The expansion progresses at a steady pace. The player forums are awash with complaints about how unfair the expansion is. The players want to fight the elementals. But, can't.

[This is the worst expansion yet. At least in the pirate expansion, we got to kill them. These elementals are too powerful.]

[Agreed. The sky is too high.]

[Why do the Ruun players get their own space station? I'm running from one falling world to another while they sit tightly in their favorite NPC's stronghold.]

[Oh, give it a rest. The admins never did anything to stop Koll Luna before. They're not gonna nerf him now.]

Koll skims through the forums and finds that everyone is suffering.

This expansion isn't as much fun as the previous one or the base game. It is because there's no fighting between the players and the ancient powers. The most one could do is fight the desperate NPCs trying to flee disaster. And, few players got a kick out of that.

Koll is entertaining in his room again.

Dancing Dagger, as had become his habit, sought out Koll to talk.

"So you plan to wait it out?"

Koll nods, "The elementals won't be stopped by the fleet I've gathered. And, there's no negotiating with them. There's no record of them even knowing any language but their own."

"Hmm," Dancing Dagger thinks. "So you're just going to absorb as many resources as you're able to and get ready for the next expansion?"

Koll nods, "I'm already in contact with some galaxy-grade civilizations. They seem to think Astera will be an important transport hub in the future. Even more so than Juniper. I'm beginning to gain the licenses for the purchase of galaxy-grade starships."

"So," Dancing Dagger asks. "What's gonna happen in the next expansion? I imagine it will have a lot to do with recovering from the damage of the elemental war."

Koll nods, "It will. The elementals will have lost interest in war. But, the interstellar and galaxy-grade civilizations will be enflamed with grievances and avarice.

"The fallen Unity Triumvirate will be our sphere of influence. The Astera Mercenary Division players will work with the remnants of the third army to secure the military dictatorship over as much of the triumvirate as it's able to hold."

Dancing Dagger looks at him skeptically, "You're on the side of military dictatorship? You're really becoming a feudal lord."

Koll stares at him blankly, "The third army will be the most successful branch of the Triumvirate in the coming expansions. We're heading into a time of total war. You can't expect pacifists to come out on top."

Dancing Dagger shrugs. "What of the station? How will you grow after the refugees stop coming?"

"The key to that is what we do now. Absorb and grow. Absorb and grow. We'll reach a population of a hundred million before the expansion's done. So long as we pick our allies right, we'll be fine."

"You really were a Cosmos geek in your past life. I couldn't keep track of all these moving parts without studying at length."

Koll shrugs, "I made a living as a loremaster. Reading up on the history of the galaxy was part of the job."

Dancing Dagger looks off at something only he could see, "I wonder what I got up to in your timeline. I can't imagine I had as much success in Cosmos as you did."

Koll is silent for a moment, "What's wrong?"

Dancing Dagger smiles a half smile, "I dropped out of college."

"Were you spending too much time in Cosmos?"

The blonde man nods, "It wasn't only that, though. I just couldn't see myself doing what I was studying."

"So now you're having a midlife crisis."

"Hey," the attractive man says. "I'm not that old."

Koll laughs, "Well, I am. I've got a decade in a past life added onto where I'm at now."

Dancing Dagger smiles, "Yeah, old man. You would be going through a mid-life crisis. But, I'm just going through an early life crisis."

"Is there anything you do want to do?"

"Hah," the young man sighs. "Maybe I should become a loremaster."

Koll looks at him for a moment, "Is that what you want to do or are you just latching onto my history."

The blonde man shrugs, "Would it be so wrong for me to do so? I have you to ask if I'm ever uncertain how to proceed. And, who knows? Maybe the game will recognize my work and send me back in time."

Koll laughs, "One can only hope."

They talk for some time before Dancing Dagger leaves.

Months pass with little of note. The hundred million mark is approaching and Koll is raking in credits on a level that shouldn't rationally be possible at this early stage of the game.

None of the refugees are allowed to idle. Work agencies gather their information and provide them with an income in exchange for labor at the station.

Keeping the refugees occupied is of critical importance to maintaining the peace between the varied ethnic groups among them. And, giving them the job of building the station solidifies their identity as Asterans.

That isn't to say that there are no dissidents.

Every day, criminals are being deported to fallen worlds. The sentence is no different from death. But, saves the station from being washed in the blood of criminals.

The deportations keep others in check. No one wants to be exiled to a doomed world.

Gol D has pulled back most of his mercenaries from the fallen worlds. The violence and despair are just too much for the players to handle. And so, they are given positions on the station.

In his off time, the barbarian warlord oversees the arena freighter. Many NPCs seek distraction in the harmless Immortal bloodsport. The NPCs spend large portions of their paychecks betting on their favorite Immortals.

Against a population of tens of millions, the once seemingly large freighter is a speck before the demand. Gol D films the competitions for sale. But, there is a real demand for a massive arena.

"No," Koll says definitively.

Gol D stands before him expectantly, "Come on, Koll. We have plenty of workers. Just divert some-"

"No."

The barbarian struggles. "Then at least let me draw up a blueprint and business model. When the crisis passes we can return to this issue."

"Okay."

Koll likes the idea of having a true Colosseum. But, during a refugee crisis, spending resources so frivolously would incite riots.

Koll sighs and goes off to find his room.

A familiar figure is waiting, her back to the door.

"Hey," he says.

"Hey."

Koll opens the door and the pair enter.

"Don't you think I should have access to your chamber?" Wu Lan asks petulantly.

"You're right."

He pulls her close and kisses her with want.

Their tongues play with each other and their bodies grind into one another.

Wu Lan meets his aggressive kisses. But, turns away.

She breaks off and walks to his couch.

Koll follows suit and sits down in the corner.

Wu Lan falls into his side and the pair watch the open space viewing window that shows the expanding spaceport.

Koll plays with her brown hair absentmindedly.

They sit in silence for some time before Wu Lan speaks.

"Koll," she says. "What are we? And, I don't mean our relationship. I mean, Immortal, player, NPC. I can't help but feel like I've lost my mind with you."

Koll continues to play with her hair. "Are you embarrassed to have a relationship with a game character?"

She bristles and moves forward to look back at him.

"I knew it," she smiles. "You know that this is a game."

Koll simply nods before touching her lip with his thumb.

"I've known all along."

"So," she asks, "What's your answer to my question?"

"What are we?"

She nods.

"You're a human of flesh and blood. You visit me in my world.

"And, I," he hesitates. "I'm something different."

"Are you an AI?" she asks.

"It's more complicated than that."

She tilts her head to the side, "How so?"

"Quantum time paradox. A digital golem with a ghost in its shell."

"Uh, what?"

Koll confides in her his secrets, what little of them he understands.

"So, you were a player?"

Koll nods, "I was."

Wu Lan thinks, "Is your body still running around out there if you're a digital ghost?"

"Would you like to find him?"

She frowns, "I'm just saying. If you went back in time in a digital form, your real body from 10 years prior should still be living its life."

Koll nods, "It's possible. But, I haven't seen any sign of my old self on the forums and he didn't start on Ruun."

The fairy leans back into his body. "Setting aside the how your situation happened. What of the why? The AI that runs Cosmos must have had a reason to break the laws of time and space."

"I don't know," Koll admits.

"By the way," he says. "You're accepting this all rather easily."

She laces her fingers through his, "I trust you."

They spend some time sitting before Koll pushes her down on the couch and hungrily kisses her once more.

The refugee crisis across the galaxy is reaching its zenith. Worlds and systems are abandoned at a rate that boggles the mind.

Most had nowhere to go and were destroyed by the natives of safe worlds. The desire to protect the purity of their civilizations allowed people, both human and alien, to commit atrocities as terrible as those of the elementals.

The Unity Triumvarate is in its last days and Koll maintains lines of communication with the third army, promising military aid in the coming age.

Even fragmented, the civilization is a tier 3 galactic society. It is a treasure trove of technology and human resources.

Koll gives preferential acceptance to the refugees designated by the third army as protected. This garners goodwill from the military command.

Astera has surpassed a population of 100 million citizens. It is even larger than Juniper Station at its peak.

They are even able to extract a few whole populations of the endangered worlds Koll has been protecting.

Not every world in the galaxy has a population in the billions. Most peaked in the tens of millions.

The rule of law on Astera Station had mostly stabilized. Terrorist cells are discovered and uprooted before they can do any real damage. And, besides, most of the people are just happy to be safe from the tragedies beyond the asteroid field.

Koll maintains communications with a few local galaxy-grade civilizations.

He'd garnered significant goodwill for his well-executed humanitarian relief and is recognized as a rising power in the local group.

As Astera exists in a sort of no man's land where no civilizations lay claim on the asteroid field, Koll is recognized as an independent authority. And, his excessive wealth allows him to buy favors with the elites in both interstellar and galaxy-grade civilizations.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

As the speed of the station's growth exceeds the refugee load, Koll diverts his resources.

While Gol D's colosseum is out of the question right now, Koll does commission a shipyard that will produce mass numbers of interstellar-grade vessels. His relationship with the third army earns him a commission to create many battleships for their coming war campaign.

Winter Storm can be said to have profited the second most after Koll. His 49% share in the Astera Consortium profits him endlessly.

It is true as they say, in crisis is opportunity. And, with Koll providing him endless support in vessels and capital, Winter Storm's Consortium grew to supply the vast majority of the construction materials for the Astera Station.

The player proves to be a competent asset manager.

Koll doesn't concern himself with the details. He just watches the credits roll in faster than he spends them.

Jake progresses in his artificer class and is designing more niche gadgets than Koll had. The market for power armor was claimed by his mentor. But, Jake has an ingenuity all his own. He designs personal thrusters, grappling hooks, and a wide array of mechanized pets for the players to spend their credits on.

For his part, Koll continues to research his bioengineer class. He's managed to create side effect-free blood boosters. And, had even taken a few permanent stat-boosting cocktails. The side effects were nil.

But, Koll's focus has switched from personal action as a crafter to reliance on the commercial element of being a faction leader.

Now that he has a hundred million plus NPCs living, working, and distributing quests under his umbrella, the need for him to go out among the players has decreased drastically. He still sends out mercenary quests. But, his role in the community has changed.

It is a strangely lonely transition. The scale of things is just too grand now. And, he has many people he can rely on.

Gol D is his greatest link to the players. While Winter Storm functions as his asset manager.

Wu Lan leans into him in his chamber.

"What's wrong?"

Koll looks at her, "I just feel kind of lost."

She looks at him incredulously, "If you're lost, where are the rest of us?"

He kisses her.

"I'm too rich. What can I say?"

She laughs, "That's one hell of a humble brag."

"It's just," he continues. "I feel disconnected from the players."

She buries her face into his chest, "I don't feel disconnected from you."

"I'm glad."

His words are sincere and meaningful.

"Maybe," she say as she pulls away from him. "You need to share the wealth. Give the players opportunities to grow. I know Winter Storm has become a power player because of you. Invest in other players. Buy them ships on loan and allow them to go out into the galaxy."

"Hmm," he hums. "How would I exploit them then?"

She huffs, "Must you always take advantage of the poor Immortal Braves?"

"No, I'm just joking."

Koll thinks for a moment, "You're right. The players need opportunities."

She rests her head on his chest, "I need opportunities too."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I need more time with you. You're my therapy animal."

Koll laughs, "Of course."

The room grows heated.

Koll releases a notice for the Immortal Braves of Astera Station.

[The Commerce Bureau of Astera Station informs you that the special category existences designated Immortal Braves are to receive Special Investment Status. Immortal Braves will receive preferential loan opportunities in starship acquisition, entrepreneurship, and miscellaneous endeavors. All Immortal Braves of Astera Station will receive a base credit score of 500. Opportunities may be unlocked with advanced credit scores. And, opportunities may be restricted with lower credit scores.]

The notice spreads through the player base at an alarming rate. Never before had the players had the opportunity to receive direct investment. The promise of personal starships was truly exciting.

Koll recognizes that such investment in the players might stir animosity in the NPC population of his space station. So, he implements a similar system for the NPCs.

Both populations are overjoyed by the opportunity. Though, most realize it isn't a free lunch. They'll have to pay back their loans.

Still, with the growing shipyard, the production of spaceships demands a consumer base.

Players by the hundred thousand apply for loans on the first day. Many pool their resources to buy their first vessels.

Gol D, the greedy bastard that he is, employs his Metal Mercenaries to gather up loans for the creation of a new fleet under his direct command.

No longer do the players have to rent vessels from Koll. Now they can simply pay interest on their own ships.

And, with the advent of personal use fleets, the players move out of the safety of Astera. Some even seek to create strongholds throughout the asteroid field.

Many will fail to pay the interest on their loans, resulting in the repossession of assets. But, many more will see their opportunities blossom.

In the dying days of the Elemental Wars expansion, the players finally have something to get excited about. They'd spent too much time dealing with human tragedy. Now, they would be free to follow their desires again.

Koll watches the last days when the players will be under his thumb. As soon as the next expansion launches, the players will spread like flies.

Dancing Dagger finds him one day and asks him about the future.

"The next expansion will be dominated by interstellar war. Not the overwhelming oppression of the elemental war. But, in many ways, it will be darker and more brutal."

Dancing Dagger nods, "So, what do you think I should do? Should I buy a ship and go off on my own?"

Koll thinks for a moment, "You could. But, your adventures would likely be minor."

"So, stick with you? Do you just enjoy my company?"

Koll laughs, "I do. But, that's not what I mean. I'm planning to gather the lost tribes of the players out there. And, I'm not gonna be traveling in some rinky dink fleet like Gol D's."

The blonde man raises an eyebrow, "What are you going to do? Bring them back to Astera?"

Koll shrugs, "Astera is in a unique part of the galaxy. Not the center. But, on trade routes that abound with opportunity. That's why the pirates made it their home.

"I know that many of the players out there will be uninterested. But, millions more will want what the Ruun players have enjoyed for so long."

Dancing Dagger nods, "And, you want my company along the way?"

"I do. And, if you're gonna be a loremaster, you'll need a wizened voice to teach you the galaxy's ins and outs."

The player shrugs, "Okay. But, I'm expecting better loan terms for when I start to branch out."

Koll looks at him oddly, "Have you been hanging out with Gol D?"

Dancing Dagger smiles, "A little. He's riding high on the new fleet."

"He's a bad influence, Dancing Dagger."

"Funny," the man says. "He says the same about you."

The last day of the elemental war comes and the players disappear from the galaxy.

Soon rumors spread on the network of aggressive moves by governments and militant groups. Wars seem to pop up overnight, leaving the fragile galactic balance to break entirely.

The broken Unity Triumvarate's civil war becames exponentially more violent.

Immediately, Koll receives a communique from the third army.

"Mr. Luna, the situation is worse than we had anticipated. Multiple extremist groups are spreading across our systems. And, the politicians of our once great Triumvirate are lining their pockets while inciting the populace to blind violence. The Third Army has fallen under the jurisdiction of the United Front, we will salvage the tragedy that has befallen our people.

"Can we count on your support?"

Koll nods to the screen. "You have my allegiance. I will begin sending my forces to support you shortly."

The military commander sighs in relief. "It is good to know that we can count on you. Till we speak again."

The comm shuts off and Koll is left to monitor the growing instability of the galactic order. By the time the players return, many more wars will have been declared.

The hours pass achingly.

And, then hundreds of thousands of bodies appear across Astera Station, excited murmurs spread as the players seek out information on how the game has changed.

Koll calls up Gol D.

"What's new Koll," the warlord asks.

"Our friends in the third army of the Unity Triumvirate now fall under the banner of the United Front. They need mercenaries. Will you continue as commander of the Astera Mercenary Division?"

Gol D nods, "You're not rid of me yet. I'll lead the troops if you'll pay them."

Koll smiles, "Same as usual then."

A savage glint touches the barbarian's eyes, "Same as usual."

There are other calls to make. But, most of them are redundant.

Koll brings up a galaxy-grade civilization's shipyard.

"Greetings, Mr. Luna. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Koll nods to the man, "I just wanted to confirm the delivery date of my vessels. Are the rising tensions in the galaxy going to delay delivery?"

"Oh no," the engineer shakes his head. "We'll deliver on time. A little noise won't affect our schedule."

"Great, thank you."

"Thank you for your business, Mr. Luna."

The comm shuts off and Koll is left to deal with several administrative tasks that popped up because of the new crisis.

Over the next few weeks, mercenaries go out to the United Front. Players freelance. And, the galactic situation grows increasingly dire.

Fortunately, Koll's galaxy-grade star ships arrive on schedule.

These vessels are armed and armored on a level incomparable to the interstellar-grade vessels being built in his shipyard.

The Ships numbered 15. 5 massive transport vessels that can fit millions of passengers between them. The remaining vessels are scouts and battleships that would tear apart any threats to the transports.

But, the most important aspect of the galaxy-grade ships isn't their weapons and armor. It's their speed.

Trips that would take 2 weeks in lower-grade vessels can be completed in as little as 3 days. It makes traveling the vast galaxy of Cosmos much more reasonable.

Wu Lan stands by his side as he looks out the window of his room. Before them, the 15 vessels gleam in the starry abyss.

"When do we leave," she asks.

"Now."

She shows some alarm before smiling, "Okay."

Koll brushes a strand of brown hair from her face. "I think you need some therapy when we depart."

Her pretty face grows red as she meekly nods.

"Let's go."

The pair leave the room and meet Dancing Dagger in the corridor.

The blonde man avoids Wu Lan's piercing gaze.

The departure is quiet.

The NPC crews of the ships had already boarded and the general citizens of the station have little thought for the silent departure of their feudal lord.

The first objective on the journey is to the nearest arm of the galaxy where players have escaped their beginner world.

The world is Regis Prime and the vast majority of its players have remained on the world throughout both the pirate expansion and the elemental war. Many of the world's players feel discontent at being stranded while Ruun players got break after break.

Koll knows from the forums where the players congregate and lands one of his massive transports on an open field by the player city.

The NPCs of the planet pointedly don't come out to greet the galactic overlord. But, the players bound forward when they realize who had come looking for them.

[Quest Name: True Companion]

[Description: Koll Luna has searched the galaxy for true companions. Are you a true companion?]

[Rewards: 1,000,000 XP, +1,000 Reputation with Koll Luna, 1,000 Credits]

As soon as the quest is shared, the players explode with excitement. Even if they hadn't been inclined to follow him into the galaxy beyond, 1,000 credits immediately brings most of them over to his side.

Koll remains on Regis Prime for a few days before departing.

News of the legendary NPC's search for true companions spreads across the forums like wild fire.

[Guide character confirmed. Koll Luna's collecting players from across the galaxy.]

[Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. Are we finally getting a turn? Ruun players have been lording their NPC over our heads for years.]

[Why is everyone excited to jump on the same bandwagon? Real men forge their own path.]

[Are you serious? The Astera faction loans players credits. You can buy your own spaceship. I've been trapped on my beginner world since launch. I'm ready to grab onto Koll's coattails.]

There were about a dozen beginner worlds at launch and more joined those ranks every expansion.

With tens of millions of players playing the game, even Koll's 5 transports can't get them all in one go. But, Koll is content to make a few trips.

World after world gives up its Immortals. Those left behind feel somehow lonely. But, the players that leave only express excitement.

Finally, the last transport is filled and they begin the journey back to Astera. The vessels have their own entertainment options, so it's more of a cruise for the many players.

Koll hangs out with Dancing Dagger as the convoy sails for Astera Station.

"Don't tell me something like this happened in your previous timeline?"

Koll shakes his head, "Of course not. The players were much more limited. A lot of them never got off their beginner world."

"So," Dancing Dagger asks, "What follows?"

Koll shrugs, "The Astera Mercenary Division gets a massive increase in mercs. Gol D recruits gullible players to his fleet. A few new businesses pop up."

"And, you're just gonna keep handing money out like candy."

Koll shrugs, "Players can own planets if they want. I mean, not most. But, some."

"What's the best planet in Astera's vicinity to own?"

Koll looks at him oddly, "There's a resource planet in the Yellow system bordering our asteroid field. It's uncontested. But, it would be an incredible opportunity to exploit."

Dancing Dagger thinks for a moment, "Give it to me."

Koll coughs, "Huh?"

"You said you'd do me a favor. I want the resource planet. And, I want the equipment to harvest from it."

Koll shrugs, "Okay."

The pair sits in silence for a while.

Dancing Dagger smiles, "And, you said Gol D was a bad influence."

Koll frowns, "He's taught you how to be an exploitative bastard."

The blonde man shrugs, "You taught me better than him how to exploit players. And, even as an NPC, you still have the heart of a player."

Koll can't deny it.

They talk for some time before parting.

The triumphant return to Astera station is a jubilant affair for the millions of players. Most hadn't been off their planet and now they were personally invited to the number 1 player space station by the legendary guide character. There's cause to be excited.

Koll summons NPCs in great numbers to give the players a tutorial for the space station.

And, with the 1,000 credits each player got for being a true companion, they all have a sizeable fund to start them out.

Koll delegates most of the tasks and then summons NPCs in planetary mining fields. He puts together a large team of workers and coordinates ships and the varied equipment they'll need.

Finally, he coordinates with Winter Storm to provide any resources the team might need down the line and summons Dancing Dagger.

"What's up?" the player asks.

"You wanted to own a planet right? Here."

Koll hands him a data pad with names, contact numbers, and the designated ships he will take to his destination.

The blonde man accepts the data pad and begins to smile.

"Thanks, Koll," the man says simply.

"We won't be seeing as much of each other for a while. So, good luck."

Dancing Dagger looks into his eyes, "Thanks."

"Oh," Koll says. "For what it's worth, you're the first player to own a planet. Even I don't own any."

Dancing Dagger smirks, "Plebian."

Koll laughs as they part ways.

Wu Lan finds him shortly thereafter.

"You seem depressed."

Koll looks at her, "Ah, just thinking about a friend."

She hugs his arm and puts her head on his shoulder.

"You still have me."

Koll tilts his head to kiss her, "I do."

They stay a while before Koll has other business to attend to.

The influx of millions of players fills the common areas of Astera station. But, the station was built to absorb many more millions. And, the players don't need housing. So, there is no issue. Nor will there be an issue when more players arrive.

Koll oversees the mercenary reports. The United Front, with the assistance of the Immortals, is pushing back against the extremist factions.

They are destined to win. But, the addition of many more Immortal mercenaries will make their victory more overwhelming.

Soon, Koll and Wu Lan leave once more to collect the wayward players.

"Koll," she says as they hang out in his room on the flagship of his fleet.

"Hmm?"

"Do you think that this is why you came back in time and were trapped in the game?"

"This?"

"I mean to guide the players in a certain direction."

"Well, I guess," Koll says, somewhat confused.

"But, it seems a lot to change the course of history for a videogame."

Wu Lan looks at him. "What if it's not a videogame?"

Koll tilts his head, "I mean, isn't it?"

"What if the universe created by the quantum computer is a real place?"

Koll nods his understanding.

"I've wondered that myself since I got stuck here."

Wu Lan's eyes shine, "What was happening in Cosmos when you were last playing before?"

Koll thinks, "The seventh expansion was about to launch. And, a threat that could consume and destroy everything was about to fall upon the galaxy."

"Maybe that was exactly what would happen. That the computer analyzed the chances of success and survival as 0 and used its quantum nature to send an experienced loremaster back to the beginning. To change the outcome."

Koll sighs, "I guess it makes some sense. It could be true or it could be a complete fiction."

Wu Lan stands over him, the light of confidence in her eyes.

"Tell me, Koll. With an army of millions of immortals. More credits than God. And, knowledge of the future. What can stop you from beating the game?"

Koll laughs, "You know that MMOs aren't meant to be beaten."

Wu Lan is unconcerned, "Players can't beat an MMO. But, an NPC might be able to."

Koll smiles oddly, "I mean... I don't know."

"Well you don't have to," she says. "Cause I do."

She curls up next to him.

They are silent for some time, both caught up in their own thoughts.

The fleet stops at world after world before returning to Astera.

Tens of millions of players are already running around the station and are off on quests across the worlds connected to the teleportation array.

The United Front is an overwhelming juggernaut with the many Immortal mercenaries fighting for it.

The fallen Unity Triumvarate is, surprisingly, looking like it will be reunited. The people of the United Front Koll speaks with are enthusiastic about the salvation of their civilization.

Koll is satisfied by the fact that he's already reached exalted with the United Front. The advantages to come will be tremendous.

Koll decides on one more trip across the galaxy to collect players for his faction.

Wu Lan accompanies him and soothes his soul of the wounds that had accumulated in his heart without him noticing.

The fairy is a true companion if anyone is. She'd been with him since the Red Sect and sees him for who he is.

Koll loves talking to her, he loves the touch of her skin, the softness of her lips. He loves her in a way he didn't know he was capable of. And, she seems to love him even more.

The 18+ settings in the game are largely superficial add-ons to the game. But, Koll is finding just how intimate they can be in his long journeys across the galaxy with her.

Caught up in bedroom bliss, the gathering of players comes and goes.

Astera Station welcomes its last batch of Immortals.

Koll is left to get catch up on the administration of his space station.

Much has remained unchanged. But, the shipyard has been finished and its production blossoms as a result.

The millions of players are leaving the station on solo ships and in fleets. They are working as mercenaries in the local wars that had popped up since the start of the expansion.

Koll doesn't have to give them direction anymore. They are making great strides on their own.

And, Koll doesn't have to keep growing in his class. It could be called stagnation. But, he is already far more powerful as an individual than the players themselves.

There simply was no horizon he couldn't meet.

A chuckle escapes him as he feels the thought might be a death flag.