Earlier.


    On a familiar planet ruled by red and violet, the struggle and toiling of a scientist continues.


    In the cavern clinic, inside the lab, lays the robotic body of hope: defying the natural world, making a mockery of fate.


    Her chest socket is open, with a cable attached, which runs down the table, across the floor, and connects to the computer.


    Grent sits on his office chair, looking through diagnostics.


    Today was another day of pinpointing and fixing problems that arose from the finishing procedures, from the great breakthrough he had arrived at.


    But now there are no more loose connections, no bottlenecks in the system.


    He was sure of it.


    This time it would work.


    He gets up and disconnects the cable from her chest, covering up the hole with a piece of artificial skin.


    She looks like a mannequin, a human body without the most intricate details, lacking some protrusions, nails, a belly button... though a few visible metal parts around the joints reveal her to be something more, that''s just not there yet, the lifeless camera-lens-like eyes stand as testimony of it.


    Soon that would change.


    “Are you ready, Pineapple?”


    The cat sits on the computer table, next to the Mindray, looking at the lifeless shell.


    “This is it.” Grent pets Pineapple who responds to the gesture by pushing himself against his hand.


    If it doesn’t work now… I don’t know what else I can do.


    …


    No, that’s what I thought multiple times already.


    If it doesn’t work, I’ll figure something out, like I always do.


    He picks up the Mindray, and with slow deliberate steps, arrives next to Amande’s future body.


    Are you ready?


    A distinct lack of a response hangs in the air.


    Grent looks down to check the Mindray''s settings one more time and aims the experiment''s metal rod barrel at her chest.


    Pulling the trigger, azure energy crackles on the small sphere at the tip before unleashing itself in a bolt.


    The projectile hits her skin and spreads alongside it like electricity before dissipating.


    The response is immediate, her artificial eye''s zoom level changes and her body spasms slightly.


    “Amande!”


    “...”


    “Amande...?”


    However, nothing more happens.


    “Come on, this should work! There is no reason it doesn’t.” Grent triple-checks the Mindray’s settings and shoots Amandebot’s chest again.


    The energy is absorbed into the artificial skin just as before.


    “It should be conductive enough... Can I somehow try and make it a wired transfer...? No, that wouldn’t work with how it’s all set up... Argh! I’m so close!”


    Suddenly, the robotic eyes light up, the body stirs and her hand moves to her forehead.


    “W-what...?” A strange, feminine voice says, with metallic undertones.


    “A-a-amande!? I- is that you?”


    Silence is her response, a hand frozen on her face.


    “Can you hear me? Can you see me?”


    “Grent…?”


    “Y-yes, yes! That’s me! You remember me?”


    “I… think so.”


    “Amazing! But… are you feeling alright?”


    Her posture is unchanging.


    “No... I feel weak... fading...”


    “T-that’s not good… Maybe your consciousness has trouble clinging to the eh... body?”


    “…” Amande’s face grimaces.


    “Hang on, I’ll re-imprint, maybe it’ll help.” Grent aims the Mindray at her.


    “This shouldn’t even sting.”


    “Yes. Do it.”


    Grent shoots her again, Amande jerks in response, but doesn’t utter even a sound.


    “Is that better? Do you know who you are?”


    “Yes. I am... Amande.” She finally removes the hand from her face and sits up with a mechanical whirr.


    “Hello, my husband.”


    Grent hugs the cold but soft body.


    “It’s really you! How are you feeling? Is the body comfortable? Do you have enough RAM? What about your limbs? Are they too stiff?”


    “Slow down… my little science man. So many questions, but there’s no hurry, I’m here again.”


    Her hand pets Grent’s head.


    “I know I was... I don’t know what happened and... where is... here? I don’t remember a place like this in the Golden Veldt’s lab.”


    Amande glances at the furry creature sitting at the desk and slightly tilts her head.


    “Yes, it’s true. You were gone...but... you’re reborn now, thanks to you volunteering to use your consciousness in the heinous experiments of those ISSA’s Media Branch freaks.”


    “What happened? How long ago was that?”


    “It’s been... s-some time, but... I’ll catch you up to speed soon enough.


    Just know for now that... we did the right thing, we destroyed the research and took the Mindray for ourselves. They would have only misused it, but we have far greater plans for it.”


    “Our plans... I remember those. We can continue toward our objective, bring about the new Galactic Order.”


    “Yes, try not to strain yourself too much by trying to remember it all at once.” Grent stops squeezing her and takes her hand.


    “Can you stand?”


    With uncertain movements, Amande shuffles to the edge of the steel bed and stands up.


    “What about walking?” Grent carefully leads her by the hand.


    The mannequin and scientist hold hands and slowly walk around the room.


    Amande’s steps wobble, her knees tilting her leg too far, and her hips sway in the wrong rhythm, giving her an unnatural bounce.


    Grent steadies her every step of the way, acting as the mountain she can lean on, Amande''s other hand outstretched to keep her balance.


    Pineapple continues to sit on the table, following the couple with his eyes, keeping a silent vigil.


    Gradually Amande’s walking becomes more and more natural, until she no longer needs the balancing hand, yet, she still keeps ahold of Grent’s.


    “I’m walking!”


    “That you are! Very good-”


    Amande turns to face Grent and takes hold of his other hand too. She starts to lead him in airy dancing steps across the room. “Thank you! Thank you!”


    The mannequin smiles genuinely, but it still looks somewhat eerie.


    “O-of course-”


    “You’ve truly done a marvelous job-”


    Their circuitous spin stops next to a table as Amande notices a golden necklace on the table with red gems adorning it.


    “What is this necklace? Is it mine?”


    “N-no, it’s…” Grent catches Amande’s outreaching hand.


    “It’s dangerous. Let me put it away.” He quickly seals away Luna''s dart-shooting necklace in a cupboard.


    “Oh, alright.”


    “Are you feeling like yourself? Maybe I should periodically apply you with more doses of the Mindray just to be safe?”


    “I’m feeling fine, but if it gives you peace of mind...”


    Amande tilts her head and holds her hands together in front of her.


    “You’re so cute when you’re worried about me.”


    Grent looks away and blushes, it feels like forever ago, in a different life, that he last heard her affection.


    “F-for the next test, why don’t you try connecting to the ''likeness'' -program.”


    “What is that?”


    “It’s a prototype I created, well, more accurately, I traced it from ancient schematics I purchased.


    It should be able to use the tiny projectors embedded in you to display a hologram layer atop your body reflecting how you see yourself in your mind.”


    “That’s incredible.”


    “The original blueprint used some strange power source I couldn’t replicate and it had parts I didn’t even recognize...


    So... I had to make a lot of assumptions and just apply its core principle. I hope it works.”


    “I- Ah!” Amande grasps her head and staggers backward. “Oh... I... I feel so woozy all of a sudden.


    “W-what?”


    “I think I... I- my head feels... fragmented still. Maybe you were right... can you zap me once more?”


    “O-okay, just hang in there.” Grent quickly fiddles with the Mindray and shoots her again, the bolt’s energy impacts her chest and spreads across her skin once more.


    “I think that helped, I feel... more whole again. I think I remember even more things now!”


    “Fantastic!”


    “I’ll try activating the hologram now...”


    The inaccuracies and simplifications of her artificial skin begin to shimmer and melt away, as her skin tone slightly shifts before settling to a pale, slightly pinkish color, followed by her hair cycling from purple, to jet black, to brunette and finally, to shining gold.


    The projection stabilizes and every curve, mound, blemish, and beauty scar are in their rightful places, all the details that define her become present.


    Grent’s hand reaches out to touch Amande’s perfect naked form without even realizing it.


    As he does, his trembling fingers sink a few millimeters deeper than the illusion shows, a shimmering of faint light surrounds his fingertips, but it doesn’t break his immersion.


    It... she’s exactly like... She really is, Amande.


    Grent gasps in awe, she’s like real flesh and blood, the golden hair, the dimples carved on her face as she smiles... everything is her.


    She’s back…


    She’s truly back!


    “Are you just going to gawk at me all day? How do I look?” Amande poses, placing a hand below her chin, and another on her hip


    “Incredible!” Grent hugs Amande again, his fingers tingling as they graze the surface of the hologram, a gentle warmth projected from the the low-power energy field.


    Only small glitches and flickers can be seen as he runs his fingers across the illusion.


    “When did you become so handsy?” Amande laughs, even her voice is an exact match now.


    “Not that I mind... You must have really missed me.”


    “I can’t believe it... you’re really here...” Grent buries his head in her chest and cries.


    “You don’t even know what I’ve been through to bring you back.


    How hard it has been... I’ve done things I’m not proud of... But- but I’d do it all over again, to have you here.”


    Amande hugs him back, laying her head on top of his.


    “Aww… I’m here again, my little smartman. This time for good.”


    The reunited lovers hug for a while and gaze deep into each other’s eyes. And then, just as their lips are about to collide... the whole lab shakes.


    Like a small earthquake, loose objects rattle on their tables, test tubes fall and crash onto the floor, and Pineapple runs for cover underneath a large steel cabinet that remains unmoved.


    Amande gasps and looks around. “W-what?!”


    Grent holds onto her, and they endure the sudden earthquake in each other''s arms. However, as it ends, a terrible sound echoes in its place, resonating even underground.


    “Let’s check outside!”


    Holding Amande’s hand, Grent guides their run out through the lab, and against the cloudless sky, they see it.


    A massive spaceship, in truly unprecedented scale, floats high, and from it, extends thick cables, reeling in a dome.


    The dome is see-through and circular like a bowl, its bottom is metal with visible lines where it would open like the greatest excavator of the Universe.


    Inside it, there are trees and land... it has extracted a massive landmass, from the very direction of the Tyrchid’s village.


    “No way...” Grent gasps, staring agape.


    “Let’s check on the Tyrchids, I think I know where their village is supposed to be.”


    “Who are the Tyrchids?”


    “I’ll explain on the way, let’s go!”


    Grent briefly covers the Tyrchid subject and introduces Amethyst and Frank as they hurry through the forest, but they don’t have to go very far to face the site of unprecedented devastation.


    Like a massive explosion or a sizeable meteor had struck the ground, albeit the dirt hole is much too cleanly cut for those.


    “...”


    Faint dust clings to the air, the edge of the hole crumbles, dirt and stones rolling down.


    The sight captures Grent''s soul, holding it captive, forcing it back... back home.


    ***


    Our settlement had been struggling ever since the start, the soil proving to be much more unsuitable for farming than tests had shown.


    The supporting factions, our safety net began to pull back their support, only exacerbating the problems, and ignoring the plight of the people they’d be leaving behind.


    However, that changed when the Intergalactic Resources came and promised the stars from the sky.


    They’d support us in our livelihoods, cultivate the soil, and get us back on our feet, as long as they’d get the rights to search and mine any minerals on Dehua.


    Of course, we accepted, had we had a choice, perhaps someone might have thought twice, but not us. Not anymore.


    At first, they did turn our lives for the better, providing us with necessities, hiring some of us to work for them, even eventually bringing us luxury goods, elevating our society closer to normalcy. Everyone praised Intergalactic, our second chance, even those who had given up were now emboldened with new hope.


    Amande was one of those people, she had given up wishing for a good life, of our settlement ever succeeding.


    Despite my efforts, I could not alone sway her mind, only slow her downfall, until Intergalactic came to elevate us.


    I remember waking up one day, with her having already left the bed, finding her in the kitchen making breakfast for us, something she never did.


    Then I saw it, the glitter of excitement for the future in her eyes, the genuine hope in her chest that held her high, the overflowing happiness on her lips…


    It makes my heart weep, remembering that morning.


    This was our chance, everything would turn out alright.


    The future was bright, as long as we’d let Intergalactic remain here with their machines, search and excavate the bounty of the earth, we’d all get to taste success and live prosperously.


    Keep on farming, produce food and refine products, sell them to the Galaxy, and provide for ourselves, just as our outpost was supposed to do all along.


    Years passed, and the gleam of Intergalactic Resources began to dim. The dream turned into a living nightmare one couldn’t hope to escape, be it day or night.


    In the sleepless nights, you’d relive the horrors of the days, hearing the ground cracking in your imagination, hearing the screams of your neighbors when they and their houses were swallowed whole. The sound of wood beams snapping, metal groaning, the cacophony of a full structural disintegration... until it was completely silent.


    The earth claimed more and more people, never to be seen or heard from again. Many were confused about the cause, and those who knew were forced into silence, one way or another.


    No matter how many times we moved house, nowhere felt safe anymore.


    The only respite we could find was in each other''s arms, holding one another in bed, terrified for our lives, scared of the very future, which only recently had still been so blindingly bright.


    We held fast to the only thing stable in our lives, the only thing still solid that could be relied on.


    If we had never met, neither of us would have made it this far.


    Those days together when we drank deep from the cup of sweet ecstasy of hope and were force-fed the bitterness of despair, had fueled us to get this far.


    We had tasted them both together, not shying away from their tastes, savoring every last drop.


    And we survived, unlike so many others, their circumstances were different, but the outcome was still the same:


    “They wouldn’t do that to us. I’m sure they’ll come set it right again, just like they came here to improve our lives and fix the topsoil.”


    “I will stay. I was born here, and I will die here. I am not leaving my home behind.”


    “Do you have any money...? Or can I get a lift off-planet on your ship? Please... IR still hasn’t paid me!”


    “Crackle, crackle! Can you hear the sound? It’s- it’s coming, over there, no- under your feet! Shaking, shaking! It’s already here!?”


    “There’s nobody, nothing left for me anymore. They’re all gone... So, what’s the point of leaving? The United Galaxy abandoned us, Intergalactic abandoned us.


    We’re just going to be screwed over all again, only the place and the means will be different.”


    “Leave all this behind? Stop spouting such nonsense! We just gotta re-settle a bit further away from here and it’ll be fine. Planets don’t just ‘collapse’ or whatever.”


    No, you don’t understand...


    They left and they aren’t coming back. They burned this land, raped its shell, hollowed out its insides and we let them do it, shook their hands, and said ‘thank you’.


    We sold out the very land beneath our feet, allowing them to slaughter what was once a vibrant planet, a safe haven, a new start.


    A home for those who wanted to live again.


    That was the aspiration that our parents arrived here with, that they bravely ventured out into the unknown for—took a leap of fate.


    Now, it was all to be in vain, collapsing in on itself.


    I never want to forget the day we left our lifelong home behind.


    The air was thick with dust and dirt, the sun barely visible through it, the earth so cracked and weak, you’d be crazy to not look at your feet ever-paranoid if the next step would be your last.


    Streets were full of holes, houses were broken in half, and the landscape changed day by day for the worse.


    The polar opposite of what it had once been, but just like the once flourishing plains, we would keep the memory of this arid reality in our hearts too.


    And so, years later, when we got a chance to infiltrate their ranks, in Midnight Iris of all places, we swore this time would be different.


    After all, now we had the means to ensure it wouldn’t be just us teaching them a lesson.


    All we needed, was time.


    ***


    It takes Grent a moment to return to the shocking reality. The spaceship has reeled the dome-scoop up and starts flying away.


    Such drastic measures...


    Why would Intergalactic want the Tyrchids this badly?


    What are Frank and Amethyst not telling me?


    “Grent...” Amande says, holding her arm and gazing into the pit.


    “I know what you’re thinking... but this isn’t Dehua, it’ll be fine. At least, the planet itself will be, with time.


    As for Amethyst and the Tyrchids... I don’t know... but Intergalactic has gone way too far. Once again.”


    Grent takes out his communicator.


    “I’ll let them know what has transpired.”


    Amande nods silently.


    He calls Frank and puts it on speaker.


    “Hello?”


    “Hey, this is Grent.”


    “Oh, right, I forgot I gave you my number. What’s up?”


    “A massive spaceship just extracted the whole Tyrchid village, the very ground it stood on, alongside its residents, and is flying away with them as we speak.”


    “What!? Are you serious?”


    “Yes.”


    “What’s he saying?” Amethyst’s voice comes from the background.


    There’s a short pause.


    “How is that even…? Thanks for letting me know, I… I guess we... Ugh... We’ll figure something out, tell ISSA and I don’t know... somehow rescue them?”


    “We should help them,” Amande speaks up.


    “Huh?”


    “Who’s that?” Frank asks.


    “Oh, right. That’s Amande, she just awoke into her new robotic body moments ago.”


    “Nice to... speak with you, Frank. We haven’t met but thanks for putting up with my husband all the same.”


    “Hey!”


    “Oh, no problem. If you want to help, I’d appreciate it, I’m sure we’ll need it...”


    Frank trails off and holds a brief pause.


    “But uh... How did you manage to bring Amande back? That’s a massive deal, like... on a galactic scale, right?”


    “Oh, I won’t bore you with the details. All the science is sure to fly over your head.”


    “I mean, you literally resurrected a person, let’s not beat around the bush here. That’s incredible, and... insane.


    How’d you do it?”


    “No, really. You wouldn''t understand. Besides, telling you, or discussing this over the line, isn’t the most secure idea.”


    “Hmh... point taken. Anyway, thanks for telling us. I’ll keep you updated on how things develop on our end, bye for now.”


    “Alright.” Grent cuts off the call.


    “We must help Amethyst, without her, I wouldn''t be here. We owe her that much, don’t we?”


    “I suppose...”


    “This will be our second chance to get back at Intergalactic! Our... main way of doing so might be far off still... so, we should take this opportunity.”


    “Alright...”


    “I knew you’d come around! Now come here!” Amande grabs Grent into her embrace.


    “W-woah!”


    “You deserve a little reward, don’t you?”


    “A-amande?”


    “I bet you’ve wondered what these soft silicone lips feel like. That’s why you... gave them to me, right?”


    “A-ah, eh- y-yes, I suppose...”


    “I trust you waited patiently for me, not sneaking a taste before I awakened... That wouldn’t be very gentlemanly of you.”


    “O-of course not!” Grent laughs nervously.


    “Good, now let’s go, we’ve got plenty of time to kill on our spaceflight, but I know just how to fill it.”


    ***


    Frank ends the call with Grent.


    Amethyst holds her head between her sheathed blades.


    “My kin...”


    Will I ever catch a break?


    How can it be just one thing after the other again and again and again...


    ...


    Intergalactic will never leave us alone, will they?


    Not until they get what they want…


    And even after that... who’s to say where it ends?


    “Damn... this is bad.” Frank shakes his head and looks at her. “Are you okay, Amethyst?”


    “...”


    “Even so, timing is on our side, if it’s true what this Grent says, we have to let Keeper of Intelligence know.” Doug chimes in.


    “The Tyrchids are now ‘in progress’ members, and ISSA should be able to help you.”


    “Let who know?” Amethyst asks quietly.


    “Is that the leader of ISSA?”


    “That’s correct. How did you know?”


    “Just a guess...” Frank trails off.


    “Can you take us to see this Keeper? There’s no time to waste! My kin are in danger!” Amethyst gets up in Doug’s face, and he retreats away a little.


    “I know I just said we should let her know, and that ISSA would help, but... We have to be realistic.


    Even with the Tyrchid’s ‘in progress’ status, if Intergalactic has taken them... going after them might be a hard sell.”


    “But they promised! Didn’t they? They said that-”


    “If it was anyone else than Intergalactic, then sure. Even if this is an open declaration of war on their part with their complete disregard for the laws and regulations of United Galaxy…


    They aren’t just some inordinate fighting force or some small rogue faction.


    We’d be responding in kind and declaring war on all of Intergalactic. This wouldn''t just be about the Tyrchids—the very fate of the United Galaxy would hang in the balance.


    All the fighting forces of the big three, ISSA, Galactic Police, and Intergalactic are evenly matched in size, and since Metropolis no longer has an army of its own... we stand to lose much.”


    “But we have to save them!”


    “We need to be smart about this.”


    “What do you suggest, then?” Frank asks. “Surely you have some idea?”


    Doug thinks.


    “If Amethyst and I meet with Keeper Astraea, can you go talk to Galactic Police and try to secure their support?


    If we can get ISSA and Galactic Police working together, they might be willing to save the Tyrchids and... we’d stand a much better chance in winning the war and cutting down on casualties.”


    “The Galactic Police? What makes you think they’d listen to me?”


    “Remember the Director of Intergalactic Resources at Midnight Iris, way back when? Can you get in touch with her?


    You can probably find her at the station, she should be able to arrange a meeting with the Chief.”


    “Larsenia? Why?”


    Frank asks but immediately continues: “Oh... Now I get it. She’s like you. Next, you’ll tell me Sam didn’t work for Intergalactic either?”


    “No... he definitely did. Either way, can you do it?”


    “Yeah, I have her number.”


    “Excelle- what? Even I don’t- I mean... great, that’ll speed things along...” Doug looks away adjusting his sunglasses.


    “Why do you have that?” Amethyst asks.


    “She uhh... that day when she was leaving Midnight Iris, I bumped into her when I went to get my backpack.


    We had a chat and she told me to call her if I ever needed help, saying she wouldn''t mind dealing a blow to Intergalactic herself, or something along those lines.”


    “She’s certainly full of surprises...” Doug says quietly.


    “Well, what are you waiting for? Call her already!” Amethyst catches herself shouting. “Uh, please.”


    “Right now? Alright...”


    Amethyst comes to Frank’s side and looks at the communicator’s screen as he navigates through the contacts and finds the number saved as ''Cecil Larsenia''.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    He calls her and lifts the communicator to his ear.


    His call is quickly answered.


    “Officer Sennia speaking, who is this?”


    “I- it’s uh, Frank. Sorry, I didn’t quite catch that, is this Larsenia?”


    “Oh, Frank. Yeah, that’s what I said: Larsenia.”


    “Okay... Well, I''ll get straight to the point. You said I could call in a favor, and I could sure use one right now. Can we meet up?”


    “I’m at work right now, is it urgent?”


    “I think you’ll find it quite related to your work, though I’d rather not elaborate more on call.”


    “O-oh, well, can you come to the Galactic Police’s main station then? I’m sure that’s no surprise to you at this point.”


    “No, it isn’t. Yeah, that’ll do nicely. I’ll be there shortly, as long as public transport is favorable.”


    “Right,” Larsenia says with an amused tone. “Go to the corridor next to the permit offices waiting room and text me once you’re there. I’ll fetch you discreetly from there.”


    “Alright. See you then.”


    “Cya.”


    Frank ends the call.


    “What? Why are you looking at me like that Amethyst?”


    “It sure is convenient... what a coincidence you have her number...”


    “Ehh, well-”


    “With that sorted, we should split up then,” Doug says and gestures for them to go, but Amethyst doesn’t move, instead, she looks to the floor.


    She lifts her gaze and levels her sad eyes at Frank. “We just got back together, I don’t want to let you go...”


    “Amethyst...”


    “Let you go alone, I- I mean... it might be dangerous. Those Intergalactic goons might still be lurking.” She pouts her lips and looks away, her eyes sneaking glances at Frank.


    “Good point, I’ll have one of our men escort you there,” Doug adds.


    “I’d like to say that’s not necessary, but... with how things have turned out so far, I’m not about to turn you down.”


    “Wait here, he’ll be here in a minute. Meanwhile, Amethyst and I will go search for Astraea.”


    Doug and Amethyst start to walk away.


    “Good luck, Amethyst.”


    “Take care, Frank.”


    He smiles, but as he instinctively brings a hand behind his head, he winces, holding his right side briefly.


    Amethyst looks away, pretending to not notice his pained expression.


    You’re not lying about being fine… are you?


    I want to reprimand you so bad, fly you back to your hospital bed to rest, but...


    I need your help, I need to save my kin...


    Is it selfish of me to want that, but also want what’s best for you...? Want... you?


    As Amethyst and Doug walk along the long corridor, they hear the bodyguard meet up with Frank, and both groups leave the staff-only facilities.


    “If she’s still here, I think I know where to find her,” Doug says and leads ahead.


    “Can’t you call her?”


    “Well, I could, but I don’t think she’d answer.”


    “Huh...?”


    After a winding walk of many sets of stairs, they arrive at a separate wing of the courthouse, beyond the courtrooms.


    The area is completely in normal size, but in similar ostentatious architecture.


    Doug leads her further in, to a grand hallway with seemingly endless doors along it, private meeting rooms, according to him.


    They manually check room after room, those marked as vacant, and those occupied as well, interrupting some meetings.


    Doug apologizes for each interruption with the standing of a security guard checking that everything’s fine.


    Finally, from the second last one, marked as vacant, they find a lady talking with P?llend.


    “What’s this?” The owl Mun’aakas turns his head around without turning his body.


    “I hope we’re not interrupting,” Doug says.


    “It’s fine, we were just finishing up.” She turns to face them, and Amethyst recognizes her to be the message-sending woman of the jury.


    She looks younger than Frank and Doug, perhaps around 25 years old, she has faint freckles all over her cheeks and the bridge of her nose, alongside the large blond airy braids at the front.


    P?llend starts leaving, “Good day,” he nods to them as they step aside, giving him room. He closes the door on his way out.


    The lady gathers some papers and stacks them neatly. She looks over them both, with a serious expression, gone is the mischievous side she expressed in the courtroom.


    Amethyst can’t help herself from verifying.


    “You’re the Keeper of Intelligence-?”


    “Do not call me that.” Her reaction is immediate, furrowing her brow, the stack of papers in her grip crumples, as she directs her glare at Doug. “Did you not tell her to just call me Astraea?”


    Amethyst looks between her and Doug, confused at Astraea’s reaction. “Why not? Why shouldn’t I call you-?”


    “Amethyst-!” Doug tries to interject, but Astraea holds up her hand and shakes her head.


    “She could have only heard that title from you. I’ve told you, time and time again, why do you still insist on calling me that!”


    Doug hangs his head, like at a confessional.


    “In my eyes, that is still your moniker. The split doesn’t change anything, and many others agree-”


    “But it is not my title, not anymore. I am not worthy to bear it.” She scowls like in physical pain, hurt in her voice. “Please, you know that well, so please, do not call me that, to others or to myself.”


    “If that’s the leader’s title… does that mean you’re not ISSA’s leader anymore?”


    Astraea sighs in response.


    “It’s a little complicated. Nowadays I’m just one of many. Though I still keep my authority over the Sapient Species processing and a few other select things.”


    “I see... Can I ask why you helped me in court? Why did you tell the Unificator what to say? Shouldn’t you be in P?llend’s place anyway, as the leader?”


    “Surely that isn’t why you’re here?” Astraea scoffs and turns her side to them, taking out her communicator and using it as a mirror. “To dig up the past and ask meaningless questions?”


    “Of course not, my apologies.” Doug scowls at Amethyst.


    “Then why are you here?” She asks and adjusts her hair.


    Well, excuse me for being a little suspicious...


    What if I shouldn’t share this information with her?


    What if it’ll only make it worse…? Can I really know that ISSA is on our side after all?


    If they aren’t, what would we do then? Rescue them, just the two of us with Frank, somehow?


    Astraea starts packing up her files in folders and gathering her things into her lap.


    I hate this.


    This doubt, this uncertainty...


    I just can’t trust everyone like I used to...


    I really want to... why can’t everyone be honest people?


    “Amethyst,” Doug says.


    “Y-yes?”


    “Won’t you tell her why we’re here?”


    Amethyst looks at Astraea, leaning against the table, practically sitting on its edge, presenting no initiative or interest to ask anything from Amethyst herself. Though, not leaving either.


    She’s a fair lady by all accounts, more serious than she thought, but she looks trustworthy, though her ability to evaluate people hadn’t done her any favors so far.


    What if she’s another Luna...?


    What if she’s not the leader, and Doug is a double agent, leading me even deeper into a trap?


    Argh...


    This was our whole objective this entire time... get ISSA’s protection. I can’t be second-guessing it now.


    I just... I have to trust her.


    “My apologies, Astraea. Today’s been a lot... well, everything’s been a lot...”


    Amethyst pauses for a moment, getting lost in the turmoil in her mind before she finds the words and the train of thought again.


    “My kin, the whole Tyrchid village was abducted by Intergalactic using some massive ship.”


    “I see... So they went ahead despite everything...”


    Astraea adds calmly, a hand on her chin: “And that ship, it must have been the Earth Eater. Even my father thought it destroyed for it hadn’t been seen for... decades.


    This is troublesome news indeed.”


    “So... Can you help me? We must save my kin!”


    “Do you realize what you are asking us to do?” She sighs once more and stands up.


    “In the off-chance that we’re lucky enough that they are taken to Intergalactic’s HQ, one does not simply waltz in there to stage a rescue.


    First of all, the location of their space station changes, even if it is slow to move, it’s not like it’s public knowledge where it is. We might not even be able to help if we wanted to.”


    “But we’re ‘in progress’ in the application now! You can’t just-”


    She walks up to Amethyst and swooshes a file of papers toward her like a blade, stopping it before her face.


    “Secondly, confronting the main force of Intergalactic is simply not feasible, we are evenly matched in numbers, and we’d be fighting on their home turf, if we even manage to get our ships close enough to dock...”


    Astraea backs off and slaps the file against her palm.


    “I’m sorry, Amethyst, but we keep the peace, defend planets, and be a deterrent to ensure the longevity of Species...


    Do you even know if those are the only Tyrchids on Midnight Iris? Surely not?”


    “I... I have no idea. But, they could be! They’re my people regardless! I am their voice for the Galaxy, I’m not about to let them down! Let them be Intergalactic’s prisoners!”


    Astraea’s eyebrows rise, but she soon shakes her head and smirks.


    “Maybe if my father was still here... I bet he would have jumped at the opportunity to do good at his own expense.


    But I am not him, I cannot be like him.


    This is the legacy he left for me, I have to take care of it. I cannot frivolously send my people to a war that’s one step from certain death. I hope you understand.”


    Doug bows his head before speaking.


    “Astraea, if I may suggest a solution to save Amethyst’s kin, Frank is currently heading to the Galactic Police to solve both of the issues you mentioned.


    Would you be willing to go against Intergalactic if you had the Galactic Police’s support?”


    “Hah... work with Argo? You must be joking.” The room’s stoic silence is Astraea’s answer.


    “Let’s say we get his support, then we’d have a major numerical advantage on all fronts. What about the second issue?”


    “I think I have a contact who has fresh coordinates in her possession for the space station in that very same facility.”


    “Sounds like we’d owe a debt to the Galactic Police, I don’t like the sound of that.”


    “No, we’ll certainly frame it so that there are no favors left to be fulfilled one way or the other. Isn’t Argo quite keen on seeing Intergalactic destroyed?”


    “Well, that’s one way to describe his aspirations. Fine... if you can solve both of these issues as discussed, you’ll have the full support of ISSA’s fleet and Peacekeepers.”


    “Thank you! I’m sure Frank will be able to persuade him!”


    “Perhaps... I think he’d be the first to do so.” Astraea says. “With that settled, Amethyst, please step outside for a moment, I have matters to discuss with Doug.”


    “A-alright...”


    “And don’t even think about eavesdropping.”


    How did she know!? Oh... right.


    “I understand...”


    “Good. We’ll just be a moment, Doug will meet you in the hallway after.”


    ***


    A black hovercar drives to the parking lot of the gallant Galactic Police Station, the building dressed in blue stripes and yellow details. A sturdy concrete building, a real pillar of society.


    The dim-windowed side door opens, and Frank steps out.


    “Thanks for the lift.”


    He swings the door shut with a thud, and the car drives away.


    Back here again...


    Frank enters the familiar station, and proceeds past the permit offices and its reception, to the one split-off hallway one could get inside without a keycard.


    He messages Larsenia and as he waits, his thoughts wander to the last time he was in this very same corridor.


    Back then that nice female officer turned him away back the way he came… oh, but before that... he heard that familiar voice...


    A door opens and then closes down the same corridor where the two Officers were back then. Steps approach, and the same mystery voice he heard back then, greets him.


    “Frank, this way.” It''s Larsenia, without a doubt, her facial and other features look nearly identical, however... gone are the long luscious blond locks—she''s totally bald.


    “You''re-? R-right,” Frank tilts back to his feet.


    “I''m what?” She says as Frank joins to walk with her down the corridor.


    “...”


    “Bald?” Larsenia guesses.


    “Yeah... what happened to your hair?”


    Larsenia shakes her head and sighs.


    “I was undercover, so I was wearing a wig. Nothing happened to my hair, so to speak. In reality, I’m bald, that’s all there is to it.”


    “Oh... I see. Sorry, I didn’t-”


    “It’s fine... I’m used to reactions like that.” She sighs even deeper.


    “There’s a reason I always wear a wig out in public...” She looks away and mutters the last part through her teeth.


    “It’s just... I saw you with hair first, so I was confused, that’s all. You’re still as beautiful without your wig.” Frank regrets his words as soon as they leave his mouth.


    Larsenia crosses her arms. “Should you be saying things like that to a woman you barely know?” There’s a slight hint of a smirk on her lips.


    “I suppose not...”


    “Besides, aren’t you and Amethyst like the public couple number one right now? Think before you speak.”


    Larsenia breathes out harshly through her nose.


    “Anyway... I don’t need your pity or forced compliments, so save it, and let’s move on, shall we?”


    “Right... Sorry...”


    I wasn''t lying though.


    Larsenia leads Frank through a few doors with her keycard, to an interrogation room. She sits down, and Frank takes a seat across from her.


    “Truth be told, I’m a little surprised you even called me, I had totally forgotten of my whim back then. Looks like I made the right call after all.”


    “Right. How you acted back then makes a lot more sense now... no wonder you surrendered Midnight Iris to us so easily.”


    “Uhm, right... Let’s move on to business. Why exactly did you call for this meeting?”


    Frank explains what happened to the Tyrchids and what Doug suggested.


    “Doug told you to specifically seek me out? He''s correct in that I do have the coordinates but... I think he overestimates the sway I hold around here. Especially after...”


    Larsenia shakes her head.


    “Never mind. You said Amethyst and Doug are currently securing ISSA’s support?


    I think even in my current state I can get you in the same room with Argo, but I don’t think it’s a good idea until we know if ISSA is cooperative.”


    “Oh?”


    “Argo is a very... busy man. If we can’t sway him on our first try, he won’t change his mind after.”


    “I see... but, out of interest, what do you think about all this?”


    “I think it’s a bad idea to go after the Tyrchids. I get why you want to do it, but... I can’t in good conscience recommend it. Any good plan or operation is about risk management.


    I cannot help but worry about what will happen if we fail.


    Even with our combined power... there’s a reason why Intergalactic, ISSA, or Galactic Police have never fought a war against each other—why we only infiltrate and skirmish in the shadows.”


    Larsenia pauses.


    “Everyone knows... there may be no coming back from that.”


    “But Intergalactic is asking for it by disrespecting all your rules and regulations, for abducting the Tyrchids! We can’t just do nothing!”


    “I know... but it’s as they say: ‘Never bet more than you’re willing to lose’.


    You have to first ask yourself, can you live with the consequences of failure?” Larsenia looks distraught as she says that.


    “If we lose, United Galaxy might be no more, Intergalactic would rule and own it all, be free to do what they wish unimpeded.


    Destroy or enslave all the planets and outposts currently under ISSA and United Galaxy’s protection, our way of life might come to an end.


    Is that something you’re willing to risk?”


    “It’s not my fault Intergalactic took the Tyrchids, that they started this war. I’m not in charge of ISSA or Galactic Police, their failure wouldn’t be on me.”


    His mind returns to that one fateful night, when he was forced- no, when he decided, to claim the life of another.


    “If it happens, it happens.”


    “I wonder if you can still think like that if the worst comes to pass. While the events around the war wouldn’t be your fault, you’re still the one who urged us to action.


    You’re the one who lit the fuse and waited for the explosion, seeing what remains after the smoke clears.”


    Frigid words leave her harsh lips.


    “Is that who you are?”


    “Yes. That’s exactly who I am.” Frank stares Larsenia down with cold eyes, like the gaze of a completely different man.


    “I’m not about to let Intergalactic get away with this, with all they’ve done. I won’t allow Amethyst to lose any more family members.”


    I knew it. This is who I was all along, selfish, and greedy.


    Once I decide to hold onto something, I won’t let them go for anything.


    Ray… you escaped me, but, Amethyst… I will sacrifice the whole Galaxy for you if I have to.


    That’s who I am.


    Larsenia leans back and closes her eyes, sitting with her interlocked fingers resting on the table.


    To take what you want, do what you wish without regard for the risks or the consequences...


    Hold fast to your conviction in adversity, even in failure...


    Some might find that brash, reckless, or even stupid... but all I feel is... envy.


    ***


    Doug exits the meeting room, back to the bored Amethyst.


    “Do you think Frank’s already at the Police Station? Can we go there too?”


    “He should have arrived by now, yeah. Now that we’ve got Astraea’s support, we should join him.”


    “Great.”


    Doug taps his sunglasses'' rim. “I forgot to exchange numbers with him... would have been nice to check the situation. Oh well, I guess we’ll find him at the station, anyhow.”


    “I’ve memorized the phone number.”


    “Nicely done. Alright. Let’s check up on him.”


    Amethyst says the numbers out loud one after the other, though she''s a little confused about what Doug is going to do with the information since he doesn’t even have a communicator in hand.


    He just stands with his black shades firmly on his nose.


    “I’ll call him now.”


    He presses the side of his glasses, and a small earpiece-like part extends over his right ear.


    “Hello, is this Frank?”


    “No. This is... is that you, Doug?” A female voice answers.


    “L-Larsenia!? A-ahem, what are you doing with Frank’s c-communicator?”


    “You called my number...”


    “O-oh...” Doug looks at Amethyst, who tilts her head confused.


    “A-anyway... I trust you’ve already met up with Frank?”


    “Yes-”


    “We should meet-” They both say at the same time and then fall silent.


    Both of them laugh nervously over the line.


    “You go first,” Doug says.


    “Okay, you should come here to meet with Argo. Did you get ISSA’s support yet?”


    “I was going to suggest the same thing. And yes, ISSA is ready to help Amethyst and the Tyrchids if Galactic Police joins in, shall we converge at the Station...?”


    “Yeah... having you here assuring Argo of ISSA’s cooperation when we talk with him is going to be a big help.


    “Right. We’ll be there in a moment.”


    ***


    The four of them meet up, in that very same discreet corridor.


    “Nice to meet you again, ‘Larsenia’.” Dougs offers a hand to her, as his gaze very briefly visits her shiny dome.


    “I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”


    “ ’Well’ might be a bit of an overstatement, but I’m doing a bit better now.” Larsenia shakes his hand. “Who knew we’d meet again so soon, ‘Doug’.”


    “Frank, do humans shed their hair?” Amethyst whispers.


    “Not really. Or, I guess we sort of do? Regardless, don’t worry about it. I’ll explain it some other time.”


    “Okay.”


    “And how are you, Amethyst? You just can’t help but bring me even more trouble, can you?” Larsenia grins.


    “I suppose I can’t. Sorry…”


    “No, don’t be. It’s my job, our job, to solve other’s problems.” Larsenia glances at Doug knowingly, who returns the gaze.


    “Anyway, Police Chief Argo should be in his office, follow me.”


    She guides them through the station, past other policemen, women, and Sapients, doing their jobs at a desk, escorting suspects, leaning around on a break, or darting past them around to leave on an urgent mission.


    They arrive at a large wooden door, with a decorated “Chief” plaque on it. An electronic buzzer and two lights are at the side of it.


    Larsenia presses the button and soon, a green light appears on the panel.


    “After you.” She pulls the door open and holds it, standing aside.


    As they enter, it’s an unexpectedly long room, the walls extend quite far, but no space is wasted.


    The back wall and both its sides have four immensely intricate maps of all the four districts of Metropolis, each of their square surface takes up the wall from top to bottom.


    And on the side walls are some galactic maps, some of specific solar systems and others of quite grander scale.


    In the middle of those, are two large monitors embedded into the walls as well, the other showing a constantly updating stream of news from the city, and the other working as a digital case board by the looks of it, currently showing an empty corkboard surface.


    Before the Metropolis maps, is an old desk, chipped and damaged in spots, but still has some shine in its darkened surface. Hunched before it, is a young-looking man, his expression a steady scowl, perhaps of anger, determination, or even concentration. A blue decorated Galactic Police cap, almost akin to a military general’s hat, hides his eyes.


    Lifting his head, he looks up at the people arriving in his room with indifference, taking stock of each one. Once all four of them are inside and behind closed doors, he finally speaks.


    “There’s only one chair, I hope the rest of you don’t mind standing.”


    He looks back down and writes something on a paper with a deep blue fountain pen, and then gestures to the chair with its other end, but his guests don’t take the initiative.


    “Aren’t you going to ask why we’re here? Who we are?” Frank asks.


    “I already know who all of you are.” He takes off his hat and places it on the table packed with documents.


    “Even me?” Doug asks surprised.


    “Yes, of course. You had a run-in with my staff, why wouldn’t I know you?” His eyes glance at Larsenia.


    “Right...”


    “And... I’m sure you’ll tell me why you’re here, even without me asking.”


    Argo sits up straight, ever so slightly leaning back, the medals and ribbons filling the left side of his uniform shingle and shift.


    “Well, I''ll start the explanation then.”


    Frank explains the Tyrchid situation, Amethyst summarizes Astraea''s conditions for cooperating with the rescue operation which Doug confirms to be true.


    All the while, Larsenia does not chime in at any point, she just remains quiet, looking... stoic.


    “I see.” He pops the cork onto his pen and gathers the papers into a folder which he slams shut.


    “Finally, Astraea has come to her senses. It’s high time we annihilate Intergalactic.”


    “Annihilate? What about saving my kin!”


    “I’m sure ISSA will do their best to save them, that’s their job, isn’t it? The Galactic Police will instead take this chance and focus on bringing an end to the criminal organization that has plagued us for decades.


    We may work together, but it’ll hardly mean our goals are aligned.”


    “As long as it’ll be for the benefit of the United Galaxy, I’ll consider our goals aligned, even if our methods differ. That’s good enough for ISSA.” Doug says.


    Amethyst narrows her eyes, how come Doug is speaking for all of ISSA? He’s just a guard, even if a high-ranking one?


    And he’s definitely a subordinate of Astraea, he can’t possibly be running the whole thing, how come he has this much authority?


    Frank glances at Amethyst briefly, perhaps thinking the same thing.


    “But of course, a United Galaxy is a just and righteous one. Such a commendable goal will always have our support.” Argo says with a neutral tone.


    “Right, one can always count on the Police for justice to be done,” Doug says with a transparent faux smile on his lips.


    The room goes silent, Larsenia’s lips part, but she looks away without saying anything.


    “I was wondering…”


    Amethyst is instead the first to break the silence.


    “Can you tell me anything about Hoana and Vic?”


    “That case''s investigation is still ongoing, though with Hoana being found the whole incident is becoming clearer.


    She was taken to the backroom by the maid who calmed her, and likely pushed Vic, and subsequently kidnapped by her. She was kept in some location and released to testify in the ISSA court.


    She gave her false testimony, under the threat of her comatose husband being finished off if she didn’t do it. Now that we know, we’ve arranged heavy security for him at the hospital.”


    “Oh... that’s a lot.”


    “So, it’s confirmed Vic was pushed?” Frank asks.


    “Yeah. It is nearly certain that he was in deep debt with Intergalactic, so perhaps this was him being made an example of, or this is a part of him paying it back.


    Hoana said that Vic hadn’t seemed especially nervous when he had suggested that they visit the Cafe, so this turn of events was likely a surprise for him too.”


    “All of this is strictly confidential, but given how involved you are with this case, I thought it best for you to know.


    After all, that Maid is still out there, alongside the three who kidnapped Frank.”


    The maid and the three criminals, is there a connection...?


    I… I can’t really tell…


    “Hoana also wanted me to relay a message to you, Amethyst.”


    “Me?”


    “She wanted to let you know, that she’s sorry.”


    “Sorry…? What for?”


    “That’s all she said.


    But, it’s abundantly clear that Intergalactic is behind all of this interference with their latest crime of abducting all of your Kin.


    Perhaps it was the culmination of their plan to keep you out of ISSA’s protection. But of course, they failed. He always does.


    Now for his insolence, Intergalactic will face the full might of ISSA and Galactic Police, to finish this once and for all.”


    He?


    Frank tries to fit the pieces together.


    Does Argo know the name of the Intergalactic’s leader?


    Does he… know him?


    “What about Fideas?” Amethyst asks. “Was he speaking the truth?”


    Argo thinks for a moment. “We just got them both to the station not long ago, and while Hoana was much more talkative, Fideas much less so. We lack any concrete proof to pin any of this on Fideas.


    So far it seems a coincidence that Fideas met Hoana, while it could have been orchestrated by Intergalactic, we have trouble showing any purposeful intent on Fideas’ part.


    He might have just been an outlet for Hoana to complete her false testimony. So far, we can only charge neglect on his part, for not reporting coming across such a clearly suspicious individual.”


    “I see. Thank you for answering all my questions... I feel a little better knowing all this, even if it’s still quite unresolved...”


    “You’re welcome.”


    “So, let me just confirm, you agree to help us?” Frank asks.


    “Yes.”


    “Can we help them right away?” Amethyst asks. “We have to go after them before they harm my kin!”


    The police chief sighs.


    Finally, Larsenia speaks up. “We cannot leave yet. The ship needs time to arrive at its destination. Intercepting it mid-flight in outer space would be very difficult.


    Finding a ship, even of that size, is a near-impossible endeavor unless we know exactly what route they’ll take.


    “Oh...”


    “And, if we storm Intergalactic’s HQ too early, we might spook the ship to land somewhere else instead. Then we’d be in over our heads, trying to find a needle from a Galaxy.


    Rest assured, if we wait, we should be fine. Their HQ is the most likely location, it has Intergalactic’s most advanced labs aboard it, and according to the shipping manifests I found, your mother had been transported there too.”


    “I see...”


    Argo nods. “The Earth Eater cannot land on planets, so a space-bound location is most likely.


    Naturally, the need to wait will play into our hands, as it will take time for us to prepare for the operation regardless.


    We have to get resources and personnel ready, maintain and fuel our spaceships and weaponry… load it all up in the PMS Justiciar, coordinate everything with ISSA, discuss plans and strategies…”


    Argo’s list goes on and on.


    “As for what comes to you two… are you going to accompany us on this mission? I get the sense this is all rather personal for you. Although, I recommend against it.


    It will be incredibly dangerous, and neither of you is trained in any sort of fighting, I imagine.”


    “Right...”


    Frank says and meets Amethyst’s eyes.


    “I... we’re not sure. Can you give us time to think about it?”


    “Of course. We’ll have our final strategy meeting tomorrow, I’ll call you over to attend and then you can give your final answer.


    Do account that if you do decide to go to war with us, we will think up a way to use you as a part of our strategy.”


    “Okay…”


    “You’re all free to go now apart from Doug. I need to discuss additional factors with you about ISSA’s part.”


    “Of course. What do you need?”


    Amethyst and Frank wave at Argo, but he’s already talking with Doug, and doesn’t register their departure. Larsenia starts leading them out.


    “Will ISSA send their own mother ship?”


    “I believe so, E.I.D III Sanctuary is necessary to transport all the fighters.”


    “Marvelous-”


    They leave the room and close the door.


    Larsenia escorts Frank and Amethyst to the last security door.


    “We’ll let you know sometime tomorrow when we’ll have the meeting.”


    “Thank you, for everything, Larsenia,” Frank says.


    She smiles in response and nods.


    “And let Doug know of our appreciation as well.” Amethyst continues.


    “Will do. Take care now.”


    “Goodbye!”


    Amethyst and Frank leave, and Larsenia goes back to wait for Doug to be dismissed from Argo’s office.


    Not too much time passes until he exits the room.


    “Larsenia?”


    “Amethyst and Frank wanted to thank you for your help. Just uh… waited for you to let you know…”


    “Right, thanks.”


    “So…” Larsenia trails off.


    “What is it?”


    “Are you going to head back to ISSA now?”


    “I’m not in a hurry. My work hours are... flexible. What about you? Doing anything after work?”


    “Oh, I... my shift’s over in an hour, actually,” Larsenia’s fingers play with the buttons on the cuff of her uniform. “Why?”


    Doug pulls his shades forward and looks at her over them. “Want to go grab dinner after work?”


    “I…”


    “If you’re free, of course...” Doug apprehensively covers his eyes again. “It’s fine if you’ve got something else...”


    “I’d love to!” Larsenia beams, her smile high and full of excitement. “Where are we going?”


    “I haven’t thought that far ahead...”


    ***


    Amethyst and Frank stand in the fading daylight, outside the Galactic Police building.


    “Do you want to take a bus or something or should we…?”


    “Let’s... walk.”


    “I agree… I think we both could use some fresh air.”


    “As long as we stay far away from dark alleys.”


    “Right…” Frank smiles.


    They set out walking through the beautiful city: tall trees, colorful flower assortments in pots surrounding them, along with the lively people about. It serves to lift their moods somewhat.


    Even if they’d been struck by disaster after disaster, the world still went on around them, pushing ahead with rigorous ignorance of their problems.


    In a way, it''s a comforting notion for Amethyst. Not so much for Frank, who wonders if this all could really end as a result of their operation failing.


    “What do you think we should do?”


    “…” Amethyst walks, without looking at Frank.


    “This is our chance to end Intergalactic’s hunting of your kin once and for all.


    However, we could just let them handle it, I’m sure ISSA and Galactic Police will be able to utterly destroy them. What difference are we going to make in this war?


    We should sit this one out. We’ve been through enough already as it is.”


    Amethyst turns to look at him.


    “You might be right, but… I have to be there, to make an effort to save my kin.”


    Sadness reflects in her eyes for a moment, until her eyebrows turn sharp. “I want to see Intergalactic destroyed. I want to be there to do it.”


    Frank is taken aback by Amethyst’s words. “I didn’t realize you felt that strongly about it. But, I guess it’s more than fair, given what we’ve been through.”


    “I’ve realized… they will never stop hunting me, or us. It has to end, one way or another.”


    Amethyst looks at her sheathed blades.


    “They better be prepared, for I’m coming for them, for my kin. I''ll be there to end Intergalactic myself.”


    Frank sighs, almost seeming relieved. “Well then, it’s decided. If you’re going, I’m going.”


    “But you’re injured!”


    “It’s not that bad... The Patchers are really remarkable, and this little thing can keep going for a good while without maintenance.”


    He pats his right side, on the stitched part of his jacket.


    “You’re impossible.”


    “H-uh?”


    Amethyst grins.


    They arrive at the pedestrian bridge taking them from Integrity to Compassion, over the river of Purity.


    Amethyst walks to the railing and looks to the horizon, the red sun is setting, painting the sky in a glowing orange hue.


    “Can we stop here for a while…?”


    “Of course.”


    Frank comes close to Amethyst, between her two side legs, and Amethyst scoops him closer with her sheathed hand.


    Together, they stand there admiring the sunset, enjoying each other’s company, and the closeness of their hearts.


    Amethyst peers into the striking, bright-hued horizon.


    Please… Red Goddess, if you’re out there... Can you safeguard our way?


    Make sure Frank and I will be alright?


    Help us win this final fight against Intergalactic…?


    The sun grows smaller and smaller, the orange intensifying to bleeding red as if the sky itself is alive and suffering.


    The rivers of blood flow down the horizon, growing thinner and thinner until they dry up, and the sun’s completely gone.


    ***


    They return to Frank’s parents’ apartment, calm their worries about them not having come home last night, and briefly recap the events and what’s to come.


    As the two of them retreat to their room, Amethyst is out like a light, as soon as she touches her mattress.


    Thoughts run rampant in Frank’s mind, unable to sleep, and he sneaks out of the room.


    Light shimmers down the corridor, from the open doorway, shining on the hallway walls. He peeks into the living room, to see his parents still awake, watching G-TV.


    “Frank?” Eicel spots him.


    He softly steps inside and leans to the wall next to the doorway.


    “I just came to say... I’m glad we met again, that I took the plunge to come back home.”


    Frank looks to the floor.


    “And... I...”


    Wanted to ask, are you really you...?


    Do you disagree with my choices, the life I’ve lived?


    Would you be proud of me if...?


    Or... are you just pretending?


    “I just wanted to say... I love you both.”


    Why does saying that sting so much?


    I’m not lying... Am I?


    No, I care about them... so then, why do I feel so guilty?


    “And we do you, but... I wish you wouldn’t say things like that before going to war.


    I still don’t agree with you going, I did what I did in my life to make sure you’d never have to go through the... things I did.”


    Eicel’s face is inconsistently lit up by the living light of the G-TV, her eyes shining.


    “But... even so...”


    “We understand.” Hyon continues, “Better leave without regrets, with nothing left unsaid-”


    Yeah, right…


    “- so you don’t have to worry about us tomorrow, just focus on coming back alive.”


    “Thank you, both of you.” Frank lifts himself off the wall.


    “Mom, Dad... do you mind if I sit down to watch with you for a moment?”


    “Of course not.”


    Frank takes a seat on the floor, before both of their beds, in the middle.


    The colorful lights of the G-TV paint the dark room in different variations between light and dim light, blinding and gloomy... A light show of vanity and nostalgia.


    Frank sighs deeply. It’s like old times, when he was just a kid when everything was alright in the world, for as far as he was concerned. It was all much simpler.


    It was enough to just exist in the moment, watch TV with his parents, trusting in the past of certainty, and a malleable future of anything.


    The susurration of ads, the blur of colors… it’s so calming. This infinitesimal moment in time, somehow feels like its peace could last forever.


    The present moment—infinite and eternal.