‘Yoongi,’ Taeh’yung grins. ‘He’s Awake.’

They don’t move from where they’re standing. Only Taeh’yung makes a move by sitting down, reaching out to pull Jungkook closer to him. His attitude is carefree and not surprised by whatever was happening now.

But Hoseok finds himself experiencing déjà vu with what he was witnessing.

When he had entered the broken Yisheng ship back in Ynqaba to follow after Yoongi, he had come across the Human in the midst of a crazed massacre. The Human had behaved oddly, moving as though he had no conscious control over his body. He hadn’t recognized Hoseok and had attacked.

The same panic, the same confusion, the same wild look but intensified was now fully manifesting before all of them.

‘H-how-‘ Yoongi’s voice breaks, coming out in gasps as his body tries to go into panic, but Jimin is clearly doing something, gently calming him down. ‘How are you- how are you here- how did- how did this-‘

Yoongi suddenly darts about, still shielding Jimin with his body.

‘Stay away-!’ he heaves out. ‘Don’t- don’t-!’

‘Jiminie,’ Taeh’yung suddenly says quite conversationally, ‘I think it’s too much for Yoongi right now.’

Jimin looks heavily conflicted, his arms keep moving from holding Yoongi back, to cradling his head.

‘I think he should sleep-‘

‘NO!’ Yoongi screams, ‘STOP IT STOP LEAVE THIS PLACE STAY AWAY-‘

Jimin seems to make up his mind, eyes shining with unshed tears as he places his palms over Yoongi’s head with a determined look. The Human’s eyes roll backwards, his body going limp, instantly falling unconscious. Jimin holds him up quickly, arranging him to a more comfortable position.

‘What in ing Spaces was that all about?’ Sk’jin demands at once, stepping forward to look down at Jimin.

With a strength that shouldn’t be surprising anymore (but Hoseok doubts it because Jimin didn’t particularly come off as physically powerful) Jimin picks up Yoongi in his arms.

‘Please follow me,’ is all he says, walking back to the Cabin Yoongi had burst out of.

Sk’jin gives him a confused look and Hoseok can only return it in kind. He had been asleep when Lisai’s voice rung through the air. And while the others didn’t need to know, he had already armed himself, watching the surveillance screens to locate any possible location of disturbance.

But his TeorSers and Heliords were already packed away when he realized it wasn’t an alarm of danger.

They all follow Jimin back into his Cabin, identical to every other Cabin in the Living Quarters. Hoseok notices how the window has been darkened so that no light entered. Jimin puts Yoongi down on the bed while Taeh’yung immediately makes himself comfortable on it, stretching himself out next to the unconscious Human.

The Cabin is a little small for 6 fully grown adults and one larger than average fledgling. But they make do, waiting expectantly for Jimin who takes a seat on the floor beside Yoongi’s pillowed head.

‘When I met JD, the Being who had information about Megibīya- he showed me his Dreams,’ Jimin begins slowly, carefully choosing his words.

‘What do you mean by dreams?’ Namjoon asks from where he’s leaning against the door.

‘Memories,’ Jimin explains, ‘But…they’re not memories of now,’ he waves his hand around in a wide circular motion. ‘It’s- it’s memories of living…of living in a time past.’

‘We just call ours nightmares,’ Sk’jin mutters quietly next to him.

‘So…so JD showed you his dreams? Of Megibīya? How?’ Hoseok asks.

‘You were sleeping- but how can you share consciousness?’ Namjoon asks as well.

Jimin looks at Sk’jin for some reason before glancing at Yoongi’s sleeping form and saying, ‘I think it’s because – because we existed in a different…different time. A different existence- and we can,’ Jimin thinks hard, words forming slowly as he tries his best to use words that would best explain what he wanted to say. ‘A different realm, we slept in that realm, where time is different, and so…so we can go back and show each other our dreams.’

He gives Sk’jin a pleading look, one that Namjoon follows back up to the Khol’isa who sighs and says, ‘I know what he means. Maybe it’s not the same but- but sometimes, I guess you could say you’re caught in limbo. Or at least existing in a way somewhere that’s…that’s not where this is, you know?’ Sk’jin waves vaguely.

Hoseok can get what they’re trying to explain. Theories about extra-dimensions, of alternative realities and parallel worlds have existed and floated around for as long as the notion of reality has existed. And while Hoseok is sure that, fine, maybe in some way, there are other dimensions that do exist. But they’re normally in the realm of theoretical science that studies energy and waveforms and black holes. The Universe- or the Known Universe was large, but Dark Space as they called it, was larger and unexplored. The possibilities were endless. But Hoseok has always been of the mind that what existed in his immediate reality was much more important than the hypothesis of something that was unknown.

But maybe that should change now, considering everything he’s been through and what he’s seen.

‘Based on the Ga-Ga-ya Case reports,’ Jimin says carefully pronouncing the word by their syllables, ‘The Red Evil was born as a result of the Yisheng’s unwanted- um, rejected experiment. They dispose of them,-disposed of them in black holes. But they returned.’

Hoseok finds himself nodding alongside Namjoon, confirming Jimin’s statement.

It was an easy way to get rid of evidence. Easy but dangerous. The Yishengs made good use of their powerful ships and approached black holes to rid of their rejected experiments. As a result, the Akramanese, or the Red Evil, were born.

‘Time is different, changed, altered near black holes,’ Jimin continues. ‘And it’s…they are a part, of existing there.’

‘So…these dreams are…existences within black holes?’ Namjoon asks carefully.

Jimin shakes his head.

‘It’s similar- but what remains in our minds- no,’ he pauses, looking over at Yoongi again, ‘What stays in our souls, our Dreams, through that existence, is what connects us.’ He looks up, smiling briefly at Sk’jin before saying, ‘I could look into your Dreams, and you could look into mine. Same with Jungkook.’

Jungkook looks around with wide eyes.

‘And me!’ Taeh’yung waves his hands upwards. ‘But for your own safety, best not to.’

Hoseok doesn’t even want to question that, even though Jimin and Sk’jin seem to nod in agreement at Taeh’yung’s statement.

‘So you looked into Yoongi’s dreams?’ Namjoon asks slowly, ‘No- you looked into his past? Who he was before.’

Jimin nods.

‘I asked him if I could. I tried to do what JD did. And I could link our existence, the Time around us and…I could see everything,’ Jimin looks troubled. ‘I think- I think there was a big plan, a very big…attempt, to break into Menigišiti by the Yishengs…and the GLA.’

It takes a while before Jimin is able to fully tell them what he saw, his voice sometimes cracked as he maintained a neutral tone, telling them Yoongi’s past; or at least Human Yoongi’s past.

‘Amme was there,’ Namjoon is sitting now, elbow on his knees as he frowns in thought. ‘Obviously she didn’t know what was going on. But she had her suspicions. But you said she was part of the Panel that approached you?’

Jimin nods.

‘Yoongi and his friend already had the marks down their backs,’ Hoseok begins, ‘It means that it wasn’t a result of the Red Evil- or even of the GI.’

‘It could have been before the GI was properly formed,’ Sk’jin points out. ‘The GI have been a sort of urban myth for about 5 to 6 centuries right? Maybe they were pre-GI candidates? I think it’s safe to assume the rest of his team all had the same mark.’

‘There’s no point guessing or assuming all that,’ Namjoon says making Sk’jin give him an incredulous look. ‘I think it’s safe to say that Yoongi, as in Yoongi from the past, has somehow…woken up, or has…come back?’ he tilts his head as though in doubt of his own words. ‘And if he’s still…awake, so to speak, we can ask him details.’

‘True, but I don’t know how well he’d react to being here. He was in shock,’ Sk’jin points out adding with a sniff, ‘Besides, based on his experience, I doubt he’d trust to tell any of us.’

‘He’ll tell me,’ Jimin says with certainty. ‘He’ll trust me.’

‘It might be difficult for him to remember,’ Hoseok supplies. ‘We don’t know how much he will remember. Or how much of it is accurate- there were gaps in the memories according to what Jimin told us. Wouldn’t it be better if Jimin tried to uh, tie their minds again?’

‘They’re different,’ Taeh’yung quips up, mindlessly braiding Yoongi’s hair. ‘I don’t think this Yoongi will know how to Dream.’

‘Does it matter?’ Sk’jin asks with a curious expression, ‘It’s still him.’

‘Different, but same,’ Taeh’yung shrugs. ‘There was a pause, but it’s catching up now.’

‘But you said this isn’t the same Yoongi right?’ Namjoon asks carefully, ‘So how does he remember? How does…how does he know?’

‘Different but same pa,’ Taeh’yung explains, frowning a little before raising his palm, light forming at his finger tips. Neon green lined triangles form and twist just a little above his fingertips. He holds up his thumb, the triangle rotating slowly, the shape aligned and balanced. His pointer finger is also illuminating another triangle, but the lengths are different. And it goes on. All the triangles are different lengths and sizes. ‘Different but same.’

‘Well okay if that’s the case,’ Sk’jin says, breaking them from their trance. ‘What about Amme. She was there in Jimin’s system, and she was there snooping around in Mars, talking to Yoongi. And we all know she was the one who pretty much raised this Yoongi after the Gaia Case. What was her purpose in sending Yoongi to all of this? Was it because she knew him before, that she thought sending him here would trigger his memories? Or is it because of how Jimin was apparently in their possession before they decided to sneak him into the ship on our way to his home-system? What’s the connection?’

Sk’jin had a very good point.

And now with this “awakening”, it made sense that Yoongi was added into the mission. Amme had met and spoken to him in his past, and then she clearly recognized him when she saw him again. She was able to put two and two together, that whatever strange mission Yoongi was a part of, headed for Megibīya, was connected to how he was here today.

All of this was connected to the Gaia Case, but also at the same time, went much further than that. This went to the genesis – where it all started. What did Jimin’s system have to do with the Red Evil? Why were they there, and why were the Yishengs there, sending supposed GLA teams by the dozens to secretly investigate planets. And just who were the Omhlophe and why were they still here, what was their objective? Why were they after Jimin?

As individuals, they weren’t able to really make sense of what they knew, who they were, and what they were really supposed to do. However, by combining all of them together, by connecting them all like this: Namjoon, Sk’jin, Yoongi, Jimin, and himself- maybe they would be able to understand what had happened, how it happened- and most importantly, why it happened. 

‘I think we need to first wake Yoongi up,’ Namjoon says steadily, ‘I mean, is it safe? He didn’t look so good.’

‘Should be fine!’ Taeh’yung says as he grins at Jungkook, having hovered the triangles over to the young Pravasi M’hanun who was obviously delighted by the floating lights.

Namjoon raises an inquiring eyebrow at Jimin who also nods though it’s a bit hesitant.

That was understandable- Jimin hadn’t expected this reaction from Yoongi, that much was evident. But he’s also worried about what could be revealed- seeing as his System was clearly very deeply affected by all of this.

‘I think, I think just me,’ Jimin says quietly as he sits up and onto the bed. ‘I think, it might be too much. For all of you to be here.’

Namjoon nods in understanding though Sk’jin frowns a little.

‘I can keep line open,’ Jimin says, understanding Sk’jin’s expression immediately.

‘It’s fine,’ Namjoon replies at once, ‘We don’t want to invade your privacy.’

Sk’jin gives Namjoon a brief irritated look.

‘Will you be safe?’ Hoseok asks.

Yoongi had tried to attack him in Ynqaba, and though he clearly recognized Jimin, you couldn’t be too sure.

‘I’ll be safe,’ Jimin replies with a nod. ‘Yoongi is safe.’

‘Be careful,’ Sk’jin tells him quietly as he leaves, tugging Jungkook along gently.

Jimin nods and smiles at that.

Namjoon also leaves and Hoseok follows. Taeh’yung is the last to leave. He says something to Jimin who nods slowly, lips pressed in a thin line as he listens to Taeh’yung.

The Zhak’gri is last to leave and the door to the Cabin closes shut.

‘What did you say to Jimin?’ Hoseok asks, pausing for the Zhak’gri to approach him.

‘That we shouldn’t linger in our memories too much,’ Taeh’yung beams at him before hugging him suddenly and eyeing him directly, ‘He’s carrying the weight of the dead, it will crush him.’

It’s such a final statement- such a strong declaration that it almost takes Hoseok’s breath away.

‘You shouldn’t do it too,’ Taeh’yung adds before he takes his hand, turning it so that his palm faced up. Taeh’yung kisses it, a small peck that somehow immediately cools his hand. ‘How else will you carry yourself?’

 

 

 

*

 

 

Jimin kneels beside the bed.

When he woke up almost an hour ago, he hadn’t expected this to be the result. In fact, when he woke up- he expected Yoongi to wake up too. But the Human hadn’t stirred, only slept on, breaths deep and slow. Jimin hadn’t detected anything unusual so he had hurried off to find the others. The past 2 days were filled with too much information, too much of everything.

He fiddles with the Comm Device on his earlobe and decides to deactivate it. He had offered to share the line but now it felt too…he’s not sure if he wants the others to overhear. Not when there was so much.

Not now, when Yoongi’s soul was suddenly and rapidly aging-

Jimin breathes out slowly, clearing his mind.

The pain in his chest is slowly building. He’s afraid of what will happen, afraid of what he will have to live with. He’s afraid that everything will go wrong- he’s already lost so much, seen so much.

He already didn’t know so much of what was happening, of what happened in the past.

But this.

With Yoongi.

This was too close.

Exhaling out, he quickly places his palms over Yoongi’s temples. It’s not even a second later that Yoongi jolts awake.

Jimin shuffles back a little, changing his posture to hold Yoongi down if he started thrashing or yelling. Yoongi is panting, sitting up and looking around wildly before he spots Jimin on the floor. Or maybe what happened before was a fluke and-

‘Sunshine-‘

Yoongi is off the bed and nearly slams them both onto the ground as he barrels straight into Jimin.

His entire body shaking, Yoongi is holding him but there is no strength in his grasp- it’s almost as though he’s afraid.

‘Is it-‘ he pants out into the crook of his neck. ‘Is this real. Is this real- I- please tell me please-‘

His voice is strained, pleading and begging.

‘Real,’ Jimin says as steadily as he can, ‘Yoongi, it’s real. I’m real.’

His whole body shakes, convulsions starting from the core of his chest and outwards. Jimin’s neck is damp.

‘You’re safe-‘

Yoongi’s entire body flinches, his grasp tightening around him.

‘We’re safe,’ Jimin whispers, arms reaching around Yoongi to hold him close, hands rubbing soothing circles over his back. ‘We’re safe, Yoongi, we’re safe.’

The convulsions shift into shivers, and Yoongi genuinely breaks down, sobbing in earnest into his neck.

‘I’m here,’ Yoongi gasps out, ‘I’m- you’re here and-‘

Yoongi’s pain, his fear, his relief- his bliss- Jimin feels all of it, pouring out of the Human at an overwhelming rate. His soul is strained- like a blight overwhelming all living things, fear and pain spreads through and Jimin would burn himself to rid of it if he could.

‘I’m here,’ Jimin whispers, voice cracking and his eyes blurring. ‘Yoongi, I’m here, I won’t go, I won’t go.’

They stay like that for what feels like hours. Yoongi’s hold doesn’t loosen, just shifts as though incapable of realizing that Jimin was real- and that he was there.

‘There’s-‘ Yoongi chokes out, his words stuttering like he had so much to say but didn’t know how to say, what to say first. ‘There’s so much- I don’t- I’m-…I’m me? But I- sunshine how did- who-who was I- I can see you- you came for me- I -…it hurt, I saw you, you came for me and-‘

Yoongi heaves a breath.

‘These are- there are not-‘ Yoongi makes a frustrated noise, ‘Sunshine I don’t understand- I- why is this- is this really me? How- how many- how many Yoongi’s do you see-‘

Jimin shivers- could Yoongi remember what happened so far? What happened before?

‘It’s too much-‘ Yoongi gasps, words breaking, his breaths coming out in sharp pants. ‘It’s- sunshine I can’t-‘

Moving quickly, Jimin moves them, turning a little so he can properly hold Yoongi, never breaking from their original position where Yoongi is pressed into his neck. His movement seems to startle the Human, making Yoongi press in all the more, and Jimin could almost believe that their hearts were beating into each other. He gently runs his hand through Yoongi’s hair, carding through the strands gently, humming quietly under his breath. He whispers words of calm, of serenity into the tune he hums, gently rocking them in a lulling manner.

Slowly, each second slipping past faster than Jimin can comprehend, but stretching out infinitely all at once, the tenseness in Yoongi’s form relents.

‘I could hear you sing,’ Yoongi whispers after a while, voice almost sleepy. ‘I could hear your voice, all around me- they took the light. They took the stars, the sun- they took you-‘

He stops, unable to speak, throat restricted. Jimin continues to card through his hair; his position on the floor is weirdly angled but he can’t find it in himself to move. Yoongi’s weight on him, his warmth, his presence; Jimin feels as though he’s drinking it all in, like a flower does with sunlight.

‘They took you and I couldn’t follow-‘ Yoongi chokes out. ‘I tried- Jimin I tried so hard to come back-‘

‘You’re here-‘ Jimin’s voice wobbles and he can’t be bothered to try and stabilize it. ‘You’re here and- and I’m here. You came back.’

Yoongi finally pulls away, just a little, arms still holding Jimin but he searches for his eyes.

‘I’m real,’ he breathes out, almost inaudibly.

Jimin nods, his forehead bumping against Yoongi’s.

‘How?’

‘I-…’ Jimin’s breath catches on his throat as Yoongi uncoils one arm to bring his hand up and lightly touch his cheek. He seems to marvel at how he’s able to touch him. He turns his face into Yoongi’s palm, making his fingers brush over his lips as though to physically show Yoongi the words he was speaking.

‘I don’t know,’ Jimin whispers as he also reaches up to gently touch Yoongi’s face.

Yoongi closes his eyes immediately, a choked sigh escaping him. His eyelashes are clumped from tears, the skin on his cheeks a little taut from where the tears have dried.

‘Don’t stop- don’t-‘ Yoongi whispers shakily, ‘I- I’m so scared-‘

Jimin pushes them up slowly, sitting up slowly as he Yoongi’s face, leaning in to kiss his closed eyes.

Yoongi gasps at every touch, shaking a little again but this time it’s not because he’s going into shock. His hands form fists, scrunching up the fabric of Jimin’s shirt.

‘I’m- I’ll fade- don’t stop please-‘ Yoongi pleads. His words are slurred and thick, breathless as he tries to regain his sense of self, to ground himself. And Jimin pulls him in, his touch an anchor, a guard, holding Yoongi above the fear of disappearing. He pulls Yoongi even closer, his own fear and worry threatening to overwhelm him. Yoongi’s mind, his soul, his heart- they were screaming –

Shutting out the pain, Jimin softly presses kisses over Yoongi’s face, his fingers carefully brushing along his hair and down to his nape, lightly outlining the shape of his ears.

‘I-‘ he hiccups out as Jimin presses a kiss close to his mouth. ‘I said- I promised you-‘

Jimin hums in response, lips still pressed to Yoongi’s cheek.

‘I said I would always find you,’ Yoongi stutters out and there’s disbelief and awe in his eyes, a sense of confused panic but at the same time, an intense relief. ‘I found you.’

Jimin smiles as Yoongi opens his eyes. He doesn’t look terrified anymore, his eyes no longer glazed with madness and fear.

‘You found me,’ Jimin nods, their noses brushing.

‘I found you again sunshine,’ Yoongi gets out, ‘You-…god you’re beautiful-I found you.’

‘Welcome back,’ Jimin whispers before leaning in to press their lips together.

 

 

*

 

 

Yoongi and Jimin exit the Cabin almost an hour later. Yoongi still looks like he’s not sure how he’s there. He’s clutching Jimin’s hand like a lifeline. Parts of his hair is wet, as though he had just washed his face- messily at that too.

‘Uh-‘ Jimin starts, as though to call their attention even though everyone’s been waiting on silent edge for them to come out. Sk’jin had wanted to ask ‘you think they’re doing the do in there’ but Jungkook was there. Also neither of them look at all rumpled enough to have done anything. He would also be disappointed if they did because that seemed a rather short period of time in that context.

And though Sk’jin has stooped low to make untimely jokes, he’s not going to stoop as low as to crack a terrible innuendo before an innocent Being. He did however wiggle his eyebrows at Namjoon while nodding at Jimin’s Cabin direction. Namjoon had just frowned at him first, then a few seconds later he sighed heavily, looking up at the ceiling as though in prayer.

Ha! Jokes on him, prayers didn’t work out here in Space. Too many black holes around. Sk’jin keeps this joke to himself, grinning in a suppressed way that Jungkook notices almost immediately. He smiles at him, beaming as though he too enjoyed Sk’jin’s joke despite never having heard it.

‘Yoongi!’ Taeh’yung stands up- more like bounces up, arms waving as he shuffles forward with a bright grin and tackles the Human into a hug.

‘Oh god-!’ Yoongi’s eyes bulge out, his expression is pure comedic gold.

It’s also frightening to an extent because Sk’jin has never seen Yoongi express like this. Hoseok seems to be blinking hard, as though checking to see if his sight was all right. Out of habit, Sk’jin grabs at Jungkook’s shirt to hold him back. Something that was necessary around Yoongi because the Pravasi M’hanun was always inclined to somehow attack the Human. Something that makes Sk’jin cackle internally and hopes that one day, Jungkook can deck Yoongi off of his feet.

For purely entertainment purposes of course. Not that Sk’jin was nursing a grudge against the Human. Not at all.

‘Hi!’ I’m Taeh’yung,’ Taeh’yung holds his fingers up in a ‘v’.

‘Oh- uh, peace,’ Yoongi also holds up his hand in a ‘v’ sign before saying, ‘I know who you are.’

Taeh’yung pauses, eyebrows up before he says in a confused voice, ‘But I don’t think I’m old enough to know you?’

‘No as in-‘ Yoongi interrupts, ‘I remember. I remember…everything?’

Jimin smiles and nods, looking at everyone in turn as though to say ‘see? Cool isn’t it?’.

‘You remember-‘ Hoseok begins before Yoongi interrupts again.

‘Hoseok- you’re an ex-agent for the Venture Unit. You helped me through a panic attack in Ynqaba before I out,’ Yoongi reels off, his voice though monotone, is coloured with a range of emotions that Sk’jin has never heard coming from the Human. There’s also that accent with his Standard- similar to the accents in the other Humans Sk’jin has encountered. ‘Namjoon, you’re an information analyst. You gave me your specialized medication in the fight- my fight in the Arenas back in Pompa.’

Yoongi turns to meet Sk’jin’s eyes and he’s surprised at what he sees.

Looking at Yoongi before was as informative as gazing into an endless black well. Sure it was deep and there was probably something somewhere in the depths. But now, Sk’jin can read Yoongi just as clearly as he can everyone else. He can see his emotions, his reactions- and most of all, he can see with clarity exactly what he thought of him.

And Sk’jin, as clear as daylight, can read distrust, suspicion, and to Sk’jin’s confusion, fondness-?

‘Sk’jin. I nicknamed you .’ Yoongi says bluntly. ‘I also…-‘ he pauses, expression turning similar to how it normally was, and now that Sk’jin sees this he realizes that it’s anger. ‘-you left Jimin.’

Okay so maybe it wasn’t fondness.

Jimin seemed inclined to explain, but Sk’jin is not here for that sort of thing. But apparently neither is Yoongi because he continues on.

‘And we met before, when you were…’ Yoongi actually blanches, eyes widening a little, ‘-when you were uh, different.’

Sk’jin is slightly affronted at Yoongi’s reaction. Sure he didn’t look all that pleasant when he was a weird entity stuck to Zitao’s mind but that didn’t mean he should react like that.

‘We met officially at the Mars Dock,’ Yoongi says to Taeh’yung who beams at him nodding in agreement, ‘But before that I saw you at the Yisheng Directory.’

Taeh’yung claps his hands over his face in exaggerated shock.

Yoongi looks down at Jungkook who eyes him warily.

‘You…want to fight me?’

Jungkook also looks confused before he nods, hesitantly.

‘You’re carrying all the memories of Yoongi- of the other Yoongi- you know this makes me uncomfortable. Also, what happened to him?’ Sk’jin asks. He’s curious, and also he’s somewhat attached to the Yoongi he gradually got to know and who left him for dead in Ynqaba.

Sk’jin thinks that he needs to rethink what he wants in a basic relationship.

‘It-,’ Yoongi pauses to think. He stares down at his hand, entwined with Jimin’s, as though it was helping him ground himself into this reality. ‘I remember everything- but…but it feels as though it was a dream. Like-…like everything I know- what I saw, what I-‘ he blanches, ‘-what I did…it’s like waking from one of those really extensive dreams, you know?’

It’s really weird hearing Yoongi emote in his speech.

‘You remember everything? Like, everything?’ Taeh’yung beams, taking Yoongi’s other hand and swinging it.

‘If that’s the case then maybe take a seat and explain to us your weird trip to Bhumi, the mark down your back, who you were working for, and what you were hoping to achieve,’ Sk’jin reels off.

Jimin looks ready to argue while Namjoon looks like he’s about to call for a time-out, but Hoseok cuts speaks out faster than they can react, speaking clearly and in what Sk’jin calls his no-nonsense-we’re-on-a-mission voice.

‘I agree with Sk’jin. We need to figure things out, and with you here, we’ll be able to clear up what is missing from our collected information. Seeing as you remember what happened with uh, GI-Yoongi, Human Yoongi can give us the backstory we’re missing.’

Jimin still looks a little unsure, looking over Yoongi in worry. Which was understandable but they had missions to complete while figuring out everything at the same time in order to understand what the purpose of their initial mission was.

Spaces this was tiring.

‘Um-‘

‘We know about what happened, a little vaguely, about what happened before you left for Bhumi,’ Hoseok begins, ‘So I guess we’ll ask some questions, you fill us in on stuff- if there’s anything more, then please feel free to add to it.’

Sk’jin snorts at that.

Yoongi nods at that, shifting on his feet a little before saying, ‘Uh- maybe we should sit. My uh, feet hurt.’

An odd thing really, Sk’jin isn’t sure why Yoongi’s feet would hurt now. But after going through a particularly terrible moment in life before “dying” and waking  up centuries in the future would probably mess you up a lot. Sk’jin has a strong feeling that Jimin was doing something about that, keeping Yoongi calm and not making him feel overwhelmed.

They sit down and Sk’jin notices how Yoongi winces. Jimin seems to notice too, eyeing him worriedly but not wanting to shift attention during an important discussion.

‘Okay so, first- why were you headed to Bhumi?’ Hoseok asks immediately.

Sk’jin sees how Namjoon sits a little further, watching the discussion a little away, his NaviLet across his lap as he leans back, eyes only on Yoongi.

‘When I was first recruited, it was through an aptitude test of sorts,’ Yoongi begins after a moment where he readjusted his hold of Jimin’s hand. ‘It was like every other organization recruitment test. I was chosen from my batch of fellow graduates from the Tayi School of Law and Security alongside Amic-‘ he pauses briefly before continuing, ‘-alongside my best friend. We were told it was part of the aptitude test all graduating students go through- it was conducted by Yishengs.’

‘Oh, you mean like the apprenticeship tests?’ Namjoon inquires, ‘Not all schools have it, but there are a few that are overlooked by the Yishengs- Android Studies with the Daskalos apprenticeship, Medical Practices, that sort of thing- it’s not really a test on your knowledge, rather just…well, just being scanned by the Yishengs to see if you’re a good Being or something.’

Sk’jin would slow clap if the moment was not so serious. The Yishengs really manipulated their status and the trust the Universe had in them. Sk’jin knows not to judge many by just the few- but this really took the cake.

Yoongi nods as he says, ‘All Beings that graduate from Law and Security have to go through the test. Apparently I had excellent results, and was asked to join a special training program created by the Yishengs. It wasn’t too different from other special programs- I also didn’t have to make any payments for it either so in all honesty I was keen on doing it.’ Yoongi shrugs and adds with a (terrifyingly normal and relatable) small smile, ‘Gotta save up all you can, right?’  

Jungkook looks just about as weirdly disturbed as Sk’jin felt.

‘The program was almost a sol long- Yisheng Ndica began the program under the Directory as a means of training and providing skilled Beings with additional set of skills to be used for when we finished the program. We were meant to be part of an organized unit established and directed under the Yishengs to scout and observe  potential threats.’

‘That’s the same as what the Venture Unit is doing though,’ Hoseok says, ‘Weren’t you suspicious from the start?’

‘Truthfully no,’ Yoongi shook his head, ‘The Venture Unit are shady as - even more so in the past. There was a period of time where agents frequently turned or went rogue. News of it was all over the Universe.’

Sk’jin feels, rather than see, Namjoon’s gaze on him at Yoongi’s words.

‘We would be forming a specialized Yisheng corps- working for them, guarding and guiding them through non-GLA territory.’ Yoongi continues. ‘It made sense to us- the GLA basically had the Venture Unit for this sort of reason- and the GIU in themselves were an organization made entirely out of specialized units and groups.’

‘They sold it in a way that it trumped an ethical misbalance,’ Namjoon sighs, ‘The Yishengs knew exactly what they were doing, and how to do it.’

Yoongi nods in agreement.

‘What sort of training did you participate in?’ Hoseok asks.

‘As part of our training, we did extensive physical and mental training. We were also given physical treatment- our disclosure agreement stated that it was part of the training, to undergo physical therapy required for our physical training. We travelled a lot to different planets and Docks – we never stayed in one place for too long.’ Yoongi answers, ‘It was the same as most training programs that I knew of.’

‘Is the therapy how you got the mark on your back?’ Hoseok inquires.

Yoongi nods, shifting unconsciously.

‘The Yishengs-in-training would oversee the process. We would sleep over a bed, the center of it had a gap and we would lay over it,’ Yoongi reaches for a screen and with one hand activates the holographic composer. He constructs a quick layout of something that roughly resembles a Medical Bed.

‘We would be put to sleep for the process,’ Yoongi frowns a little before he continues, ‘And I know that you would think this was…stupid of me. Of us. To do something like this with blind faith and trust. But…but it was the Yishengs – and it was just-one of the training facilities was set up in the Mars Docks, and that was close to home-‘

‘Not your fault,’ Jimin says quietly. ‘Not your fault.’

Yoongi pauses, watching Jimin and listening to every single word intently. Clearly Human Yoongi was not over Jimin’s existence the same way GI Yoongi seemed to live in permanent awe.

‘There’s no need to feel guilty over something you couldn’t have possibly even begun to conceive as probable,’ Sk’jin states bluntly, ‘No need to dwell over it.’

Yoongi nods slowly.

‘Did they every tell you what it was? The medical procedure?’ Namjoon asks.

‘We were being scanned- records of our physical and mental wellbeing were all logged in. At first it was weekly- then it became monthly. The mark used to fade at first, but then it stayed on for much longer.’ Yoongi answers, ‘We underwent the procedure for almost a sol. It didn’t hurt- but it was…heavy. I felt like I was always somehow connected to that bed.’

‘Was the training conducted in groups or individually?’ Hoseok asks.

‘Both- sometimes we would have group training- both physical, practical, and technical. I specialized in technology and development. And as we were trained to work as a unit, we each played roles within our given unit. So most times I was assigned and given hardware to program, break apart, or repair. I was the “tech” guy in the unit- others specialized in bio-engineering, some in terraforming, others in weapons.’ Yoongi explains, his hand that wasn’t in Jimin’s hold clutching at the edge of the couch, fingers turning pale with the strength he exerted.

‘What about the mission you were given?’ Hoseok asks, ‘Was it classified or were you told?’

‘We were told a version of it,’ Yoongi frowns, shifting a little where he sat, ‘As part of our official first mission, we were assigned to observe and record Bhumi, a planet according to our mission statement, was being evacuated because of its sun- a pulsar going out on control. We studied the planet in detail based off of the GLA’s previous observations. We were told that the other Beings who were in training had also gone on before, building a communications tower that would allow us to send and inform our findings back to base. We were instructed to board our ships into the Yisheng’s ship and undock at a safe distance. As it was not a GLA registered planet, we couldn’t record official reports- we would also be cut off from any official channels.’

‘Sounds like most recon missions from the Venture Unit,’ Hoseok supplies with a thoughtful look.

‘What made you suspicious?’ Namjoon asks, ‘This was before the mission started. If you were suspicious, why go at all?’

Yoongi chews on his inner cheek, a deep frown forming between his brows.

‘Like everything, we were sold an idea- fed a propaganda,’ Yoongi replies slowly, ‘Corruption was blatant at the time- especially in Systems outside the GLA, or as we were lead to believe. The Alliance at that time was at its most powerful- rampant and almost boastful. Rumors of bioengineered Beings born from experiments who were deadly and powerful, created by the Alliance in collaboration with the non-GLA Systems. There was a lot of fear- not to mention suspicion of corruption within the GLA- that they were instigating and investing in this. It made us, the Beings who felt as though we knew something feel responsible to do something. And this was an effort created by the Yishengs- or at least just by Yisheng Ndica. Yisheng Tlun’hla who was the representative of that time had even come to oversee our training and give us his blessing- we believed it was for the betterment and restoration of safety and peace in the Universe.’

They all wait in silence, waiting for Yoongi to continue.

‘That’s what I believed in,’ Yoongi goes on, looking across the room to gaze out at the view outside as he huffs out a small chuckle, ‘I believed in it with my whole chest.’

Jimin smiles, his eyes tracing over Yoongi’s face.

‘We were in Šerdesas a few weeks before heading over to Mars for our program. Mars was the final destination for our program- and if we qualified the final check-up, we would be mission-ready. We were in the Yisheng Directory for the medical treatment and therapy at the lower levels. As I mentioned before, we normally fall asleep somehow during the treatment; but this time I – I was woken up.’

‘By?’

‘I don’t know- I thought they were a Yisheng first,’ Yoongi says slowly, his brow furrowed in thought. ‘And I – the memory is…I don’t know why it feels glitched- like there are words that he spoke to me- but all I really remember were lights.’

Namjoon and Hoseok both tilt their heads at the same time, their expressions serious.

‘And it-‘ Yoongi coughs, hand coming up to cover his mouth. He looks at his palm, as though he was expecting blood. But the cough comes and goes just as quickly. He clears his throat, blinking fast for a second before he continues. ‘I think the voice asked me questions.’

‘Do you remember?’ Taeh’yung asks, eyes wide with eager anticipation.

‘Uh- the Yisheng or…that Being asked me if I was Human- I think I replied that I was,’ Yoongi frowns. ‘I asked…him? I asked him who he was, he just…said “I am”. And then he said “brother, wake up”.’

‘What did this Yisheng look like?’ Sk’jin asks, leaning in a little.

‘I-…like I said, I’m not sure how accurate this memory is- it was excessively bright- and static-like almost. But … I don’t know if I’m projecting but…I felt like it was Human.’

Taeh’yung makes a sound of awe, shoulders bouncing a little as he beams.

‘There has only ever been one recorded Yisheng in all of Earth’s history,’ Namjoon declares at once, looking down at his screen. ‘Apparently worshipped as a God in Ancient Earth. But then was later killed.’

‘He came back,’ Yoongi says almost absentmindedly with a small shrug.

‘Religion aside, did this uh, Human Yisheng say anything else?’ Hoseok asks, steering the conversation back on track.

‘No- I just, very abruptly woke up and-,’ Yoongi reaches at his back, feeling under the collar of his shirt. He shudders, eyes closing as though recalling something. ‘There was a long black pipe-like device that was…sewn into my back. I was also not in the room where I was originally put into. I had a distinct impression that I was- I was underground-?’

Yoongi stops, his expression is confused and a strange cough comes out of him again. That’s when Sk’jin notices how tense the Human is, his legs, arms, posture.

‘Hey you okay-?’

It’s as though his question triggers Yoongi and he shivers, face twisting into that of pain as he hunches over, collapsing onto the floor.

‘Yoongi-!’

‘Hurts-‘ Yoongi manages to gasp out through grit teeth. His entire body convulses, his hands immediately going to his head, fingers curling into locks of hair.

‘But the tabs don’t show anything-‘ Namjoon looks beyond confused.

‘He’s in pain-‘ Jimin cries out, slipping into his own tongue.

‘Get him to the Bay now,’ Hoseok orders, hunching down and gesturing to Jimin.

They both pick him up, lifting him between themselves with ease. Yoongi is clearly trying not to thrash, whimpering as he’s moved.

Sk’jin is about to follow the others down as well but he’s pulled back. Looking back, Jungkook is still there, eyes wide and expression hesitant and worried.

‘What is it?’ Sk’jin asks, turning to properly face the young Being.

‘I- I’ve seen that-‘

‘Seen what?’

‘Yoongi’s pain.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Mother-, to darling, she had it too.’ Jungkook tells him quietly. ‘Ma said that she had too much in her head. Too many thoughts at once.’

Sk’jin keeps quiet at this sudden revelation.

‘Mother that looked like me?’

Jungkook nods.

‘How many times did it happen?’

‘Not many. Sometimes she would sleep. Sometimes she didn’t know us. Know me.’ Jungkook looks worried, ‘Is Yoongi like mother?’

‘I think so,’ Sk’jin replies.

‘Will it happen to me?’

‘I- I don’t know,’ Sk’jin suddenly feels an intense need to cry.

Jungkook doesn’t seem put off by the answer and nods.

When they arrive downstairs, Yoongi is is strapped down to one of the Medical Beds, his hand gripping Jimin’s in a deadly grip.

‘I don’t understand,’ Namjoon says quietly to Sk’jin the moment he’s close enough. ‘His tab doesn’t show anything unusual- just his heart-rate has gone up. His brain waves are a mess but it’s nothing-…nothing that’s a result of something happening to him physically.’

Yoongi is gritting his teeth, face pale, looking away with a scrunched up face as Hoseok administers the pain medication.

‘It’s always hurt,’ Yoongi breathes out, answering a question previously asked. ‘I- I don’t think I’m used to it.’

Jimin’s expression is pinched, clearly thinking about how much GI-Yoongi endured. How much he was made used to.

‘I thought it would go away- I guess,’ Yoongi sighs out, pain clearly receding as the medication streams through his blood. ‘I guess I don’t have the same endurance.’

‘You cannot do what you did in your dreams,’ Hoseok smiles, clearly enjoying the company of a much more vocal and emotive Yoongi. ‘Feels like you can, but doesn’t always carry through.’

‘Some things do,’ Yoongi says under his breath, glancing briefly at Jimin, his grip no longer violent.

Human-Yoongi also lacked subtlety.

‘It’s mostly…well, it’s mostly in your head,’ Namjoon taps at the NaviLet with a frown. ‘You’re not experiencing pain in the tabs- but your reaction is as though you are. It could be delayed- or you’re experiencing an echo of…of something that happened before.’

‘Like phantom pains?’ Yoongi asks, his breathing evened out by now.

Namjoon nods hesitantly. ‘I’m not sure if I’m being honest. But I guess we could say that.’

‘A Yisheng-…‘ Yoongi pauses before rolling his eyes, ‘Wow, this .’

‘I think I know what’s happening,’ Sk’jin says, drawing attention to himself. ‘Jungkook just told me that his mother, a Khol’isa who was obviously born from an “egg” like himself, used to go through the same thing. His other mother told him and his siblings that she had too many “thoughts”- I’m guessing this is the same thing Jungkook witnessed.’

Jungkook nods at that, but quickly looks down in embarrassment as everyone turns to look at him.

‘What did you remember?’ Jimin asks quietly, reaching with his other hand to gently brush Yoongi’s sweaty hair off of his forehead.

‘When I woke up, I was in a different room. And I know this room because that’s where-‘ Yoongi looks down at himself, confused.

‘Does it coincide with your memories as a GI?’ Hoseok asks.

Yoongi nods.

‘I was inside a small room- I couldn’t move much because of the, uh, the stuff on my back. But I got up and I could look through a small opening on the door. And it’s the same as the one I saw- GI me saw when…’ Yoongi shudders, pain evident in his features. He takes a few deep breaths before he pushes himself to continue, ‘It’s the same area- only a little changed with fewer…fewer tanks. But it was the same. Some of the tanks were empty- some had- some had small organs I think- or maybe…-maybe they were some form of growing zygote, I- I can’t be sure. All the tanks were lined it made me feel- feel really sick. I sensed movement and- and I didn’t want to get caught so I went back to the bed.’

‘Did you fall asleep again?’ Hoseok asks.

‘No- I was awake the entire time I- I thought they’d notice but they didn’t. I didn’t open my eyes so I don’t know who took me away and how we even got there.’ Yoongi replies. ‘After that I knew without a doubt that- that something was wrong.’

‘How did you come to conclude your suspicions? About the Yishengs,’ Namjoon inquires.

Yoongi stares blankly at nothing in particular for a while before he answers, ‘I think I had a dream.’

‘What dream?’ Taeh’yung asks quietly.

Yoongi is quiet, suddenly going extraordinarily still in a way that was familiar. And without warning, blood suddenly pours out of both of his nostrils.

‘Yoongi-!’

His eyes roll backwards before he slumps forward.

‘I think there’s too much for him to process,’ Namjoon says quietly as Jimin, Hoseok, and Taeh’yung carefully guide the Human back, cleaning at the blood around his face quickly. Jimin is clearly doing his best not to panic, lips pressed down tight, eyes wide, hands slightly trembling as he wiped at the blood.

‘Too many thoughts,’ Jungkook says before he swallows thickly and says, ‘Can I move?’

It’s funny for a moment when Namjoon blanches (as well as he could considering his biology) in the realization that the smell of Yoongi’s blood was making Jungkook’s mouth water. Sk’jin and Jungkook move backwards, stepping out of the Medical Bay. Jungkook presses his nose into the back of his shirt, inhaling through the fabric. Absentmindedly Sk’jin reaches up to at his hair.

‘I think it’s safe to say that we were asking too much,’ Hoseok says as he scans Yoongi again, just to make sure. ‘He should rest.’

Wearily, Yoongi opens his eyes.

‘Yoongi?’ Jimin leans in to look down at the Human.

‘Hey sunshine,’ the Human replies groggily. ‘I keep…-I keep blacking out. Reminds me of…reminds me of last time.’

Jimin’s face is troubled, his expression controlled as he fights within himself.

‘Safe- safe here,’ Jimin smiles, ‘We’re safe here.’

‘I swear I don’t always faint,’ Yoongi grins before looking over at all of them, ‘I’m sorry- I don’t- I don’t know how much I can handle and really remember without…’ he gestures weakly.

‘We pushed you,’ Hoseok says, waving aside his apology. ‘We’ll take this one at a time, recover your strength- like training all over again.’

Yoongi heaves a heavy sigh, ‘I’m too old for this.’

He looks at Jimin, evidently trying to lighten up the mood. But Jimin looks stricken.

‘Jinnie.’

Sk’jin nearly jumps, not having noticed how Taeh’yung had walked over to stand by him.

‘- what’s up?’ Sk’jin asks.

‘I think we need to call Zitao again,’ Taeh’yung says with a small frown. ‘Yoongi’s memories- what happened to him. I think it’s connected with them- with him.’

‘The timing is wrong,’ Sk’jin frowns.

‘Time is infinite and Time is continuity. Time Is and Time Was and Time will Always Be.’ Taeh’yung replies before giving Sk’jin a serious look, ‘We need to.’

‘I’ll talk to Namjoon about it- it needs to be a collective decision,’ Sk’jin replies before adding with a look at Yoongi and Jimin who are now talking quietly, smiles on their faces. ‘Also, he needs to rest before we ask any more questions. We still have some time.’

Taeh’yung looks over at the two before nodding, reaching back to gently pet Jungkook’s hair as well. He smiles, but it’s not his usual kind of smile or grin.

Jungkook curls into his back, fists forming on the fabric of his shirt. breath hitched and moving away from Taeh’yung; and Sk’jin’s hair stands on end, his pulse suddenly accelerating as he looks at Taeh’yung out of the corner of his eye.

‘Who are we in Time?’

 

*

 

Yoongi drifts off to sleep; a strange limbo of being somewhat awake but completely knocked out. Namjoon still cannot explain what was happening to the Human. His vitals and stats according to the health-tab were, overall, extremely normal and stable. His system gave no indication towards pain- if Namjoon had to really define it, he would say Yoongi was experiencing phantom-pain.

Namjoon himself was no stranger to phantom-pains; he lived with it until his pain became the norm for him. Until pain no longer registered as something uncomfortable- but rather just…- just a way of life.

Was this Yoongi experiencing the pain GI-Yoongi had experienced? Or was this, in some strange way, the pain he endured when he had been his whole-self?

Yoongi stirs again, eyes twitching and moving rapidly under his eyelids. His pulse spikes, the frown on his brow deepening. His hands reach about- moving desperately as though looking-

‘Yoongi!’

Jimin reenters the Medical Bay, having left to use the toilet and to freshen up. He rushes back to the Medical Bed, instantly joining his and Yoongi’s hands together. Yoongi doesn’t wake up, but he does calm down just as quickly as he had panicked. Jimin is saying soft quiet things, a soft tune to his words.

Namjoon is about to step out of the Medical Bay when Jimin looks up to give him a desperate look.

‘I’m so confused,’ he says quietly.

Namjoon nods in agreement with a small sigh.

Jimin glances back at Yoongi, mouth opening a few times as though to say something but stopping.

‘We can figure things out,’ Namjoon tries, ‘We’re all going to try and figure this all out.’

‘I think- I think there is something changed with Yoongi,’ Jimin whispers quietly, voice strained as though unwilling to voice his words out, fearful that by uttering them his statement would come true.

‘What do you mean?’ Namjoon inquires.

Jimin looks down at their hands, his breath coming out a little shaky.

‘Y-Yoongi…his soul was different,’ Jimin whispers, ‘His soul was different. Young, but old- un-lived. When I woke up. It was him but…it wasn’t him.’

Namjoon leans against the wall inside the Bay, nodding for Jimin to continue.

‘When I first met Yoongi, in Megibīya, his- he was young,’ Jimin smiles briefly, ‘Young and strong- and-…and he was so strong-‘ his voice wobbles and for a moment Namjoon is worried Jimin might break down. But Jimin clears his throat, hastily wiping at his face with an awkward shoulder shrug.

‘Is this still him?’ Namjoon asks gently.

‘It is but- but he’s old-‘ Jimin pauses, clearly wondering how to explain himself. ‘This is Yoongi. Yoongi I met- Yoongi who was young, strong- Yoongi I felt die- I couldn’t…-I couldn’t keep him here-‘ he holds up their clenched hands to his chest. ‘I lost him and- he found me again. But- but it’s wrong.’

‘Wrong how?’

‘Because his soul is not supposed to be here,’ Jimin tells him quietly. ‘His soul is not supposed to be here and now it’s- it’s catching up.’

Namjoon guesses his expression isn’t one of understanding so Jimin hastens to explain, his eyes jumping around the Medical Bay as though looking for visual cues to help him.

‘If I- um,’ Jimin tries out carefully. ‘As a-an example, I were to freeze uh, a bottle of water for long amount of time, never touching it, never opening it. And then after a lot of time, I brought it out of the freezer, into uh, hot room and it starts melting.’

The visuals in Namjoon’s head does not consist of a water bottle and ice melting. But instead he’s filled with a sense of dread. Maybe he’s not really sensing the depth of what Jimin’s words meant in terms of Yoongi’s condition and what that meant for him, but the fear and pain in Jimin’s eyes are profound enough to put things in perspective.

‘But how is he still here? If Yoongi died-‘ Jimin’s hands tighten over the Human’s hand, ‘-then how is he here?’

‘I don’t know,’ Jimin whispers before adding, ‘I don’t know if I want to know.’

Namjoon won’t claim that he knows Jimin very well. Call it his paranoia or instinct, but it almost felt like Jimin knew something but didn’t want to say it. Out of fear that it would be true.

Namjoon doesn’t remember much of his culture- all he remembered was pain, death, and the metallic stench of his own blood. But sometimes he feels as though he does remember certain things- and Namjoon isn’t sure how much of it is wishful thinking or just fanciful dreams. Little random information- like never planting grain on twice burnt fields, never approaching a body of water when the wind was low but the leaves were flying, always to bury eggs into a new land as an understanding that sometimes the growth of life meant the destruction of something else, to always pay respect to an eclipse, and to never speak out loud your nightmares or they would come true. It’s something that’s strangely stuck to him; a weird reason why often times Namjoon believes he never wanted to tell the Yishengs what had been done to him after Kutsoglera was rescued. To him, as a child, what he had witnessed, what he had felt, had all been one horrendous nightmare. And now that he was awake, he doesn’t want the pain he felt and the death he suffered to be real.

‘Is there something…- something Yoongi said that…that means something to you?’ Namjoon asks carefully.

‘I’ve-…I’ve seen into his memories,’ Jimin replies quietly, suddenly looking exhausted. ‘I’ve seen into his dreams, nightmares- seen and felt them as my own. And I think- I think Yoongi was…was very close. Too close, to something.’

‘Is this about what he saw in the Yisheng Headquarters?’

Jimin nods, lips pressed tight into a thin line.

‘The GI were stored under the Yisheng Headquarters,’ Namjoon informs Jimin, ‘The entire facility was stored there- it’s how they got away with it.’

‘But how?’

‘What do you mean?’ Namjoon asks.

‘When…we I was in Dream. Dreaming, with JD, I saw Megibīya, I saw what happened to her. She was destroyed,’ Jimin whispers, voice trembling, ‘And…JD was there, until…until he was rescued. JD was there, after what happened to Yoongi.’

Jimin carefully tells him what he saw when he had been asleep, dreaming with JD. It’s evident that he’s telling him a very abridged version, his voice forcefully stony as he recounts the journey of the Beings he couldn’t save.

Jimin struggles for a few seconds before saying carefully, ‘Yoongi…he was taken by the Red Evil. They took him away, stole him. And he was with them – I too, was with the Red Evil.’

Namjoon nods, wondering where Jimin was headed with this.

‘The GI…they were made, by the Yishengs,’ Jimin says slowly, eyes pleading for Namjoon to understand what he was saying, ‘Yoongi is not GI.’

If Namjoon had hair the way most Beings did, they would be standing on end over his skin.

‘But-‘

‘I saw them take Yoongi so how-,’ Jimin says desperately.

Jimin was right.

And now suddenly Hoseok’s words made sense. What Sk’jin had said before was correct too.

Out of this entire mission, Yoongi’s presence was the one that was unexplainable. His entire existence was unexplainable. But maybe now they were finally headed for an explanation.

‘-so how did Yoongi end up with the GI?’ Namjoon finishes Jimin’s question.

From what they knew, the Red Evil, or the Akramanese according to the Gaia Case, were entirely removed and separated from what the Yisheng were trying to achieve. While the Red Evil followed through on the Yisheng’s twisted ideology for the Universe, they were creating their own somehow much more advanced version. So there was no way that what the Red Evil had created could have made its way to the Yishengs.

‘Yoongi said that none of the other GI’s could handle the Android core- that almost all of them are currently in a vegetated state,’ Namjoon says slowly before something clicks and he looks up at Jimin sharply, ‘You were able to understand Standard after you wore Yoongi’s helmet.’

Jimin nods to that before he says quietly, ‘When I woke up, when I heard, when I understood, when I saw into Yoongi’s memories, I kept asking myself- why wasn’t I killed? Why don’t I have the same mark? What did they want from me? What do the Omhlophe want from me?’

His questions come pouring out, as though finally unrestrained. As though he was overwhelmed and now he had to let it all go.   

‘How did all of this happen?’

It’s not just a question or a request. Jimin sounded like he was begging.

‘He’s not supposed to be here,’ Jimin says in a broken voice. ‘He’s not supposed to be here and this is my fault.’

Namjoon shifts uncomfortably, not knowing what to say.

‘…will he be all right?’ Namjoon asks carefully.

Jimin shrugs.

‘Will you be all right?’

Jimin looks surprised by the question, staring down at his hands for a while.

Yoongi was connected to Jimin beyond what they could possibly imagine. And Jimin was connected to all of this in a way they couldn’t clearly understand. But regardless of all of that, Yoongi and Jimin were bound together. And Jimin knew this. Yoongi knew this too.

‘I have to be.’

Yoongi stirs, his brows furrowing before his entire body shivers.

Both Namjoon and Jimin stop, looking down at him with anticipation. Slowly, Yoongi opens his eyes. It takes a couple of seconds before he’s completely awake.

‘Hey,’ he manages to say groggily. ‘How long have I been out?’

‘A couple of hours,’ Namjoon responds. ‘How are you feeling.’

‘Dizzy. A bit floaty,’ Yoongi replies though he’s looking at Jimin. ‘m’kay.’

Namjoon steps away, leaving the two together, knowing that they needed each other to heal, to understand, and most of all, to know.

On his way to the Bridge he comes across Jungkook at the stairs.

‘Hey, you okay?’ Namjoon asks the youngest.

Jungkook looks at him with wide eyes, blinking a few times before saying, ‘Worried.’

‘About?’

‘Jin,’ he whispers.

‘Jin? Why?’ Namjoon asks, crouching before Jungkook on the stairs. Jungkook leans back just a little. Namjoon wonders if Jungkook can sense it too, the same way Taeh’yung and Jimin could.

‘He’s…he scared?’ Jungkook tilts his head as though unsure of his words.

If Namjoon was being honest, they’re all a bit scared.

‘He’ll be all right,’ Namjoon tells him. ‘Don’t worry okay?’

Jungkook nods before asking carefully, ‘Are we lost?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘It feels confused,’ Jungkook replies, waving his hands a bit.

Sk’jin was right.

Jungkook was very intelligent. He was perceptive and easily understood what was going on. There wouldn’t be much they could do to protect him the way they would want to. But somehow there was something reassuring in all of that.

‘I…we’re a bit lost,’ Namjoon confesses. ‘We’re trying to find our way, but I think we all know where we’re supposed to go.’

‘Where are we going?’ Jungkook asks.

Well they were headed to Axudar, but Namjoon knows there’s more to this question.

‘We’re going to find answers,’ Namjoon replies.

Jungkook nods to that and gives him a small smile, ‘Okay.’

Namjoon’s about to continue to head up but pauses again before addressing the youngling.

‘If at any point you don’t want to go with us,’ he begins, making Jungkook turn around to look at him. ‘Just tell us, okay?’

Jungkook doesn’t reply immediately, processing Namjoon’s words with a small frown before he nods.

‘Okay.’

The Bridge is empty, dancing white lights making the entire place look like it was moonlit underwater.

Namjoon takes a moment to really think things through.

They were close to figuring things out. They were close to understanding what happened- but there was something they didn’t know. Something hidden from them, a moment in time that would explain so much.

There was so much more to the Omhlophe, the Yishengs, the Red Evil. So much more to Yoongi, to Jimin.

Taking out his NaviLet, Namjoon makes a rough timeline of events that lead up to all of this into the notes for the Captain’s Log.

He knows that it starts with Jimin, and with Megibīya. They had a treaty with the GLA, which included K’mara, alongside a Yisheng they knew for a fact masterminded the whole fiasco of the Yisheng takeover. During this time, Yoongi had been undergoing treatment that lead him to have the mark on his back. Amme was made known of what happened, and then Yoongi made his way to Megibīya, where he then met Jimin.

And this is where Namjoon pauses to carefully think. It was indeed Yoongi who was there. Human Yoongi was physically there, overwhelmed by the Red Evil, and as Jimin had said, his soul taken.

But then later, the GLA had come to Megibīya. A second time, as though to check on it.

Almost as though they came back to simply check on some results.

Was this where they found Yoongi? Was this where they took him back, with the other survivors left behind by the Red Evil? But why would they take them back? Who was responsible for taking Yoongi back, and keeping him with the GI?

This was where it got the most confusing.

When the Yisheng’s were creating the GI, they had clearly started by experimenting on non-suspecting Beings. The myth behind the GI started less than a millennia ago and the timeline checks in there. But how they’re connected was hazy at best.

A thing that strikes Namjoon as being creepy was  the comparison of how the Omhlophe were like the GI.

There’s a strange discomfort with that statement and Namjoon can’t shake it off. The few times he came across them back in Pompa were unnerving and distinctly unnatural. How were they created?

But his main question leads back to the mission.

What did the Secret Jury really want with all of this? What did they really want to achieve? It was evident that each member knew something more, they wanted something different. Lmiura had said so herself.

Namjoon doesn’t want to stake claims by stating that there were Beings on that Jury that could be trusted. But he almost feels the desire to confront one of them about this. Surely there must be an explanation, some agenda that they should reveal now. Because at this moment Namjoon just feels like they’re hurtling across into something immeasurably dangerous and consuming.

Of course this idea would immediately be shot down.

First, very loudly and vehemently by Sk’jin. Then logically and rationally by Hoseok. Yoongi would also be against the idea.

Out of habit, Namjoon continues to fill in the Captain’s Log he normally filled in to send back to the Jury. Maybe later he would go through all of his Logs and maybe he’ll be able to make something out of it. But for today, he would just let it be.

    

 

*

 

 

Jimin carefully helps Yoongi settle on the Medical Bed, making the Human lean his weight on him. Yoongi just sort of smiles at him, as though just a little amused, a little awed.

A little lost.

‘I can move on my own,’ he says though he does nothing to move away.

‘Just help-ing,’ Jimin smiles before asking, ‘Any pain?’

Yoongi blinks a little before his expression is just a bit confused.

‘I don’t know,’ he replies, honesty and confusion evident in his tone. ‘I think it hurts, but I don’t know where.’

Jimin wills his panic and fear down.

Jimin wants to see the liveliness and sheer strength of Life shining in the Human’s eyes again. He wants to see that familiar smile, hear that lilting voice as he laughs or cracks an obvious joke or smart response.

It’s all back. Jimin’s wish had come true. But this isn’t what he meant when he had made that wish. 

Speaking to Namjoon just now somehow felt like he was really putting a stamp of sorts over this entire situation. A stamp that really confirmed his fears.

‘Hey- it’s okay,’ Yoongi says, taking his hand. ‘I think I just- I just need time to recover.’

But that was the problem. Yoongi was in Time.

Yoongi seems to translate his silence into something else and stiffly pulls his hand away from Jimin’s. But Jimin is quick to take his hand back, suddenly feeling flustered, and he too instantly drops Yoongi’s hand.

It’s almost awkward. A strange shyness creeping over Jimin even though he knows there’s really nothing much to be awkward or shy about. They were just holding hands.

He’s done more than hold hands before. He’s done more than hold hands with Yoongi. But why was he reacting like this?

But he’s not alone.

Because Yoongi is also a little awkward. A smile on his lips, eyes darting trying not to blatantly stare, trying not to reach forward to just touch-

Tightening his metaphorical belt, Jimin reaches out, both hands extended before him. And automatically, Yoongi’s hands reach out as well, fingers entwining, an awed look laced with relief flooding the Human’s face.

‘You’re real,’ is all he says.

It makes Jimin want to curl in on himself. Or curl into Yoongi he’s not sure.

Back in Megibīya, with the language barrier, with their impending doom lingering over every second of their movement and existence, Jimin was never directly made aware of this.

And maybe he’s held Yoongi’s hands, has kissed him, held him in his sleep; but it wasn’t exactly this Yoongi. It’s weird referring to Yoongi like he was two Beings. Jimin isn’t sure how to approach the topic.

‘It’s like I know you,’ Yoongi says, staring down at their hands, his thumbs rubbing circles over Jimin’s knuckles. ‘I see you in my mind, I remember your actions, your words-‘ he pauses, his ears turning a little red. ‘-your touch. And I-‘

Yoongi is clearly having the same thoughts.

Yoongi of course remembers everything that has happened. Remembers how Jimin had rushed out of the ship to reach him as he fell on the Pompen arena ground. Remembers how Jimin had taken his hands and put them on his face, as though to familiarize the Human. Remembers how he finally called him sunshine. Remembers kissing him, remembers the soft touches, the quiet whispers of reassurances.

‘You’re mine. And I’m yours.’

Jimin remembers how it had been before, when Yoongi was regaining his memories, how he had collapsed. It was a sense of déjà vu but it wasn’t at all reassuring.

‘-I don’t know…-it’s like I have to reintroduce myself,’ Yoongi smiles.

Jimin can do that. He could do that.

‘Hi,’ Yoongi smiles, lips turning up in a shy grin as he glances down nervously before looking up again, lips pressed tight as though hoping to look not so nervous.

Jimin can’t help but giggle, body shaking as he quietly mumbles out, ‘Hi,’ as well.

‘Yoongi,’ the Human grins, pointing at himself.

Jimin can’t help the almost painful grin on his own face as he points at himself and says, ‘Jimin.’

‘Your majesty,’ Yoongi says with a teasing grin, tugging a little at Jimin’s hands. Jimin can feel his face burning as he protests.

But the look in Yoongi’s eyes haven’t changed.

Jimin slips his hands out of Yoongi’s and reaches up for the Human’s face.

Yoongi’s eyes close immediately, breathing out slowly. Jimin carefully maps his face, fingers tracing over his features gently.

Yoongi’s hands reach up blindly, mimicking Jimin’s hands as he too maps his face carefully. Jimin leans into Yoongi’s palms the same time the Human does, his lips pushing against his palm. Yoongi’s fingers playfully pull at his earlobes before reaching under his beanie.

‘I remember this- this was my memory,’ Yoongi whispers quietly. ‘He-…we were so angry. He lost it, I think- I think it broke him. It broke me. I- we thought we lost you again.’

Jimin’s eyes burn.

‘I felt torn, wretched; I saw your hair and it- it broke me,’ Yoongi’s voice breaks into a whisper. ‘I lost myself- I was so so angry-‘

His fingers are gently reaching under the beanie, feeling at the fuzz that now overtook Jimin’s scalp.

‘I’m sorry,’ Yoongi whispers. ‘He- we’re sorry.’

‘We?’

‘I don’t know how to say it- but it’s- it’s…he’s…-‘ Yoongi pauses, opening his eyes to look at Jimin. ‘I know what he feels. He knows what I feel. And – it’s strange.’

Jimin can agree to that.

‘I sometimes heard you- like you were speaking right to me,’ Yoongi continues. ‘You told me I didn’t have to try so hard.’

‘It’s all right if you don’t remember- you don’t have to try so hard,’ Jimin whispers- hoping that though Yoongi couldn’t hear or understand his words- his Soul might. ‘You’re here; that’s all I want.’

‘You don’t have to try hard,’ Jimin repeats.

‘But I do,’ Yoongi shrugs, lowering his hands and placing them over Jimin’s wrists. ‘I have to. I want to remember, to know. To understand. To help you go home.’

Jimin lets out a shuddering breath.

He had made a promise. To Yoongi, to himself, to everyone else on the ship.

He had whispered the promise to Yoongi, just days before they had made agreements to the Omhlophe to exchange Jimin for Hoseok. He had promised to give Yoongi a home.

But now that Jimin thinks about it, how can he keep this promise when he can’t guarantee anything? With everything they’ve been seeing, with everything they’ve uncovered.

Yoongi shivers suddenly, his body twitching. Jimin steps closer in an instant, his arms looping around the Human. Yoongi’s eyes are pinched shut, his lips pressed into a thin line, sweat suddenly breaking out on his forehead.

Jimin helps him lay back down on the Medical Bed. Yoongi’s breaths are short delayed pants, his hands trembling a little. Jimin wants to hide him, protect him, cover him, never let him go.

‘Sunshine.’

Jimin’s breath hitches.

‘There’s something wrong with me,’ Yoongi states simply, voice strained with unknown pain. ‘I know you know it.’

‘Yoongi-‘

‘You’re looking at me like that again.’ The Human says quietly, opening his eyes and finding Jimin’s. He smiles a little.

‘What?’

‘Back in Bhumi- I mean, Megibīya,’ Yoongi says quietly. ‘When they came for us one by one, and we were falling sick. You’re looking at me like that again.’

Jimin’s voice is stuck. His mind empty yet filled with a heaviness he cannot shake off.

‘Tell me,’ Yoongi asks gently, ‘Please tell me.’

‘I don’t know,’ Jimin manages to get out, ‘I really- I really don’t know.’

He’s not even aware that he’s crying until Yoongi reaches over to gently wipe them from his face.

‘Don’t cry sunshine, please don’t cry,’ he whispers.

Jimin takes his hand, pressing it against his face as hard as he could.

‘I’m-‘ Jimin manages to get out, ‘This is my fault.’

Yoongi is confused, his eyebrows furrowed. He tries to sit up but he’s clearly too dizzy.

‘This is my fault,’ Jimin whispers.

Now that he’s said it, it’s almost as though he can’t stop. Can’t stop what he thought he could carefully keep away, can’t stop the guilt, the pain, the sorrow- all the lives he ruined.

With everything that’s happened, with the memories he saw, the lives he lived through JD’s memories, through Yoongi’s memories. Watching his children, his people; all yearning for home, yearning for a return- knowing that they would be returning to their deaths. Watching how evil was allowed to endure, allowed to spread- all because of their ignorance, their trust-

‘It’s my fault,’ Jimin chokes out into Yoongi’s hand.

He feels arms around him, a weight pressing into him; unsteady and dizzy but trying so hard. It makes Jimin cry harder.

‘I-I thought I could- I could do this and not-‘ Jimin heaves, his voice muffled against Yoongi’s chest. ‘I’m just- I’m just hurting everyone- hurt- hurting you-‘

‘You don’t hurt me,’ Yoongi tells him simply, ‘You don’t hurt me.’

Jimin holds him tighter, unable to stop his breathless sobs.

‘You’re not alone. You’re not alone- I’m here. I’m back, I won’t leave you,’ Yoongi whispers continuously. ‘We will understand this together, we will fix this together. You’re not alone, I won’t leave you.’

Jimin hears a quiet sound at the door and notices a worried looking Jungkook peaking in. Jungkook quickly ducks away, having been caught.

‘We’ll make this right. We’ll understand, we will figure it out,’ Yoongi whispers to him quietly.

Jimin closes his arms around Yoongi, holding the Human against himself. He catches sight of Jungkook’s hair poking past the frame of the door.

It was foolish to think he could go on without feeling the brunt of the past crashing down on him with every step he took into a present he helped destroy with his ignorance. Maybe he couldn’t fix what has happened, what was happening.

Maybe he wouldn’t be able to give Yoongi that home he promised.

Jungkook looks inside again, eyes wide, innocent, alone. Looking for an existence untainted and safe.

‘I promise,’ Yoongi says softly. ‘Just stay with me’

‘I promise,’ Jimin whispers back with a small smile.

Jungkook blinks at him before smiling just a little and ducking away again.

Jimin pulls away just a little, coming face to face with the Human. Yoongi wipes at his face, a smile on his face.

‘I’m happy,’ he says unexpectedly.

It’s incredibly different to the wide range of emotions Jimin was experiencing at that moment. Happiness was not one of them.

‘Happy?’

Yoongi smiles, ‘Yeah.’

‘How?’ Jimin wants to know.  

‘I missed you so much,’ Yoongi tells him. ‘It was so…so empty.’

How did that lead to happiness?

‘But now-‘ Yoongi breathes out, gazing straight at Jimin, his eyes shining.

He smiles as he breathes in.

‘I’ve come back. I’ve come back, and I won’t leave.’

 

 

 

*

 

 

After a solid 8 hours of sleep, Yoongi does look better. And it’s a collective decision not to question him or push him just yet. Taeh’yung’s words resound in his head, but Sk’jin wants to wait until they’re closer to the edge of the Grisial Pits. They were close now, the gleaming asteroids no longer heavily clustered but a little more sparse. There were more ships about as well, providing Jungkook with plenty to be distracted by.

Taeh’yung and Jimin were in the Medical Bay where Yoongi had slept. They weren’t talking- but something was clearly being discussed between the two of them and Sk’jin isn’t sure what it’s about. When he walks past they both look at him. Sk’jin strikes a handsome pose, jauntily throwing his hair back at them. Taeh’yung cackles while Jimin lets out an involuntary snort.

‘We got all of our deliveries waiting for us,’ Hoseok says. ‘We go, stop, pick it up. And head out.’

‘Sounds good to me,’ Sk’jin says as he climbs up the stairs to the Bridge and nearly walking into the Ngfy’widan himself and upsetting the tray of tea in his hands. Hoseok is quick to help him balance, hand coming up to steady the tray.

Not a single drop of tea escapes the cups.

‘Watch the Bridge?’ he asks as he shoots past.

‘Sure thing,’ Sk’jin calls back walking into the Bridge.

Yoongi was there, looking out of the windows before he turns quickly, expression hopeful. It quickly changes to something else- annoyance, most likely, before it settles into a neutral look.

‘Some tea?’ Sk’jin offers the tray up.

Yoongi looks at the cups for a moment before asking, ‘Will you poison me?’

‘I am not you,’ Sk’jin grins.

Yoongi makes a funny expression at that before nodding his thanks and taking the cup. He doesn’t question why there are 4 cups on the tray.

‘Besides, if I wanted to kill you- I wouldn’t use poison. Not my cup of tea,’ Sk’jin raises an eyebrow, tweaking it up and down.

Yoongi sighs before he mumbles, ‘You’re not even a dad.’

‘I beg your pardon?’

Yoongi just shakes his head.

‘So- how you holding up? You okay?’ Sk’jin asks before sitting himself down at his designated station.

Yoongi takes a sip before he speaks.

‘There’s a lot to process,’ Yoongi replies, staring at the cup of tea in his hands. ‘I-…like I said, it feels like a dream and- I know it’s real, but it’s-‘

Sk’jin nods in understanding. He’s experienced this sort of disorientation more than he would care to admit. Being a Khol’isa was a pain in the .

‘I’ve…I know I’ve done some terrible things and-‘ Yoongi frowns, ‘-I know that…it’s not me- but it is?’

Sk’jin gets that too.

It’s silent for a while. Human Yoongi wasn’t much of a talker either it seemed. Though of course it was exponentially more than GI Yoongi.

‘But- but sometimes I am sure it is me; it does feel like me.’ Yoongi says quietly. ‘It felt like me when I saw Jimin’s hair in Ynqaba. In that place. It felt like me. And I just…I just know it was me.’

Sk’jin carefully studies Yoongi. Like this, there was…there was something changed in him, distinct from how Yoongi was before. His posture was, frankly speaking, rather bad. He had a funny walk- almost waddle like. His whole mannerism was different.

But somehow, it almost felt like a starker version of GI Yoongi.

‘He read a lot,’ Yoongi chuckles quietly, ‘He read self-help books. Books on mannerism, body language, social skills, conversation skills…I can still feel that confusion. I don’t know how to explain it- I don’t know how…how he could live with it. I’m barely able to hang out to now as it is. I don’t…know what to think of…his- his thoughts?’

‘GI-Yoongi?’ Sk’jin specifies.

‘Yeah,’ Yoongi makes a face, ‘It’s odd- I know how he feels. I feel it. I know he felt me too. Actually like this I feel a bit like Jekyll and Hyde.’

‘What’s that?’

‘An old story from Earth,’ Yoongi sighs before stopping, ‘God, it’s gone. It’s all gone.’

Again, Sk’jin can really relate.

‘For a moment I wanted to cry,’ Yoongi laughs humourlessly, ‘But I just got over it so fast- it’s-‘

‘Don’t dwell on it,’ Sk’jin says as he stretches, ‘Trust me. It’s best that you don’t.’

Yoongi gives him a searching look before nodding, ‘Yeah, I’ll try.’

‘What’s the story about?’ Sk’jin asks, re-crossing his legs.

‘I don’t know the details of the story but- it’s a thriller fiction- horror at the time,’ Yoongi explains. His voice drawls a lot, Sk’jin notes. ‘The main character is Dr. Jekyll and he runs these experiments on himself- he drank a serum or something, and he would turn monstrous- change form and kill people. They called him Mr. Hyde. It’s basically a precautionary tale about misleading personalities, being two-faced, that sort of thing.’

‘Riveting, maybe I should read it.’ Sk’jin says in earnest. ‘So, does that make you Jekyll?’

‘I feel more like Hyde,’ Yoongi says quietly, ‘I’ve always felt that…that we have always been Hyde.’

There’s a small noise from the stairs outside the Bridge, making them both pause in their conversation.

‘Well, if I know anything about stories, that sort of self-esteem will never win you the love interest,’ Sk’jin comments, pausing the cup of tea near his lips. ‘It’ll get you killed.’

‘What is this, personal experience?’ Yoongi snorts.

‘Didn’t live long enough for it to happen,’ Sk’jin replies wryly.

Yoongi gives him a questionable look, which was justifiable considering everything.

‘What are your thoughts on all of this?’ Sk’jin asks, blowing lightly on his cup of tea.

‘This?’

‘You know- this whole “mission”,’ Sk’jin says with a shrug. ‘I think you can tell from your memories you weren’t very talkative. Violent sure, talkative? Not really.’

Yoongi gives him a blank look before saying without a hitch, ‘I still have the urge to punch you.’

Sk’jin rolls his eyes.

‘There’s a lot that’s…missing,’ Yoongi says carefully as he shifts the cup in his hands, turning the warm object over in his hands. ‘Information, memories, truth.’

‘Truth? Someone is lying?’ Sk’jin inquires.

Yoongi gives him a look to which Sk’jin responds with his own look.

‘I have never lied a single day of my life,’ Sk’jin scoffs, ‘And unlike your prince, I don’t claim to not be able to lie. If I lie, I’m honest about it.’

Yoongi’s brow does a funny twitch.

‘You know I’m right. Jimin knows something, or at least has the idea of something about all of this. But he won’t say it.’

‘Speculations and theories can be vague and sharing them can cause panic,’ Yoongi replies sharply, ‘Maybe Jimin-‘

‘Spare me,’ Sk’jin sighs out, ‘Your prince is hiding something we know. He’s hiding a lot of things, and honestly I’m not above getting to the bottom of it.’

‘He’d kick your you know this,’ Yoongi replies with a heavy frown.

‘Yeah but he won’t kick yours,’ Sk’jin points out.

Yoongi looks offended, ‘I’m not going to coerce him into telling me something you have no evidence of-‘

‘I know you won’t, but you should,’ Sk’jin carefully intones.

‘Why should I,’ Yoongi demands, looking irritated.

‘Because you want to know too,’ Sk’jin replies simply, ‘You want to know.’

Yoongi rolls his eyes.

Sk’jin studies the Human for a while before saying, ‘Is it some form of genetic thing amongst short-lived species to be overwhelmingly obsessed with having purpose and meaning in their lives?’

Yoongi looks at him questioningly.

‘Yoongi, you joined an extremely suspicious organization and event that knocked you out for night on end, from which you woke up with an indent on your back so excuse me if I think you’re probably ignorantly idealistic and incredibly thick-headed. Based on these two facts, and seeing as how it seems to be a fashionable trend the past few millennia, I think we both know you’re going to definitely ask Jimin about all of this one way or another.’

Yoongi looks like he wants to argue, but the sound of Namjoon and Jimin entering the doorway and crossing over into the Bridge interrupts them.

‘Also another thing,’ Sk’jin begins seriously and in a quiet tone. Yoongi leans in as though to hear everything as clearly as he could. ‘Be safe and keep the ing to a minimum-‘

It’s absolutely delightful to see Yoongi’s face turn bright crimson, eyes widening, mouth gaping before he splutters out a ‘Jesus fucking Christ-!’.

‘Anyways, you should find a balance,’ Sk’jin says as he leans back, grinning at Namjoon and Jimin as they reach the Navigator’s Mast. ‘Balance your Hyde and Jekyll – the best of two worlds, right?’

Still red in the face, Yoongi nods slowly to that.

‘Best of two worlds.’

 

*

 

Namjoon’s not sure why Sk’jin was cackling to himself and why Yoongi was red in the face as he and Jimin approach the two. Knowing Sk’jin though, he’d rather not know.

Jimin lets out a quiet ‘hehehe’ as they get closer, looking amused and thoroughly fond. He walks ahead a little faster, skipping down the one step, hands raised up towards Yoongi. Whatever his concerns were, Jimin was doing a good job of not showing it around the Human.

‘Sure, ignore me,’ Sk’jin says dryly.

‘Sk’jin!’ Jimin laughs, turning to laugh at the Khol’isa. ‘Didn’t ignore!’

Sk’jin feigns a dramatic heartbreak and walks over to the Mast.

‘You’re getting along nicely,’ Namjoon comments, ‘Weren’t you three stuck in a weird who-kills-who-first contest?’

‘Nonsense, we’re practically best-friends,’ Sk’jin says with a fabulous flip of his now dark hair.   

‘Good changes then?’

‘I suppose, but if one thing hasn’t changed- look at that,’ Sk’jin snorts, nodding towards the side of the Bridge he just left.

Yoongi and Jimin are talking quietly, hands held as they gaze out of the large windows, looking out as Grisial clears out enough that the rest of space can be seen, coiling around the large asteroids like a black river.

And Namjoon begrudgingly admits that yeah, one clear thing hasn’t changed.

‘Spaces he’s really in deep isn’t he?’ Sk’jin sighs, his tone nearly disgusted but mostly just amused.

‘Hey, in a sense it’s super romantic.’

Sk’jin coughs weirdly, thumping at his chest.

‘I can’t believe you just said that without a hint of irony,’ Sk’jin gasps out.

Namjoon rolls his eyes, settling the NaviLet back into the main slot of the Table a little clumsily with one hand.

‘So the stuff you need is there too?’ Sk’jin asks, not making a single move to help Namjoon.

‘Yeah- everything we need has arrived,’ Namjoon replies. ‘We just need to pick it up and we’re 3 stops from Axudar.’

‘I wanted to discuss something with you- actually Taeh’yung mentioned it to me,’ Sk’jin says without preamble in a serious tone, ‘He wants to contact Zitao and the others- regarding Yoongi’s memories- I mean his past.’

‘What about his past? Which part?’ Namjoon asks at once.

‘I think it’s about what he saw in the Yisheng Directory,’ Sk’jin replies, glancing over at Yoongi. ‘How he mentioned his dream.’

It’s true what Hoseok had said about dreams in regards to the other members on board the ship.

‘Sometimes I don’t think any of you are actually real,’ Namjoon finds himself saying. ‘You, Taeh’yung, Jimin, Yoongi- you all feel…different.’

Sk’jin snorts, rolling his eyes and pointedly looks at his mangled arm, ‘You’re not any better sweet-cheeks.’

Namjoon rolls his eyes too- it wasn’t an easy thing to explain.

‘I guess…’ Sk’jin suddenly goes on, ‘-I guess it’s because we are.’

‘Different?’

‘No,’ Sk’jin looks over at Yoongi and Jimin, ‘Not real.’

Not sure why but Namjoon reaches over to pinch Sk’jin right at his neck.

Sk’jin literally screeches.

Both Yoongi and Jimin jump at the sound, eyes wide as they turn to stare.

‘What in the -‘ Sk’jin hisses, grabbing at his neck, ‘You have one working arm and that’s what you decided to do?!’

‘You’re all real enough to me,’ Namjoon says as seriously as he can. ‘You’re here aren’t you?’

Sk’jin tenses- his posture stiff, expression frozen on his face. And for a brief second, his frame seems to shake before he relaxes again. Now that Namjoon has realized how incomplete Sk’jin is, he can’t un-see it.

‘Sure,’ he replies with a shrug.

‘Has Jungkook…’ Namjoon begins slowly, thinking back to his conversation with Jimin, and then with his conversation with Jungkook himself. ‘Has Jungkook mentioned anything else about his mother? Or even about himself?’

Sk’jin frowns a little as he shakes his head.

‘Just that his mother went through the same thing as Yoongi.’

‘Has he experienced it? Did he tell you?’

‘He hasn’t. He asked me if he would,’ Sk’jin says quietly, ‘I said I didn’t know.’

Namjoon had no doubt in his mind, that Jungkook was created by the Yishengs. But he had been found by his mothers in Ynqaba, and raised probably since he was a baby or very young infant. But his mother, the one that looked like Sk’jin- was she GI? Or was she created by the Red Evil, the same way Yoongi was?

‘You’re not going to experiment anything on Jungkook,’ Sk’jin suddenly hisses in warning.

Namjoon splutters in his haste to hiss back, ‘No one is going to do anything like that!’.

Sk’jin doesn’t look the least bit apologetic as he says, ‘Yeah well, just warning you. Or I’ll behead you in your sleep.’

‘Why would you even think that?’ Namjoon demands.

Sk’jin clearly doesn’t feel the need to reply and instead says, ‘I know you’re looking for answers- to figure things out. It doesn’t always end well for the innocent.’

‘I think I can say this on behalf of everyone on the ship that we would never allow anything bad to happen to Jungkook.’ Namjoon frowns.

Sk’jin gives him a briefly annoyed look, like Namjoon was being intentionally dense.

‘Well, things are gonna become really difficult if this is how things are going to be. And I wasn’t just talking about Jungkook.’

Before Namjoon can ask Sk’jin what he means, Taeh’yung appears, waving brightly at them before skipping over to Yoongi and Jimin.

‘Yoongi! Explain this to me!! I think it’s from Earth and I wanna know how to play it!’ Taeh’yung requests, bending his knees a little as though to look shorter, holding up a screen to the Human’s face.

‘Oh- yeah sure-‘

Yoongi reaches up for the screen and next second it’s broken in half, crushed silicon bits cutting into his palm.

‘Oh-ouch-‘ Yoongi hisses, eyes widening at the sight of his hand.

It’s silent for a solid second before Taeh’yung screams dramatically, hands flailing as he crouches down on the floor. Yoongi is sort of dazed while Jimin quickly takes his hand, holding it high while carefully removing the bits and pieces.

Namjoon hears Sk’jin sigh before he quickly moves too, reaching around his station to grab a medical kit.

Yoongi is easily stitched up and Taeh’yung refuses to let go of the Human’s (not injured) hand as means of an apology. Jimin is hovering, worry evident in his expression while Yoongi squirms in his seat, clearly dazed.

‘I think Yoongi is gonna have to train his strength or something,’ Sk’jin sighs heavily as he returns to the Navigation Mast, sitting heavily in Namjoon’s seat.

‘Yeah, I think Hoseok will be good at that.’ Namjoon replies tiredly and before Sk’jin can change the topic again, he asks, ‘What do you mean by things will be difficult?’

Sk’jin glances over at the doorway to the Bridge just as Hoseok walks in, followed by Jungkook. Then he looks around the entire place, a heavy sigh falling from his lips before he says, ‘Because we’re all liars.’

‘How much time do you have?’ Namjoon wants to ask again, eyeing the Khol’isa out of the corner of his eye. But he knows all he’ll get in return of his inquiries will be lies.

It was a bit ironic really.

‘I got some interesting news,’ Hoseok announces as he approaches. 

Namjoon diverts his attention towards the other only Being onboard who didn’t speak in riddles the entire time.

‘What is it?’ Sk’jin asks, making himself comfortable in Namjoon’s chair. Namjoon doesn’t bother attempting to drag the Khol’isa out.

‘Some pointers about Axudar,’ Hoseok begins before he slides his screen into the slot beneath the Navigation Table.

Taeh’yung skips over to drape himself heavily over Sk’jin who huffs out at the sudden weight.

‘The 3 live-in planets are going through a sort of political reform,’ Hoseok explains as he deftly taps across the Navigation Table, activating a holo-projection. ‘The major countries are attempting to pass a System Constitution regarding a clause that regulates inter-planetary immigration.’

‘What does that entail for us?’ Namjoon inquires.

‘Not a lot- this doesn’t have to do with non-System travellers, but with the planets inside Axudar,’ Hoseok explains. ‘The previous political uh, supremacy governing the laws within Axudar as a whole recently underwent a sort of reform.’

‘That sounds like it could be a major issue, is the GLA supervising?’ Sk’jin inquires as Hoseok pulls up countless articles and reports of the issue in Axudar.

‘Yeah, that’s the thing, they aren’t.’ Hoseok replies as he nods at the reports, ‘These are records I’ve pulled from local news reports as well as discord forums on their local channels from the sources Namjoon brought back.’

Namjoon makes a mental note to thank Ems again.

‘So what are they trying to do?’ Jimin asks, a small furrow appearing between his eyebrows as he eyes the reports and headlines across the holo-projection.

‘The 3 planets all have separate and regulated channels of distribution, immigration, and import/export,’ Hoseok explains, ‘Though systematically born from the same protoplanetary disc, the 3 planets all have widely varying elemental foundations, making certain ecosystems within the separate planets quite delicate.’

‘That’s quite common for most planets with more than 2 habitable planets isn’t it?’ Sk’jin inquires.

‘Yeah but it’s never to the point of it being toxic,’ Namjoon supplies, ‘Is that what it is?’

‘It is,’ Hoseok nods, ‘But the reason why this has all started is because they believe they’ve invented a nullifier, that balances the elemental balance between all 3 planets to equalize or something along that line.’

‘That sounds like a whole lot of bull,’ Sk’jin snorts.

‘It’s not,’ Jimin says randomly, ‘4 centuries…um- some time ago, in my System, we reduced the acid-acid-ty of a region.’

‘I mean, terraforming in that level isn’t too surprising,’ Sk’jin shrugs, ‘But this is core-deep. Planets can’t just switch permanently. It’s probably some money-scheme.’

Hoseok nods to that, pointing at some of the articles, ‘That’s why there’s a lot of protests.’

‘Is it serious?’ Sk’jin asks looking flabbergasted that an issue like this would actually be taken with serious regard.

‘I’m afraid it is- so the planets are going through a lot of hostility, and many institutions that revolve around the Scientific Panel has been compromised,’ Hoseok exhales. ‘This includes our idea about the refugee center in Māhanga.’

‘So what do we do then?’ Sk’jin inquires, evidently relieved that the plan including Jungkook would now be unemployable with these new discoveries. ‘Should we stick to our previous trajectory into the Koitz Pulsar?’

‘We could- but-‘ Hoseok grimaces, gesturing at the holographic projection.

‘But this is actually relevant,’ Sk’jin sighs with a grimace. ‘I see it. This is genuinely important to our understanding. It’s too close to everything. We actually do need to go to Axudar and dig about.’

‘But maybe we don’t have to go in directly,’ Hoseok emphasizes. ‘We could go close by- not even directly into Māhanga or the other planets. Just to get information.’ He taps on the holograph and pulls out the whole System map. Tapping on one of the orbiting planets in the outer rings, Hoseok expands a pale green gas-planet.

 

‘This is a trove,’ Hoseok explains, as he makes a ring around the planet, highlighting 4 satellites, ‘Convenient and easy to access for the inhabitant and immigrants in Axudar.’

‘I wasn’t aware that the moons were habitable,’ Namjoon frowns as he studies the projection.

‘They’re not, it’s all Atmoshield,’ Hoseok explains before he expands one of the satellites, ‘This is the most frequented. With the highest amount of immigrant channels, as well as highest ratings of disappearances and pirate movement in the area.’

‘Now they’re just being cocky,’ Sk’jin grimaces as he leans back into the chair again, ‘How the GLA just turned a blind eye wow-‘

‘This might be risky to go here,’ Hoseok tells them frankly, ‘But-‘

‘-but our disguise will be more effective,’ Yoongi finishes his sentence. ‘Places like these hold all sorts of information if you know where to look. Hoseok you could-‘

‘-yeah probably find a safe-house and see what information other agents have saved there,’ Hoseok nods at once.

‘We might actually be able to pick up on more information there than in Māhanga itself,’ Namjoon says thoughtfully.

‘I was thinking that too. Besides, if there is a need to go to any of the 3 planets it might appear more organic by flying out from here instead of heading straight to Axudar,’ Hoseok concludes.

‘I was thinking that too, we should put it up for vote.’ Namjoon looks around the Table at everyone, ‘Is everyone okay with this plan?’

Taeh’yung nods vigorously while Sk’jin gives a single nod. Jimin nods, albeit hesitantly, while Yoongi echoes him. Jungkook hastily nods when he’s looked at, still surprised that his vote was being counted.

‘Captain?’

‘I’m in approval with the plan,’ Namjoon replies.

‘So it’s a green from everyone,’ Hoseok announces. ‘Of course we will have back up plans in accordance to any possible issues that arise. We’re gonna reach Pit 18 in 15 minutes, let’s prepare for that.’

‘I’ll handle the transactions,’ Sk’jin volunteers at once, ‘Seeing as the PSC has been been exposed, we need to be more careful about who can be potentially spotted at ports and docks.’

‘PSC?’ Hoseok raises an eyebrow.

‘Yeah, the Pompen Suga Carnage,’ Sk’jin winks at Yoongi who blanches visibly at the mention of it.

‘Right yeah- Sk’jin and I will handle that part,’ Hoseok says hastily. ‘Everyone else just stay inside. There could be couriers and we don’t need anyone recognizing us.’

‘Sk’jin is pretty recognizable,’ Yoongi states.

It’s funny seeing Yoongi respond like this.

‘Am I?’ Sk’jin asks, eyes flashing red, making Yoongi narrow his eyes at him.

‘And pa will finally get his hand back!’ Taeh’yung announces as he lifts Namjoon’s non-functioning one.

Jungkook does a little cheer and then stops promptly, turning red.

As they disperse Sk’jin makes to sit up, groaning under his breath, clearly complaining.

‘What’s wrong?’ Namjoon asks, wondering if the Khol’isa had some issues with their plan.

‘My back hurts,’ is the answer he gets.

‘Well…we’ll get the UV Bed in like, 10 minutes,’ Namjoon says in what he hopes sounds like an encouraging tone.

‘Ah I wish everything was solved with a bit of UV,’ Sk’jin snorts getting up and waddling very much like an elderly Being.

‘Maybe try religion,’ Namjoon snorts at the very notion of it.

‘Prayers won’t save you here,’ Sk’jin grumbles.

‘Too many black holes,’ Namjoon replies absentmindedly as he claims his seat.

Sk’jin honest to goodness chokes.

 

*

 

Sk’jin looks like he could really use that UV Bed any minute now. He did look healthy, but there was a clear restlessness in him that Namjoon hopes can be settled with the UV Bed.

The Hangar gate opens and the filtered light from Grisial is somewhat healing but not enough. At least that’s what Sk’jin had mentioned in passing. Pit 18 isn’t very populated, but that was just a matter of opinion. There were a lot of ships about, with maintenance crew and couriers flying about in auto-lifts and docks, whizzing overhead in a uniform manner. One of them settles down close to their landing strip and the workers start to undock.

‘Here comes our goodies,’ Sk’jin actually rubs his hands together in glee.

Hoseok is in complete disguise, stepping past Sk’jin to exit the ship to the platform. It had caused a bit of a ruckus when Hoseok had transformed, because Lisai alerted them of an intruder being on board. It was a security measure Namjoon and the others deemed necessary, especially when they were landing.

‘That’s actually a lot more than I expected,’ Hoseok comments, ‘Maybe an extra hand-‘

‘Don’t be insensitive towards Namjoon,’ Sk’jin gasps.

‘I’ll go,’ Jimin offers at once but Namjoon shakes his head.

‘You three stay here,’ Namjoon says with a slightly warning tone. Taeh’yung gives him an all too innocent smile in response and Namjoon knows not to trust in it.

He comes across Jungkook who is crouched just outside the doorway of the Hangar, listening to the movements outside. Namjoon gives him small smile and pats his head as he walks past.

Hoseok and another courier are hauling in some of the bigger crates and Namjoon goes to help them at once.

‘Sir, could you check and sign the roster?’ one of the other couriers asks, handing Sk’jin a clipboard. Namjoon keeps behind the crates, helping but still staying out of sight. You couldn’t be too careful after all. Hoseok walks out again to get the other crates and Namjoon wonders why the couriers don’t just bring the lift towards the ship. Namjoon begins dragging one of the large crates, that clearly contained some large part for Sk’jin’s UV Bed towards the wide doorway to the Lobby inside.

‘Oh that’s wonderful,’ Sk’jin grins, arms moving elegantly as he takes on the clipboard, checking the contents.

‘If you could-‘

There’s a sharp and sudden snarl and a blurred movement streaking past Namjoon followed by a horrific crunching sound that resonates through the Hangar.

The next thing Namjoon sees is Sk’jin sprayed with blood, and Jungkook crouched on the floor, head lowered onto the courier’s neck.

‘Jungkook-‘ Sk’jin gasps, nearly falling backwards, the clipboard slipping from his hands.

And before it hits the ground, one of the other couriers appears at the opened hangar gateway. The clipboard strikes the ground and the carrier leaps across, charging straight at Sk’jin who is too slow to react-

A hot flash of light streaks past Namjoon’s ears and hits the carrier straight in the chest, throwing him out of the Hangar. Yoongi sprints past, TeorSer in hand as he dodges Sk’jin and Jungkook on the floor and fires almost randomly at something outside. Namjoon drops the crate and rushes after the Human to find Hoseok pushing off one of the couriers, and to his horror finds that the Ngfy’widan was bleeding.

‘Get back inside now!’ Hoseok roars as he starts running back towards them but he’s tackled harshly, causing him to skid across the landing strip. However, Yoongi is quick to move and he’s on the assailant, firing neat and clear shots. But the assailant dodges every single shot and in a strange move lifts Hoseok up before him like a shield-

Yoongi instantly stops firing and Hoseok manages to grapple his assailant, disarming him. Yoongi sprints out towards Hoseok at once but is waylaid by two couriers.

‘Sk’jin get the ship at green now!’ Namjoon orders as he runs to the emergency panel to the side, ‘Jungkook get inside now-‘

‘Oh? This is interesting,’ Taeh’yung says before there’s a wave of green that physically pushes past Namjoon, making him falter.

But the effect on the couriers who were on Yoongi and Hoseok is much stronger, flinging them off physically into the air.

Hoseok wastes no time in sprinting back. Yoongi waits for him to reach him, TeorSer raised because their assailants are already getting up.

‘Sk’jin get us flying now!’ Namjoon orders, quickly glancing at the Khol’isa who is still in a state of shock. Namjoon aims and fires, taking one of the assailants who was standing out. He hears Sk’jin and Jungkook rushing out of the Hangar. They’ve caught attention now, the entire area in a state of shock, ships clearly trying to move away, alarms triggering and lights blaring.

‘Lisai pull up the ramps, shut down all points of entry except for the main Hangar gate,’ Namjoon orders, glancing down at the body of the courier on the floor, his neck a mangled mess of flesh.

‘The security measures are shutting down the gates,’ Jimin reports in panic as Namjoon waits on edge for Hoseok and Yoongi to run back in. ‘They’re sending patrol units.’

Namjoon fires again, catching one of the 2 remaining assailants in the leg but it’s not stopping them from rushing towards them.

Hoseok and Yoongi jump in just as the ramp starts pulling in and the ship starts to lift off the ground.

‘Lisai full power on shields and start engines for warp,’ Sk’jin orders, his voice shaky.

Hoseok is bleeding from an attempted stab wound to the chest. But he clearly dodged, a gash cutting him across the side instead. Yoongi isn’t injured but the moment he’s close enough he blurts out, ‘It’s them-‘

A figure in the courier uniform suddenly vaults in, taking Yoongi down with him just as the ramp closes in and the gateway seals in.

This was not good; they couldn’t fire their TeorSers inside the ship. But the assailant could.

He’s kicked off by Yoongi but the assailant recovers with startling speed and in a quick motion slides and darts under the Spardyti and slithers off and away into the doorway out of the Hangar.

‘We have a hostile inside the ship-!’ Hoseok yells, the three of them rushing out of the Hangar.

The Lobby is empty and they all pause. Namjoon realizes that Lisai has not alerted them for a foreign invader on board the ship.

‘What?’

The ship tilts a little bit.

‘Lisai close the Bridge now-‘ Namjoon orders as he follows Yoongi in sprinting up the stairs. Hoseok stays in the Lobby, his posture crouched as he scans the area.

‘Scan for invading body-‘ Namjoon begins to order but the sound of a body being physically thrown to the floor urges them to move faster.

There’s a horrified gasp and the sound of someone falling backwards.

Yoongi all but flies up the stairs.

The assailant is on the floor, face turned away from them, body motionless. Jimin is standing over him, eyes wide and hands shaking.

‘Jimin-?’

Jimin jumps violently, his entire body shaking, his eyes wide with horror and shock.

‘I- I don’t-‘

Hoseok runs up, panting as he asks, ‘Did you get him-‘

‘Yoo-Yoongi I –‘ Jimin sobs, shaking rather violently.

‘Jimin what-‘ the Human quickly makes his way to Jimin, quickly but gently pulling him aside but Jimin is shakily pointing to the body on the floor, making strange choking sounds.

Namjoon quickly darts forward, kneeling down and pulling the still-breathing assailant in the courier outfit onto his back. Namjoon instantly stumbles back.

It’s Yoongi.

There’s a sharp intake of breath from Hoseok behind him.

‘What-?’

Jimin is shaking, hands curling into his beanie, his breaths are heaves, distraught, agony, and confusion on his face. But Yoongi is there, right next to him, holding Jimin protectively, eyes glazed over in shock.

‘What the -‘

The ship rocks, making Namjoon lose balance. Hoseok steadies him, his eyes never straying from the unconscious body on the Lobby floor.

‘What-‘

Namjoon cannot believe his eyes.

There was no mistaking it.

This was Yoongi.

‘How-,’ Yoongi begins faintly, ‘How many Yoongi’s do you see?’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

 

(Author’s Notes)

 

UNIVERSITY

THIS

IT’S THE LAST SEMESTER AND IM GRADUATING

HOPEFULLY

BUT IT

this update took 98765432 years and i'm sorry

This comeback

I don’t know how to express it guys

Ive never felt such pure joy from a single song

This whole album is amazing but-

This song

This song has such a powerful happy feeling to it and I felt like my entire soul was drinking up the pure joy and energy it had

I felt young

I know im not old but you know, living on this earth just ages you mentally and emotionally. But this song really came and just slapped some youth into me

I just love the lyrics so much? A boy WITH love?? That’s amazing.

Tell me the small things you do?? Teach me?? A star that makes the ordinary extraordinary??

What a wholesome and wonderful song it really just makes me so incredibly filled with joy

I love them so much

And Halsey

I just love her so much

She fits in so perfectly

It’s not a strange addition or even just a ‘oh I guess we should feature someone and stick them to a certain part of the song’ kinda thing but she was there, singing, harmonizing, and dancing in the mv it was adorable. This is the cutest sweetest most wholesome thing

What a blessing this whole comeback