story prompts.

prompt # 8

Chaos reigns as the fabric of our world unravels, on the brink of collapse. Anxiety and fear are palpable, etched into every face I encounter. Children grapple with confusion, unable to comprehend why safety measures confine them indoors. The outside world grows increasingly perilous.

I am Estelle Sarina Orante, a medical specialist affiliated with Astro Gen. My journey began upon graduating from medical school, where I distinguished myself as a top performer. Through unwavering dedication and resilience, I earned my place within this esteemed organization. Over the years, I have contributed to the development of numerous life-enhancing technologies, each one a testament to our mission to better humanity. It is this commitment that finds me at the heart of our headquarters today.

We were summoned for an urgent meeting. Upon entering the conference room, I observed a palpable sense of panic, stress, and worry among the attendees. My gaze landed on my friend, Leonetta Ula Relleve, the CEO, who was visibly attempting to address the concerns raised. It was evident she, too, was feeling the strain. Letting out a deep sigh, I took it upon myself to address the room. By clearing my throat loudly, I quickly garnered everyone's attention.

"If I may request everyone to please compose themselves and return to their seats," I stated formally. "Rest assured, your inquiries will be addressed, but for now, let us proceed with the meeting." With that, the room settled down as individuals resumed their seats. A smile from my friend acknowledged my intervention. "Very well. As we are all aware, a video message was broadcasted citywide yesterday." Leonetta commenced her explanation as the digital screen displayed a peculiar blue-green creature with eyes as dark as voids.

"Leonetta activates the video, and a chilling voice fills the room as the creature begins to speak. It accuses us of disturbing its people and taking something that rightfully belongs to them. In retaliation, it threatens to wreak havoc on our world. However, it offers a truce if we return what belongs to them. The dilemma lies in our ignorance of what exactly that item is. I've already instructed my team to conduct research and scour through files in search of clues."

"Ms. Orante?" Leonetta's voice snaps me back to reality, a trance I hadn't realized I had slipped into. Sheepishly, I glance around the room, having zoned out, staring at the blank screen. "I apologize. Could you please repeat what you were saying?" With a deep breath, I refocus on the meeting. "I was asking for an update on the creature's demands." Leonetta cocks her head, and I shake mine in response.

"We're currently combing through the laboratory for any files, missions, or specimens that might be relevant to the creature's habitat, but so far, we've come up empty-handed," I explain politely. Leonetta nods in understanding. "And where is General Myong?" she inquires. Almost as if summoned by Leonetta's question, General Myong enters the room, slightly out of breath. "Apologies for the delay and interruption, Madam Relleve," she offers.

"Please take a seat, General." Leonetta motioned toward the chair beside her, which happened to be adjacent to mine. General Myong made her way to the seat, acknowledging me with a nod and a grin. Myong Ju-hee, our city's general, was not only one of Leonetta's closest confidantes but also a secret known only to me. In official capacities, she was referred to as General Myong or General Ju-hee, but in private, she preferred the name Jasmine.

"I was attending to our borders," she reported to Leonetta, who responded, "Very well. Let's proceed with the meeting," prompting nods from everyone in the room.

As the meeting drew to a close, Leonetta requested that Jasmine, Officer Lenaro, Lead Scientist Pendley, and myself remain. It was then that the true discussion commenced. Once the door was securely shut, Leonetta activated a button, revealing a map of our city.

"Did you really have to make such a grand entrance earlier?" I whispered to Jasmine. She chuckled softly. "Thought you enjoyed a bit of drama," she retorted.

As we walked past us, Leonetta softly urged, "Could you please cease the bickering?" I acknowledged her with a nod. "As previously discussed, this situation is a high-risk emergency," Leonetta emphasized, "where everything we've built may be at stake."

"All personnel are currently under full lockdown," Jasmine informed us. "I've deployed all available soldiers to the borders and patrols are ongoing."

"That's reassuring," Leonetta remarked. Officer Lenaro raised a hand to speak, drawing our attention. "Have we devised any solutions?" he inquired. "Regrettably, no," Leonetta sighed. "We've attempted negotiation for a peaceful resolution, but they insist on reclaiming what they believe is rightfully theirs," Lead Scientist Pendley interjected.

"Could we consider a preemptive strike?" Lenaro proposed, causing my eyes to widen. How could he suggest such a thing when we're clearly at fault? "This might involve utilizing advanced weaponry and strategic maneuvers," he elaborated. Pendley and I exchanged knowing glances, both understanding the folly of such an approach. I glanced at Jasmine, surprised to find her nodding in agreement.

Surely, she couldn't support such a reckless course of action. It would only lead to our downfall. "I don't believe that's wise," Pendley interjected. All eyes turned to him, and sensing his discomfort, I stepped in to support him. "I concur," I added, redirecting the attention to myself. "While safeguarding the city is paramount, we must also consider the potential repercussions of aggression and explore avenues for a peaceful resolution."

Jasmine cautions that adopting a 'peace and love' approach could endanger lives. I observed my brows knitting together. "It's likely to exacerbate our problems," I argued. "This isn't the right course of action," I added. Jasmine, however, supports Lenaro's proposal, asserting it could resolve numerous issues. Pendley attempted to intervene, but Jasmine remained resolute.

"Much is at stake here," Lenaro emphasized. I couldn't help but roll my eyes, feeling frustrated with the military duo. "Yes, a lot is at stake, but their plan is problematic," I remarked. Leonetta seemed swayed. "You call it a problem; I call it a solution," Jasmine countered defiantly, earning a glare from me. Suddenly, I found myself vehemently criticizing the plan, caught up in the moment. With Jasmine's proud demeanor, I knew she wouldn't yield, and indeed, she matched my fervor.

Our argument escalated, with Pendley and Lenaro attempting to defuse the tension. "Both of you, enough!" Leonetta commanded, bringing our bickering to a halt as we turned our attention to her. "Your conflict isn't helping us find a solution," Leonetta remarked, her tone now gentle and diplomatic. "I suggest you both take a walk." We protested, but Leonetta's pointed gaze left us with no choice. "Separately," she clarified. I sighed and acquiesced, gathering my belongings and stepping out. Jasmine followed quietly behind me.

As the door shut behind us, I caught Jasmine's voice uttering, "This is your doing." I turned to her, disbelief etched on my face. "My doing?" I exclaimed incredulously. She nodded, prompting a scoff from me. "How could this possibly be my responsibility, Jasmine?" Her eyes widened at the use of her nickname. "Lower your voice," she cautioned. I rolled my eyes once more. "I thought you enjoyed it when I spoke up?" I countered. She chuckled, her tongue poking at the side of her cheek. "If only you had let us proceed with the plan, we wouldn't find ourselves out of the office," she lamented.

"As I've said before, no. That plan was flawed," I interjected. "Those beings serve a purpose on this planet. If we simply eradicate them, we become nothing more than a murderous species. We'll antagonize others left and right." She fell silent at my words. "Furthermore, they could offer valuable insights. Embracing their existence might lead to advancements in technology," I elaborated. She nodded slowly. "Alright," she conceded. I grinned.

"I'm going for a walk now," I declared. She gently took hold of my hand. "You'll still come see me later?" she inquired. I smiled at her. "That depends. You've managed to irk me," I teased. She pouted, pleading. "Please." I chuckled, lightly patting her cheek. "Of course. But first, I need to attend to some files in the lab." Her face lit up. "Goodbye, General Myong," I called out as I strolled away from her.

I find myself seated in my office, meticulously scanning the pages of the fourth file I've reviewed. My gaze drifts towards the growing stack of files in the corner of my desk, prompting a weary sigh. It's becoming evident that this evening will extend longer than anticipated. Regrettably, I'll need to notify Jasmine of the cancellation. Stretching in my chair, I resolve to persevere. With determination, I return to the contents of the file in hand, hopeful that a solution to this tragedy will eventually reveal itself.