
"I have cross checked the file recordings obtained from Sophia's time inside the virtual world and I've found out who this Punitto Moe is – her name is Alice Pearson."
"The Billionaire heiress?" the British asked.
"Aye, her." Sylvester nodded.
A/N: I will be editing the rest of Record 1 to improve the writing, characterisation, and fill up any logical inconsistencies as I write down the next Record: World of 2138. I hope this will suffice for now. Thanks for reading!