Kyungsoo was still reeling from his close encounter with Jongin when he was greeted by a new face. The man who he assumed was Minseok was the epitome of regality. His golden skin and hair were paired perfectly with crisp gold and white robes. However, the man’s demeanor was more reminiscent of a Nordic warrior. His shoulders were broad and strong, and his smile was hearty and carefree, and despite him knowing that Kyungsoo had just regained consciousness, he openly and unapologetically announced his presence as if nothing had been amiss. His hand came down heavily into Kyungsoo’s palm, giving it a shake with excessive force in his wrist. “Minseok’s the name. Glad to meet you Kyungsoo. I take it this is a fine time to ask where are you from? And just what in the hell are you doing here?”

Kyungsoo stared and his mouth made a movement to speak but nothing came out.

“And carrying on!” Jongdae interjected. “Kyungsoo this is Minseok. Now that the whole unit is here. Let’s all bond over a nice family fire.”

“I’ll pass.” Jongin said before walking away from the party of five.

“Alright, looks like the boss man doesn’t want to mingle. Anyone else want to be a party pooper?”

“Um...I think I’m going to have a talk with Jongin.” Baekhyun said, pointing behind him with his thumb.

‘Save me’ Kyungsoo mouthed toward Baekhyun who frowned in hilarity and left the nearly weeping Kyungsoo behind inside the fray of overly curious people, and by people, he meant Minseok. The diplomats eyes shone bright as he looked toward Kyungsoo. His face at this point was almost overtaken by the broad grin that could hardly be contained.

“Hey Jongin.” Baekhyun called from behind and the nomad turned to look at him.

“What do you need?”

“I was just wondering...about Kyungsoo. Do you know anything about him? I mean, aside from what he’s telling you...”

“No. I don’t.”

“But you trust him?”

Jongin took a moment before replying. “With my life.”

“Then I guess I’m just overthinking things…”

“What are you thinking?” Jongin crossed his arms over his chest.

“His blackouts, his memory loss...something just doesn’t add up.”

“It’s strange I will admit, but he’s genuine with everything he does. He wants to help and well, he’s trying to do that.”

“I know he’s a good guy—”

“And that’s all you need to know.” Jongin interjected, seemingly defensive. “I’m thankful for your input, but this is Kyungsoo we’re talking about. He’s not someone who could manipulate. I’m sure he’s just as lost as we are.”

“I hope you’re right…”

Over the course of time, the group patiently waited for Baekhyun to repair the shuttle. With the aid of Kyungsoo as a translator, he became more proficient and began moving at a quicker pace. Sometimes the other four lent their services with the hard labor of patching holes to the ship. Their hard work carried over into the late evenings, but afterwards they settled down around a nice and tame bond fire.

Gradually, the team of peculiar individuals got to know one another. They shared stories of sorrow or warmth, with roaring laughter in between. Even Jongin got a few chuckles in, his aloof nature keeping him from totally joining the group and keeping in tune with himself.

Today was like any other, as they gathered around the space shuttle while Baekhyun and Kyungsoo worked on the inside.

“So we’re here to decide who has the best skills. Anyone care to challenge me? I may be light but I’m no pushover.” Jongdae bounced on his toes.

Minseok came forth. “I’ve dabbled in martial arts, I may know a thing or two.” Though the statement made was humble, Jongin could tell that he was merely playing coy.

“Well then.” Jongdae took a defensive stance and gestured for Minseok to attack using a wave of his hand. “Come on.”

Jongin leaned against a tree, arms crossed over his chest while observing the two who were about to spar. Junmyeon rested on a fallen tree trunk watching as his brother and Minseok stared each other down.

“Is anyone going to make a move?” Junmyeon asked, teetering on an amused grin or perhaps a mocking one.

The duel started when Minseok went in for a blow, however, Jongdae easily evaded his incoming fist. Jongdae found an opening and countered with a jab, though Minseok missed it by a hair, the staggering of his foot caused him to accept a blow directly to his gut. Though sparring was a sport of training, the pain wasn’t any less real and Minseok doubled over, his palms covering his stomach. Jongdae’s chest swelled with pride as he assured himself that he’d won. However, Minseok swallowed the pain and straightened, moving forward with careful, more assured steps. His fist flew forward, but as Jongdae moved to easily block it, the attacked stopped short as Minseok’s foot flew upward and made contact with Jongdae’s newly exposed ribcage. The pain became apparent on Jongdae’s face, but he didn’t miss a beat. His arm locked downward, holding Minseok’s leg helplessly in the air. With a swift and forceful step backward, Minseok collapsed onto the ground, gripping his groin.

Jongdae smiled smug and prideful. “Not as bad as I expected, but you still have a lot to learn.” He was almost taken aback as he looked down and noticed that Minseok was laughing heartily to himself.

“I haven’t had that much fun in years! It was a pleasure to spar with such an upstanding and capable soldier.” A glint of respect and admiration could be seen as Minseok locked eyes with the now flustered and flattered soldier.

"Any other takers?” Jongdae issued a warning stare, however the least likely member walked forward.

“I’ll give it a whirl.” Jongin stepped into the clearing, his shoulders rotating and neck cracking.

Jongdae gulped.

The entire terrain spun as Jongdae's body flew up in the air, the wind knocked from his lungs when Jongin brought his back to the ground, pinning him there. The battle was over in one swift move, a humiliating defeat, even for the easygoing Jongdae.

“This isn’t fair.” Jongdae whined while holding onto his aching back. “You’re stronger and faster...are you even real?” The rhetoric in his voice stretched a small grin across Jongin’s face.

“You know, that’s actually a good question.” Kyungsoo said as he entered the area with Baekhyun in tow. “I’ll give him a run for his money.” Kyungsoo smiled at Jongin, who made a sweeping motion with his arm, welcoming Kyungsoo to attempt to beat him.

Jongdae whistled. “Let the showdown really begin.”

Kyungsoo and Jongin faced off numerous times in the past. They knew each other well and the ratio of wins to loses was nearly even, Kyungsoo leading with two wins. Jongin never favored losing, as defeat meant he was weak, however Kyungsoo thought otherwise about the nomad. Jongin was quick to learn, and eager to apply his recent training. Kyungsoo could never use a tactic twice, the likelihood of it succeeding was unbearably to low to risk to chance. In those moments when he felt that victory was on the horizon, Jongin swooped down and stole the impending light from his triumph.

It all boiled down to their deftness and precision. One mistake could cost him the duel and even though it wasn't a true battle, losing wasn’t an option.

“You two going to start in this century?” Jongdae broke the confronting silence as Jongin and Kyungsoo stared at one another.

Kyungsoo smirked. He quickly shuffled forward and swung with his fist, however Jongin dodged back and only the swoosh of Kyungsoo’s swing hung in the air. He bombarded Jongin with numerous blows every punch skillfully deflected with the back of Jongin’s forearm, his defense skills nothing short of perfection.

Stepping in with his right foot, Kyungsoo whipped his left leg up to deliver a high kick to the side of Jongin’s face, but the nomad reached up and caught him by the ankle just before his foot made impact, momentarily stopping his momentum.

Kyungsoo quirked an amused brow. “You’re really learning my techniques.” He huffed.

“Get better ones.” Jongin pushed his leg, going in for a counter, which Kyungsoo ducked under.

Kyungsoo attempted to strike again with his foot, however the advancement was blocked effortlessly as though Jongin anticipated his every move. The nomad became faster, sharper, and Kyungsoo had a difficult time maintaining the speed and precision, evading and sometimes sidestepping to avoid Jongin’s swings. Any fraction of a second later, he could receive a direct blow from Jongin. He needed to focus harder.

As Jongin’s leg whipped around attempting to deliver a strike to his rib-cage, Kyungsoo shuffled back. But the nomad applied the momentum from his initial kick and followed through the motion completely, spinning in a full circle. Nearing the end of his spin, he dropped lower and administered a low kick with the same leg, and Kyungsoo jumped to avoid the assault, however, was not quick enough to gather his balance as Jongin’s body turned to a full standing position and his fist came to an abrupt stop directly in front of Kyungsoo’s eyes. The pressure and strength behind Jongin’s punch caused Kyungsoo’s eyes to squint and his hair to fly backward.

“Whew! That was amazing!” Jongdae shot up from his seat and obnoxiously clapped while shaking his head. Baekhyun and Junmyeon both sat in awe staring at the two in silence. Minseok gave a small round of applause, his soft claps overshadowed by Jongdae. “It’s clear the winner is Jongin.”

Kyungsoo smirked. “Not bad.” He said which elicited a small chuckle from Jongin. “But I’m still up by one win.” And with that, Jongin rolled his eyes.

After the atmosphere had settled, Baekhyun resigned to the tent to sleep, far too exhausted from working on the shuttle for the entire day. The remainder of the party sat amongst a campfire as the bright colors of dusk colored the sky. A sly grin danced on Minseok’s lips as he turned to the group and prepared to speak.

“How would you boys feel about sharing a drink? As a...celebration of our union, and the start of a new era of peace for the Simradia?”

“Isn’t it a bit early to celebrate? We haven’t even made it to Phos.” Jongin noted and Kyungsoo nodded in agreement.

“Well according to our friend Baekhyun, the only challenge we are to face on the planet of Phos is arriving there, and with Kyungsoo’s shuttle and my resources, there’s nothing to worry about. Jongin, you should take the first drink. Out of us all, you definitely need to loosen up.” From his robes, Minseok pulled out what looked to be a canteen, and he shoved it warmly but forcefully in Jongin’s direction.

“I don’t think so. I prefer my mind sharp and my weapons ready.”

Minseok almost accepted defeat until realization hit him.

“Kyungsoo, don’t you think all of us could use a drink? It has been a long day, and it isn’t as if we are in danger. After all, these are the woods that you and Jongin cleared out yourselves, and as two capable young men I have no cause to doubt your abilities.” Kyungsoo thought momentarily about arguing, but quickly decided against it. After the rush of memories and stress he’d recently undergone, he felt that a break was more than deserved. He snatched the canteen from Minseok and guzzled a hearty amount. Minseok began to laugh uncontrollably and Jongin’s eyes widened in shock. “Perhaps you should have taken it a bit easy, Simradian alcohol tends to be quite potent, and for someone like yourself who is inexperienced—”

“What did you do to him?!” Jongin interjected, rushing to Kyungsoo’s side. However, Kyungsoo was extremely calm and turned to Jongin.

“Though I appreciate you watching out for me, you really need to lighten up. We have one night before having to rest the fate of an entire planet on our shoulders. It’d be good for you.” The canteen visibly wobbled as Kyungsoo offered it with a warm smile to the shaken Jongin.

“ it.” The nomad snatched the canteen and swallowed the burning amber liquid hard. The rest of the group cheered loudly and Minseok clapped a heavy hand on Jongin's back before taking the canteen for himself.

“Hey! What about us?” Jongdae whined playfully as he reached for the canteen. However, Minseok raised it effortlessly out of his grasp.

“What are you prepared to do for it?” He said with mischievous eyes. Jongdae smirked.

“We could always spar again.” As the words left his lips, Minseok bursted into laughter once again, the pure joy echoing through the evening. Jongdae reached once more, this time Minseok allowing him to grab the canteen, but pausing to take in the proximity between the two. Jongdae found himself smiling proudly before taking a large swig despite Minseok’s warning against the drink’s potency.

“Brother! It’s your turn!” He yelled with excitement as he whipped around to face Junmyeon. The trees shifted slightly and Jondae noted with fascination how quickly the drink had begun to take effect.

“I’d really rather not...It seems like you all have had plenty. I can hardly believe there is anything left.”

“Nonsense!” Minseok boomed, sliding the canteen from Jongdae’s wavering hands. “If Jongin has done it, there is no excuse for you not to!” Minseok motioned over to the nomad and his eyes widened as he looked over Kyungsoo, who was smiling wide and splayed carelessly across Jongin’s chest as he lied on the ground humming to himself. Minseok and Jongdae snickered at the two in unison, and Junmyeon found himself smiling along with them. Junmyeon reached for the canteen and Jongdae began shouting.

“Chug! Chug! Chug!” Junmyeon, as urged by his mischievous brother, downed almost all of what was left and handed the rest to Jongdae who raised the container. “To new friends! And valiant heroes!” The group cheered and hollered as Jongdae drank the remains of the amber liquid.

Kyungsoo sat up from the spot he’d made for himself on Jongin’s chest and looked at the man with squinting eyes and a radiant smile. Jongin couldn’t help but notice the warmth and brightness that smile held. Perhaps, he’d always noticed, but refused to admit it to himself. “I never did get to properly show my appreciation for you saving my life.” Kyungsoo continued to beam.

“Well, you’ve saved me in more ways than one. So I think we are even.” Jongin stated. Kyungsoo noticed that there was now a carefree, lopsided grin plastered on Jongin’s face as well.

“You know, being grumpy all the time is cool and stoic and what-not, but you should smile more often. You look a lot better that way.” Kyungsoo taunted.

“What is that supposed to mean?!” The rest of the men began to laugh and nod ecstatically in agreement.

“You can be a little scary.” Jongdae added, swaying happily between his brother and Minseok.

“I can be fun…” Jongin defended.

“Well that I’d have to see to believe.” Minseok said with glee.

“What would you want me to do?” Jongin said as he stood to prepare for the challenge the group would lay before him.

“Kiss Kyungsoo.” Jongin looked over at Kyungsoo, whose face had flushed completely and his eyes widened, looking only at the ground. Jongin felt his own face heat up.

“Being the scary one is fine.” He said, sitting down too quickly, and toppling backwards unexpectedly. All of the men laughed, but it was Jongdae who spoke to remedy the awkward situation.

“Come on! It’s not even that hard, see?” Jongdae spun to face Minseok and grabbed the lapel of his robes and yanked him closer. Their lips collided forcefully and clumsily, but Minseok couldn’t help but smile into Jongdae’s lips and pull him closer. When the two finally pulled away, Minseok’s obnoxious guffaws rung out again, but this time much sweeter as he looked upon Jongdae’s blushing cheeks. The other man was rendered breathless and reached his hand up to caress his own lips, fully understanding what he’d just done. Despite himself, he simply smiled and laughed, and the others were not too far behind. The night continued, until they’d all collapsed upon each other out of physical and emotional exhaustion.

Jongin and company gathered around huddled in a circle outside of the tent after an eventful night. Their attention heightened and focus amplified for the details of the mission which were about to be explained.

“Here is the breakdown for what will happen.” Jongin stood arms crossed over his chest as per usual. “We will use the shuttle for transportation to Phos. Thanks to the efforts of Baekhyun and Kyungsoo, the shuttle is up and operational. We will also have communications up and synchronized watches. Once we land, we are to infiltrate and destroy the facility which controls all Scylions and then return to Simradia.” Jongin scanned each of their eyes as nods of approval were given in response. “Now we’ll hear from Baekhyun for a more in depth explanation.”

The engineer projected a diagram of his planet using the holographic map from his stationary pod. He pointed to a section on the planet. “We will enter the Exosphere here, at this point. The atmosphere on Phos is similar to that of Simradia, so no masks are needed. However, once we enter the stratosphere, they will be alerted that someone has descended to the planet and will use various satellites to ping our location of entry. I guesstimate that we have around 15 minutes before defense forces are called for backup and the facility will receive extra guards.”

“So we need to land and infiltrate within the time limit of 15 minutes.” Jongdae confirmed and Baekhyun nodded.

“Now, as for point of entry into the facility. The easiest point is from the upper deck, however, since we won’t have access to that we need to use the element of surprise and force our way through by making a direct line into the building.”

“And how do you suppose we do that?” Junmyeon asked.

“Well.” Baekhyun grinned. “We have one person here who likes to blast things.” He threw a glance toward Jongin. “The energy from his plasma cannon at maximum output should be enough to carve out a sizable entry hole into the building.”

The sleek chrome white structure lied before them, its towering frame daunting from the bottom looking up. Jongin swung the strap for his cannon to bring the weapon from his back to out in front of him. When nestled in his palms, he aimed the weapon towards a weak spot he noticed with a single glance. He powered up his weapon which took longer than usual—the blue particle lights flickered and ricocheted causing the barrel to quake, but none of the frenzied motions fazed Jongin as it did Kyungsoo. At maximum output, the cannon’s light was almost blinding. He released the lever igniting the beams and a monstrous blast carved a human-sized hole into the side of the facility.

“From there, we enter and pair off to different parts of the facility. I’m paired with Baekhyun, Jongin and Minseok will pair up which leaves Junmyeon and Jongdae.” Kyungsoo added.

Kyungsoo stepped through the charred circular outline of Jongin’s blast and into the facility. His eyes didn’t have time to adjust to the fluorescent lights as Baekhyun pulled on his wrist leading him to the control center. Jongin and Minseok followed behind making a sharp left down a pale white corridor. The brothers entered last turning the opposite direction heading for the location on the map where they were assigned to place the explosives.

The diagram zoomed into the facility showing the blueprint of the structure. Three blinking cursors pointed to the desired spots on the map. Baekhyun pointed to those spots. “The locations to place the explosives are here, here and here.”

Jongin stopped before a corner and held up an open palm to warn Minseok. He tipped his head around a sharp corner scouting the area in search for any guards. When he saw there weren’t any, he closed his palm and pointed toward the hall on the other side of the passageway. Minseok wrapped around him, stepping to the side before making a dash to the opposite side of the hallway. Jongin followed after, and they both continued running until reaching a dead end.

“This is the part Baekhyun warned us about. Stand back.” Jongin said.

“Jongin, Minseok, your location is within the cooling chambers which is only accessible through an array of access controls—biometric identifications like iris and fingerprint recognition and a dozen other numerical and alphabetical codes that change hourly. We don’t have time, so you will bulldoze your way through. Leave your finger happy on the trigger, will you?”

Jongin’s eyes shifted quickly as he examined the area of the wall presented before him. When he found the weakest point in its structure, he aimed his cannon there before throwing a warning glance toward Minseok, prompting him to take three steps back. The particles burned and a blast nearly shook the entire floor as it penetrated the wall.

“Let’s go.” Jongin said, and they resumed their way.

“Jongdae, Junmyeon, your location is the nerve center, the main room which consist of high tech computer hardware and servers. This room governs everything remote to the facility. You will plant your explosives there.”

The whoosh of his fist struck the guard hurling him into the nearest wall. Junmyeon shuffled back and ducked under an incoming fist before delivering a blow to the burly man’s stomach and then following through with a jab to the man’s chin which knocked him out cold.

“Nice one.” Jongdae said. “You think there are more guards up ahead?”

“I don’t know but we should warn the others that they are on alert.” Junmyeon pressed the output button on his communication device in his ear. “Keep your eyes open, the guards are beginning to swarm.” Junmyeon said into the transmitter.

“We will have comms, so keep the line for communication open. If you reach a dead zone, you’re on your own.”

“All I’m getting is static on my end.” Minseok said as he peered around a corner.

“Same." Jongin said. "We have to move through three more rooms before reaching the cooling chamber. So let’s go.”

They ran down an empty and hollow corridor. Compared to the rest of the facility, it was much darker with rectangular patterned, fluorescent ceilings lights every so often.

“There!” A guard yelled from behind. Jongin grunted in irritation as he whipped around and landed on one knee. He aimed his cannon and shot three times—one for the man on the left, one for the second guard that followed to the right, and again to take out the camera which lingered above them.

“In theory, I’d like to say that there will be no obstacles. But in reality, there will be. So what I’m saying is, we are literally fighting for our lives.”

Kyungsoo stepped in with his foot and rotated his hip before snapping his leg forward, his boot coming in contact with the side of the man’s neck. Blood splattered from the guard’s mouth as Kyungsoo followed through with his kick and placed that foot on the ground. He brought up the leg which previously kept his balance on the floor and swung it back delivering a blow with the ball of his heel to the guard's face. The man instantly collapsed to the ground, his body limp and unmoving.

“Wow.” Baekhyun awed.

“It’s nothing.” Kyungsoo shrugged, and they continued their way to the control center.

“It’s here.” Minseok’s running steps scattered to a stop, and he and Jongin both stood before the cooling chamber. The room rested behind a large steel brushed door with only one access control from a keypad. Jongin lifted his cannon and struck the keypad hard causing it to flicker and spark. The door however, remained in its current position and didn’t make a hint of movement.

“Well, I didn’t see that coming.” Minseok said.

“.” Jongin cursed.

Suddenly, the sporadic patters of numerous hurried footsteps crescendoed down the corridor, coming straight towards them. Minseok and Jongin shared a glance.

“I think this is it. I mean, there are nothing but servers in there.” Jongdae said while running toward a room surrounded by glass. Seeing directly inside was an easy feat, the translucent but dense brittle substance allowed them access to every inch of the room and they deduced that no one was inside. “We need to hurry. Let’s plant this thing.”

“Give me a moment to open the door.” Jongdae abruptly turned his body and stared at his brother. “What?” Junmyeon asked, confused.

“The door? Really? Just blast the damn thing!”

“My cannon isn’t as powerful as Jongin’s.”

“Just try it.”

“Fine.” Junmyeon pulled the strap around and took the cannon within his hands. He aimed it at the thick glass and prayed it would work.

“When the bombs are activated, they will only allow 5 minutes before detonating.”

“Whew.” Jongdae whistled. “That’s no time at all.”

“I’m sorry, but those were the only explosives I could find at a reasonable price.” Minseok said.

“The time isn’t an issue if we have a way to exit. Baekhyun continue…” Jongin urged him on.

Baekhyun stopped before an opulent silver door and there were no noticeable access controls in sight. It looked to be a plain wall to Kyungsoo, so he was confused why Baekhyun chose to stop here.

“This is the control room. We’re lucky I haven’t been branded as a traitor just yet.” He tapped his finger on the middle section of the door causing ripples of silver lines outward. Instantly, an iris scanner slid from behind a small section of the door. Its myriad of green lines scanned Baekhyun’s eyes twice before an approved green light shone above opening the door. He quickly stepped inside and marched to the nearest computer, his fingers tapping and pressing over the keys with haste. “I will have to manually shut them down, erase their data and make it so that the data can not be restored just in case the computers survive the explosion. How much time do we have?”

Kyungsoo hurried to look down at the watch on his wrist. “2 minutes before planting of explosives.”

“More than enough time. Watch the door. They know we’re here and more should be coming.”

“There are 5 exits in the entire building; 3 on each side and one on the roof. Also where Jongin has carved the hole could be used as an exit as well. If no encounters of a fight, the estimated arrival time to an exit from the designated explosive placements is 1 minute and 45 seconds. You should have enough time hypothetically, but if guards were to get in your way, you need to finish them off quickly or you will be caught in the explosion.”

“We need to get in that chamber in 2 minutes Jongin!”

“I’m firing as fast as I can. They keep coming like roaches. This is not what Baekhyun told us, 'not heavily guarded' my .” The detonation of his cannon went off again and again, taking down the enemies one after the other. “You’re free to help and unleash some of those partial art skills.”

“This is not the time for a pun, and from you of all people.”

“You’re right, this. I’m going all out. Let’s see how much plasma energy is needed to take this door down.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“When was any of this a good idea?”

“And from what direction will the guards come?” Minseok asked.

“From the exits since they also allow entry way into the facility. More will begin to arrive in time. They will respond quickly to the facility. Even units stationed at other planets will be notified.”

Kyungsoo shoved the first guard to his left, ducked and countered to his right sending the second guard to the ground. The one who was previously pushed recovered, barreling toward him and aiming for his waist. Kyungsoo lifted his knee and pivoted his leg to carry out a high kick to the man’s cheek. His foot then traveled lower, delivering a kick to the side of the man’s rib-cage before he finished with a blow directly to his abdomen. Three deft strikes of his foot and not one movement of his upper body.

Another guard lumbered toward him and flicked out a white electric stick in his palm as he drew near. He swung the baton at Kyungsoo’s head but the other shuffled back, evading the maneuver. The guard wasted no time in swinging again, missing once more as Kyungsoo continued to backstep and avoid every strike with precision.

The man grew impatient, and swung the baton harder, faster. Kyungsoo waited for this opportunity to counter as the momentum from the man’s swing sent him forward and directly into his flying fist. The guard attempted to punch him again, but Kyungsoo caught and grabbed the man's arm in mid-air, he twisted it forcing the man’s body to turn so that his back was facing him. Kyungsoo then took hold of the guard’s arm with his free hand and shoved the electric baton into the side of the man’s neck.

The guard’s body seizured, convulsing and shaking uncontrollably before collapsing to the ground completely motionless.

“We’re out of time.” Kyungsoo called behind him, his breaths winded.

“I’m planting the explosives now.” Baekhyun informed.

“My ideas aren’t so bad after all.” Jongdae said as he looked at the watch on his wrist, counting down the minute.

“Yeah, whatever.” Junmyeon stayed near the hallway, searching for any guards. The explosives were propped on the ground. The black rectangular object shone with a digital timer in green static text at the number five. All that remained was for Jongdae to activate it.

The strands of Jongin’s hair flew unyieldingly backward and his planted feet were pushed from his current position. His eyes closed into small slits as the glow from his cannon seized the entire corridor and the stream of plasma slowly carved an oval-shaped hole into the chamber. Minseok’s arms flew up to shield his face from the gust of wind and metal debris from the blast.

When the hole was complete, Jongin pulled his weapon down. “All in a day’s work.” He said, unfazed by the amount of wreckage surrounding him; numerous bodies lied helpless on the floor and the destruction of a steel wall. Minseok merely shook his head. He’d been dealing with a beast all along, and realization began to catch up to him in this moment.

“Plant the bomb, we’re out of time.” Jongin said.

Minseok ran inside and removed the bag he wore on his back. He pulled the explosive out and placed it gently onto the floor. Whipping out his wrist, he stared at the clock counting down the seconds until he was to activate it.

“3…” Baekhyun said as Kyungsoo remained near the entrance on anxious toes.

“2…” Jongdae tapped his foot, nerves escalating up his leg as Junmyeon stood firm waiting to make the dash.

“Activation complete.” Came from Minseok and he and Jongin promptly left the chamber.

“The rendezvous point is northwest of the facility, 3.2 kilometers from the space shuttle. If everything goes accordingly, we should be able to meet up there and leave for Simradia after completing the mission.”

“Let’s go!” Kyungsoo yelled racing out the door before Baekhyun.

“Make a left.” Baekhyun yelled from behind and Kyungsoo made a sharp turn only to be met with an incoming fist. He ducked in just enough time and twisted his body onto his palms before striking the guard with a low kick, sending the man to the ground. He followed up by rising to his knees and administering a light outs punch to the man’s face.

Baekhyun lightly hopped over the guard and continued running down the corridor leading the way to the exit.

“This is next level bull!” Jongin raised his cannon and fired numerous shots, the guards flooding in like never before.

“I just think we got the worst of the team.”

“You think?” He continued to lay down cover fire as he backed up down the corridor, Minseok guiding the way to the exit.

“We’re almost there. Just a few more rooms.”

“No not this way.” Jongdae’s feet slid over the tiled floor to a stop, the momentum from his speed causing his torso to tip over slightly. “This way!” He yelled, and Junmyeon followed behind.

“Are you sure you know where you’re going?!” Junmyeon yelled.

“Not at all.” Jongdae said.

“Oh my God.”

Baekhyun and Kyungsoo made it to the exit first, running at top speed. They entered the forest beside the facility and stopped to look behind them hoping anyone else from the team had made it out.

“Time?” Baekhyun asked, hunched over onto his palms, out of breath.

“2 minutes until it explodes.”

“They need to hurry.”

As Baekhyun said those words, Junmyeon jetted from around the left side of the building with Jongdae not too far behind.

“Jongin? Minseok?” Jongdae asked as he entered the area.

“Not here and I can’t communicate with them either.” Kyungsoo said as he quickly paced back and forth, torturing his bottom lip.

“They have 45 seconds.” Junmyeon said, his voice frantic. Every one of their gazes stared at the building, hoping and praying the other two would make it out in time.

Baekhyun abruptly pointed to the facility. “Look! There!”

Minseok appeared from around the right side of the building however, Jongin was nowhere to be found. Kyungsoo couldn’t stand for it and left to meet Minseok half way.

“Where’s Jongin?” He asked quick, sparing no room for anything else.

“He was right behind me.” Minseok gasped for air, trying to maintain a straight stance. “But the guards, there were so many…”

“Where is he Minseok?!” Kyungsoo’s eyes expanded wide, hands folding into fist.

“He…” Minseok swallowed. “He got trapped and...he told me to leave him.”

Kyungsoo started for the building, but Minseok hurried and firmly wrapped his arms around his torso.

“Let me go Minseok!” He bustled about in protest attempting to break free from the other’s hold.

Minseok’s cheek was pinned against Kyungsoo’s back, his grip tightening and closing. “No! Kyungsoo it’s too late.”

“N-no...n-no it’s n-not.” Kyungsoo’s lips trembled, tears pulling to his ducts. He attempted to make a step but toppled over and fell to the ground hard, taking Minseok down along with him. Shaky hands threaded through the soil, attempting to crawl with the weight of Minseok securing him down to the ground. “No, I can save him. I can save him...L-let me go.”

“It’s too late.” Minseok whispered.

Warm, sorrowful tears rolled down Kyungsoo’s cheeks. “Let me go...LET ME GO!” He reached out, his sorrow morphing into agony and rage. His hand quivered wildly as the explosives started to detonate.

One after the other, the explosions activated in every corner of the facility leaving no place untouched. Kyungsoo stared at the igniting flames with gaping eyes as tears poured from his ducts in buckets. Words strangled inside his throat and dense pain wrecking every nerve ending in his system. His mind failed to accept what happened before his very eyes and he couldn’t move; immobilized by the crippling sensation of lost which flooded over his body like coursing water.

“J-jongin?” His entire body shook as his vision blurred from the ample amount of tears. “J-jongin, p-please…I’m calling you.” He whispered, never moving his hard gaze from the blazing flames that engulfed the entire facility. “P-please...”

Out of the burning building a dark silhouette swayed, its body teetering on weakened legs before collapsing to the ground.

“JONGIN!” Kyungsoo screamed as he shoved Minseok’s arms away and scrambled to his feet. He kicked up dirt as he ran with desperation racking his legs for the nomad. Minseok ran not too far behind.

Kyungsoo plummeted to his knees. “Jongin!” The nomad lifted his head slightly before it fell to the ground again. His arm was littered with burn marks so deep it would leave a scar. “Help me get him up!” Minseok and Kyungsoo lifted him from the ground and placed his arms around one of their shoulders. They walked with speed, dragging Jongin along with them to the rest of the team.

When they reached the space shuttle, Kyungsoo gently passed the nomad to Junmyeon and Jongdae who helped Minseok carry Jongin to the small bedchamber.

Baekhyun grabbed Kyungsoo’s wrist. “This is where we part ways.”

Kyungsoo’s brows tilted in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Someone has to stay behind to make sure they don’t pursue you. And I nominate myself for that task.” Kyungsoo made a move to speak but Baekhyun cut him off. “You can’t convince me otherwise, so save it. Keep them safe for me, and tell them it was an honor.”

Kyungsoo blinked as he held back tears. “I will.” He raised his head and stood proudly. “Thank you for everything that you’ve done. You are one hell of an engineer.”

“You are a good man Kyungsoo, with a good heart. I know Jongin is lucky to have you.”

“I—”

Baekhyun held up a palm. “You can save that too. I know about your feelings...your compassion...it reminds me of the compassion my ancestors once held—the love and hope they had before we had to leave our home planet.”

“Which planet was that?”

Baekhyun gave him a melancholic smile. “...Earth.”

“We need to leave now!” Jongdae yelled from inside the ship.

“Goodbye Kyungsoo and good luck.”

Kyungsoo wordlessly nodded, reluctance pulling at his limbs as he climbed into the space shuttle without Baekhyun behind him, and the worst part was knowing that he refused to come, because he sacrificed himself to help them escape.

“Baekhyun?” Junmyeon asked.

“He’s not coming.” Was all he said and a sorrowful hush fell over the space shuttle as Junmyeon lifted them from the ground and warped them at faster than lightspeed into outer space.