The Archon ordered the Reservoirs to be activated. All the energy stations of the regions of the Consolidated Nation redirected some of their energy to the giant structures. Project "Fracture" has officially entered its final phase. The countdown has begun.
After the successful activation of the Reservoirs, the Chairpersons, their deputies, and the rest of the staff slowly began to leave the Council Hall of the Capitol. Within half an hour, the lights in the hall, where the order was given, went out. Ioanna received an invitation to celebrate the launch of the Reservoirs and headed to her hotel room, changed, and went up to the top floor. There, among vases of flowers, carpeted walkways, and golden chandeliers, was one of the most authentic restaurants in the entire state. "Babylon" had existed for several hundred years, its history beginning in the old world, before the last war. Back then, it was one of the typical restaurants in the city, which later became the capital. After the Great Consolidation, when the old world fell along with its values, worldview, stereotypes, and customs, when the last god fell, "Babylon" preserved all those subtleties of the past, which had long become dust. In "Babylon," everyone could touch the luxury of the past. To see what the people of the old world killed, stole, and betrayed each other for. Everyone could witness the crown of humanity's greed, which became the beginning of the end. Today, "Babylon" is just a restaurant, quietly keeping a part of history.
Ioanna entered the main hall. A young man in a tailcoat stood at his post waiting for guests. He was waiting for her, the girl in a white dress and white shoes. He was waiting for Ioanna just like the other visitors.
"Good evening," the man slightly bowed, greeting the girl. His low yet very clear voice made the visitor feel the comfort that "Babylon" provided to everyone.
"Hello," Ioanna replied softly. It was her first time visiting such a place. She had never seen the luxury of the old world before, perhaps only in museum exhibitions. The door that opened behind the man led not just into the main hall - it led to another world.
"May I?" the man took her hand, touched her wrist, and a barely visible transparent fabric formed around him.
"What is this?" the girl asked, astonished but at the same time with a sense of calm.
"This is an unlimited access number," the man replied calmly. "With it, for the next five hours, you can order drinks and dishes at the restaurant "Babylon."
"But I..."
"You are invited by Chairman Marcus Gray. He has included you in the guest list."
"Yes, but..."
"Tonight," the man continued as if reading her thoughts, "is a celebration. And you, as someone involved in the process, deserve a place at this celebration."
Ioanna couldn't find the words to express her emotions. The man, seeing her hesitation, touched her hand and continued:
"'Babylon' awaits you, Mrs. Averino," and gently nudged her forward.
Ioanna stepped over the threshold. Her foot touched the red carpet leading to the bar, where several people in suits were gathered. A waiter passed by with a small silver tray on which rested six crystal glasses. The champagne in the glasses swayed slightly from the movement. Several women took glasses and continued their conversations. They were likely the wives of chairpersons or Capitol employees. Perhaps some of them already worked there.
Slowly but surely, Ioanna Averino followed their example and headed to the bar. A young bartender was diligently working, mixing liquids. He served them on a tray, which was then taken away by another young man. The bar counter was crafted by a master several years before the consolidation. The solid wood was shaped by the golden hands of the master. If only he knew that seven hundred years later, his creation would still bring joy to visitors...
The smooth-shaven bartender asked the girl what she desired, but Ioanna didn't even know. So many cocktails, so many names. Any of them would bring her pleasure. Was there any point in choosing if the end was known?
"We have a variety of wines and champagnes. Perhaps you enjoy stronger drinks?" the bartender was friendly and looked at her with a slight smile.
Ioanna looked into his eyes and realized that this smile was not just part of his job. He genuinely enjoyed serving guests. He liked mixing drinks and creating something new.
"I... I don't even know," the girl replied. "I don't drink often, so..."
"Count to three," suggested the bartender.
"What?" Ioanna didn't understand.
"Count to three, and when you say 'three,' I'll know what to offer you."
"Hmm..." the girl smiled. This suggestion was strange, but at the same time interesting. "Okay. One."
The bartender stepped back and almost pressed against the counter with bottles behind him. He frowned and began to study Ioanna closely.
"Two," she said.
The man slowly looked her over, starting from the tips of her hair. He leaned in slightly and examined the rest.
"Three," Ioanna finished.
"'Rebirth'" replied the bartender.
"'Rebirth'?" she echoed.
"This wine was created in the second district right after the Great Consolidation. Today, it can be found in many restaurants, but only 'Babylon' possesses three hundred bottles of the first batch."
"Oh... but that's..."
"Yes, it has been stored for hundreds of years in special containers that prevented it from altering its taste. When you try it, you will find yourself in the moment of Consolidation when millions of citizens of the Consolidated Nation became one people. You will be in the moment of the rebirth of our civilization."
"That sounds very intriguing," Ioanna admitted. She really wanted to try the wine. Whether it was the bartender's charm or her genuine desire to touch history was uncertain.
"In three minutes, a glass will be brought to you. For now, you can place your wrist on the scanner," said the bartender.
Ioanna followed his instructions, and a set of numbers quickly ran across the transparent fabric, disappearing instantly.
"Oh, an unlimited number," the bartender marveled. Although many men and women had such numbers today, Ioanna stood out from the rest. In her eyes, the guy saw fire and passion, just like he had seen in Armando when they first met. "You can take a seat; your drink will be served in a couple of minutes."
"Thank you," Ioanna smiled. The bartender nodded in response and went to attend to other patrons.
The girl stepped away from the counter. She felt a bit embarrassed and uneasy. She had never been in such company, never talked to these people maybe only during interviews, but never in personal conversations. They all lived and worked in the Capitol. Most of the visitors were scientists discussing new projects and technologies. Ioanna was far from this world and couldn't keep up with the conversation, although most were talking about Project "Fracture."
Ioanna looked around the hall. In the far corner, under the starry sky, sat Chairman Marcus Gray alone, leaning back in his chair. He slowly sipped his favorite Arctic whiskey. The old man looked at the capital as the Ethers sliced through the night sky, and the city lights competed in brightness with the stars. But "Babylon" towered over them, touching the very stars. And they showed their full beauty. "Babylon" reached them.
"Good evening," the girl quietly said, approaching the small table. The old man turned.
"Ah, Mrs. Averino," the elderly man stood up and greeted Ioanna.
"You did a good job today; all the residents saw the Archon and how he ordered the launch."
"It's my job," the reporter politely replied. "And the job must be done better than it can be done."
"Very good phrase, Mrs. Averino. Very good. Oh..." the old man suddenly stopped. "Don't stand; sit down and keep the old man company."
"You're not an old man, Mr. Gray," Ioanna said as she took her seat, even though he really was an old man. "Thank you."
"Have you ordered anything yet?"
"Yes, thank you for the invitation," the girl placed her hand on the table.
"No needed. You... You and your brother are among the main participants in our development. Your brother does, and you show it to all of us. You deserve to be here."
A waiter in a white shirt and black vest approached their table.
"Your drink," the man placed a tray on the table. On it was a bottle of exquisite wine and one glass. Seeing that Ioanna was in the company of Marcus Gray, the waiter added, "Would you like me to bring another glass for wine?"
"No, thank you; I don't want to mix," Marcus shook his head. "Although I wouldn't mind another glass of whiskey."
"Wait a moment," the waiter slightly bowed, Marcus raised his glass, and the man left.
"'Rebirth'! Excellent choice," Marcus took a sip. "Do you know why this whiskey is called Arctic? When the project to develop the Arctic territory and build infrastructure there began, one of the companies started producing whiskey there. And it's called that because it's not stored in refrigerators but in Arctic ice."
"I didn't know that," the girl replied a moment later. "To be honest, I didn't choose it. That bartender suggested it."
"The main thing is that it's here now, right?" Marcus smiled slightly and took another sip. "'Rebirth'..."
Ioanna raised her glass, which already had half a glass of red wine. Taking a sip, she was amazed at how accurately the bartender had guessed. It was precisely what she needed the perfect wine. The taste was bright but balanced. The nuances only emphasized the bouquet's resilience. Amazing: it had been stored in warehouses for hundreds of years to end up here on this day.
"He was right," the girl exclaimed. "It's perfect."
"That's their job, perhaps one of the most challenging: guessing customers' desires."
"He's doing great."
"I agree with you, Mrs. Averino."
The girl sat in a leather chair, gazing at the stars while occasionally shifting her gaze to the other guests. The men and women, the scientific elite of society, continued discussing their topics. Soft warm light spread throughout the restaurant, creating an atmosphere of warmth and coziness.
"It's very beautiful here," Ioanna said. Marcus turned his head and slowly examined the interior.
"It's amusing," he replied.
"What exactly?" Ioanna saw nothing amusing in this. Yes, it was a breathtaking sight, different from the usual sterile rooms, corridors, metallic buildings, and glass windows.
"Look at that chandelier," Marcus nodded. The girl turned and looked at it. "Do you know what it's made of?"
"I can't imagine."
"Gold," the chairman said firmly. "The finest grade even though we use gold in our technologies, we never use it for the interior. Its value in people's lives is no different from that of the Pulse or Ether. Just a tool."
"Interesting," Ioanna replied.
"Yes, it is interesting, but just imagine, in the old world, people killed each other over a piece of this chandelier."
"Why?" Ioanna couldn't believe it.
"Because gold was a symbol of wealth, and by the laws of the old world, wealth meant power."
"Oh..." the girl exclaimed in surprise. She remembered something similar from history textbooks.
"So many people died because of a false sense of significance," Marcus finished his drink. The waiter brought a new one filled with whiskey and took the empty glass away.
"But why did no one change anything?"
"You know, Mrs. Averino, that's a very serious question, yet simple at the same time. The rulers of the old world started wars for wealth because if you're rich, you have everything. And everyone was heading toward that. But when they got everything, there came a moment when there was no further development. And degradation set in. But man is greedy by nature. He always wants more and more. And people in countries that could not obtain wealth died from diseases and hunger. And the more they wanted, the more pronounced the degradation became. Over time, degradation spread from one person to another. Like a virus, you understand? And then all of society began to degrade, and people started wars."
"I can't believe it," Ioanna was stunned. It felt like a terrifying fairy tale to her, as the old world was so different from the new.
"Do you know what war is?"
"Yes, I know," the girl replied. This was something she was sure of. "A few hundred years ago, there was an attempt at revolution initiated by the Last Ones."
"No, Mrs. Averino. You don't know, and I don't know. Nobody knows. It was an unsuccessful uprising, not a war. Our society has no wars. And it hasn't had them since the Great Consolidation. War is when one person takes up arms and kills another by the order of the commander. Helpless soldiers, like slaves, obey and kill because that is the order. But not all of them wanted to obey, so they were paid." Marcus placed the glass on the table between him and the reporter. "But war for resources is not as terrible as war for an idea. Do you know there were even religious wars?"
"Religious? You mean over gods?" Ioanna smiled slightly. Marcus's tales seemed absurd to her. "But Gods..."
"Yes, Mrs. Averino, but they did it. They exterminated people who believed in different gods from those who held power. And it went on continuously. And then came the turning point..."
"The Great Consolidation..."
"Exactly. Society was degrading, resources were dwindling, the rich became richer, and the poor became poorer, and the rich exploited them. Science was dying under the pressure of gods. For gods are the guarantee of submission, control over the 'flock.' You won't kill a person, won't rise against your oppressor, because the gods will punish you. But if necessary, you will kill the enemy, for the gods favor that. Faith became a tool of control. And science and technology could have opened people's eyes to this truth. But one person understood a simple truth. It is so obvious that it is hard to notice against the backdrop of wars and horrors of the old world."
"What is this truth?" Ioanna was eager to know.
"The truth that underlies the Consolidated Nation, Mrs. Averino. We are all human."
"What?" Ioanna didn't understand the phrase, perhaps due to the wine she had been drinking.
"We are human," Marcus Gray repeated. "You are human, I am human, everyone gathered here is human too. No matter how different we are: skin color, height, background, it doesn't matter whom you love, whether you are a man or a woman. It all doesn't matter. We are all human. We have reason, we all love, cry, and laugh. We do not differ from each other, even if external signs say otherwise. There are no differences between the rich and the poor, for we are united. We are humanity." Marcus Gray wanted to take the glass, but remembered that it was already empty.
"Is that why the Great Consolidation happened?!" Ioanna smiled, realizing this simple truth. But the truth was far more complicated than she could imagine.
"Exactly," Marcus confirmed. "If we are all human, why should we kill, betray, deceive? There are no significant differences between us. It doesn't matter if you are from the fifth district or the seventh... It doesn't matter. We all have the same blood, and we all abide by the same laws."
"For we are united," Ioanna finished.
"Now you understand it. And all this," Marcus glanced around Babylon, "is just decor, things. But the peculiarity of Babylon is that it shows us the wealth of the old world. Wealth for which humanity sacrificed its humanity, leading to destruction."
"That's sad..." The truth that was revealed to Ioanna didn't seem as perfect as the Babylon restaurant.
"Now the old world is just lines in history textbooks and installations in places like this. It is just the past, Mrs. Averino. But we must remember it so as not to make the same mistakes. Although a couple of centuries ago there were attempts to seize power, and even now their ideas live in people who go out with posters on the streets... it is important not to forget where we came from and where we are now."
"It feels kind of sad," Ioanna said quietly.
"There's no need to be sad, for the terrible times are in the past. Now we..." Marcus suddenly laughed. "Now we are in an era of Rebirth," he glanced at the bottle.
"To the Rebirth ?" Ioanna filled her glass, as the bottle was already empty.
"To the Rebirth !" Marcus raised his glass, which the bartender had brought a few minutes ago, but that Marcus hadn't even noticed.
They both drank to the bottom and continued to sit, watching the stars. After a few minutes, the old man fell into the world of Morpheus and saw the dreams he showed him. Ioanna watched the Ethers and the trains cutting through the air above the night city. Babylon had shown her the old world, and now she looked into the new, native world, where everyone was united. This world seemed perfect...