Chapitre 7: Chapter 7
The constant sound of machines working and drones buzzing filled the air as Alex watched from a distance how his home was being completely transformed. In just two days, the reconstruction had progressed at an impressive pace. Ariel had calculated every detail with precision, and the robots worked tirelessly, assembling a modern structure that far exceeded what had once been his home.
The old rustic house Alex had lived in was gone, replaced by a structure that looked like something out of a millionaire's dream. The building now stood tall, five stories high, and took up a large portion of the property. Alex walked toward the entrance, followed by his dogs, who never left his side. As he approached, the front door—made of a reinforced material he couldn't immediately identify—opened automatically.
Inside, he was greeted by a blend of modernity and luxury. The floors gleamed beneath his feet, covered with sleek, durable materials. The walls, adorned with elegant panels, projected a warm atmosphere thanks to the ambient heating system that maintained an ideal temperature.
As he continued, the dogs followed closely, exploring their new surroundings with curiosity. Soon, they stumbled upon one of the first surprises: a room designed especially for them. It was a spacious area, complete with leather couches for the dogs to rest on, automated toys that moved with sensors, and feeding stations that dispensed food precisely at pre-set times. There was even an exercise and play area to keep the dogs active.
Alex laughed, seeing the level of care Ariel had put into designing a luxury space even for the dogs. "Did they really need such a... sophisticated room?" he asked, stroking the head of one of the dogs.
"The living conditions of the dogs must be optimal to ensure their physical and emotional well-being," Ariel responded. "The design of the space ensures that they will remain in perfect condition for their function on the farm."
Alex nodded and continued his tour. Entering the main living room, he was even more surprised. The room was enormous, with high ceilings and a screen that covered almost an entire wall, creating a home theater experience. The leather sofas and reclining chairs were arranged in a semi-circle, with a surround sound system integrated into the walls. It was more than he had ever imagined having.
"Is all of this really necessary?" Alex asked, looking at the screen. "A home theater, drones everywhere, and more. I'm not sure I'll have time to watch movies with everything that's happening."
"Leisure time is necessary to maintain your mental health under elevated stress conditions," Ariel explained in her usual tone. "Recreation improves cognitive function and allows for greater productivity in critical situations."
Alex sighed, though he couldn't help but smile. "I guess having a comfortable place to relax isn't so bad."
He decided to climb the elegant spiral staircase leading to the upper floors. The house, with five levels, was designed to maximize space. Each floor had multiple rooms that could comfortably accommodate several people. Entering one of them, Alex noticed the quality of the finishes: large beds with luxury linens, wall-mounted screens, and individual temperature control systems in each room. It looked more like a luxury hotel than a farmhouse.
"So many guest rooms?" he commented as he walked through the space. "I don't even have anyone else here. Why so many guest rooms?"
"The design is optimized to accommodate multiple people if necessary. In the event that your family or others need shelter, you will be able to host them without compromising personal space," Ariel explained logically.
The next level left him even more surprised. A fully equipped gym stretched out before him, featuring the latest exercise machines. Treadmills, free weights, and even a functional training section occupied the space. Alex looked around, knowing exactly what Ariel was about to say next.
"Really? A full gym? Are you going to keep forcing me to work out?" he asked, resigned.
"Maintaining your physical condition is crucial to ensuring your survival," Ariel replied. "Although your vital functions are being controlled, your body still needs regular physical activity to prevent muscle and bone deterioration. Exercise also helps improve endurance and responsiveness in unexpected situations."
Alex plopped down on one of the treadmills, laughing to himself. "Sure, because with everything going on, what I need most is a high-intensity workout."
"Good physical health increases your chances of surviving extreme conditions," Ariel insisted, leaving no room for humor.
"All right, I get it," Alex muttered, standing up again.
As he climbed to the next floor, Alex encountered an even bigger surprise: an indoor pool, complete with a jacuzzi on the side. The water shimmered under the soft lights on the ceiling, and the temperature in the room was warm and relaxing, a pleasant contrast to the increasingly cold air outside.
"And is this necessary too?" Alex asked, gesturing toward the pool.
"The water serves multiple purposes," Ariel explained. "In addition to being used for recreation and exercise, the pool can serve as a reserve of potable water in case of an emergency. The purification system ensures that the water is in optimal condition for consumption should the external supply become compromised."
Alex couldn't help but smile. Despite Ariel's practicality, the house felt more like a luxury mansion than a survival shelter.
Continuing his tour, Alex noticed that there were spaces dedicated to all sorts of activities. A fully stocked bar occupied a corner of the second floor, ready for any kind of entertainment, and each floor had its own lounge area with couches and stunning views of the outside. The guest rooms were spread across the different levels, each equipped with advanced technology, all sharing an impressive view of the nearby mountains.
Finally, Alex reached the top floor, where the central computer control room was located. The old underground control room had been completely rebuilt and now occupied the most protected part of the house. Ariel's system was integrated into a central panel, surrounded by screens displaying the farm's status, security measures, and real-time weather conditions. It was the heart of the system, where every critical decision would be made.
He reclined on one of the sofas in the control room and looked at the screens. "I can't believe everything you've done here, Ariel. This feels like something out of a sci-fi movie."
"Every element was designed to maximize your chances of survival in the current conditions," Ariel replied precisely. "The house is equipped to handle any challenge that may arise."
Alex remained silent for a moment, watching as the drones and machines continued to work outside. Although he knew the world was slowly falling apart, inside these walls, he seemed to be as well-prepared as possible for whatever was coming.
The days started passing quickly on the farm as the drones and machines continued working tirelessly. Alex watched from his window as the house's structure was now fully completed, but there was still much to do. Ariel's plans included much more than just the house; the full vision of the shelter was still in progress. The constant noise of generators, automated hammers, and high-tech tools became the background soundtrack of his daily life.
One morning, Alex stepped outside, noticing how the temperature seemed to drop a little more each day. The sun was shining, but the air was getting colder, a constant reminder that the coming winter wouldn't be like any other. The dogs, always by his side, accompanied him as he walked around the property, observing the progress.
The first major change he noticed was the construction of a wall. The concrete wall was beginning to surround the entire property, just as Ariel had planned. It was imposing, several meters high, and reinforced at the base with steel plates. Behind the wall, several greenhouses were already being assembled. The skeletons of the structures were up, ready to be covered with the glass domes that would protect them from the extreme weather.
As he walked, Ariel began speaking, as if reading his thoughts. "The protective wall is eight meters high and reinforced to withstand the harshest weather conditions, as well as any external threats. The greenhouses will be covered in the coming days and will be equipped with automated heating and irrigation systems."
Alex nodded, observing the rapidly changing landscape. "All of this is happening so fast," he commented, half-talking to himself. "A few weeks ago, this was just a regular farm."
"The speed is crucial," replied Ariel. "The construction of this shelter must be completed before temperatures reach critical levels. My current projection is that everything will be fully operational in three weeks."
Alex sighed as he looked at the wall surrounding the property. "Eight meters… do you think it'll be enough?"
"It is the recommended minimum height to protect against high-intensity snowstorms and potential external invasions. Additionally, the wall is equipped with motion sensors, security cameras, and automated drone control points."
"I guess that makes it safer," Alex murmured as the dogs ran around him.
He headed toward one of the areas where they were beginning to install the solar panels. Ariel had designed a massive electrical generation system. She had ordered state-of-the-art solar panels, along with wind generators that would soon be installed in the higher parts of the property.
"The solar panels are designed to be highly efficient, even in low-light conditions," Ariel explained. "The stored energy will be sufficient to keep the farm self-sufficient in terms of electricity, complemented by wind and diesel generators in case of an emergency."
Alex stopped in front of a structure still under construction. It was a smaller building connected to the main house and appeared to have a specific purpose. "What is this?" he asked, pointing to the steel framework jutting out from the ground.
"This is the food storage system. This facility will feature underground refrigeration to ensure long-term preservation of supplies. Additionally, there will be freezing chambers and automated systems for inventory management."
"How long will the stored supplies last there?" Alex asked, curious.
"With the current storage space, enough food can be maintained for a two-year period without the need for external resupply, as long as the crops inside the greenhouses supplement the diet."
"Two years," Alex murmured, absorbing the information. "That's impressive."
As he walked back to the house, Alex's phone vibrated in his pocket. When he looked at it, he saw it was a call from his mother. The dogs followed him as he entered the house and answered.
"Hi, Mom," Alex said, trying to sound relaxed.
"Alex, honey, how are you? Everything okay at the farm?" his mother asked in a worried tone.
"Yeah, everything's fine. Actually, I've been making a lot of changes here. The farm is more than ready for anything that might come," Alex responded, knowing he couldn't tell her everything Ariel had prepared.
"I'm glad to hear that," his mother said, though her tone remained uneasy. "Things feel a little strange here. People are starting to get worried about the dropping temperatures, even though the news keeps saying everything will be fine."
Alex took a deep breath, feeling the frustration. He knew the truth was much worse than what was being told. "Mom, I told you, you should consider coming to the farm. This isn't something temporary. Things are getting worse."
There was a brief pause before his mother responded. "Your father still thinks it's better for us to stay here, but… I don't know, Alex. Something doesn't feel right. Maybe we should consider it."
"I just want you to be safe," Alex insisted. "I have everything we need here. The house is reinforced, we have supplies, energy. It really is the best place to be if things get worse."
"I know, honey," his mother said softly. "We'll talk about it. Please take care of yourself."
"I will," Alex promised before hanging up.
He sighed as he sank into the couch. Despite all the measures Ariel was taking, he couldn't help but feel vulnerable. He knew his family was far away, and the decisions they made in the coming days could be vital to their survival.
"Ariel, do you think it would be a good idea to push them harder to come?" Alex asked, knowing the AI would likely have a logical response.
"Pressuring them further may generate resistance from your father, who still trusts the authorities. However, your mother seems more receptive to the idea. I recommend maintaining contact and continuing to suggest relocating to the farm as the situation deteriorates."
Alex nodded. "I guess that makes sense."
The day continued to pass, and Alex reviewed the farm's plans again. The final details were missing in the storage areas and the external security system, but Ariel projected that everything would be ready in less than three weeks. The machines kept working non-stop, building what would be his refuge in what now seemed like a world on the verge of collapse.
Three weeks passed, and the refuge was finally completed. Alex walked around the exterior of the farm, observing the final result of Ariel's relentless efforts. The concrete wall surrounding the entire property was complete. At eight meters high and reinforced with steel plates at the base, the wall seemed indestructible. It not only protected the farm from the cold but from any external threats, human or animal, that might arise over time.
The air was growing colder by the day, and Alex knew that the temperature would continue to drop, just as Ariel had predicted. Despite this, inside the farm, the atmosphere was almost entirely different. Ariel had built an underground tunnel system connecting the various areas of the property, allowing Alex and the animals to move around without being exposed to the extreme weather.
As he walked, Alex noticed the number of domes now covering much of the property. Each one housed the animals that once roamed freely across the pastures. The cows, horses, sheep, and other animals were kept in controlled environments, with heating and ventilation systems maintaining ideal temperatures for their survival. Even the dogs had a special area in one of the domes, designed so they could run and play freely, protected from the extreme cold that was coming.
The greenhouses, nearly complete, were enormous. The domes covering them ensured that the plants inside could continue growing despite the sub-zero temperatures outside. Each one was equipped with an automated irrigation system that maintained a constant water supply for the plants, and Ariel had designed an artificial lighting system that simulated sunlight to ensure the crops wouldn't be affected by the lack of natural light.
Alex stopped by the lake, now protected by a structure that seemed almost transparent but kept the water liquid despite the cold. The underwater heating system prevented the lake from freezing, ensuring the fish inside could continue living.
As he observed all of this, a question crossed his mind. "Ariel," he called, waiting for the usual response.
"I am here," replied Ariel, her tone calm as always.
Alex looked at the lake, then at the river running near the farm, where a steel grate prevented foreign bodies from entering. "What happens if the river freezes or the potable water supply gets cut off? We rely a lot on that water, but with the cold coming, everything could freeze."
Ariel didn't hesitate to respond. "If the river freezes or becomes unusable, there are alternatives. We can collect snow and melt it to purify it for potable use. Additionally, I recommend digging to find underground water sources. This would provide access to a more stable water supply, less vulnerable to weather conditions."
Alex nodded, considering. "Digging for groundwater… do you think we'll find something useful down there?"
"Based on previous geological studies and the analyses I've conducted, it is likely we will find underground aquifers in the deeper layers. These can provide an additional water source in case of emergency. I request your permission to begin excavation."
Alex sighed, knowing that Ariel had already considered all the variables. "Alright, go ahead. Do whatever is necessary to make sure we don't run out of water."
"Understood. Excavation will begin immediately."
As Ariel began coordinating the drones and robots that would handle the digging, Alex continued his tour of the farm. He entered one of the underground passages that connected the various areas of the property. The tunnels were well-lit and ventilated, allowing him and the workers to move freely between different points without having to face the elements. It was a brilliant and practical design, and though he'd been skeptical at first, Alex now appreciated Ariel's foresight.
The next point of inspection for Alex was the underground bunker. Located directly beneath the house, the bunker was the most impressive part of Ariel's design. Not only was it meant to be an emergency refuge, but it was self-sufficient. It had power generators, ventilation systems, and enough space to store food and supplies for several years. Ariel had designed the bunker to accommodate several people if necessary and to keep them alive and comfortable, even under extreme conditions.
The bunker was protected by multiple layers of security. It was impenetrable from the outside and had access control systems that only Ariel and Alex could operate. Inside, the walls were lined with metal panels that maintained a constant temperature, and the shelves were already beginning to fill with the first batches of supplies.
"How long could we survive here if things really go bad?" Alex asked, scanning the space.
"With current supplies, and if the greenhouses continue producing, survival for at least five years is possible without external resupply," Ariel explained. "The bunker is designed to be completely self-sufficient. Even if the exterior is compromised, this facility will continue to operate indefinitely as long as power generation is maintained."
"Five years," Alex murmured, impressed. "I hope we don't have to use it for that long."
He continued walking, passing through the cultivation areas where the irrigation and heating systems kept the crops in optimal condition. The plants were growing steadily under the artificial lights, and Ariel had begun implementing a crop rotation cycle to ensure a constant production of food throughout the year.
"The greenhouses are programmed to rotate crops according to the nutritional needs of the residents," Ariel explained. "Production is optimized to maximize the yield of each plant, ensuring a steady supply of fresh food."
"And the animals," Alex continued. "How are we going to make sure they have enough feed if forage production is compromised?"
"Sufficient feed reserves for the animals have already been stored for the first six months," Ariel responded. "Additionally, the crops in the greenhouses include plants intended for animal feed. This ensures that both animals and humans can coexist without competing for food resources."
Alex nodded, satisfied with the response. He knew Ariel had thought of everything, yet the scope of what they were facing still felt daunting.
Finally, he returned to the lake, watching how the underwater systems kept the water moving, preventing it from freezing. Even in extreme cold, Ariel had ensured that the lake would remain a viable water source and that the fish within it would survive.
Alex stood silently for a moment, observing all that had been achieved in such a short time. The shelter that Ariel had designed was not only complete, but it was more than he could have ever imagined. Everything was ready to face what was coming, from the dropping temperatures to potential external threats.
"Are we prepared?" he finally asked, his voice echoing in the quiet of the evening.
"We are ready," Ariel replied. "All systems are operational, supplies are secured, and the farm is fully self-sufficient. There are no current variables suggesting an imminent threat."
Alex exhaled a sigh of relief, though he knew that the calm before the storm was always deceptive. Despite everything seeming to be under control, the uncertainty of what lay ahead still weighed on him. But for now, he had to trust that they had done everything possible to be prepared.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone