10 The Start of Project HM-BB001 (1/2)

Everyone was gathered at the dining hall on the sixth day. They shared the same dinner together and Slacovich took it as an opportunity to tackle with everyone's opinion about the project. Whether they all came up with the same decision. They eat and chat with each other building up the mood for a serious conversation after dinner. When all of them are done eating, Slacovich starts off with a question. Everyone expects it to be related to the matter at hand.

”I guess it's time to dwell into the matter. What's your decisions?” He said in a very serious tone.

”Let me answer first. For me, I am very open about proceeding with this project no matter the cause. It's a great chance to do better things. We may be under the Generals commands but I know I will still have a chance to fulfill my own goals. Having missions are inevitable, yet I find it challenging. As long as I won't harm innocent people I will serve my country willingly and according to the implemented rules set by the General. But, hear me say this, those rules must not be against my own principles or the General above me would have a hard time.” Princess Sofie giggles teasingly while winking on the cctv. General Prius knows how stubborn this princess is, so he took it as a fair warning in the future.

”You have quite a plan ahead of you Princess Sofie.” Slacovich looks at her with a smile. Everyone was stunned upon knowing Sofie's real identity.

”Sofie's enough. Omit the Princess.” Both of them meet each others eyes and fet a sudden flush. They then looks others to shrug it off.

”I'll openly say what's on my mind.” Ara speaks out.

”Go ahead Ara.” Sofie smiled at her.

”Well, the thing is, I'm not really sold about this whole thing. I just want a simple life. I agreed coming over here coz the General assures me of a bright future for the kids I've been taking care of. Also, escape unnecessary marriages that my mother kept on forcing me to. Those reason, when I think back about it. They're not realy enough for me to sacrifice my humanity for this project. How will I cope up after, how will I continue living? Will I become the general's puppet right after? I seek freedom, yet I'm bound by rules again. I don't wanna force myself from doing things I'm uncertain of the outcome. I mean, will everything ends well? Will I survive the whole process? All those questions keeps popping in my head. But, after talking to Tyler, I feel shaken. I figured I'm not hesitant at all, just afraid. Afraid of dealing everything alone. Tyler helped me find the courage to proceed with the project. Like what Sofie's point of view, this may be the change in my life that I've been looking for.” Tyler then holds Ara's hand under the dining table, they looked at each other and Ara starts to tear up. Tyler hugged her tightly and comforts her.

”We'll do this together, and everyone. You're not alone this time. I assure you that.” He kisses her forehead and Ara smiles behind the tears.

”So Sofie and Ara are both in favor of the project. What's your story Tyler? Aside from being General Johanssen's son and willingness to proceed with the project, what else there is to you?” Slacovich's tone had a bit of doubt on Tyler's status as a candidate. Being a General's son has something to do with it. Maybe a conspiracy.

”I don't like your tone but one thing's for sure I'm willing to be here for my own sake and not on my father's demands. I have a weak heart since I was born, having a heart transplant is one way to deal with my situation. But it failed. Even with a new heart, the situation even gotten worse. I gave up a long time ago. I know I wouldn't survive that long, until father told me about this. If the whole procedure will wear off my body and ended up killing me, I'm ready for that. But if it's a success, this will be another chance in life that I'm willing to risk. My body won't be able to cope with the mutation but my weak heart can. My determination keeps me on pushing forward and I'll take a hold of even the slightest hope I can get. There's no way I'm backing down kust because my heart is weak. I know I can do this. I would even gladly volunteer and be the first one to proceed with the project. That's how determined I am.” Tyler felt relieved to be able to speak out his mind. Slacovich felt the sincerity with his words and ignores the doubt he once had.

”Diego what about you?” He then turned to Diego who's just looking down on the table.

”I have nothing much to say. I'm here for my father's sake. The General took him to the finest hospital. He's been sick for a while now and I can't even do something to help him. Having the General take care of him is my only reason to proceed with the project. I will deal of self worth afterwards. I only care about my father's well-being for we only have each other.” Sofie sits beside Diego and comforts him, she embraces him out of compassion but for Diego, it's something worth while. He liked Sofie the very first time they met.

”I guess that it for you. So Li what's your say on thise?” Slacovich raises a brow upon seeing Sofie hugging another man.