Chapter 8

Alex woke up early, stretching in bed as the soft morning chill wrapped around him. Despite everything that had been happening in the world, he felt more relaxed. The completion of the farm, with all the security systems and resources installed, had relieved some of the stress that had accompanied him for weeks. He felt safer, knowing he was prepared for whatever might come.

He got up, and as usual, the dogs were already waiting at the foot of the bed. He petted them as they wagged their tails, but noticed something strange in their behavior. They were restless, moving back and forth, as if sensing something he couldn't see. Alex remembered the last time he'd seen them act this way was when the red sun first appeared in the sky. The dogs always seemed to react before something strange happened.

"Calm down, guys," he murmured, though Alex himself felt a slight unease growing inside him.

He quickly dressed and went outside, expecting to see the usual view of the farm under a blue sky. But what he saw left him frozen in place.

The sky, which used to be a blend of soft tones at dawn, was now tinged with a strange and sinister red. There were no longer just two suns in the sky; the large normal sun was flanked by three smaller red suns. The sight was surreal and disturbing. Three red suns, aligned on the horizon, with a dim but steady glow, cast strange shadows over the landscape.

"What the hell…?" Alex murmured, staring up in disbelief.

The dogs remained agitated, and when Alex looked around, he noticed something else that perplexed him even more: snow. It was snowing, and not just a few light flakes. The snow was falling heavily, covering the ground with a layer that was already beginning to accumulate. Although the farm was protected, he could see how the outer areas were starting to form white layers.

"What's happening?" Alex asked, trying to process what he was seeing.

Ariel didn't take long to respond. "During the night, the rift in space-time has expanded significantly. The unknown substance we observed earlier has re-entered, causing the formation of two additional red suns. This event has accelerated the global temperature drop. The current temperature is -2 degrees Celsius, and the trend is that it will continue to fall."

Alex looked at the sky, his thoughts racing. "So… two new red suns. And how is this causing snow?"

"The presence of multiple red suns has altered the atmosphere, generating a faster drop in global temperatures," Ariel explained in her neutral tone. "The climate system has been severely affected, and cold currents are now dominating regions where moderate temperatures once prevailed. This phenomenon has caused unusual snowfall for this time of year."

"And the world is already below freezing?" Alex asked, trying to grasp what was happening.

"Correct. The temperature in this region has dropped to -2 degrees Celsius, and it's likely to continue decreasing in the coming days if the phenomenon doesn't stabilize. The farm's heating systems are operating at full capacity, so the interior is protected."

Alex didn't know what else to say. He knew the cold was coming sooner or later, but he hadn't expected the situation to worsen so quickly. He decided to quickly go back inside and turn on the television. He needed to see how the rest of the world and the authorities were reacting.

The local news was live, and the anchor looked more tense than usual as she reported on what was clearly an ongoing emergency. The images showed snow-covered streets, and field reporters were trying to remain calm as they interviewed people surprised by the sudden storm.

"A snowstorm alert has been issued in several regions of the country," said the anchor gravely. "Authorities are urging people to stay in their homes and not go out unless absolutely necessary. The snow has begun to accumulate in several areas, and temperatures are expected to continue dropping over the coming days."

Alex watched in silence as the images showed cities blanketed in snow, something that wasn't common at this time of year. Cars were stuck in the streets, and people were struggling to adapt to the sudden storm.

"The government has activated emergency plans to assist the most affected areas," the anchor continued. "Rescue teams and provisions have been deployed to the places at greatest risk due to lack of heating or electricity. Authorities assure this is a temporary phenomenon and that the situation will stabilize soon. Citizens are urged to remain calm."

Alex snorted. "Temporary. Sure, like everything else they've said so far."

The camera switched to a meteorology expert, who was trying to explain the situation. "What we're seeing is an unusual weather phenomenon. Cold air currents are dominating the atmosphere, and while this may seem alarming, we want to reiterate that there's no reason to panic. Emergency teams are working, and the situation is being closely monitored by government scientists. Temperatures should normalize in the coming days."

Alex turned off the television, feeling even more frustrated. Despite everything they were saying, he knew things weren't going to return to normal anytime soon. The three red suns in the sky were a sign that the world was changing in ways no one could foresee.

"Ariel," he said finally, turning to the control console. "What do you think of what they're saying on the news? Is it really something temporary?"

"There isn't enough data to make an accurate prediction," Ariel responded. "However, the expansion of the rift and the formation of the new red suns suggest that this phenomenon may not be temporary. The temperature drop could continue steadily."

Alex crossed his arms, thinking about what would come next. "So, what's the plan now?"

"I recommend staying inside the farm and continuing to monitor external conditions," Ariel said. "The heating and security systems are operating at 100%. If the phenomenon continues to expand, it will be necessary to further reinforce the farm's resources."

Alex stared at the sky for a few more moments before returning to the house. The three red suns continued to cast their dim, strange light over the farm, and although he knew Ariel had everything under control, he couldn't stop worrying about his family. He entered the house, petting the dogs as they remained restless, and decided to call his father.

The phone rang a couple of times before his father answered. "Alex? Everything alright, son?"

"Yes, Dad," Alex said, trying to sound calm. "I just wanted to check how you're doing. With everything that's happening… the snow, the cold… I wanted to make sure you have enough food, that you're safe."

His father sighed but kept his tone firm. "We're fine, Alex. The house has good heating, we've got enough food, and the shelter you mentioned is here if we need it. But I don't think it'll come to that. This snowstorm is just temporary. The news is saying it'll pass in a few days."

Alex snorted, though he held back from saying what he really thought. He knew the situation wasn't going to improve anytime soon, but his father trusted the authorities and the news being spread. "Well, I don't know, Dad. Ariel's telling me the phenomenon is still advancing. We're already below freezing here. I just want you to be prepared for anything."

"I appreciate it, son, but really, we're fine. What would be better is for you to consider coming back to the city. You'll be closer to us, and if something does happen, we can take care of each other."

Alex gritted his teeth in frustration. "Dad, I've already told you. The farm is much better prepared for this. I've got heating systems, enough food, and Ariel has built a shelter that can keep us alive for years if necessary. I'm not alone, even if it seems like it. Besides, going out into the cold now would be much more dangerous."

His father remained silent for a moment before responding. "I understand what you're saying, Alex, but I still think you'd be better off here. You know you can always come back if you need to."

"I know," Alex replied, though it was clear they weren't going to reach an agreement. "Just make sure you have everything you need. If anything changes, let me know."

"I will, son. And take care of yourself, too. You know we're always here for you."

"Thanks, Dad. Talk to you later."

They said their goodbyes, and when the call ended, Alex let out a long sigh. He knew his father only wanted the best for him, but it was frustrating that he didn't grasp the magnitude of what was happening. "Stubborn as a mule," he muttered to himself as the dogs settled around him.

With not much else to do, Alex decided to distract himself by scrolling through social media. He opened his phone and began browsing through comments and posts. As expected, reactions to the snowfall and the red suns were wildly varied. Some people were talking about the end of the world, sharing conspiracy theories and alarming videos. Others seemed to be enjoying the event. He saw pictures of people playing in the snow, children building snowmen, and families appearing to take advantage of the situation as if it were a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Some have never seen snow in their lives," Alex thought, looking at a post where someone commented on how beautiful the snowy landscape was.

However, as he continued scrolling, something caught his attention. Amid the cheerful posts and alarmist comments, reports began to appear about strange animals being found dead on the outskirts of some cities. This time, the descriptions were more precise, and what was more unsettling, the mutations seemed more logical than the previous cases.

In one post, someone described how they had found a deer with an abnormal growth on its skull, as if a second head was beginning to form, but incomplete. Another post showed photos of a fox that, according to the text, had some sort of bony plates growing on its back, something unnatural for its species. The common factor in all these cases was that the animals were dead.

Alex frowned as he scrolled through the photos and comments. Some people speculated that these mutations were caused by the red suns, but no one seemed to have concrete evidence. However, the reports of these dead animals were increasing, and many were beginning to notice that something more was at play than just the cold or snow.

"Ariel?" Alex called, feeling that sense of unease growing inside him.

"I am here," Ariel responded, as always.

"I've been seeing some posts about animals that are showing up dead… with mutations," Alex said, looking at the photos on his phone. "We've seen something like this before, but now it seems like there are more cases. Do you think this has anything to do with the red suns?"

There was a brief pause before Ariel responded. "There is not enough data to confirm a direct connection between the red suns and the mutations in the animals. However, it is possible that the radiation emitted by these suns is affecting the genetics of some species. More information is needed to reach a conclusion."

Alex sighed. He knew there weren't going to be easy answers for all of this, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something much bigger was happening, something he still didn't fully understand. "Well, if you find anything, let me know."

"I will," Ariel replied.

Alex set the phone aside, deciding not to dwell on it any longer. He knew worrying about these things wouldn't help him, at least not for now. He had a safe refuge, enough food, and the farm's systems were working perfectly. There wasn't much more he could do other than keep going and make sure everything remained in order.

He looked at the dogs, who finally seemed to have calmed down a bit. "Come on, guys. We've got work to do."

With that, Alex got up and went back outside, ready to continue with his routine. The cold was becoming more intense, and although the snow continued to fall, he knew that within the walls of his farm, they were prepared for whatever came.

The following days passed with unexpected calm. Although the world outside continued to face the chaos of the cold and the red suns, Alex's life on the farm had taken a surprisingly peaceful turn. With the shelter fully operational and the internal temperature always comfortable, the farm had become a safe and cozy haven. Despite the uncertainty outside, Alex found himself enjoying a nearly relaxed routine.

Ariel had downloaded endless movies, music, and other entertainment from the internet. When Alex wasn't working on the farm, he spent time watching movies on his massive home theater screen, listening to music while the dogs rested by his side, or exploring the endless catalog of information that Ariel had at her disposal. From classic films to music from all eras, it seemed there was no limit to what he could access from the comfort of his home.

However, it wasn't all leisure. Alex had always had an interest in engineering, and with all the time he had now, he decided it was the perfect moment to get hands-on. There were old machines on the farm, equipment that had once been useful but had fallen into disrepair over time. Ariel, ever practical, offered her assistance.

"Could we do something with these machines?" Alex asked one day as he inspected an old tractor that had been parked in one of the sheds for years. "They don't seem completely ruined, just need a little work."

"With the tools and technology available on the farm, it would be possible to refurbish them," Ariel responded. "I can guide you through the repair and improvement processes, optimizing the performance of each machine."

Alex smiled, excited about the idea of having a project to work on. "Perfect. Let's do it."

The following hours, and then days, passed in a routine that was almost therapeutic for Alex. Under Ariel's guidance, he began dismantling and repairing each of the old machines he found. The tractor was the first project they tackled. With Ariel's precision, the machinery was completely disassembled and analyzed. Every part was inspected, cleaned, or replaced with new components that Ariel helped manufacture using the forges and equipment Alex had in his workshop.

"It's amazing what you can do when you have all this technology at your disposal," Alex commented one day while adjusting one of the internal parts of the tractor's engine. "Before, it would've taken me weeks to repair this, but with you, it feels like everything is so much easier."

"The real-time calculations and analysis I provide allow for more efficient problem identification," explained Ariel. "Additionally, manufacturing parts through the available tools optimizes the renewal process."

Alex continued working on the tractor, and after a few more days, the old vehicle roared back to life. The engine purred smoothly as he turned it on, and a sense of accomplishment washed over him. Ariel had made the entire process incredibly simple, but that didn't take away from the pride Alex felt in what he had achieved.

After the tractor, Alex decided it was time to move on to more ambitious projects. He had always wanted to automate more aspects of the farm, and now, with the time and resources he had, that idea could finally become a reality. Together, he and Ariel started designing small assistant robots capable of performing simple tasks on the farm, from harvesting crops to monitoring the animals.

Alex's workshop quickly filled with blueprints, parts, and prototypes. The robots they began to build were small, agile, and extremely useful. Each one had a specific function, such as helping with planting in the greenhouses or maintaining the farm's infrastructure. Ariel oversaw every step, ensuring everything worked flawlessly.

As Alex worked, he realized how much his life had changed in such a short time. While the world outside seemed to be falling apart, inside the farm, he had everything he needed. Not only was he safe, but he was also building something that made him feel useful and productive.

"Do you think we can keep improving the farm with these robots?" Alex asked as he finished assembling one of the prototypes.

"With the current resources, it is possible to automate a large portion of the farm's operations," Ariel replied. "We could create a fully autonomous system that handles everything from food production to security."

Alex chuckled, though the idea intrigued him. "And what would I do then? Watch movies while everything runs on its own?"

"Human intervention will still be required for critical decision-making," Ariel affirmed. "However, automation will optimize repetitive tasks, freeing up more time for recreational activities or larger-scale projects."

"Like making more robots," Alex joked as he adjusted one of the legs of the small device he was building.

The days passed with that blend of work and leisure. Alex continued improving the farm but also allowed himself to enjoy his free time. He spent his nights watching movies or playing with the dogs, who had finally calmed down. He knew the world outside was still changing, but in his little refuge, things seemed to be under control.

Sometimes, he would stop to gaze up at the sky, where the three red suns remained, though they no longer filled him with the same fear as before. He knew the situation was serious, but he also knew he was better prepared than most for whatever might come.

"Ariel?" he asked one day as he watched the stars in the dark of night.

"Yes, Alex."

"Do you think we could keep going like this for a long time?"

"With the current systems, the farm can sustain itself indefinitely. As long as energy sources are maintained and resources are optimized, there is no reason for the current conditions to change."

Alex nodded, though he couldn't help but wonder what would happen if things got even worse. But for now, he had what he needed, and that was enough.

"Good," he said, standing up. "Let's see what else we can build tomorrow."