PROJECT NABLA

ZEROTH

PHASE ZERO

By far, this was the liveliest night on the most secluded island in the world called The Delta Island. Located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, this island spans a 10,000 square mile area. It has extremely rich vegetation, with white sand beaches on its edges. The only trace of modernity in this haven is the mid-rise Delta Tower, sitting in the heart of the island.

The Delta Tower is a 15 level facility. If seen from above, the architectural design mirrors the uppercase Greek letter Delta.

In the middle of the facility, a wide triangular open-space that can host a big gathering can be found. On a normal day, this area serves as a playground for experimental scientists, but tonight, it was set to host the biggest festivity in its history.

An approximately thousand scientists with different fields of expertise flocked to the venue. They were all in their most expensive corporate attire. Three-piece suits for men and sparkly evening gowns for women. With expensive wines served, the soft strobe of lights coming from every corner, and the relaxing sound of music, the overall vibe of the gathering is akin to that of an expensive wedding venue.

Eros, the newest and youngest member of this highly classified endeavor, entered the venue with a very serious expression. His aura was demanding, that almost all heads turned just to observe him as he traverses the scarlet red carpet up to the front row seats.

"Acknowledging the presence of Dr. Eros Cloud Gardner, the newly-appointed Cosmological Physics Division Head," the mechanical voice of a woman reverberated in the open space.

With an all-black three-piece suit, the young scientist looks equally respectable as the older and high-ranking scientists. He holds 6 doctoral degrees under his sleeves and in the realm of science, it would embody your worth and excellence. Not to mention that he earned those at a very young age.

Almost everyone seems to be intimidated, including some of the higher-ups.  Without a word, he swiftly grabbed a glass of wine and made his way to his assigned seat without even responding to any of the salutations thrown at him along the way.

"Made it on time," Eros murmured while peeking at his wristwatch which indicates 7:30:00 PM. For a brief moment, his expression softened knowing that he made on his seat neither early nor late. He always thrives for perfection, and these little things can't escape from his watch.

"Let it be known to Dr. Hofstadter that he should not delay everything as I can't afford to waste the fourth parameter of my inertial frame of reference just to attend to his dramas," he coldly said to one of the headmaster's assistants.

The lady nodded and left without hesitancy just to deliver his message to the headmaster, the one who holds the highest position in this project.

Moments later, the headmaster appeared on the stage wearing an irritating grin on his face, at least in Eros' eyes.

"A pleasant evening, ladies and gentlemen!" Dr. Hofstadter, the headmaster announced. "We are gathered here tonight to witness the first-ever extraterrestrial life our species, the Homo sapiens have discovered!"

The loud cheers of delight and excitement from the scientists filled the three corners of the wide-open space. It was as if everyone rejoiced that a miracle happened.