‘There is a continuum that exists beyond the identity of Being, beyond the properties that are essential to the existence of being. The endless exchange, the endless surety that what starts, what is, what forms, has an end. There is no end of the spectrum- where one end begets life, and the other ends it. It is a cycle that exists beyond the realm of existence – beyond the realm of Matter and Time and Space. A cycle that Is. A cycle that is continuum. A cycle that unapologetically moves forward. Because where there is a beginning, there is always an end. Where there is an end, there is always a beginning.’

Yoongi lines up all of the uniforms neatly folded from every shelf, from every room. He collects 650 uniforms, including his own, and lines them all up against the long corridor way of the base. He stands at the very edge of the doorway, uncaring of his state. 

‘Life-force is a mysterious thing. It exists in everything and is the main component that comprises and formulates all Living Beings. It is the energy that exists between the bonds of atoms, the link that connects respiration to the intangible reactions that supply oxygen to fuel every cell, the elevation of the mind that brings forth the power of the mind and imagination. It is Life. It is Soul. It is everything that makes you Alive.’

Yoongi stands still, arm raised up, his palm open towards the east, waiting for the sun to rise.

‘And now you are song, you are infinite- let the music of your souls live forever on among the stars, to guide us and direct us, to remind us and preserve us. And most of all, to live forever within us, that we may enrich your memories with our own, and together become one.’

Sunlight fills the hallway behind him in pale golden light, pure and gentle, forgiving and welcoming.

A touch of beauty where only death had once reigned supreme.

He closes his fist, holding onto the sunlight and places his fist over his heart.

He’s not sure why he’s doing this. No one knew of them. No one would ever know of them. They had no name, no identity.

They were dead from before they took their first breath.

Yoongi can feel his heart beating under his palm. A steady beat, one that seems to contradict the bitter still of death.

Yoongi sits down on the gravelly landing before the doorway, watching the sun rise through the trees, listening to the song of birds, the whispering rush of distant voices, and faint footfall of the procession now leaving the Memorial Site.

Yoongi sits still for so long that little creatures from the forest climb up over him, inspecting his form curiously. They never go past the doorway of their base though.

It has been a little over a week now, and K’mara worked tirelessly and endlessly, searching the base top to bottom.

The entire facility spanned out further than even Yoongi had anticipated. Across the main grounds adjoining the Yisheng forest, they found 7 other bases, and within each, had discovered identical hallways and expansive spaces filled with more tubes. K’mara, the remaining Yisheng Directory, a few other officials from the GLA, and the Venture Unit had scanned and studied the base amidst shocked horror, morbid curiosity, and jaw-dropping fascination.

The surviving Yisheng population returned from every corner of the Universe and banded together to heal damages, redo all the wrong they had unknowingly allowed to happen. Many were studying the Beings inside the tubes, while the others were redistributed and sent to Earth, where over there they could aid in balancing the chaos that took place there.

A few agents had survived; but none seemed to have the same awareness, the same Life that Yoongi possessed. They were simply handed over to the Venture Unit, a matter that K’mara seemed to have great issues about.  

Yoongi hears approaching footsteps but he doesn’t move away.

She appears through the trees, a wild and almost threatening addition to the environment. She pauses until she stands before Yoongi.

She’s tall and creates an alien silhouette against the backdrop of the morning forest behind her. Her form, to most, would have been frightening, but Yoongi doesn’t know what frightens him, if anything at all. He recognizes her species, from the planet of Khhem; were the Khhemsa- a rare and strange race of Beings even by Universal standards. Yoongi believes that she might be the only registered Yisheng to have ever emerged from her planet. She burns a stark and almost violent colour, her presence seems to quiet and still the surroundings, almost as though in fear of her. But Yoongi sees the reflection of ancient stars in her eyes- wise, gentle, and powerful. She has 2 pairs of arms, one of them holds a robe, similar to the ones he’s seen patients in the Headquarters wear.

‘My name is Amme.’

Her voice is deep and low, strangely musical according to Yoongi though he has not heard any music at this stage of Awareness.

‘My name is Yoongi.’ He replies, still unmoving, looking up at her.

‘I know,’ she replies, all 6 of her eyes blinking in unison. ‘They told me I would you find you here.’

She hands him the robes, remembering his first formulated thoughts in Zhoumi’s apartment. Most Beings are uncomfortable with . That felt like it had taken place light-years ago.

 ‘How may I help you Yisheng?’ Yoongi asks, wearing the robes and covering himself before he stands in front of the Yisheng. She walks past him, stepping down towards the doorway of the base. This base had already been studied and analyzed by the Yisheng team. But as today was the day that officiated the Memorial event, all Yishengs took leave of their tasks to pay tribute to those who gave their lives to right the wrongs of a past that held on to the future. She closes the door gently before turning back around and standing before Yoongi once more.

‘No Yoongi.’ She extends one of her hands towards Yoongi. ‘I am here to help you.’

*

‘It’s so nice to meet you again Jin!’

Namjoon glances over at Hoseok who appears to be just as surprised as himself. Sk’jin had separated the channels so now Namjoon can’t listen to their conversation though it’s not difficult to guess what was happening in the first place.

‘I didn’t know you were here- oh? Right!’ Taeh’yung begins but pauses a while before he turns serious. ‘I’ve been following this ship for a while now! But I didn’t know how to get on it without getting caught and then you know- yeah! So I tracked down one of their pick-up spots and it was here- well there, in Grezma and I waited there- yeah! I got caught- uh huh…ah! Okay!’ Taeh’yung nods, leaning into Hoseok’s chest and smiling at his front pocket. Hoseok leans back, looking mildly uncomfortable. They were obviously wearing an Iris each.

Namjoon can’t help but send a glare at one of them.

‘We’re wasting time,’ Yoongi puts in unexpectedly, displaying what appeared to be signs of frustration.

‘Okay! I got it!’ Taeh’yung holds up a thumbs-up.

‘Namjoon- the Yisheng will be arriving in approximately 2 to 3 hours,’ Sk’jin begins; Hoseok and Yoongi listen in as well as Sk’jin clears up all the channels, ‘From what I can tell, Grezma is emptying. A few ships have left from the main Debris where Keghtsa’s office was located. I think the rest of the Governors are headed there; the slaver-ship is stocking up as well it seems. So the slaver-ship will be docking a little longer, but will probably leave before the Yishengs arrive here. You’ll need to do something in order to stop them long enough for the Yishengs to get there.’

‘Wait-‘ Namjoon interrupts with a frown. ‘We could probably leave now without any issue, pretend to be a shuttle headed back for res-stocks or something-‘

‘And allow the ship to escape?’

‘Why does this matter to you?’ Namjoon demands.

‘And why doesn’t this matter to you?!’ Sk’jin retorts. ‘Out of everyone in this ed up crew you should be the one who feels the most about this!’

‘It’s not that!’ Namjoon spits out, eyes glaring fiercely. ‘If I could I would stop it all! Do you really think I don’t want to? Especially after all I’ve been through? Do you really think I wouldn’t stop to burn this ing ship to ashes?’

‘Then what’s stopping you!?’

‘Just look at our numbers- we are not enough to do this- we’re barely escaping the ship on time and-‘

‘Taeh’yung can lead the way and all you’ll need to do is access the systems for an engine or turbine and it up in a way where they can’t repair it-‘

‘There are too many risks to that! Areas like the Engines Room will be heavily guarded and potentially be under surveillance as well! We’ll get caught for sure! There is no point if we achieve nothing other than death!’ Namjoon hisses out. ‘The Yisheng will be able to catch up to them- we know the make of this ship- Yoongi can keep some form of tracking device on them and we can send them the frequency for it-‘

‘The Yishengs do not fly with an offensive battle-ship! They won’t be able to take over unless they’re allowed to dock inside the ship!’ Sk’jin snaps. ‘I have the BluePrint for the ship, I can guide you through the entire place- neither Yoongi nor Hoseok were caught and they were in there for more than 4 hours. You know this can be done-‘

‘This is not part of our mission!’ Namjoon groans in frustration. ‘We are already lagging far behind in our mission- any additional delay will only put us further back! News of our “capture” will spread, making it more and more difficult for us to get to places where we can actually dock and restock! We still have 7 months, hopefully, before we arrive at Bhumi-‘

‘ the mission!’ Sk’jin yells, causing Hoseok and Taeh’yung to flinch. All three are watching Namjoon as though he was the most interesting entertainment program now showing. ‘Who the cares about the compromises we’ll be making- we’re already crippled enough as it is- this mission was already intended to be something else- besides this is just a few more hours that we can definitely afford-‘

‘Sk’jin,’ Namjoon sighs out. ‘I understand how you feel. I understand how everyone feels about this- trust me, I really do. But I am the Captain of our ship, of this mission, I am responsible for not just the mission, but for each and every one of you. The mission’s success, your lives, are my responsibility.’

The line is quiet for a while.

Namjoon looks up at Hoseok and Yoongi, both of whom are no longer looking at him.

‘It’s all right,’ Taeh’yung says out of nowhere. ‘If the Yishengs are arriving in a few hours then I can stop the engine or something and put them all here in the meanwhile. You guys go ahead.’

‘Taeh’yung no-‘

‘No.’ Yoongi states bluntly before he addresses Namjoon. ‘We’ll stay here until the Yishengs arrive. The 4^th Engine Hull is closest to our current location. Accessing and tempering with it won’t take long. Hoseok and I can take care of it if you don’t want to go. Taeh’yung can stay with you. Sk’jin will find a place where you will be safe until the Yishengs arrive.’

Namjoon knows he’s gawking but he can’t help it. It’s the most they’ve heard Yoongi speak, and despite the spacey attitude he had in general, there was no denying the clear rationality and certainty in his voice.

‘Sk’jin, which level is the 4^th Engine Hull located in? Also, please find an empty facility room where Namjoon and Taeh’yung can stay until after Hobi and I return.’

‘Oh- uh yeah, one second Yoongi.’

‘Hobi is a really cute name! I’m Taeh’yung,’ the Zhak’gri introduces himself to Hoseok who gives the latter a smile of sorts.

‘It’s a nickname. I’m very good at giving nicknames.’ Yoongi intones rather randomly, as though he weren’t just giving out orders.

Namjoon doesn’t know what he wants to feel. First of all he’s irritated that Yoongi’s plan basically has no immediate flaw. Second, he’s thoroughly confused as to how Taeh’yung knows not only Yoongi, but Sk’jin as well. Third, he’s uneasy with Sk’jin’s behavior because the Khol’isa distinctly sounds disturbed. And last of all, Namjoon feels strangely panicked. Sk’jin’s words from a few minutes ago unsettles Namjoon in a way he can’t rightly explain.

‘Please give me a nickname too!’ Taeh’yung makes his request excitedly.

‘I don’t have one yet.’

‘The 4^th Engine Hull is located in the 14^th level. Take the lift straight down and make your exit towards the 5^th gateway.’ Sk’jin replies, his voice sounds a little strained.

‘Are you all right?’ Hoseok asks worriedly as he and Yoongi head towards the elevator.

‘Wait!’ Namjoon calls out, stopping Hoseok and Yoongi again, the latter of whom looks very exasperated now. ‘You’re just going now? What about-‘

‘Under GLA Standard Laws regarding Unit Team legislation, members of the Unit Team can hold votes to decide upon the direction their Unit Team will go.’ Yoongi declares. ‘I call for a vote regarding our current predicament. Who agrees with Sk’jin?’

‘Me.’

‘Me.’

Hoseok gives him a swift apologetic smile and says, ‘Me.’

‘Votes stand at 3 against 1, we will now proceed.’ Yoongi swiftly turns and walks into the lift.

Namjoon knows for certainty that he’s greatly underestimated Yoongi.

‘Namjoon, Taeh’yung there’s actually a corridor past that room-‘ Sk’jin begins, sounding a little stunned, as though recovering from Yoongi’s sudden input. However he stops when Namjoon, huffing irritably, follows after the two, Taeh’yung quickly catching up.

‘-Spaces what the are you doing now-‘

‘A ship this size is operated on systems that can’t be easily overtaken unless you’re planning on physically blowing up huge chunks of it- that too, the back-up systems will act up at once,’ Namjoon sighs out, hitting the elevator panel and tapping on the number 14. ‘I’ll stop the engines.’

No one says anything and Namjoon starts changing, quickly pulling off his shirt that was honestly revolting, exchanging it for the working-slave uniform. His arms would be exposed in this, Namjoon grimaces at the idea of it. Before he’s able to pull the shirt over his head, Taeh’yung jumps him, arms wrapping around him.

‘I’m so happy!’ he declares, trapping Namjoon’s arms that are halfway inside the uniform sleeves. Namjoon, with some difficulty removes Taeh’yung off of himself, not heeding the way Hoseok and Yoongi are both openly staring at him as he proceeds to change.

‘You can dump them here-‘ Hoseok is saying, leaning down but Taeh’yung takes the clothes and there’s a green flash of light and they’re completely gone.

Yoongi, Hoseok, and Namjoon find themselves pressed into a corner of the elevator, their postures defensive and expressions wary as Taeh’yung simply dusts his hands as though it was some neat little magic-trick.

‘You can ask questions later- you’re almost there.’ Sk’jin says sharply.

Namjoon snaps the deactivated collar around his neck, fighting the urge to crush the object in between his fingers. The collar that used to cinch his neck was heavier and thicker than this, but nonetheless forces past anger and hatred to simmer and boil under his skin.

They stand in formation, Taeh’yung in the middle. Hoseok’s faces morphs and Taeh’yung watches in fascination.

‘I can’t believe we’re actually doing this,’ Namjoon mumbles as the doors open and they’re face to face with the Raksane Tayian Slaver and what appeared to be a whole group of Orvanan officers and a host of 15 Guards.

The Raksane Tayian is talking affably to the Orvanan and he doesn’t look over at them as Taeh’yung steps out first, led by Hoseok and followed by Yoongi and Namjoon. Namjoon actually holds his breath as they step closer.

Namjoon watches as the Tayian catches sight of Taeh’yung. He pauses, eyebrow furrowing and then one of the Guards bellows something,- clearly some form of question. The Tayian squints as he walks past Hoseok and Taeh’yung, and then his eyes meet Namjoon’s. The Raksane Tayian does a double-take at Namjoon just before he walks past. His eyes widen and he’s about to open his mouth, clearly about to alert the Guards around him but before he can Namjoon ducks down and yells out the one thing he knows will trigger the best response: ‘YOONGI!’.

There’s a blurred movement as the Tayian goes flying back, a dagger buried into his chest, knocking back a few Orvanan officers. There’s flash of light, the sound of something catching fire, a loud exclamation, and a flash of green.

There’s a mad giggle and this prompts Namjoon to look up.

Hoseok is wielding what appears to be a not so standard Heliord, countering similar ones to the ones the Guard are using to press their attack. Or at least, were trying to press their attack. The Guards are much taller than Hoseok and Yoongi but give up and start running backwards. But Yoongi is not having any of it.

As though preplanned, Hoseok first disarms and easily overwhelms a Guard before ducking low, making his back almost flat as he hunches down, and Yoongi makes a run, using Hoseok to vault himself over the Guards, landing neatly in front of them before they can escape. And as though mirroring Hoseok’s movements, he executes the same series of actions Hoseok does, except with simple looking daggers, and in less than a minute, Hoseok and Yoongi clear the host of Guards.   

‘What do I do with them?’

Namjoon finds that his mouth is hanging open a bit. He shifts his attention from Hoseok and Yoongi who start to empty out the Guards pockets of weapons to address Taehyung.

Behind the Zhak’gri is a floating green pyramid like structure inside which the Orvanan officers are trapped, their faces pressing up inside the glass? Air? Thing? of a structure. Taeh’yung looks at Namjoon questioningly, as though waiting for an answer.

‘Come again?’

‘What do I do with them? Do I kill them?’ Taeh’yung lifts his hands, making as though to swat down some insect. Images of these Beings being squashed like insects come unbidden into Namjoon’s mind and he shakes himself out of it.

‘N-no!’ Namjoon stammers out, wondering why he was meeting so many blood-thirsty Beings all of a sudden.

‘Who are they? Officers bringing in more of their own kind?’ Hoseok spits out as he approaches the floating pyramid, not particularly fazed by the sight of it. Namjoon wonders if he’s just somehow overly emotional at the moment.

‘Get closer- I’ll scan them.’ Sk’jin says. Hoseok steps closer but they’re interrupted by the sound of something falling and breaking.

Towards the end of the hallway behind them, a Guard gawks at them and at the sight of fallen Guards on the floor, blood starting to pool about. He then looks up at them for a solid 3 seconds before scurrying out of sight.

‘-!’ Hoseok curses but Yoongi is already sprinting forward, clearly intent on catching the Guard.

‘Wait- not yet-‘ Hoseok stops the Human. ‘We need to get to the Engine Hull first-‘

‘If he reports what’s happened- he will raise the alarm and the ship will leave,’ Yoongi declares and he’s already running off.

‘No, Hoseok- Yoongi is right- Taeh’yung, go with Yoongi and help him out,’ Namjoon nods at Taeh’yung. ‘Can you just leave them here like this?’

‘No problem!’ Taeh’yung salutes, carelessly tossing the pyramid of Orvanan to the side. Namjoon can’t hear their voices as they obviously shriek in discomfort from being treated thus. But Namjoon’s eyes latches onto their wrists and finds them cleared of cuff-links, so he doesn’t feel remotely bad for them.

‘Hoseok and I will go to the Engine Hull- Sk’jin what next?’ Namjoon asks as Taeh’yung jogs over to where Yoongi had vanished. 

There’s no reply from the Khol’isa.

Hoseok frowns at that.

‘Sk’jin?’

‘Yes- I’m sorry-‘ Sk’jin coughs out.

‘Are you all right-‘

‘Worried about me? How sweet,’ Sk’jin croons out, his voice a little raspy. If he’s making fun of Namjoon then he was most probably all right.

‘Which ing way do we go?’ Namjoon grits out.

‘Left and then take the second right hallway.’ Sk’jin replies, clearing his throat.

Hoseok exchanges a worried look with Namjoon before he leads the way.

‘Yoongi caught up with the Guard- oh okay maybe not- oh wait, yeah it’s- you know what never mind.’ Sk’jin attempts to give them a live update but gives up.

‘You know how to use one of these?’ Hoseok asks, handing him one of the Heliord handles.

‘No, but I’m guessing it’s not too difficult?’ Namjoon asks, taking one of the handles. He was much more comfortable with a TeorSer but obviously there were none on this ship. It was possible that the Slavers or visiting Governors would have them but attempting to obtain them was too much of a risk.

‘Depends,’ Hoseok replies as he weighs one of the Heliord handles in one hand, and a regular dagger in the other. ‘On what you consider not too difficult.’

Namjoon’s never been much a sword kind of Being, but he guesses it probably isn’t too difficult swinging one around; so long as you were able to cut down your opponent or something.

‘Yoongi and Taeh’yung are on their way back- oh wait, never mind.’ Sk’jin sighs.

‘What’s going on?’

‘Taeh’yung got distracted- oh no.’ Sk’jin’s voice is heavy with exasperation. ‘Namjoon, Hoseok; move your asses, I think it’s safe to say that any secrecy we hoped for has been blown.’

Hoseok and Namjoon start full on sprinting, never minding the possibility of coming upon Guards.

‘What happened?’ Hoseok asks and Namjoon is about 5 seconds from saying ‘I told you so- we shouldn’t have done this’ when a loud sound thunders through the air and the hallway shakes.

‘Was it Taeh’yung?’ Namjoon asks; that boy was probably too impulsive for his own good, seeing how he’s behaved so far. He hopes no working-slaves have been killed.

‘No,’ Sk’jin sighs. ‘That was Yoongi.’

*

The Earthian Memorial Asteroid Belt glimmers in the distance- a shimmering graveyard of the remains of what was supposed to be Yoongi’s home-planet. He feels no particular connection to Earth. It was a planet, much like every other planet he has seen or heard about. There was nothing about it that held value for him. No actual meaning or relevance.

But the Yisheng Amme had sent him here on her behalf.

Yisheng Amme had said she was going to help Yoongi and he still doesn’t know what it is that she’s helping him with or on. But here he was. Having to witness the absence of what once existed, the source of his elemental core.

The ceremony held for the lives lost had been somewhat similar to the the memorial service held to honour the Yisheng’s back in Šerdesas. Except this time everyone wore black, and a majority of them were Human.

Yoongi had caught sight of the crew of the Stravechi Nava as well. They were now numbered only at 10.

K’mara had stuck true to her word. Yoongi did not participate in the trials or in the court hearings. He was never involved, asked, or requested for his presence though no doubt, Yoongi is sure it had been demanded.

However, his testimony had sufficed, at least for the time being. Yoongi doesn’t know how he’s going to be able to shed informative light onto the “Gaia Case” as they were publically calling it. K’mara had asked Yoongi to never reveal the details about what he had seen. A promise Yoongi could make easily because he had no one to tell.

Zhoumi remained in Šerdesas, and was kept for the trials as key witness and informant. It was possible that he would be tried and imprisoned for colluding with Yisheng Tlun’hla. But Zhoumi didn’t need to be punished anymore. The look in the Long-Huon’s eyes suggested that his entire existence was a prison in which he found himself.

Yoongi hasn’t seen Zhoumi since that day.

But that had been nearly 3 months ago now and Yoongi has been living in the Mars Docks since then. Titled as assistant to the Yisheng Directory, Yoongi watched over the extraction and safety of the 603,755 Beings found inside the Akramanese Ship. They would now be taking back the last of them to Šerdesas where they would be studied and observed by the Yisheng Headquarters and Venture Unit combined.

He hears no news or information regarding the trials. And he doesn’t care for it either. Yoongi simply proceeds with his tasks.

Most Beings working aboard the Mars Dock still aren’t aware of his presence. And Yoongi preferred it that way too.  Which is why he’s genuinely taken aback by the sudden appearance of a tall Being, one Yoongi has seen in the first Court Hearing but never before aboard the Dock, smiling brightly at him as though he knew exactly who Yoongi was.

‘Hi!’ he waves blithely at Yoongi.

Yoongi doesn’t heed his greeting. He simply takes another turn to walk through the massive storage units built especially for the nesting Beings inside their specialized tubes. These tubes are different from the ones at base. The fluid they float in is strangely opaque and white, yet with a transparency and fluidity that likens it to mist rather than something liquid.

‘Wait up!’

Yoongi doesn’t wait and quick light footsteps approach him and he hears a rush of noisy breathing and it’s like he can hear this Being smile without having to see it.

‘I wanted to ask a question!’ he declares, putting himself in front of Yoongi.

In the past 3 months, Yoongi has not spoken to anyone inside the Dock. Only sending messages to Amme, replying to K’mara’s inquiries on his health and wellbeing, and sending instructions regarding the processes surrounding the extraction of the Beings inside the Akramanese ship.

‘So I heard that this is the last bunch of them!’ he exclaims. ‘All of my babies are headed off now! I was wondering if I could catch a ride back with them? I want to see them get there safe and sound!’

‘Who is your commanding officer?’ Yoongi asks, his voice lower than usual from continuous disuse.

‘Oh-‘ the Being frowns. ‘I don’t have one? I mean, I’m kinda free-lancing this.’

‘…I don’t understand.’

‘I mean they know I’m here! I am assisting the Yishengs you see!’ he explains looking proud of himself.

‘I will contact Yisheng Amme and reserve a seat for you in the final shuttle.’ Yoongi replies, hoping that answer would suffice as he extracts his screen to look up this stranger’s records.

‘I’m so grateful! I’m Taeh’yung by the way,’ he introduces himself with a bright smile before looking around the large capsule. ‘You’re like one of them aren’t you?’

Yoongi goes back to staring into the strangely opaque white liquid and replies, ‘I don’t know. I have no memory of it. There are no records.’

Taeh’yung is unperturbed by his reply and continues addressing him as though this was an entirely normal conversation to have. Instead he extends his hand towards Yoongi, palm up. Yoongi notes the faint rings of copper etched into his palm. He can’t be sure if they’re natural or painted on. In the very center of his palm is an incomplete triangle, glowing a little almost. Yoongi doesn’t know what possesses him but his entire body just acts out of accordance and he places his gloved hand over Taeh’yung’s.

Taeh’yung takes off his glove and places his tanned hands over Yoongi’s incredibly pale and scarred ones.

‘You have Memory,’ Taeh’yung says simply. ‘You are Memory. You are in my memory.’ He glances over at the capsules, lightly brushing his hand over the surface. ‘They are all Memory.’

Yoongi glances around the massive room, unsure what Taeh’yung meant.

‘So- I think you’re supposed to be GI right? GI? IG?’ Taeh’yung looks confused.

‘GI.’

‘Ah! So- are all the GI Human?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘Do you have a name?’ he asks instead now studying his hand intently.

His hands are warm, a strange buzzing energy exudes from this Being- Yoongi can only describe it as power. Power enough to collapse this entire facility if he chose. But Yoongi feels no fear inside him. The weight and pressure of another hand in his is foreign and strange.  

‘Does it matter?’

Yoongi wonders at his own name. He wonders why it’s so important to really have a name.

‘Well- I guess it doesn’t- it’s nice to have one though,’ Taeh’yung grins, and he sits down, still holding onto Yoongi’s hand. ‘I like my name- I chose it for my own.’

‘You had another name?’ Yoongi sits down as well, unsure why he was doing any of this.

‘Many,’ Taeh’yung waves his free hand a bit. ‘Sometimes they get confused- but I’m sticking with this name, so that later, when the others who come after me, will recognize me through this name.’

Yoongi doesn’t know how to respond to this statement. But Taeh’yung doesn’t seem to mind; he unabashedly stares at Yoongi as though reading him.

‘You’re like one of them- but different,’ Taeh’yung quirks his head, his hand holding Yoongi’s with a firm grip.

‘I’ve heard that before.’

‘Really? From who?’

Yoongi thinks back to the neon-red eyes and shadowy figure, and how Taeh’yung had been speaking to it back at the Court.

‘I don’t know.’

Taeh’yung’s expression takes on one of regretful disappointment, ‘Ah- I would have loved to meet them.’

They don’t say anything for a while and Yoongi stares at their hands. This Taeh’yung seems contemplative as his eyes flit between the tubes and then to Yoongi.

‘I’m sorry for what happened out there.’ Taeh’yung says out of nowhere.

‘Out there?’

‘Earth,’ Taeh’yung looks sad. ‘She was a survivor- her Soul expanded for much longer than she was supposed to you know? But I guess…she was tired in the end.’

‘Earth was destroyed.’ Yoongi states bluntly. ‘Earth is not a living Being. It did not choose death; the planet was destroyed.’

‘They’re all alive,’ Taeh’yung says with wide genuine eyes. ‘Earth lived, a precious Soul.’

He has peculiarly deep green eyes that glimmer, the copper tones in his eyes appeared to move.

‘But you’ll meet another lifetime.’

‘Another lifetime?’

‘Yeah!’ Taeh’yung nods enthusiastically. ‘Everything is Continuum!’

Taeh’yung says the word as though it’s the first time he’s spoken it, slowly, dragging it out. There’s a warm pulse that spreads from their connected palms.

‘Do you see dreams?’ Taeh’yung asks out of the blue. Yoongi pauses a while, unsure how to respond for a while.

‘I do not have the memory to see dreams.’

Taeh’yung makes a thoughtful face before pointing around them.

‘They see dreams. Lots and lots of them.’

Had Yoongi seen dreams before? While he was being grown inside these tubes?

‘How do you know?’

‘Because I could hear it once- when I went inside their ship,’ Taeh’yung replies. ‘So many dreams. Past lives, Present lives, Future lives. All there.’

Taeh’yung looks at him thoughtfully before he raises his free hand, one long finger extended out.

‘What are you doing.’

‘Well.’ Taeh’yung frowns and it’s more comical than serious. ‘I’m not too sure. But he’s saying something.’

‘Who?’

‘The Second.’

Taeh’yung offers no other explanation but instead lightly taps Yoongi on his forehead, his eyes glowing a little in the process. A strange shiver runs down Yoongi’s back. Not one from cold or his sense reacting to something dangerous- this didn’t feel like that. It was different.

Taeh’yung beams at him and then stands up.

‘Goodnight babies! Sweet dreams okay?’ then he looks down at Yoongi and says, ‘You too babe!’

He happily strides away, waving goodnight at the tubes, leaving behind a very stunned Yoongi.

After a while Yoongi too stands.

He approaches the tube, his nose an inch from the glass separating him from the floating dreaming Being inside.

‘Goodnight.’

Yoongi falls asleep later that night, and for the first time in his life, he dreams.

*

They were going to really have to get Namjoon a TeorSer before he sliced off Hoseok’s arm, or worse, his own arm. Hoseok takes the Heliord handle from Namjoon who more or less chucks it back at him as though it was some infectious rabid animal out to bite him.

They easily take down the Guard who were patrolling the hallways. The security down here was a lot more lax than Hoseok initially thought it would be. Either there weren’t a lot of Guards, or the Slavers were overly confident in their own ship and security system.

‘Yoongi did what?!’ Namjoon hisses again as Hoseok easily overwhelms another Guard. He doesn’t feel too bad doing this; however whenever the working-slaves came up, Hoseok always felt a sense of guilt and regret. Luckily, the Engine Hulls were void of the working-slaves and manned with Guards.

‘The Hulls are connected to … well a storage facility of sorts- there’s a lot of…things. In this place.’ Sk’jin sounds strangely uncomfortable and a little breathless again. Hoseok wonders if his health was acting up again. ‘There were-‘

‘-like my babies!’ Taeh’yung chimes in unexpectedly, reminding Hoseok that he had a Comm-Device just like them.

Hoseok doesn’t know how to react to this extraordinary statement and apparently, Namjoon felt the same because he mumbles quietly at Hoseok, ‘Who is this guy?’.

‘You were with him!’ Hoseok hisses back as they run down another hall, large doors at the end of it. According to Sk’jin the 4^th Engine Mainframe was located there. ‘How am I supposed to know?’

‘He knows not only Yoongi, but Sk’jin as well,’ Namjoon grumbles. ‘They didn’t mention anything to you?’

‘I’m in the dark as much as you are,’ Hoseok sighs out as they reach the doors. Namjoon opens the door panels so easily Hoseok would have thought they were made to open if he didn’t see the little indents where Namjoon’s fingers dug into the metal sides.

‘You’re all right though right?’ Hoseok asks as he keeps a look out. Namjoon glances at him, a questioning look on his face.

‘I’m fine.’ He replies shortly, looking unsure as though guessing Hoseok’s motives.

‘What do you think he means by his “babies”?’ Hoseok asks, shifting the subject.

‘Honestly I don’t know- he got himself caught, dragging me into it because he just knew that Yoongi would come back for me or something.’ Namjoon shrugs, his jaw set as he concentrates. ‘He can do strange things- I can’t explain it. Have you heard of the term Zhak’gri before?’

‘No,’ Hoseok frowns in thought. ‘Is that what he is?’

‘It’s what he says he is- honestly it’s just too much to process- okay we’re in,’ Namjoon declares as the doors open slowly.

It’s wide and spacious, the walls and floors lined up with massive towers of faintly blinking lights, surround the mainframe core at the center of the room. There are Beings here, clearly Engineers or maintainers. They gape at Namjoon and Hoseok.

‘Get out,’ Hoseok barks out, igniting his Heliord to make his point.

The Engineers and maintainers scramble out, avoiding Namjoon and Hoseok as best they could. Any secrecy they had was already blown and they needed speed now.

‘Namjoon hurry.’

‘I’m on it,’ Namjoon huffs out- no doubt still touchy from being overruled by Yoongi earlier. That was something Hoseok had not been expecting. It was as though they were seeing a whole new side of Yoongi. Or maybe he was like this the entire time and they just never knew because Yoongi didn’t think it was necessary. It was also the first time where he spoke more than a few words and Hoseok is honestly still recovering.  

Namjoon is already at the main core, his hands flying across the large panel and already, Hoseok can feel a strange charge take over the massive towers around them, the sound they’re emitting is different and all the lights stop blinking for a few seconds before everything changes.

‘Done,’ Namjoon declares, already stepping back but still typing something into the screen.

‘All right- you need to get back to Yoongi and Taeh’yung-‘

‘What are they doing anyways?’ Namjoon demands as he presses something, jabbing harshly at the surface; a strange shudder takes over the entire place and if Hoseok hadn’t been somewhat prepared, he would have fallen over.

‘We’re going to set them free!’ Taeh’yung replies.

‘What is he talking about?’ Namjoon addresses Sk’jin as they make their way back, following the route they had taken to get there.

‘It seems as though they’ve been growing or at least, mimicking some form of AI birthing tank,’ Sk’jin replies. ‘I think that’s what those Orvanan came to see or something.’

‘So they didn’t have enough innocent Beings to with so they decided to grow their own?’ Namjoon spits out venomously.

‘I can’t be sure but that’s my best guess too-‘

‘So what are they doing? What were those explosions?’ Hoseok asks worriedly.

‘Yoongi found some TeorSers- a few Orvanan officers were there.’ Sk’jin explains. ‘Something you can use Joonie, so that you don’t hurt yourself.’

Namjoon turns and glares at Hoseok’s chest, where the Iris was securely fastened onto his shirt front.

‘So this is for the Orvanan?’ Hoseok questions.

‘Can’t say- just hurry- take a left here.’ Sk’jin adds as arrive near the elevator again. Namjoon gingerly makes his way over the slain Guards. Hoseok eyes the floating pyramid of green with the trapped Orvanan in it.

‘Do you understand what that is?’ Hoseok gestures at the pyramid.

‘Honestly I don’t know and I don’t care at this moment,’ Namjoon says bluntly, looking down the hallways they go past. ‘Doesn’t it feel too empty?’

‘It does,’ Hoseok grimaces.

‘Did you notice that the elevator hasn’t moved from this floor until now?’ Namjoon adds as they find a Guard slumped over the floor, clearly taken care of by Yoongi. Another Guard is up ahead- at this point all they’d have to do would be to follow the trail of dead bodies.

‘What?’ Hoseok looks back at the elevator and finds that the doors are still open and the lift itself hasn’t moved.

‘It hasn’t moved,’ Namjoon frowns as they approach the end of the faintly glowing hallway. The air is green, most probably because of Taeh’yung. And the Being in question pops out as well, smiling at them.

‘Hey! Come on quickly!’ he gestures at them to hurry.

Picking up their pace, they rush towards the doorway, not sure what to expect. But it definitely isn’t the sight of Yoongi carrying 3 CapTanks in his arms, containing fetuses in them.

‘Yoongi put them down now!’ Namjoon more or less shrieks after regaining his ability to speak.

The facility they’ve entered is the size of a modest Hangar. There’s broken glass everywhere on the floor, and some crumpled bodies to the side.

‘There was a thick glass wall!’ Taeh’yung explains, as though able to read Hoseok’s mind. ‘Yoongi blew it up!’

Hoseok remembers the charges the Human had taken from the collars of the working-slaves and briefly wonders how in Spaces he rewired them to work in his will. 

‘Yoongi we can’t take them all with us,’ Namjoon is trying to explain to Yoongi who looks nonplussed as he puts the CapTanks back into their shelves.

‘I was returning them. A few of them had fallen over.’ Is Yoongi’s completely leveled response.

‘So you contained the Guard? Was he able to report us?’ Namjoon presses once he’s sure Yoongi wasn’t going to do something extraordinarily strange.

‘I stopped him. I do not know if he reported us.’ Yoongi replies, he moves past Namjoon to push in some of the CapTanks that had shifted in the shelves. ‘No alarm has gone off.’

That much was true. They started no alarm, but Hoseok can’t help but feel strangely disoriented about the entire thing.

‘Sk’jin, are the Orvanan officers still here? Did they come on their own shuttle?’ Namjoon asks, scanning the shelves, a heavy expression settling on his face.

‘Their shuttles are still there,’ Sk’jin replies. ‘The Grezma guards are also still there, they’re headed back now though. If you’re going to try and sneak into one of them, you’re going to have to move fast. Otherwise hijack an Orvanan shuttle- but in that case only Hobi would be somewhat able to get into one of them.’

‘How much time until the Yishengs arrive?’ Namjoon asks.

‘One hour, I managed to access the Yisheng Dock itinerary. I’m following their trajectory and they should be here in an hour.’

‘All right- we’ve handicapped them and now they can’t move even if they want to. The Yishengs will get here and then-‘

‘What about the working-slaves?’ Taeh’yung chimes in. ‘They all have those collars- what if the Guards and Slavers threaten the Yisheng by killing them all?’

Namjoon sighs into his palms as he rubs his face with frustration.

‘This is why I said we should have just left- nothing we can do right now can completely guarantee a safe and successful bout of planning,’ Namjoon mumbles. ‘Chances of us getting out of here without being spotted is already low-‘

‘Shouldn’t there be a systems-board regarding the collars?’ Taeh’yung asks. ‘Can’t you easily override that too?’

Namjoon just gapes in response, clearly thinking of a counter response.

This Being was worse than Sk’jin and Yoongi combined. And Hoseok has a feeling he was going to somewhat be fond of this strange Being.

‘That can work- it’s probably located inside the Bridge.’ Sk’jin adds.

‘We would be removing their most effective weapons,’ Yoongi too adds to it. ‘We would disarm the slavers completely. The Guards are untrained and have no real tactical formation. The Yishengs can take over easily without fear of collateral damage.’

Again, it was bizarre hearing Yoongi speak so much. The words he was speaking contradicted everything Hoseok ever thought of him. Though his expression and voice is monotone and emotionless, his eyes seem to shine with a light Hoseok has never seen before.

Sighing and pinching the bridge of his nose, Namjoon says, ‘We won’t even have to go up to the Bridge, I just need a screen or something-‘

Yoongi hands him 3 at once.

‘ing Spaces,’ Namjoon mumbles under his breath, his hands filled with screens.

‘Should we be staying here?’ Hoseok asks, peering out of the doorway into the empty doorway.

‘No- start moving. We’re still sticking to the original plan. If we’re able to deactivate the collars then there’s going to be enough chaos to cover our movement. Get up to the Central Facility at the very least- close to the Hangar so that you can access a shuttle.’ Sk’jin orders.

‘Hoseok you take the lead, I’ll cover from the back.’ Yoongi orders and Hoseok is still a little taken aback.

Yoongi hands Namjoon a TeorSer he picks up from the floor next to him and throws Hoseok one. Taeh’yung however, refuses any of the weapons and waves blithely at the CapTanks.

‘You’ll all be safe soon okay?’ he calls out, hurrying to the closest tank and kissing it gently. He rushes up towards Yoongi, walking alongside the Human, Namjoon behind them eyes glued to the screen, and Hoseok walks past all of them, leading them forward.

‘Have you met him again?’ Taeh’yung asks, clearly addressing Yoongi. Hoseok wishes he could watch their interaction.

This mess of a situation was surely throwing a new light on Yoongi. And Sk’jin. In fact, on everyone.

‘That’s too bad! He’s trying to help now, I saw him... I don’t remember when,- but I did. But enough about all that! What about you? Where have you been this entire time?’

‘The Yisheng Headquarters.’

‘Really? Were you watching over my babies?’

‘I tried.’

‘Have you been able to dream?’

They arrive at the elevator before Hoseok can hear Yoongi’s reply.

‘It’s still here,’ Namjoon comments, a frown forming on his face. ‘This is one of the only elevators available in this section isn’t it? Why is it still here?’

Hoseok glances over at Yoongi who studies the elevator with a blank face.

‘We have no other option than to take it.’ he says.

‘I’m gonna have to agree with Yoongi on this one,’ Sk’jin says though doubt and apprehension is obvious in his tone.

‘No alarm went off- it’s possible that it’s just not in use,’ Hoseok offers though he knows it’s probably all bull. Namjoon’s grimace tells him as much.

‘We’re wasting time,’ Yoongi says, pushing past them and entering the elevator. Taeh’yung follows and sighing for the nth time, Namjoon too steps inside.

They were most definitely walking into some sort of trap.

‘How much longer for that thing you’re doing there Joonie?’

‘Almost there,’ Namjoon grunts out. Hoseok chances a look and finds that Namjoon isn’t exactly doing anything that seemed to require him breaking some complicated code. He’s just going through what appeared to be archives instead. But before he can take a closer look, the elevator stops with a grinding halt, nowhere near close to the level Hoseok had pressed in. They were at the bottom of the Central Facility, with the narrow bridges connecting to the elevator shaft. And surrounding them were frightened looking working-slaves and they all press up against the elevator, expressions of hopelessness and misery echo around everywhere. As far as Hoseok could see, working-slaves were gathered around the elevator shaft and even above them, where they seemed to be cuffed to the railings. They had been detected and now very evidently trapped. There was going to be no escaping this without a few hundred Beings dying.

‘Ah- up there!’ Taeh’yung declares, pointing up.

Hoseok follows Taeh’yung’s line of sight and high up on one of the Bridges were a line of Beings who Hoseok guesses are the Slavers. Taeh’yung waves at them as he says, ‘They said I had a pretty face!’.

‘Yes, very good- what do we do now?’ Sk’jin snaps.

‘You- you will give up your weapons-‘ one of the working-slaves that is now squashed up in front of the elevator railings stammers out. ‘Or- or you will destroyed.’

‘Destroyed- not even killed?’ Namjoon snorts, finally looking up from his screen.

‘Namjoon-‘ Sk’jin sounds troubled.

‘I guess we’re staying put until the Yishengs come,’ Namjoon grumbles, taking a seat. The working-slaves jump at Namjoon’s actions, they’re all panicked and glancing around each other, their hands shaking where they’re gripping the railings and bars. ‘It’s up to you guys to explain why we failed our mission and what we’re doing here to the Yishengs.’

‘Look- ‘ Sk’jin begins, sounding irritated.

‘Jin? You’re on a ship right? Can you fly over here? Like as close as you can get?’ Taeh’yung asks unexpectedly. There’s murmuring that surrounds them, there’s hysterical crying from many places as well and Hoseok wonders why and how Namjoon was so at ease with all of this.

‘I can do that.’ Sk’jin replies after a few seconds. Namjoon’s expression is incredulous.

‘What are you doing?’ Namjoon demands, glancing up from where he’s sitting.

‘I’ll be there in 10 minutes- are you sure about this Taeh’yung?’

‘What-?!’ Namjoon’s jaw drops open. Hoseok guesses he could have tried and informed Namjoon that Sk’jin could in fact, pilot a ship. But the opportunity never presented itself; besides it was too late now anyways. 

‘Trust me!’

Rather than a question of trust, this was more of a case of intense desperation.

‘I’ll tell you the moment I’m close enough.’

‘As close as you can!’ Taeh’yung pleads.

‘P-please lay down your weapons,’ the working-slaves beg again. ‘Or- or they’re going to- they’re going-‘

There’s a loud shout, and the working-slaves around the elevator flinch, their expressions stricken.

But nothing happens.

The same shout is heard but nothing happens. With shaking hands, a few of them touch their collars in shock.

‘Oh! You did it in time!’ Taeh’yung beams down at Namjoon before addressing the working-slaves. ‘You’re free!’

The effect that takes place is instantaneous.

Like a ripple in a still pond, the massive crowd of working-slaves realize that their collars have been deactivated. At first they’re unsure what to do, some are still disbelieving, while others are tugging at the collars, breaking it in half with a stunned expression. Taeh’yung reaches through the bars, and snaps a collar in half.

‘See? Free.’

There’s a scream that rends the air and a Guard falls off of a bridge and lands with a sickening crunching splattering sound some ways from where they were.

Then everything is thrown into chaos.

Roaring shouts fill the air and TeorSer fire reigns down. Instantly a shield of green covers their elevator and the TeorSer fire aimed at them bursts overhead, leaving the translucent green shield unscathed and unaffected. It’s obviously Taeh’yung, his palms are glowing green and he looks around happily.

There’s loud shouting and doors open up, and in pour units of Guards, Heliords lit up and swinging through the crowds of freed working-slaves who were almost maddened by their sudden new found freedom.

In the beginning they appear to be mowing down the working-slaves but a shrieking scream fills the air and the Guards are being pushed back. The Guards are trying to fight back but they’re being overwhelmed by the freed slaves who, with complete disregard towards themselves, attack the Guard, uncaring if they died in the process.

‘Until Sk’jin gets here shouldn’t we-‘ Hoseok begins but before he’s contradicted by both Namjoon and Sk’jin, Yoongi tosses him one of the Heliord handles before activating his own, kicks open the elevator doors, and steps out of the protective green shield. He disappears for a while and Hoseok is slightly worried for a while. But then a fresh massive unit of Guards appear and he too steps outside of the shield.

Namjoon sighs deeply from where he’s sitting and he stands too.

‘He’s one of those s isn’t he? Give him a sword and he’s an expert at first swing?’ Namjoon scowls at Yoongi’s back. The Human activates the second Heliord; a flashing flare of electric blue swings in arcs as he dives into the crowd of the Guards, striking down their numbers in comically high amounts in a few seconds. The freed slaves roar their approval and it’s like watching madness come to life.

‘Well,’ Hoseok hands Namjoon his TeorSer while Taeh’yung’s eyes start to glow an ominous green, a wide smile growing on his face as he skips after Yoongi. Hoseok swings the handle, activating the sword mid-swing and deflecting a TeorSer fired at him.

‘Guess that makes me an too.’

He doesn’t get to hear Namjoon’s response but it’s probably something along the lines of show-off.

‘I’ll be there in 5 minutes. Please don’t get yourselves killed, thank you very much.’

Hoseok hears Namjoon snort before he takes out the rows of Guards situated at the bridges above them where they were firing down on the masses of working-slaves. Hoseok has to admit that the Kutsogleran has uncanny aim as he doesn't waste a single shot, each fire taking out its target.

Namjoon goes back to his screen, tapping a little here and there. Hoseok covers the Kutsogleran as he works. Green arcs of light fly from one corner of the massive space and Hoseok watches in awe as chunks and chunks of construction and building simply vanishes and bridges fall upon each other, the ground over which the Guard stood disappearing in green flashes. Hoseok doesn’t know why but he feels as though Taeh’yung would be giggling as he did whatever it was that he was doing.

Suddenly all the doors in the surrounding prison cells all over the Central Facility springs open and Namjoon easily breaks apart the screen into crumpled shards and tosses it aside. Fresh waves of screams and Beings flood the ramparts and bridges.

Hoseok watches with some horror and some amount of satisfaction as they escaping Slavers are met by the freed working-slaves and are pushed off, falling all the way down screaming to their deaths. A bunch of them have managed to run off, Guards taking over and using their Heliords against the working-slaves.

‘I’m close- where do you want me to be?’

Taeh’yung pops up in front of them out of nowhere, Yoongi, who is somehow splattered with blood, is behind him, Heliords still blazed up, his eyes glittering ominously. Namjoon actually takes a step back before collecting himself.   

‘I can sense you now!’ Taeh’yung smiles, ushering them together and closer, hands glowing green. He looks around for a while and nods as though satisfied with the chaos. A pyramid of green light forms around them and without any warning they sink down into the floor as though it were liquid.

Understandably, Hoseok and Namjoon shriek in shock. Yoongi seems entirely unperturbed as they sink into darkness, lit only the the glowing pyramid walls and Taeh’yung’s hands.

‘Just stay there Jin- we’re coming to you!’ Taeh’yung’s eyes glow an ominous green, the copper lines that cover his skin moving and shifting.

Hoseok takes back what he thought about possibly being fond of this Being.

*

‘Your body is not injured.’ Amme states, all four of her hand dropping to her side from where they had been raised around Yoongi’s head.

‘But what is the matter?’

‘Your Soul.’

‘My soul?’

‘You are a Human. The Life-force of a Human is considerably weaker than most in this Universe, yet I can sense that your life-span has expanded approximately 600 centuries.’

600 centuries of existence and yet only now Yoongi is aware of it.

‘Soul is another term for Life-force, is it not?’

‘The Soul and Life-force are completely different.’

Yoongi is in the Yisheng meditation gardens, seated in front of Amme. If his calculations are correct, then a base lay under where they were currently seated. It seems as though Amme is able to understand his flow of thoughts and says, ‘Do you worry for them?’

‘They are me. I am them.’

‘Do you feel that they are your people?’

‘No.’

This was his 2^nd month living inside the Headquarters, keeping watch over the bases while the court hearing went on. There were researchers and scientists, working alongside the Yishengs to study and observe the masses of Beings inside the tubes and as well as the Beings who were found inside the Akramanese ship.

Yoongi followed their motions, keeping watch- they called him the silent sentinel and did their best to ignore his presence if they saw him though that was rare. Yoongi spent most of his time inside the bases, and though he was offered lodgings inside the Yisheng Headquarters he preferred sleeping close to the tubes.

‘I have dreams.’

This time they’re sitting under the trees near the cliffs overlooking a large lake beyond the tamer regions of the Yisheng Forest.

‘I do not understand my dreams.’

‘Not all dreams have meaning Yoongi.’ Amme is surrounded by flowers that bloom in her wake, the Life-force she emanates brings vitality around her. But the moment she steps away, the flowers wither and die. Yoongi collects the dried flowers, watching as they are reduced to nothing more than dust between his fingers.

‘What do you see in your dreams?’

‘I don’t know. I don’t recognize the Beings in it. The location I’m in, or who I am in them.’

‘You do not recognize yourself?’

‘I know my face. But I do not know who I am.’

Amme pauses to think a while. She had told Yoongi that she was studying him as though he were a new species of Being, recording all of his words, his actions, his methods.

The first of your kind.

‘What does it mean to have memory?’ Yoongi asks. ‘Do you not need memory to dream?’

‘Fetus’s growing inside wombs have dreams Yoongi- yet they have no formed memory.’

‘Why is that?’

‘There are many explanations for that. Some believe it is because of sensory reactions- a fetus is mostly made of an expansive nervous system after all. Some believe it is their mother or host’s memories and emotions they translate into their own understanding. Some believe it is the echo of their past lives. It is what each Being wishes to believe.’

‘What do you believe in, Yisheng Amme?’

‘I believe that all Life is Continuum.’

Yoongi has heard this many times before. From so many places. But he doesn’t understand it.

‘What is memory?’

Amme is conducting a careful research over one of the tubes, two of her hands extending out over the tube while the other holds up a screen. She writes over it swiftly.

‘Memory is different for everyone,’ Amme replies, her eyes blinking in sequence. ‘It holds different value- many Beings do not realize the extent of the power or meaning of memory.’

‘If you have memory. Does it mean you exist?’ Yoongi looks into the tube curiously.

This tube contained a young female in it; large eyes closed, skin strangely transparent, allowing Yoongi to see her sinewy bones that seemed hollow and light- could she fly? Did she have memories of flying imprinted in her DNA?

‘To exist does not always correlate with memory Yoongi.’

‘What does it mean to exist?’ Yoongi asks. ‘You are standing in front of me. I know you exist. You are in my memory now. Your entirety is made known to me. What of the others?’

‘Others?’

Yoongi looks upwards towards the rosy sky beyond the large glass dome overhead, ‘Those who live everywhere else.’

‘Do you doubt the existence of the trees in the forest outside?’

‘No.’

‘Even though you cannot see every single one of them?’

‘Yes.’

‘Why is it so?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘It’s because you believe in the possibility of their existence, supported by the similar visual stimulation you are receiving.’ Amme explains though Yoongi finds that this explanation doesn’t seem to answer the questions he has. Though to be fair, the questions he has are unknown to himself too. He can’t seem to voice out the multitude of questions he has. While he understands Amme and her words, and how his mind backs this information up with what is known to be rational and logical facts, he finds that there is no real understanding of it.

Before the Android Core had been implemented and initiated into his consciousness, Yoongi never had the need for memory, just simple sensory reaction and implementation to succeed in his missions.

He existed, that was a fact. He still existed now.

But why did it matter now?

‘What does it mean to be alive?’

‘No one knows what it means to be alive Yoongi.’ Amme answers simply. ‘Some believe that living a life of servitude to a cause makes them Alive. Others believe that by leaving behind a legacy, they are living. Some Beings don’t even acknowledge the concept of their own life because it is not a notion they believe to be of immediate occurrence, rather a state of simply being.’

‘Which one is correct?’

Amme guides him through the massive Yisheng Archives.

‘We all just believe what we will. There is no right or wrong in what we believe. Time, Space, Matter, Mass- these are conventions, a medium in which we live. The petri dish within which we exist, if you will. But what that means to each of us varies. As there are stars in the universe, there are Beings. And as there are Beings, there are individual thoughts. These thoughts are a result of memory, senses, and environment.’

‘Then are the beliefs based on the destruction of lives as we witness in either political or religious genocide justifiable. Are the beliefs based on the suffering of one for the good for all just? Is murdering someone for revenge acceptable, knowing that you may have indirectly killed more than just one Being in your path to self-anointed redemption?’

‘Those who believe in that, are sure in themselves of their justification- one act of violence and loss can be translated into victory and gain for another.’ Amme states, stopping in front of an old vellum made of what appeared to be leather. Amme had told him that these original manuscripts were still being preserved in the Archives, from every corner of the Universe in order for their original metaphysical aura to stay intact.

‘Is this simply an indication of where you stand in that situation?’ Yoongi’s nose feels itchy from breathing the air in here.

‘Yes.’

‘Then why did the Yishengs oppose the Akramanese takeover of the Known Universe? The Akramanese were right in their own terms. Yishengs Ndica, Sttion, and Tlun’hla were all right in their own beliefs.’ Yoongi states out. ‘Why did the others condemn their actions as wrong, and why did they end their lives to “right” their “wrongs”.’

‘For the same reason why you activated the highways in Šerdesas. You were aware of what was happening, and for what intent and purpose- yet you set about actions and motions that would take 631 lives and injure 2788 Beings. Do you remember why you did it?’

‘No.’

‘Are you sure.’

‘I don’t know.’

‘We all do things Yoongi- within our own right. Finding another Being who shares the same sentiment, the same value, the same purpose as your intentions, is close to impossible.’

‘Why is that? Everybody wants peace. They want happiness, they want success.’

‘And to each Being, peace, happiness, and success all mean entirely different things- they all represent different things. One Being’s peace, is another Being’s war. One Being’s freedom, is another Being’s enslavement.’ Amme turns the vellum carefully, perusing the soft pages.

‘Why does that happen?’

‘Because all Life is a Continuum Yoongi.’ Amme states, extending her free hands out and outlining a ring midair. ‘There is no end or beginning.’

Yoongi follows the  motion of her hands, tracking the shape with his eyes.

‘That contradicts the Yisheng Code.’

‘Does it?’

‘Does it not?’

‘No Yoongi. We only add to it.’

Yoongi is silent.

‘If you want to live,’ Amme says after what feels like a full hour. ‘If you want to be, then you need to find that belief.’

‘From what I have learnt- all beliefs are right and wrong. And will bring both good and harm. To both myself and those around me.’

‘That is true.’ Amme states. ‘When I heal one Being, they may rise and inflict pain and sorrow onto others. Or they might spread peace and joy. When you assassinated an Officer, you might have ended a long line of corruption; or you might have added to it.’

‘Then why would you encourage me to find my own beliefs, when you know that the results will always be either or.’

‘Because Yoongi. That is what it means to live.’    

The dusty motes from the Archives seem to follow him even out here in the gardens. Yoongi crouches down to better check on the budding sprouts, poking their pale green heads through the soft rich soil. They all seem to twitch, as though rustled by a wind. Yoongi instinctively digs his hands into the warm soil, cupping his hands over some of the saplings.

‘I have a mission for you Yoongi.’

Amme stands some ways beyond the garden.

Yoongi last saw her 4 months ago. She appears changed, or did Yoongi’s perception change? Yoongi stands up from where he’s crouching, hands still clasped over the saplings in his hands.

‘I was not aware I would be participating in missions, Yisheng Amme.’ Yoongi states. ‘It has been 4 sols since my last mission.’

‘This is a special mission Yoongi.’ Amme explains. ‘But only if you agree to it.’

‘What is the mission statement?’ Yoongi asks after a while. He watches as the saplings near his feet grow quickly, forming little bushels near his feet.

‘Mission 013-937619 is a special operation issued by the Special Jury. You are to fulfill the role of Weapons Specialist within a team of 3 other Beings.’ Amme hands him a screen from within her robes. ‘All details you will find in there.’

‘Why me?’ Yoongi doesn’t unclasp his hands.

‘Because I believe you will find the answers to all of your questions in this mission,’ Amme explains, lowering the screen to the ground. ‘And you will find that you are not alone in your questions.’

Yoongi looks down at the screen; it’s been a while since he’s used one.

‘Come find me when you have made your decision.’

Amme performs her customary bow and leaves.

The thriving bushels nearby wilt and wither away.

Carefully, Yoongi opens his hands and the morning breeze carries away the dust, rising momentarily before disappearing entirely.

*

Namjoon finds himself falling hard on his on the floor of the Bridge of the Užkulisai Bridge.

‘Spaces-!’ he hears Sk’jin gasp from somewhere behind him.

There’s a squawk of protest as Hoseok too hits the floor and few more muffled thuds.

‘Get ready to fly out now.’ Yoongi is ordering, on his feet and already making his way towards his seat.

Namjoon pulls himself up, coming face-to-face with Sk’jin who looks extraordinarily unwell and disheveled. Hoseok, who looks a little queasy is staring at the ceiling through which they had clearly slid through but there’s no gaping hole, just the fading remains of a lingering thin string of green light outlining a triangle. What in Spaces had just happened?   

They had been inside that glowing green pyramid and it felt awfully a lot like they were inside some lift, except they seemed to be travelling sideways? Namjoon isn’t sure, and now here they were, inside the Užkulisai. Namjoon swears at one point they had been briefly tossed out into space but that was most probably his imagination. It had to be.

Hoseok seems to be wondering the same thing but they both snap out of it and get into action. Hoseok scrambles towards the cockpit and Namjoon is already starting up the Navigation Table and quickly chooses a path for any random system as far away as possible.

‘Ship is locked in trajectory- Hoseok take us out now!’ Namjoon calls, strapping himself in.

‘Taeh’yung, that means you too!’ Sk’jin orders and Namjoon berates himself for momentarily forgetting about the Zhak’gri amidst all that happened. Taeh’yung nods and straps himself into a footstool and despite his feet touching the floor, swings his legs much like a child would. Namjoon was definitely going to have to sit Sk’jin, Yoongi, and Taeh’yung down and get a full explanation of everything. About how they knew each other, what that meant, who Taeh’yung is, how did Sk’jin know how to pilot a ship, and basically everything else. Maybe shower first though.

‘We’re hitting warp in 10 seconds!’ Hoseok calls out.

‘Yisheng ship approaching,’ Yoongi calls out, his voice sharp and alert. Namjoon glances at his screen in front of him and studies the quickly approaching Yisheng Ship. It’s much larger than the Slaver-ship and though not armed, intimidating as it loomed larger than the Grezma outpost.

‘In 5!’

‘But what about the baby?’

Namjoon, Hoseok, Yoongi, and Sk’jin spin in alarm to look at the Zhak’gri.

‘What baby?’ they ask in one voice.

‘The one in the cargo? Inside the OrTank.’

‘Setting into warp.’

A white light fills the Bridge and the familiar pull tugs at the base of Namjoon’s stomach lining as they vault themselves into space at the speed of light.

‘Baby?! I beg your pardon?’ Hoseok asks in a high voice. Namjoon has vivid images of the CapTanks from the Slaver-ship burning in his mind’s eye.

‘What are you talking about-‘ Namjoon begins but there’s blurred movement and Namjoon knows that it’s Yoongi. His form darts through the Bridge and out of the doorway.

‘Yoongi! We’re not at green yet-!’ Sk’jin gasps out, turning wildly in his seat to warn the Human but he’s gone already.

‘Warp safety measures are cleared-‘

‘Yoongi!!’ Hoseok calls out in bewilderment, moving swiftly out of the cockpit as Taeh’yung too follows after him. Namjoon, with some difficulty, manages to get out of his chair and is followed closely by Sk’jin.

‘What are you talking about?’ Namjoon hears Hoseok addressing the Zhak’gri as they run down the stairs ahead of him. The hair of the back of his neck rises and Namjoon is already dreading what he’s going to find.

‘About 4 sols ago, I came across them- like Yoongi, others. Lots of them!’ Taeh’yung explains. Namjoon’s stomach drops, dread and apprehension building with every step he takes.

‘They’re from everywhere; from past Time and space.’

Namjoon can’t help but glance at Sk’jin who is incredibly pale, his face drawn and his eyes unblinking. But Namjoon doesn’t detect any surprise in his expression. And when the Khol’isa glances over at him, Namjoon reads a sense of guilt, fear, and anxiousness.  

They arrive at the bottom most Lobby and catch the sight of Hoseok and Taeh’yung disappearing into the doorway leading to the Hangar.

‘Namjoon-‘ Sk’jin is beginning to say but Namjoon ignores the Khol’isa for now, stepping into the Hangar as well.

Yoongi stands next to the Zhak’gri who is pulling out one of the larger OrTanks from Unit 9.

‘Careful with that-‘ Namjoon warns as he rushes closer but his words die in his mouth as Taeh’yung opens the lid, pushes aside the birthing tanks and pulls out a very cleverly designed lid underneath the tanks to reveal a smaller OrTank underneath that.

‘What the actual -‘ Hoseok whispers under his breath but all of them jump when Yoongi roughly takes apart the outer OrTank as though it were made out of flimsy driftwood, laying the smaller OrTank bare and out in the open.

‘Wait Yoongi-‘ Sk’jin warns making to stop the Human but Yoongi is too quick and he lifts the lid off.

‘Look! It’s my baby! Well, one of them,’ Taeh’yung pushes the lid off completely to crouch next to the OrTank.

Namjoon shuffles closer until he’s standing over the OrTank. Inside, suspended in what appeared to be mist, was a Being of unknown species.

‘What the -‘ Hoseok begins again as he too looks down at the OrTank in completely disbelief.

‘How did- what is this-‘ Hoseok can’t seem to formulate the questions he wants to ask.   

‘He’s still sleeping- still dreaming,’ Taeh’yung says, placing his hand over the glass. Then he looks up at Yoongi and says, ‘Just like you.’

Namjoon is thoroughly taken aback by the expression on Yoongi’s face. A combination of shock, confusion, sorrow, pain, and what looked, strangely, like hope.

‘What do you mean?’ Hoseok asks, looking up from the tank to Taeh’yung and then to Yoongi. Instead of answering, Taeh’yung wraps his arms around the tube and pulls it upwards. Yoongi immediately helps the Zhak’gri, his face now displaying nothing but a strange sense of awe and wonder.

The Being inside the tank rotates gently as they make the tube-like tank stand up.

His face is young, cheeks slightly rounded, lips full, sloping eyes closed. His hair is a pale silver-gold, a colour Namjoon can’t rightly name. His skin is warm and tanned, as though he had just recently been in the sun. His features are entirely anthropomorphic and in fact, doesn’t look too different from Yoongi or Hoseok in built and form.

‘We should check for the battery-cells,’ Sk’jin says from behind Namjoon. ‘If this Being is surviving on…whatever that is, it must be charged or something.’

Sk’jin sounds composed and as though he’d been planning this out. 

'-this mission was already intended to be something else-' Namjoon studies Sk'jin carefully and something clicks.

‘Sk’jin,- can I have a word in private?’

Namjoon catches the way Sk’jin seems to catch himself, as though berating himself momentarily before he meets Namjoon’s eyes. His eyes flashes briefly and he nods once quickly.

Hoseok looks away from the tube to find Sk’jin glaring defiantly at Namjoon, while the latter looks angry.

‘Hoseok, watch over the Bridge please. Taeh’yung, Yoongi, please do not move the tank anymore and do not engage with the object or Being inside the tube.’ Namjoon orders, not looking away from Sk’jin.

‘Hoseok?’ Namjoon repeats, breaking their stare and addressing Hoseok. Sk’jin walks out of the Hangar Bay, his steps tired and heavy.

Glancing at Sk’jin’s retreating back, and then back at the tank, Hoseok nods; ‘Yeah, I’m going.’

Hoseok steps away and before he leaves, turns to look over the tank again.

He catches sight of Taeh’yung saying something softly to Yoongi, who has his hand up, as though wanting to touch the surface. Taeh’yung says something, and Yoongi is replying it seems, his hand presses up against the surface.

And then as though in response, the floating Being inside, though “asleep” or whatever state it was that he was in, raises his hand up and lines up next to Yoongi’s.

*

(Author’s Note)

I love JJProject’s new album.

JJP is one of my first ships, I love this so much.

I have some bad news =( I won’t be able to update every week from now on. Uni starts next week and honestly this semester is really gonna kill me I can tell already.

So I’ll only be able to update every 2 weeks T_T

Please wish me luck for the upcoming semester I am definitely going to die