After a few stops to refuel their spaceship, Amethyst and Frank’s third warp takes them to the orbit of Metropolis.

The intense red-shaded Crimson Sun, the system's red giant, is far behind the planet but still looks truly massive.

As they fly closer to the planet, they are cast into night, the planet blocking out the sun.

Some amount of light can be seen at the edges of the planet, and to where the Sun’s light touches, viridian landmasses, and azure oceans can be seen merging and meshing together.

A faint shade of green is reflected on the atmosphere's edges, at spots where it meets the light at the right angle.

“Here we are; the Metropolitan Sanctuary of Life.”

“Is that its full name?” Amethyst asks.

“Yeah, though everyone just calls it Metropolis; both the city and the planet.”

Frank thinks for a second.

“However, I don’t think it has always been named this way… well, anyway.”

He takes out his communicator, and briefly checks it.

“Let’s hope the customs procedures don't take long, our hotel check is going to close in… an hour. It’s two in the night at Metropolis at the moment.”

“I wonder what a real hotel looks like…”

Their spaceship is on fast approach to the planet, and soon enough, their radio comes to life:

“This is the flight control for Metropolitan Sanctuary of Life. You are on approach with the Capital, please state the purpose of your visit; unscheduled vessel registered to Intergalactic.”

“This is Frank Sinett, I’m a citizen of Metropolis.” He takes out his Metropolis ID card and inserts it into a slot on the spaceship's dashboard.

“There are a total of two lifeforms on board, me and Amethyst, she is the representative of the Tyrchids, and is here to attend the court hearing of ISSA.”

“Very good. Make sure to present her ISSA-granted temporary ID at the customs gate.”

“We will, thanks for the reminder.”

“Stand by for a scan.”

The female voice pauses for a moment.

“All looks to be in order. However, please do note only authorized personnel are allowed to carry firearms on our planet, so please leave it on board.”

“Yes, of course.”

“One last question, why are you on a ship registered to Intergalactic? Your ID does not have an active work contract with them.”

Frank had hoped the flight control person had forgotten about it. He looks at Amethyst and then thinks back to the last time he dealt with the Intergalactic Wildlife Ventures.

He closes his eyes for a moment, shakes his head, and instead, tells the truth:

“We have loaned this ship from Intergalactic, and I used to work for them. That is why we have this ship.”

Or, well, he tells facts adjacent to the truth.

“Our records do show that your contract with them ended recently and I cannot verify your other claims. However, since this ship’s signature is not reported as stolen, you are free to land.

I would suggest getting in touch with Intergalactic soon to transfer the ship's ownership to yourself to avoid the same issue in the future.

In any case, welcome back home Frank, and welcome to Metropolis, Amethyst.”

“Thank you!” Amethyst answers, but the broadcast is already over. Then she looks over to Frank with a quizzical look, which he tries to ignore, knowing exactly what Amethyst is going to say.

“So, is that how loaning works? They didn’t seem very happy when we escaped Viridian Macula with this ship.”

“I mean… if Intergalactic asks the ship back, I’ll give it to them, but… nobody’s even reported it stolen.”

Frank shrugs.

“While that might have something to do with the relations between Galactic Police and Intergalactic being not good in the slightest... it’s not my fault they don’t look after their property.”

Amethyst narrows her eyes, and her thin eyebrows rise, but then she nods “I see.”

Frank accelerates and brings them into the atmosphere, the ship rattles and shakes, flames lick the windshield and the ship’s cooling system starts to race in loudness against the ship’s complaining.

They break through the clouds and the ship slows down considerably, outside of the windshield opens the visage of a great night-time megapolis.

A city with large skyscrapers, whose tops are all marked with perpetually blinking lights, to avoid accidents with low-altitude aircrafts.

“Alright, we’re a bit off the mark, the hotel is to the East of the city, and we arrived on the West side.”

Frank starts flying the ship to the other side of the city, bright lights at the street level illuminate some of the city, there appears to only be slight foot traffic.

Some large advertisement billboards, at the side of shops, but not on any residential houses.

A few hovercars speed along the road, but then the terrain changes completely.

“Where are we now, Frank?”

“This is the city center.”

“Wow…” Amethyst cranes her neck, to see outside the window, there’s a great forest below them.

“And, check this out,” Frank says and slows down a little, as they pass over the very middle of the city.

With Amethyst’s great vision, it is no feat at all to get a good look at the plaza. A great big fountain is illuminated with faintly red light, with some blue and angelic white mixed in.

In the middle of it, these lights illuminate a giant female figure with a shapely body with a large flowing dress. This statue is carved of white stone, but her hair looks like it’s on fire.

So skillfully it is colored or perhaps lit up to look like that, like it burned and flowed endlessly.

She has giant long wings that extend to the sides, the wingspan looking disproportionate to the size of the body.

Her hands are extended upwards, which hold the second colored part of the statue, the red giant sun of Metropolis.

Water pours down from her eyes in large streams, that emanate mist, causing sparkling rainbow colors with the lighting.

And from the sun she holds, water shoots out of in four distinct curved streams, they go over her and land in four specific directions.

“The Red Goddess…”

“That’s right, I guess it wasn’t too hard to guess.”

“All these forests…” Amethyst looks astonished. “Is this what all cities are like?”

“Some other places have tried to emulate the Metropolis’ unique architecture and presence of nature, but not all.

Most are what we call, asphalt peaks, or what our ancestors often referred to these cities in some old texts as concrete jungles.”

“I see… That’s a shame.”

As far as anyone remembers, Metropolis’ city center has always had this peculiar shape.

A circular plaza of the Goddess, called The Mercy, is surrounded by two more circular paths, the gaps between them both completely overrun with well-maintained woodlands.

These stone-laid paths in between are called Blood and Sacrifice and lend their names to the forest areas as well.

They surround the Goddess Plaza granting easier access to it, and divide the forest patches into eight parts, all connected to each other by Purity and Innocence.

Then, two long forested lines run through the whole city, stretching even outside of its borders, bringing nature with them.

These two long lines meet up at the Goddess Plaza.

The North to South line is called Purity, and East to West, Innocence, both also have rivers flowing along them, which lend their water to the statue’s fountain.

Due to how the city center is done, its districts are divided into four halves by Purity and Innocence, and are named as follows: from Northeast to Northwest: Compassion, Courage, Passion, and Integrity.

Map of Metropolis [https://i.imgur.com/6PgSZ8K.png]

At night, Blood and Sacrifice are lit up with historical electric lanterns that pepper the paths, and the very edges of these five kilometers-wide strips of forest, the lights illuminate them with a dimmer and softer tone, to not disturb the flora or fauna too much.

From the middle of Sacrifice, at all four sides, extends a bridge which is a real feat of engineering and design, that goes over Blood, and reaches all the way to the Goddess Plaza. (not pictured in the map).

These bridges are the only way to reach it, as The Mercy itself is elevated quite high above the ground. Along with its bridges, they form a shape akin to a framework of a dome above the center of the city.

The city center is left behind, and Frank flies them along the Innocence forest line to the East, slightly veering South. He explains the city's geography and naming conventions to Amethyst as he does. “Most of the city’s structure is dictated by the names of the districts too, therefore, ISSA’s facilities are located in the Compassion side of the city.

However, I could only get us a hotel just below the Innocence, on the Courage side due to our sudden departure. But, there’s a landing pad near it we can take, and from it, it won’t be much of a walk.”

“Are these names common for… parts of a city? What’s the story behind them?”

“I don’t know… It’s always been that way, but I suppose it has something to do with the Red Goddess. Her massive statue is at the very center after all.”

They fly to the large facility, shaped like a large cylinder, of gray stone-like material with finishes of pale violet and maroon-red stripes, colors that are usual for Courage side buildings.

Though, it’s clearly designed with function over form, which could hardly be said about the rest of the city.

‘Metropolis Docking Services’ is plastered along its curved walls in large yellow letters that rise out of the wall lighting up the surrounding area.

“Anyway, we’re here.”

Frank picks out one of the many circles on the roof, the one that matches closest to their spaceship's size, and starts landing.

The landing area is highlighted with an ‘SL’ painted on it and lamps that rhythmically light up along its edges.

Frank lands the ship and remains sitting on the pilot chair.

As Amethyst is about to ask why they aren’t getting off the ship, they are pulled into motion again, but this time downward.

“Didn’t we just land?” Amethyst asks and looks as the sky begins retreating, and they sink inside the building.

“The landing pad takes us inside the facility, taking us to a free parking space.”

These public parking halls were the usual Metropolis way, but some citizens and authorities had their own private spaceship park spaces elsewhere or permission to land and take off from other facilities, such as their houses.

Finally, as they come to a stop, lights flash on in the gray halls, showing many other circles of similar size, spaceships parked in an orderly fashion.

Frank gets off the pilot seat, untethers Amethyst, and before taking his luggage, leaves the laser rifle in the ship.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

They get out and head with echoing steps towards the designated exit to the customs, and after a rather large, like a cargo elevator, ride down, they arrive at the bottom floor.

This place looks much more welcoming, and almost like the lobby of a hotel itself, a very spacious and lavish hotel at that.

Though, the illusion is broken a little by the security scanners up ahead, and the walls of gray concrete that were only at times brightly painted.

They go through some security scanners and then arrive at the front desk. There are two receptions, one for frequent travelers, and the other for everyone else.

There are a few humans around, and some Sapients too, but it is quite peaceful in these late hours, neither lane was crowded.

Amethyst and Frank wait in line for the customer before them to finish, and soon, it's their turn on the normal line.

“Welcome to Metropolis, may I see your IDs, please?” A courteous customer service person greets them.

She appears to be a very beautiful human woman, with unusually long pointed ears, and mildly sparkling skin.

“Of course, Frank hands her his own ID card, and Amethyst notes how it has a picture of a younger Frank on it, with a bit shorter hair, and a positive smile and shine in his eyes.

“Just give me a moment as I complete the registration.” The receptionist lady is in a white office uniform, with a rather tall collar, and on her neck, there is something faintly glowing.

A red mark, almost like a burn mark, or a brand. No... it’s a rune.

Frank realizes now, that she’s actually half-human, half-Garanea, he spots some more red runes on her wrists, just about visible as she moves around using the computer and a few devices around it.

The Garanea, on their own planet long ago, were two separate races initially. But after a war that nearly ended them both, two individuals brokered peace.

Individuals called Lady Metonea, representing the race that was exceptionally tall with shining skin and long ears, and Sir Garantan, a prime individual of the short, stout, and spirited race, with runes all over their skin.

Amidst the conflict, the two of them fell in love, showing all of their peers that co-existence and peace were possible.

But it wasn’t until their child was born, who exhibited features from both parents, that peace was truly assured.

Ever since they joined the United Galaxy of their own accord, the child’s name that united them: Garanea, has been synonymous with their multi-race appearance.

They only go by this name, as not a single individual has revealed the name of either of the old races.

It is a matter they do not wish to remind themselves of, as there no longer exists even a single pure-blooded Garanea of either ancestor race, a fact that they did not seem to mourn in the slightest.

“Sorry for the wait, welcome back home,” The receptionist reads the ID, and her long ears twitch, “Frank Sinett, it’s been quite a while since your last visit.”

“Just coming back from a long working trip, one could say.”

“My apologies, I didn’t mean to pry, you are of course free to come and go as you wish, your Metropolis citizenship will always ensure you are welcome back.”

Her voice is like a wind chime, as she nods her head in apology.

The lady then gives Frank a palm-sized round chip, on it, is a dim digital display reading: CRG, MDS #15, Floor 7, Spot 775.

“And here’s your spaceship token, it’ll remind you which of our facilities you left your ship at, and which platform.

Please, don’t lose it as you’ll need it when retrieving your vessel. We will bill you once you come to fetch it, your ship functioning as collateral until you return.”

The half-Garanean smiles warmly and enchantingly, “I believe that concludes matters with you, Sinett, but what about your companion?”

“Here you are.”

Frank hands his communicator to the receptionist; open on it is the gweb-mail attachment that has a certificate and a code to scan, for granting Amethyst a temporary ID card.

“Ah, I think I’ve heard of you, the sensations of Galactic TV.” She hands the communicator back to Frank and waits a moment until a new card is printed.

“Here you go, Amethyst, the envoy of the Tyrchids.” The receptionist hands the card toward Amethyst, she raises her arms in confusion, greeting her with sharp blades.

Frank takes the card in her stead.

“My apologies… I haven’t watched any of the episodes, so I didn’t realize…”

“Don’t worry about it.” Amethyst smiles. “Just hold onto it for me, Frank.”

“I will.”

“Anyway, that ID grants only a temporary half-citizenship, as is customary with those coming here for the first time, while they are not approved yet by ISSA or other authorities deeming them suitable to be a part of our United Galaxy.

Would you like me to go over what exactly Half-Citizenship entails?”

“No, it’s fine, we’re in a bit of a hurry to our hotel. I’ll explain it when it comes up.” Frank answers.

“Oh, one more thing. I’m not sure if this was a thing last time you visited, but do you know what DS-IDs are?”

“Hmm… I… I think I may have heard of them but...”

“Then please allow me to explain. These are extra identification that comes into play, should you… succumb to Dust Sentence.

There’s just been an outbreak recently, so we are handing them out for free to everyone.

While taking your ID with you when leaving your residence is not always necessary, it is mandatory to wear your DS-IDs at all times.

This is to ensure that you can be easily identified should the worst come to pass, saving the resources of the Galactic Police and the Hospitals greatly.”

“Dust Sentence…?” Amethyst remembers that she’s heard this name somewhere before.

“Yes, Ambassador. Dust Sentence is a strange disease that has plagued us for about a decade. It always resurfaces eventually, even when we might think we are rid of it.

There is no known vaccine, treatment, or preventative measures one can take, other than carrying their DS-ID.

As Dust Sentence’s ways of spreading aren’t well known, and its mortality rate is 100%, it is especially hard to study.

There is no way to know that you are infected until it is too late. Until your body burns and decomposes in mere seconds, turning into a pile of dust.”

“Oh, right. I left Metropolis just before the first outbreak of it happened.” Frank says.

“But wasn’t there something about it… I think that women over the age of 40 were more susceptible to it, right?”

“Amethyst!”

“What? Don’t you remember, that’s what the broadcast said back in Larsenia’s office!”

“Oh… wait, you really remembered that?”

“Didn’t you? You’re the one who almost got us into trouble for it...”

The receptionist laughs awkwardly. “I haven’t personally heard anything of that sort.

However, due to how little we still know, there’s always some new rumor on how to be protected from it or what makes one vulnerable to it.

The other week it was that wearing a cardboard box on your head would somehow help, until a box that had clothes and a pile of dust underneath was discovered…”

She clears her throat.

“In any case, age does weaken one’s immune system, so perhaps there is some truth to that speculation.”

“I think I understand,” Amethyst says. “How come Larsenia was so offended then?”

“Who could say?” The receptionist quite clearly feigns ignorance. “Please, don’t let this information ruin your trip to Metropolis, Mr. Frank and Miss. Amethyst.

DS-ID is merely a precaution, and the recent outbreak seems to be on the decline already, so no need to worry about it.”

“Didn’t you say there was a case just last week…? Frank, what day is it?”

“Hmm… Wednesday, as of a few hours ago, I’m pretty sure. Since the ISSA court appointment is on Friday.”

“Yes, that is correct. A-anyway, what kind of an accessory would you like as your DS-ID?”

The receptionist flops down ads and leaflets of various trinkets on the counter for them to see.

“We’ve got hats, scarfs, armbands, legbands, tiaras, rings, bracelets... and also necklaces, earrings, and further jewelry, but those will cost you if you want them to be made out of precious metals.

And also microchips, that are installed onto or into your skin, are an option, but I personally wouldn’t recommend those.”

“Erm…” Amethyst is taken aback by the overwhelming amount of choices. She peers down at the pictures, her eyes darting between different options as Frank flips them through.

She then looks down at her body and her arms. “Just a basic bracelet, please.”

Frank puts down the advertisements, “I’ll take the same.” he looks at Amethyst and smiles.

“Very good.” She collects the paper ads and takes out two bracelets from the back table’s container, they are colored and textured like wood, but appear flexible and rigid like plastic.

She straightens them, and inserts the first one into a small printer-looking machine, then types something on the physical keyboard and shortly after a bracelet pops out from the machine, a metal plate embedded in it.

She repeats the process for the other one and then hands them both to Frank.

On the metal plates, their names are carved, they are still slightly hot to the touch.

“It’s got your citizenship ID on the other side, and just names on the visible side. That is merely so that we know how to identify you.

The plate is sealed to the bracelet, so it shouldn’t be removed unless the worst comes to worst.

The ID inside will mainly be used to shut down your ID card and citizenship, as those are sought-after targets by criminals, even if it is quite hard to use them for illicit activities.

And don’t worry, the ID inside isn’t the same as your Citizenship ID, it is an encrypted string of characters that can only be decrypted via the Metropolis’ Government’s confidential Dust Sentence database.”

“Quite the systems you’ve built up.”

I knew Dust Sentence was bad, but I had no idea it had come to this point.

“Thank you, “Amethyst says. “Frank, how far away is our hotel?”

Frank snaps out of his thoughts. “Right, it’s just a short walk away, and we’ve still got half an hour to get there.” Frank looks behind them, there’s a queue building up.

“Let’s stop holding up the queue, and put on the bracelets once we're out of the way.”

“Right!”

They both thank the receptionist, say goodbye, and walk a little way away, close to the curved cement wall, Frank clips on his own bracelet.

“Frank… Are you worried?”

“Oh… is it that obvious? I suppose it’s a little… off-putting.” Frank doesn’t elaborate and just adjusts the bracelet around his wrist.

“A lethal disease without a cure… Hearing her say that, and being back home, bothers me a lot for some reason…”

Am I just worried that…?

He looks up at Amethyst, who looks concerned.

Frank shakes his head.

“The receptionist was right, no need to worry about it. The facts won’t change even if we get stuck into pondering it again and again, and let it ruin our holiday.

I’m sure it’s the authorities' first priority to neutralize the disease anyway.”

But… it didn’t sound like there has been any progress in ten whole years…

“Holiday…? Is that what this is?”

“Well, I’m sure we can call it many things, but let me just put this bracelet on you, and let’s hurry to the hotel.”

Amethyst lifts her arm, and Frank clasps the bracelet onto her armored wrist.

She cannot feel its presence at all, it’s just about small enough to not fall onto her blade as it’s a bit wider than her wrist.

The metal label faces her and she reads her own name off it.

Amethyst…

It feels strange, to see it written, to wear her name in such physical and official capacity.

So, I really am…

I… am…

Is that who I am…?

What’s the point of having a name?

Does having one make me better, or change me in some way?

“Amethyst?”

“Sorry, let’s go.”

I don’t get it.

Why does it make me feel so good when Frank calls me that?

When he says my name aloud, in all those different ways: shouting it aloud when he’s worried about me, or with an audible smile and a silly grin. Or through the tears...

Does he know something I don’t?

Why does just thinking of his name, fill me with such warmth and cause a spontaneous smile on my lips?

And these memories, oh so many memories bubble up to the surface. But it’s just a name…

“Frank.”

“What?”

“Oh… nothing.”

“You’re really spacing out Amethyst, are you okay?”

“Yeah. Thanks, Frank.”

Maybe it’s not so bad that I don’t understand...

But I’ve decided, that’s my name. I’m not sure why, or what purpose it serves, but I am… Amethyst.

If this is how it makes me feel… then I wish to be her.