Days had passed since the oath-taking ceremony, and Project Interstellar-X had finally begun to move forward.
One seemingly ordinary morning at the Fortex Intelligence headquarters, Furqon and Zafran received a special summons from the Liaison Council.
"You are requested for a follow-up discussion," said Dr. Jarir, handing over an invitation sealed with the Fortex holographic stamp.
The two exchanged glances, slightly raising their eyebrows—the moment had finally arrived.
Shortly after, they entered a private meeting room.The room wasn't as large as Furqon had expected. Its walls were bare, illuminated by a soft bluish-white light.
Inside, three figures from the Liaison Council were already waiting, seated with a relaxed posture but maintaining an air of authority.There was no overwhelming pressure.The atmosphere felt more... calm, though it was still clear that this wasn't just a casual chat.
"Good morning, Furqon, Zafran," said one council member with a light tone—a contrast from the usual rigidity."We invited you here to discuss one crucial matter—the construction site of Interstellar-X."
A world hologram slowly rose from the round table between them.
"As you both know, this aircraft is too large... and too valuable to be built just anywhere."
Several red dots began to appear on the map.As one of the council members slowly circled the table, they explained:
1. Facility D-7: Greenland Subterranean Vault➔ An ancient tunnel system expanded since World War III.➔ Pros: Naturally cold, hidden, difficult to access from outside.➔ Cons: Logistical burden, high isolation.
2. Station Black Echo: Deep Sea Platform➔ An undersea research station in the Pacific Ocean.➔ Pros: Impossible to observe from the air, ideal for covert mobility.➔ Cons: High water pressure, technical risk.
3. Zone 0: Antarctic Covert Base➔ A hidden base deep in the Antarctic ice.➔ Pros: Rarely visited, protected by international treaties.➔ Cons: Extreme weather, limited access.
One council member gave a faint smile, observing the deep thought on Zafran and Furqon's faces.
"No need to be tense," said another with a casual tone."This is a discussion, not an exam."
Furqon let out a soft chuckle.
"Yeah... but it feels just the same," he murmured, enough to make Zafran smile subtly.
After all the options had been presented, the Liaison Council leaned back in their chairs.
"We'd like to hear your thoughts," said Dr. Jarir."We need a decision that's fast, but precise."
The room fell silent, yet the tension had now shifted into responsibility.They no longer felt watched. Instead, they were entrusted to shape the future of the project.
Furqon glanced at Zafran.
"In terms of logistics..." Furqon began slowly."But in terms of complete concealment..." Zafran added.
Both of them knew: this choice would lay the foundation for everything.
In that brief silence, the outside world seemed to fade away.There was only them, the decision to be made, and the greatest project ever undertaken by humankind.