Chapter 46: CHAPTER 46: The New Dawn of Progress
Sana stood in the workshop of the research and development barracks, the hum of activity surrounding her filling the air with purpose. Metal clanged against metal, sparks flew from welding torches, and the rhythmic churn of gears added to the symphony of progress. She bent over a detailed blueprint spread across the worktable, her fingers tracing the intricate design of a prototype electric motor.
"Alright, team," she called out, her voice cutting through the din. "Let's focus. We need the housing assembled first. Farlan, can you handle the welding?"
"On it," Farlan replied, grabbing his gloves and torch.
"Alisa," she continued, glancing toward him, "double-check the wiring and coil alignment. The rotor needs to spin smoothly, or we're back to square one."
Alisa, who had been inspecting a spool of copper wire, nodded. "I'll get it done."
Layina sat perched on a small stool in the corner, swinging her legs happily as she watched the bustling scene. "Mumma, is it gonna spin today?" she asked, her eyes bright with curiosity.
Sana turned and crouched down to kiss her daughter's forehead. "If we all do our jobs right, it just might."
---
*****
Over the following week, the motor began to take shape. Sana divided the tasks among her team, ensuring every component received meticulous attention. Farlan's steady hand produced clean, sturdy welds, while Alisa's careful assembly of the rotor and stator ensured seamless movement.
One evening, the team gathered for a test. The motor was hooked up to a generator powered by one of their earlier successes. As the motor whirred to life, its rotor spinning steadily, the group erupted in cheers.
"We did it!" Alisa exclaimed, her grin lighting up the room.
Sana clapped her hands, her heart swelling with pride. "This is just the start," she said, her voice full of determination. "Next, we refine it and start working on —cranes, vehicles, and long-distance communication devices. We'll change how people live inside the walls."
---
Though her work consumed most of her time, Sana found ways to balance her responsibilities with small moments of happiness. On her rare days off, she often spent time with Levi.
One afternoon, Sana arrived at the market square, Layina skipping alongside her. Levi was waiting near a fruit stall, his arms crossed and his face unreadable as always.
"You're late," he said, though his tone lacked any real irritation.
"And you're predictable," Sana retorted with a smirk.
Layina tugged on Levi's coat. "Levi, look! Pretty flowers!"
Levi glanced down, then handed a coin to the vendor without a word. Layina beamed, clutching the small bouquet like a treasure.
Sana chuckled. "You spoil her."
"She's easier to deal with than most people," Levi said with a shrug, though a faint smile tugged at his lips.
Later that week, the group decided on an outing. Farlan and Isabel joined them, creating a lively mix of personalities.
"Farlan Otosan, can I have more of that bread?" Layina asked, her mouth full of crumbs.
Farlan laughed, handing her another piece. "Just save some for Isabel. She'll fight you for the last one."
"Hey!" Isabel protested, though she was already grinning. "I wouldn't fight a kid. Maybe."
Levi sat a little apart from the group, leaning against a tree and observing the cheerful scene. Farlan caught his eye.
"She's good for you," he said simply.
Levi glanced at Sana, who was helping Layina with a puzzle Isabel had brought. "Yeah," he admitted, almost to himself. "She is."
---
*******
Back in her barracks, Sana's work continued with renewed vigor. Each breakthrough brought new challenges, but also a deep sense of satisfaction. Levi, though busy with his own responsibilities, often stopped by to check on her progress—or so he claimed.
One evening, as the workshop emptied out, Levi appeared in the doorway.
"You're still at it?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I could ask you the same thing," Sana replied, not looking up from her blueprint.
Levi stepped closer, his presence both grounding and distracting. "Just came to see how the genius inventor is doing," he said, his tone dry but his gaze warm.
Sana set down her pencil and turned to face him. "You're just here to see if I've forgotten to eat again."
"Maybe," he said, smirking. "But I'll never admit it."
She laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"And you're stubborn," Levi shot back, though there was no sting in his words.
Their banter was light, but the connection between them deepened with each exchange. One night, as they sat on a quiet bench outside the barracks, Levi took her hand in his.
"I never thought I'd have this," he said quietly.
"Have what?" Sana asked, her voice just as soft.
"This," he said, gesturing toward the barracks and then to her. "A life that feels… normal. Like it's worth something."
Sana smiled, her heart full. "You deserve it," she said simply.
---
As the inventions in the barracks evolved, so did the relationships between the people who worked tirelessly to create a brighter future. Sana and Levi's connection grew stronger, forged in moments both big and small. Together, they moved forward—innovating, loving, and building a world where they and those they cared for could truly live.