Sophia lay on the narrow bed in her private room aboard the Hemlock, tears silently streaming down her face as she stared up at the viewport embedded in the ceiling. The stars above glittered coldly, distant and uncaring, a vast expanse of darkness that mirrored the turmoil within her. She had fought so hard to keep her emotions in check, to remain strong in the face of all that had happened, but here, in the solitude of her room, she allowed herself to break.
The room itself was foreign to her—a stark contrast to the familiar comforts of home. The walls were metallic, cold to the touch, and the only light came from the soft, eerie glow of the control panels scattered around the room. The bed, while functional, was far from comfortable, with thin sheets that did little to provide warmth. The technology that surrounded her was advanced, far beyond anything she had encountered before, but it offered no solace, no sense of belonging. She felt like a stranger here, lost in a world that wasn’t her own.
The recent mission weighed heavily on her mind, especially the cost of their success. High Councilor Revorial had been captured—he was the intended target, the one they had planned to capture. But his wife… Sophia hadn’t anticipated the cruelty of dragging her into this mess. The look of fear and desperation on the woman’s face haunted her. She didn’t care much for the councilor himself—his hands were surely stained with enough blood to justify some level of retribution—but his wife had been innocent. Now she was just another pawn, another casualty in this ruthless game.
And then there was the planet they had left behind, the one plunged into darkness by Qu’s computer virus. A whole world sent back to the dark ages, its people left to suffer without food, water, or power. The thought made Sophia’s chest tighten with guilt. She had seen the results of such devastation before—starvation, disease, chaos. She could only imagine the horror that was unfolding on that planet now, all because of their actions. She tried to justify it, to tell herself it was necessary to return home, but the truth was, the destruction weighed on her soul.
In the back of her mind, she could hear the sinister whisper of Anna Sha, taunting her, tempting her to embrace the darkness once more. The Shadow Orb pulsed faintly from where it was hidden, its power calling to her, urging her to use it. The thought of unleashing its necromantic power, of taking the easy path, gnawed at her. But she couldn’t—she wouldn’t—go back to that. Not after all she had fought to leave behind. She had made a deal with Jim, and as much as she hated what they had done, it was still better than the alternative.
Her thoughts drifted to Mike. What would he have done in this situation? The answer came quickly, and it wasn’t comforting. Mike wouldn’t have cared about the lives they had destroyed—he would have shrugged it off, justified it as necessary. But he would have been there for her, and that was all she wanted right now. The memory of his unwavering support, his presence beside her, made the emptiness she felt even more profound. Another sob racked her body as she longed for him, for the comfort of his presence, even if it meant accepting the darkness that came with him.
Sophia wiped the tears from her cheeks, her resolve hardening. She couldn’t afford to dwell on the past, on the mistakes that had been made. The path to Caldera was fraught with danger, and Jim—despite everything—was her best chance of getting there. But the dynamic between them had changed. Jim no longer teased her; if anything, he seemed to fear her now. The realization brought her a small measure of satisfaction, but it was a hollow victory in the face of all she had lost.
She turned her gaze back to the stars, their cold light a stark reminder of how alone she felt in this strange, unforgiving galaxy. The tears had stopped, but the pain remained, a dull ache in her chest that refused to go away. She would continue this journey, she would see it through, but she knew that nothing would ever be the same.
With a deep breath, Sophia sat up, pushing the emotions down, burying them beneath the surface where they couldn’t reach her. She couldn’t afford to be weak, not now. There was too much at stake. She had to be strong, had to keep moving forward, no matter what.
Sophia’s hands shook as she grabbed another bottle of Dwarvish rum from the stash she had hidden away, a bad habit she had picked up during her time as Valicar millennia ago. She didn’t even bother with a glass—just uncorked the bottle and took a long, burning swig. The alcohol hit her like a wave, momentarily dulling the edges of her despair, but it couldn’t wash it away. Nothing could.
She stood there for a moment, her eyes drawn to the mirror across the room. Her reflection stared back at her—a disheveled, weary woman, the crimson robe hanging loosely off her shoulders. Her hair, a cascade of fire and ice, flowed down her face in tangled waves, mirroring the chaos inside her. Her once-clear eyes now looked hollow, drained of the fire that had once driven her. A wave of self-loathing crashed over her as she looked at herself, at the woman who had been so easily manipulated, so easily led astray.
With a deep sigh, Sophia let the robe slip from her shoulders, the fabric falling to the floor with a soft whisper. The cool air of the room brushed against her bare skin, sending a shiver down her spine. Her body, lithe and muscular from years of battle, was a testament to the warrior she had once been. Her curves were accentuated by the smoothness of her skin, yet they held an unyielding strength beneath—a reminder of the countless fights she had endured. She had the power to change her form at will, to become anything she desired, but even that had lost its allure. Staring at her reflection, she allowed herself to shift, to let her true form emerge.
Sapphire and crimson scales began to ripple across her body, starting at her shoulders and cascading down her torso, hips, and thighs, shimmering in the dim light as they replaced her pale skin. Her breasts, firm and full, were now adorned with the same iridescent scales, adding a layer of protection and a touch of otherworldly beauty. Her fingers lengthened into sharp claws, her nails turning into gleaming talons, while her spine arched gracefully as wings unfurled from her back, stretching out wide before settling behind her with a rustling sound. Her tail, thick, powerful, and adorned with jagged spikes, curled sensuously around her legs as her horns twisted upwards from her forehead, sharp and gleaming like polished onyx. Her face, once soft and human, now bore the angular, predatory features of a dragon, her eyes glowing with a fierce, otherworldly light.
She stood there, half-transformed, a half-dragon—neither fully human nor fully beast. Her form was a masterpiece of raw power and sensuality, a perfect fusion of grace and ferocity. But as she gazed at herself in the mirror, Sophia felt no sense of empowerment, no connection to the fierce, majestic creature she had become. Instead, all she saw was a monster that her own mother couldn't love, a being that had been molded and used for purposes she didn’t even fully understand. The beauty and power of her form were lost on her—only the weight of her existence remained.
With another sigh, she let the transformation fade, her scales retracting slowly, leaving her skin smooth and pale once more. Her wings folded back into her body, disappearing as if they had never been there, and her claws receded, becoming delicate fingers once again. Even her tail, once a symbol of her primal strength, vanished as she returned to her human form—the form of Vallicar, the warrior she had once been. Her muscles, still taut and defined, were now hidden beneath the softer lines of her human guise. But even this identity felt foreign to her now, a relic of a life that had been stolen and repurposed. She was neither human nor dragon, neither warrior nor dragon lord. She was nothing more than a tool, a weapon forged and wielded by others.
"All I am is used," she whispered bitterly as she turned away from the mirror, her heart heavy with despair. "When will I be free?"
Sophia walked slowly toward the bathroom, her footsteps echoing in the quiet of her quarters. She needed to wash away the grime of the day, the grime of her thoughts. But even as she drew a bath, the sound of running water filling the room, she knew it wouldn’t be enough. The storm inside her was too powerful, too consuming.
As the tub filled, she uncorked the bottle of rum once more and took a long swig, letting the burn of the alcohol numb her senses. She stared at the water, watching the steam rise and curl in the air like ghostly tendrils. Slowly, she sank into the bath, feeling the heat envelop her, soothing her aching body even as it did nothing to soothe her mind.
But the voices wouldn’t leave her. Anna Sha’s whispers, Mike’s indifferent gaze, Qu’s cheerful betrayal… they echoed in her mind, a relentless storm of guilt and torment. The warmth of the bath did little to soothe the ache inside her, and the burn of the rum, though it dulled her senses, couldn’t reach the depths of her despair.
The Hemlock cut through the void of space, and Sophia sat in the bath, her body heavy with exhaustion and her thoughts darker than the space outside. She took another long swig from the bottle, finishing the last of the rum, the warmth of the alcohol briefly spreading through her chest. She stared at the ceiling, her mind racing with memories she couldn’t forget, decisions she couldn’t undo.
The harsh buzz of the comm system jolted her from her thoughts. Jim’s voice crackled through the speaker. “Sophia, get down to the bridge. We need to talk about the next step.” His voice was calm, but there was tension underneath it.
With a resigned sigh, Sophia pushed herself up from the bath, the water streaming off her skin as the cool air of the room hit her, sending a shiver down her spine. She stepped out of the tub and grabbed a towel, drying herself quickly but carelessly, the cold air biting at her exposed skin. She didn't care anymore.
With a flick of her hand, she summoned the crimson robe from her interdimensional pocket, the soft fabric flowing against her bare skin as she wrapped it loosely around her body. It hung open in places, barely tied at her waist, and she didn’t bother with anything underneath. There was no point. She no longer cared if anyone noticed her exposed state, no longer felt any shame.
Her bare feet hit the cold metal floor as she left the bathroom, the sensation sharp and biting, but she didn’t care. The cold was just another fleeting discomfort in a world full of deeper pains. She walked through the narrow corridor, the chill of the air brushing between her legs as the robe billowed slightly around her. Drunk and indifferent, she barely registered it.
Sophia moved through the ship, her thoughts drifting back to the decisions that had led her here, each step a reminder of the blood on her hands. Jim’s betrayal wasn’t a surprise, but it still stung. She had played her part in the destruction of a world and the capture of innocent lives. The guilt weighed heavily on her, but she kept walking. There was no turning back now.
She reached the bridge, the door sliding open with a soft hiss. Jim stood at the viewport, his back to her, staring out at the stars. He didn’t turn as she entered, but she could feel the tension in the air.
Sophia leaned against the wall, her robe still loose and hanging open, the alcohol buzzing through her veins, dulling her emotions. “What do you want, Jim?” she asked, her voice low and sharp, cutting through the quiet.
Finally, Jim turned, his gaze flicking over her robe for a brief moment before he met her eyes. His usual cocky attitude was absent, replaced with something more cautious. He cleared his throat. "We need to talk about the next step," he said, his voice steady, though she could see the unease in him now.
Sophia didn’t care. Whatever Jim wanted to say, whatever plan he had next, she’d listen. She had to. The world outside was as cold and uncaring as the space they drifted through, and Jim, for all his flaws, was still her guide through the chaos. For now.
Jim finally turned, his gaze lingering on the swirling colors outside the viewport. His face was guarded, his tone cautious. "I need to level with you, Sophia. Things are about to get more complicated."
Sophia leaned against the wall, the robe barely clinging to her form, loose and indifferent, as the alcohol dulled her sharp edges. Jim’s eyes flickered down briefly, catching a glimpse of the soft skin peeking through the loosely fastened robe. His face tightened for a moment, betraying a flash of attraction. He had been across several galaxies, met countless women, but none like her—none with her power, beauty, or the storm of danger that followed her. Still, he shook the thought away. This wasn’t the time.
“Complicated how?” Sophia asked, her voice flat, emotional exhaustion seeping through her words.
Before Jim could answer, Qu floated into the room, his soft glow filling the space with an odd warmth, his energy starkly contrasting the cold tension between Sophia and Jim. “Oh, you’re going to love this!” Qu chimed in, practically bouncing with excitement. “The Han knew about you this whole time! Isn’t that incredible?”
Sophia blinked, sluggishly processing his words through the haze of rum. “Knew about me? How?” Her voice was quiet, but there was a sharp undercurrent of disbelief.
Qu’s tendrils waved eagerly. “The Han have this advanced AI system—quantum computers, predictive algorithms, all that fancy stuff. It can actually see short bursts into the future. The moment you used that teleportation spell, their systems picked it up. They’ve been watching you ever since. You’ve been part of their calculations all along!”
Sophia’s foggy mind struggled to catch up. “So, they planned this? I’m just another pawn in their game?” She let out a bitter, hollow laugh, shaking her head. “Great. Another galactic power pulling my strings. As if Easton, the demons, and even James weren’t bad enough.”
Her voice thickened with frustration, a raw edge creeping into her tone. “Lifetimes of being controlled—first by kingdoms, then demons, and even Mike. He used me for my magic, always steering Valicar while I just stood by, letting him run the show. It was easier to let him handle it, easier to live with the guilt if the job got done, but damn it—I want to be more than that.”
Her gaze sharpened on Jim, her anger laced with exhaustion. “I want to be better. I want to be the hero of my own story, not just another puppet for someone else. And you?” She shot him a pointed look. “Even you think you can steer me, manipulate me for your own survival like I’m just some tool.”
Jim stepped closer, his expression tense but calm. “They don’t just want you, Sophia. They need you. Hell, I need you. You’re powerful, and that makes you a bargaining chip for both of us. But if I was planning to betray you, I’d wait until we were deep in Han space. It’d be easier to turn you over then, wouldn’t it?”
Sophia narrowed her eyes, suspicion battling with the dull weight of alcohol. “So why tell me? Why not just keep quiet and hand me over once we’re past the wormholes?”
Jim’s face hardened, a flash of frustration breaking through his calm exterior. “Because I don’t want to die. I’ve seen what you can do. I’ve seen what you are. If I hand you over, I’m dead the moment I stop being useful. They promised me more than just a pardon—they offered me my own planet, a title, everything I could want. But I know it’s all worthless if I can’t get out alive. My best chance is getting you through this, helping you get to Eve’s domain, and then I’m out... one way or another.”
He paused, his eyes locking with hers, the weight of his words sinking in. "It’s not just about the titles, Sophia. They can promise me the galaxy, but at the end of the day, I’m expendable. I need you alive as much as you need me to get through this. That’s why I’m telling you everything. But there’s more you’re going to have to see for yourself."
Sophia’s eyes narrowed as suspicion crept in. "What aren’t you telling me?"
Jim's expression remained firm, but there was a glint of hesitation in his eyes. "Look, there's a lot about the Eve galaxy you're better off seeing first-hand. Things I can't explain without you thinking I’m full of it. Just... trust me when the time comes. We’ll handle the General. But you’re gonna have to follow our lead when we get there."
Sophia stared at him, her thoughts a foggy mix of doubt and clarity. She wasn’t sure if she could trust him, but there was a certain logic to his words. “And you, Qu?” she asked, turning her gaze toward the floating creature. “You’re just going along with this? No secrets on your end?”
Qu’s glow brightened, his jovial energy unwavering. “Oh, I’m not in it for titles or planets! This is all a grand adventure for me! Besides, you’re fascinating, Sophia! You’re unlike anyone the Han have encountered before. Their tech picked up your future from the moment you teleported, and they sent me because, well, they thought I could help. And I want to! You’re special, and I want to see what happens next! But...” he hesitated, his light dimming just a fraction, “there is more to Eve than what we’ve told you. You’ll understand soon enough.”
Sophia’s eyes flickered between them, suspicion growing. “So I’m supposed to believe you’re not waiting to hand me over to the Han once we get past this wormhole?”
Jim sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sophia, if we were planning to betray you, we wouldn’t be talking about this right now. I could have kept quiet, let you walk straight into a trap. This isn’t a trick. But there are things you need to see for yourself in Eve’s galaxy, things even I don’t fully understand. Trust us on this—at least for now.”
Qu floated closer, his tone softening as he added, "We're not here to hurt you, Sophia. But the truth is, there's more at stake than you realize. You’ll see. Trust us when it matters, especially when it’s time to talk to the General. We’re in this together. At least until we’re out of Han space.”
Jim leaned forward, his tone more serious now. "Just follow the plan when the time comes. If you want to survive what's on the other side of that wormhole, you’ll need us. And we’re gonna need you."
Sophia stared at them both, her heart still filled with suspicion, but the alcohol and exhaustion made it hard to hold onto the anger. There was something in Jim’s voice, a sincerity she hadn’t expected. And Qu, for all his cheerful energy, seemed earnest in his bizarre way.
“Fine,” she muttered, her voice low. “But if either of you tries anything, I’ll destroy this ship, and I don’t care how advanced their tech is. Even with low mana, I could still take out several solar systems. Don’t test me.”
Jim nodded, the tension in his posture easing slightly. “Understood.”
Qu beamed, his glow brightening again. “Good! Now that we’ve got that sorted, let’s get through these wormholes and out of Han territory! Smooth sailing from here, I promise!”
Sophia gave a half-hearted laugh, her lips curling into a sardonic smile. “Smooth sailing, huh? Sure.”
Jim reached beneath the control panel, pulling out a bottle of rum and two glasses. He poured them both a generous amount, handing one to Sophia.
“To surviving,” Jim said, raising his glass.
Sophia took the glass, staring at it for a moment before clinking it against his. “To surviving.”
They sipped in silence, the cold burn of the rum lingering in the air, but the tension between them seemed to settle into a cautious truce. The bridge’s dim light flickered over them, casting shadows that danced with the swirling lights of the wormhole outside.
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Suddenly, the ship shuddered as they dropped out of hyperspace, causing Sophia to glance toward the viewport. Her breath caught in her throat.
The Han flagship loomed in the darkness, a monstrous silhouette against the void of space. The Lu San Junk was unlike anything she had ever seen—twice the size of any dreadnought she had known in the Republic. Its sleek, predatory form bristled with weaponry, sharp and angular like a great beast poised to strike. The ship's hull shimmered with a dark metallic sheen, massive cannons aligned along its sides, and strange glowing ports pulsed with energy, feeding into a central core that glowed faintly with a soft, eerie blue light.
Even in her dragon form, she realized, she would be dwarfed by this behemoth.
“Impressive, isn’t it?” Qu said with a gleeful tone, completely unfazed by the dreadnought's sheer size. “That’s the Lu San Junk, the flagship of the Han Empire. Biggest ship in their fleet. The invasion seems to be going well for them.”
Squadrons of Han fighters buzzed around the dreadnought like a swarm of angry hornets, their sleek black frames barely visible against the dark expanse of space. Their engines glowed with a haunting violet hue, leaving trails of light as they zipped through the debris fields, patrolling the sector.
“They’ve already crushed the defenses on this side of the wormhole,” Jim said, his voice calm but edged with unease. “The Republic’s capital was crippled when we took the High Councilor. With their leadership gone, the Han moved in fast, and this part of the galaxy is theirs now.”
Sophia clenched her jaw, guilt gnawing at her insides. They had opened the door for the Han to conquer this galaxy—by capturing the High Councilor and crippling the Republic's leadership. Now, the Republic's once-mighty defenses were shattered, its ships and battle stations floating as twisted wrecks. It was because of her—because of them.
She took a swig of rum, trying to push the guilt aside. This wasn’t her problem anymore. Survival was all that mattered now.
The ship's engines hummed as they powered up, preparing to enter the wormhole. Sophia gave the scene outside one last glance. The Han fleet, black and foreboding, dominated the void, ready to continue its relentless advance. The remnants of the Republic’s defenses drifted aimlessly, lifeless, and broken. The Republic had fallen, and she had played a part in its downfall.
Her heart weighed heavy with the consequences of her choices. She couldn’t stop what was coming. The galaxy was going to fall to the Han, and there was no changing that. She took another swig of rum, letting the burn ease the gnawing ache inside.
Ahead, the swirling vortex of the wormhole loomed, pulling them into the unknown.
The Hemlock lurched as it was drawn into the wormhole, the view outside dissolving into a dizzying swirl of light and color. The ship shook violently, the familiar disorientation of spatial distortion settling in as they plunged deeper. The swirling colors grew more intense, a dazzling array of hues twisting and bending as space itself warped around them.
Sophia braced herself, eyes narrowing as the vibrant lights reflected off the glass. Jim’s hands moved steadily over the controls, guiding the ship with the practiced confidence of someone who had navigated through such chaos countless times. Despite the turbulence, his grip was firm, his focus unwavering.
As they ventured deeper into the wormhole, Sophia felt the space around them shift. She’d crossed between galaxies before, but the sensation still unsettled her—a stark reminder of just how fragile they were in the vastness of the universe.
Jim broke the silence with a sigh, turning back from the viewport. The colors outside intensified, casting an ethereal glow across the bridge. "We’re coming up on the first wormhole," he said, his tone a careful mix of determination and caution. "I’ve been through this one and the next plenty of times. But beyond that... it’s uncharted territory. I’ll guide you through the Han Empire’s galaxy, but once we reach Eve’s domain—the galaxy controlled by the hive mind—that’s where you’ll learn the truth. What you do with that... well, that’s up to you."
Sophia nodded, taking another swig from her bottle, letting Jim think she’d go along with whatever this truth was when the time came. But deep down, she was already making her own plans.
When they finally emerged on the other side, the stars shimmered differently. The constellations were unfamiliar, the light tinged with an eerie, otherworldly hue. They had left the familiar space of the Turalis Republic and entered a vast, unknown expanse. Any illusion of tranquility was quickly shattered by the sight ahead. Massive Han defensive stations loomed in the void, colossal and bristling with weaponry. Each one, the size of a small moon, was fortified with layers of thick armor and rows of towering energy cannons, ready to obliterate anything that dared challenge their dominion.
Jim glanced at the stations but said nothing more about the truth, leaving his cryptic words hanging in the air. Whatever it was that awaited them in Eve’s domain, he wasn’t going to elaborate. Not yet.
Around the stations, thousands of Han ships swarmed in formation like a vast, mechanical hive. Sleek, black dreadnoughts, destroyers, and cruisers patrolled the area with methodical precision. Their engines pulsed with the same eerie violet glow as the fleet they had encountered before, leaving trails of energy that glistened in the dim light of the stars. Fighter squadrons darted between the larger ships, their movements quick and calculated, each one ready for battle at a moment's notice.
It was clear that this was a heavily defended gateway into the Han Empire’s domain. No one passed through here without the Han's permission. The sheer scale of the fleet and the firepower of the stations made it evident they were not taking any chances with what entered or left this side of the wormhole.
Jim exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing as the ship stabilized. Despite that, the sight of the Han armada hovering around them kept him on edge. "We’ve got a bit of time before the next wormhole," he said, his voice steady but carrying a hint of unease. "I’ll check the systems, make sure everything’s still holding together after that jump, but first..." He paused, his expression tightening. "I need to take a call."
Before Sophia could respond, the comm system crackled to life, and Jim quickly answered. A holographic display flickered on, revealing a Han officer—an unsettling alien figure with a translucent, jellyfish-like body and six piercing eyes. Its tendrils floated weightlessly, glowing with an eerie light that pulsed in rhythm with its cold, mechanical voice.
The hologram flickered to life, the translucent form of the Han General glowing before them, his six eyes fixed on Jim. "Jericho," the officer began, wasting no time on formalities. "The time has come. Revorial and the Mystic must be handed over immediately. The Councilor is priority, and Qu as well. They are to be delivered without delay."
The sharpness in the officer's tone left no room for negotiation, and the atmosphere in the cabin grew heavier. Jim leaned back in his seat, keeping his expression calm, but everyone could feel the tension under the surface.
"Not so fast, General," Jim said, injecting a bit of his usual bravado. "Qu stays with us a little longer. He’s a valuable asset, and frankly, he’s our insurance policy. I don’t think you’d want to risk firing on a ship with one of your own on board."
The General’s glowing tendrils twitched in clear irritation. "Qu is part of the royal family, a genetically modified asset of the highest value. His presence with you is a privilege, not a bargaining chip. Additionally, Jericho, the mystic with red and blue hair—she is also to be handed over. The Han Empire has plans for her."
Jim didn’t flinch, but his eyes flicked briefly toward Sophia, the “Mystic,” before settling back on the hologram. "That’s why I want to keep them close. Qu and the Mystic give me some confidence that I’ll make it through this in one piece. Besides, General, Qu seems to be enjoying the ride, and as for the Mystic, well, you and I both know she’s no ordinary prisoner. I need them both if we’re going to get through the rest of this mission."
Before the General could respond, Qu floated forward, his glow brightening with unrestrained excitement. "Oh, General, I completely understand your concern! But let me tell you—there's so much more going on here than even you realize!" His voice was filled with a playful, almost gleeful tone, like someone savoring the drama of a big reveal. "One of my dear siblings—always lurking in the shadows—thinks they can steal the spotlight, take the Mystic, and deliver her to the Emperor instead of me!" He spun around with a little flourish, his energy beaming. "But that’s not going to happen. The glory? Oh, it’s mine, General! I’ll personally deliver the Mystic to the Emperor, and it’s going to be magnificent! But of course, I’ll do it on my terms—with my trusted companions by my side."
The General’s tendrils stiffened, his eyes narrowing. "You believe there is a threat from within the royal family? Your brother seeks to undermine your mission?"
Qu nodded eagerly, his glow practically bursting with joy at the thought. "Oh, absolutely! My sibling thinks they can outplay me, but they don’t know what I know. They know the Mystic is valuable, but only I understand her true potential!" He wiggled gleefully, adding a mischievous tone. "If they get their hands on her, the entire balance of power in the Empire could shift! We can’t have that, now can we? And General, you know me—Jericho’s the only one I trust. No palace politics, no power plays—just pure loyalty. He doesn’t care about the throne; all he wants is his little fief and a nice quiet life. His loyalty is to me and me alone. Perfect, isn’t it?"
The General hesitated, clearly thinking over Qu's words. His loyalty to Qu was known, but the situation had grown more complex. Finally, the General spoke, his tone begrudging. "Very well, Prince Qu. But understand this—I will be the one to escort you to the capital when the time comes. You must know that."
Qu's glow brightened, his usual cheerful energy radiating even more than usual. He floated closer to the hologram of the Han General, his voice brimming with excitement. "Oh, General, you’re going to love this! I know the Emperor wants her handed over, but you see, we’re so close to proving something incredible! The Mystic—she’s not just any regular magic user. No, no, no! She could be the greatest weapon the Han Empire has ever had! Just imagine!" He spun in the air, tendrils glowing in excitement. "I can already picture it: I’ll be the one to deliver her to the Emperor, and together, we’ll save the entire empire from the Eve hive mind! I mean, what a story, right?"
Jim suppressed a grin, keeping his tone steady. "Qu’s right. The mission isn’t over. The Mystic’s abilities go far beyond what we initially thought. There’s strong evidence she’s not only a mystic, but possibly a necromancer of old—one with power over souls. The kind of power that might be able to destroy the hive mind itself."
Qu bobbed excitedly in the air. "Exactly! She could wipe out Eve’s drones in ways no one has ever seen! And guess who gets the credit? Yours truly!" He winked at the General. "You understand, don’t you? We just need to get to Eve’s domain and see for ourselves what she’s truly capable of. Then, and only then, we’ll deliver her to the Emperor, and I’ll be hailed as the savior of the Empire! Isn’t it magnificent?"
The General’s eyes flared brighter, clearly calculating. "You believe she can turn the tide against the Eve hive mind?"
Qu bobbed even more enthusiastically. "Oh, not just turn the tide—she could crush it! This is the chance of a lifetime, General! You’ve seen the future tech, haven’t you? It shows her wiping out the hive drones like they’re nothing. If we’re right about her being a necromancer—one of the ancient ones—this could change everything!"
Jim, keeping his calm, nodded. "We need to get to Eve’s domain to prove it. But if she is what we think, the Empire will have a weapon far greater than any fleet or drone."
The General’s eyes narrowed slightly, but the prospect was clearly tempting. "Very well, Jericho. You have your safe passage for now. But do not think for a moment that this leniency extends beyond the mission. The Emperor’s patience is not infinite. If this fails, you will answer for it."
Qu, still glowing with enthusiasm, laughed lightly. "Oh, General, have some faith! When I come back with the proof, they’ll be chanting my name across the galaxy! Qu, the savior of the Han Empire! And trust me, you’ll want to be part of that celebration."
Jim gave a small nod, his face neutral but inwardly calculating. "Understood, General."
As the hologram flickered out, Jim shot a quick glance at Qu, who was still practically bouncing with excitement. But Jim's mind was far from as carefree. His thoughts churned over what they hadn’t told the Han. He had just lied through his teeth to buy them more time, knowing full well that Sophia—despite her power—wasn’t the key to destroying the Hive. At least, not in the way they made it sound.
In reality, Jim didn’t believe anyone, not even Sophia, could destroy Eve. Sure, she was powerful—probably the most dangerous being he’d ever encountered. Hell, she might very well be Solaria, the arch-necromancer from Caldera, the most feared necromancer in history. If the Han ever got wind of that, it wouldn’t be about survival or working together anymore. They wouldn’t wait to study her; they'd kill him and Qu without hesitation and take her for their own purposes. The story he and Qu spun about Sophia being the only one who could stop the Hive was just that—a story. A necessary lie to convince the General they needed to get through to the next wormhole. Jim knew the truth: the best they could hope for was surviving Eve, not destroying her.
Qu, blissfully wrapped up in his grand plans to prove himself as the true heir to the Han throne, was oblivious to the real danger Sophia posed. He was giddy at the thought of glory, excited to be the one to deliver Sophia as the ultimate weapon. But Jim knew better. If Sophia truly was Solaria, her power went far beyond killing drones. She could obliterate the souls of entire worlds. That’s why, despite his usual bravado, Jim kept his distance from her. He feared her in ways no one else understood, and the weight of his own lie gnawed at him.
As the ship hummed forward, Jim’s thoughts settled into their usual calculating rhythm. The Han thought they were getting a weapon. Qu thought he was going to be a hero. But Jim? He knew they were playing with something far more dangerous than anyone could comprehend.
Jim finally exhaled, the weight of the negotiation lifting slightly from his shoulders. The stakes couldn’t be higher. He was in deep now—his future as a noble, his own planet to rule, and unimaginable wealth all depended on this mission. Every move he made from here on out was critical, not just for survival but for the future he’d been promised. But above all, he had pledged his loyalty to Qu, the prince whose bid for the throne could shift the Empire's balance of power. Qu’s success was Jim's success, and he couldn’t afford any missteps.
Sophia gave a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "So that’s your plan, huh? Just drag me along for the ride, let me be their little bargaining chip, and now you’re expecting me to play along?" She shot a sharp look at Jim. "What the hell are you going to do when you come back without me? How do you think that’s going to go over with the Han?"
Jim’s face darkened, and he leaned back, his usual bravado replaced by a hard edge of reality. "The truth is, I don’t plan on coming back without you. Not in the way you’re thinking, at least."
Sophia’s eyes narrowed. "What’s that supposed to mean?"
Jim sighed, rubbing his temples as if bracing himself. "Look, I know you’re strong, Sophia. I’ve seen what you can do. But the Eve galaxy... it’s not like anything you’ve ever faced. The hive mind there? It’s worse than any demon, worse than anything you’ve fought on Caldera or here. I’ve been to the edge of that place, and it almost broke me."
He leaned forward, locking eyes with her. "You think I’m here to control you? To drag you back to the Han like some prisoner? No. I’m here because I know, when you see what’s waiting for us out there, you’ll come back willingly. The Han don’t need to chase you down—you’ll come back and beg to join them."
Sophia’s expression hardened, but there was a flicker of doubt in her eyes. "You really think that?"
Jim nodded, his voice low and serious. "I know it. The Eve hive mind consumes everything, and once you’ve faced it, once you see the kind of threat it poses, you’ll understand why the Han want you. You’ll see why I’m not handing you over yet. Because when you come back, it won’t be because they forced you. It’ll be because you’ll want their protection."
Sophia crossed her arms, her defiance still simmering, but a chill had settled into her chest. "And you think that’s my fate? To just bend to another empire's will? Another power trying to control me?"
Jim leaned back in his seat, his smug grin fading slightly as he watched Sophia drink. "You don’t have to trust me, Sophia. Hell, I wouldn’t if I were you. But if you want any shot at getting back to Caldera, you’re going to have to face Eve. And let me tell you, the Han Empire’s been holding her off, but not forever. Once they fall, she’ll spread everywhere. This isn’t about politics anymore. It’s survival."
Sophia’s grip tightened around the bottle, her eyes narrowing. "So, I’m just supposed to help clean up your mess? Fight your war?"
Jim shrugged, leaning back in his seat, exhaling heavily. "Not clean up. Stay alive. You don’t know what’s beyond the next wormhole. The Hive Mind—Eve—has swallowed entire galaxies. You think you’ve fought before? This is different. The Han are holding her back with everything they’ve got—millions of ships, AI drones, battle stations, the works. Half the empire’s fleet is stationed at the wormhole, using it as a choke point, fighting an endless war to stop Eve from getting through. Billions of lives, most of the Han’s resources, all tied up in this one centuries long battle. And even then, it’s just a matter of time."
Sophia glared at him, fire in her eyes. "I’ve fought demons and gods, Jim. You think this fucking Hive Mind scares me?"
Jim chuckled, shaking his head. "You’ve fought gods and demons, sure, but the Hive? Eve? She doesn’t stop. She doesn’t sleep. She’s consumed everything in her path, turning it all into her. Even the Han, with all their might, are barely holding her off. Do you really think you’re just going to stroll through that?"
Qu bobbed closer, his glow dimming slightly in thought. "Sophia, you’re amazing—truly—but even I don’t think you can stop Eve. Hold the line? Sure. You could be the greatest weapon we’ve ever had against her. But stop her? This is survival, Sophia. The Han invaded the Republic because we needed resources to keep fighting. If the Han fall, everyone falls. The Republic should’ve joined us—they’re fools not to."
Sophia sneered, taking another swig of rum. "So that’s it? You want me to be your weapon? Just another pawn in your empire’s war?"
Jim leaned forward, his expression sharpening. "Look, this isn’t about being a pawn. The Han are doing whatever it takes to survive. You’ve got power, Sophia—more power than anyone we’ve seen. If you’re really the Dragon Lord of old, then your necromancy might be the only thing that can turn the tide. Eve can’t regenerate from it. You destroy her, and she stays destroyed. But are you willing to do whatever it takes?"
Sophia’s face twisted in disgust. "Necromancy? I’m not going back to that. I won’t."
Jim’s smirk faded, his voice turning cold. "Then don’t. But if you’re not going to use every weapon you’ve got, you won’t stand a chance against Eve’s unending tide. This isn’t about being a hero or going back to some happy ending. It’s about surviving the next fight."
Sophia’s eyes narrowed, her voice cold. "But if you don’t think I can actually defeat her, why did you tell that to the General? What’s the real game here?"
Jim leaned back, exhaling. "Because it was a lie. We told the General what he needed to hear to get us passage to the next wormhole. You think I’d risk everything on a half-baked plan? No. We said what we had to for passage. But..." His voice softened, and he met her gaze. "Maybe, just maybe, you’ve got a shot if you use necromancy. Without it, though? You don’t stand a chance in hell."
Sophia pondered Jim’s words, her mind racing under the weight of everything being laid on her shoulders. She took another swig of rum, the burn spreading through her chest but doing little to ease the tension building inside.
Qu floated a little closer, his glow flickering, but his tone remained light, almost jovial. "Sophia, I’m not here to dredge up your past. This isn’t about what you’ve done or who you’ve been. It’s about freedom—the freedom to choose your own path. And let’s be honest, using a little dark magic isn’t the worst thing in the universe, right? I mean, think of all the lives you could save with just a bit of necromancy! Sure, it’s not pretty, but since when has survival ever been neat and tidy?"
He bobbed up and down, his energy infectious despite the gravity of the conversation. "You’re not some puppet, Sophia. No one’s pulling your strings anymore. You’re in control now. But with all that power, just imagine how much good you could do—even if it means getting your hands a little dirty."
He paused, giving her a playful wink. "Just a thought, of course. The choice is all yours."
Sophia shook her head, her voice hard. "I’m not staying here. I’ll find a way back to Caldera, no matter what’s left."
Jim sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, you could have a real life here, Sophia. A damn good one. I’ve got a shot at becoming a noble, owning a planet, living like a king. And you could have that too. But we both know you’re too damn stubborn to quit. And when you see what we’re up against, you’ll realize survival’s the only option."
Qu’s glow brightened slightly, his usual cheer returning. "The Han will give you everything—power, a planet, safety. We’d make sure you had everything you need. But going back? No one’s made it back to Caldera in thousands of years, and it’s only getting worse with Eve spreading. But you’re a key player now, Sophia. You could help us win."
Jim leaned forward, his tone softening. "And if you did make it to Caldera, you might find nothing but ruins. Time doesn’t work the same with these wormholes. You could end up thousands of years in the future, and what then? The Han Empire’s your best shot at surviving. You don’t need to keep fighting."
For a moment, the room was quiet. Sophia’s mind raced, the alcohol doing little to numb her frustration and anger. She was tired of being used, of being told what she could or couldn’t do. But deep down, she knew they had a point. The odds were stacked against her, and no matter how strong she was, the idea of going home seemed like a distant dream.
But then, a flicker of something else—something stronger—rose inside her. She wasn’t here to be the hero of their galaxy, not when her own was still teetering on the brink of destruction. She couldn’t abandon the fight against the demonic threat back on Caldera. They needed her, and whatever power she could muster, even if it meant facing this Hive first.
"I’m not a hero," she muttered, taking another long swig. "But I don’t need your empire to survive either."
Jim chuckled softly. "Maybe not, but we both know you’re smart enough to see what’s coming. You can keep fighting, but sooner or later, you’ll realize this is the only way. You’ll stay."
Sophia’s gaze hardened. "I’ll stay long enough to get through Eve and get back to my own galaxy. There’s a battle there I can’t walk away from. You think I’ll play hero for you? No. My world, my people, they need me. And I’ll burn through anything in my way to get back to them, even if I have to take on your Hive in the process."
Qu bobbed closer, his glow brightening as he tried to keep the mood light. "Hey, when you change your mind after seeing the Hive, we’ll be here for you. We’ll face Eve together—fight a little, run a lot—and then live like royalty in the Empire. You’ll see, Sophia, it’s not so bad. You could be the hero here."
Sophia’s eyes narrowed, her determination solidifying. "Being your hero is tempting, but my galaxy comes first. I’ll take down whatever stands between me and getting back home, even Eve if I have to. But don’t think for a second I’m doing it for your empire. I’ll survive this—then I’m gone."
She stared out into the void, her thoughts buzzing with a mix of resolve and bitterness. The temptation to be a hero here tugged at her, but she owed her loyalty to her home. The fight for Caldera wasn’t over, and she'd be damned if she let herself be used again. Taking another shot, she muttered under her breath, "You’re both full of shit."