Marcus hadn’t realised how fast the ship was moving until Citria appeared in the cockpit window, filling the view in an instant. From orbit, the planet looked breathtaking—a vast expanse of green, unmarred by the scars of industrialization. There were no sprawling cities, only scattered lakes and winding rivers cutting through endless fields. It was as if nature itself had reclaimed the planet, untouched by the grotesque structures that dominated the worlds he knew. For the first time in his life, Marcus saw a world that seemed truly alive, unspoiled by machines or the oppressive grip of Finisterra.

“It’s beautiful,” Marcus murmured, his eyes wide as he took in the green expanse of the planet below.

“It’s home,” Alyx responded, giving him a smile. The warmth in her voice softened the formality of the moment.

A crackle of sound broke through the ship’s communication system—distorted at first. Alyx quickly adjusted the dials until the voice became clear.

“This is Citria ground control. Identify yourselves,” the voice said, cold and formal.

“AY523X,” Alyx responded with calm efficiency.

A brief pause followed before the voice returned. “Landing bay 7 is open for you. Proceed.”

Alyx guided the ship through the planet’s atmosphere. As they descended, the ship jolted and shook violently, the turbulence unsettling Marcus even more than usual—especially since he couldn’t hear any of it. The muted vibrations beneath his hands were his only sense of the noise and chaos around him.

When they broke through the clouds, the view below expanded before them. The landing field seemed like an advanced installation grafted onto the otherwise untouched terrain. The surrounding settlement was much more harmonious with nature—far from the oppressive industrialised landscapes Marcus was used to. White sandstone buildings were tucked into the soft hills, blending effortlessly into the natural environment. The structures looked almost like they were a natural part of the planet, grown from the earth itself, instead of imposing on it.

For Marcus, this was the first time he had seen a world where technology hadn’t completely overrun nature. It was a quiet, subtle beauty—a world that seemed to breathe in harmony with its surroundings.

The ship made contact with the landing pad, Alyx’s expertise ensuring a gentle touchdown. Marcus had decided to leave the flying to her; she was more than competent, and he needed to focus on staying grounded. Slipping through time here, in a new place could be dangerous.

As the ship settled, a crowd swarmed around them—some in stark white and red medical uniforms, others clad in military-like attire of white and grey armour, their projectile weapons ready. Cautious expressions marked their faces.

Marcus and Alyx descended into the cargo bay, where she pressed the control to open the ramp. As it lowered, a rush of fresh air flooded the ship—an experience unlike anything Marcus had known. He had only breathed recycled or polluted air before; now, it felt as if he was truly inhaling for the first time.

Next to him, Alyx stood nervously, awaiting her return to the Collective-controlled worlds. She, too, revelled in the relief of the crisp air.

As the ramp fully opened, a man dressed in a white and orange uniform approached. He exuded an aura of authority, clearly in command of the surrounding military guards.

“Alyx?” he said, disbelief etched across his face.

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Alyx recognized him instantly. After all, he had been in command of her training. “Teroy! It’s been too long!” she exclaimed, rushing forward to hug him. The man seemed taken aback; Marcus guessed he wasn’t accustomed to physical affection. Teroy allowed the embrace to finish before stepping back slightly.

“I’m glad to see you’re alright. Who is this with you?” Teroy asked, eyeing Marcus.

Alyx, realising she hadn’t yet introduced him, replied, “This is Marcus. He saved me, though he didn’t intend to.” A slight giggle escaped her lips.

However, Teroy’s expression shifted to one of grief. “Come with me; I need to tell you something.”

Alyx nodded, her tone turning formal as she followed Teroy, signalling Marcus to join them. As they left the landing field, Teroy ordered the dismantling of their ship. Marcus found this fair; the vessel was old, better off as scrap.

They made their way through the streets of the lush complex of buildings, but Marcus’s enjoyment of the scenery was clouded by the look of dread on Alyx’s face. Whatever Teroy had to share, it seemed Alyx already feared the worst.

They entered a military building, its design marked by reinforced doors and bars over the windows. Marcus pondered the necessity of such defences; even within the Freehand Collective, it seemed complete peace was an elusive ideal.

Teroy guided them into what appeared to be his office, a spacious room dominated by a central desk. Screens displaying reports lined the walls, casting a soft glow. Teroy sat behind the desk, gesturing for Alyx to take a seat. Marcus sensed the weight of the moment and remained standing, aware that whatever Teroy was about to say demanded respect.

As Teroy glanced at Marcus’ relentlessly tapping fingers, he asked gently, “Are you able to halt the tapping, sir?” His eyes briefly flicked to Marcus’ visor, a flicker of confusion followed by the realisation of Marcus’ deafness.

“No, it’s okay. It’s… important to him,” Alyx interjected, her voice steady yet tinged with concern.

“Very well,” Teroy replied, composing himself for what he would reveal next.

When Teroy finally spoke, his words struck Alyx like a wave crashing over her—her parents were dead. They had perished during an expedition into Finisterra space while searching for her. According to Teroy’s reports, there had been a confrontation with a passing Finisterra patrol ship, which had mindlessly destroyed their vessel under the false assumption that they were “Marauders”. Yet another loss to the Finisterra propaganda.

Alyx felt the world tilt beneath her, the reality of loss flooding her senses. The memories of her parents surged back—warm laughter, gentle hugs, and the promise of their return—now shattered in an instant.

Alyx broke into tears. Marcus lowered his head in respect, followed by Teroy who was reliving the grief of lost friends.

Alyx broke into tears, her body shaking with the weight of her loss. The room was heavy with sorrow, and as Alyx sobbed, Marcus found it increasingly difficult to continue his tapping. The rhythmic motion felt trivial in such a sombre atmosphere, yet he feared stopping it might leave him vulnerable.

In a moment of inspiration, he envisioned the clock in his mind and slowed the world around him. Alyx and Teroy froze, trapped in their grief, while Marcus moved freely through the cracks of time. He slipped out of the building, his mind racing with a fleeting thought about something he had noticed on the way here—something that could help.

He soon found it: a row of vibrant flowers, unlike anything he had ever seen. Their bright orange petals glowed as if illuminated from within, a striking contrast to the sombre mood of the military complex. He carefully plucked one of the brilliant flowers and made his way back, feeling a sense of purpose blossom within him.

Slipping through time once more, he returned to the present, resuming his tapping as Alyx’s crying resumed. Though he couldn’t hear it, he felt the weight of her sorrow. He placed a hand gently on her shoulder, and when she looked up at him, distress shimmered in her eyes. He extended the flower toward her, his voice softening. “I know it’s a small gesture, but it seemed appropriate.”

Alyx’s expression shifted as she jumped up and enveloped him in a tight hug. “Thank you, Marcus,” she managed to say through her tears, her voice thick with emotion.

“Of course, Alyx. Just as you helped me when I needed someone most, I’m here for you,” Marcus replied, feeling the warmth of her gratitude. But the moment was tainted when he caught Teroy’s expression—a mixture of awe and shock at Marcus’s sudden shift in demeanour and the presence of the flower. He was going to need an explanation. Yet, despite his astonishment, Teroy remained silent, allowing the moment to unfold.