Chapter 16: Chapter 16

"The Metz Gala is one of the most respected occasion in the world. So brace yourselves for glamour and several dignitaries."

The Trainer stated in a stern voice as their Black Limousine threaded the path to the venue.  But all Lola could comprehend under the blue lights was the beauty of how everyone looked. They were all dressed in perfectly tailored black suits and she found Trevor most charming. The sternness imprinted on his face just seemed to be in perfect harmony with his outfit. Perhaps due to her first time seeing him in something different made her react this way, she still loved the feeling regardless.

"So what are these?" Collins who was rightly seated beside her tousled her thoughts with his question. Only then did she notice the assortments of contact lens that had appeared on the table amidst them.

"This," The Trainer pronounced as he picked a blue contact lens, raising the object midair. "Is a nanotechnology Contact Lens built specially by Doctor Roberts."

Collins hummed as he picked an Hazel Contact lens cautiously.

"So how does this nano tech work?"

"Wearing it to your eyes, of course. It scans and record actions of every person you come across. Then it sends the signals across Service who in turn interprets it into a message."

She picked a contact lens donning a shade of blue, peering at the soft material suspiciously. She wondered how an object so small and light could perform those actions Trevor yapped about or how Doctor Roberts managed to build it in the first place.

"I wonder if this stuff is safe for our eyes." She mumbled.

"Yeah, cos I'm not ready to go blind for a useless operation." Michael added opposite her.

"Trust me, it's one hundred percent non hazardous." The Trainer answered before placing his lens down.

"Now let me remind you all that this operation should be flawless because any slight mistake can jeopardize everything." He continued in sternness but somehow she knew he was just as nervous as they were.

"You all should act just like we've practiced. Marcus?"

"Orchestra." Marcus sighed.

"Rita and Mike?"

"The Servers." They both affirmed and for the first time, she saw complete seriousness on Michael's face. Although, that didn't still warrant her trust and perhaps the others too. For Michael was one too stupid to ruin everything with his useless laughs.

"Theodore?"

"The Security department." The blonde answered as he rolled his eyes.

"Collins?"

"The fucking moderator!" He growled beside her.

"And Lola and I are playing the couple." The Trainer asserted. "Now let me remind you again that none of us are required to play any other roles except that given to you. Also, you shall have no communication of any sort with each other and above all," he paused his lips. "Which is the most important rule of all. No one and I repeat no one should be in contact with Doctor Roberts during and after the party." He implied but the last rule of his still seemed to dose her in confusion. The Doctor had invited them over yet he needed them to act like total strangers.

"Just in case any of us cover is blown please just say the command word ABORT." Rita added in the same stern mannerism The Trainer used.

"I just can't wait till all these is over." Theodore sighed.

"Me neither." Marcus added.

"I hope this nonsense operation worth it." Collins scoffed.

"Even though we remain in the dark about this Metz Gala thingy, I know Doctor Roberts is doing this for a reason." She uttered solemnly as they focused on her. "And I also know we have our fears too but we shouldn't let it overcome us. We can do this!"

"Well thanks for the motivational speech Lola, but it's not needed." Collins retorted. "Let's just get this nonsense over with already."

############

Lola had envisioned the Metz Gala to be a grand occasion but what struck her vision was beyond expectations. As she strolled gingerly on her stilettos, arms intertwined with Trevor, she couldn't help but gawk at the level of glamour and several high profiles gracing the occasion. Champagne dancing with their fingers as they chattered to each other in cliques.

The lights were a gleaming blessing of gold and the orchestra toned the chill atmosphere with a fine play of inspiring classic music. Suite for Variety Orchestra No. 1, Op. 50b VII. Waltz No. 2.

Her eyes then fell to the Piano where, Marcus dazzling in his gold suit jacket as he played. It then ranged to Rita and Michael effortlessly touring amidst the people with golden trays lined with fine glasses of Champagne.

"Remind me again, what is the Metz Gala?" She whispered to Trevor as they relaxed to a table of four.

"It's a socioeconomic awards party obviously meant for the powerful, the rich and influential." Trevor answered. "Amazed right?" He added with a profound smile.

She exhaled at the breathtaking view. In this case, amazement was an understatement.

"May I have this dance?" Trevor asked politely as the course of music changed. Marcus solemnly playing,

Dolly Suite, Op. 56 I. Berceuse.

She hesitated for moments, puzzling if she would be able to handle such closeness.

"I'm no good dancer." She lied.

"We're on the same boat then." He chuckled and she heaved a light sigh before succumbing to his request. He slid his right arm across her waist and the other holding hers. His breaths swarmed across her cheeks giving her tingling sensations. She looked into his cheerful blue eyes and smiled. It was the only logical thing to do rather than blush.

"Do you have any idea why Doctor Roberts asked for all these charades?" She asked in hopes to avoid the burning sensation brewing within her.

Her wriggled his head slowly.

"Unfortunately, no. But I do know he'll tell us sooner or later." She nodded while her eyes flowed to few others dancing. "At the moment, all we need to do is focus on our tasks."

"I'm worried that something might go wrong." She sighed lightly. "Collins can be north and south up to mischievous things and you know Michael too. Both of them are the goats amongst us."

He sighed too, changing his gaze from her to the crowd.

"Hopefully, they don't mess up." He paused for a brief moment. "Did I fail to mention how stunning you look in this dress." He remarked with a cheery grin. She arched her eyebrow upwards, her heart pacing in harmony and her cheeks which she was certain were a blushing red by now.

"You almost did." She chuckled, mesmerized by the affection in his eyes.

"Forgive me, milady." He courteously responded.

"Apology accepted." She chuckled again, loathing herself for blushing easily around his presence. Regardless, she enjoyed it. And if anything were to go wrong, it wouldn't be her dance with a charming man.

#########

"Service, how long before we arrive the Metz Gala?"  Doctor Roberts queried from the back seat of his self driving car.

"Ten minutes sir." The AI answered while he nodded.

"How about my team?"

"Faring well, sir."

"That's weird. By now, I believe they should have caused one commotion or the other." Doctor Roberts chattered.

"Perhaps the devil hasn't decided to use them yet." Service replied while he grinned.

"Indeed. Scan analysis?"

"It's complete sir. Would you like to review it before we arrive Metz Gala?"

He wore a tiny smile.

"Yes. How many guests do we have there?" His eyes flowed to the 3D hologram that appeared from the dashboard displaying videos and several pictures of the ongoing events at Metz Gala.

"Three hundred, sir."

He hummed, mentally impressed by the large numbers gracing the occasion.

"Can you give me the estimates of profiles hailing from Rivernea precisely around the three districts where the EMP was stolen?"

"In a moment sir." He watched the hologram shuffle images briskly until it produced four images. "Approximately four sir. Mr. Williams, the senator of District AB where the EMP was stolen. His deputy, Mrs. Roswell. Mr. Martins, senator of neighbouring District and Mrs. Tina, another senator of a neighbouring District."

Doctor Roberts heaved a sigh and then squinting his eyes at the images while he rubbed his chin.

"Do something for me Service, I want eyes on these four and the people they interact with. That'll be all for now."

"On it." His AI answered. "We've arrived the Metz Gala, sir."

Doctor Roberts heaved another light sigh as his luxurious executive car drove to a solemn halt. He beamed a smile to his right.

"Alright Ariel, let's go." He muttered to the little girl before their doors automatically opened. Welcoming them with hordes of reporters hustling to get a click of him and his little one.

He adjusted his suit briefly before following after the security men that accompanied him into the majestic building.

He reviewed the building carefully, observing his team were in position. Although he still found it surprising none of them had gone down south. He smiled feeling the eyes on him as he toured amidst people.

"Mr. Williams!" He pitched as he walked to the senator with a glass of champagne in his left hand.  The senator turned from the ladies to him, his face full of smile.

"Doctor Roberts!" The man sounded in his fine silky voice. "It's a pleasure seeing you again." They briefly shook hands.

"Indeed!" He smiled but quickly wore it down with a dampened expression. "I heard about the Military attack and weapon, so how are the investigations faring?"

The senator took a gentle gulp of his champagne before answering.

"Fruitless but I won't rest until we get to the bottom of this. We all know what can happen if that weapon falls in the wrong hands."

"Exactly!" He avowed before taking a sip of his drink. "Inspiring music, don't you think?" He glanced at Marcus briefly.

"Indeed!" The senator chirped with a renewed smile lighting his face. "Certainly better than the last we had in previous years." They both nodded. "I'll be recommending that pianist to play for our forthcoming annual Dé Deluxe Piano Concerto."

"That was very thoughtful of you, Mr. Williams. Please if you'll excuse me, I need to say hi to some fellas!" He grinned courteously at the Senator who simply nodded in understanding.

He walked towards the table where Mr. Martins, Mrs. Roswell and Mrs Tina occupied.

"Bonsoir." He greeted as he joined in on their conversation.

"Ahh Doctor Roberts." Mrs. Roswell pitched excitedly. "And for a moment we all thought you wouldn't be gracing this year's occasion."

"Why won't I?" He rhetorically questioned while they laughed.

"Although you're late. The party is almost ending with one award left." Mr. Martins interjected. Doctor Roberts laughed again.

"Pardon my punctuality." He joked before wearing an empathizing look.

"And please accept my deepest condolences to our fallen soldiers who were recently attacked." He gestured politely while their faces resigned into uneasiness intertwined with sadness.

"Their deaths wouldn't be in vain Doctor Roberts." Mrs. Tina was first to answer.

"We still haven't found the EMP too. We all know how dangerous it can be in the wrong hands." Mrs. Roswell added in a lowly voice.

"Perhaps we should be in contact with the Chief-in-Power, I'm sure he'll be of help." Doctor Roberts offered whilst peering suspiciously into their eyes consumed in horrific awe.

"I don't think that will be needed. I'm certain in the coming weeks--"

"---- a man who is doing so much for the world with his technology advancement and unending contribution for the society. Please, let's welcome," Collin's voice interrupted their discussion yet Doctor Roberts smiled. Admiring Collins formalities and eloquence.

"Doctor Roberts Shanghai!"

The crowd cheered with powerful rounds of applause while Doctor Roberts gingerly climbed up the stage to receive his award.

With the golden award in his hands he turned to the crowd who now resigned into silence for his speech.

"Good evening everyone." He cleared his throat while he adjusted the microphone.  He studied the crowd for minutes once again before speaking finally.

"In 2020, the world's greatest catastrophe befell us. It wiped half of humanity and in one way or the other took something that was dear to us." He paused mentally recalling his family. "But that doesn't mean we should live in hopelessness because the truth is, bad things happen. It's now a matter of choice if we choose to rise or fall. I have chosen to stand and I believe contributing to the world's development today is our chief responsibility. Believe me or not, whatever decision every individual takes affects our world in one way or the other. We are all agents of change. So I'm endearing us all, to rise above the disappointment the world had gifted because if we do that," he paused yet again. "we can make the world a safer and a better place. Thank you."

He finished while the crowd exploded into another round of powerful cheers. Without further ado, he exited the building alongside Ariel. Progressing into his self driving car condensed with reporters while his bouncers cleared the path.

"Status report, Service." He asked as the vehicle trotted and immediately an hologram displayed, visualizing only an image of a man he knew not.

"Who is he?"

"Charlie Hale." Service answered. "And according to my research, there is not much documentation about him. Except for the fact he deals with shady businesses with several high ranking officers in Rivernea."

Doctor Roberts hummed with a smile spreading on his lips.

"I think we might have found ourselves a lead to our lost EMP."