The silence of space enveloped Vermond as he floated outside the pirate base. The battle within had left him invigorated, his powers thrumming with newfound strength. Darkness's voice echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of the connection they shared.

Darkness: "You're really pushing the boundaries of your abilities. Walking in space... who would have thought?"

Vermond: "I've always wanted to see what it's like. Besides, it’s a good way to test my limits."

Vermond concentrated, imagining himself moving through the vacuum of space. He felt the energy within him shift, responding to his will. Slowly, he began to drift, his body adjusting to the lack of gravity. With each step, he felt more confident, the sensation of walking on an invisible path becoming more natural.

The stars stretched out in all directions, an infinite expanse of light and darkness. Vermond marveled at the beauty of it all, the serenity of the cosmos contrasting with the chaos of the pirate base behind him.

Darkness: "Just don't forget, you're not invincible out here. One wrong move and—"

Vermond: "I know, I know. But look at this, Darkness. How many people get to experience something like this?"

Darkness chuckled, the sound vibrating through Vermond's mind.

Darkness: "You're a unique case, that's for sure."

As Vermond continued to walk through the void, he felt a sense of freedom unlike anything he had ever known. The weight of his responsibilities seemed to fade, replaced by the exhilaration of exploring the unknown. He could see distant stars and nebulas, their light painting the darkness with vibrant hues.

Vermond: "You know, Darkness, I think I understand why you chose me. There's something out here... something that calls to me."

Darkness: "It's your potential, Vermond. You're capable of more than you realize. But remember, power comes with responsibility."

Vermond nodded, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. He knew Darkness was right. With great power came great responsibility, and he had a duty to protect those who depended on him. But for now, he allowed himself to revel in the moment, the thrill of walking among the stars.

Suddenly, Vermond sensed a disturbance. He turned, his eyes narrowing as he spotted a fleet of ships approaching the pirate base. These weren't ordinary pirates, their vessels were sleek and heavily armed, moving with the precision of a well-trained military force.

Vermond: "Who are they?"

Darkness: "They don't look friendly. We should get back to the station and warn the others."

But Vermond didn't move. Instead, he watched as the fleet drew closer, his instincts telling him to stay and observe. He needed to know what they were up against.

As the ships neared, Vermond felt a surge of energy. He focused, his mind honing in on the fleet. His vision sharpened, allowing him to see the markings on the hulls. These were mercenaries, hired guns with no allegiance but to the highest bidder.

Vermond: "Mercenaries. This could complicate things."

Darkness: "You're telling me. We need to figure out who hired them and why."

Vermond nodded, his mind racing. He had to get back to the station, but he couldn't risk leading the mercenaries there. He needed a plan.

Vermond: "I'll create a distraction. Get their attention away from the base."

Darkness: "Be careful. This isn't just a test of strength anymore."

Vermond focused, summoning his energy. He imagined a fleet of decoy ships, each one identical to his own battleship. With a wave of his hand, the illusion sprang to life, dozens of vessels materializing around him. The mercenaries hesitated, their formation breaking as they tried to assess the new threat.

With a final look at the approaching fleet, Vermond turned and began to move away, his decoys drawing the mercenaries' attention. He moved quickly, his steps light and sure as he navigated the void.

Darkness: "You're getting the hang of this. Just don't push too far."

Vermond: "I know my limits, Darkness. Let's get back to the others."

Floating amidst the stars, Vermond's mind raced with possibilities. The approaching mercenary fleet presented a formidable challenge, but he felt the thrill of a new idea stirring within him.

Vermond: "Darkness, do you know about the most powerful weapon that’s been banned for centuries?"

Darkness: "You mean the Oblivion Catalyst? Are you out of your mind? That thing consumes an unimaginable number of souls!"

Vermond: "Exactly. And we’re surrounded by mercenaries and pirates. Their souls will more than suffice."

Darkness was silent for a moment, his presence in Vermond’s mind radiating a mix of shock and concern.

Darkness: "You do realize the risk, right? This isn’t just about consuming souls. The Oblivion Catalyst could consume you if you're not careful."

Vermond: "I’ve got this. Trust me."

With steely determination, Vermond began to concentrate. He pictured the massive, forbidden weapon in his mind, a structure brimming with elemental forces, designed to unleash devastation upon anything within its range.

Vermond: "Awaken."

In an instant, a colossal structure materialized in the void, its size dwarfing even the largest battleships. The mercenaries hesitated, their sensors going haywire at the sudden appearance of this ancient and deadly device.

Darkness: "Vermond, you’re outnumbered! Get out of there!"

Vermond: "Relax, Darkness. I know what I’m doing."

Vermond maneuvered swiftly through space, his body moving with an ease that belied the gravity of the situation. As he flew away from the mercenary fleet, the Oblivion Catalyst began to hum with an ominous energy.

Darkness: "You’re a moron, you know that?"

Vermond: "Yeah, but I’m your moron."

The hum of the Catalyst grew louder, reaching a deafening crescendo. Vermond looked back one last time, a grin spreading across his face.

Darkness: "Here we go…"

A blinding light erupted from the structure, and the void itself seemed to ripple with the force of the explosion. The mercenary ships were caught in the blast, their forms disintegrating in an instant. The shockwave expanded, obliterating everything within its vast radius.

Vermond could feel the surge of souls being consumed by the weapon, their energy flowing into him and amplifying his strength. But amidst the chaos, a sobering realization struck him, innocent people, captured by the pirates, were also caught in the blast.

Darkness: "You did it, but at what cost? You obliterated everything within the radius, including innocents."

Vermond: "Collateral damage, Darkness. We couldn’t have saved everyone anyway."

Darkness: "You’re playing a dangerous game. Even with all your power, you can’t afford to become reckless."

Vermond: "I know. But sometimes, sacrifices have to be made."

As the energy of the explosion dissipated, Vermond floated silently, reflecting on the weight of his actions. The obliteration of the mercenary fleet had undoubtedly saved many lives, but the cost was steep.

Vermond: "You know, I was really hoping for a more badass moment. Something where I could walk away from the explosion in slow motion or something."

Darkness: "You just vaporized an entire fleet with a forbidden weapon. I think that qualifies as pretty badass. Even if it did involve a lot of screaming souls."

Vermond chuckled, the sound echoing in the vast emptiness of space.

Vermond: "True. But next time, let’s aim for fewer collateral casualties, alright?"

Darkness: "Deal. And maybe next time, think before you act. You're lucky to still be in one piece."

Vermond: "Luck? Nah, it’s all skill."

Darkness: "Right. Skill. Keep telling yourself that, moron."

With a final glance at the remnants of the destroyed fleet, Vermond turned and began the journey back to the station. He had tested his strength and learned more about his limits. The path ahead was still uncertain, but he felt more prepared than ever to face whatever challenges lay ahead. As he flew through space, he couldn’t help but smile. The journey was far from over, and with Darkness by his side, he knew he could take on anything. Even if it meant being a little reckless sometimes.

As Vermond made his way back to the station, the weight of his recent actions hung heavily on his mind. The power he wielded was both a blessing and a curse, and he knew that to protect those he cared about, he had to keep them in the dark about the true extent of his abilities.

Vermond: "Darkness, can you erase their memories of my powers? Just those moments where they saw what I could do."

Darkness: "Why would you want to go that far? They're your friends, your crew."

Vermond: "To protect them in my way. The less they know, the safer they are. I don't want them to become targets because of me."

Darkness: "You really are something else, you know that? Alright, I'll explain how it works. You can remove specific memories, but it will take a lot of precision. They'll remember everything else, just not the parts where they saw you using your power."

Vermond nodded, absorbing the details of the process as Darkness laid them out. As he neared the station, he began to form a plan.

Upon docking, Vermond called everyone together, announcing a spontaneous feast to celebrate their temporary respite. The crew gathered eagerly, including Kiah, Krisha, Jax, and the others, unaware of Vermond's true intentions.

In the midst of the festivities, Vermond concentrated, reaching out with his mind to touch each person's consciousness. He worked meticulously, erasing the specific memories of his powers from their minds. As he finished, there was a brief moment of confusion among the crew, but it quickly passed as they resumed their celebrations.

Darkness: "You really are a moron, you know that?"

Vermond: "Maybe. But I'm doing this to protect them."

Darkness: "Protect them by lying to them? By keeping them in the dark? You sure about this?"

Vermond: "I don't want them to carry the burden of my powers. It's better this way."

Darkness sighed, his presence in Vermond's mind tinged with a mix of frustration and reluctant admiration.

As the crew ate and laughed, Vermond watched them with a bittersweet smile. He had taken on this burden willingly, knowing that the path ahead would be fraught with danger. But for now, he found solace in their happiness, even if it was built on a foundation of half-truths.

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Jax: "Hey, Vermond! You seem quiet. Everything alright?"

Vermond: "Yeah, just taking it all in. We've come a long way."

Krisha: "To survival and new beginnings!"

The crew raised their glasses in a toast, and Vermond joined them, his smile genuine despite the secrets he harbored.

Kiah: "You know, Vermond, for all the chaos we've been through, I'm glad we're in this together."

Vermond: "Me too, Kiah. Me too."

As the feast continued, Vermond's heart swelled with a mix of pride and determination. He had made a difficult choice, but he believed it was the right one. The road ahead would be challenging, but with his friends by his side, he felt ready to face whatever came next.

In the quiet moments of the night, as the crew began to drift off to sleep, Vermond sat alone, staring out into the vast expanse of space. He felt a presence beside him and knew it was Darkness.

Darkness: "You know, you can't protect them from everything."

Vermond: "I know. But I'll do whatever I can to keep them safe."

Darkness: "Just don't lose yourself in the process, alright?"

Vermond: "I won't. Thanks, Darkness."

Darkness: "For what?"

Vermond: "For watching over me. Even when I'm being a moron."

Darkness chuckled, a rare sound that felt almost comforting.

Darkness: "You're welcome, Vermond. You're welcome."

With that, Vermond closed his eyes, letting the quiet of the station wash over him. For now, he would rest. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but he would face them head-on, with his friends at his side and Darkness watching his back.

Vermond awoke to the soft hum of the station around him. As his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he felt a presence beside him. He turned his head and was shocked to see Kiara sitting there, watching him with a gentle smile.

Vermond: "Kiara? What are you doing here?"

Without a word, Kiara leaned in and hugged him tightly. Vermond felt a rush of warmth and surprise, his cheeks flushing a deep red. Darkness, sensing the moment, couldn’t resist interjecting.

Darkness: "Aww, look at the little lovebirds! Vermond, you're blushing like a schoolboy."

Vermond: "Darkness, shut up."

Kiara pulled back slightly, still smiling.

Kiara: "I couldn't sleep. I just... wanted to be near you. After everything that's happened, it feels like you're the only thing keeping me grounded."

Vermond’s heart raced. He wanted to say something profound, but the words eluded him. Instead, he just nodded, feeling a mix of emotions he couldn’t quite name. Time seemed to stand still as they sat there, sharing a quiet, intimate moment.

Eventually, the moment passed, and Vermond knew he had to get back to business. He gently extricated himself from Kiara’s embrace and stood up.

Vermond: "I need to call a meeting. We have a lot to discuss."

Kiara nodded, understanding the urgency. Vermond called everyone together, including Jax, Krisha, Kiah, and the rest of the crew. As they assembled in the main briefing room, Vermond took a deep breath and began to outline their plan for rebuilding.

Vermond: "We’ve made it this far, but we’re still facing overwhelming odds. Our enemies are powerful, and we’re lacking the resources and strength to confront them head-on."

Jax: "So what’s the plan? We can't just keep running forever."

Vermond nodded, projecting a holographic map of their current location and surrounding sectors.

Vermond: "We need to establish a secure base of operations. Carlos’s station is a good temporary refuge, but it won’t hold if we’re attacked. We need to find a more defensible location and start gathering resources."

Krisha: "And how do we do that? We’re already stretched thin as it is."

Vermond: "We’ll need to be strategic. We’ll split into teams: one for scouting potential bases, one for gathering resources, and one for forging alliances. The neutral zones are filled with pirates and mercenaries, but they’re also places where deals can be made. We need allies."

Kiah: "And what about our power? We need more firepower if we’re going to stand a chance."

Vermond hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

Vermond: "I have a few ideas about that. We’ll need to be creative and use everything at our disposal. We also need to stay under the radar to avoid attracting unwanted attention."

The room fell silent as the crew digested Vermond’s plan. They knew it wouldn’t be easy, but they trusted Vermond’s leadership.

Kiara: "We can do this. We have to. For everyone who’s counting on us."

Vermond gave her a grateful nod. He then laid out the specifics, assigning tasks and roles to each team member. Despite their dire situation, there was a renewed sense of determination among them.

Darkness: "You know, Vermond, I never thought I’d say this, but you might just pull this off."

Vermond: "Thanks, Darkness. Now, let’s get to work."

As the meeting concluded, the crew dispersed to begin their assigned tasks. Vermond watched them go, feeling a mix of anxiety and hope. They were outnumbered and outgunned, but he believed in their ability to rise to the challenge.

He turned to Darkness, a rare moment of sincerity in his voice.

Vermond: "We’ve come this far. I won’t let them down."

Darkness: "I know you won’t, Vermond. Just remember to keep your head on straight and don’t let the power consume you."

As the crew busied themselves with their preparations, Carlos turned on the holographic news display in the common area. The screen flickered to life, revealing a stern-faced anchorwoman reporting the latest developments across the galaxy.

Anchorwoman: "In breaking news, a giant metallic figure was seen appearing briefly in the sector of the recent battle before disappearing without a trace. Experts are baffled, and there are no current explanations for this phenomenon. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward."

Vermond's heart skipped a beat. He remembered the colossal structure he had summoned during the fight, its immense power and the devastation it wrought. But everyone else in the room looked puzzled, their memories of the event conveniently erased by Vermond himself.

Darkness: "Careful next time, Vermond. You don't want to leave too many breadcrumbs."

Vermond nodded subtly, acknowledging the warning. He couldn’t afford any slip-ups that would expose the true extent of his powers to his crew or anyone else.

The newscast shifted to another story, and the anchorwoman's voice grew more serious.

Anchorwoman: "In other news, the RedPlanet Unite has issued a substantial bounty on the head of Jax Seaweed, a known associate of the recently fallen Res Collotionation faction. The bounty is set at one million credits. Jax Seaweed is considered extremely dangerous."

Jax's eyes widened in shock as he saw his face plastered across the screen. He turned to Vermond and the others, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief.

Jax: "Why me? What did I do to deserve this?"

Princess Kiara stepped forward, her face filled with remorse.

Kiara: "I'm so sorry, Jax. It's because of me. When you helped me escape, you became a target. They see you as a threat."

Jax took a deep breath, calming himself. He placed a reassuring hand on Kiara's shoulder.

Jax: "It's okay, Kiara. We did what we had to do. We'll deal with this bounty together."

The tension in the room eased slightly, but the gravity of their situation remained. Hours passed as everyone diligently went about their tasks, each person contributing to their collective goal of rebuilding and preparing for the challenges ahead.

In the command center, Vermond monitored the progress, his mind constantly turning over new strategies and contingencies. He couldn’t afford to let his guard down, not with so much at stake.

Vermond: "Alright, everyone, gather around. Let's review our progress and make sure we're on track."

The crew assembled, their faces a mix of determination and fatigue. Vermond began outlining their current status, ensuring everyone was aligned with their objectives.

Vermond: "We've identified a potential location for our base. It’s secluded but offers strategic advantages. Our scouting team will depart tomorrow to secure the area. Resource gathering is underway, and we're making headway in establishing new alliances."

Krisha: "What about the bounty on Jax? We need to ensure his safety."

Vermond: "We've taken measures to keep Jax under the radar. For now, he’ll remain within our secured perimeter. If necessary, we’ll relocate him temporarily."

Kiah: "And our defenses? We can't let what happened to Res Collotionation happen to us."

Vermond: "I've been working on that. We'll be implementing advanced shielding and cloaking technology to avoid detection. We’ll also establish early warning systems and prepare for rapid mobilization if we’re threatened."

The crew nodded, their resolve unwavering. Despite the numerous challenges, they were united in their purpose.

As the meeting adjourned, Vermond felt a surge of pride in his team. They were not just surviving; they were preparing to thrive in the face of adversity. He glanced at Kiara, who smiled encouragingly at him, and he knew that together, they could overcome any obstacle.

Darkness: "Remember, Vermond, you're not alone in this. We're all in it together."

Vermond nodded, feeling the weight of leadership but also the support of his friends and allies. With renewed determination, he stepped forward, ready to face whatever the future held.

Vermond: "Alright, everyone, let’s get to work. We’ve got a lot to do, and we’re going to make sure we’re ready for anything."

Vermond woke up with a plan that had been brewing in his mind for days. He needed to create something bigger, more powerful, and more impressive than his current battleship. He knew that showing such power openly on the station would attract unwanted attention and possibly jeopardize his friends. Thus, he decided to leave quietly and work on his plan in secret.

Early in the morning, before anyone else had stirred, Vermond slipped out of his quarters. He moved stealthily through the corridors of the station, ensuring that no one saw him as he made his way to the docking bay. His battleship awaited him, but today it would be a mere stepping stone for something grander.

Darkness: "Are you sure about this, Vermond? You're treading into dangerous territory."

Vermond: "I know, Darkness. But this is necessary. We need something formidable to stand against our enemies."

Darkness: "Just be cautious. Your power isn't limitless."

Vermond nodded, boarding his battleship and setting a course for a remote location where he could work undisturbed. After several hours of travel, he arrived at a desolate region of space, far from any prying eyes. He powered down his engines and floated in the vast emptiness, his heart pounding with anticipation.

Vermond: "It's time."

Closing his eyes, he let his imagination run wild. He envisioned a ship larger than any he had ever seen, a dreadnought, but even grander. As the image formed in his mind, Darkness's voice echoed a warning.

Darkness: "Be careful, Vermond. You're pushing the limits."

Vermond: "I know what I'm doing."

But Vermond's thoughts shifted. He remembered the giant humanoid structure he had summoned in his last battle, which had saved him by sheer luck. Inspired by that memory, he decided to create something similar, yet larger and more powerful, a fusion of both ship and machine.

Vermond: "Here we go."

He concentrated harder than ever, and with a surge of energy, the space around him shimmered. Gradually, a colossal structure began to materialize. It was a humanoid figure, towering and imposing, larger than his battleship but sleek and formidable.

Vermond: "I name you LFNMA Destroyer."

Darkness chuckled, a rare sound of approval.

Darkness: "Fancy name, but it fits. Now let's see if you can control it."

Vermond entered the massive structure, feeling a sense of awe and power as he took command. With Darkness guiding him, he began to familiarize himself with the controls. It was intuitive, almost as if the ship were an extension of his own body.

Darkness: "Careful now. One wrong move and you could tear yourself apart."

Vermond: "Got it."

He practiced maneuvering, testing the ship's capabilities. The LFNMA Destroyer responded smoothly to his commands, its massive limbs moving with surprising agility. He tested the weapons systems, firing energy beams into the void and marveling at their destructive power.

Vermond: "This is incredible."

After several hours of practice, Vermond felt confident in his control over the LFNMA Destroyer. He knew it was a game-changer, a vessel that could turn the tide in their favor.

Darkness: "Remember, Vermond, this power comes with a cost. Use it wisely."

Vermond: "I will. Thank you for your guidance, Darkness."

He returned to the station under the cover of night, ensuring no one saw the behemoth he had created. Docking his battleship quietly, he slipped back into the station, unnoticed.

In the days that followed, Vermond continued to hone his skills in secret, always mindful of the responsibility that came with his newfound power. He knew that the LFNMA Destroyer was a symbol of hope for his friends and a weapon against their enemies. And he was ready to wield it with the strength and wisdom that Darkness had instilled in him.

Vermond lay in his bed, his mind filled with dreams of battles won and futures secured. The satisfaction of his latest creation, the LFNMA Destroyer, had given him a rare sense of peace. As he drifted deeper into sleep, Darkness retreated into the recesses of Vermond's mind, content for the first time in a long while.

But something strange began to happen. The familiar hum of the station's engines, the distant sounds of people moving about, all started to fade. The world around Vermond grew eerily silent, as if someone had hit the mute button on reality itself.

Darkness, sensing something amiss, stirred.

Darkness: "What is this...?"

He tried to reach out, to connect with Vermond's consciousness, but found himself blocked by an unseen force. The usual ebb and flow of time felt different, almost as if it had... stopped.

Darkness moved frantically within Vermond's mind, attempting to rouse him. He projected thoughts of urgency, screamed warnings, and even attempted to shake Vermond's dreamscape.

Darkness: "Vermond! Wake up! Something's wrong!"

But Vermond remained in his deep slumber, unaffected by Darkness's attempts. The world outside Vermond's mind had come to a standstill. People were frozen in place, mid-motion, their expressions suspended in time. The soft hum of machinery and distant conversations were all silenced, replaced by an unnatural stillness.

Darkness, now desperate, scanned through the layers of Vermond's consciousness. He searched for any sign of interference or an external force that could have caused this anomaly. Yet, nothing seemed to be out of place, except for the fact that time itself had halted.

Darkness: "This isn't possible... What could be powerful enough to stop time?"

The answer eluded him. He had faced countless threats and navigated through many dangers alongside Vermond, but this was unlike anything he had encountered before.

As the minutes, or what felt like minutes dragged on, Darkness continued his futile efforts. The silence of the station, the frozen figures of Vermond's friends and allies, and the unmoving stars outside the viewport all contributed to an overwhelming sense of dread.

Darkness: "I have to keep trying. I can't let him stay trapped in this... whatever this is."

With renewed determination, Darkness focused all his energy on one last attempt. He reached into the deepest parts of Vermond's subconscious, hoping to find a way to break through the barrier that kept Vermond in his unnaturally deep sleep.

Darkness: "Vermond, hear me... You have to wake up. We need you."

But the barrier remained impenetrable, and Vermond lay still, lost in his dreams. The station, the galaxy, everything around them, stayed frozen in time, a surreal tableau of a moment caught forever.

Darkness, exhausted and confused, withdrew slightly, contemplating the mystery before him. He knew he couldn't give up. He had to find a way to break the spell that had trapped Vermond and the entire universe in this state of suspended animation.

Darkness: "Hold on, Vermond. I won't let this be the end."

And so, in the unnerving stillness of a world where time had ceased to flow, Darkness remained vigilant, determined to save his host from the strange and powerful force that had rendered them all motionless.

The chapter ended on a note of suspense, a sense of impending discovery, as Darkness continued his watch, waiting for the moment he could break through and awaken Vermond from his mysterious slumber.