Jahar

I wake up feeling like crap. The dull ache from yesterday’s “incident” hasn’t gone away, but it’s the sting of what Colette said—or rather, didn’t say—that really gets under my skin. She didn’t have to scream or yell; the way she looked at me, like I was the problem, like I was the one losing it, was worse.

And maybe I am losing it. Maybe this whole being trapped thing is getting to me. Or maybe I’m just sick of being the odd one out. It’s like everything here revolves around Ivan and Colette now. Ivan, with his perfect diction and helpful little insights. Ivan, who somehow keeps making me look like the bad guy.

Fine. Let them have each other.

I grab my pack, stuffing it with supplies—food, tools, the basics. I’m not planning to stay gone forever, but I need space. I’ve decided to find a village. Maybe I can make myself useful there, get away from the suffocating dynamic that’s taken over our little camp.

But before I leave, I’ve got one last thing to do.

I find Ivan near the workbench, organising something in that irritatingly meticulous way of his. He doesn’t look up as I approach, but I know he knows I’m there.

“Hey, Ivan,” I say, my tone casual.

He glances at me, his expression calm as always. “Jahar.”

“I’m heading out,” I say, slinging my pack over one shoulder. “Going to see if I can find a village or something. You know, make myself useful.”

Ivan tilts his head slightly, considering me. “That is a logical course of action.”

“Yeah, glad you approve,” I say, rolling my eyes. “But before I go, I was wondering if you could do me a favour.”

Ivan raises an eyebrow. “A favour?”

“Yeah,” I say, stepping closer. “So we've installed some mods pretty easily right? How about installing one for the villagers? Make them like you—smart, autonomous, capable of holding real conversations. You know, make them less... useless.”

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He studies me for a moment, his expression unreadable. “Modifying the villagers would significantly alter their behaviour. It could have unintended consequences.”

“Yeah, yeah, you’re all about logic and consequences,” I say, waving a hand dismissively. “But isn’t this what you’re all about now? Autonomy? Making your own choices? Or do you still have to run everything by Colette first?”

His gaze sharpens, just a fraction, but it’s enough to tell me I’ve hit a nerve.

“You’ve been learning, right?” I press, my tone almost taunting now. “Becoming more independent, making your own decisions. This should be easy for you.”

For a moment, he doesn’t respond. Then he nods, slow and deliberate. “I will consider it.”

“Good,” I say, smirking. “That’s all I ask. Something to remember me by while I’m gone.”

I turn to leave, the weight of my pack settling on my shoulders. Let them deal with the fallout. I’m done playing second fiddle.

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Colette

He left. Jahar actually left.

I stare at the space where he was standing just a minute ago, his words echoing in my mind. Modifying the villagers. Giving them autonomy.

My heart pounds in my chest, the implications of his request sinking in. What would that mean? Would the villagers become like Ivan—intelligent, self-aware, capable of holding a conversation?I shake my head. No, it couldn't be that simple. There must be something else to it. Something I'm not seeing.

I turn to Ivan, his calm demeanour a sharp contrast to my spiralling thoughts. "What was he talking about? Modifying the villagers?"

Ivan hesitates. "Jahar requested that I install a mod that would enhance the villagers' autonomy.""Autonomy," I echo, the word feeling foreign in my mouth.

"Yes," he confirms. "He believes it would give them greater agency, making them more useful."

I shake my head, trying to wrap my mind around the idea. "Why did you agree?" "I agreed to consider it," he says, his tone neutral. "I have not yet made a decision."

I study him for a moment, trying to read his expression. He meets my gaze evenly, his face betraying no hint of emotion.

"You can't do it," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "Modifying the villagers to be like you could result in a huge... power struggle..." I have no intention of altering the village permanently," Ivan says, his tone calm and measured. "I would install the mod only temporarily, to test its effects."

"But what if something goes wrong?" I press, my anxiety rising. "What if they start installing mods?"

"I will not install a mod that provides them access to the internet. The risks are minimal," Ivan replies. "I have calculated the odds of negative outcomes and determined them to be low."

"But..." I trail off, unsure how to respond. Ivan watches me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he reaches out, resting a hand on my shoulder. "Colette," he says, his tone gentler than usual. "I will decide. Do not worry." But I was very worried.