As Amethyst flies through Metropolis’ airspace, her mind is heavy.

  Thoughts run rampant in her head, wander on and on in circles.

  What am I going to say?

  How is this going to work?

  Oh... I wish Frank could be here with me...

  But, it has to be this way, he needs to rest.

  ...

  What if the surgery goes wrong somehow?

  What if... he dies?

  Just like Luna, or that man...

  What would I do then?!

  It’d be all alone...

  Could I really... go on without him?

  ...

  No, I can’t be thinking like that...

  I’m sure he’ll be fine, we’re at Metropolis after all; the doctors have all they could need.

  He assured me that he has a good chance of making it...

  I need to focus and do my part, and Frank will do his.

  I... I can do this.

  Thanks to Phantolia’s directions, Amethyst is able to find the ISSA’s main building, deep in Compassion.

  Her advice was especially helpful as due to her smoky form, she often flies to her destinations too.

  However, it’s a bit unusual for such an administrative facility to be located in Compassion instead of Integrity.

  All the other ones, like the Galactic Police HQ, Parliament, the general and higher courts are there.

  Perhaps it's just a case of all the other ISSA facilities residing in Compassion, so their Court was founded there too.

  If Amethyst's sense of time is to be trusted, their court appointment is still an hour away, despite this, the front of the building is crowded with media personnel already.

  She is immediately swarmed as she lands: microphones, cameras, and every recording device in between, are shoved toward her.

  “How are you feeling? Confident? Anxious? Today’s finally the day-”

  “Do you think the recent conflict will affect your chances to join the United Galaxy?”

  “Where is your human assistant?”

  “Rumors are circulating that Frank was assaulted and is in the hospital. Can you confirm or deny?”

  “Was it your fault that Frank is hospitalized?”

  Thankfully, before coming here, Amethyst visited Teral Lacrima, Bafrouk’s workshop, and obtained a second copy of sheaths. With her blades covered, there would be no fear of injuring anyone even if they clung to her very blades.

  “What is the story of your protectors? Are they a fashion statement?”

  “There’s a strand of hair that’s braided on your head, who did that? Who's your makeup artist?”

  “What is your opinion on the cool and refreshing taste of Space-Tundra’s breeze?”

  Amethyst doesn’t respond to any single one of them and makes it to the edge of the great stairs of the Courthouse.

  Movable fences form a checkpoint before them, and the curious vultures are left behind as Amethyst is let through by the staff there.

  She starts her climb up the white stone stairs, looking at the grand architecture ahead. Great pillars stand at the top with planets carved on their surface, colored faintly and artistically to match their real-world counterparts.

  The pillars hold up a great roof, which front has carvings of the visages of every single Sapient species that has been approved by ISSA to become a part of the United Galaxy.

  Bafrouk told her about it and the masterful carving artistry it displays, wishing her the best of luck to get Tyrchids up on the wall and Midnight Iris on a pillar.

  And of course, he boasted that the Garanean who's responsible for carving and maintaining it is his acquaintance.

  The incredibly numerous rows of colored stone faces start from the top of the triangle-shaped plane, lined up in neat rows. The very first spot is taken by a blob with faint rainbow colors, a Flibma, and right after it, their octopus-faced rival from the same Solar System, the Churlen.

  Why are Flibmas the first one?

  I thought that Sinels were the first alien species humanity came into contact with, shouldn’t they be carved at the top instead?

  Amethyst scans the faces over, but cannot spot them on the wall at all.

  Perhaps she just didn’t notice them or... Sinels are entirely missing from it, despite living in Metropolis for all this time...

  Amethyst makes it to the top of the—at least a hundred-step—staircase.

  Stone double doors await ahead, about ten meters high and half as wide.

  Before their grandeur, she feels herself uncharacteristically small, even Sabertigers didn't make her feel that way, despite them being nearly the size of the doors.

  As Amethyst approaches, lines of energy shoot across the door's surface, bright and pulsing like plasma, moving in sharp turns from the edges toward the area ahead of her.

  The energies collide against some invisible edge and start racing around in a rectangular shape, segmenting out a door fitting for her size.

  As Amethyst gets closer, the newly formed door cracks open and the energy dissipates, from up close the stone surface looks akin to a dusty circuit board, with faint carvings all around its surface.

  Stepping through, it closes again leaving no seam behind where it cut itself to accommodate Amethyst.

  Inside, all doorways continue to be scaled to the extreme, but at least most furniture and architecture are more normal-sized.

  To her dismay, the apparent lack of a reception is alarming. In all these sorts of places she had visited, they all had one.

  Perhaps it’s hidden up some of these winding staircases instead? How else would she know where to go?

  She walks across the sparsely populated space, past other people, including a man who looks slightly familiar, wearing dark sunglasses and leaning against a great stone column.

  “Hey.”

  Amethyst turns back, now recognizing him.

  “You’re that guard... Doug, right?” Amethyst narrows her eyes. “You were at Midnight Iris, working for Intergalactic?! What are you doing here?”

  “Right, Doug, that's me. Anyway, I’m your guide, that’s what. Didn’t you know?”

  “Uh, no. Why are you my guide?”

  “Since I happened to be available, and I’m the only one you’ve met before? I don’t know.”

  Doug approaches and takes off his sunglasses. “But let's make one thing clear, I actually work for ISSA.”

  “Why were you with Intergalactic before then?”

  “That’s... classified. But you can probably guess.”

  “You got fired and switched jobs?”

  “Sure, let’s go with that.”

  Doug tilts himself off the column to a straight-backed stand and brushes his suit.

  “Anyway, come with me. I’ll show you to your Courtroom.”

  “I guess that's fine... Let’s go.”

  They ascend multiple staircases, going left and right and left again. Amethyst keeps an eye on Doug in case he does anything suspicious during his escort, but apart from looking around a lot, and seemingly having his attention elsewhere, it’s hard to pin anything damning on him. Amethyst loses her bearings the further they zigzag, being totally lost by the time they reach the courtroom’s door. They sit down to wait together.

  The halls are devoid of people, it’s almost creepy, just the two of them, sitting in silence.

  “Aren’t you going to ask why Frank didn’t come with me?”

  “Why didn’t Frank come with you?” Doug responds immediately.

  Amethyst frowns.

  “You already know, don’t you?”

  “Perhaps. I’ve got my contacts.”

  “Hmm, I wonder if you’ve got contacts to know this too: I’m not sure I like you.”

  “Well, aren’t you candid, much more so than when we last met. ”

  Doug adjusts his sunglasses and looks at her over them before he directs his gaze around the hallways again.

  “If it makes you feel any better, I’ve kind of got my eyes- erm, hands full here.”

  “What do you mean? We’re just sitting around.”

  “If you must know, I’m also working your security detail here, with the rest of ISSA’s guards all around the premises.

  So, excuse me if I’m not very chatty.”

  “Oh.”

  How’s he doing that?

  “So you’re a guide and a guard at ISSA?”

  “Well, I’m a lot of things, I suppose. Not that either of those is my main job.”

  “As long as your main job isn’t for Intergalactic, I don’t really care.”

  “That I can assure you.”

  Doug’s hands swipe something on the side of his glasses, and his fingers press something.

  “So, you were at the Galactic Police’s main station, right?”

  “Yeah, why?”

  “Which Officers handled your case?”

  “Why do you want to know?”

  “Now that I’m finally chatting with you, you won’t answer?”

  “Uh, I don’t actually remember their names…” Amethyst grins abashed. “Some human men…?”

  “Right, never mind then.” Doug brings his hand to his glasses again.

  “Okay…”

  Amethyst straightens her posture, and looks to the left, and right. Nobody else, nothing of interest.

  ‘It’s good to be early and punctual’, she thinks Frank may have once said something to that effect.

  Or was it Pioneer? Either way, it seems it has its limits too.

  About half an hour before the appointed start time, other people finally start appearing, talking in small groups peppered across the hallway, sitting and waiting and a few already go inside the courtroom.

  With about five minutes to go, Doug finally gives her the go-ahead to enter the room in his escort.

  The courtroom is a rather large space, with a bunch of long chairs for the audience to sit on, and at the front, a podium where Doug drops off Amethyst.

  On both sides are stairs that lead to the slightly raised stage-like area, above which is another taller podium. Then, on both sides of this “stage” are two raised seating areas, already filled with people.

  Reserved chattering fills the space, which soon quiets down as a figure steps into the room from the door at the back.

  An owl Mun’aakas steps up to the high, front podium, his body a cylinder-shape of beautiful feathers from all shades of brown, gray, and black.

  Long feathers, like eyebrows, extend from above his eyes, with two separate spiked tufts of feathers at the sides of his head.

  A curved and sharp beak opens and talks with a low voice full of authority and calm.

  “I am P?llend and I will be your judge for this case, henceforth known as: The Unificator.

  I am the final guardian, the bulwark that protects the United Galaxy, the embodiment of planetary cooperation that all remarkable parts of the Galaxy strive toward.

  For the United Galaxy is an ideal worth safeguarding, a peaceful Galaxy where all are governed fairly by the same rules, exist in harmony, and are equal.

  A Galaxy full of opportunity and prosperity, where race, lineage, or home planet do not determine the individual’s fate.

  Every year we strive closer toward this ideal of unity, and recognizing new Sapient species as equals is an important part of the process, which leads us to today and our newest candidate, the Tyrchids from Midnight Iris.”

  His black claws hidden at the end of his large wing adjust the microphone.

  “I will objectively run the proceedings and present the measured stance of the Jury in matters which are voted for.

  These votes are done after each section, and the Court proceedings are roughly divided into two parts: ‘Evaluating the subject species Sapience and Intelligence’ and ‘Evaluating their suitability to join the United Galaxy’.”

  P?llend looks directly at Amethyst.

  “There are Jury members seated on both sides of the courtroom, they will mostly ask the questions while you are required to answer them to the best of your ability.

  Though, should there be something that would be beneficial for them to know, you may also make your own statements.”

  “I will be here mostly to monitor and direct the conversation back on track should we veer off topic, but it falls upon the Jury to make the decisions, I will merely present the consensus.

  Finally, I am required to say that the whole court debate will be recorded, and published to the public at a later date, once information that should not be disclosed to the public is edited out.

  Now, if there are no questions…” He pauses and looks at Amethyst and around the room, receiving no objection.

  “Esteemed Jury, please begin.”

  A man stands up in the left Jury, near the bottom of the seats, he’s dressed in a fancy and tight suit.

  His appearance and form demand respect, but his chin curves in a way that seems almost disturbing to Amethyst.

  “Thank you, Unificator, I, Fideas, shall start the proceedings with the first argument. I believe that the Tyrchids are not suitable to join as they lack the intelligence and sapience to be of use to the Galaxy. This was more than evident with their primitive teaching methods and being bought with food like mere animals in Pioneer’s footage.”

  “You are being a bit too hasty, my man.”

  On the opposite side, a man stands wearing a yellow flat hat, a colorful suit, and headphones around his neck.

  “We have Amethyst right here in front of us, and she is definitely as sapient as they come.

  What exactly do you suggest, that somebody is waltzing around, masquerading as a Tyrchid in an outfit?

  Or perhaps you'd like to claim it's holograms instead, if Amethyst is not a sapient Tyrchid?

  That’s a pretty unbelievable claim, man.” He shakes his head. “There’s plenty of proof to show how impossible that would be.

  Amethyst is clearly sapient, I don’t see a reason why her kin shouldn’t be as well, even if they are a bit less learned.”

  A woman with her hair tied up into a tight bun above her head speaks, closest to the Unificator on the right side.

  A name tag reading ‘Theresa’ hangs perfectly level on her blouse’s chest.

  “Thank you, Zane, Fideas. While both of you admirably got the conversation going and showed your own point of view out well, you missed the objective truths, perhaps you were clouded by your emotions?

  It is well within the realm of possibility, that one individual exhibits much greater intelligent capabilities than its peers.

  In fact, Almost all species exhibit some form of individual characteristics that can differ in a wide variety of ways, you don’t have to look further than human genetics.”

  The serious woman taps the side of her eyeglasses. “Surely you know this or why else would you have your seats in this jury?”

  “T-this however doesn’t solve our conundrum. We are to evaluate the species as a whole, and just the capabilities of one individual are not enough to be granted the keys to the Galaxy.” The woman wears a quilt around her shoulders like a cape, huddling in it. Her other hand is constantly fiddling with a necklace around her neck, a bronze heart hanging off it.

  The engraving on it says: ‘To my red sunrise, Shiry’.

  “Amethyst.”

  The mention of her name brings Amethyst's attention back from Shiry’s jewelry to the matter at hand.

  “I would love to hear what you have to say on the matter. Can you vouch that your kin t-truly are as Sapient as you are?”

  “I... my kin... I believe, that with time and education, they can become like me.

  That’s what we wanted to showcase with our teaching, how they could learn and improve.”

  “Right on.” Amethyst sighs in relief as Zane picks up the conversation again.

  “You did do that admirably, they clearly exhibit a higher consciousness, being able to learn their names, respond to them, and even repeat words. They even have their own barebones language and are starting to develop their culture.

  All this shows their great capability to learn, even if their attention spans are nothing to write home about, at the moment that is.”

  “If we are to believe Amethyst and conclude our judgment as so, it begs the question, what is actually our decision?”

  Theresa spreads her arms elaborately and looks around the Jury.

  “We cannot fairly deem Tyrchids as non-sapient or sapient species. Our current evidence suggests that they currently lie in between the two. Amethyst's intelligence is undeniable, but her kin's less so.

  Does this mean we should postpone the court to a time once we have conclusive proof about the Sapient potential of all Tyrchids, and that Amethyst isn’t some one-in-a-thousand individual?

  I, myself, cannot see any other option.”

  Theresa sits, crosses her arms, and nods to herself.

  A minute or perhaps two pass in excruciating silence.

  “It seems we have reached a decision, as uncertain as it is,” P?llend says.

  “If there are no further arguments, we shall shortly vote for the Tyrchid’s sapience.

  I have set the question as follows: “Are the Tyrchids Sapient and Intelligent enough to join the United Galaxy?” with the voting options being: “Yes”, “No”, and “Inconclusive”.

  The Unificator pauses but nobody speaks up. “Then it is decided, this is the question, these are the options.

  Please vote with the screens in front of you and decide taking into account what you’ve heard today, and how you feel in your heart and mind.”

  The wait is nerve-wracking, Amethyst looks around at the Jury members, regretting not having anything more to say herself. Unable to bring any decisive proof to prove her kin’s sapience.

  Then again... how could she do that, when even she is still ravaged by doubt?

  She’s not like the average Tyrchid, technology has changed her forever, shoved her down a cliff into the unknown.

  Even now, she’s still in free fall, uncertain of the direction, of the outcome.

  Will she fall forever or will the ground catch up with her before anyone else does?

  Gentle hands have tried to grasp her, but they’ve only managed to slow her fall temporarily, letting go before long.

  Recently, it has felt like even the law of terminal velocity is a lie, was there no speed limit for her distress?

  What if it… eventually stops? Will the impact crush her, or gently place her on her feet?

  Will sapience bring her more sorrow and grief, than contentment and happiness?

  Certainly, awareness has its perks, but it also made everything—made life—that much more painful to live.

  Fear of the future, for the safety of the people she cares about, the conscious emotional and physical pain...

  Things that were like a dream before, fleeting and nonexistent, are now real and lasting.

  Such is the burden of memory, intelligence, and emotions, of being aware of not only yourself but of the world and people around you.

  Should you petrify your heart to save yourself, or desperately try and cope with the beating of reality until your soul is bruised and bleeding?

  Are those the only options?

  “The results are in. By an overwhelming majority, “Inconclusive” won with 72% of the votes.

  Next was the option “No” with 18% and lastly “Yes” with 10%” P?llend summarizes.

  It's not exactly a surprise for Amethyst, but hearing it aloud still stings.

  “Virtuous Unificator,” Fideas stands up and bows, “doesn’t this mean that we can end it here?

  There’s no need to waste time with the second section since we are to postpone the decision of the first regardless?”

  The Unificator pauses. Amethyst notices his big owl eyes glance to the side of the table, where he laid his communicator at the start.

  Having the communicator out in the first place, in an event such as this seems a little strange to Amethyst, Frank barely used his after all, but... it’s not like she knows enough to say anything about it.

  Tap, tap, tap...

  Amethyst’s sharp hearing catches the sound of a communicator’s touch screen being pressed from somewhere in the jury, but it stops before she can locate the person in question.

  Eerily, only seconds later, the Unificator speaks again.

  “In cases like these, even if a re-trial is bound to happen, it still saves us time to go through the second part now.

  Besides, who knows, the miracle of conversation may provide new angles or details to break through this first stalemate too. And, shall I remind you that the second vote passing will have consequences as well?

  This is my official stance as the Unificator of this trial, and so, we shall proceed next to evaluate the Tyrchids with the following criteria: ‘Their suitability to join the United Galaxy.’

  It may be beneficial to treat Tyrchids as Sapient for the sake of the following arguments, as this second part is largely based on the first phase succeeding.

  Please, discuss.”

  “Very well, Unificator,” Theresa, the glasses-wearing woman says. “I shall be the one to start us off then.

  Their Sapience and possible lack of morals and empathy aside, I find the Tyrchid’s abilities to be quite dangerous, unlike in her home planet, everything isn’t fireproof here.”

  “Well said! The proof and examples of the dangers Tyrchids possess are overwhelming.

  Even their most intelligent individual could not keep her abilities in check, resulting in her blades having been sheathed already, with the Galactic Police carrying out the Defanging Protocol within days of her arrival here.”

  Fideas adjusts the cuff of his suit.

  “Aren’t we warping a bit too far here?” Zane says pointedly.

  “While the Cafe tragedy is undeniable, it is not within our best interest or nature to hold onto grudges or past mistakes.

  She is serving her sentence, and all of her kin arriving here will also be made similarly safe, thus I find this point to be moot, my guy.

  If anything, Amethyst here is showing how law-abiding and understanding of another planet’s customs they can be by showing up here with her rad protectors.”

  Fideas leans forward with his hands on the table.

  “While I agree with it being a tragedy, I would not dismiss it and draw such positive conclusions so easily.

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  There is photographic proof of her walking around without protectors just yesterday, mere hours after she was sentenced with the Defanging Protocol.”

  “Even if that is true, I think it speaks volumes for her character and the respect she has for our rules, for her to show up here wearing them today,” Zane says.

  “Amethyst, can you comment on this accusation?”

  “Y-yes-”

  What should I do?

  Can I just tell them...?

  Frank... what would you do?

  You’re so much better at things like these...

  Amethyst looks around the room, at the expectant eyes of the people.

  “I shall tell you the truth...

  Frank and I were attacked yesterday, and to defend him, I had to... take off the protectors which were destroyed in the process.”

  The media gasps and takes photos of Amethyst while the Jury stirs.

  “As a result of the attack, Frank was abducted, and I had to make a tough choice between saving him immediately or going back to get new protectors first.

  I chose to do what I felt was right and managed to save Frank.

  However, he’s still recovering from his injuries, which is why he didn’t join me today.

  You can check the details with Galactic Police if necessary, to know I speak the truth.”

  The media eats the news up, and the Jury converses amongst themselves.

  Shiry is the first to speak up.

  “I think it’s very commendable, to- I mean… being able to forge such bonds with representatives of different species as yourself...

  I find it to be a very positive sign for the species’ suitability to join the United Galaxy.”

  She stumbles over her words, trying to find the right ones, her face growing red, but she keeps going.

  “Not only did Amethyst show admirable courage, but also risked her own life to save another.

  It would be r-remiss of us to give that feat no weight at all.”

  She sits back down quickly and buries herself deeper in her blanket.

  “Dear Shiry, while that is admirable, are we truly going to wipe the slate clean of her crimes, just because of romanticism?” Fideas speaks condescendingly.

  “While the Galactic Police in their incompetence is still to provide a statement regarding the incident at the 'Served hot and cold' -cafe, I have brought with me a witness to the events, no less the very wife of the victim.

  Esteemed Unificator, if I may, I would like to call a witness to the stage, I believe you all wish to hear what she has to say.”

  N-no way? Wasn’t she supposed to be missing?

  The Mun’aakas judge is visibly surprised, glances to the left Jury, and Amethyst hears the typing from there again.

  She spots the source of it, a sharp-eyed woman at the top row corner, with long golden hair like grain, freely flowing and natural as a swaying wheat field.

  Two large braids at the front frame her head, which rises as she stops typing and looks up to the Unificator for a fleeting moment, then she spots Amethyst’s gaze.

  The woman smiles mysteriously and brings a hand to her chin, then as if absently, runs a finger over her lips, stopping it at the middle and then retreating her hand.

  She’s telling me to...?

  Who... is she?

  “This is quite unexpected, things like these should be done through the proper channels, and run by me beforehand, but very well, I’ll allow it.”

  “Thank you, your Virtuousness. Hoana, if you would, please take the stage.”

  A brunette woman rises from her seat in the audience, holding onto her other hand.

  She keeps her face plastered toward the floor as she walks up to the middle stage, in between the Unificator, the Jury, and Amethyst.

  As Amethyst is lower than the stage, Hoana’s downcast gaze falls on her, but there is no anger or hatred in her eyes, as there was when she tried to jump her in the cafe.

  She looks small... and scared.

  “Hoana, please, tell everyone what you told me.” Fideas urges her on.

  “Me and my husband Vic were enjoying our time at the Cafe, when suddenly when he walked past Amethyst’s table, she attacked him violently out of the blue, impaling him.”

  Her words do not match her expression as she continues to look at the floor.

  “He’s still in a coma, the doctors are uncertain if he’ll ever recover.”

  “And how does this make you feel?”

  “I feel sadness beyond words, and with all my heart, I believe the Tyrchid race to be of great danger to everyone around them. They cannot be trusted.”

  She looks at Amethyst again, her eyes seem pleading as if asking for Amethyst’s help despite her words.

  Her mouth opens to say something but closes with a grimace before any sound escapes.

  The Courtroom’s doors open, and two Galactic Police officers walk in, Doug meets them at the door and seems to explain something.

  He steps aside and the officers walk further in and one of them speaks:

  “Jury member Fideas, are you aware that Hoana is reported missing by the Galactic Police?”

  “Oh, I had no idea, she approached me just a few hours ago wishing to testify, hence my failure to inform you, Unificator. Looks like it’s all solved now, though. I have no further questions, I think I made my case.”

  “Please, stick around after this hearing, we have questions for you.”

  “Of course.” Fideas nods and sits down.

  The other Police Officer goes to the stage to Hoana, and she immediately latches onto his arm.

  She trembles and cries quietly, barely able to walk with the officer off the stage.

  As she passes Amethyst, she looks at her, trying to say something again, but cannot overpower her tears.

  She hangs her head as she’s taken away. Some of the media hound her out of the room with the Officer, while the other sits down at the pews.

  Hoana... what happened?

  Shiry shoots up from her seat.

  “Fideas! This is too far! Like you said, you- you certainly made your case of being a proper ass-, n-never mind. I- I uh...”

  She sits back down and flops her head on the tabletop of her jury seat, hiding her face with her hands and quilt.

  Zane speaks on her behalf. “Understandably, feelings are running hot, and it would seem Shiry would rather not get into an argument with you again, Fideas.

  I’d just ask the other Jury members to evaluate how distressed poor Hoana seemed, and the reason why she could have been missing.

  Weigh these in your mind and think if we can truly trust her statement.” He stares sternly at Fideas, who scoffs in response.

  “What could you possibly be insinuating?”

  “I believe it to be a valid concern,” Theresa says with an objective tone.

  “The proof is all over the place as shown by the conflicting statements of the media, who have described it in three different ways: as an accident, of somebody having pushed Vic, and Amethyst attacking unprompted.

  And now we have Hoana appearing here in a less-than-credible state of mind.

  The mist of misinformation is thick around this incident and not all claims can be true at the same time.”

  She nods to herself and smiles, sitting down again.

  “Umm...”

  Amethyst speaks and gets the Jury’s attention.

  “Setting aside the reasons behind Hoana’s statement, I, uh, I’ll tell you my perspective of the events.

  Frank and I were just having breakfast when suddenly, the victim got impaled by my blade out of the blue.

  I did not even move from my seat, or even see him until it had happened.”

  Amethyst gathers her thoughts to get to the point.

  “I believe Galactic Police has evidence that points to somebody pushing Vic, but the investigation is still ongoing, so it’s still unclear if it was intentional.

  I would propose treating it as an accident for now, until the Police investigation of the matter is complete.”

  A silence falls after Amethyst’s statement, she looks around at the jury.

  “I agree, it would be most prudent of us to hold our judgment on this matter until the investigation is complete and Galactic Police comes out with a statement,” Theresa says.

  “I agree with Theresa. As such, shall we move on from this?

  The point of this discussion is to evaluate Tyrchid’s suitability to join the United Galaxy—including its economical effects as well—which we have completely ignored so far.”

  Zane leans backward on his seat, crossing his leg over the other, suited with equally colorful pants.

  “The planet of the Tyrchid’s, Midnight Iris, seems to be very rich in resources, some of which have already been started to be harvested.

  Moreover, its unique fire-resistant nature and black water may lead to some scientific advancements in various fields. Not to dismiss darling Pioneer’s evaluation of their tasty Pango berries either.

  We stand to gain a lot from allowing them to operate and trade in the United Galaxy.”

  “Thank you, Jury member Zane, I was about to move us on to more fruitful discussion grounds as well.

  Do continue the debate, Jury.” P?llend chimes in.

  “Thank you, Zane, and Unificator. I would like to add, without o-objectifying the Tyrchid race, that they would certainly make for an impressive workforce in many fields due to their unique bodies and attributes. Ignoring this aspect in our decision-making would be f-foolish.” Shiry says and many of the jury members nod along to her words.

  “While some may wish to keep quiet about this perspective, I feel it is my duty to be the one to 'go there' so to speak,” Theresa says. “Adding to Shiry’s correct assessment, this would also include possible military application of Tyrchids as well, their fighting prowess and capability for flight make them an incredibly formidable force in many situations. Their addition to the United Galaxy would certainly strengthen the front lines against The Reverent and other undesirables that gnaw at our borders relentlessly.”

  “Are you sure the Tyrchids can be trusted enough to be deployed into battlefields?”

  Fideas speaks with fervor.

  Do you still not see it? Do I need to remind you of the report Pioneer made? That a person of his staff was killed on Midnight Iris?

  And just today, a whistleblower from his filming crew, who Pioneer has now disbanded—I wonder why—has given me new information.

  According to their statement, in the Tyrchid’s forest, there’s an area deep in the thickest of woods covered in human blood, where countless people were slain.”

  The media and jury members gasp.

  N-no! H-how can he know?!

  “Moreover, all of the bodies of this massacre are missing. I wonder what happened to them?

  I would certainly not wish to have these sorts of beasts anywhere near a battlefield be they “allies” or enemies, much less share a Galaxy with them.”

  I... this is it.

  It’s over.

  “You said somebody reported this, who are they? Did you verify that they belonged to the film crew?” Zane says.

  “I don't have any documents, but they told me this with confidentiality, so I cannot tell their name regardless.”

  “Do you have actual proof, like photographs or anything else? You said it’s a massacre with countless victims, how do we hear of this only now?

  Surely there would have been a great outcry about the missing people. Do we have a list of the victims?

  What were they doing at the Tyrchids’ planet?” Zane continues pressing Fideas.

  “Well, erm… I cannot tell you that, but it’s true!”

  Shiry laughs out loud. “Excuse me,” She covers her mouth and calms herself.

  “Fideas, is this the best you can do? ‘Oh no, you’ve got to believe me!’” She imitates his voice and snickers.

  “Why has ISSA or Galactic Police not heard or investigated the site, provided it exists in the first place?”

  Theresa leans to her arm, not bothering to stand up.

  “Such grave crimes should be easy to verify on multiple accounts.”

  “Order!” P?llend shouts with a stern voice.

  “Fideas, you bring shame to this court with your unconfirmed claims. You have not even done the very basic checks for their veracity, what possessed you to bring such a topic up that can at best be considered idle gossip? Fideas, be thankful I allow you to remain, for I believe you presented these claims with ignorance and the best interest of ISSA and United Galaxy in heart, and not with malicious intent to undermine the court and cause undue harm to the process.”

  “Y-yes, I deeply apologize. Thank you, Virtuous Unificator.” Fideas bows deeply.

  “The Jury, media, and everyone else present, I ask you to disregard Fideas’ last statement. Do not allow this conjecture to cloud your judgment.”

  P?llend shakes his head, and a great wing covers his head briefly.

  “Fideas, should this really be true, I suggest you start by verifying these serious accusations with undeniable proof and bring it up again in the postponed Court.”

  How did Fideas know...?

  There’s only one explanation, but...

  How come he had no proof?

  “Now, does anyone have anything more to add?

  Perhaps somebody from the jury wishes to voice their opinion that isn’t one of these four motormouths?”

  P?llend scans the jury and gives it a while, but nobody speaks up.

  “Then, I would like to ask if Amethyst has anything to add as a closing statement.”

  “N-no, I don’t think so.”

  Amethyst hears the typing again, she looks at the woman, who winks at her. As soon as the typing ends, the Unificator speaks.

  “In that case, I would like to ask one question myself, which I believe to be beneficial for everyone to hear.”

  There’s an anticipation in the air, while it’s the Unificator’s job to lead the court debate, they are in fact not forbidden from asking questions themselves.

  “I believe Pioneer may have asked a similar set of questions, but I think it best to be repeated: why do you seek to become a part of the United Galaxy? Why do you wish to be recognized by ISSA?”

  Amethyst thinks back to Lalai, how she had requested her help on behalf of the Sinels as a transaction of information, how she had traded words and deeds with strangers on the streets looking for Frank.

  “We Tyrchids wish to do our best to help the United Galaxy, to become beneficial parts of it by providing what we have and what we know, and to in turn reap the benefits that we need and cannot do by ourselves like technology and experience of what it means to be a Galactic species.”

  Amethyst thinks back on everything that has happened so far on her and Frank’s journey and then glances at Fideas.

  “Additionally, despite our considerable strength, we are not without weakness, and would wish protection against malicious forces that have proved themselves to be ever-present again and again, most recently with the kidnapping of Frank and trying to use that as leverage to prevent me from attending this very courtroom.”

  Amethyst looks over the jury, her eyes lingering on the woman who seems to be pulling the strings, who smiles at her in return.

  “Those are the Tyrchid’s reasons for being here, our convictions for the United Galaxy and ISSA. Thank you for hearing me out.”

  “Very good,” P?llend acknowledges her answer and continues:

  “With that, it is time for the Jury to vote on the second part of our evaluation. The question this time being: 'Are Tyrchids suitable to join the United Galaxy?'

  The options are the same as before: “Yes,” “No,” and “Inconclusive.”

  Do note that regardless of this vote’s outcome, there will be another court debate at a later date once more information becomes available, but this vote will affect whether we will grant the Tyrchids any sort of benefits or additional rights for the time in between.

  Should this vote pass, the status of Tyrchids will change from “Under Evaluation” to “In Progress” granting them further rights to operate, and bind us with additional responsibilities regarding their safety.”

  The jury members use the screens embedded in the tabletops before them to vote.

  After a short wait, the judge speaks:

  “The results are in and we have reached a consensus. The votes are as follows: 61% “Yes,” 11% “No,” and 28% “Inconclusive”.

  Rather impressive given some open issues remain, but ISSA has thus officially recognized the beneficial nature of Tyrchids. The status for them to become fully fledged members of the United Galaxy will be updated to “In progress,” two-thirds from full acceptance.

  Amethyst’s stiff shoulders relax as relief washes over her.

  This is probably the best I could hope to achieve, at least without Frank...

  We will still have a chance to gain their full protection in the re-trial.

  I sincerely hope the tragedy of those IR soldiers remains in the past.

  It shouldn’t have happened in the first place, and... it will never happen again....

  That will have to be enough of a recompense.

  “With that, this court is adjourned. We will monitor the information required for the re-trial and let you know once it is scheduled.”

  Amethyst nods and the jury members start leaving, the mysterious woman already disappeared into the sea of people, though she notices that Fideas is immediately taken in by the Galactic Police.

  “Not bad.” Doug walks up to her. “Come on, I’ll escort you out.”

  “Alright,” Amethyst follows him out of the courtroom and down the winding corridors back to the entrance, the route becoming more familiar.

  “Well, I guess I better go back to the hospital. Thanks, Doug.”

  Amethyst starts to leave.

  Doug's hand presses the side of his sunglasses.

  “Wait,” He reaches out to take her arm, but stops before touching her. “Wait just a bit longer.”

  “Huh? Why?”

  “You’ll see. You won’t regret it.”

  “Hmmh...” Amethyst stops and waits, watching the front doors anxiously.

  What’s Doug’s deal and can she really afford to stand around now?

  She should have just run through the doors and flown off before he had the chance to speak...

  That way she wouldn’t need to walk down the stairs either…

  Lines of energy in the massive front door form a rectangular shape, fit for a human to pass through.

  The shape opens, and inside steps a man in green clothing, he looks exhausted and hurting.

  Despite his worse-off state, he keeps moving, even after having walked all those stairs up.

  That man... it’s...

  “Frank!”

  “Amethyst!” He smiles wide and straightens his back, but his eyes wince momentarily.

  Amethyst gallops to Frank and hugs him tightly.

  “You’re okay! I was so worried...”

  He hugs her back.

  “Y-yeah... I was worried I wouldn't find you. That I’d miss you coming here... but I’m glad I did.”

  A gut-wrenching pain pulses in Amethyst’s chest, she can’t understand why, she’s so happy, so relieved to see him.

  Why is reunion so painful, but still such an incredible feeling?

  Ever since carrying him to the hospital, a feeling in the back of her mind had haunted her, telling her she’d lose him.

  Death was all around her, it was only logical Frank would be the next victim of her aura of disaster and grief that never seemed to stop following her.

  But now that shroud is gone, shredded, overpowered by the shine of hope that survived inside.

  “Frank…” She cries pathetically, like a little child, her hybrid eyes ache and take on a touch of green.

  Her clear tears land and merge with Frank’s jacket.

  “Amethyst…” Frank’s hand brushes her back armor up and down.

  “I’m sorry… I was careless…” His voice is weak, on the verge of tears.

  “I-it’s fine, just don’t do that again, okay?”

  “Right. Only if you promise the same, we’re even now after all.”

  “It’s a promise.” Amethyst smiles and backs away from their hug, fearing she’s squeezing Frank too hard.

  She shakes her head to try and clear the tears from her face.

  “Stay still,” Frank says, and Amethyst waits as his hand reaches up, and wipes away her tears with a delicate touch.

  “There you go.” He smiles.

  “Thanks.” Amethyst closes her eyes for a second and calms herself. “I’m so glad you’re okay, but… how? Isn’t this too soon? You were so...”

  “Wonders of Metropolis’ medicine...” As he says that he looks down for a moment, but continues: “How did the court go?”

  “It was fine… The Tyrchids passed the second part, so our status is now ‘In progress.’ I guess that’s, uh… progress.”

  “That’s great! I’m sorry I couldn't make it.”

  “It was hardly your fault, don’t worry about it…” Amethyst dismisses the subject and returns to a topic that still bothers her.

  “Are you sure you’re fine to be here? Did you really walk the stairs up in your... condition?”

  “It’s fine… the doctor said I should strengthen my lung with moderate exercise again.

  Much of it was rebuilt by the Patcher, it’s now weaker and has less capacity than my other lung.”

  Amethyst looks lost, so Frank tries to explain:

  “Think of it like how most of your organs and muscles improve with training, my right lung has now halfway returned below its baseline. It’s brand new, and it still needs to ‘learn’ to expand and mold to my body again.”

  Amethyst tilts her head.

  “To put it simply, half of my right lung is now like ‘untrained muscle’, even if lungs aren’t a muscle... if that makes sense?”

  “Uh, that sounds difficult... Is it affecting you in any way?”

  “Not much, I do get winded easier than before, and… the surgery scars and the like do still ache.

  However, I do have this device with me, it pumps air into my lung alongside my breath, to further stimulate it and help me breathe easier.”

  Frank pulls away his green jacket that has a patch where the laser went through, and stretches down his lime green shirt, to show the small square device attached to his chest.

  “Oh, unfortunately, the Amethyst branded shirt was unrecoverable due to how much blood got on it.”

  “I don’t care about the shirt! It’s just... What...? How is that possible?”

  “It’s because the device is connected with a tube, via a direct hole through my skin to my lung.”

  “Isn’t that dangerous?”

  “It’s only temporary, a few weeks maybe. So it’s not that bad.”

  “But what if the device breaks?”

  “I’ll be fine, I have my other lung to keep me alive. As long as nothing happens to it, I’m perfectly capable of staying alive with one.”

  “Don’t say it like that...”

  Doug approaches the two of them.

  “Yeah, hello, I'm still here. Alright, you two should probably use the backdoor to get out, I’ll show it to you.

  You know, to avoid all the media and stuff.”

  “Huh? Doug?” Frank is taken aback.

  “We doing this again? Yes, I work for ISSA, and not Intergalactic, got it?”

  “I... if you say so.”

  Doug leads them through a staff-only door, to narrower corridors, however, before they can get to the back door...

  Trrr Trrr...

  Frank’s communicator vibrates.

  “Somebody’s calling me?”

  Frank takes out the device and answers it.

  “Hello?”

  “...”

  “Oh, right, I forgot I gave you my number.”

  Frank says away from the communicator: “It’s Grent.”

  Then shifts back to it. “What’s up?”

  Frank’s steps slow down, he listens so intently they stop to wait for him.

  “What!? Are you serious?”

  “...”

  “What’s he saying?” Amethyst asks.

  Frank covers the communicator with his hand.

  “The Tyrchids… they’re all gone.”