Pekanbaru, Riau – 2089
Morning sunlight filtered through the dense leaves of the damar trees, casting golden patterns across the laboratory floor. The atmosphere here was totally different from the futuristic city chaos outside, filled with flying cars and towering skyscrapers. Inside this secret complex, the air felt cool and fresh, mixed with the distinct scent of metal and chemicals.
Standing in the middle of the room filled with massive monitors and high-tech machines was a young woman. She looked casual, but radiated an aura of pure genius.
Rafflesia Rora.
With her curly hair tied up messily, black safety goggles perched on her nose, and a white lab jumpsuit slightly stained with green splatters, she didn't look like your typical world-class scientist. She looked... normal. Like a teen chilling at an internet cafe, even though her brain was processing data millions of times faster than the world's fastest supercomputer.
"Rora... this is insane. Seriously," a husky but excited voice came from beside her.
It was Bimo, her childhood friend and also her work partner. He scratched his head unnecessarily, staring in awe at the simulation results floating on the hologram screen.
"Look at this! The ecosystem regeneration rate is up 40% compared to yesterday's test. If this works, within a year the barren forests in Sumatra can turn green again just like before!"
Rora grinned widely, showing her neat row of teeth. She patted Bimo's back playfully.
"What did I tell you? Bio-Nexus isn't just ordinary robots, Bro. They 'learn' from their surroundings. They don't force technology onto nature; they merge with it. The concept is actually simple, it's just the people out there who love to overcomplicate things."
It was true. Many scientists from developed countries had looked down on Rora's ideas back then. They said technology had to be cold, hard, and factory-made. But Rora, who grew up witnessing the wonders of Riau's nature, thought differently. Why fight nature when you could work together with it?
"But are you sure it's safe?" Bimo asked again, his face turning serious. "Omni-Core is no joke, Ra. They have private armies, unlimited money, and influence in every government. If they find out we hold something this powerful..."
Rora took a deep breath and walked towards the thick glass window overlooking the lush green forest. Her eyes narrowed sharply at the horizon.
"I know the risks, Bim. But look at the world now? Floods everywhere, dirty air, people getting sick from pollution. If we just stay silent, who else is going to help? I didn't build this to be a weapon, and I definitely didn't build it to be sold at a ridiculous price. I made this to save our own home."
Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway. Lia, her ever-alert assistant, ran in looking panicked.
"Miss Rora! Mr. Bimo! Quick, look at the news!"
Lia pressed a button, and one of the big screens instantly switched to a global news broadcast.
...Breaking News! Omni-Core Industries has just announced their latest project, 'The Iron Sky'. They claim this technology is the only hope for cleaning Earth's atmosphere. The project investment reaches trillions of dollars...
Rora squinted her eyes. On the screen, the CEO of Omni-Core—a cold-looking old man named Mr. Harrison—was giving a speech on a luxurious stage.
"That's a total lie," Rora growled. "Their technology will only cover up the problem, not fix it. And it's insanely expensive, only rich countries can afford it. Yet a fair and cheap solution is right in front of their eyes!"
Bimo clenched his fists. "Bastards. They're purposely making the world worse just so their products sell."
"Enough talk," Rora turned around, her eyes now burning with determination. "We can't wait any longer. Protocol Omega starts today. We spread the Bio-Nexus data worldwide, for free. Let everyone use it, no matter what nonsense Omni-Core spouts."
"But Miss, that means open war," Lia said softly.
Rora smirked, then touched the handle of the heirloom keris hanging on her wall.
"So be it. Remember, my name is Rafflesia Rora. The biggest flower in the world—beautiful but tough. Do they think I'm just some weak scientist who only knows how to sit in a lab? They are so wrong."
Suddenly, a loud warning alarm blared, shattering the morning silence. The monitor screens flashed bright red.
⚠️ INTRUDER DETECTED. UNIDENTIFIED AIRCRAFT APPROACHING RESTRICTED AREA. ⚠️
Rora stared at the screen calmly, then put on her tech-goggles.
"Well, speak of the devil. Get everything ready, team! Time to show them that you never mess with a girl from Pekanbaru!"