“You don’t have to do this! Let me, Pioneer, please!”

Carol grabs Pioneer’s white-suited arm, but it slips from her grasp.

His eyes are covered with sunglasses, as he looks back at her, and judging by how well her persuading was going, his ears might as well have been covered too.

“No, I have to be the one to do it,” his brow creases hard, as he stops and stares at Carol for a few seconds.

Pioneer lets out a heavy sigh and shakes his head. He leans against the corridor wall of the so-called hotel and crosses his arms.

“I need to make it right...”

“I- I know, but… please! Just think about it for a second, are you sure? Shouldn’t we leave this to the Intelligence Officers? Let ISSA handle this?”

Carol waits for his response, but there is none.

“You’ve made up your mind, haven’t you?”

“I have to do it for Frank. And... for myself.”

“Ugh…” Carol shakes her head, which isn't enough to end her supportive smile. “Okay then…” She puts her hand on his shoulder. “Good luck, Dave.”

Pioneer flinches a little, hearing her call him by his real name in a rather public place like this.

“Thank you, Carol.”

She plants herself next to Pioneer, leaning cool-like against the wall similarly to Pioneer’s pose. “I’ll be here, waiting for you.”

Some time ago, before the scheduled return transport of the VIP guests, Pioneer and Carol, with the help of other staff, found and detained Fanny, Bridget, and Stacy.

They were rather easy to find with Frank’s descriptions, even if they didn’t come along willingly.

Now, the three of them were isolated and confined in three different rooms, awaiting interrogation by Pioneer’s executive order.

The man of the hour slowly pries himself off the wall and takes off his sunglasses, revealing unshaken eyes.

He opens the nearby door and gives one final glance to Carol, who watches him intently, with perhaps a hint of pity or sorrow in her look.

He nods and enters the first room, closing the door behind him.

The awaiting blond girl, sits in the barren room, like an office, with just two chairs and a table as her company. Her upper body is sprawled on the table, and she still wears her sparkling blue dress.

As soon as Pioneer closes the door, she jolts up and straightens her posture immediately. She appears a little groggy and reserved but watches Pioneer approach with rapt attention.

“Do you know why we've taken you in, Fanny?” Pioneer asks and pulls up a chair on his side of the table.

The woman, now significantly calmer than when she was arrested, looks at Pioneer and waits for him to be seated before speaking.

“I… I think I have an idea, but we didn’t do anything illegal—really illegal—anyway, so just let me and Bridget go, okay?” She pleads with sincere green eyes.

“That’ll depend on your cooperation, and what kind of information you can divulge. But first, let’s start at what I believe to be the beginning.

What do you know of this individual called: 'Luna'?”

“Luna…?” She taps her chin. “Oh, right, she’s the one who… wait a second, she set us up didn’t she?! Yeah! It’s all her fault!”

“Go on.” Pioneer leans back on his rather uncomfortable and hard wooden chair.

“Well, uh, a few days ago, she contacted me, said that she could make… my, uh… our dreams true…” She taps her chin.

“You see… me and Bridget keep this blog. It, um, details the highlights of our… activities and where we just post our thoughts and things. You know?”

Pioneer nods, but not in a knowing way, rather for her to just continue.

“She must have found our site and contacted us through it. It’s quite obvious when you stop to think about it...”

Fanny’s hand goes behind her head and she brushes her hair, with a coy smile. “There’s no other way she would have said those things otherwise...”

“Said what? And why would Luna contact you over some blog you keep?” Pioneer leans forward, looking at her seriously. His fingers clasp against the brown desk’s unyielding cover.

“Me and… Bridget may have expressed our rather strong desire to… acquaint ourselves with Frank… in an… intimate way.”

She turns red in the face but keeps on explaining:

“Two days before the VIP event here, Luna messaged us, saying that she was touched by our passionate words in our blog, and she could arrange such a private event between us and Frank.”

Fanny pauses but then starts explaining quickly and excitedly:

“She- she told us that she had shown the blog to Frank and that he was intrigued! You know, Frank himself had read our Blog!

I remember how we felt, it was so incredible and embarrassing at the same time! How could we say no!

Luna even told us that Frank would love to meet us and was hoping to be persuaded, seduced away from his sickening desires towards Amethyst.

This revolting and dangerous attraction, ah, it was all so very detailed on how he wanted us to fight against it... It was… so convincing!“

Pioneer swallows hard and adjusts his shirt collar like he is having trouble breathing. “Just… relax, Fanny. Take your time.”

The brief words Pioneer managed to get in between, didn’t seem to register in Fanny’s mind at all.

“Also she said Frank didn’t want to know anything about us and wanted to be surprised.

And that he might play clueless, to save face in public, but once we’d get him separated and alone, we could make him ours…”

Fanny slumps on her chair, ducking her head forward, which causes her long blond hair to hide her face.

“It sounds so stupid and suspicious now that I’ve said it out loud! Talk about too good to be true...”

“Hmm… I see… in a way you were lured into this, not that it excuses your behavior…”

Pioneer shakes his head and sighs, before looking at the hiding Fanny.

“Is there anything else you can tell me?”

Fanny takes an audible deep breath. “Okay. Pioneer. I have a confession to make.”

She puts her hands on the table firmly, lifts herself up, and looks straight at him, her bangs messy.

Pioneer nods shakily, trying to appear confident.

“Me and my sister’s blog… it’s about your show. And only of that! Me and Bridget write out our perspectives and experiences in each of your VIP celebrations there.

You know, we’ve been guests in every single one of your Sapient Species Parties! Though I bet you don’t remember us…”

“Yeah, can’t say I do...”

“Anyway, t-the… w-what we really focus on and talk about is…” She stammers and partially hides her face with her hands.

“We go into… great detail in how we… score, with each new non-human species of your show.”

Then, she again speeds up her explanation, seemingly wanting to get it all out as fast as possible.

“You see, it all started with a dare back when the first season was airing, as we certainly would have never thought to do such a thing otherwise, nuh-uh!

But it was all because of our friends, and Stacy, yeah! They were joking about how hot the male Redlars looked like.

Those red swelling muscles, that chiseled catfish-like head with the gleaming eyes. And those long whiskers that played that wonderful melody.

We joked about how it would play this certain tune when we’d cuddle one, and our session would end with its majestic roar, and the vibrations of that strong body-”

Her explanation gradually slows down to a dreamy stillness.

“W-wait, back up just a bit w-what did you just say about your b-blog and my show?” Pioneer’s form wavers and his hands shake, he grabs a firm hold of the table's edge.

“Please, whatever you do, don’t read it! I- I mean, I’m really sorry, but it’s not illegal, right?

There was consent, I mean, at least I think so, not that we could understand all of their native speech, but anyway!

I just wanted to- its made me so guilty all this time, doing this behind your back. I mean, you’re kind of their father, right?

How you discover them, help them get started in the Galaxy, and teach them all sorts of things? It’s like I’m a disobedient teen doing bad things behind my parent’s back!

But I mean, it’s sooo worth it, you know. You can imagine it, right? Just picture doing it with your, obviously favorite sentient, the Flibma.

Let me tell you, you can’t even imagine the way the slime-”

“Stop!” Pioneer slams a hand to the table and stands up rapidly, but he has to stop to take support from it for his woozy body.

How could this happen…?

I… I…!

Did I create a following… an atmosphere where behavior like this could fester?

By playing along, doing what a good entertainer… ISSA’s lapdog should…?

S-she did say she wouldn’t do this if it wasn’t for the dare… but...

What if, everyone in the chat was being serious about their weird tendencies and cravings…?

This despicable depravity...

Is it my fault, did I cause this in the end?

Did I… cause that… too?

No…

No!

“Is everything alright? I’m sorry for dumping that all on you?” Fanny’s head is tilted, her face mystified like she just didn’t get it.

“Or perhaps I spoke too fast?”

“I-I-”

“Did you catch all that, should I go over it again-?”

“…”

“If you’re confused about why we wanted Frank instead of a Tyrchid, you shouldn’t be! I might be freaky… at times, but that! Those things are so-!”

“Stop. Fanny, please just stop.” Pioneer lifts his hand up and looks at Fanny with despair in his eyes, his lips in a tired frown, exhaustion carved into his face.

“-terribly scary and dangerous…” Fanny trails off with shock on her face, she squirms on her seat and plants her face down into her arms.

“Eheh… I… spoke too much, didn’t I? I’m just so nervous, so… sorry. I just… I just wanted to tell you. I’m sorry about everything.

I didn’t mean to do it to Frank.

Like I said, this Luna person told me he had agreed to it, so I thought he was just playing coy and hard to get. So… please don’t ban me and Bridget from coming to your next event?”

She grins hopeful and flutters her eyelashes at him.

“Why would you tell me all this?! I didn’t need to- I don’t want to know!”

“I-I just, people always say to be open and speak of your problems… And I was feeling really guilty about all this, so when I started talking, I just couldn't stop!

Anyway, don’t we both feel better about it now, so it’s all good, right?”

Fanny continues meek and tilts her head confused at Pioneer’s, who’s not getting on with the program, his face still remaining at part terrified, and morose.

“Umm… Sorry?”

“That’ll be all for now.” Pioneer teeters as he lets go of the table and holds his head as he turns around.

“Okay, but… think about it, alright? I’ll behave, I promise! And please don’t keep me waiting too long, it’s so boring in here!”

Pioneer exits the room and meets Carol in the hallway, her eyes wide like plates.

“I just… need a little break,” Pioneer says exasperated, part of his face twitching like from physical pain. “I-I’m still good to go.”

Carol looks like she's about to vehemently object, but instead settles to asking him a question.

“Are you absolutely positive? I can see the toll it took on you...”

Carefully, Carol takes Pioneer’s hand into hers.

“I’m still doing fine…” He gently strokes over Carol’s palm once and lifts her hand away.

“Okay, but if it surfaces again, don’t force yourself to keep going. Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Thank you, but I… I know everything already, I’m sure the next one won’t have anything new to add anyway. She’s just part of their friend group.”

Pioneer briefly visits the bathroom, rips off a paper towel, and cleans cold sweat from his forehead.

Staring into the mirror a long while, before exiting and drinking a glass of water from the dispenser next to the room.

Then, feeling marginally refreshed, he makes his way to the door on the opposite side of the corridor, and one room forward from the last one.

Carol already leans to the wall next to the door, looking downcast, with her eyes closed. As Pioneer approaches, she lifts her head, nods, and smiles.

Pioneer opens the door and steps inside, to see the black-haired Stacy sitting cross-armed and -legged, looking away from him.

Without looking at him, she scoffs and begins to speak with vitriol: “What is the meaning of this? To waste my time?”

“I’m sure you know the real reason you are here,” Pioneer states as he pulls the door closed.

“I haven’t the faintest idea, just like you clearly do not know who I am, since you had the gall to… confine me.”

She points her nose harshly towards the ceiling and scoffs again when Pioneer doesn't indulge her with a response.

“Do you really not know what my surname is? I’m the current head of my family, after all!”

“Your name or position might matter, if we were at Metropolis, or you had the luck of dealing with the Galactic Police. But we are not there, and I am not with them.”

“Well, it’s Fliqantral, for your information! And believe me when I say that the first thing I’ll do when I get back to Metropolis, is to initiate a vote for your show to be shut down!”

Stacy finally looks at him, pursing her lips laden with black lipstick for only a moment, before smirking like offering a challenge.

She holds her right hand proudly on her expensive jewelry, which lies on top of the see-through stocking-like material.

The very same alluring semi-obstruction covers her chest area from the neck down all the way to the start of the rest of her dress at the bust.

“This sort of drivel with an incompetent host such as yourself cannot be allowed to continue airing!

I’ll be making a great service to the whole United Galaxy, sacrificing one of my very own Legislative Enactments for the greater good, you and everyone else, should be thankful!”

Pioneer ignores her boasting and all the personal jabs, continuing calmly:

“Let me reiterate, ISSA is its own jurisdiction, it’s up to us, or well, to me, if you ever even make it back to Metropolis.

The prison planet’s titanium gates are open to all, regardless of whether they are from the Pillar families or not.

The one joint operation ISSA and Galactic Police ever managed, all are truly equal on the planet of endless storm.”

“Threaten me all you want, but I truly did nothing wrong.”

“Is that… what you think?”

“Men are just animals, driven by carnal desire.”

She looks smugly at her black painted nails and observes her hand.”

Tell me, is it wrong for an obedient, happy, dog to wag their tail? Or a Mosquitollibri to suck blood?

It’s just simply in their nature, men’s only goal in life, is to feel a woman’s touch anyway. I did him a service, it’s a privilege to feel me on one’s skin.”

“Are you really comparing every single man to non-sapient animals? That we aren’t even humans-?”

“Yes, I am.”

Pioneer’s voice grows grim and his face twists in agonizing anger.

“You think we are simply animals without rights or control over ourselves?!”

“And not even intelligent animals at that.” Stacy laughs a mocking, screeching laugh, her face the very picture of hilarity.

“It’s obvious, all your kind can ever do is think with their crotch, so what’s the problem…? Are you intelligent if your brain’s never in use?

That’s the ISSA court case I’d like to see!”

Pioneer can barely contain himself, and raises his voice:

“Don’t you feel even the slightest shred of remorse for sexually assaulting Frank?! You- you-!”

Pioneer grits his teeth and keeps himself from saying anything more.

Stacy beams brightly and swishes her black hair back.

“Assault? Hah! Why don’t you show me some bruises? Just drop these silly accusations, and let’s leave. I got places to be and parties to crash.

You can join me, I wouldn't mind a man of your status as my plus one. Those two girls were starting to bore me anyway, their hobby is lame.

I thought it was something special after they became crazy about it from our dare, but I’m growing tired of this farce.”

Pioneer stays eerily silent.

His hands grip the handles of the chair, its light brown paint cracks and flakes onto the seat.

Suddenly, he stands up, slides the chair out of his way, and turns to leave the room, without saying a word.

“Hey! What- don’t you dare! Come back here!”

Stacy jumps up and charges after him, Pioneer closes the door quickly right before she catches up and slams against it.

She continues to smack the wooden door repeatedly with her fists; the door frame receives her rage and cries with faint plumes of plaster dust falling off.

“Let me out! You can’t keep me here! I’m Stacy fucking Fliqantral! A Pillar of Metropolis!”

She shouts and screeches further, cursing in between her hysterical outbursts.

Pioneer’s chest heaves, and he pants while leaning against the door.

Stacy’s heels finally click further back into the room as she mutters, “Whatever, I've broken up with way better men than both of them combined...”

Carol looks shocked but doesn't say anything, just waits patiently for Pioneer to calm down.

Finally, Pioneer gets off the door and turns to her.

“C-can you take over, Carol?”

“Of course, Dave. But are you sure we should-”

“Thank you… I… I just want to get this sorted out, you know? To make at least something right… But… I feel it again.”

“I understand.”

Carol lays a hand on Pioneer’s shoulder and then pulls him into a tight embrace.

“Don’t take it to heart. I don’t know how Stacy's come to think that way… but I know, you aren’t like that.

So just ignore the nonsense she’s spouting, she’s nothing more than just another deluded fan. She doesn’t know anything, it wasn’t your fault, it was all her.”

“Thanks, Carol… I know that, but… it’s still difficult. Even after all this time… I don’t know if I’ll ever get better, ever forget.” Pioneer’s arms limply hang, as he just receives Carol’s embrace.

“Nonsense, you’ve improved so, so much… I remember the first session we had, you’re like a new man now.

Besides, I keep telling you, trauma isn’t something you forget, it’s something you learn to control, take back your life from.”

Carol pets Pioneer’s head, caressing his styled hair, rigid from various hair products.

“And you have been doing so well in that regard.”

She pulls back slightly and briefly kisses him on the forehead with gentle lips.

“It’s only natural this situation would bring it up again, but look at you, you’re still standing. Wavering, teetering a bit, perhaps, but that’s why I’m here, for you to lean onto.

We don’t have to go through it all alone.”

“I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Pioneer falls into her embrace fully and hugs her tightly.

“You don’t have to think about that. Just continue to do what you want. Be who you want to be, the best version that you can be.

And I will always support the great almighty Pioneer from the sidelines in his mission.” Carol chuckles and places her head on top of Pioneer’s.

As they hold the hug, Carol’s warm presence seeps into Pioneer’s mind, it covers and dilutes, obscures those events from his mind.

Carol’s sincere care pushes the vile memories deep, chaining that day down in imaginary restraints. Like a rabid animal, tired from its rampage, its time was coming to an end.

A dangerous predator pacified, secured back to its place, so that once more it could be viewed from afar safely.

“Did I manage to overcome her?” Carol’s comforting hand brushes down his back again and again, as she asks.

The close proximity of Carol brings in a medical scent from her clothes, which mixes in with her perfume and her familiar natural fragrance.

This last consoling component is just what he needed to finish the banishment ritual inside his mind.

“Yes. She’s gone again.”

“I’m so glad.” Carol lets go of Pioneer, looks straight into his eyes, and ruffles his hair, ruining the strictly tailored look a little.

She then swipes the sunglasses hanging on his suit’s neckline and gently pushes them on his face.

“Now, won’t you go rest, and leave these three harlots to me.” Carol’s eyes narrow and she winks.

Then she grabs the doorknob of Stacy’s room hard and pulls it open.

A mere second later, she’s already inside and closes the door with a swoosh of air, but not with a slam.

Pioneer looks back briefly and then breathes deep.

He adjusts his suit’s cuffs and his overall appearance, and takes Carol’s advice, dragging his feet down along the long corridor of colored directions.

This time there will be justice, if not for me, then for you, Frank.

And I know now… I can’t keep on going like this.

Things will have to change… otherwise, there will be another Fanny and Bridget, another Stacy…

Another…

Pioneer stops his thoughts there, getting the beast of nightmares back into the cage was much harder than accidentally letting it out again.

In time, he could—he will—overcome it, he knew that much, but the appointed time for it, wasn’t right now.

----------------------------------------

The first sun has climbed to the sky far enough to make room for the second sun.

The reassuring glow warms our weary duo who had fallen asleep on the hilly meadow, among the bed of flowers.

A pair of whiskers tickle Frank’s face, and he wakes up.

“Ah, Pineapple. How are you doing?”

He sits up, and Pineapple steps in a circular motion on his lap, around and around, before settling down to sleep on it in a curl.

“But I was just going to get up… Oh well.” Frank pets its soft and slightly coarse yellow-shaded fur.

He looks to her left, to see Amethyst sleeping soundly, small bits of grass, twigs, and leaves fallen and whisked around on her armor.

Her face has a soft smile, and her skin is shiny and beautiful in the sunshine. She looks much better than before, one could even say: renewed.

I knew this would help you too.

“Nngh…” Suddenly, Frank hears a sound from his right and discovers Friday sitting up on the grass next to him, a groggy, pained look on her face.

“O-oh. Hi, Friday?”

“Oh!” She flinches a little and waves her arms panicked.

“D-don’t misunderstand, it’s just, I waited but you both looked so relaxed, so I couldn’t help myself- I… I just meant to close my eyes for a moment, I didn’t mean to-”

“I didn’t plan on napping either, “Frank grins. “But, it’s impossible to resist the rhythm of nature lulling you to sleep.”

Friday seems to be taken aback by his response for a second, but then she smiles carefully.

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“I just wanted to say… I’m sorry Frank, for being so harsh and blaming it all on you. It wasn’t… fair of me to do so.”

She taps her index fingers together and looks away for a second, “It was... real immature of me...”

“Ah… I- thank you.” Frank looks away and pets Pineapple with both hands. “Don’t worry about it, it’s fine.”

“No, I was selfish, thinking I was the only one hurting... I don't deserve your forgiveness so easily... but I'll accept it gladly...”

Friday trails off, the faint wind blows her hair around as she looks at Frank and seems to be deliberating something.

Finally, she asks gingerly: “Can I… pet him too?”

“Of course, I’m sure Pineapple won’t mind.” Frank gives her hand room, and she pets the Solarophone’s soft, large, cone and continues down onto his back.

Frank looks at Friday, and she beams wide, with tears shining in her eyes. He quickly looks away and opts to just share this quiet moment, this truce of cat petting with her.

Pineapple’s engine sputters into full gear and roars mightily, purring over the sounds of nature and everything else easily.

“Good Morning, Frank. And Friday?” Amethyst is sitting up and blinks her hybrid eyes. “Oh, and Pineapple too.” She smiles.

“Morning, Amethyst.” Frank and Friday answer like from one mouth, they look at each other and laugh.

Amethyst looks a little miffed for a moment but laughs her unique laugh with them too.

They all sit around for a moment more, the double suns gradually making their way across the sky, the growing heat pushing out sweat from their brows as midday inches ever closer.

“R-right, anyway…” Friday retreats her hand from the silken fur and stands up, starting to stretch in large motions.

“I should get going. I have a feeling Pioneer will soon come to the clinic to tell you the date for your Court appointment. And… I’m technically still on the clock, so I gotta get back to work.”

“Oh, right. It was nice to speak to you for a moment.”

“Yeah, likewise, I’m glad we had this talk,” Friday smirks at Frank.

Amethyst looks between the two of them confused and then Frank turns to her.

“Shall we get packing? If ISSA's hastiness to come to your planet is of any indication, I have a feeling, we better be ready to set off soon.”

“Right. Set off… to Metropolis? What is your home planet like?”

“Oh?” Frank stands up with a struggle as he holds Pineapple in his lap while doing so.

“Well, it’s the biggest hub planet and most populated in the Galaxy too. It has great cities, smaller towns and villages, and also quite a bit of nature too.”

“Really? Cities, towns, and nature?”

I wonder… what will they look like?

What does… civilization look like?

Amethyst looks around at the purple trees, their stark Crimson trunks and the red grass with lots of different kinds of flowers sprouting out of it.

Then off to the distance, to the jagged ex-facility of Intergalactic Resources that was visible in the distance, with the quarry in between them.

“Yeah, it’s a great place, all in all…” Frank trails off.

“Then, why did you leave, to be at… Viridian Macula, was it?”

“I… I’ll tell you the whole story some time, but let’s hurry on down, I’ve got my… uh, whole backpack to… pack and, and- I have to change out of Grent’s tuxedo, finally, too!”

“Alright, alright. Do you think… Grent will come with us?”

----------------------------------------

“Why would I come with you exactly? I don’t have anything to do with that business of yours, now do I?”

Grent crosses his arms in a huff, the long labcoat's hem moves with the sharp motion.

“Amethyst just asked, you don’t have to be rude…”

Frank says crossing his arms too, the straps of the backpack run over his shoulders, filled to the brim with his clean clothes and the laser rifle as well jutting out of it.

“Well, I apologize if it came out that way, it was just that ridiculous of a question. Me and Pineapple will stay here, after all, we’ve got to keep Amande company.”

Pineapple jumps onto the operation’s table, with Amandebot lying on it once more, he sits in between her legs.

Grent pets the cat’s head. “Isn’t that right Pineapple?”

“Huh? Really?” Frank asks, quite surprised.

Pineapple enjoys the head rubs Grent offers and doesn’t seem to protest against this idea.

“Well, see you later, Pineapple.” Amethyst smiles. “Take care and keep watch on Grent, okay?”

“Hmph.”

“Alright, then. Keep in touch if something comes up.” Frank waves at Grent with his communicator.

“Since I’m sure you’ve got my gweb-mail address and probably my number too already.”

“W-what makes you say that?” He shrugs feigning ignorance before shortly raising a hand like he got an idea.

“Ah, that must have been the elusive Tango King, I’m sure he did whatever you’re referring to. He must have wanted to make sure his debut song was actually played this time.

Like the handsome and kindhearted rapscallion, he is.”

Frank and Amethyst look at each other with vicarious embarrassment.

What?!” Grent exclaims with an annoyed pucker on his face.

Frank turns around to leave and waves over his shoulder. “See you around, I guess.”

“Goodbye, Grent. Be good, now.” Amethyst’s slightly condescending, motherly tone doesn’t alleviate Grent’s expression.

As they leave him behind, he looks to Pineapple, gives him a big, ecstatic smile, and picks the cat up carefully.

“Shall we get to work? There’s much to do, but I truly believe, this time it’ll be a success.”

----------------------------------------

Fanny and Bridget are escorted towards an open ship’s hatch, they both walk in willingly and without restraints between two guard-like personnel.

However, Stacy comes in after them, whose hands are cuffed behind her with wide and thick metallic restraints, though there is no chain in between them, as the rugged cuffs are held tightly together with plasma-infused magnets.

Moreover, she is being held from both arms by a person on each side, who pull her along the ground, for she refuses to walk, her high heels leaving white trails on the asphalt.

“Let me go! Keep your dirty hands off me! Rrgh! Now this- this is assault! Pioneer, where are you?! Are you seeing this?!” Her head spins around from side to side like an indecisive dreidel.

“You brutes, ISSA idiots! You are abducting a government official! Stop this! Pioneeeeer!”

In the background, below the shade of one of their convoy's spaceships, Pioneer and Carol stand and watch the proceedings.

Finally, as their prisoners are escorted in, the ship’s doors close, and it fires off its thrusters, blasting off into orbit.

Pioneer—Dave—asks as he looks up to the sky.

“Carol… will you follow me, even if Pioneer’s show ends?”

Somehow, Carol seems unsurprised by the nature of this question.

“Follow you, huh? Are you sure that’s what you want?”

“What do you mean…?”

“Sorry, I mean… wouldn't you rather we walk that path side by side.”

Her fingers interlock with Pioneer’s and she holds his hand. Their eyes meet, with surprise on Pioneer’s face.

“You’re right. If this doesn’t pan out… if I can’t get the upper management to make changes… We can both be the stars of our next—own—show.”

“That’s not exactly what I meant, but I’m willing to give that a try, too.”

Carol glances to the side, as if suddenly seeing some movement, and spots a pair of shoes behind the lowered slanted walkway of the spaceship they stood next to.

“What do you say, Friday? You want to try being a head nurse for a change?”

Friday steps out from behind the large metal slope, looking bamboozled.

“Huh…? How’d you know I was eaves- I mean, passing by just now?”

“The older a woman gets, the sharper her senses become.” She holds a hand to her mouth and hides a small laugh.

“I don’t get it…” Friday walks up to them and suddenly spouts out upset:

“What’s this talk about calling it quits, though!?”

“Nobody’s quitting anything just yet. But if it comes to it… we’ll hire you back too if you’d like.” Dave says.

“Really…?” Friday pats her clothes and sweeps them proud. “Well, I suppose… I could give being the head nurse a try… after all, aren’t I a doctor now?”

“Let’s maybe not go that far.” Carol grabs Friday from around her shoulders and pulls her into her embrace.

“H-hey!”

“No matter what the future may bring, I’m sure it’ll be a good one, as long as we all do our best.”

Carol gestures for Dave to join the hug.

“As long as we’re all together.”

With an amused smile, he shrugs and hugs them both.

As long as I can continue to showcase, to introduce the cultures of the Galaxy to a wide audience...

One day, mother...

The Sinel will be next, I will clear their name.

If I can’t do that with the ISSA… then I don’t need them anymore.

Carol hugs them both tight and pats their backs.

As long as I can help Dave, to still continue to help sapient species even after it all…

The stars will still accept me, even if Metropolis does not.

And Friday, I will guide you to the future you desire, the one I couldn’t reach myself.

Friday is sandwiched between the two larger people and gets a face full of both, but just sighs calmly.

As long as I can get job experience, to become a real- fully fledged doctor.

Or… a nurse.

I will never have to again see another person die in front of me who could have been saved.

Luna… Antai… watch over me, help me in my journey.

Carol and Pioneer, thank you for everything; for giving me this opportunity.

“Now come on, let’s get going. The future awaits us.”

Friday says, smiling radiantly, much brighter, than either of them were used to seeing her smile.

Carol and Pioneer look at Friday, or… they look past her?

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Frank asks with Amethyst by his side, they look nonchalant like they hadn’t been watching and waiting on them the whole time.

Pioneer clears his throat and breaks up the hug. “Ahem, r-right. I was still going to come find you in a moment, rest assured.”

“If you say so…” Amethyst’s eyebrows rise and she looks a bit frustrated. “We waited for you a bunch at the Clinic, but decided it best to come here sooner than later…”

“Oops…” Friday scratches the back of her head. “My bad, looks like my hunch wasn’t up to date on the situation…”

“Anyway…” Pioneer takes over.

“ISSA has let me know that the Trial for the Sapience of Tyrchids and evaluating their suitability to join the United Galaxy is to be held in two days’ time. I’ll email the specifics to you later, Frank.”

“What? It’s in two days?”

“I thought it would have been sooner too, but recent events have… given them more to weigh, I’d imagine.” Pioneer estimates.

“That’s… to be expected, I suppose,” Frank says and thinks.

Amethyst looks at Frank’s packed backpack and then at him. “But we’re already ready to go…

Can’t we go there early? You can show me your home, I’d love to see just what kind of a place Metropolis is.”

“Well… we already said our goodbyes and everything, so why not?” Frank shrugs.

“I’m sure we’ll find something to do to pass the time, it’s a big city after all.”

“No harm done then.” Pioneer grins and nods. “Best of luck to the both of you.”

“Take care,” Carol holds her rather large blond braid, which cascades down her chest. She closes her eyes, “Ah, goodbyes are always so touching...”

Friday looks to the ground, her other hand clinging to her right arm. She lifts her gaze, to meet them both. “I know you’ll do great, I’m rooting for your success.”

“Thanks, and all the best to you, too,” Frank says to all of them.

“I hope we can meet again one day,” Amethyst says.

“Who knows, the Galaxy is big, but in all its vastness, it sometimes feels surprisingly small.” Pioneer winks and puts on his sunglasses.

Amethyst and Frank exchange waves with them, as they head for their own ‘borrowed’ ship.

As they are about to reach the Intergalactic’s unwieldy and rather box-like ship, Frank falls behind in their stride and stops.

Amethyst turns back and looks at him. “Is something wrong?”

His long blond bangs cover up his eyes, as his head is downcast. “Should I… really come with you?”

“O-of course! Why not?”

His voice is dejected, downright hard to listen to.

“This might seem silly… like, we’re already at the very edge of flying off, but it’s not too late yet. You can still tell me not to come. To go on my way, to-”

“F-Frank! What are you saying?”

“I…! I just want to be sure, you… want me… to come with you.”

“Oh, Frank. Of course I do, I didn’t think there would be any doubt left. I thought we were good, even after everything that happened recently.”

“But Luna is dead because of me!” Frank lifts his gaze, and moisture shines at the edges of his eyes.

“I killed your friend! How can you still trust me? S-she might have been bad, but still! This isn’t how it’s supposed to-”

Amethyst takes a few large steps and reaches Frank in seconds, she immediately hugs him.

“You… had no choice. I cannot blame you for it. And it’s like you said before... Trust is a risk. I took that risk with Luna, and it might sound strange, but I don’t regret it.

Although I didn’t wish it to go like this either… But, Luna made her choice, and you made yours; did what you felt was right, what was necessary.”

“Amethyst…”

“And now I’m making my choice as well. I’m willing to trust you with all my heart.”

Amethyst squeezes Frank tighter against her hard armor.

“I don’t see trusting you as a risk. I know, it’s a guarantee that you will always have my back, just as I will have yours.”

“Amethyst… thank you.”

Frank hugs her back and sobs against her coarse shoulder.

“You don’t know how much it’s been eating me inside… This… righteous guilt, feels no lighter than the unadulterated kind.

How can you so easily forgive my… heinous acts?”

I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but this must have been what Friday was referring to earlier when I just forgave her on the spot...

I hope she doesn't beat herself up over it too much, like I did...

“Hmm… I think I know a bit of your pain at least, so I understand. And as for the second question, it’s as Pioneer said, we were both victims here, we did our best.

It may not always be enough, but it’ll have to do. It's sad and regretful, but I will never hold Luna’s fate against you.”

Frank chuckles sorrowfully, still teary-eyed. “Amethyst, when did you become so wise?”

“Huh?” She says with a tinge of offense in her voice.

“Oh, I mean, you’ve got such a way with words now-”

Amethyst laughs loudly, “I’m just kidding. I know what you mean.

I think it’s because of you, because of Luna, and everyone we’ve met. I’ve learned a lot-”

Amethyst looks to the sky, and then deep into Frank’s eyes.

“-because of all our experiences, together.”

“Oh, Amethyst…” Frank wipes his eyes to his palm.

Amethyst and Frank separate, and she offers her hand, or mainly her wrist, to Frank.

“Shall we get going then?”

“Yes.” Frank takes her armored wrist, and they walk hand in hand to the ship, and board it together.

Soon enough, their spaceship sets off into space.

They had arrived here together, a lost human and one barely even a person. And now, they were leaving, still together, but with a much stronger bond.

Much had happened during their ultimately brief stay: taking back the planet from IR, facing hardships; losing kin and old friends, and in turn gaining new allies, knowledge, and… each other.

But there are still things that need to be done; people and non-people to meet, secrets to be uncovered, and information to be gleaned.

So much had already happened on Midnight Iris, in Amethyst’s home. But just what would go down on Metropolis, in Frank’s birthplace?

----------------------------------------

“Well, we should get going as well...” Friday looks to the sky, shading her eyes with her hand as a visor, looking after the departing ship of Amethyst and Frank.

Shoes clop against the asphalt and a white-haired woman runs to Pioneer, Carol, and Friday.

She gasps for air exhausted and takes support from her knees.

“Oh, Lyra? Where have you been?” Carol asks.

“Well, first at the party of course, and-! Well, that’s- that’s not important… Did- Did I miss them?”

“Yeah…”

“Oh...” Her head slumps down, and her shoulders fall. “Well… it’s no big deal…”

“Sorry, I completely forgot to let you know they were leaving.” Carol apologizes courtly with regret painted on her face.

“I-it’s fine…” Lyra brushes herself off, even though her clothes are pristine, and straightens her back.

“Alright… where to next then, Pioneer?”

“About that…”

Lyra looks at the three of them, Pioneer looks awkward, and Carol squirms, the tinge of guilt of forgetting to tell her of any of this stinging. Friday smiles sheepishly.

“What about it…? You’re all acting suspicious...”

“You haven’t told her? Oh, great, so I wasn’t the only one being kept in the dark.” Friday gasps from relief.

“Well, I haven’t had the time, and to be fair I just recently made up my mind.

And so much has happened, we haven’t really had time to bring anyone not directly involved up to speed, about much of anything. so please understand, Lyra.” Pioneer explains.

Lyra’s face contorts and her brow furrows. “Huh? Just what did I miss!?”

“Well, it all began after we went into the forest, you won’t believe all the events that came to pass, Lyra!” Friday’s enthusiasm soon turns melancholic:

“It was all so terrible…”

She then looks up to the bright sky, the double suns lighting up the day, the spaceship in the distance just a faint black dot.

She brings a hand to her chest, squeezes it into a fist, and brings down her head. A single persistent tear forces its way through her eyelid.

“And at the same time, somehow, it was so beautiful…”