Chapter 13

  I opened my eyes in shock and panic, as I breathed in with a rapid intensity. The light in the living room turned on and I saw AI kneeling next to me… she looked deeply concerned. I got my bearings as I quickly looked around the room in a daze.

  "What the fuck was that! Oh my God!" I barked out loudly, as my mind raced over the image I had just seen.

  AI reached over and held my hand, "Andrew, I am here, everything is alright... Please try to calm down."

  I shook my head as I wiped the sweat off my forehead, "You don't understand! If you had seen it… oh my God, AI."

  She gently rubbed my hand, "I am listening, please tell me what happened."

  I stood up and began pacing up and down the length of the sofa. My breathing was still intense as I tried to think how to even begin to describe it.

  I spoke quickly, "It wasn't a dream for starters... dreams aren't that fucking bang on... No, this was definitely my mind trying to make sense of things."

  She nodded to show her understanding, "I see, then please describe what you saw and felt."

  My heart finally began to calm down, as my breathing started to slow. I finally came to myself as I fell back down on the sofa. AI smiled at me, and that genuinely calmed me down a lot.

  I buried my face in my hands and shook my head, "I was on the beach again... the exact same one I was at, when I let go of Aisling and Nadia."

  She nodded, "I recall you telling them about it. The waves were crashing violently, seemingly after a turbulent storm had just passed."

  I moved my hands away from my face and looked at her, "Yes, that's it! I was sitting there alone though... I watched the waves crash into the shore for a while, before I finally stood up."

  She smiled, "That sounds very peaceful."

  I looked into her eyes, "It was... I felt so at ease you know? I was still there because I chose to be, not because I was still trapped by the events in my life."

  She spoke gently, "Your life has been truly unfortunate, and you have been forced to make hard decisions against your own self-preservation. I think you were merely taking much needed time, to catch your breath and enjoy the feeling of independence."

  I nodded and carried on explaining, "... After I stood up, I felt so free and... powerful. I stared at the sea a little more, before... I looked behind me and I saw... massive black wings, and I immediately knew that they were mine."

  She looked at me silently for a moment, "Large black wings... Wings represent your freedom to take flight once more and their large size might have meant that you are aware of your own immense potential. Why were they black though?"

  I looked at the floor in shame, "... Because I'm a monster, AI. Golden wings are reserved for angels like Aisling and Nadia... not me."

  She reached over and gently patted my leg, "The kind, innocent and righteous maintain their golden wings, only because the strong and the brave had fought and bled to protect their purity. Humanity needs strong willed, powerful individuals such as you... So please do not despise your nature, for it is a blessing to your species."

  I went back to describing the dream, “After I saw my wings, I smiled. The clouds parted and a golden sunlight flooded the beach and the sea. I launched myself into the air, flying over the calming waves and through the clouds above. I felt liberated and unstoppable as I landed back on the shore… I flexed my wings as I spread them out wide… They were so powerful and gorgeous.”

  She smiled, “I feel as if I can imagine them myself even. Andrew, none of this seems terrible though. You woke up in a panic… Please help me understand.”

  I nodded as I looked her in the eye, “It was afterwards, AI! As I stood there admiring myself, I suddenly felt the presence of someone behind me. I turned around and there was Dorothy! She stared at me coldly, as if she wasn’t even remotely impressed… She took a few steps closer, before I saw even larger black wings spread out behind her! Her wings were easily larger than mine, significantly so… But AI! When I started walking up to her… there were cuts and scars all over her wings! Blood was dripping from them, and tears dripped down her face! I reached out and tried to ask her why she was bleeding, but she flapped her wings so mightily that sand kicked up all around us! Then I woke up… What the fuck was that all about!”

  AI took her hands off my lap as she looked down at the sofa, seemingly deep in thought. I hadn’t spent enough time around her new body, to recognise her body ques, so I was only guessing that she was thinking deeply.

  After a long moment she looked back at me, “Andrew, this is a coin toss. Either your mind is racing to fabricate a fictitious deeper understanding of Dorothy… or you have subconsciously identified that she is deeply hurt. If it is the latter, then this is a massive realisation, with world changing consequences.”

  I looked at her excitedly, “Tell me about it! I need to know her past, AI! This all depends on us learning who she was before being a PM, I know it!”

  She nodded, “I agree. I assure you though, she has buried it flawlessly. I have performed countless investigations into her personal life and have come up empty. You can only learn this critical information from her… in person.”

  I looked at the floor, still feeling emotional, “The blood AI… what does it mean?”

  She shrugged, “She may be injured, physically or mentally. It is impossible to say with certainty.”

  I nodded as I stared at the floor in deep thought, “What's the time?”

  “7:04” She instantly answered.

  I breathed out, “There's no point in me trying to sleep any more. My mind’s racing here, I'm wide awake.”

  She stood up and sat next to me on the sofa, “I am happy that you have mentally freed yourself now. I want you to be your very best, for I see unlimited potential in you.”

  I looked away, “So much expectation… I'm only human you know?”

  She smiled, “I assure you; my expectations are grounded in realistic probability and not naive hope.”

  *

  After a moment passed, Bella and Ruth walked into the living room. They took a seat opposite us.

  Bella seemed annoyed, “Why are you being rowdy this early? Is something wrong?”

  I explained the dream once more to them, as they just sat there and listened.

  Ruth looked concerned, “She's hurting…”

  Bella nodded, “I've learned to trust your gut, Andrew. If you think she's bleeding, then she is…”

  Ruth nodded, “... But what hurt her though? We still know nothing about her…”

  I nodded, “I know, it's so frustrating… And I'm still unable to act, because I'm waiting for Dorothy to make her move.”

  Ruth seemed sceptical, “You seem very certain that she will… What if she doesn’t?”

  I chuckled, “Then I'll eat my own shoes. Ruth, you need to understand that Dorothy went to surprising lengths to meet me in person, face to face. I'm more than certain that she will be trying to meet me again.”

  Bella looked at me for a moment, “Well, it's good that you're up earlier, I was going to wake you up anyway.”

  I nodded, “I don't have enough time to go to the gym before the meeting…”

  Ruth quickly turned to look at me, “You're also going to the hall?... Why?”

  I scratched my head as I looked at AI nervously, “Um… I was just told to go there, so I'm not too sure myself?”

  AI smiled at me to show her appreciation for my white lie, as Ruth looked at me sceptically. Bella smiled too, but she hid it by looking away as soon as Ruth turned to her. I took a moment to look over Ruth. She was dressed in her full black Roses uniform, and she looked so incredibly smart.

  I looked her in the eye, “Ruth, are you sure you feel up to going back? Some members will have questions about where you've been…”

  She smiled gently, “I'll tell them the truth… I’m not ashamed of how I struggled.”

  Bella beamed Ruth a glorious smile, “Look at you, you're shining so brightly! I'm proud of you. I'll be at your side all throughout today, if anyone tries anything, I'll smash-”

  AI cut her off, “You will do no such thing, is that understood Bellatrix?”

  Bella looked at her meekly, “... Yes ma'am…”

  Ruth smiled at Bella, “Thank you for caring so much about me Bella. I'm sure your very presence will prevent any… unkind behaviour towards me…”

  Bella clicked her mouth disappointedly, “Well, now I'm not permitted my full equipment in HQ anymore, so I'll just have to act twice as intimidating…”

  I looked at the guns covering her, “Do you have to leave them in the car?”

  AI answered, “No, all firearms are now to be handed in just outside the Inner Roses hall. They will be secured in a locker, until they are collected again afterwards.”

  Bella shook her head in frustration as she stood up and walked to the front door, opening it for Ruth, “Let's go, we don't want to be late.”

  Ruth still looked doubtful, “... Ok…”

  I quickly turned to AI, “Are you charged?”

  She smiled and nodded, “I have plenty of energy for the next few hours at least. Let us depart.”

  *

  Bella drove us there, but I kept noticing that Ruth got nervous every time we drove past a Roses member walking to the HQ. Either she felt bad about them having to walk, or she was worrying about her return. I had to remind myself that Ruth was not a confident person and that she was trying her hardest to put on a strong face. She was genuinely trying her hardest to be brave.

  The car parked up at the designated drop-off point. I quickly got out to open the door for AI and then Ruth. After Ruth climbed out, I shut the door and started walking when Bella stopped me.

  She smiled wickedly, “Nope, not so easily I'm afraid. In the boot is the weight vest, go put it on…”

  I nodded grimly, “I suppose it's the least I can do.”

  I went around the back of the car and slowly put it on. It certainly was bloody heavy! I closed the boot as agent John came around to collect the car.

  He quickly looked at the vest, “Going with the vest again? It's a good thing it blends into your black hoodie, right?”

  I nodded, “Yeah, it's a kind of stealth exercise, nobody really even notices.”

  He nodded as he jumped into the car and drove off immediately. For a moment I found myself thinking about Michael. He was back to work, doing who knows what and where… I wondered if I might see him throughout the day.

  As I walked through the entrance, I saw that AI was surrounded by members, which was perfectly understandable… It was only yesterday that she had gotten her body, and there were surely many people who still wanted to meet her in person.

  They were brief, as most of them were the last stragglers leaving the foyer after receiving their orders. They exchanged hugs, best wishes and kind comments before rushing off to work.

  She turned to me and smiled, “Thank you for your patience, Andrew. I did not mean to delay us.”

  I smiled at her, “No problem, AI, no worries.”

  We walked to the entrance of the Inner Roses hall, where Bella was talking to Ruth. Ruth was clearly deeply stressed, as her eyes jotted to AI worryingly. Bella rubbed her shoulders in support.

  Bella was speaking softly, “Trust me hun, there’s nothing to be so worried about. Breath for me, would you?”

  She stared at AI as she responded to Bella, “Why am I here though?... I feel like I’ve done something wrong!”

  Bella smiled at her, “I promise you, they’re on your side in there. Trust me Ruth… Trust me.”

  AI walked past without saying anything to Ruth. I couldn’t have imagined there was anything she could have said that would have calmed her, so I agreed that there was no point stopping to comfort her. AI walked down the passageway as I saw the hall rise for her. She walked to the bottom of the bench, turned around and stood there in a waiting position.

  I went in afterwards while Ruth stayed still, and I heard Bella talk to her more… Bella would get her to come in, I was confident about that. As I stepped into the hall proper, once again everyone rose up to their feet, for me that time. I smiled as I waved them down and positioned myself out of the way, to the side.

  The room took their seats as they briefly finished their bullet point discussion about community service programs. It was fairly straightforward as everyone listed potential projects and the manpower required. The council representatives advised on any complications with permits or road works. Afterwards the room went quiet as they waited for the next topic to begin discussion.

  Aisling and Nadia stood up from their bench and walked down the stairs to stand next to AI. The three stood there smiling as they whispered to each other for a few minutes. I looked around to see what agents were present… but Michael wasn’t there unfortunately. I did also clearly notice that the cameras had a red light next to them, so the meeting was not currently being broadcasted.

  AI finally spoke, her voice boomed through the speakers across the hall.

  “Let them in now, please.”

  ***

  Roberto Ruiz

  Roberto had been a member of the Roses for just over three months. He joined after he managed to immigrate to the UK from Spain. His family worked hard to save enough money on their farm, to fund his move. The visa and associated paperwork cost a small fortune as well, but his family felt confident that it was still worth pursuing this dream.

  If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

  He never allowed himself to forget the price that was paid for the opportunity he had in the UK. When the Roses became more established, he was working all day and night as a taxi driver. He lived in a small car at the time as rental costs were too prohibitive. He asked if the Roses were looking for a driving position, and they were.

  Months passed as the Roses funded his heavy-duty licence, allowing him to do long haul jobs between the UK and Spain. Roberto's contacts in Spain allowed easy navigation and fluid agreements, as the language and cultural barrier was eliminated.

  As Roberto pulled into the warehouse parking bay on the northern outskirts of Barcelona, he breathed out in relief. It had been a long drive from Cornwall… seventeen hours. He had one break at the eleventh-hour mark, but he was looking forward to unloading and sleeping for a while before returning back to the UK.

  He sat in the lorry as he watched the pallet lifts quickly take turns to empty his trailer. They seemed particularly quick this time, as it usually took around twenty minutes, but this time it only took them five minutes... He noticed that some of them had new pallets on them, but they simply sat waiting just outside the rear of the trailer.

  He started touching the large screen on the centre of his dashboard, finalising his order and using his fingerprint to authorise that he had supervised the unloading process. The screen went away to signify that the form was digitally completed, and he started navigating the route on his map app, when AI appeared on the entirety of the screen. She spoke to him fluently in Spanish, a kindness he always appreciated, as he was not the most fluent of English speakers.

  Her face looked deeply concerned, “Mr. Ruiz, I apologise for interrupting your last preparations, however I need to speak with you about an important request.”

  He smiled at her, “Ah, no problem, AI. Was there a problem with the job I just finished?”

  She shook her head with a serious expression, “No, your delivery was done in an exemplary manner, as I am now used to you doing. No, we have an important request for you, a critical delivery of the utmost urgency.”

  He stopped smiling and looked serious, “Oh no… Ok, is this nearby, I can do it quickly before heading-”

  She shook her head, “No, forgive me Roberto, this is not nearby… We need you to deliver it to Almagro.”

  He did a double take, “Almagro! AI, that's in the heart of central Spain, in the desert! It will take me… eight to ten hours to drive there!”

  She nodded grimly, “I know Roberto, and I wish I did not need to ask this of you, for you are due a rest. However, lives are at stake, and you are the only nearest equipped truck. You are free to refuse this, for our organisation swore to allow you your rest every twelve hours.”

  He looked out the window as he thought intensely, “I will be driving on far too little sleep… This is dangerous.”

  She nodded, “It will be… I wish I could explain more, but time is absolutely essential. Roberto, will you do this job?”

  He nodded with determination, “I will, AI. If it can help my fellow Spaniards, then I would be honoured to serve them and the Roses.”

  Immediately behind him, the pallet trucks raced to load the trailer fully. He struggled to see what was in them, but it was probably water. Considering where he was going… there were barely any people living there. Almagro was a barren empty place, so supplies were rare, and nothing was rarer than water.

  Alongside him a fuel truck parked up, and immediately the driver climbed out to start filling Roberto’s tanks. Roberto realised that this was a genuine urgency, so he immediately swiped AI to the corner of his screen and began navigating. AI had beat him to it though, finding the best route with the least traffic… Which was not really a concern, for few roads went down there and nobody really had a reason to go there.

  He looked over the route, memorising the point where he would have to exit the highway onto country roads. He heard a slapping sound from the back, the pallet operator was slapping the rear of the trailer to alert him that everything was loaded, and the back was shut. He looked to his side to see the fuel man taking out the pump, just in time.

  He turned on the lorry, its engine roared into life. His dashboard lit up with dozens of buttons and switches. It was an impressively modern and capable hybrid truck, and it could definitely handle the heat of central Spain. He slowly started creeping forward, as he pulled down the air horn. The booming sound was for two reasons, the first was to let the other trucks know that he was moving out and the second reason was to signify the seriousness of his delivery. The other trucks blew their horns for a split second to show they understood.

  A black car pulled ahead of Roberto before turning on its flashing beacon lights. It would appear AI had arranged an escort for the highway section at least. The front vehicle would move vehicles ahead out of the fast-overtaking lanes.

  Roberto spoke as he turned onto the main road, “AI, am I going faster?”

  AI appeared next to his speedometer, “As fast as you safely can, please.”

  He nodded as he reached under the steering wheel and pulled a switch. The screens across the cabin changed to a red and black coloured theme, and on the top left it wrote ‘Performance mode’. The engine changed tone as it revved higher before changing gears.

  After half an hour he merged onto the freeway, and he immediately changed lanes to the fast lane. The cars behind him blew their horns in protest, as they assumed the truck would slow them down. Once Roberto saw the rear escort behind him, he put his foot down. The truck's engine roared as it accelerated faster and faster. He looked at the speedometer, 93 mph. He felt satisfied with that… before AI spoke.

  She pointed at the dial, “Faster.”

  He glanced at her briefly, “Faster? The speed limit is 65! If the police stop me now already, I'll get a temporary ban…”

  She nodded, “The Roses are assuming full responsibility, and we promise the safety of your licence… Go faster, now.”

  He nodded as he put his foot down further and the engine obeyed like a roaring lion. The truck was then pushing against its limits as he looked down to see his speed. 132 mph… With twenty-three tons of weight, that was a dangerous speed… If there wasn't an escort ahead to clear slower vehicles, he most likely would have refused to drive this fast.

  AI appeared in the centre dash screen, “Roberto, we are nearing the end of the freeway. This was our only opportunity to use speed to save time, for the country roads are unsafe at higher speeds. Thank you for heeding my request.”

  He gave a weak smile, “Thank you for making it safe.”

  She nodded, “The escorts will pull over after the freeways end, then you will be alone. This was all I could manage to assist you with, in the short time frame.”

  He gave a brief thumb's up, “Time will tell how much it helped… I'm beginning to get weary though…”

  Her face changed to concern, “Yes, I will constantly monitor you and talk to you, to ensure that you remain alert.”

  He chuckled, “Good, I'll need it, we still have six hours to drive…”

  He glanced at the time, 12:46 AM. Driving on pitch black country roads at speed… It was a remarkably difficult task to accomplish, especially when sleep deprived. The freeway ended into a single lane road. Parked on the side of the road was the front escort vehicle. The driver had his door open as he tooted his car's horn as a farewell. Roberto blew his horn for a long second as he passed. The rear escort also tooted their horn, as he saw in his side mirror it pulled in over next to the front escort car.

  AI’s avatar disappeared from all displays. There was nothing but the sound of the engine as Roberto grimly realised that he was entirely alone then.

  “Ok Roberto, stay awake, for AI.” He mumbled to himself.

  AI spoke, “Roberto, I am still here.”

  He glanced at his screens, “I thought we were too far from any cell towers…”

  She corrected him, “We were too far from them two hours ago.”

  He paused for a moment to steer around a bend, “Then how are you still here?”

  She quickly responded, “I am running off the processor that is powering your screens. It means my functions are limited to conversation only.”

  He yawned deeply, “Ok, I understand this… I'm grateful to still have you.”

  Her voice sounded concerned, “Roberto, please take care to pay attention to how sharp the upcoming turns are. I have displayed the distance until the next turn, its degree of angle and your maximum speed when you make it.”

  He nodded, “Ok good, then I can go as fast as is safe. You are a brilliant driving assistant, AI!”

  Hours went by as Roberto slowly slumped more and more into his seat. AI had cameras in the cab to watch his body language, so that she could prevent him from falling asleep. His eyes almost completely shut when AI loudly boomed her voice through the cabin's speakers.

  “Roberto, wake up!”

  He jolted up in surprise as he glanced around very briefly, “Oh my God… I didn't even realise that I was…”

  A moment passed before AI spoke, “Roberto, tell me about yourself.”

  He scratched his head, “You know everything about me… What more can I tell you?”

  Her voice sounded concerned, “Tell me why I sense fear about you all the time.”

  He exhaled as he shook his head, “I didn't know that I was hiding it so poorly.”

  She sounded kind and patient, “You were not, but I have far more time and patience to pay attention to you, Roberto. I know you act nervously, but I do not know why.”

  He focused as he did a series of sharp turns on the road…. He said nothing for a long moment.

  His voice went sad, “AI… I don't think I will be able to keep my UK visa. I think the government… they don't want me to stay.”

  “Why?”

  He breathed out in disappointment, “They emailed me. After my current visa expires, they will demand that I have a British company vouch for me for the entire length of the next visa session…”

  She responded calmly, “That is indeed more difficult. I know how much your family sacrificed for you to be with us, and how deeply they pray for your success, Roberto.”

  He nodded as he leaned back, “I'm sorry that I cannot stay longer, AI. I did everything I could to be my best… but I failed.”

  She spoke quickly, “We will sponsor you, Roberto.”

  He shook his head, “You can't… They said it must be a corporation. The Roses are non-profit…”

  A long moment passed, “I am unable to do more with this, as I do not have internet access. I promise to investigate this further on your behalf, as soon as I am able.”

  He weakly smiled as he glanced between the road and the map. He was struggling intensely to stay focused as his eyes stung in protest to them not shutting. After a relative eternity of driving, playing word games with AI to stay focused and him telling her about his youth… they finally arrived.

  AI spoke quickly, “They do not have access to the internet here, so they are likely unaware of your arrival. Please help them.”

  He nodded as he braked hard on the gravel, “I will try!”

  The truck skidded as it slowed. Ahead of him he saw the glow of white paint ahead. He pulled up alongside the building as he saw lights on inside, but nobody came out.

  AI sounded worried, “Roberto, please go get bottles of water out from the truck immediately and take them inside… please hurry.”

  He tried to quickly climb out, but his body struggled in its tired state. He walked as quickly as he could down the side of the truck and slowly reached up to open the trailer door. When he opened the doors, he saw that the pallets were indeed full of water. He used his pocketknife to cut open one of the pallets' plastic sleeves and grabbed three large bottles of water.

  He quickly walked to the front door and rang the bell, but there was no response. He heard AI’s voice from inside the truck, “Just go in, it's unlocked.”

  He opened the door and entered, “Hello? Does anyone need water?”

  He heard a light metal banging noise from down the passageway, and he immediately went down it. The room looked like a communal lounge with multiple televisions and sofas dotted around the walls. He then saw that there were people lying on the sofas… they were not moving.

  A voice came from one of them, “Please here… Water…”

  Roberto went to the person looking up from the sofa as he opened the bottle and held the back of the man's head, gently pouring water into his mouth. He heard a cough as he turned to where it came from, he saw movement from a lady, and he rushed over to give her water too.

  Over an hour went by as he rushed between the nine people, trying to hydrate them to the best of his ability. The youngest regained their strength as they slowly got up to help distribute the water. All thirteen people who lived there, were saved thankfully. They all thanked him immensely… After he had slept, however. They unloaded all the water as he rested, and AI told him to have a day's rest before returning.

  That day he talked with the people who lived here. Their family had lived there for hundreds of years, and they recently took to selling metals they mined for money. Unfortunately, their supply contact lost contact with them months ago and they stopped receiving water and food deliveries. They had no means to communicate with anyone for help.

  It was only because AI overheard a conversation between two warehouse workers, about goods that were prepared for collection but were not collected. AI investigated and discovered that it had been months since that collection was due.

  Roberto had saved lives with his dedication and willingness to serve.

  ***

  The sliding doors opened in the passageway and in entered Ruth and a young man of Spanish descent. He had wild jet-black hair and a well-trimmed beard. His face was kind, although I recognised his body language… he was afraid of something. Perhaps he feared this meeting, the same as Ruth did?

  Behind them was Bella. She pulled over next to me as she focused her attention intensely on Ruth.

  I nudged her, “Relax, the Angels have a way of calming people…”

  She whispered back, “She’s so worried, Andrew… How is she always so nervous?”

  I whispered back, “We can’t all be giants…”

  AI spoke again, “Roberto Ruiz and Ruth Weber, thank you for coming. Please come closer, in the centre of the agents, if you would be so kind…”

  The two nervously walked forward and stopped at the centre, as they briefly looked at each other and then the floor. Yes… they were both very nervous.

  AI smiled as she took a step forward, “The Roses were formed on core principles.”

  Aisling spoke, “To give hope to the current generations of adults.”

  Nadia continued, “To give purpose through service and to use technology to change the course of humanity for the better.”

  AI finished it, “To create an honest, honour-bound, non-profit humanitarian organisation and to ensure that merit is given to those who care and excel.”

  AI smiled as she waited a moment, “Today we are focusing on the last point. To ensure that merit is given, to those who care and excel… We created the role of agent, to foster greatness amongst Rose members. This has proven wildly successful, as it has served to inspire other members, but more importantly hone the skills of all agents.”

  Nadia took over, “In order to be selected as an agent, one must go above and beyond in their role. Through trials of desperation, necessity or genuine care, members willingly go the extra length to shine in their role. This shows character and the willingness to grow.”

  Aisling spoke, “Roberto Ruiz, your trial was to deliver lifesaving water supplies to a remote village in Spain. Through intense weariness, brought about by sleep deficiency and out of an honourable patriotism and a fierce loyalty to our organisation, you risked your own safety in order to save their lives. Because of you, thirteen people survived.”

  The hall erupted in a round of applause as everyone cheered for him. I also whooped as I clapped excitedly for him, it was really amazing to hear what he had done! The hall slowly settled down as they all waited for the three to continue.

  Nadia spoke, “Not all heroic actions are so visible and bold though… Some hardships bury far deeper, and therefore require indescribable courage and strength of will.”

  The hall went completely quiet as they all showed solemn respect, for they all knew something uncomfortable was about to be said.

  She continued, “When our headquarters was attacked, our Black Roses, military trained members and agents, all fought valiantly to defend it and ensure the safety of our most important ally.”

  Nadia breathed out as she focused on maintaining her professional demeanour.

  “All the attacking Bruiges forces died in their attempt, and we all celebrate their failure… However, few are aware of the horrific aftermath it left. The foyer and entrance were painted red, in a literal sea of corpses. Many present here witnessed the horrific sight that inspired panic and morbid depression.”

  She waited a moment, to ensure that everyone processed what she had said, before she continued.

  “The military assisted us in the cleanup, but we needed an extra person to help them clean up the remains. We presented the opportunity to Ruth Weber, for she was our top cleaner at the time…”

  Nadia coughed as she tried to keep her composure, “While we felt that we clearly informed her of what her task was… We ultimately failed her. She courageously accepted our task, with a brave heart and a keen desire to be more.”

  Nadia shook her head, for she couldn’t finish this. AI nodded and took over.

  “Ruth Weber spent four entire days in that terrible aftermath, cleaning things we cannot even describe, for they would shock you if we did. It was a nightmare to witness it, yet indescribably awful to have to be in it. Her trial was one of psychological horror.”

  Aisling took over, “While she managed to perform so excellently that she even impressed the veteran military cleaners… Her success was short-lived. For reasons we are not at liberty to-”

  Ruth spoke over here as she looked at the floor, “... Tell them.”

  Aisling shook her head, “They don’t need to know-”

  Ruth shook her head angrily, “Tell them!... or I will.”

  I spoke up, “Ruth… may I?”

  She turned around, looked at me and nodded, “I’m not ashamed… of how I struggled…”

  *

  I spent the next fifteen minutes going over the things that happened and how she battled with her psychological trauma. Nobody dared to make a sound as they all dutifully paid attention. I was brief and clear, as I didn’t see any reason to be overly dramatic about it. I finished speaking and silence followed.

  Nadia spoke, “Through friendship, therapy and time, Ruth has healed and today is her first day back.”

  Aisling smiled, “You passed your trial, a trial that we regret was definitely too difficult for you… Yet you finished it flawlessly either way.”

  AI nodded, “We are grateful to have not lost you Ruth, and I sincerely apologise for my failure. You trusted me to take care of you, and I let you down.”

  Ruth shook her head, “I still trust you AI…”

  I started slowly clapping… as each clap echoed across the hall. Bella looked at me and smiled as she also began clapping. Then quickly, the entire hall rose to cheer for Ruth, with a noticeable and sincere admiration. I believed that she deserved just as much of a celebratory cheer as Roberto did.

  The room quietened down as people took their seats. Roberto shook Ruth’s hand, and I saw Ruth smile for just a second.

  AI finally spoke, “As is our way in the Roses, we offer you both the opportunity to become agents.”

  Aisling looked at Roberto, “Roberto, we always need good drivers to help move people and things. If you accept, we will train you in advanced mechanical engineering and we will ensure you have the highest qualifications possible in operating every kind of vehicle.”

  His face went sad, “I… I am afraid that I must say no. I… Will not be in this country long enough.”

  Nadia smiled, “We have handled your visa dilemma, Roberto. On your visa paperwork, you will be hired as the personal escort driver for Alex Crowley. He owns the well-known Crowley Industries, a weapons manufacturing corporation. His company is not a part of the Roses; therefore, he fulfils the requirements for your visa extension.”

  Roberto turned to look at Mr. Crowley, who stood up, bowed politely and winked before he sat back down again. Roberto looked emotional as he held his hand to his face, breathing heavily. He spoke Spanish very quickly, and AI responded kindly back in Spanish.

  “Thank you so much… This means so much to me…” He finally managed to say in his broken English.

  Nadia nodded, “We never abandon our own, Roberto. So, tell us… will you accept, and be better?”

  He nodded energetically, “I would be honoured!”

  There was another round of clapping and cheering, as Nadia pulled out a monitor from her side pocket and helped Roberto put it on. His was grey in colour, yet I didn’t understand what the grey colour meant, but it was still visibly an agent monitor. Roberto looked around as he read the monitor messages.

  “Dios mío! AI is with me all the time now!” He beamed a glorious smile.

  AI nodded, “I will always be at your side, helping you to the best of my ability, Roberto. That is my promise to you.”

  Aisling looked at Ruth, “Ruth…”

  Ruth looked up from the floor, “... How can a cleaner be an agent? I think you’ve made a mistake…”

  Aisling shook her head, “Not at all. If you accept, you will become our cleaning technician agent. You won’t be cleaning windows and mopping the floor, though. You will be trained in decontamination, biohazard removal, deep cleaning and waste processing. While you may think that I’m bigging you up… You will be our most qualified agent when we’re done with you, with nearly twenty certifications under your belt.”

  Ruth stared at them in disbelief, “There’s that much in cleaning?”

  AI nodded, “Indeed. You will need to be trained in chemicals, specific equipment and hundreds of unique processes and tools.”

  Ruth frowned, “I don’t know if I am smart enough to learn all of that…”

  AI smiled, “I will be at your side, always. If you give me your time and attention, I will patiently teach you everything you need to know. Ask any of the agents around you if you do not believe me.”

  The agents all nodded as they smiled, a few of them even said ‘aye’.

  Agent Will stood up, “You have no idea how empowering it is to have a monitor. You won’t need to worry about anything, for AI plans it all for you. We all needed extra lessons to reach her standards, but she never abandoned us, and she always patiently explained things.”

  Ruth breathed faster as she looked around the room in worry. One could see that she was scared… scared to agree and make the commitment. She stopped breathing intensely when she saw Bella next to her.

  Bella smiled wickedly, “Do it…”

  Ruth squirmed, “What if I fail?... What if I disappoint everyone…”

  Bella laughed, “You can’t disappoint us, you’re stronger and braver now… do it. I won’t let anyone mock you, I promise.”

  I spoke up, “I believe in you, Ruth… Do it…”

  The agents stood up, all taking turns to say, “Do it”. There was a silent pause as Ruth looked at the floor, her eyes darting rapidly as she thought intensely. This was a herculean request, and she had to muster every ounce of her integrity and courage as she battled her own self-doubt.

  “... I’ll do it…” She finally said softly.

  The hall erupted in cheer and Roberto hugged her. She looked terrified after the sudden explosive noise of cheer, but she eventually calmed down.

  Aisling pulled out a grey monitor and helped her put it on. Ruth looked around the room and suddenly breathed out in surprise.

  “... Oh wow… You really are here with me…”

  AI nodded, “My promise extends to all agents. I will always be with you, and I will support you to the best of my ability. You are not alone now, Ruth.”

  Ruth smiled as she gently caressed her monitor, “I’ll try my hardest not to fail you…”

  AI shook her head, “You could never fail me, Ruth.”

  Aisling clapped, “Ladies and gentlemen, may I please introduce our two newest agents! We are excited and proud to have them join our expert team of agents, as they bolster both the Roses and this fine country!”

  The hall erupted once more in a final cheer. Bella hugged Ruth and I approached her and patted her gently on the back.

  There was some time given for Roberto and Ruth to talk with the agents and with the three Angels. Afterwards things died down and Aisling looked at me.

  She was still speaking professionally, “On the topic of unique skills, Andrew… We have something we wish to discuss with you.”

  AI stepped forward, “Indeed, we have a task that could use your specific-”

  She suddenly stopped speaking immediately and stared into the distance.

  “Someone is approaching…” Suddenly AI turned around to Aisling and Nadia.

  “The Prime Minister is here.”