is this what Hoseok felt like when he was kidnapped.

It’s silent for a while before Yyna speaks.

‘Namjoon, child and survivor of Kutsoglera, help us, children of nowhere, and teach us to survive.’

‘What-? No-!’ Namjoon protests but the Transporter suddenly picks up speed, forcing him to fall back into his seat, the safety straps folding over him immediately.

They burst out into the surface- they were so close- so close to escaping. There’s an immediate ripple of blue around the Transporter- they were going to leave.

‘They’ve all come back to me,’ Jimin sounded so helpless and lost.

‘Hey- we can go back and help-!’ Namjoon argues. Why were they leaving? Jimin was there- if nothing else, Jimin was literally back there- yet here they were, leaving.

Quite casually, Amic from the back, reaches forward and attaches another Comm Device to Namjoon’s ear.

‘Captain Namjoon of Kutsoglera.’

His voice is low, deep, and slightly guttural. Namjoon can’t place the accent immediately though there’s a familiarity with how he pronounces his name.

‘Uh-‘

‘Yisheng Amme has arrived to Grisial, at the request of Hoseok of Ngfy’wid. They will be secured.’

Namjoon twists in his seat, looking back, and sure enough, a massive and familiar ship approaches them, the light of Grisial behind it like some holy halo.

‘The Zhak’gri Taeh’yung, has pushed back the Omhlophe mothership, they will be retreating right now.’

Out of everything he’s heard today, that was the most believable thing.

Namjoon doesn’t know how to feel, watching the Yisheng ship get closer. Hoseok had called Amme? When? Why Amme?

But then again, in a sense, Namjoon understands why. But he’s still anxious, his mind whirling with everything happening around him.

‘Jimin has found Yoongi.’

Oddly enough this makes him feel better.

‘We cannot do more.’

Suddenly, rage builds up in Namjoon and he’s not above being irresponsibly mad at his situation and everything that lead up to it, in a small Transporter, unarmed, surrounded by GI who were all very armed.

‘Who the is this?’ Namjoon demands, ‘What the were you doing- coming to my ship, attacking my crew, putting them in danger? What were you trying to achieve?!’

The line is silent for so long Namjoon almost feels awkward, what with the silence of the others around him and their absolute stoic mannerism.

‘I’m sorry,’ the voice says, ‘I will explain it to you, once you are here.’

‘No,’ Namjoon says firmly, ‘My crew, my team, is behind me, I need to go back, make sure they’re secure- I don’t know if you know this but not everyone there is particularly healthy or stable-‘

‘-we are aware that the Khol’isa is fading. We did not account for the New Born Vicitra to attack as he did- we did not suppose him to have the strength to fight.’

‘Is that supposed to make me feel better-‘ Namjoon tries to sound harsh but- fading?

‘-and we know that our brother Yoongi is dying.’

Namjoon’s voice gets caught in his throat.

‘We are all dying.’

‘And is that why you tried to kill him?’ Namjoon demands, glaring at the other GI around him to no effect.

It’s silent for a really long time again. They’re getting close to Grisial again, headed for a lone and slightly distant asteroid, a faint blue around it to indicate the Atmoshield that protected it.

‘I will explain this all to you once you are here,’ the voice explains. ‘And maybe, you can guide us and make us found.’

Amic reaches forward and takes both Comm Devices on his ears.

What Hoseok went through was probably much worse than this, Namjoon ruminates as he sits back, unrestrained (save for the safety straps), free to move. Looking back, the Yisheng ship was now hidden by the Grisial asteroid they had crashed into, though Namjoon can still see the light it exuded from its beamers.

He finds himself wanting to ask questions, but he knows he’s not about to receive any answers. This was like having several Yoongi’s (from the beginning of their mission) and trying to get a response from him. Except at least Yoongi was cooperative to an extent because he had one mission in mind, which happened to be the same one they all shared.

Speaking of which, Namjoon hesitantly tries a new approach.

‘What is your mission statement?’

It’s quiet for a long while, during which Namjoon is sure his question has been ignored. Grisial was getting closer now, Namjoon spies a lone port over the top of the asteroid they were headed for.

‘To be found.’

It’s Yyna who answers.

And that doesn’t explain anything so Namjoon guesses that he probably needs to figure out how to ask his questions. , this really was like getting to know Yoongi all over again except possibly with more than just one love-sick Human Being.

For one panicked moment, Namjoon wonders if somehow every single GI was also “in love” with Jimin. Logically that would be quite extreme but Sk’jin’s annoying voice tells him that he’s being idiot and that it was very possible that hundreds, thousands, millions, whole species and races could definitely fall in love with one single Being, or at least hold them up to high reverence and awe- that was basically what all religion was like.

Or stardom, Sk’jin’s voice provides, an annoyingly vivid mental image of Sk’jin perusing his screen, catching up the news behind actors who were going to act in a movie based on the Six Hands of Our Love book series that Sk’jin loved so much.

He remembers Jimin reading through a few chapters, only to laugh hysterically, face red, slapping Sk’jin repeatedly on his shoulder as the Khol’isa aggressively defended the book.

He’s caught Hoseok reading the third book in the installment and might bring it up later to blackmail the Ngfy’widan. Maybe use it against him when questioning him about why he would call Yisheng Amme.

Namjoon’s leg bounces nervously at the thought; what was his reasoning? Of all members of the Jury, Yisheng Amme was probably not the first choice. But that wasn’t because the other Beings involved were such trustworthy applicants either.

They land gently, the dock empty save for another Transporter identical to the one Namjoon was in, and a much larger, powerful looking ship behind it. The safety straps around him disengage and retract back, allowing Namjoon to stand up.

Clearly they’re expecting him to follow them, so Namjoon makes his way to walk behind Amic and Yyna. And then he’s just left to stand there.

Namjoon is empty handed and just-…just standing. He squints a little, trying to find the asteroid he had just left- but they’re in orbit with the rest of the asteroid belt around Grisial, and Namjoon is no longer looking at the same expansion of space, the stars moved already as they slowly orbit Grisial.

Would Amme be able to overwhelm the Omhlophe?

The voice over the Comm Device had said that Taeh’yung had “pushed back” the Omhlophe mothership. Great. Was that why Sk’jin had yelled and not minutes later, bright green erupted all around them?

What had Taeh’yung done? Was he all right?

Namjoon doesn’t feel strain on his muscles or anything like that, but he squats down, palm over his face as he takes a deep breath.

They needed that UV Bed for Sk’jin because he was clearly not well- now with this- was the Khol’isa all right? And Jungkook.

Was he safe? Namjoon curses under his breath, they should have really let him stay back, go with that Long Huon Zitao – he would have been safe, would have been able to leave this mess behind; a mess he wasn’t really involved in to start off with.

And what about Hoseok? The three of them had been at the Bridge when they crashed- and sure the Užkulisai was a powerful ship, but it’s not like the three inside were indestructible.

And then there was Yoongi of course.

What it must have felt like- to fight someone- to literally fight yourself – Spaces.

Namjoon sits on the ground, staring blankly outwards ahead. Wherever he was headed right now, he had no way of knowing what would happen to him, what the GI would do to him, or want from him. They had wanted Jimin but they let him go so quickly- it didn’t make sense.

An identical Transporter lands close to the one that brought Namjoon in. More GI step out, and this time in between them they’re carrying what are clearly body-bags.

‘Captain Namjoon.’

Startled, Namjoon looks around.

Amad’la is looking down at him, in her hands a bottle of ionized water.

‘We will be leaving now.’ Then after a fraction of a moment adds, ‘I hope you are not feeling unwell.’

Spaces, Namjoon wishes he had never agreed to Lmiura’s request and didn’t have to be subjected to the GI’s inability to convey minimal conversations.

Namjoon takes the bottle and manages a smile.

For sure he could try escaping. He’s pretty sure there’s some GI holding a very well aimed TeorSer at him from some point around the Dock at multiple-points. He might as well just go along with this mess and see what interesting thing he might have to learn. The Being he spoke to, well, that spoke to him, seemed very self-aware; similar to how Yoongi had been some time ago.

Spaces, had it nearly been a full Standard sol since they left Šerdesas?

Namjoon feels like it’s been at least, a whole decade. Certainly feels like he’s aged a whole decade, what with his skin falling apart and lack of a functioning arm.

Amad’la waits for him before leading him to the large ship. But she stops abruptly, nearly making Namjoon walk straight into her, fumbling with his bottle of ionized water.

He’s unsure what to do- he looks around surreptitiously and notes that everyone- every GI has stopped- almost as though pausing to listen to something. Then they all turn their heads in the same direction. And automatically, so does Namjoon.

Suddenly everything flashes a neon green- the lights of Grisial shift violently- protesting almost, every single photon of light changed and-

The sound crashes around him like real physical weight- the entire asteroid trembling.

‘WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE-‘

Namjoon gasps as the pressure releases, the neon-green fades.

‘Spaces -‘ Namjoon realizes he’s on the floor. So are a few of the GI. He slowly makes to stand, squinting in the general direction of where it had come from.

That was definitely Taeh’yung. It had to be.

What was going on?

‘Captain Namjoon.’

‘Wait- wait I need to know what happened- I need to make sure they’re all right-‘ Namjoon protests immediately, shaking his head and taking a step back. ‘That was Taeh’yung- you maybe don’t know but he’s overwhelmingly powerful and that was him- I need to make sure-‘

Amad’la manhandles him so swiftly and so quickly, Namjoon has no idea how he’s ended up restrained completely, and tossed over her shoulder like he was some sort of luggage. The only part of his whole body he can move is his head.

Namjoon feels slightly offended and extremely intimidated. He didn’t need a reminder of the GI skillset like this, thanks.

‘-what?!’ Namjoon can’t even struggle- he’s bound so effectively.

As they walk past, Namjoon spots something.

There are 4 body bags, 4 helmets placed next to their heads. The fake uniforms that they were wearing are folded neatly next to them. He instantly recognizes the one the other Yoongi had been wearing. Namjoon can’t look away.

‘What- what about the others?’ Namjoon can’t help but ask, twisting his head around (the only body part he could move) to find that Amic and another GI don’t follow them into the ship, but are still by the previous Transporter, standing before the doorway.

He’s not expecting an answer, which is why when Amad’la answers, Namjoon is stunned into silence.

‘They will bring back our brothers and sisters,’ she replies.  

Amad’la takes further inside the ship, passing the large internal Hangar, and into a lift. She places him down on his feet, and after a few awkward and strained seconds of silence says, ‘I’m sorry.’

Namjoon just sighs.

The elevator pulls them up to the Bridge directly, where other GI were already there, getting ready for take off. They’re all wearing their helmets, so Namjoon can’t place a single one of them. It’s extremely unnerving and Namjoon has previously worked with androids that all look identical, not a single hair out of place.

No one says a thing to him and Namjoon guesses he might as well just.

Take a seat.

So he does.

Security straps instantly engage and he’s set in.

He’s fidgeting. He doesn’t stop fidgeting.

They leave Grisial and Namjoon can physically feel his stress level rocketing. If he had sweat glands, he’d be damp by now he’s sure.

He’s absolutely helpless in here- as they enter warp, Namjoon tries again.

‘Amad’la, please- I need to be here for them- I need to make sure we’re all safe.’

But he’s predictably ignored.

The Bridge washes out in white light as they hit warp and Namjoon knows now, with a depressing finality, that there’s nothing he can do about his situation anymore.

‘Uh-‘ Namjoon tries again after about 10 minutes, ‘Where are we going?’

He’s ignored.

Namjoon wants to throw a tantrum. Childish sure, but Namjoon thinks he’s allowed.

The security straps around him disengage but no one moves. For almost 30 minutes, Namjoon just sits still; he’s not sure if he can move or walk around. No one else aboard the ship has moved a muscle unless it was to make adjustments to the dashboards before them. There’s no talking, no AI voice in the air- Namjoon can’t even see anyone’s faces other than Amad’la’s.

Throwing precaution to the wind, Namjoon stands up.

No one spares him a second look.

Of course it wasn’t as though Namjoon would do anything dangerous- he’s comically outnumbered, missing a functional arm, most of his face falling apart, covered in a fine layer of dust that really clings to him, and weaponless.

Namjoon was not going to do anything and that was clearly apparent.

And even if it felt weird to do so, Namjoon turns, his back exposed to the Bridge, and exits the place. He’s somehow half-expecting himself to be manhandled again, bound and gagged and put in one place. But no one follows him, no one tries to stop him.

He finds himself in the level below the Bridge, a massive screen to one side to show the layout of the ship. Namjoon stands before it, still expecting some reprimand in the form of a harsh and well executed jab, or maybe even a stun-level TeorSer blast; something at least. But there’s nothing.

He studies the plans of each level. There are a total of 5 levels- the top most being the Bridge, the level he was at divided into smaller segments, probably some form of meeting units, community points, the level below was the living quarters, Namjoon determines, judging by the neatly and equally divided rooms. The level beneath that is the Hangar and Medical Bays, and below that, the Engines Rooms.

‘Captain Namjoon.’

Namjoon jumps a foot into the air.

‘ing Spaces-!’ he gasps out, nearly colliding into the massive screen.

It’s one of the GI- one that Namjoon has not met before- she’s short, a stocky stature that is incredibly imposing despite her absolute lack of aggressive expression. She was definitely from somewhere in Ghandhar, which planet, he’s not too sure, and honestly at this point it didn’t matter anyways.

She blinks at him a total 3 times before she says, ‘I am sorry.’

‘Oh- I guess- I mean-‘ Namjoon stammers out, lowering his arm(s) that were crossed over his chest.

‘Please follow me, I will show you your room.’

Were they travelling a specifically long distance that he needed to be assigned a room? Was he expecting to sleep at some point, were they just going to fly about randomly? They would need to refuel though that could be anything between a month to 3 months depending on when they refilled the store but that could’ve easily been back in Grisial.

Namjoon follows the Ghandarian native down the next level.

He’s lead down the hallway, lined with narrow doorways at an even interval. They pass an intersection but keep going straight. At the very end, there’s a long and narrow window, the light from warped space illuminating the area.

The Ghandarian stops suddenly and with a small tap on the side of the door, it opens to reveal a neat and decently sized room.

‘We have prepared clothes for you. We hope it will suit you.’

Namjoon notes that there’s a confusing smell of cleaning agents, some sort of detergent, an a very awkwardly arrangement of semi-wilted flowers on the desk beneath the window.

‘Oh- uh, thanks,’ Namjoon manages to say.

The Ghandarian just stands there, to Namjoon’s absolute discomfort. Was he supposed to say something else?

‘Uh- this is, uh, very nice,’ Namjoon looks around the room, ‘If I uh- need something, how will I uh, contact…you? Someone?’

The Ghandarian blinks a few times before handing Namjoon a small and new Comm Device from some pocket on her black suit.

‘Great- this is great I will uh- go get cleaned up,’ Namjoon states slowly, rolling the Comm Device between her fingers. ‘This is uh, very nice, I uh, like the flowers a lot.’

Apparently that was what she needed to hear. The Ghandarian turns and leaves.

Namjoon quickly closes the door, and exhales out slowly.

Placing the Comm Device on the very recently made bed with possibly too many pillows, Namjoon takes a moment to crouch down on the floor and scream quietly into his hands.

After taking a few minutes to simply throw a small and quiet tantrum, Namjoon investigates his newly assigned room. The closet has a few clothing items. And yeah, Namjoon should probably change from what he’s wearing. The clothes are, unsurprisingly, his size. So he lays it out over the bedding. Checking the en suite, Namjoon notes the very brand new bottles of shampoo, washes, and soaps, and salts.

In the mirror, Namjoon makes sure that he checks all of his potential injuries- as well as preexisting ones that would definitely need some tending. His jaw where he was kicked would be swollen and bruised and discoloured if his body had been more organic. For now it was just uncomfortable, and a little lumpy. Would they allow him to access the Medical Bay? Maybe even if it wasn’t everything he would need, it would still be enough to at least wrap up his arm properly again because the bionic skin around his ribs, and damaged arm, was starting to flake. They had after all, given him the medication before- he’s still not sure what they were for, but he’s not noticed anything adverse or negative. But just because something didn’t react now didn’t mean it wouldn’t later.

The shower water runs white on the glossy floors for the first few minutes and Namjoon wonders just how much Grisial crystal dust actually got on him.

Clean and changed out, Namjoon stands awkwardly in his room. He’s not sure how to proceed.

And at this moment in time, he’s not sure if he wants to put on the Comm Device either. He paces around the room a few times before slumping down on the bed.

He tries to organize his thoughts.

The GI had definitely come and attacked them.

Or did they?

With the Omhlophe so close, had the GI actually come to try and protect Jimin? And it all turned wrong? But it didn’t make sense because they definitely tried to kill Yoongi. But the other Yoongi hadn’t tried to explicitly target the others- simply attempting to take Jimin.

Namjoon looks around the room, evidently prepared with some semblance of care.

Had this all been prepared for Jimin?

He squints at the sorry flowers on the desk, mulling over his thoughts.

The voice on the Comm Device hadn’t really said much but Namjoon can’t help but theorize. Overthink, Sk’jin’s voice offers him primly.

The GI who had been there.

That wasn’t a coincidence that they were all Beings that both Jimin and Yoongi would recognize. There was a purposeful intention with who was sent out.

‘Nineti is one of my Guards. I lost him in Megibīya- he never returned from the rain. And that is Amad’la, Yoongi’s captain. The tall one is Amic, Yoongi’s best friend. And the other is the Megibīya Wenedi Yyna.’

When those couriers had come in, they had no intention of attacking. Even when Sk’jin had been completely unguarded, completely defenseless, exposed – even Hoseok, who was outside. The only reason what happened when it happened was Jungkook’s reaction. It was only after that that the GI had attacked.

Was it in self defense? But that didn’t make sense?

But then again, the GI did not plan, did not think, the same way sentient Beings did.

Their attempt at taking Jimin back didn’t stop them from stabbing him, even though the blade had avoided every single vital organ.

It didn’t make sense- Namjoon remembers vividly the strange white noise filling his mind- strange visual sights embedded in numbers and processing that was definitely some form of computing through the strange connection he had shared with Jimin when both Yoongi’s were fighting each other. Was that what Jimin saw in the other Yoongi?

Was that the GI’s mindset?

Reading minds, was an obviously incredibly dumb saying because thoughts did not manifest into words that appeared in the mind just like that, as though it were some book or screen. Thoughts manifested differently- images, emotions, smells, senses – but what Namjoon had seen briefly- that had all been a simple form of binary that looked a lot like the processing core within Androids and their cores.

Yoongi had told them, a while back, that he had been administered with the Android Core, allowing him to somehow be aware.

How many of the GI were aware? Or trying to be aware? From what he read in the reports, the GI had succumbed to a strange state of comatose or had completely died out once their existence had been exposed. The Yishengs trying to get rid of evidence. But he knew that some had survived- that they were scattered- lost.

‘Remember- remember I said. I said that Yoongi was not supposed to be here.’

Jimin had been on the verge of understanding something.

 ‘It’s- it’s because I was not supposed to be here, I am the Fate of Menigišiti, that’s how they did it, that’s why the Red Evil came to Megibīya- they wanted me. They’re all tied to me.’

Was this some strange battle, between the Omhlophe and the GI, to somehow get Jimin?

Namjoon sits up slowly.

He wishes he could make sure, that the others were all right. Wishes he could see for himself- instead of being told so by some random voice.

He pockets the Comm Device and stands up. He takes his clothes, bundled up, and goes to look for some sort of cleaning room.

He comes across a sort of alcove, outfitted with several washers. He also comes across a spectacularly bloody and GI who was clearly there to do his laundry. Namjoon pauses, not sure if he should continue forward. But the GI just looks at him, before opening one of the washers for him.

‘Uh- um, thanks,’ Namjoon manages to get out.

He looks at the GI as surreptitiously as he can.

He has bite marks on him, the side of his leg has a whole chunk of flesh missing, probably down to the bone- but it’s been covered with some sort of compressed sealed tissue-plast.

He’s also missing a few fingers and an ear, and unnervingly, an eye as well. Not to mention what are clearly nails, raking and tearing off chunks of skin and tissue, even through the GI uniform that no amount of washing was going to clean, Namjoon is sure.

Namjoon is terrified at the idea of the GI fighting someone who was clearly very very wild. Did this GI go against some sort of wild creature? He seemed to have barely escaped with his life.

The GI puts his dirty laundry away and simply walks away- more like limps, before disappearing into a room, leaving behind bloody footprints.

As Namjoon finishes up, making sure his adjustments were suited for his clothes, a few CleanBots arrive, cleaning and removing the bloody footprints.

Namjoon makes his way to the lower level.

Maybe he could…explore? Namjoon grimaces at himself. He needed to get to the Medical Bay at least, check to see if there was anything he could use. However, downstairs, he comes across an unnerving and rather comic sight.

The GI were scattered around the Lobby that connected the Medical Bays, as well as a small community kitchen of sorts, and a lounging area.

They’re all placed at random- almost like statues in a garden, or a clothing store. They’re all engaged in some form of activity. Namjoon counts around 9 of them, a few reading in one corner, some staring blankly at a screen with some sort of media entertainment playing on it, and the others are at the kitchen area.

No one pays him any attention and so Namjoon slips into one of the Medical Bays, hoping none of them will pop up to scare the out of him again.

His back to a wall, Namjoon looks around the Medical Bay and finds a few items here and there he could use. None of the items in the Medical Bay were specifically tailored or customized- they were at best, basic, but Namjoon can combine a few of what he’s found to put together something that could help him.

When he steps out, the GI are where he left them.

He eyes the fridge in the small kitchen and gingerly makes his way there. He feels very large, very loud, and very clumsy in this specific setting.

In the kitchen, there are 4 of the GI sitting around a table, plates in front of them, with cups and cutlery. Their helmets are off, and two of them are identical, Namjoon notes. He’s going to walk past them, straight for the fridge to get some ionized water which he’s sure should be stocked because no known living Being couldn’t survive without water.

‘This is delicious.’ One of them states.

There’s a long silence that follows and Namjoon sort of freezes. Were the GI actually…holding a conversation with each other? Out of their own free will?

‘It is.’

Namjoon wants to palm his face.

‘Captain Namjoon, would you like to join us.’

Or maybe they were setting up to invite him to eat. He does notice that there are 5 chairs, 4 of which are occupied.

‘I uh- don’t eat,’ Namjoon gets out weakly, grabbing a nice cold bottle.

He’s starting to get a little used to the blank stares but it’s wholly unnerving.

‘I am sorry.’

After 3 seconds someone else says, ‘We have no manners.’

Namjoon wants to knock himself out.

‘Our food is not good,’ one declares. ‘The precooked food ran out.’

Namjoon wishes he could give an appropriate response to this situation. Instead he just closes the fridge.

‘Because you are a fatso.’

Namjoon gawks, looking around the GI gathered at the table.

‘That is an insensitive statement, masked as a joke, which is humorous only to the jokester, because most Beings like to feel superior, be it mentally or physically, over their perceived peers.’

There’s a long pause.

‘I read that joke in a the ‘Who Knows, Who Cares: Guide to Sick Burns’ book.’

‘That is a trash book,’ is the monotonous response.

‘Am I your perceived peer.’

‘Yes.’

‘Then maybe, I am indeed a fatso.’

‘Would you care for a drink?’ one of the two identical GI asks him.

Namjoon would like to leave. He’s also awkwardly holding several items in one good arm and one bad arm. He doesn’t know what to do.

‘It was precooked- it is delicious.’

‘Sure,’ Namjoon sits down, putting down all of his items on the table carefully. The silence is only punctuated by the sound of whatever media was playing on the screen in the lounge, and Namjoon placing his stuff down.

Their food is a strange looking lump on their plates. Barely touched. No one says anything, just looking at Namjoon. He feels like they’re expecting him to say something.

‘So uh- you all tried cooking?’ Namjoon tries.

‘Database does not export cooking skills,’ they all reply in unison, startling Namjoon.

‘Right- right, uh, yeah,’ Namjoon coughs out, fiddling with some of the antibiotic bottles had with him.

‘This is a good drink,’ the one closest to him states, taking a jug from the center of the table, and taking the single empty cup (again, how convenient), and pouring out the contents.

It smells nice- fragrant and fresh.

‘It’s not poisoned is it?’ Namjoon jokes.

He’s met with blank stares.

‘That is a good joke.’ Is the delayed reply he gets.

‘Very funny.’

Namjoon is writhing on the inside.

He takes a sip of the drink and he has a feeling he’s being closely watched.

‘It’s really good!’ he says a bit too enthusiastically. And yeah it was a good drink, but it didn’t warrant that much enthusiasm.

For a moment, Namjoon really looks around the table.

Had they…set this all up…with the lumpy food, to create a sense of…normalcy? For him?

Because as far as Namjoon can tell, the GI over at the lounge have not turned a single page in their books. The media that’s playing is on its 4^th repeat since Namjoon has sat down. And the food on the plates, other than that one single jug and cup, look like things taken out and pushed together into a bowl, and then divided. Namjoon notes that there is some raw meat poking out in some places.

Sk’jin would be crying right now if he were here.

‘So uh- what do you normally eat?’ Namjoon tries, because okay that might be an interesting topic because what did Yoongi eat before? He didn’t seem picky, eating any and everything Sk’jin, and sometimes, Hoseok made.

‘For some sols, precooked,’ they reply.

Sure there was plenty of precooked food available to find in Flotsams but the drink poured out for him doesn’t seem like the type you could buy at Flotsams. Not that Namjoon would be an expert but he’s heard Sk’jin complaining about precooked Flotsam food far too much.

‘But we finished our stock. Not enough.’

‘Yes. Miscalculation.’

Namjoon nods slowly.

‘Do not worry.’ One of them says, and with a delayed motion, raises one hand in a thumb’s up.

Namjoon politely excuses himself, armed with his items, before pretty much running back to his assigned room.

He clearly needed a nap.

And so he does. But Namjoon naps fitfully- he’s not prone to dreams or nightmares. He was definitely having some, but when he wakes up, panting from whatever nightmare he was having, he can’t remember what it is.

It had now been a whole 12 hours since Grisial and Namjoon is- well, he’s still very much agitated.

Downing another bottle of ionized water, Namjoon steps out, his mind set on the Bridge and finding one of the GI he recognizes, and try to get them to talk.

But he’s distracted by the slumped GI near the washers.

Concerned and unnerved, Namjoon approaches the GI.

It’s the same one from before. His injuries are sealed, though he appeared weak and verging on passing out. His missing eye is patched up, and the sealed compressed tissue-plast on his leg is leaking thin looking pinkish blood.

Namjoon acts on instinct when the GI slips on the pinkish blood around his feet, and quickly goes to support him.

‘Woah- woah okay uh-‘ Namjoon helps him stand up right- his missing arm creating problems. ‘Okay- I’ll uh, let’s get you to your room? I uh- I’ll go get help?’

He can’t carry this GI up, what with one functioning arm. Also he’s not sure if physically carrying this Being around would be very good. He looks around the hallway, trying to see if there’s a camera around. He calls down the hallway, ‘Hey! One of- uh, he’s uh, injured! He needs medical help!’

The GI’s room door is closed but Namjoon follows the still fresh patches of pinkish blood smudged on the floors. Namjoon taps on the door, and it opens to reveal a dimly lit room, completely different from the one assigned to him.

There’s a lone single narrow bed- no blankets, no mattress. There’s some smudged blood down the side of the bed. The floors are very clean- a CleanBot rolling under the long bench to the side, as though just waiting for this GI to bleed out more. Would it completely absorb and clean up the GI if he died? Would the others even bother to check in on him? They certainly didn’t seem to care that this GI was practically eaten alive.

Namjoon carefully puts the GI down- this was weird. So weird.

‘Uh-‘ Namjoon helps him lay back down on the bed.

‘Laundry.’

‘What?’

‘Laundry.’

Namjoon sort of gapes for a moment before saying, ‘Okay I uh, I’ll see to your laundry- don’t worry about it.’

The GI nods once, making his eyes roll back with the effort before saying in a slurred monotonous manner, ‘Thank you.’

The lighting in the room dims and the GI lays still.

For one panicked second, Namjoon wonders if he’s found himself in a room with no surveillance and a dead GI but he notices that he’s still breathing, and that it was at a steady pace. The bed below him starts to glow instead and- was this a sort of Medical Bed?

Namjoon touches it lightly- it’s a little warm, there’s a slight vibration in the air around it. Namjoon’s never seen anything like this before.

He steps out into a clean hallway and towards the washers. He picks out the GI’s clothes, dried and very tattered, and takes it back. He tries to be as quiet as he can with one arm, folding the GI suit in a somewhat acceptable lump and places it on the bench. He also finally notices the helmet, a now somewhat iconic shape in his mind’s eye, resting on the bench.

Yoongi had lost his in Ynqaba, after Jimin fell with the slaver-ship. But according to what Jimin had reported, it was as though the entire uniform, helmet, and general existence of the GI wasn’t exactly unknown there.

It’s still covered in blood, and Namjoon is tempted to pick it up, and examine it. But something tells him that wouldn’t exactly be a welcome attempt.

He steps back out again and gets his own laundry. He should have expected the sudden appearance of Amad’la before him, arm(s) filled with his dried clothes.

‘Fuck- yes, hi, yes,’ Namjoon curses, looking down at the GI. ‘By the way uh you have an injured uh- Being, inside there- I’m not sure if he’ll be all right-‘

‘Captain Namjoon, we are headed for Lowet and will be arriving there in 3 days-‘

‘We’re going where?!’ Namjoon demands, ‘And in 3 days-?!’

It had taken them about a week to get away from Ynqaba to Grisial- there was no way they were making 3 Standard days to Lowet, Ynqaba’s next-door planet.

‘Please take this time to rest, we will gather what you need. Please let us know if you are lacking in anything.’

Her speech is almost similar to how androids in the service industry would sound- except it lacked any form of welcome or brightness.

‘Oh yeah- yeah, sure, that’s uh, I’ll keep that in mind,’ Namjoon nods, still clutching his clothes to his chest.

Amad’la turns to walk away, her footsteps making absolutely no sound.

‘Wait!’ Namjoon hurriedly calls.

Amad’la turns swiftly.

‘I uh- I want to know, to see, if my crew are all right- I need to make sure.’

Amad’la just looks at him blankly for 7 whole seconds before she nods. Then she turns and walks again, leaving Namjoon slightly winded.

Then she abruptly stops and turning again says, ‘Please follow me Captain Namjoon.’

Namjoon quickly follows, just a step or two behind her.

‘He’ll be all right? The uh, injured GI?’

‘Yes.’

Namjoon is not at all reassured.

They go upwards to the Bridge again, and everyone is still there as Namjoon left them, helmets on, bodies unmoving. Amad’la guides him to the Navigation Table manned by two other GI who immediately step back one Amad’la and Namjoon approach.

Amad’la says nothing for a long while and Namjoon’s not expecting anything, just waiting for some information when she says, ‘This is a nice evening.’

Namjoon takes a moment to realize she’s addressing him.

‘Uh- yeah? I uh-‘ he looks around wildly, ‘I guess it is, in Standard Time.’

‘In Šerdesas, you will be able to see the Nvan constellation center of the sky.’

‘Uh- yeah.’

‘It is beautiful. But the story is a gruesome one.’

Yes, Namjoon is aware but he has no idea where this is heading.

‘Once upon a time,’ Amad’la begins flatly, ‘A vast interstellar asteroid fell through the sky, crashing down into a lone planet, bringing with it many strange and alien life-forms. And they mutated terribly- horrid worms and plagues – the Beings of the planet fell to it and were consumed as though by a flame from within. Until a great mind came forth and banished the alien life-form with water. What an excellent story is it not. Wonderful; it showcases the importance of staying hydrated.’ She then picks up (from where????) a bottle of ionized water and hands it to Namjoon. ‘Beware, the horrid worms.’

Namjoon loses it.

There are literal tears in his eyes as he laughs, leaning on the Navigation Table for support. Amad’la has no expression on her face but Namjoon wonders if this was meant to be some sort of ice-breaker, or some sort of attempt in making him feel better.

It takes him about 5 minutes to really get himself together and finally focus again.

Amad’la is clearly waiting for him to get a hold of himself and once he stands straight, she taps along the Navigation Table and with no explanation, pulls up a projection of a footage.

It’s been taken from afar, the quality just a little compromised but Namjoon can make out the Beings in it. He notes Amme’s tall form, red stark against the white of the Grisial asteroid. And walking behind her are the others. None of them look visibly injured. They look disturbed, though- that much is clear. They’re hesitating, talking amongst each other. There’s no audio of course, but they seem to be holding some sort of debate. Whatever it was, it’s resolved and they follow Amme to her ship, lead first by Jimin and Taeh’yung, followed by the other 4 a little later.

Namjoon watches, with both relief (for their overall good health), and trepidation, as they enter Amme’s ship. The ship takes off and immediately sets out to warp.

‘What about the Omhlophe? Those white-robed Beings?’ Namjoon asks.

‘Their mothership was destroyed by the Zhak’gri Taeh’yung,’ Amad’la reports at once, ‘We do not know what happened to those within.’

That’s-…worrisome…? Namjoon nods hesitantly to that information.

‘The smaller ships were able to escape- they have taken your ship, the Užkulisai-02.’

‘-‘ Namjoon curses, ‘- they-…’

Jimin’s system’s technology was inside the Užkulisai, would they have had enough time to remove it? Or would the Omhlophe have taken it?

‘Are they being followed by the Omhlophe?’

‘We cannot tell.’

‘Any idea where the Yisheng ship is headed?’

‘We are tracking them right now- and there appears to be no set direction.’ Amad’la replies.

Namjoon frowns at that.

‘Wait- how did you find us in the first place?’

Amad’la doesn’t reply.

Namjoon wonders if he’s going to get a delayed response but 5 minutes was a stretch, even for a GI.

‘So uh…-can I get like a screen or something.’

Amad’la looks at him for an uncomfortably long minute and Namjoon guesses that’s a no but then she says, ‘That’s a good joke.’

Namjoon sighs and walks out of the Bridge. He finds himself walking down, to go check on the injured GI- the hallway is spotless so he can’t tell if the GI’s been out and about. Depositing his laundry in his room (Namjoon realizes he’s carried it all the way up and then then down), he tiptoes to the injured GI’s room, poking his head around the doorway after opening it.

The GI is still there, his chest rising slightly to indicate that he was still very much alive. Sighing quietly, he steps inside, eyeing the GI carefully to check if he was recovering or still somewhat the same.

His injuries, in the short span of time Namjoon had last seen him, has greatly improved. They’re also much clearer. Namjoon spies the bite-wounds. They’re not very large to suggest a large creature mauled this GI. They’re also not elongated or multi-set- the bite size and ratio appeared very…anthropomorphic and that was honestly- unsettling.

Because unless this was one of the Omhlophe, then the only other option left was-

‘ing Spaces!’ Namjoon curses as the GI opens his eyes, intently looking at him.

‘Oh hey uh-‘

Namjoon’s never been good at this sort of thing. Also his most recent conversations with unwell or recovering Beings has not been the best examples.

‘-you uh, you feeling better?’ Namjoon winces at himself. At this point, who was he to judge the GI for their supposed inability to socialize. He might take as well take a leaf out of their books and just not talk at all.

‘Your laundry is there,’ Namjoon gestures behind him rather pointlessly. ‘It’s uh- clean. I mean, I guess you can’t wear it anymore.’

The GI just looks at him.

‘Well- I’ll leave you be to recover,’ Namjoon awkwardly pats the very GI on his least injured and bruised looking arm.

Backing towards the doorway, Namjoon gives a small wave before walking out completely into the empty hallway. Back inside his room, he notices several bottles of ionized water neatly arranged on the desk as well the en suite sink shelf, and inside the closet.

‘Great.’

*

3 excruciating days later, during which Namjoon witnessed the most terribly staged, attempts at a social gathering in the form of a birthday party (????), a barbecue that nearly set the whole kitchen on fire, an increased desire from all GI Beings to launder their clothes and walk around buck-, and very strange story-telling sessions that had abrupt and incomplete endings at best, and never ending conclusions at worst. Amidst all of this, Namjoon is very well hydrated and nearly crazy. It’s with absolute sheer relief that they arrive in Lowet.

Much like Ynqaba, Lowet looks desolate even from the stratosphere. But it’s desolate in a different way. Rather than blackened sand and painful looking mountains, Lowet has many shores, small clusters of land and a few hills, mossy in colour. Some areas were certainly greener- Namjoon had looked up Lowet after they had left Ynqaba, trying to understand more about the whole situation. He knows that about the same had happened in Lowet, war had raveged the land, but due to the preexisting conditions of Lowet, had come out better than Ynqaba as the planet had been minimally occupied compared to Ynqaba.

Far below, muddy looking rivers pass through around hills, lined with woods or even a stretch of reed and grass.

Compared to Ynqaba, Lowet was doing quite well.

They land near a village of sorts- low and strong looking stone houses, decorated with dyed cloths and curtains, some of the rock-slate roofs lined with sturdy looking thick squat plants. It actually appeared quite nice, and the air was clean too, unlike Ynqaba with its acidic rain.

Clearly this was some form of fishing community, with the shore right there, boats lining up the dark grey shores.

The breeze from the ocean is almost overwhelming.

Namjoon pauses midway down the Hangar ramp- just strangely overwhelmed by everything around him. The GI step out, looking incredibly out of place yet they moved with familiarity and ease over the lumpy sands Namjoon has nearly tripped on a few times.

Clearly he’s expected to follow the GI as they leave.  

He follows after them, leaving the overwhelming shores and towards the village. It’s a longer walk than Namjoon was anticipating and it’s weird walking over soft sandy paths because-...well, it’s been a while, if Namjoon is being honest. There’s short but sturdy looking shrubs, with feathery looking growth on the top, below dark grey-green hanging leaves that were quite glossy that grow around the village. Namjoon notes that there are work-baskets and tools to the side; were these shrubs harvested?

The land around the place isn’t too flat- there are some gentle sloping hills, with similar looking vegetation scattered about. But everything leans in into the flat and wide valley, in the center, the village. Namjoon spots a few of the villagers approaching. They don’t seem threatened, or threatening. In fact they appeared quite friendly and were waving with familiarity at some of the GI.

They wave back though it’s a little delayed.

They appeared somewhat anthropomorphic- not as harsh looking as their neighbouring planet’s species. Their skin is tan, and greatly freckled and spotted. Their hair ranges from washed greys, dusty ash, to very black (on the younger ones) to very light (on the much older ones). They’re all wearing clothes that are dyed a similar purplish colour- Namjoon wonders if they extract the dye from some local plant or sea-creature. They look at Namjoon with some curiosity but that’s it. Some of the smaller younglings wave at him.

Namjoon waves back though it’s a little delayed.

The village is neatly organized, with proper stone houses, and what was clearly a village square, with wells and water spouts. There are more Beings there- locals of the village gathered to collect water or beat their laundry against pumice like slabs set up on the floors.

The villagers are used to the GI, Namjoon realizes.

‘Hey! You guys back? Today’s dinner is at the Dskas’s house! We caught a good load of juru, it’s gonna be a good stew!’

‘Thank you, we will enjoy the juru.’ He hears one of the GI respond, a second late. A few give some slow thumb’s up, and the villager returns it with a wide laughing smile.

Was this where they got their precooked meals from, the ones they had refered to earlier on the ship? Namjoon twists and turns his head about, looking around this village. It’s a nice community- not much of any technology could be seen though there are clear wires that network sparsely around the place, mainly concentrating towards the center of the village where the open square was.

Namjoon hasn’t seen it, but he guesses there was some sort of hydro-based electricity mill somewhere towards the base of the hills, or possibly even redirected ocean water.

He follows the GI towards a stone hut no different from the others.

They all enter the stone hut, steps lowering to a slightly lower level. For a brief moment Namjoon is concerned about the architecture, if they were this close to the shoreline, would having houses under the shore-level prove dangerous if they had high tides? But judging by how old the stone houses looked, Namjoon guesses he’s not one to teach the natives of a land how to build their houses.

The wind picks up- gentle and soothing. It was warm- Namjoon wonders if they were in the summer-cycle for Lowet, or maybe even autumn judging by the plants.

Someone from the closest stone hut yells loudly- calling for someone from a window. They get a response in the form of a question- they’re not speaking Standard, so Namjoon doesn’t know what they’re saying. Someone walks past with a woven water-tight basket, hoisted over their shoulders on a long pole. One of the elderly is taking a slow walk, a walking stick in hand.

Talking voices approach him and Namjoon looks around- eyes widening as a few older younglings, carrying empty woven baskets, dressed in that similar purple hued clothing, are chatting amongst themselves, clearly making some jokes. There are 3 of the natives, and a Being who is clearly from Man’ibv, their skin bearing striking similarities to the Vitka’v, the flowers that bloomed only on their moon, and the flower that was their namesake in the Pompen Arena. And the other- the other is a Khol’isa.

Her hair is long, silvery pink strands tied away twisting in an experimental style around her horns. It’s clearly not secure, judging by how her hair falls around randomly in weird chunks. She appeared young- not the way K’mara or Sk’jin looked “young”- but genuinely like a youngling not much younger than Jungkook.

They don’t take much notice of Namjoon, merrily walking and talking, baskets swinging.

Of course.

This made sense. It made sense.

Jungkook had a whole family, siblings and a mother who were like him. There was a whole abandoned Yisheng ship in Ynqaba- and with what they knew from their research, clearly many of the eggs were left here in Lowet too.

But how and why were the GI here? Clearly living so casually in this village, where the villagers regarded them with complete normalcy. How did this come about? Were none of the GI in Šerdesas?

Hesitant for a moment, Namjoon begins to walk.

He’s not sure where he’s going, but he just…-he just needed to see. To just really take in everything for himself.

The cobbled paths around the village are clean and kept well. The houses neat, and well maintained. The local villagers sometimes walk past, and they don’t really seem too surprised to see Namjoon and his absolutely wretched appearance of one arm, exposed eye socket. Though a few younglings stare at his eye with some form of awe that makes Namjoon uncomfortable and he hastens his steps.

He comes towards the edge of the village, close to the edge beyond which reed-like plants grew. Namjoon doesn’t recognize the species of plant but it appeared as though some form of grain grew on them. The grain still appeared green, not ready for harvest just yet. And further past the fields is a large cleared area, and standing in it are a small group of the GI, and a few of the locals in the back.

Namjoon steps through the field, the long narrow leaves prick through his clothes. Not sure why, he approaches the group. Once he reaches the edge, he stops there, looking around. The clearing was not empty as Namjoon had thought, but riddled at random with small mounds here and there.

This was a burial site.

The sun was close to setting, casting long shadows of the GI, the villagers, and the fresh mounds just recently dug up.

Namjoon watches as the GI lower the last of the body bags he had seen before in the Hangar.

They raise their hands to the air, and then lower their closed fists to their chest, releasing it close and safe.

A Yisheng burial.

The locals seemed to have gathered to attend the funeral as well. They do the same, before bowing respectfully in their own cultural manner. They help the GI fill the grave, creating a domed mound on top.

A few of the villagers in the back carry with them some sort of plant in bunches. They’re greyish blue in colour, with faint white dots that were probably some bud, and place them over the mounds after the mounds are complete.

Namjoon looks around at the clearing.

He counts over 50 before it becomes nearly impossible. A few had those plants laid over the mounds, just a little dry, as though it hadn’t been too long since they were placed there.

Namjoon walks back, taking the same path to go back to the stone hut the GI had vanished into. The sun had set now, the pale sky above a gentle watery-blue, darkening slowly. The stone houses are faintly lit, and as Namjoon expected, a soft halo of light coming from the center of the village. Some of the houses have a gentle smoke rising from the side of their roofs and openings.

The stone huts are well designed in the inside- smooth clay lined the tunnel like halls and rooms and alcoves, textured with smooth dark pebbles on the walls and larger slabs on the floors. During the day, the place would be well lit, with many small openings everywhere, allowing light to stream through from above. But now instead there are lamps placed inside strategic cubby holes all along the walls, illuminating his path.

It’s bigger than he expected. The initial entranceway simply led deeper underground, expanding into quite a network of hallways and doorways. Namjoon doesn’t spot any of the GI. Instead he follows his nose, sniffing the air and following the smell of something being cooked, the faint smell of smoke from a fire.

Inside, Namjoon guesses is one of the GI though he’s not in uniform. He’s very tall, large built that’s almost too much for this kitchen space. If Namjoon’s not mistaken, he’s the same species as Yyna, the GI Jimin had recognized, making him a native from Megibīya.

There are used dishes in a low stone sink to the side, the table has been set out for 2. More of that drink Namjoon had been served from the ship is there as well. The kitchen is well lit with lamps, embedded into the stone work.

‘Thought you got lost.’

The small scream Namjoon lets out is not one he’s proud of and he’s extremely grateful that no one (namely Sk’jin) was there to hear it. If he had a normal functioning heart, it would be pounding.

Because the Megibīyan turns a little to address him directly, his tone incredibly…normal? Not at all GI-like or awkward.

‘Almost sent out a search part for you.’

‘Uh-‘ Namjoon wheezes.

Great. 3 days with the GI and he too was now reduced to a socially awkward mess.

‘Come, let’s dine,’ the Megibīyan says, gesturing to the table and chair, clearly set out for the two of them.

‘Oh-‘ Namjoon recognizes his voice now that he’s gotten over the shock. ‘I spoke to you.’

‘You did,’ he replies, back still turned. He was doing something over at the low counter, but Namjoon can’t quite see what it is. ‘And I said I would explain everything once you got here.’

And just like that- every single emotion he was feeling, previously overwhelmed by the sheer oddness of living with the GI for 3 straight days, bursts out.

‘What the were you thinking, sending the GI out like that, nearly killing us all?!’ Namjoon seethes, stepping closer, ‘Yoongi- Yoongi nearly died- I’m not even sure if any of them are all right- I don’t know if they’ve been taken by Amme, and whether or not I will see them again! Sk’jin was unwell- we were just getting him some form of help- and you- those GI; what were you even trying to do-?’

‘-Captain Namjoon, I will answer all your questions if you will allow me to explain everything to you, from the beginning,’ the Megibīyan says, finally turning around, and in his hands mugs of some sort of drink. He hands him one of the mugs. ‘Please sit.’

Namjoon neither takes the mug nor does he sit.

‘I would have come myself, had it not been for my health – maybe all of this would have been avoided and I would be able to explain everything to Jimin himself.’

Namjoon has no issue standing still for ages so he’s not budging. The Megibīyan simply shrugs and with heavy movements, goes to sit down. Though he places Namjoon’s mug down on the table first, before settling on the opposite side.

‘My name is Prat’tna, I am the Megibīyan Wenedi, member of the Great Council under the Yemenifesi Ch’inik’eti and the Yelibi Inati of Menigišiti.’ He states, ‘I was with Jimin when everything fell apart.’

‘You- you were there, after receiving that message from Ndica?’ Namjoon frowns.

‘I was there for everything- from the beginning, even if there were things Jimin did not know- that were hidden from him.’

‘What do you mean?’ Namjoon frowns, turning properly to face Prat’tna better. ‘Things that were hidden from him? I thought he was like- I dunno, the leader of Menigišiti or something, alongside his sister?’

‘Jimin and Tsirin were not leaders- neither were those before them,’ Prat’tna states, ‘They are born, as the Fate, and as the Heart- this is what Jimin told you, yes?’

Namjoon nods and adds, ‘The Great Council is supposed to be basically, representatives of the 11 planets in Menigišiti right? Kinda like ambassadors or something.’

‘That is not quite correct,’ the Megibīyan says carefully, ‘Each planet had their own representative ambassadors of course- and each of them would report to the Great Council of course, but Menigišiti did not operate as one unified System, banded together under a belief of the Great Council- the ranks of the Fate and Heart had no operation or function for politics, religion, or economy.’

‘Yeah- Jimin said so- but what do they do if not that? I don’t understand,’ Namjoon frowns.

‘This was how it was,’ Prat’tna says patiently, ‘I have been the Wenedi for many many sols- too old. Seen too much, heard too much- understood too much. When Ndica first approached Menigišiti, I was there. The Wenedi who served before Yyna was also there. This was much before Tsirin or Jimin were born. We turned them away of course- Menigišiti spoke as one, and refused to join with the GLA.’

That much Namjoon knew of course.

‘But change comes, whether or not you like it, whether or not you want it- I’m sure, that the son of Kutsoglera, would surely understand this.’

Namjoon sits down.

‘At first it was nothing. Sometimes I would hear word from the Wenedi, their questioning of the position of the Great Council- this was not unusual- most of Menigišiti knew not who were in the Council-‘

‘What? Wait- what do you mean?’ Namjoon interrupts, ‘How can they not know their own ambassadors?’   

‘As I said- we held no position of politics, religion, or economics.’ Prat’tna says patiently, ‘We brought forth news, information, dealings, from our home planets before the Great Council, with no bias or prejudice.’

‘-wait-‘ Namjoon holds up his hand, ‘-I was thinking about this before, and with Jimin claiming he did not, per se, lead the System with his sister- but,’ Namjoon squints at the Megibīyan, ‘-were you basically like informants, from your own planets, bringing them information?’

‘That would be more accurate, yes,’ Prat’tna says in a low rumbling voice.

‘Then- then what did Tsirin and Jimin do with this information? Surely they had power over-‘

‘-they had power yes,’ Prat’tna nods slowly, ‘And they spoke the truth.’

It clicks.

‘They were like- they were like lie detectors- or like, some sort of method of making sure each planet- each state, country, union, within the System, operated truthfully.’

Prat’tna nods.

‘That’s why Jimin always said he could not lie- that…that he could tell, when he was being lied to.’

Prat’tna nods again, ‘The same goes for Tsirin.’

‘They’re essentially the same then- what’s the difference between the Heart and the Fate then?’

‘Tsirin and Jimin listened in on every decision, every announcement, every development- anything that could effect the System possibly – and they would know when falsehoods were presented- when leaders and those who held power, would attempt something, would plan a method- and they would tell if it came from a truthful and purposeful place, meant to only aid, improve, or develop.’ Prat’tna explains, ‘Tsirin listened, as the Mother, the Heart- she understood every dealing, with the care, gentleness, and love, as a heart would. Jimin listened, as the future- as someone who saw what would happen, as someone who could understand the possibilities, the risks, the fate of what would come to be.’

‘But…but they made no decisions?’

‘No- they simply spoke the truth, and it was decided upon by the people, to choose their truths, their fates,’ Prat’tna explains.

‘That’s a lot of power.’

‘It was. It elicited a fair number of fanatic indulgences-‘

Namjoon snorts, rolling his eyes. This probably elicited something worse than what the Yishengs inspired.

‘-but it was always immediately quelled down by the Heart and the Fate- because they reminded them of what would happen if they were to tread down that path.’

‘What would happen?’

Prat’tna smiles, ‘You see it everywhere Captain Namjoon- do people not change, based on what they choose to worship, what they believe will bring them the most?’

Namjoon nods slowly in response.

‘Well- that’s how it’s always been, in Menigišiti at least,’ Prat’tna sighs out, ‘I’ve not exactly been around for too long to really understand the Known Universe, as you describe it.’

‘How long have you been around?’ Namjoon bites.

‘Just over 3 sols.’

‘How?’

‘In my case, I was woken up by another me,’ Prat’tna explains, ‘Who had been awake for about a sol before me. Probably the same time Yoongi started waking up.’

‘Uh- what about the other you?’ Namjoon asks hesitantly.

‘He died. He’s buried in that field you found earlier.’

‘Uh-‘ Namjoon doesn’t know where to start.

Prat’tna seems to notice and he gives him an amused grin- slightly terrifying in this low light because Megibīyans did not appear to be the most gentle of species; at least visually speaking.

‘Will the others wake up? The same way you did? The same way Yoongi did?’

‘Not always no- not all GI will regain who they once used to be.’

‘Why?’

‘There is no radical difference between what the GI are, and what the Red Evil created- like myself, like Yoongi, like so many of us here. The only thing that separates us really, is how long we were exposed to be tied to Jimin’s fate.’

‘I don’t understand that,’ Namjoon says bluntly, ‘Jimin had said something like that-‘

‘-he said we were all tied to him right? That we were all coming back to him? He’s not wrong- when the Red Evil took Jimin, he essentially died-‘

‘-but he doesn’t have that mark down his back-‘

‘-he was not remade- or cloned, duplicated, the way we were no- that would never work. Jimin was forced out of Menigišiti, his birthplace, where who he is, and everything he is, is fated to belong there- all lives living in Menigišiti, attached to his fate.’

‘So does that mean- does that mean after Jimin woke up, more of the GI also woke up?’

‘No- not the GI, the ones you call eggs- the ones the Omhlophe are after- they started waking up with rapid speed and frequency,’ Prat’tna explains. ‘Why do you think your mission was so randomly thrown together after 4 sols had passed since the Gaia Case?’

Namjoon shrugs.

‘Because Jimin was starting to wake up- starting to be responsive. And as a result, all of the eggs they had taken out of the Red Evil’s ship, started reacting to him too; so they didn’t want-‘

‘-they didn’t want all of those unknown clones, copies- those “unnaturally” created living Beings whose creation and life-force no one could predict; they didn’t want those waking up in Šerdesas. So they sent Jimin away.’ Namjoon completes, ‘- so it’s true, that the Omhlophe can sense Jimin? That all of you can sense him?’

‘Maybe not so acutely- how would they say it here hm? Gut instinct?’ Prat’tna rubs his jaw, his hands trembling just slightly. ‘I’ll explain this to you chronologically, and maybe you will see the whole picture that way.’

Namjoon leans forward and nods, paying full attention.

‘Before Tsirin and Jimin were born, there had been a sudden rise- sudden, but gradual at the same time, of citizens who questioned and doubted the purpose of the Heart and the Fate,’ Prat’tna explains. ‘This was of course not unusual- you will always have this sort of reaction, it cannot, and should not, be quelled down.’

‘Should not?’

Prat’tna shakes his head, ‘Accountability comes in all forms, Captain Namjoon, and sometimes outlandish accusations and doubts can allow for self-reflection.’

Namjoon raises his eyebrows at that.

‘But this was different- because while most of these accusations normally came from politicians, religious leaders, economists and other forms of leaders, there was a sudden rise in change amongst the citizens. In a way, Megibīya was not effected by such commentary- we were also somehow too far,’ Prat’tna says slowly, ‘However, many of the planets, saw a spike in what we later referred to as the ‘Anti-Fate Movement’- where citizens did not wish to consult with the Great Council, and often sometimes voted against what they would say. This died down- they always did, and we never thought much of it afterwards- during this time, my previous partner, the Wenedi who served with me, had died. To replace him, Yyna was appointed. And some years later, Tsirin, and then Jimin, were born.

They were loved- adored, really- but a lot of this had to do with how the Great Council, the Wenedi, represented them to the rest of Menigišiti.’

‘You had to do some PR stuff then,’ Namjoon ruminates, ‘Change the way the citizens would see the Great Council.’

‘We did – this also was not a new tactic. Jimin was raised to follow this example- as was his sister; they were both trained to behave how we wanted the public to perceive them.’

‘And you’re saying you- and the other Wenedi- you brought them all of the information, the data, the news from all around the System,’ Namjoon scoffs, ‘You were just using them for your own gain.’

‘You’re right,’ Prat’tna sighs, ‘This was not how we saw it-‘

Namjoon lets out a dry laugh, ‘Sure it wasn’t. Seems like no where in the Universe is safe from greed and lust for power I guess.’

‘-and I was one of the problems- contributing to a lifestyle we thought- we believed was the right one because that was what we were lead to believe- by those who came before us, and before them, and much before any of that,’ Prat’tna stops for a moment to cough. His coughs are deep and dry, hollow sounding.

‘Are you all right?’ Namjoon asks hesitantly after Prat’tna’s coughing fit goes on for over a minute.

‘Of course not- I’m dying. Just like Yoongi, just like the Prat’tna who woke up before me. Just like every other who were Awoken.’ Prat’tna rolls his dirty yellow eyes as though Namjoon was being thick on purpose. ‘Tsirin and Jimin were part of the Great Council when things were starting to even out- some of the planets had gone through some internal changes regarding how they ran their policies, agendas; again, this was all normal. And then 7 sols after Jimin’s birth, we were attacked.’

‘But- you’re supposed to be invisible.’

Prat’tna nods, ‘Tsirin was only 8 at the time, and Jimin 7- they were both so young, the Great Council went ahead to check on the attack.’

‘Was this in Megibīya?’

‘No- in Akramana,’ Prat’tna shakes his head, ‘Something hideous- something deadly. Something that saw us. We immediately suspected foul-play. That Ndica, and his Panel, had to do with it. And it’s likely in a sense, that he was definitely involved in some way. Though not how he would have wanted. And it was the same evil that destroyed Megibīya, nearly 120 sols later.’

‘So- so they found you first. You had no dealings with them.’

‘None- and because of this, of course, with pressure from the rest of the System, approval to reach out to the Panel was sent out, only half-understood by Tsirin and Jimin at their age. We met the Panel in Akramana. They had heard of the force we had described to them. But had never witnessed it- they promised to keep watch – and to track them.

Ndica is good with words…he managed to bring the Panel and the Great Council into agreement to meet every decade. I voted against this- but I was ruled out. They returned as promised, bearing snippets of news, sightings- Tsirin and Jimin did not meet with the Panel until some 50 sols later-‘

‘-what? Why?’ Namjoon demands.

‘We did not want to reveal our Heart or Fate to anyone beyond our System,’ Prat’tna says carefully- ‘We were also kept so safe- so secured, united within our System. I was just barely able to keep this suggestion- only just able to tilt the votes to my side; to simply have these discussions, and then later repeat what was discussed to Tsirin and Jimin.’

‘I’m guessing neither Jimin, and his sister, were pleased with this.’

‘Of course not.’ Prat’tna laughs though it’s more of a cough. ‘They studied the Panel for sols and sols until the next gathering. Jimin had agreed to stay back, under the request of his sister who understood my fears. So Jimin remained hidden for much longer- listening in on everything while Tsirin took over. At first I assumed all was well- maybe I was genuinely just paranoid. But then- the talks started, it started back up again- questions of the Great Council- of Jimin, of Tsirin – the citizens of Menigišiti were fearful; especially after that attack, but were also questioning why we would not leave. Why we could not.’

‘Why did you remain in hiding?’

‘We just always did- for as long as the Great Council existed- for as long as Menigišiti was alive, breathing, her children would remain hidden. That was always how it was- and that was why the Fate and the Heart existed – to keep it that way- a reminder that this was, and will always be, the only way we would survive.’ Prat’tna explains, leaning back and taking a rattling shallow breath.

‘We, the Wenedi, did what we could to find the source of this talk, of this strange unsettling rising wave of sudden bursts of aggression, violence- Tsirin was almost killed once, an assassin sent for her.’

‘What happened?’

‘She forgave him, spoke to him, and became her loyal advisor,’ Prat’tna smiles, breathing out, ‘We did a lot to…to inhibit them, in ways that went against everything they stood for. But so far it is safe to say, that they came out all right.’

Namjoon only allows the silence to stretch for a few seconds before he clears his throat.

‘The day we were alerted, I was returning back from the eastern regions, investigating some silent protest- it was a dead end, I discovered nothing and could report nothing-‘

‘-did Jimin and his sister know?’

‘They did- of course they did. But from what they studied in their childhood, in the annals of our history, the writings and records and archives of their predecessors, they understood what was happening as simply a part of a cycle.’ Prat’tna replies immediately, sounding aggravated, ‘Of course they were upset- they wanted happiness, unity- things we taught them to value above all.’

The Megibīyan stops himself, breathing out through his nose slowly before continuing, ‘That day- Jimin volunteered over his sister to go to Megibīya- his sister had more experience dealing with the Panel in Akramana, and Jimin had long been fond of our home planet- he felt it his personal duty to come; and as a whole, they knew that if needed, Jimin was better for an offensive approach over Tsirin’s.

He chose to take his personal guards, the Megibīyan Wenedi, the Be’iji Wenedi, as well as a small team to fly, operate, and manage the ship we would be taking with us. Our plan was to approach Megibīya from the secondary gates- surrounding Menigišiti are gateways, openings controlled and maintained by cells designed to stabilize the natural resonance surrounding Menigišiti. We realized, that the outer cells past Megibīya were tampered with. None of us said it out loud- but the cells designed to keep the resonance stable was only known to a few – taught only to a few. This tampering meant someone was working from within. Yyna suggested that we repair what we could, and if the worst comes, they would be destroyed; destroying them means shutting off any entryway, any possible entrance into Menigišiti. Jimin and his Guards devised a plan that we would divide our units- the ones who stay by the cells at standby, ready to destroy the cells and close off any possible entryway while we went into Megibīya to scout. However, we saw that there was clearly no point the closer we got. Jimin ordered the cells to be destroyed, and shut off every possible gateway into Menigišiti- at least from the outside.

Megibīya was ruined- and it appeared to have been so, for much longer than what we could have possibly imagined. I couldn’t understand why or how we had not known- when we crashed…Yyna told me that we had to speak with Jimin- to tell him of what was possibly happening.’

‘What did she think was happening?’

‘That someone from Menigišiti, was attempting to expose us all, by using Ndica and his desire to exploit us.’

‘So you knew- you knew what he wanted to do.’

‘Not to the extent of what we know now,’ Prat’tna shakes his head. ‘But I -…I never trusted him. Never trusted any of them in the Panel- the GIU Trifecta K’mara, or the younger Yishengs who were with him- was it some taught-instinct in me to regard outsiders as a threat clouding my judgment, or had I just known- because what they were doing, I realized, was what we- the Wenedi, were doing as well.’

‘Like looking in a mirror, no doubt,’ Namjoon comments wryly though his mind is whirling.

‘We crashed- into the Maw, and it took us nearly 3 weeks to reach the Crescent; everything had changed. The air, the sky, the soil- everything was changed and it did not feel like my home. Almost everyday we lost someone- and then we saw them- the Red Evil.

And they stalked us- like a predator would its prey they hunted us, one by one. They took me the same time as 3 others- but they converged mostly on Jimin- and I have never seen him react like that- I have never seen him that angry, or that afraid. He Spoke to them- he used to voice of command, and of power, but it had no effect on them- and I was taken.

My first memory, if you can call it that, was to a small dark room, and a mission in mind. These memories, I realized later, were just recollections of actions I witnessed because I was the creator of those actions- however, what I did, where I went, what was asked of me; all of this only started to establish themselves upon me as actions taken by my hand, after I met myself.’

‘The you that woke before that?’

‘I was given an Android chip, it was attached to my Helmet, and since then, I started awakening. Slowly- but helped and aided by myself- by our shared memories, visions, and what the previous me, and before that, and so much many more before that, discovered and realized.’

‘Yoongi awoke because of that too,’ Namjoon frowns, ‘Who did that? Introducing the Android core?’

‘It was from Tlun’hla- is what I came to understand. Whoever administered the core to Yoongi knew what they were doing- though Yoongi…-his awakening wasn’t planned. After Tlun’hla discovered that some of us were able to relive our lives, they stopped more attempts.’

‘Why?’

‘Because it meant that they failed,’ Prat’tna grimaces at Namjoon as though he was being purposefully obtuse. ‘Their goal was to recreate the whole of Life, bound and tied to one motion of living-‘

‘-yes I know what the Yishengs wanted to do,’ Namjoon quickly cuts in.

‘This then became a method of ruling us out- in Axudar they call us the Regurgitated.’

Namjoon can’t help but make a face.

‘It’s fitting,’ Prat’tna gives him a lopsided smile, ‘It’s because for us, for the Prat’tna before me, for Yoongi, for every single one of us who was captured there in Megibīya, for the many others who were created by Ndica and Tlun’hla; we are the defects.’

‘How are you defected? What makes you defected?’

‘Ultimately what the Red Evil wanted to create, and what the Yishengs wanted to create was the same thing- a whole Universe of Beings living and controlled to a standard of what they thought meant living a real, full life, no sorrow, no loss, no war, no death- just existence.’ Prat’tna leans back slowly, grunting a little, ‘Both the Red Evil and the Yishengs recreated us, stripped us from who we used to be, remodeled us, almost the same way- it’s why we have that mark down our backs. And the longer we were created, the longer we stayed in their ships, the more we were stripped and reborn.’

‘But the ones in Megibīya- you were not there for long correct?’ Namjoon thinks hard.

‘We were not,’ Prat’tna shakes his head. ‘But after some time, you are lost- just simply gone; into an endless white realm, and then it sinks- it sinks to nothingness.’

Namjoon is aware of multiple religions and beliefs and cultures and their respective beliefs on what came after death. Yet somehow, fear of the unknown, an entry into nothingness, signifying that nothing remained after everything in Life, was regarded with fear, and denied because non-existence seemed to bring the most fear in all Beings.

Yet Prat’tna seems to speak of this nothingness with reverence.

‘And what about those that stayed long in those ships? How would they know?’

‘The Red Evil seemed to be able to time them in their own fashion- their own technology. The tanks they were held in would open at the right time. But with the Yishengs,’ Prat’tna scratches at the side of his jaw, ‘Let’s say there was a lot of trial and error until Ndica and his Yishengs found us in Megibīya.’

‘Woah-‘ Namjoon holds up his hand, ‘Ndica found you? In Megibīya? How?’

‘Obviously the emergency meeting set up in Akramana was simply a trick- what they wanted, who they wanted, was in Megibīya.’

‘They wanted Jimin- so that they could…tie his Fate, to the uh, eggs they created?’

Prat’tna nods, his lips pulling to a grimace, ‘But the Red Evil were there before they could get there- were long in Megibīya before they got there. It was not planned of course- the Red Evil left, what they needed was with them. However, many of what they created, they left behind; almost as a distraction. And then Amme saved us-‘

Namjoon is reeling, unable to speak at this information given to him.

‘-she saved many of us from a terrible fate Ndica and Tlun’hla had for us. She hid us under the Yisheng Headquarters with the rest of the GI- and yes,’ Prat’tna nods at him, ‘Amme worked for Ndica and Tlun’hla for quite a while. She was once Ndica’s apprentice. However, she…she had a change of heart- or mind, something,’ Prat’tna snorts again, ‘And Ndica banished her. I was sent to kill her. Well, one of me was sent to kill her.’

‘That’s-…that’s how you know. She awoke you- using the techniques she heard of from Ndica and Tlun’hla- using the Android chip,’ Namjoon says breathlessly.

Prat’tna nods, ‘I stayed in exile with her for many sols, I would return, sneak us out one by one- slowly- of course, not all of us could survive the harsh implant of the core. I died more than once- as did Yyna- even Yoongi. The one with you- he’s the only one in his copy that’s come this far, and that’s after Amme had said she would try to expose him to Jimin; of course this is after the Gaia Case. Since then, we never saw her again. I’ve never personally met her,’ Prat’tna gestures to himself, ‘What I know is simply memory.’

‘She always knew- she knew everything.’ Namjoon hisses out, ‘-wait, does this mean Hoseok knew about this-‘

‘The Ngfy’widan knows nothing- but he used his intuition and called for Amme- a good and wise choice. They will be safe for the meanwhile.’

‘Then why hasn’t Amme-‘

‘-because, the Special Jury is not just Amme, who is utterly compromised in her title and role as a result of her fellow Yisheng- her word has no weight. It would only serve to ruin the chances for everyone’s survival.’

‘Everyone- as in…’

‘As in yours, your team, all of the remaining GI, the eggs, the Artoo’ii, the New Borns, the Regurgitated- so many names for us.’ Prat’tna lists off the names, ‘Amme wants to save us, to take us somewhere, where the GLA Court cannot touch us, where we can live, without fear, without worry-‘

‘The Special Jury wanted us to find a way, using Jimin, to open Menigišiti, so that we could take all of…all of you, and…basically contain all of you.’ Namjoon frowns, his mind reeling, ‘Is this because the GLA Court believe that you pose a threat?’

‘The GI are not helping us with our image control.’

‘No .’

Prat’tna throws his head back laughing.

‘I saw a Khol’isa out there- and another, I mean- not to mention Jungkook, who lived and was raised in, well, an environment as normal as possible considering Ynqaba- there’s so many of you just out there. Surely there’s no way the GLA Court could hope to round them all up, or in the worst case scenario, have them all killed-‘

‘Then what do you think the Omhlophe are here for?’

‘What did you say?’

‘The Omhlophe- lost children of the Red Evil, used by the GLA Court to track down all of the lost eggs, and destroy them,’ Prat’tna looks at him like he’s being dumb again, ‘Why do you think they’re wandering about so freely?’

‘But- that doesn’t make sense the Omhlophe worked for the Red Evil, were created by them-‘

‘The Omhlophe aren’t much different from the GI- created by the Red Evil to do their bidding- but they have more…more of themselves- in a strange sense, they’re almost childish, wild- with no sense of morality. Just doing what they were told-‘ Prat’tna stops, sighing quietly. ‘So when the Red Evil were destroyed, they were suddenly found.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘And the GLA, made a collective decision, with the help of the Yisheng who were more than willing to comply, now that they had such a reputation to rebuild within the GLA, to calm the Omhlophe enough, to…come to a bargain.’

‘What bargain.’

‘That the Omhlophe would find the lost or hidden eggs- even the ones that the Yishengs lost and hid in countless planets and systems, and then destroy them,’ Prat’tna explains, ‘And in return, they would be allowed to be lost again.’

‘How do you know this?’

‘I kidnapped an Omhlophe?’ Prat’tna shrugs, ‘The response I got was not a verbal one- so I-‘ Prat’tna gestures with his hand.

‘What’s-…what’s that I don’t get it-‘

Prat’tna grunts with annoyance, ‘You know- that thing,’ he puts a hand over his head and then on Namjoon’s. To Namjoon’s absolute disquiet, Prat’tna’s hand could completely wrap over his head.

And okay, like this, Namjoon can guess enough.

‘Wait- I thought this was- this was just a thing Jimin and Yoongi could do-‘

But images from the ship, where Jimin’s mind shared with his own, flashes back in his memory.

‘-so that’s how I was able to understand much of what the Omhlophe were trying to do.’ Prat’tna continues to explain. ‘The Omhlophe also used other Beings- to retrieve their eggs from certain places-‘

‘Like in Ynqaba- we met, we met a pirate of sorts-‘

‘-they’re not pirates- the ones they hired in Ynqaba, and here in Lowet- they’re not pirates. Just unfortunate Beings, too poor, too desperate- the Omhlophe would promise medicine, cures, help. In exchange for the eggs.’

‘Here in Lowet too?’

‘Not for a while though.’

‘You’re protecting Lowet.’

‘We’re doing what we can- all around the Known Universe but we’re…there’s not a lot of us, as you can tell. And the past sol or so- we’ve started feeling…skittish I guess.’

‘Because of Jimin.’

Prat’tna nods.

‘Because…’

‘They’ve all come back to me.’

‘Because we are now found,’ Prat’tna smiles, relief in his tired and sickly features.

‘Where else- where else have you found the eggs?’ Namjoon asks carefully, hoping his face is a mask of neutrality. But he evidently fails.

‘When you escaped Ynqaba, the Omhlophe ship that had come after you was taken down by us. We were able to convince the Ynaqabans to fight them as well- the battle you had come across between us was because Ynqaba believed we were robbing them. We were able to convince them that it was the Omhlophe.’ Prat’tna informs him, ‘When we entered the ships we were able to retrieve the Eggs, and,’ Prat’tna gives him a small smile (or big, Namjoon can’t really tell with Megibīyan features) and says, ‘We found several Eggs from Kutsoglera.’

Namjoon’s can’t find it in himself to speak just yet.

‘They’re safe. Asleep. For a few more sols.’ Prat’tna tells him reassuringly. ‘You can go see them if you want. They’re safely hidden in the shoreline.’

Clearing his throat, more out of an act of normal social decorum than anything else, Namjoon continues, ‘You, as in the GI, you’ve been to Ynqaba?’

‘We have – to trade and deal for the Eggs from the Collectors there.’

‘That’s how they recognized the uniform,’ Namjoon says quietly to himself before asking, ‘How many of the GI are here? Or well, under your control?’

‘None of them are under my control- I simply guide,’ Prat’tna explains, ‘I think you’ll know this from experience but the GI are very chaotic despite looking so dormant.’

Namjoon rolls his eyes hard.

‘And in the past sol, they’ve become much more…reckless, much more…well, desperate I guess.’

‘To be found?’

Prat’tna nods, ‘What happened in Grisial- I cannot explain it- I cannot begin to explain to you, how the GI, who are not Regurgitated, but who are not like the Artoo’ii either- how they even begin to think. I can assure you that it was not intended for any of them to hurt you, or to bring harm to anyone-‘

‘-Jimin was literally stabbed-‘

‘I’m aware,’ Prat’tna says through gritted teeth, ‘But your Artoo’ii took care of many of us so-‘

‘Um what-‘

Prat’tna stares at him, same expression that Namjoon was now getting used to.

‘The Pravasi H’manun youngling took down 6 of the GI sent to retrieve all of you to safety.’

‘Excuse me he was clearly defending himself and the-‘

‘-he strategically took down 6 of the GI, and Dehin, the Being you were clearly so worried about you kept visiting him in the past 3 days, barely survived the attack,’ Prat’tna snaps back. ‘He was also the first one to attack-‘

‘As his Captain I am very pleased that he was able to do so,’ Namjoon practically snarls back, ‘Clearly whatever approach you were attempting was an incredibly stupid one- of course our reaction was expected and you know what? It was justified!’

Prat’tna is panting a little, shaking his head at someone behind Namjoon. Living 3 straight days with no one but the GI has some what desensitized Namjoon so he’s not shocked to find 2 dark uniform, helmet-wearing GI right behind him.

‘Did you suffer losses? Yes you did- and I am sorry that it happened, but that doesn’t mean what we did was wrong,’ Namjoon huffs out, ‘You could have talked to us- what even was your plan? To send in GI dressed as maintenance workers and Grisial Crew, and then-‘

‘-the plan,’ Prat’tna glares, ‘Was to send in a few of the GI, and then be close enough to talk- we had already noticed the Omhlophe fast approaching, and I was preoccupied getting ready to deal with them, but they tricked us, coming to approach you head-on instead of where we were lead to believe-‘

‘-sure, and then what about Yoongi? That other Yoongi tried to literally kill him-‘

‘-he was GI,’ Prat’tna snaps, ‘The GI have their mission in mind- which was to bring back Jimin safely, and that mission’s success was thwarted by many threats and for the GI, for their logic, they believed that Yoongi was the biggest threat!’

‘And stabbing Jimin-‘

‘-was a mistake! Not for Yoongi of course not- he was probably attempting to defuse-‘

Namjoon laughs but there’s no humor in his tone.

‘-you’re not saying you’ve never seen Yoongi- the one with you, do some extraordinarily ridiculous thing, or execute some action in a way that doesn’t make sense to you?’

Namjoon can’t cross his arms so he just makes a fist with one hand over his thigh. Yes- the GI were not known to do things in the most traditional or orthodox manner. Like how Yoongi had stripped down, nearly shot Sk’jin in the head, dismembered Hoseok, and deactivated the Užkulisai, just to tell them they were being spied on.

Namjoon has to be begrudgingly accept it.

‘Fine. But that doesn’t mean you’re allowed to blame me, or my crew, for your losses,’ Namjoon states bluntly.

After Yoongi had “woke up”, it was almost as though he spoke as two different Beings- which makes sense now in a way. Because the previous “Android core” activated GI had some form of awareness, and then the fully “woken up” past-life version slowly regained their consciousness, so to speak. So it added up that this Prat’tna, would argue this with Namjoon.

Clearly, Prat’tna is thinking this too.

‘So yes…’ Prat’tna breathes out before leaning back again, slumping a little, ‘As you can see- the way they think- the way we think- it’s not…acceptable, in many ways.’

Namjoon rolls his eyes again.

‘-which is why, this behavior would make others fear them- want to hunt them.’

Namjoon is still irritated but he nods, gesturing for Prat’tna to continue.

‘So having all of us, return, back to Menigišiti, where we can just remain, safe and found; this is what we want. And this is what, ultimately, the Special Jury want as well.’

‘So that’s it then,’ Namjoon can’t find it in himself to be surprised. It made sense. Of course Amme, and probably K’mara, knew that the Beings created by the Red Evil, and also by the Yishengs themselves, were just living Beings, the same as everyone else. Probably a few in the Jury thought this too- but many probably saw them as some unknown, unhinged, unpredictable threat. Which based off of the behavior clearly reported and observed during the Gaia Case, did not serve their cause.

‘So why haven’t you gone? Surely, you could go back- take back all that you can save right now- you knew that Amme knew about this. Clearly she’s somewhat trustworthy and as a Yisheng she would-‘

‘Captain, please- we’re in this mess because we believed the Yishengs were worthy of trust.’ Prat’tna interrupts. ‘I trust no one- outside of myself, of the GI- I trust Jimin- and his trust in you.’

‘All right- okay so you’re waiting-‘

‘I did go,’ Prat’tna admits. ‘I went to Menigišiti. I visited Megibīya. But I could find no way in. I scoured the whole region- there was no way in.’

‘How do you expect us to get in then? Because of Jimin?’

‘Somewhat, yes,’ Prat’tna nods.

‘What is it like?’ Namjoon asks somewhat hesitantly, this was after all, this Megibīyan’s home planet. ‘Is it empty?’

‘No- some pirates stop there- but not for too long. Megibīya is haunted you see.’

‘Haunted?’

‘You should know.’

Namjoon grits his teeth together. He hated this. You should know.

No one should know. No one should have to know.

‘What do you think happened after you fell?’

‘All of the locations I knew, and with some calculations by myself, Yyna, and many others who Woke up, we tried to find where we would be able to find our cells. We found none- could see none.’ Prat’tna explains. ‘I had thought, initially, that it was possible Tsirin and the Great Council ordered for all of the cells to be destroyed, shutting them all out.’

‘You thought?’

Prat’tna nods slowly, placing his hands over the table surface, a heavy frown etched over his stony-skinned brow.

‘But my theory- our theory...always felt incomplete. Like we were missing something.’

Namjoon waits as patiently as he can for a continuation. But clearly Prat’tna had stopped on purpose, because not a moment later, there is a burst of footsteps, several; small, young, headed towards them.

Several younglings burst through into the kitchen area. One was clearly a native of the village, soft brown hair, large grey eyes, very freckled skin, and a rosy mouth. The youngling is panting, their hands filled with some sort of fruit in bunches. The other youngling, maybe a little older, is definitely not a native. Namjoon can’t place where he’s from exactly- probably some place in the Milky Way. His hair is dark – nearly almost black. His eyes are also dark, the iris area smaller than that of the natives in the area. His skin is only lightly freckled- exposure to the sun as well as the breeze from the ocean nearby. But they’re babbling in the native tongue, pausing to only stare at Namjoon for a second before grinning up at Prat’tna. The Megibīyan chuckles, adjusting himself in his chair to speak with them. His accent is clear, but he nods along. Not too long afterwards, an older villager steps in, pulling in with them some sort of cart. They smile before looking a little surprised at Namjoon’s presence.

They say something- to one of the GI there. A few seconds later, the GI responds in kind. The villager just smiles and says in a little broken Standard, ‘Sorry.’

‘Ah- it’s fine, okay-‘ Namjoon raises his hand in a thumb’s up before addressing the GI, ‘I don’t eat- can you tell them that?’

The GI does translate and the villager nods, not surprised by this information, and hands Prat’tna a tray, saying something with a short laugh.

After a few more minutes, in which Namjoon is given some fruit as well, the villagers and the younglings leave.

‘Precooked food?’ Namjoon looks at the tray filled with a large portion of fish stew and some sort of grain.

Prat’tna just grins before digging in.

‘Guessing that youngling- an egg?’

Prat’tna hums, smiling a little to himself. The GI also take a seat, removing their helmets to eat.

Namjoon waits for them to finish eating. Which was a good thing, Namjoon guesses, he needed the time to process everything.

So in summary, basically, Menigišiti, like every other System in the Known Universe, had their own fair share of issues and problems. Jimin and his sister were some sort of filtering system, established for as long as the whole System existed- and the Great Council served to bring unbiased information from across their System. Clearly, after the Red Evil had attacked, and Ndica had been so closely involved with coming to Menigišiti, more unrest and distrust towards the Great Council rose up.

Was it too much of a stretch to believe Ndica had some hand in this? Even if he did not enter Menigišiti, he would still, as a Yisheng, be able to influence those around him.

He then staged the attack- but no one had expected the Red Evil to arrive, launching an attack on Megibīya. The Red Evil then took over, taking in Jimin and his team who flew out, and overwhelmed them. Not so long after, Ndica, alongside Amme, had discovered them, and Amme took some back to the Yisheng Headquarters and there, hid them. Yoongi was not the first to wake up- there were many before him. But he was most certainly the first Human to do so. Namjoon is pretty sure it’s because of Jimin. Amme discovered the way of waking them up- something she must have picked up from Ndica and Tlun’hla and their experiments by the sound of it. Of course it wasn’t the best method- and clearly not the healthiest either, judging by Prat’tna. And also judging by Yoongi.

And now they just- they just wanted to be able to live, away from the continuing barrage of questions regarding if they could be considered worth being allowed to live.

And with what Van Seulgaan had said- his connection to the Alliance; of course he knew full well. He had called them abominations. He wanted nothing to do with the Eggs; though he certainly saw the profit in them.

It makes Namjoon shiver slightly, at the possibility of what disgusting plans could have existed for the eggs- for those OrTanks extracted from that massive ship.

And the Omhlophe?

They wanted to kill the Eggs? Not hoard and save them as Khonen had expressed to them. Khonen had no cause to lie- of course not. He couldn’t. These were two conflicting accounts- maybe the GLA Court ordered the Omhlophe to have the Eggs destroyed, and maybe the Omhlophe were pretending to obey. If what Prat’tna said was to be trusted- the Omhlophe had no cohesive, no logical manner of thinking. Similar to the GI.

It was also what made them so so dangerous.

So did that mean, that strangely enough, the Special Jury, were in fact, looking out for this entire mission the whole time? But that didn’t really settle well with Namjoon in the slightest. Sk’jin would scoff at him, telling him that he should never trust anything anyone says.

There was also something else bothering Namjoon. Ever since he last left Ynqaba, ever since Sk’jin’s return from his capture in Ynqaba, and since Jungkook arrived.

‘Why were the Yishengs here? I mean at Ynqaba? What was the reason?’ Namjoon asks.

Prat’tna doesn’t stop eating, spitting out a long bone before he asks, ‘Have you ever heard of the First Children?’

(Author’s Notes)

Clearly I miscalculated how many words would be in this chapter so I split it into two, the second chapter will be coming soon in a few days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Social distancing and self isolation I think is incredibly easy for me for a variety of reasons:

1. Introversion
2. Hating to go outside in general
3. Its hot here in bkk and so naturally you just wanna stay where its nice and cool
4. Going out = having to spend money and that’s a big no for me because I am unemployed
5. Growing up in a country where curfews and strikes happened every other day
6. Being??? Lazy???

I just love staying indoors where my clean bathroom is available any time, I have wifi, my laptop, endless movies, no need to wear make up, just in comfy home clothes and I can walk barefoot? Perfection

Hows everyone doing with self-isolation and social distancing???

Also striking how people don’t wash their hands

Being a

Germaphobe™

I always have dry hands from overwashing and disinfecting my hands, phones, laptops- it’s like my time to shine has come

My time to shine where no one can see me because we’re practicing social distancing

Things are not too bad here in bkk, YET

though cases are definitely going up, and people are not buying out toilet paper or panic buying YET

What about everyone else??