March 22nd, 1970
Was it possible to create life?
Most scientists would scoff at the question, believing such a feat to be far outside human capability and that the most they could achieve in this day and age was advancement in robotics. Many believed this to be a conclusive answer, yet this was all because they refused to take another step and inquire into the question themselves. Why would anyone commit themselves and travel the world in search of an answer to a question that none else was able to crack? Only the brightest of minds and the most dedicated of minds, the ones Alei counted himself among long before he began the research, but this was an opportunity to prove his talent and dedication before the entire world.
He would spend much time watching the pillar that emerged at the lower levels of his clinic, the one with strictly restricted access. The white halls were only those he trusted could enter, and each of them was sworn to secrecy with a contract as to what it was. So far, there had been no failures, and everyone working for Alei was trustworthy enough, at least in his eyes. As slow as their progress was, one day, he believed that they would succeed in this endeavor and give life to the lifeless.
It was yet another evening after a long day of work that Alei spent watching the viridium pillar. An unofficial name for the matter, which was nevertheless shared with him by sympathizers from the Japanese government, secretly providing him with a sample of this miraculous discovery and Alei's most treasured possession.
At first glance, there was nothing too out of the ordinary about it, an ore found beneath the ground with a slightly unusual color, occasional spots of green emerged on what looked like a very dirty shade of silver, but when one knew about its properties…How ironic it is that the government would seek to hide that which they couldn't explain. They would waste such a perfect opportunity under the fear of it falling into the wrong hands, and if they would not seize the opportunity, then he will. Whatever secrets this lone pillar of viridium hid, Alei would uncover them all. He approached the pillar slowly but surely, curiosity overtaking him. Alei knew that he shouldn't expect anything without any special devices and at this distance, but there was still wonder in his mind.
Could they hear him?
Suddenly, he heard a door open behind him and hasty steps that approached, causing the brown-eyed man to turn around. He saw a young woman in a white coat emerge in the doorway. When she realized that her mentor was focused on safeguarding his treasure, she looked down shyly.
"Oh, sorry, Mr. Gilbert, I didn't realize you were busy. I'll come later if that is your wish." She reassured him, but Alei smiled and shook his head.
"It's alright, Ichika; you're more than welcome to stay."
"Oh, thank you, sir!" The woman bowed courteously before making her way further into the hall. "I promise I won't take too much of your time. I just wanted to report some results from today." She spoke up, making Alei's heart brim with anticipation. Although their 'results' rarely were pleasing, it was always exciting to come so close to hearing about the next batch.
"And how successful are we today?"
"Not too successful, I'm afraid…" Ichika sighed with disappointment. "Two more died in the intensive treatment today; I'm afraid there was nothing we could do for them." Shame echoed in her running eyes.
"Damn, it…" Alei clenched his fist in anger, even though he knew full well that this was expected. It always happened. No treatment was good enough for those falling to the new epidemic that was overtaking Japan with the speed of a Hurricane. Gilbert facility was one of the few who were ready to try unconventional methods, but even those were hardly enough. All of this brought Alei to an inevitable conclusion, that of viridium's utmost necessity for their patients to survive. "How bloody unfortunate."
"I'm sorry, sir; I promise we did our best."
"Don't blame yourself, my dear. The fault is with me." Alei put a hand over Ichika's shoulder. "I have waited for too long to get enough viridium, to get enough financing…Were I more decisive, the 'Save Them' initiative would've kicked off, and who knows…Maybe they would've had a new life by now."
"It's alright, sir; I heard you've been making good progress."
"There's still a long way to come."
"I believe in you." Ichika offered him a smile of reassurance, reminding Alei of his dedicated students. With this thought in his mind, the anguish became a little more bearable.
"Thank you for your faith and all the work you've done…" He turned towards the pillar of viridium while continuing to talk. "Who knows, perhaps one day you will take it over from me. From there on, it will be your task to make sure they get the life they deserve and need…"
"Don't say that, Mr. Gilbert. I'm sure that it will reach a resounding success within your timeline!"
"Maybe…But I am expecting anything, no matter how good or dire."
"Well, you've gone far, haven't you?" Ichika looked at him with awe. "Why stop now?"
"True enough." Alei chuckled. "And with a team like you, our chances grow with every passing day; I only hope the material itself will reveal its true properties once we work with it."
"Could you tell me a bit more about this…Viridium, right? I swear Chun knows way more than the rest of us. Can it…Can it truly contain someone's soul? Can you hear that pillar speak?" This question made Alei smile, as his passion was once again invigorated.
"Well, remember how I told you that it is no coincidence I chose Japan as my place of operation?" Alei began his tale.
"Yes, of course. I'm very grateful I could find you so close to home."
"It was because of a discovery that was made years ago, although only a few people have known about it ever since." Alei pointed at the pillar. "We truly are lucky, and it would do well for all of us to remember that."
"And the metal itself? Where was it found?"
"Well, that is a tale as old as day. There was a legend about a tribe living in the wilderness, far removed from any civilization, hundreds of years ago. Even the mightiest of Samurai struggled to find their path to this reclusive town. Many people even doubted its existence." Alei spoke with awe at realizing how much those reclusive people truly knew; it was a shame that they could not put this resource to its full potential, lacking the knowledge and technologies people in the modern age did. They lived near the only known place where viridium can be found naturally, and they knew of its existence. Legends said it was a metal that had inexplicable properties. It could connect to human's essence, their entire soul…And if quantities are large enough, it could entrap it and not allow it to leave this world. Can you believe it? Not only did they have proof that souls, or, at least, their semblance truly do exist, but they also knew of a way to contain them!" Even now, Alei struggled to believe how graced he was to be one of those privy to this magnificent discovery, all of them were.
"And how did they use it?"
"They carved statues infused with viridium and kept the souls from their chieftain, the ones whose memory they believed had to be carved out in their history and remain with their people forever. In fact, this very pillar is one of their creations that survived to this day. And it will become a perfect starting point for our research and work, of that I have no doubt."
"So…" Ichika struggled to believe it; her voice was intrigued yet also dribbled with unease. "Does this mean that this pillar may have the souls of people from that era?"
"Yes, yes!" Alei spoke with excitement. "Do you see how magnificent it is? Viridium can prolong life, and if only we could create suitable vessels for our patients…"
"God…Does this mean they've been trapped inside for hundreds of years?" Ichika took a deep breath.
"Quite possibly."
"Oh my god, it is terrible. This pillar can't move. They had to just…Stay in there all this time."
"This practice was far from humane, indeed, and once the time comes, I will make sure to free their souls. But for the sake of saving countless lives, I believe it's worth using them for experiments, wouldn't you agree?"
"I am not sure…"
"Doubt is hardly a desirable trait when you will take up a position of leadership, so…"
Before Alei could continue, he got interrupted as the door to the hall opened once again, and a hasty man Japanese man, rushed inside, immediately making Alei focus on him. That was one of his most talented, if occasionally eccentric, students, Chun Tai.
"Mr. Gilbert, there you are!" He was rather careless in his approach, but Alei could see in Chun's eyes that this was something important.
"Why such rush, Chun? Does anything demand my attention?"
"Quite so, Mr. Gilbert…Our guests have arrived."
…
That news truly was the most exciting. It was for days that Alei expected the arrival of his most respected guests so they could finally make their partnership official. This included going through the plans and ensuring safety and stability, and making sure that all were on the same page regarding the goals and outcomes. After all, they both wanted to see the results of those marvelous experiments come to fruition, and they needed to make sure that everything was in order. Alei decided that Chun would be in their meeting, too, it was only fair as he was the student he trusted the most and the one Alei currently believed to be the suitable candidate for becoming his heir. Together, they made their way to the hall not far from the landing area. The guards must have escorted their guests there.
"This is our new sponsor, I assume?" Chun looked up at his mentor with intrigue in his eyes.
"Indeed, it's been a while since I invited him, but with his busy schedule, I'm glad he was able to free a few days," Alei explained.
"And is he here just for you to discuss financial matters? If so, I don't see any reason why my presence is…"
"No, far from it. He needs to be introduced to viridium and our plans regarding it. He also wanted to discuss passing a new student onto me to solidify our partnership…He says his son is quite well-versed in the art of science and medicine, and if this is true, I will gladly take him on. It will be an important alliance to forge." Alei sounded confident, yet the same couldn't be said about Chun. He saw his student look at him with doubt and even raise an eyebrow.
"You know, Mr. Gilbert, I heard many things about that sponsor of ours, but few of them good…"
"Ah, you aren't the first one to voice this concern, believe me."
"It's for a good reason. Out of so many sponsors we could've chosen from, you threw in one of the most influential American Mafiosi…I know I should trust your judgment, I truly do, but are you sure it's for the best."
"It is, and I am certain of that." Alei nodded. "The government won't help us. In fact, they can't even know that those experiments are taking place; they would not suffer any viridium being taken from them. The same could be said for many other organizations. They would either be too skeptical to aid or would want our facility under their total control. Edward, meanwhile, is ready to provide us with a considerable chunk of his finances as long as we do our job. He is ready to support our experiments as they are, and I believe there is no bigger relief to us than that."
"Hm, I am not too sure…"
"Think of the patients, Chun. We are doing this for them, to prevent countless deaths that will swarm the entirety of Asia and beyond if we do not intervene and prevent it." Alei tried to convince him this indecisiveness would be a weakness if Chun was to overtake the project from him.
"And what if there is a reason as to why he would help us seemingly for the sake of it? He is a criminal. There is no way he wouldn't expect to get something out of this. What could it be…Fame? The lion's share of viridium? Maybe he's in leagues with the American government, can't expect it to be any better than ours."
"Oh, he most certainly has a personal interest in our research, and it's precisely that which makes him valuable to us. More loyal, as well, as long we negotiate what each of us expects from this partnership."
"As long as we keep a close eye on him, but even so…"
"Chun," Alei spoke up sternly. "One day, you will be the one to make decisions such as this, but for now, it is my pejorative, and I need you to remember that. I have no doubt in my mind that this alliance will be beneficial for us, and we are not refusing it now. Is that clear?"
"Yes. Clear enough."
"Good."
It wasn't long before Alei and Chun reached the waiting room, where a few armed guards hosted their guests. A room contained a few comfortable sofas and some fruit for the guests, as well as a view of the outskirts of Miyazaki.
But most importantly, there were three guests sitting on those sofas. The oldest among them was a man in his 50s with blonde hair and slightly pale skin, dressed in a dark red coat and dark blue jeans. He had a white fedora and a crutch that he held in his hand. A woman beside him had long brown hair and a black dress, perfect for the occasion, carefully eyeing Alei and Chun from all angles. She held the man's hand, likely being his wife, though she was considerably younger. Finally, the youngest man was in his early 20s, sitting on a nearby sofa. He had dark brown hair and wore a blue coat, staring at the floor with an expression filled with both anticipation and uncertainty. Once he heard the sound of the door, it was enough for him to immediately look up.
"Hear, hear!" Alei exclaimed in a welcoming tone. "Looks like you finally made your way to our humble place. Rest assured, I've been preparing a most fitting welcome."
"I am glad to hear that." The old man let out a faint smile and nodded. He tried to avoid excessive movement, and Alei knew exactly why that was. "I heard you've been making good progress lately, Alei. Color me impressed."
"You haven't seen anything yet; with your aid, our current work will seem like child's play."
"Ah, yes, about that…" The man sighed.
"Anything wrong?"
"No, not at all. I've come a long way and had to leave much without my control, so I hope you understand that I am expecting you to impress me." He said sternly and seriously, with an echoing distrust in his voice.
"You have nothing to fear, Mr. Bairren."
"Good, I hope so." The man said before letting out a pained cough.
"Come, now, don't overexert yourself." The woman beside him helped her husband by hitting him on the back, allowing for an easier cough. "I believe you promised to host a dinner for all of us, Mr. Gilbert. Why don't we begin as soon as possible? My husband needs to maintain a healthy cycle of sleep…"
"I can handle it." Mr. Bairren shook his head. "As ill as I am, I am more than capable of conducting business."
"I never had any doubts."
"Anyway, Helena has the right to it. Why don't we move to a more fitting place where we can discuss all of our plans?"
"Of course." Alei nodded. "But first, introductions must be in order." He stepped aside, unveiling Chun. "This is the most talented of my students and the would-be-successor to my project, Chun Tai."
"You honor me, Mr. Gilbert…" He said slightly nervously.
"Don't seem yourself short. I speak only the truth about you. Now, he will join us for our dinner." Alei announced, making Mr. Bairren look at him with suspicion.
"I believe that's the first time you mention him."
"Perhaps, but rest assured, I have a good reason to trust him, and so do you."
"Perhaps…" The man looked at the doctor before him. "You seem talented enough; perhaps one day it will be our partnership…I am Edward Bairren." He extended his hand, which Chun reluctantly shook.
"I am Helena, my husband's consort." The woman introduced himself. "I see Alei didn't waste time getting talented youth on his side." After those words, Helena looked towards a young man to their side, who was still silent and consumed by his pondering. "I know you don't care for courtesies, but you might as well introduce yourself."
"Must be stuck daydreaming again." Edward sighed. "Come on, then, don't keep our guests waiting."
"I'm not daydreaming." The man said calmly and looked up. "I am simply remembering the lessons you taught me, Father." His tone echoed with annoyance; eventually, he looked up at Alei and Chun. "Alison Bairren, at your service."
…
After the initial welcome, the time has come for Alei to offer his guests a real treat. After all, it couldn't have been easy coming all the way from the US to Japan, even for an important conference like this. With this in mind, Alei decided to keep it casual and welcoming but also not to beat around the bush for far too long. He led Chun and the Bairren family into the dining hall, the one he reserved for himself and his students for the most wondrous of occasions; today was no exception. All manners of delicious foods that made up Japanese cuisine were brought to the table.
Throughout this, however, Alei noticed that Chun felt uneasy, remaining quiet, likely still conscious of the fact that he had to sit at a table with criminals. Hopefully, he would get used to it eventually. Speaking of guests…Alei had met Edward and Helena before already, but the same couldn't be said about his son, Alison, which came here to become one of his students with his father's recommendation. So far, he seemed to just like his father's description of him. Reserved and focused, yet rebellious at times, and their relationship was far from the best. Well, he will certainly get to know him better soon, considering their current plans.
When everyone was at the table, they could finally talk undisturbed.
"So, I hope your flight was a pleasant one." Alei smiled as he poured the wine for everyone present.
"Ah, you don't have to worry," Helena reassured him. "It took a while, but we were comfortable, not to mention an opportunity to finally spend some time as a family with how busy we usually are. Needless to say, we're all intrigued about the project."
"Huh…" Edward chuckled. "Says the woman who only a few days ago advised me to stick to traditional medicine rather than this research."
"I carefully considered the options. In your condition, it might have been unwise to travel so far away." Helena sighed and said.
"And what's the alternative? To be put into a bloody hospital for a few years before they have to put me on life support? That's a waste of life if I've ever seen one, and I don't have much left anyway…"
"Don't say that, Ed! You know we will find a way. There is still time, after all."
"Huh…Perhaps." Edward sighed and threw a glance at Alison. "You hear that? Got to work thrice as hard here to produce that damn cure in time."
"Yes, yes…"
"Gotta be the best among them," Edward spoke coldly. "I gave you an opportunity to excel where you wanted, so be sure to remember that…It seems you'll have quite the competition." Edward said before looking at Chun. "He seems like a bright man, Alei, one of the newer ones?"
"On the contrary, Chun is one of my first," Alei spoke with pride before turning toward his apprentice. "Will you tell them the story?"
"I…I think you'll be better at it."
"Very well." Alei nodded. "I've known Chun almost since the moment I moved to Japan a long time ago. I didn't have as large of a facility as I do now. My influence at the time was rather limited…I met Chun when he was still a teenager with a mind for science, orphaned at an early age, and yet many could envy the passion he had for his research and life in general." Alei spoke with pride, noticing his apprentice smile with warmth as he no doubt remembered the past. "I never had a wife or a child, too focused on my work, but I took Chun in as my apprentice after seeing his potential and eagerness…And I was right to put my faith in him, isn't that so, Chun? He's my most outstanding student and the most loyal to my…To our work." He gushed before the Bairren family, making them listen with interest. Perhaps knowing that Alei's bright mind is far from the only one that worked on this project will allow Edward and Helena to have some more faith.
"Alei is like a father to me." Chun finally spoke up. "After the path we walked together, I have no regrets. It's the one I would walk with him right until the breakthrough, right until we find a way to save our patients and those beyond…And I have no doubt that one day, we will."
"I'll hold back my judgments until I see the results of your work, Chun," Edward spoke sternly. "But you clearly have dedication, and it's admirable. My Alison is a dedicated man too…" Edward chuckled before looking at his son as the youngster had already begun to roll his eyes. "When it comes to researching some cancer cells, that is. None of the passion or skills when it comes to running the family business. You should've seen him trying to deal with my colleagues; you'd have enough entertainment to last you a week." Edward chuckled, and Alei wasn't sure whether it was malicious or not. There was certainly some disappointment in his voice, and the annoyance brought to Alison was evident.
"And why do you think did I even take up the researches I did?" Alison crossed his arms in annoyance. "Or maybe you don't want your condition treated at all, huh?" He said mockingly, causing his mother to speak up.
"Alison, enough!"
"Enough of you talking to me like I'm still thirteen." The man scoffed, showing off his rebellious spirit. Surprisingly, the next one to speak was Chun.
"Mr. Bairren, I'm sure your son is doing everything to treat you from…Whatever you're suffering from."
"Hah…" Edward shook his head. "He'd never do it if this weren't for his natural passion, and I'd rather it lie in continuing our family work. I cannot have another child, not anymore, and I count on him still, even though…"
"Even though what?" Alison shook his head. "You could leave the work to someone else while I foist skills that I actually want to…"
"Never." Edward cut him off coldly. "We had this conversation before, son. You're off the Bairren name. And our name will continue to exist no matter what, each of us will leave a legacy, and I honestly to God pray that you will understand this one day…"
"Gentlemen, let's switch to a more pressing topic." Alei stepped in to interrupt their family feud. "In an ideal world, each of us will have plenty of time to leave a legacy, but to ensure that, we have to master viridium first."
"Ah, yes, of course." Edward turned towards Alei and Chun, with Alison following his example. "I did read the guide you sent us along with your invitation on the plane, an interesting read, certainly, but it leaves me with some questions. So, it was found at this Taki…Takori place?"
"Tairi, father." Alison corrected him.
"Yes, yes, those ones. Did they know how to use it?"
"Somewhat," Alei responded. "They discovered that there was some sort of connection between the human essence and the metal, and they began carving out pillars and statues, which they would infuse with souls as to make them stay on this Earth."
"Huh…Pillars and statues, then." Edward wondered. "That can hardly be called life. Somehow I doubt they could move or interact with others."
"Yes, theirs was the most basic extent of this procedure, while here we work on perfecting it, making it downright indistinguishable from life." Alei continued to explain with eagerness and pride.
"As I understand it, you aim to create machines."
"Very much so. Animatronic technology is a field where much and more progress could be made, but no one can deny the scope of the advancements made in recent years. They might be the ingredient Tairi lacked and the one we have now. If said technology is perfected, we would be able to create humanoid robots, perhaps barely distinguishable from real beings."
"Living robots…" Alison's quiet voice of awe and intrigue echoed from the opposite side. "That's fascinating. I read tales of them, but I would never believe that those heights of technology were even possible!"
"We are working to make them possible," Chun answered, clearly noticing Alison's excitement. "Alei and I wanted to show you our robotics department; I'm sure you will enjoy the marvels they create there."
"I can hardly wait. It is always a pleasure to see someone's idea come to life." Alison's eager voice echoed with hope. "And have you tried to experiment on living people yet?"
"What? No, of course not. That is too early for now, not until at least one perfect animatronic body is complete." Chun shook his head. "We do, however, try to treat our patients by any other available methods; most of the world thinks of our facility as only a clinic." He explained.
"Maybe you could begin preparations now by…Ah, never mind. I assume I'll be staying here, so we can discuss it later."
"True. I hope you appreciate our home."
"Speaking of which…" Alei looked towards Edward. "About your son, you say you want him to become a researcher here?"
"Well, that's what he wants." Edward shrugged before a decisive nod from Alison. "Maybe if I wasn't able to bring his talent out, you will. You seem to have a similar mind to my son, anyway."
"And I would be honored to become one of your students," Alison spoke up. "Of course, I won't deny that my family and I have a personal interest in finding a method to give one second life, but as long as our partnership endures, I will be unquestionably loyal. I will prove my worth and show my true abilities! All I ask for is an opportunity to be your student."
Despite any doubts Alei might have had, the dedication and confidence in the young man's eyes made his decision much easier. He needed a chance to prove himself by working by his other students' side. Perhaps, by uplifting each other and sharing their strengths, their team will reach the greatness they yearned for.
"Then you will have your chance, Alison, that I promise you."
…
16 years later, January 13th, 1986
- There's no doubting what you've achieved on a technical level. Those are clearly state-of-the-art. Now, to get to the point…I would like you to explain the design choices in a little more detail.
- She…Can dance, she can sing. She's equipped with a built-in helium tank for inflating balloons right at her fingertips. She can take song requests. She can even dispense ice cream.
- With all due respect, those aren't the design choices I'm eager to hear about, Mr. Afton. Now, tell me more about the containment system.
- And here I was being tactful…You truly have no conscience, do you? I'm waiting.
- I hope you know…We are going to Hell for this.
- No, Mr. Afton. Just you.