Chapter 132 - 130 The Price of Connection

Chapter 132: Chapter 130 The Price of Connection

The door to the cyan room opened gently. A line of white light crossed the threshold before Selena and Helena appeared inside the laboratory.

The environment was still dominated by that cold lighting. The three translucent spheres remained suspended in the center of the room, held by the pulses of energy that rose from the discs installed on the floor and descended from the ceiling. Inside them, the white cloud, the black cube, and the small star remained motionless.

Selena advanced first. She wore dark straight-cut pants, a sober blouse, and a light jacket with an elegant structure. She was not wearing a formal suit or flashy accessories. Everything about her appearance was discreet, orderly, and carefully chosen. Even her way of walking conveyed that silent confidence that seemed to accompany her everywhere.

Helena walked beside her, leaning on her cane. Her clothing was equally elegant, although somewhat more relaxed: dark pants, a light blouse, and a well-tailored jacket that did not seem intended for a business meeting, but rather for someone accustomed to moving comfortably without giving up her presence.

Reichel raised her gaze from the holographic table. Her eyes remained hidden behind her dark glasses, but the smile appeared immediately.

—Selena!

She stepped away from the table and walked toward her. She hugged her for only a few seconds, enough to show affection, but without turning the greeting into something uncomfortable for someone like Selena.

—Good morning, Reichel.

—You finally showed up. I was already starting to think you had forgotten about us.

—I do not usually forget my commitments.

Reichel let out a small laugh.

—Of course. That sounded exactly like you.

Selena raised an eyebrow slightly.

—And how was I supposed to sound?

—I don’t know. A little more excited, perhaps.

—Then you will have to get used to my disappointing way of expressing enthusiasm.

Reichel laughed again.

—There she is. That’s the Selena I know.

A few meters away, Helena watched the scene without intervening. She did not seem surprised. After so many years, she knew Reichel well enough to know that, when she had the opportunity to talk to Selena, she could forget about practically any pending matter for a few minutes.

Reichel finally separated from Selena and looked at her curiously.

—Well, tell me something. How have things been with your boyfriend?

Selena remained silent for an instant.

—Are you referring to Sebastián?

—Exactly.

—Fine.

Reichel opened her mouth slightly.

—Just “fine”?

—Yes.

—What a poor answer.

—You asked how things have been. You did not request a detailed report.

Reichel let out a short laugh.

—I knew you were going to answer me something like that.

Selena calmly adjusted a small wrinkle in the sleeve of her jacket.

—Then I do not understand why you keep asking.

—Because it’s fun to watch you try to dodge the subject.

—I am not dodging anything.

—Of course not.

Reichel’s smile grew wider. Selena watched her for a few seconds before turning her gaze toward the three spheres.

—Have you finished the analyses?

The change of subject was so obvious that Reichel had to contain another laugh.

—Yes. And that’s precisely why I wanted to talk.

Helena, meanwhile, had reached the table. Dr. Jorge was standing in front of the holographic projections, reviewing the results once again. His slightly hunched back revealed the wear accumulated over the years, but his movements remained precise. His white lab coat remained immaculate as he moved a series of data with his hand.

Helena stopped in front of him.

—Good morning, Dr. Jorge.

Jorge raised his gaze.

—Good morning, Helena.

—Have the analyses concluded?

—The main ones, yes.

Helena directed her gaze toward the three spheres.

—What did you find?

Jorge enlarged the first readings. Three sets of information appeared before them.

—The three samples possess the same structural base.

Helena remained attentive.

—The biological composition is based on proteins and collagen. The resulting organization corresponds to a glycoprotein structure with extraordinarily high compatibility with human cellular tissue.

—Biorecognition?

—Practically absolute.

Helena observed the molecular representations.

—Then the organism should not reject the material easily.

—Correct. The structure appears to be designed to be recognized biologically.

Reichel approached as well, although she remained a few steps behind them.

—And that’s where it gets weird —she commented.

Jorge continued.

—The three samples also share the same base metallic structure. Isotopic titanium integrated directly into the biological matrix.

Helena frowned slightly.

—All three?

—All three.

A new representation appeared over the table.

—The combination provides high structural resistance and considerable conductivity. The metallic component is not simply attached to the biological structure. It is part of it.

Helena remained silent for a few seconds.

—And the contents?

Jorge changed the projection. The data from Alpha and Beta appeared first.

—That’s where we found our first limitation. We can analyze the structure containing the cloud and the cube, but we cannot completely identify what remains inside them.

Reichel crossed her arms.

—The system detects that there is something there. It simply cannot tell us what it is.

—Exactly —Jorge replied.

Helena turned her gaze toward Omega.

—And that one?

Jorge did not answer immediately.

The representation of the third sample appeared over the others.

—Omega is different.

Reichel smiled faintly.

—Very.

Jorge enlarged the data.

—It maintains the same biological and metallic base as the other two. However, it presents an additional modification in its biological structure: an organic molecular sequence completely unknown to our databases.

Helena observed the projected chain.

—Is there no match at all?

—None that is reliable.

The metallic information appeared afterward.

—And it doesn’t end there either. Isotopic titanium remains the base element, but it is fused with two other metallic components that our systems cannot identify.

Reichel let out a small laugh.

—In other words, we have a structure that shares the same architecture with the other samples and, at the same time, someone decided to complicate it even further.

Jorge looked at her sternly.

—That is an unscientific description.

—But quite accurate.

Helena remained staring at Omega.

—How much were you able to analyze?

Jorge looked at the percentage in the corner of the screen.

—Thirty-eight percent of the complete structure.

Helena’s expression became more serious.

—And the star?

The projection corresponding to the interior of Omega appeared: errors, incomplete readings, interference, and data automatically discarded.

Jorge slowly shook his head.

—We couldn’t obtain a reliable reading.

Reichel moved a little closer.

—Not even a preliminary composition.

—No.

For a few seconds, no one said anything.

The small star continued shining inside the sphere.

It seemed insignificant. But behind that light was an amount of information that even they were incapable of reaching.

Reichel observed the failed data.

—That is starting to annoy me.

Helena looked at her.

Reichel smiled slightly.

—Just a little.

Jorge closed the secondary windows again.

—We need more information before establishing any hypothesis.

Helena nodded.

—Then we’ll have to determine how to obtain it.

Selena, who had remained beside Reichel during the last few minutes, finally directed her gaze toward the three samples. Her expression remained calm, but her eyes lingered longer on Omega.

—It seems that we haven’t even reached the beginning of what they really are.

No one responded.

The three spheres remained suspended in that cyan-lit room.

And, for the first time, the results obtained did not seem to represent an answer.

They seemed like a warning.

Helena kept her gaze on the screens for a few seconds after hearing Dr. Jorge.

—Then we need another way to approach the problem.

Jorge did not answer immediately. The records of Alpha, Beta, and Omega remained suspended over the holographic table. The three representations remained motionless while the systems continued processing information that, for the most part, still could not find a valid classification.

Selena observed the data in silence.

Reichel, on the other hand, moved closer to the table again and began reorganizing the analysis windows.

—We have too many unknowns —she said—. But there is something we do know.

Jorge raised his gaze slightly.

—The energy function?

Reichel nodded.

—That’s it.

Selena intervened before she could continue.

—Then let’s not look for what they are. Let’s look for what known technologies use to fulfill a similar function.

Jorge turned toward her.

—Energy sources?

—Yes. If the samples contain a source capable of remaining stable within a physical structure, we can compare it with the energy systems we already know.

Reichel smiled to one side.

—That makes more sense than trying to guess what the hell is inside them.

Jorge ignored the comment and watched as Selena approached the table.

—Start with the sources with the highest energy density —she instructed—. Then we can narrow the field.

Reichel made a movement with her hand. The representation of the three samples shifted toward one end of the table and, in front of them, different technological models began to appear.

The first was a nuclear reactor. Its three-dimensional structure rotated slowly as a series of parameters appeared around it: output, stability, mass, consumption, and cooling requirements.

Jorge reviewed the figures.

—Too much external infrastructure.

Reichel marked the record.

DISCARDED.

The next model appeared: an experimental fusion system. Then, a compact reactor, followed by a high-density battery and, finally, an energy cell used in autonomous machinery.

Each alternative was subjected to the same parameters: output, stability, density, storage, and integration capacity. One after another, the possibilities disappeared.

—We’re not looking only for energy —Helena said—. We’re looking for a source that can remain integrated with whatever it powers.

Jorge nodded.

—And one that can respond to variations in demand without losing stability.

Reichel brought up a new series of devices.

—Then let’s narrow the search even further.

The models changed. Now portable energy sources, systems designed for vehicles, medical devices, and high-performance machinery appeared.

Jorge observed one of them for a few seconds.

—Discard it.

Reichel did so.

—Why?

—It needs an independent storage system. There is no real integration between the source and the mechanism it powers.

Another model.

—That one too.

Another.

—Too much loss.

Another.

—Unstable.

The options continued narrowing until a new category appeared on the screen.

ARMEX ENERGY CORES.

Reichel left her hand suspended in the air.

—Well.

The three-dimensional model of an ARMEX core appeared over the table.

Jorge leaned slightly toward the projection.

—Compare it with Alpha and Beta.

Reichel began superimposing the records. The energy structures aligned for a few seconds and the indicators began calculating. Then, several values were marked in red.

—They’re not the same —Reichel said.

—How different?

—Quite a bit.

She enlarged the results.

—The composition does not match. Neither does the energy architecture nor the containment method.

Jorge examined the figures.

—Then it is not an equivalence either.

—No.

Reichel shifted some parameters until only the functional ones remained.

—But there is something.

Selena approached.

—What?

—The principle of integration.

The screen changed again. Now the ARMEX core appeared connected to the schematic of a suit, while the data from Alpha and Beta was displayed to one side.

—The core does not exist to function separately —Reichel explained—. Its purpose is to supply energy to a physical system that can move, respond, and modify its consumption in real time.

Jorge followed the comparison.

—And the samples also contain an energy source integrated into a physical structure.

—Exactly.

—But that does not prove a relationship between the two.

—No —Reichel replied—. It only proves that we have a functional point of comparison.

Selena remained looking at the representation of Omega.

—Then that point may be enough to raise another question.

Jorge directed his eyes toward her.

Selena pointed to the sphere containing the star.

—What happens when that source does not simply power a structure?

Reichel understood the direction of the question.

—When it powers something alive?

Selena nodded.

The screen enlarged Omega.

—Omega was inside a human organism —she said—. If we accept that fact as part of our analysis, then its energy integration cannot be studied solely as a mechanical system.

Jorge remained silent.

Selena continued:

—Perhaps the characteristic we are looking for is not the ability to generate energy. Perhaps it is the ability to establish a stable connection between that energy and an organism.

Reichel looked at the data from Omega.

—That would explain why the previous comparisons don’t quite fit.

—It could explain it —Jorge corrected.

Reichel let out a small laugh.

—Yes, doctor. It could.

Jorge enlarged the parameters again.

—But we still do not know whether Omega works that way.

Selena kept her gaze fixed on the star suspended inside the sphere.

—Then let’s find out.

The screens began reorganizing once more. This time, the search did not focus on reactors or storage systems. The system began loading information about technologies capable of establishing a direct energy connection with living organisms.

And, for the first time since they had begun the analyses, Omega stopped seeming like merely an impossible-to-classify object. Now they had a hypothesis they could test.

The blue screens began filling with information. The transition was immediate. Dozens of holographic windows emerged around the table, overlapping one another before arranging themselves at different levels of depth. Each contained a different technology. Some were known to the team; others belonged to experimental projects that had barely surpassed the earliest stages of development. The system classified them, compared them, and reorganized them again as new categories appeared above the previous ones.

Reichel tilted her head slightly.

—Now that’s a broad search.

A small smile accompanied her words.

Her fingers began moving across the surface of the table, following several of the windows passing in front of her.

The system was not looking for an energy source. It was looking for a relationship: a way to connect an energy source to a living organism without turning the connection into an external, temporary system independent of the body.

The first category appeared.

BIOTECHNOLOGICAL INTERFACES.

Hundreds of records appeared beneath it: biomechanical prostheses, muscle stimulation systems, neural interfaces, medical implants, internal support devices, artificial organs, implantable power systems, and experimental technologies for transferring energy to living tissue.

The windows began moving rapidly. The system compared each of them against the parameters obtained from Alpha, Beta, and Omega.

PHYSICAL INTEGRATION.

BIOLOGICAL COMPATIBILITY.

ENERGY TRANSFER.

STABILITY.

DYNAMIC RESPONSE.

CONTINUITY.

The first group began to disappear. Reichel watched as several categories were marked in red.

—Too external.

Jorge raised his gaze.

—What did you find?

—Most of them need a unit separate from the organism. The connection exists, but it is not part of an integrated system.

Jorge nodded.

—Continue.

Reichel made a movement with her hand and the discarded windows closed. New technologies took their place.

Now state-of-the-art biomechanical prostheses appeared: an artificial hand connected to peripheral nerves, a muscle stimulation system capable of interpreting electrical signals, an artificial joint with integrated power, and a complete prosthesis with a small energy storage unit.

The system ran the comparisons. The results began to appear.

PARTIAL COMPATIBILITY.

PARTIAL COMPATIBILITY.

NO DIRECT ENERGY TRANSFER.

LIMITED INTEGRATION.

Reichel gently shook her head.

—No.

One of the prostheses expanded.

—These can receive commands from the organism and return information, but the energy is not establishing an equivalent connection. The body controls the machine; it does not share its energy source with it in the same way.

Jorge reviewed the result.

—Discarded.

The window disappeared.

Then the medical implants emerged: systems intended to maintain cardiac functions, respiratory assistance devices, implantable units for metabolic regulation, small energy modules designed to operate for years without removal.

Some remained on the screen longer. One of them began a simulation. An anatomical model appeared alongside a small device implanted near the torso. An energy line traveled through the virtual body and remained stable for several seconds.

Reichel raised an eyebrow.

—This one gets closer.

Jorge approached.

—What’s the problem?

The information changed.

—The energy is delivered to the device, but there is no energy integration with the organism as a whole. The implant operates autonomously.

—Then the connection is still indirect.

—Yes.

Jorge made a small movement with his hand.

—Discarded.

The simulation disappeared.

The search continued.

The system began examining artificial organs: a mechanical heart, a synthetic lung, an implantable artificial kidney, and assisted circulation systems. Each possessed some level of direct connection with the organism and could remain inside a body, but none met all the criteria.

The artificial heart could consume energy continuously, but it depended on a specific power system. The synthetic lung could respond to the body’s needs, but it did not integrate its own energy source. Others used small internal batteries, although their storage was independent and limited.

The windows disappeared one after another.

Helena followed the process in silence. Her gaze stopped on the records that were being discarded.

—They all fulfill one part.

Jorge answered without taking his eyes off the screen.

—But none fulfills everything.

Selena slowly crossed her arms.

—Then the system is looking for a technology that does not exist merely to power something alive.

Reichel turned her head toward her.

—Exactly.

Her smile returned, small and focused.

—It’s looking for a technology designed to remain connected to the organism while both parts function as a single energy system.

The next search began.

BIOENERGETIC INTERFACES.

The number of results increased again. Now much more specialized technologies appeared: modules capable of transforming biological signals, systems that converted cellular impulses into usable energy, connection interfaces between tissue and machinery, and experimental platforms capable of transferring energy to organic structures.

Some simulations even showed complete organisms interacting with internal technological systems.

The team observed the results.

Most failed.

Too much loss. Intermittent connection. Instability. Dependence on an external source. Insufficient response. Inability to maintain the supply continuously.

Reichel began discarding the options manually while the machine eliminated others automatically.

—Not this one.

She slid a window aside.

—Neither this one.

Another.

—This one maintains the connection, but it needs an external battery.

Another.

—And this one destroys the tissue after a few minutes.

Jorge looked at her.

—How frequent is that problem?

Reichel let out a small laugh.

—More frequent than I’d like.

The comment produced a brief silence.

Then she returned to concentrating.

The central screen changed.

Experimental medical systems. Advanced neural interfaces. Muscle adaptation technologies. Internal assistance devices. Implantable energy networks.

Each new group was subjected to the same criteria.

The system did not seem to be looking simply for the most powerful technology. It was looking for the most stable one: the one that could coexist with an organism, supply energy continuously, respond to changes in real time, function without leaving the body, and form a true integration.

The amount of information increased until it covered almost the entire room.

For a few seconds, it was difficult to distinguish one projection from another. Hundreds of models rotated at the same time. The data changed so quickly that even Jorge did not attempt to read all of it. Instead, he watched as the machine eliminated entire categories.

—It’s cross-referencing the functional results —he said.

Reichel nodded.

—And it’s also comparing the behavior of the technologies with Omega’s records.

Jorge looked at her.

—Why Omega?

—Because it is the sample we have on record as being linked to a real organism.

Selena directed her eyes toward her.

—Then the system is using that data as a reference.

—Yes.

Reichel brought one of the windows closer. Omega’s information appeared next to a medical record of an experimental implant. The two structures were compared. Then a second and a third appeared. All of them were marked with different levels of compatibility.

—It’s looking for functional similarities —Jorge said.

—Not structural similarities.

—Exactly.

The machine continued.

A system of artificial organs disappeared.

Then, an implantable power network. Next, an energy stimulation platform and, finally, a neuromechanical interface.

The options were becoming fewer and the search was becoming more precise.

The system modified its parameters. The text changed at the top of the table.

DIRECT ENERGY CONNECTION.

Then:

LIVING ORGANISM.

Then:

CONTINUOUS INTEGRATION.

And, finally:

STABILITY UNDER VARIABLE DEMAND.

Reichel stopped smiling. Now she followed the projections with absolute attention.

—There it is.

Jorge looked at the new set of results. There were still several technologies, but they were no longer hundreds. There were only a few: a military assistance system, an advanced medical interface, an experimental exoskeleton, a biomechanical support system, and another record that appeared at the end.

It was a different model, much more complex.

Jorge narrowed his eyes.

—What is that?

Reichel enlarged the projection.

The image became clear. A human body appeared in the center and, around it, a technological structure took shape.

It was not a prosthesis.

It was not an implant.

It was not a medical system.

It was a complete suit of armor.

The model slowly rotated, showing external plates, internal conduits, an energy network that ran throughout the entire structure and, at the center, near the torso, an integrated energy unit.

Reichel let out a small laugh.

—Well.

Jorge approached.

The system began displaying information.

ARMEX TECHNOLOGY.

The word remained suspended in blue before them.

Below it appeared the results of the comparison.

ENERGY INTEGRATION WITH ORGANISM: HIGH.

REAL-TIME RESPONSE: HIGH.

SUPPLY STABILITY: HIGH.

ADAPTATION TO BIOLOGICAL DEMAND: HIGH.

DEPENDENCE ON EXTERNAL SYSTEM: LOW.

The system performed one final comparison.

Omega’s structure appeared to one side. Then, the ARMEX model. The two images were aligned and the energy connection lines began to overlap.

They were not identical.

They did not even resemble each other in structure.

But they shared one fundamental characteristic.

The energy did not remain isolated from the organism.

It integrated with it.

Jorge observed the result for several seconds.

—That’s the closest thing we have.

Reichel nodded.

—Not just the closest thing.

She moved the information.

A new classification appeared.

HIGHEST FUNCTIONAL COMPATIBILITY AMONG KNOWN TECHNOLOGIES.

The name remained below.

ARMEX.

Selena approached the table a little more.

—So that’s the technology.

Jorge slightly shook his head.

—It’s the reference.

Selena kept her gaze on the model.

—The best one we have.

—Yes.

Helena observed the figures.

—Why does it surpass the others?

Reichel placed both hands on the table.

—Because ARMEX suits don’t merely supply energy to a structure that a person wears.

She enlarged the model.

The inside of the suit appeared: the core, the connections, the distribution network, and the contact points.

—The energy system is designed to respond to the organism. The suit can receive changes in demand, distribute energy according to movement, and maintain the connection while the user continues functioning.

Jorge added:

—The energy source remains integrated into the complete system during use.

Reichel nodded.

—And that’s exactly what we were looking for.

Helena observed the model of the suit.

—Then our hypothesis has a more solid foundation.

Jorge remained silent for a few seconds.

Then he answered:

—With the available information, yes.

Selena looked at Omega.

—Now we have to verify whether the functional similarity actually means something.

Reichel smiled.

—That’s easy to test.

Jorge understood immediately.

—The simulation.

—The same one.

Reichel raised a hand and the search disappeared. All secondary categories closed at the same time. Only Alpha, Beta, and Omega remained.

Then a fourth model appeared: the virtual human organism.

The representation began to form around the three samples.

—Let’s let the system do the rest —Reichel said.

Jorge nodded.

—Use the data collected so far.

—It’s already doing it.

The screens changed. The biological information from the three samples unfolded to one side; the metallic structure to the other. In the center appeared the available energy information and, afterward, the model of an organism.

The system began establishing a virtual connection.

First with Alpha.

A line of energy passed through the simulated body. The system registered the contact and then the percentage appeared.

INTEGRATION COMPATIBILITY: 94%.

Reichel observed the result.

—Ninety-four.

The connection remained stable. The virtual organism moved one hand and then its head. The vital indicators remained within limits.

Jorge checked the energy line.

—The transfer is maintained.

Then the system initiated the second test.

Beta.

The same process: connection, adaptation, and stability.

INTEGRATION COMPATIBILITY: 96%.

—A little higher —Reichel said.

The third model appeared.

Omega.

The translucent virtual sphere surrounded the body. The connection was established and the indicators began to rise.

The central screen displayed:

INTEGRATION COMPATIBILITY: 98%.

No one spoke.

For several seconds, they only watched the energy line between Omega and the organism. The connection did not fluctuate, did not break, and did not require an external source. The energy remained within the system.

Reichel slowly brought her face closer to the projection.

—Ninety-eight.

Jorge did not respond.

The simulation continued. The virtual organism began moving normally. It breathed, walked a few steps, and raised its arms. The connection remained stable.

Then, the energy indicators began to rise. The cellular structure received an increasing amount of energy.

A warning appeared.

BIOLOGICAL STRESS.

Reichel frowned slightly.

—Here it comes.

The system maintained the connection. The flow did not decrease.

The organism began to deteriorate. First, microscopic alterations appeared. Then, tissue damage. The virtual muscle fibers began to break apart and the internal structure lost stability.

The body fell to its knees.

But Omega continued functioning.

The transfer remained stable.

Jorge observed the difference.

—The connection is not failing.

—The organism is the one reaching its limit —Reichel replied.

The simulation continued. The deterioration accelerated and, a few minutes later, the entire model began to collapse.

The system stopped the test.

The result appeared on the screen.

STABLE CONNECTION DURATION: 4 MINUTES 37 SECONDS.

BIOLOGICAL INTEGRITY: COLLAPSE.

Selena observed the result without looking away.

—Omega really can maintain a direct connection.

Jorge nodded.

—Yes.

But before they could continue, the system automatically restarted the simulation.

Alpha.

The same test.

The connection was established.

The organism began functioning.

This time, the energy flow was lower. Stability was maintained for several minutes and the deterioration began more slowly.

Five minutes.

Ten.

Fifteen.

Twenty.

The organism’s structure continued functioning. At thirty minutes, significant damage began to appear.

Reichel observed the graph.

—Much slower.

Jorge nodded.

Beta followed the same process. The connection was established with high stability and the organism withstood the supply for longer, but the deterioration appeared again.

The simulation advanced.

Thirty minutes.

Then, the indicators began to cross the established limits. The virtual body lost stability and the test ended.

Reichel compared the three curves.

—Omega destroys the body much faster.

—Because its transfer is greater —Jorge said.

—And because it maintains the connection with greater stability.

Selena observed the three graphs.

—But we don’t know how much those values could increase under real conditions.

Jorge pointed to a warning that had just appeared.

—No.

The text expanded.

SIMULATION BASED ON PARTIAL ENERGY INFORMATION.

Reichel approached.

—There’s the other limitation.

Jorge nodded.

—We still haven’t determined the total energy capacity of any sample.

Helena looked at the records.

—Then those results don’t represent the limit either.

—No —Jorge replied—. They only represent the behavior using the amount of energy we have been able to estimate from the available data.

Reichel let out a short breath.

—Which means Omega could have much more.

Jorge did not respond immediately.

The screen once again showed the three samples: Alpha, Beta, and Omega, each enclosed in its translucent sphere and with an amount of energy they still could not fully measure.

Selena stared at Omega.

—And even with an estimated fraction of its capacity, the organism couldn’t withstand it.

Jorge looked at her.

—That’s what makes the data important.

Reichel lowered her hand. The simulations remained paused.

—Then the initial hypothesis holds.

Jorge reviewed the results one last time.

—It holds much better than before.

Helena kept her gaze on the ARMEX model that still remained at one end of the room.

—And we have a known technology that can serve as a reference.

—Yes —Jorge said.

Reichel smiled slightly.

—ARMEX suits.

The screen once again displayed the suit model alongside the three samples.

The comparison remained open, no longer as one possibility among hundreds of technologies, but as the starting point for the next stage.

Jorge extended a hand.

—Now we need to check what happens outside the simulation.

Reichel looked at him.

—The real samples?

—The real samples.

His eyes turned toward the three spheres.

—We already know they can establish an energy connection with an organism. Now we must determine how much they can transfer, how much that connection can withstand, and what conditions it needs to remain stable.

Reichel nodded slowly.

—Then we move from observing them to measuring them.

Helena maintained a calm expression.

—Do it.

The room fell silent once again. The screens continued displaying the result of the search: ARMEX, the known technology with the highest functional compatibility and, before it, three samples whose true energy capacity still remained hidden.

The hypothesis was no longer merely a possibility. Now they had a direction.

And that direction began with the ARMEX suits.

Some time had passed since the decision was made. Not too much. Enough for the hypothesis to leave the territory of simulations.

The metal door to the new sector opened automatically when the four of them arrived in front of it. Above the frame, a plaque descended from the ceiling and became illuminated in blue.

HIGH-RISK EXPERIMENT ROOM.

Helena entered first. Selena followed at a calm pace, while Reichel and Dr. Jorge walked behind them.

The room was spacious, much larger than the cyan chamber where they had conducted the first analyses. The white walls were crossed by blue lines of lighting that ran across the surface like artificial veins. Several lamps projected a yellowish light onto certain workstations, creating small warm contrasts within that space dominated by white and blue.

There were scientific tables distributed along the sides. On some rested perfectly arranged test tubes, sealed containers, and small analysis instruments. On others, high-precision microscopes connected to holographic systems could be seen.

At the back extended a huge screen. It was not completely physical. Part of it floated several centimeters in front of the wall, displaying the results of the previous analyses.

Alpha.

Beta.

Omega.

Their records remained there, waiting.

At the center of the room were three metal gurneys. They were different from those used in a hospital. Their structures had reinforced straps, articulated supports, and locking mechanisms capable of completely immobilizing a body.

There was no one on them yet.

Reichel surveyed the place with her eyes.

—Much more welcoming than the previous room.

Jorge looked at her over his glasses.

—We are not here to receive visitors.

Reichel smiled.

—I know, doctor.

Helena took a few steps forward.

—Is everything ready?

Jorge looked toward the stations.

—Not yet.

Selena remained close to her.

—Then let’s prepare what is necessary.

Behind them, the door opened again. Two guards entered pushing a large sealed compartment mounted on a four-wheeled platform.

The container was completely opaque. It had no windows or transparent panels, only a gray metallic surface, reinforced at each corner and crossed by sealing lines.

The two men moved slowly until they left it beside one of the walls.

Neither of them said a word.

Jorge observed the compartment.

—Leave it there.

The guards obeyed.

The heavy container remained motionless.

For an instant, the laboratory fell silent again.

Reichel then approached one of the walls and placed her palm against it. The white surface lit up. A rectangular section opened and descended outward, transforming into a holographic console.

—Now we’re ready.

Jorge did the same on the opposite wall. Another console appeared and both began working at the same time.

Their fingers moved across the projections.

The room responded.

Hidden panels began to open. Three circular metal structures emerged from the floor and, at the same time, three more descended from the ceiling. Each had a round device at its end, resembling an energy emitter without a barrel.

They had no hands.

They did not need them.

A circular opening was located in the center of each mechanism.

Reichel entered a sequence.

The six devices awakened.

A deep hum swept through the room. Translucent energy fields emerged from the emitters.

Helena watched as the three spheres began to rise: the one containing the cloud, the one containing the cube, and the one enclosing the small star.

The fields surrounded them. All three were lifted with precision and guided toward their respective supports.

Each sphere remained suspended between two emitters.

One above.

Another below.

The mechanisms closed around them. Then they began emitting containment pulses.

The spheres stopped moving.

Jorge checked the indicators.

—Stable fixation.

Reichel nodded.

—All three.

The lower systems opened again. Three energy connections emerged from the floor and extended toward the gurneys. Each one connected to the corresponding support.

The room was beginning to transform.

It no longer looked like a laboratory intended merely to study objects. It looked like a facility built to keep them restrained while something unknown was forced to reveal its nature.

Helena observed the three gurneys.

—And the biological connections?

—Ready —Jorge replied.

Reichel raised one hand. Three mechanical arms emerged from the upper structures. Each ended in a circular connection module containing a thin cable.

It did not look like a simple electrical connection. It was designed to establish direct contact with the body’s nervous and energetic system.

Reichel checked its parameters.

—Interface response ready.

Jorge made one final check.

—Then we can receive them.

As if it had been waiting for that phrase, the door opened again.

Four guards entered. Three of them pushed security gurneys. On each was an unconscious man. They wore black uniforms, and the straps kept their arms, legs, and torso immobilized.

Their faces remained expressionless.

They did not know where they were.

They did not know what was going to happen.

The fourth guard carried several metal compartments and opened them. Inside were three ARMEX suits.

They were not heavy combat models. Their structure was more reminiscent of advanced sports equipment. The dark material fit the body like a second skin, reinforced by lightweight metal plates placed over the chest, shoulders, arms, thighs, and legs. Small conduits ran along the joints.

The helmet corresponding to each suit remained separate.

There were no unnecessary decorations.

Everything was designed for a function.

Helena turned toward the guard leading the group.

—Are they the requested condemned prisoners?

—Yes, ma’am. The three requested death-row prisoners.

The man paused.

—Where would you like us to leave them?

Helena looked at the three gurneys.

—First, put the ARMEX suits on them.

The guard nodded.

—Afterward?

—Afterward, secure them to the gurneys. I don’t want them to wake up until they are connected.

—Understood.

The guards began to work.

They opened the first suit and removed the subject’s clothing only as much as necessary to put on the ARMEX. The pieces were fitted around the unconscious body and the material closed over the torso. The plates were secured, and then the arm and leg protections were put in place. Finally, they adjusted the helmet.

The same procedure was repeated with the other two.

When they finished, the three bodies were already covered by those black suits.

The guards transferred each one to its metal gurney. The straps closed over their wrists, ankles, waist, and torso, while an internal mechanism checked the tension.

COMPLETE RESTRAINT.

The guards stepped back.

—Subjects secured.

Helena nodded.

—You may leave.

The men left the room and the door closed behind them.

Now only the four researchers, the three samples, and the three unconscious bodies remained.

Reichel observed the subjects for a few seconds. Her usual smile had disappeared.

Jorge remained in front of the console.

—Whenever you’re ready.

Helena did not take her eyes off the gurneys.

—Begin.

Reichel breathed slowly and then touched the console.

The lights in the room dimmed.

The three spheres received the first pulses.

One.

Two.

Three.

Nothing.

Reichel modified the frequency.

Another set of pulses.

Nothing.

Jorge observed the data.

—Change the pattern.

Reichel obeyed. The energy once again traveled through the supports, but the spheres remained motionless.

They tried several sequences: different frequencies, different intervals, and variations in intensity. Some caused small fluctuations; others were rejected.

Until Reichel stopped her hands.

—Wait.

Jorge raised his gaze.

Reichel had reduced the sequence. The pulses began repeating with a different pattern, more irregular and resembling biological activity rather than a mechanical signal.

Jorge observed the records.

The graph began to move.

—What did you do?

—I modified the frequency to approximate patterns of brain activity.

The three spheres reacted.

It was not an explosion.

There was no flash.

It was something much subtler.

The fields around them began to vibrate and an energy line appeared between the supports and the spheres.

Reichel’s eyes widened slightly.

—They responded.

Jorge leaned toward the screen. The data began multiplying.

—Record it.

Reichel was already doing so.

—Recorded.

She sent the same sequence again.

The three spheres responded once more, this time with greater intensity.

Jorge observed the patterns.

—Maintain that frequency.

Reichel obeyed.

The three systems began emitting energy. The cables connected to the upper structures lit up and the energy traveled along the lines until it reached the ARMEX suits.

The three suits awakened.

At first, there were small impulses: an involuntary movement of the fingers, followed by a contraction in the arms. The bodies began to tremble.

Reichel observed the biological readings.

—They’re waking up.

Jorge checked the connections.

—Not completely yet.

The mechanical arms descended and the circular modules positioned themselves behind the bodies. The interface cables entered the connectors prepared on the back of the ARMEX suits.

There was no blood.

Only a mechanical click.

Then, a discharge.

The three bodies tensed. One of the men opened his eyes and his breathing became irregular. The other two began making confused sounds. They were not completely awake, but they were no longer unconscious either. Their brains were trapped between both states.

Reichel observed the reading.

—Interface stable.

Jorge nodded.

—Activate the connection.

Reichel executed the command.

The three spheres responded and the energy began to flow. At first it was minimal. The ARMEX suits absorbed the supply and the metal plates of the three suits tightened around the bodies. The muscles began to contract and the subjects trembled.

Jorge raised his gaze.

—Five percent.

Reichel entered the value.

—Five percent.

The energy increased and the three bodies began to convulse. Their arms struck against the restraints and their legs tensed, while the muscles in their necks became prominent beneath their skin.

The ARMEX suits responded at the same time. The plates closed with greater force and small luminous lines appeared between them.

Reichel observed the data.

—Elevated muscular response.

—Continue.

Ten percent.

The convulsions increased. One of the subjects arched his back against the gurney and the metal creaked under the tension. The ARMEX began distributing the energy throughout the body. The leg actuators contracted and the plates on the arms tightened.

The suit’s strength was increasing.

But the body inside it was not prepared to receive that.

The vital signs began to rise.

Reichel swallowed.

—The temperature is rising.

Jorge remained impassive.

—Record it.

Twenty percent.

The change was immediate.

The three bodies shook more violently. One of them let out a muffled scream, another opened his eyes completely, and the third began to bleed slightly from the nose. The veins in their arms stood out beneath the skin.

The ARMEX suits continued functioning.

The suits could withstand the energy.

The bodies could not.

Reichel looked at the graph.

—The suit’s response remains stable.

—And the subjects?

—Deteriorating.

Jorge kept his gaze on the three screens.

—Continue.

Thirty percent.

The energy passed through the connections. The subject linked to the star sphere began convulsing violently. The restraints tightened and the ARMEX emitted a high-pitched sound. Then another. A small column of smoke began escaping from the torso area.

Reichel turned around.

—Overload.

The suit sparked and a discharge traveled across the plates. The body beneath them arched. The condemned man’s eyes opened completely and, an instant later, small lines of blood appeared around them.

Blood also began coming from his ears and nose. His jaw trembled and a dark thread appeared at the corner of his mouth.

The body continued convulsing. The internal temperature skyrocketed, the organs began to fail, and the brain tissue could not withstand the load.

The heart lost its rhythm.

The skin began to redden beneath the ARMEX. Then areas of burns appeared.

The subject stopped screaming.

His body gave one final jolt. The indicators shot up and then fell.

The cardiac line became still.

At the same time, the internal damage reached the brain and the heart.

Death was immediate.

Reichel remained motionless for a second.

—It stopped.

Jorge was already executing the shutdown.

—Cut the connection.

Reichel obeyed. The energy disappeared and the ARMEX stopped emitting pulses.

White vapor began to emerge from the cooling system located above the gurney. The gas enveloped the body while rapidly reducing the temperature of the suit and the subject.

Helena observed the corpse.

Her expression did not change.

—Continue with the other two.

Reichel looked away from the body and returned to the console.

Jorge checked the remaining parameters.

—Forty percent.

The second connection increased.

The subject linked to the cube began convulsing. The ARMEX responded, the plates tightened, and the energy traveled through his limbs. His body began trembling violently and the temperature rose again.

But this time the structure held.

For the moment.

Fifty percent.

The second suit began to spark. The man opened his mouth, but he did not manage to scream. His body arched and his muscles contracted brutally. Brain activity skyrocketed.

Then it disappeared.

The damage had reached the brain.

The nervous system collapsed before the ARMEX could stop the transfer.

The body became motionless.

Reichel looked at the data.

—Second subject dead.

Jorge cut the energy.

The cooling system activated again and white vapor covered the gurney.

The third subject remained connected.

Beta.

The energy continued flowing.

Fifty percent.

The ARMEX began to overload. The plates vibrated and the body trembled. The neurological indicators began to fall.

Reichel observed the screen.

—His brain activity is disappearing.

The suit released a discharge.

Then another.

The subject became rigid.

A final spasm ran through his limbs.

The indicators descended to zero.

Silence.

Jorge shut down the connection.

The cooling vapor once again filled the space above the third gurney.

Three subjects.

Three ARMEX suits.

Three samples.

And three bodies that no longer responded.

Reichel remained in front of the screens. Her fingers were still resting on the console.

For the first time since they had begun the investigation, none of the data seemed to require interpretation.

The three samples could establish the connection.

The suits could receive it.

And the human body could become the limit.

Jorge slowly closed the final results window.

The room was once again illuminated by that white and blue light.

No one said anything.

Only the sound of the cooling system remained, cooling the three ARMEX suits that had survived their own users

________________________________________

END OF Chapter 130 The path continues...

New Chapters are revealed every

Sunday, and also between Wednesday or Thursday,

when the will of the tale so decides.

Each one leaves another scar on Sebastián’s journey.

If this abyss resonated with you,

keep it in your collection

and leave a mark: a comment, a question, an echo.

Your presence keeps alive the flame that shapes this world.

Thank you for walking by my side.

If this story resonated with you, perhaps we have already crossed paths in another corner of the digital world. Over there, they know me as Goru SLG.

I want to thank from the heart all the people who are reading and supporting this work. Your time, your comments, and your support keep this world alive.

If this story resonated with you, I invite you to support me — your presence and backing make it possible for.