The door opened quietly. No creaks. Just a smooth hiss.
High-tech doors.
"Yes, son, what's the problem?" Dr. Emerin asked as soon as he saw Dragan enter.
Dragan stood at the entrance, a little hesitant. Quiet.
"You can have a seat," Dr. Emerin added, pointing to a floating anti-gravity chair with colorful lights. It even had a built-in massager, humming softly, designed for both comfort and health.
Dragan approached slowly and sat down, a bit shy.
"My dad got me some important items," he began. "But they went missing during the shipwreck. I just… wanted to know if you've heard anything about them."
Dr. Emerin adjusted his super-modulating glasses and stood up. "Come see for yourself. Follow me."
Dragan nodded and stood, quietly watching every step the doctor took as they moved past the door.
Dr. Emerin led the way down a long, polished corridor filled with stunning tech structures, shimmering walls, and digital panels that blinked like stars. They passed scanners, floating data chips, and robotic arms doing automated repairs.
Finally, they stopped in front of an elevator with glowing blue panels.
"Get in, boy," Dr. Emerin said playfully.
Dragan stepped in. The moment the doors closed behind them, the control panel lit up, showing how deep they were descending.
Wherever we're going... it's way underground, Dragan thought.
After a few moments, the elevator slowed to a stop. A soft beep echoed, followed by a cheerful voice.
"You've arrived. Wishing you a safe journey," the AI chimed.
As the doors opened, Dragan's eyes widened.
He couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Towering structures built from glowing light stretched in every direction. Scientists in lab coats moved about with grace and speed, some working with touch-free holograms, others programming robotic drones that zipped quietly in the air.
A humanoid robot glided past, scanning items and sorting materials with perfect precision.
There were dedicated areas labeled PSYCHOLOGY, BIOTECH, MEDICINE, PHARMACOLOGY, and more. Every corner pulsed with innovation.
"Welcome to my scientific base," Dr. Emerin said proudly, raising both hands as he guided Dragan through the glowing space. "Everything you see here... I've built over decades."
Dragan followed, his eyes wide. He felt something rise inside him—an aura of importance. This place... it's another world.
Some of the scientists began to notice him. Work slowed. Eyes turned. Whispers floated through the lab.
And then
SPLASH!
Just then, a loud gasp echoed through the lab.
She had been running a titration test, adjusting the AI-controlled pipette manually when something glitched. The auto-sensor lagged, and in her panic, she leaned in to check the nozzle.
In a flash, the pressurized acid shot upward—straight into her mouth.
Her eyes widened. She staggered back, clutching her face, the chemical burn already setting in.
Panic sparked.
"First Aid AI—Emergency protocol Alpha-3!" a nearby assistant shouted.
Within seconds, the lab's ceiling pods hissed open. Three sleek flying drones zipped down like hawks, blue lights blinking. One projected a force-field to isolate the area while another released a cooling mist around her mouth and throat.
The third drone opened a compartment and injected a fast-acting anti-corrosive agent into a smart patch, pressing it gently onto her skin.
"Vitals stabilizing," the lead drone announced in a calm voice.
By the time the human medical team arrived, the drones had already finished Phase One care.
Dr. Emerin rushed in, eyes scanning the scene. "Status?"
"She's safe—for now," one of the drones answered. "Minimal internal damage. Anti-burn agents deployed."
Dragan froze—his eyes fixed on the girl, choking, clutching her throat.
And in that instant, his instincts kicked in...
"I can help," Dragan said out of the blue, stepping forward with unexpected confidence. "I have an approach I've developed. It won't take much time—but it could save her."
Everyone paused.
Dr. Emerin turned to face him, his brows raised in surprise. After a beat of silence, he gave a slow, trusting nod. "Go. I trust you."
Dragan didn't wait. He spun around and sprinted toward the nearest medical bay, his mind already racing through the calculations and steps he would need.
"I need a lab suit!" he called out as he reached the equipment counter.
A sleek AI drone hovered nearby. "Greetings. This is Nova-46, your medical assist—"
"I don't need a speech right now," Dragan interrupted. "Just give me a lab suit."
Nova-46 beeped, then ejected the suit from its side compartment. Dragan caught it mid-air and suited up in seconds.
Once ready, he headed toward the sealed chamber where the girl was being treated. A humanoid medical robot stood guard at the entrance, glowing eyes focused on him.
"You are not permitted beyond this point," it said in a cold, programmed tone. "Access restricted. Please provide ID."
Dragan paused for a second, pretending to reach into his pocket.
Then—fast as lightning—he stepped forward, pressed a hidden button behind the robot's neck, and powered it down.
The machine's lights flickered and died with a soft hiss.
"That's for being stubborn," Dragan muttered as he stepped through the door.
Alarms started to blink red, but before any further interruption could happen, a calm voice echoed through the speakers.
"Attention: A senior medical tech-biology specialist is now entering. Stand down and obey all his instructions."
The auto-drones halted. The assisting bots froze mid-task and backed away respectfully.
Dragan walked in, his eyes scanning the injured girl, still gasping softly under the care of floating med-drones.
Her condition was getting worse.
He took a deep breath.
"It's time to fix this."