01/13/20

I was originally going to wait till tomorrow to upload this but this chapter has been rough. I have 11 and 13 fully written, the flashback chapters are just so much easier to write than the present day chapters XD I really hope ya'll enjoy this chapter cause i'm still not 100% satisfied

Anyway, I've added a title to chapter one declaring the current section of the story as "PART ONE - DAYS OF EXODUS" as we are covering the events before and after the Exodus, this section would otherwise be the so called "Xenoblade Chronicles Exodus" and also, I've determined when this part ends so the day we reach Mira is getting closer. Get ready for that!

Work may be super not busy and SUPER boring, but the hours of standing around folding shirts has allowed me to plan events way in advance and I've got some great things coming! Stay tuned.

(Noun) Firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.

Chapter Ten

Trust

"She's not here? What about Irina? Gwin?"

Jaynix asked, the man before her was a high ranking member of the Skelletons named Boris.

"Sorry to say Corporal but they're not here either. Haven't been for a few days."

Jaynix turned away, that didn't make any sense to her. Where did they all go? She hadn't been able to find or make contact with Elma since the day Kriss dragged her away and apparently her two closest allies were also MIA.

"Do you know where they are?"

She finally asked. Boris crossed his arms.

"Yes but-"

"Boris!"

The pair turned as another Skelleton, Danny, approached them.

"Remember what Elma said, we can't tell anyone about her mission."

Boris sighed.

"I know but...isn't Jaynix here like...her best friend or something?"

The Skelletons exchanged a few words as Jaynix waited for them to finish.

"Look guys, Elma and I were in the middle of something important when I lost track of her. I just...I need to know where she is and plan for her return so we can get back to what we were doing."

Boris and Danny eyed each other, the latter shaking his head.

"She...the three of them...they're out on a scouting mission alright?"

Jaynix raised an eyebrow.

"Scouting mission?"

"That's all we can say. They'll be back when they're back."

Danny finished. Jaynix looked from one to the other before nodding.

"Alright...well...thank you."

With a slight bow of her head, Jaynix turned and walked away. It didn't tell her everything she wanted to know but that just meant when Elma returned it'd be through the Skell hangar. Easy enough to find her there.

On her way over, Jaynix's pace slowed. She came to a stop in the middle of a hallway and thought over what she was doing.

"Am I seriously going to the Skell hangar to wait for Elma? It almost feels like I'm ambushing her...I mean, I know what we were doing was important but...I'm really imposing on her time too…"

Jaynix sighed. It wasn't right. Elma had far more duties and responsibilities than most of the people on the White Whale. She had time she needed to dedicate to things beyond hanging out.

Changing her course, Jaynix headed back for the Reapers' Quarters. It's likely Elma got at least one of her messages. When she was ready, they'd be able to talk again.

Out in space, far from the White Whale, three Skells drifted. In the lead was Elma in her Ares while Irina and Gwin's Skells floated not too far behind.

The three had been out there on their mission for hours, Gwin was getting more and more impatient and it was getting harder to hold his tongue. He could almost feel Irina glaring at him from her Skell. She always knew.

Elma meanwhile, remained silent as ever. In her Skell she had her eyes locked on the communications device that Kriss had crafted for her. For all intents and purposes it did exactly what her personal communicator did, allowed her to contact Aeon. However due to his extended silence she had to believe he lost it or it was damaged, so a general device with hopefully even greater range than her own should be able to reach any other instruments he had.

She had to believe he was trying to reach out to her too. He had to be.

Any doubt that her signal could even be picked up died when Jaynix unintentionally intercepted her message. In order to avoid that from happening she scheduled several scouting missions in the week since with Irina and Gwin. The mission was easy enough, simply fly as far from the White Whale as they could while also remaining within safe parameters so she could transmit in private.

Flipping on the device, she spoke in her original tongue. Asking Aeon where he was, what happened, praying he was safe and asking for what their plan was now.

She remembered what was discussed on the Bridge with Nagi, Chausson and Vandham. The plan came and went over six months ago. No one knew what they were doing now, including Aeon but at least with his support she'd be more confident in their options.

Message sent she leaned back in her seat and sighed. Her gaze lingered on the device. Closing her eyes she thought back.

Kriss was looking at her, taking in every bit of her face, her eyes. It took mere moments for Kriss to realize.

"You already know, don't you? You know there is a Xenoform on the White Whale."

Elma couldn't stop herself from nodding.

"I see...then I assume you're already looking into this?"

"Yes. I'll handle it, Kriss. I have to say that I would appreciate the utmost discretion from you, Professor."

Kriss smiled.

"Yes I imagine that would be the best way to avoid inciting a panic but I won't lie, I'm very intrigued by this possibility and would love the chance to speak to the Xenoform myself before you shove it out of the airlock or whatever it is you're planning."

Elma swallowed, caught off guard. Kriss tilted her head, watching Elma's face.

"Kriss. I can't grant you that."

"Pardon?"

"Even if we were to find the Xenoform, I wouldn't let you speak to it...tot as long as that remains in your files."

Kriss turned from Elma to the hologram of the Dark Matter in the file she uncovered.

"Colonel I-"

"No. Kriss. I gave you more freedom than anyone else on this ship, I gave you my trust...and you abused it."

"Abused it? Nonsense. Elma, the Coalition had access to Dark Matter! Need I remind you the unknown capabilities of this substance and the fact that one of the Xenoform armies after is us entirely fueled by it! If we-"

"I don't want to hear it! You-"

"If we can understand it and its compounds we-"

"Kriss!"

"We would be able to more effectively combat the Ghosts! We would not need to continue running as we have been for the last year! We could turn and face them! We-"

Kriss trailed off as Elma pulled out a pair of handcuffs and slammed them onto her side table. Kriss stared at the object for a long while before addressing Elma.

"You wouldn't."

"This is my job, Kriss. We may no longer be on Earth and a lot of our laws and regulations died with the planet but there are rules here. Order. What you did in retrieving those files from where they were concealed, was a violation of that order. I can and will arrest you."

The Professor shook her head.

"You'd rather arrest me than use me? Colonel. With all due respect-"

"Kriss. What you're telling me is nothing I haven't heard before."

Kriss' eyes widened.

"You knew…"

"The end results on everything you're suggesting were inconclusive at best, failures at worst. This line of thinking was buried for a reason. I can't have you digging it up. You have two options before you, Professor."

Kriss put her datapad away as Elma continued.

"One. You keep asking questions and I lock you up for the duration of our journey. Two. You drop all of this and forget this conversation ever happened."

Kriss' eyes met Elma's.

"You wouldn't."

"I have a job to do Kriss. I can't let anyone or anything jeopardize it. Not even you."

There was a long pause before Kriss whispered.

"You saved my life Elma."

"...I remember…"

For the first time in a long time, if ever, Kriss allowed hurt and pain to show in her eyes. Nodding she handed the datapad over to Elma. Taking a deep breath, Elma took the device from Kriss' hand.

The pair stood in silence for far too long before Kriss turned to leave. Her hand came to rest on the door handle, an empty laugh escaping the professor.

"You know Elma. I have to say, you really impressed me. All these years I thought…"

Kriss shook her head, turning to face Elma one more time.

"You used me. You used me and I fell for it. I didn't know you had it in you."

"Kriss I-"

"I've lived with you and your lies for years. I'm done."

Kriss turned away from Elma and left the room. Elma eased herself onto her bed. It wasn't true was it? Did she only keep Kriss close all this time to use her? It sure seemed like it.

"Hypocrite."

Elma forgot everything else and closed her eyes. She wanted to believe this would be worth it, but none of it sat well with her.

"Irina. Gwin. Have either of you ever lost a friend?"

The pair was surprised to hear Elma's voice. Normally she said nothing on their trips.

"Have you ever met someone. Become friends with them and then...had a disagreement. A fight...and had them look at you like...they didn't know who you were? Have you ever lost a friend like that?"

The silence that followed, bothered Elma more than she could describe. She couldn't be the only person to screw up a relationship this badly, could she?

She opened her mouth just as Irina's voice came through.

"I did."

"Who?"

"Her name was...Sharon…"

Elma nodded.

"Gwin?"

The man grew nervous, he knew the name he wanted to say but-

"Y-yeah...I'd just...rather not get into it. If that's alright."

"Of course…"

Elma fell silent again.

"Irina, was...is there ever any hope of...rekindling that friendship?"

The woman almost said no. But, Elma's tone of voice stopped her. She'd never heard the Colonel talk like this. She sounded sad. Irina swore she'd always be honest with Elma, but would a little lie now to save her some heartbreak...would she be able to justify that to herself?

"I...I'm not…"

The silence continued before Irina let out a shaky sigh.

"I'm sorry Elma but...no...I don't think there is…"

For the rest of their trip. Elma didn't say a word.

Jaynix entered the Reapers' Quarters, looking around the room she saw Alto passed out on his cot, no doubt having drank too much. Then she saw Tai lying on his back, his fingers were drumming along. She noticed the earbuds he was wearing, audiobook or music, he was calm.

Her eyes then met Lyla who was watching her, a smile on her face. Feeling her mood lift, Jaynix joined her wife. Lyla moved over on the couch letting Jaynix collapse onto it and onto her with a huff.

"Things didn't go to well I take it?"

"Not exactly...I think I'm a little too attached to Elma."

Lyla laughed.

"She is your bestie right?"

"Yeah but...that doesn't mean I...I think I spend too much time with her."

Jaynix closed her eyes as Lyla ran a hand through her hair.

"Do you think you spend too much time with me?"

"Never."

Jaynix reached over and placed her hand on top of Lyla's other hand.

"Then, I doubt you spend too much time with Elma. You should never be ashamed of being around someone who means so much to you. Unless...do you think Elma's annoyed by you?"

"...no...but I've never asked her if she is."

Lyla nodded.

"Then ask her next chance you get. Though I'm confident in saying she loves you."

Jaynix chuckled. The two looked over as the General entered the room. Spotting them, he gave them a nod before approaching his personal shelf and looking through his books.

Jaynix looked over the room again.

"Where's Sagis? Usually he and Alto are together."

Lyla tapped her chin.

"I think he's tired of getting drunk with Alto and is out there looking for a lovely lady or something."

"Hah. Best of luck...Eren?"

Lyla made a humming noise, her hand continued to run through Jaynix's hair, the Corporal felt her eyelids growing heavy.

"Still looking into what she can find about Kriss. Actually, she wanted to talk to you about that."

"Did she?"

Lyla nodded.

"She and Kruse are in one of the Lifehold Storage chambers on the White Whale. Accessing the public library of information."

"...fabricating books?"

"No...maybe? Whatever helps Eren in her quest."

"Jaynix."

The pair turned to Kumon, Jaynix was wide awake upon seeing the look in the General's eyes. He gestured for the pair to follow them outside. He kept his voice low.

"I should've spoken up about this sooner...leaving Eren to her own devices in pursuit of the information she is chasing was a bad call...as you two did, I put aside everything that happened…"

Jaynix and Lyla glanced at each other, the Corporal speaking.

"I know it was a sensitive time...better than anyone...but Eren refused to be open about it. She was determined to learn everything on her own and I just..."

Kumon sighed.

"I don't blame either of you...Eren will uncover everything and we all know what it means to her...but I worry about what she'll think…"

Lyla nodded.

"We could tell her ourselves...but that kinda defeats the purpose...at least, that's how Eren would see it."

"She does want to talk to me about something...maybe I can ease her into the truth. At least a little so when the time comes...it isn't too much to swallow."

Kumon remained silent, thinking everything from 2053 and 2054 over before speaking.

"Do either of you regret what happened?"

Jaynix and Lyla shook their heads. There was some sadness in Kumon's eyes as he spoke.

"...I still wish it had been me...this is not something you should carry."

Jaynix let the memories return to her.

"Maybe not...but we do. And we will. Elma understands that as well."

"Of course...we haven't spoken of this since we left Earth as agreed but I wanted to hear from you two, that everything is as is and as should be. Now that I know, we will be ready for what comes next."

The three exchanged nods before the General excused himself and departed. Jaynix pulled out her datapad and brought up Eren's information.

"May as well get this chat over with. I'll be back when I'm back, Lyla."

With a smile, Lyla approached and kissed Jaynix's cheek.

"I know...I love you."

"Love you too."

In the Skell hangar, the three pilots began walking towards the main doors. Irina and Gwin communicating nonverbally about who should check in on Elma and if they even should.

Elma kept moving forward, lost in thoughts of her own when Irina finally spoke.

"Colonel. It's not my place but...are you alright?"

"Y-yeah Colonel. You don't really seem yourself lately."

Elma stopped walking and let out a long sigh. Turning to Irina and Gwin she gave them a small smile.

"It means a lot that you worry...it does."

"Of course, Colonel."

Irina stated as Elma looked away.

"It's not...it's nothing either of you have done or anyone really. There is...a reason for why I've started doing these scouting missions...I can't tell you why, but I have to do this or I fear I may…"

Elma trailed off.

"...lose my faith…"

Irina and Gwin were at her sides, smiling. The man speaking.

"Well! We're use to the whole chain of command mumbo jumbo and we're good for it too. As long as we can support you by being out there with you then we're fine. We've got your back Colonel! If I'm uh...allowed to say that."

Elma chuckled as Irina put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a nod. The three left the hangar, Elma's thoughts then moved onto Jaynix. She was still conflicted over what it was she should tell her, if anything.

Nagi made it clear that the truth of who she was had to remain a secret to everyone, Jaynix included.

Elma never had much difficulty keeping it to herself but not many people got this close to deducing it. As of right now it was only Jaynix and Kriss and even then, they both came to her. Neither knew they were looking for her in the first place.

As Irina and Gwin led the way to the mess hall, Elma thought back to showing Kriss the handcuff and essentially threatening her to keep her quiet. She considered Kriss and Jaynix friends yet for Jaynix she aided her search. Was that right?

Closing her eyes Elma knew she had to make a decision, a call, or she could risk losing Jaynix's friendship too. That was something she didn't even want to imagine.

Kruse stood next to Eren in the information center watching as she interacted with the Lifehold Archive Unit. Seeking whatever it was she was seeking was hard with all the roadblocks and classified files. He kept expecting her to get angry at the machine but that wasn't what he saw in the few times she turned to him and he provided her with water.

He tried to tell her again and again that this wasn't healthy but she wouldn't listen so he brought food to her.

"Mimeosomes don't need to eat."

She stated once.

"True...but it comforts us. Reminds us what we actually are."

"And what's that? Royally screwed?"

"Human."

She stopped tapping and reluctantly took the sandwich he held out to her before taking a massive bite and returning it. There was silence as she returned to tapping before she spoke.

"That's really good."

"You're welcome."

Since then, this was the routine. She searched the internal archives, and he made sure she didn't take out any probable anger on one of the most important devices on the entire White Whale.

Though as the days went on, Eren's fervor became less angry and a little more frantic. Desperate even.

"Hey Eren. I think we should call it a day."

He watched as she continued for a few more moments.

"I just need a few more things."

"You say that every time Eren. Come on."

Sighing, the Strategist closed all the screens. Kruse tilted his head.

"...really? That was...too easy."

Eren looked at him, as if she was about to say something but decided against it. As the pair began walking towards the exit, he couldn't help but ask.

"It really isn't any of my business but...if what I helped you find in the classified files a few days back wasn't enough...how could the more public access records help? That really doesn't make sense to me..."

Outside of the Archive room, Eren sighed.

"What you helped me get...it was practically everything I needed but I wanted to be absolutely certain of a few things...I just couldn't clarify them without the right clearance...or without the right people..."

"People?"

"Eren! Blue!"

The pair turned to see Jaynix approaching them.

Eren sighed.

"Just what I needed."

Jaynix walked up to her and put an arm around her shoulders.

"Hey! What kinda attitude is that? I was told that you were lookin' to talk to me. So. Here I am!"

"I...did. But knowing you, any questions I have will just be redirected to my apparent lady troubles. I'd rather keep everything to myself at this point."

"You reached out first, Eren."

Jaynix bonked the Strategist's head.

"Silly."

Eren sighed again. She needed the right person to talk to and all of her records point to Jaynix.

"We can talk in private…"

"No problem! Blue, if you'll excuse us!"

Kruse chuckled as Jaynix began walking away, pulling Eren along. He waved to the pair as they disappeared around a corner.

In her room, Kriss studied her whiteboard with all the Qlurian notes she'd scribbled on it the last few days. Taking hold of the edge she flipped it over to the backside which contained all her notes on Dark Matter. The moment she saw the image in the file she unlocked, she memorized it.

She had hoped to have Elma's blessing for this next ordeal but it was clear that she never did. It was high time she returned to doing things as LAST intended. Bonds and trust never served her before, she was a fool to think they would now.

Stepping aside she brought up a notebook and began writing down as many theoreticals as she could from what she remembered in the file as well as some scenarios from her own mind. She had to establish some small understanding of the substance before her, then she could work from there to figuring it out.

"Ghosts. Ganglion. Xenoform. Human. It doesn't matter...if there is a question, I'll find the answer."

She looked over to her communications device, she had sent out the information she found to anyone left who would listen. While every member of LAST had their own special interests, she knew this would grab all their attention. All she needed was to wait a few more hours before she was confident in turning it on to hopefully retrieve something. Even one note could be enough to kickstart her investigation.

Looking away from the device she tapped her chin.

"Even if I did figure this out...who would I bring it to? Elma's shown me her true colors...Chausson and Nagi would arrest me faster than she would...Vandham? No...he'd just take me to Nagi…"

Kriss continued to search her thoughts before two people came to mind.

"The Corporal...or the Strategist…"

Looking at the whiteboard again, she smiled and redirected her focus to her work.

Elma stepped into the bridge, spotting Vandham talking to a few staff around a console while Chausson browsed several files on his terminal.

Stopping in front of Nagi she waited while he made sure everything looked well and secure across the White Whale. Satisfied, he turned to face her.

"I don't have a plan, Nagi. At least, not one that will satisfy everyone."

"We're well past the point where we have to satisfy everyone...all we have to do is ensure our survival."

Nagi opened a starmap, showing their surrounding area and what they've been able to identify followed several scouting missions.

"We've passed by several planets in the most recent month. Of them, a handful looked suitable. We'd need to send some advance probes to check…"

"You want to touchdown?"

Nagi nodded.

"That's my desire. We're not meant to be spacefaring for our entire lives...a conversation I had with Constantine really struck a chord with me…"

"About?"

"About how it isn't up to me...or him, or Chausson to secure our future. We're the past and the present. The young people we've brought with us. All that rests in the Lifehold's computing center...that's the future."

Elma nodded as Nagi cleared his throat.

"Ahab was blunt about the whole thing. Even though as Mimeosomes we won't grow old and die...we still represent an older time. A time we can't replicate wherever it is we come to settle. Things have to be different...I want to start that process as soon as we can."

"It's a good desire, Nagi...but as things stand there is no guarantee the Ganglion or the Ghosts won't hunt us down."

Nagi nodded.

"Indeed. That is why Chausson had another idea."

Elma watched as Nagi gestured to a specific terminal on the bridge.

"He wants us to jump again and then settle down. Truth be told he's been wanting us to jump at least a handful of times to ensure we lose whoever or whatever might be tracking us."

Elma looked away as Nagi continued.

"I'm guessing the reason you don't want to jump is that while it may make it harder for our enemies to find us...it will also prevent Aeon from tracking us down...if he is still out there."

Elma nodded.

"Aeon and I had a feeling that we wouldn't be able to see this through...we had to be ready to lose one another and I should be fine with moving forward...but I can't…"

Nagi smiled.

"That makes you as human as the rest of us, Elma."

After a brief pause, Nagi gestured over to Vandham.

"Lastly, his plan is just to stay the course. They haven't found us yet so why worry? That's what he said anyway."

Elma crossed her arms.

"I'm guessing the reason you're giving me these three different opinions is because you want me to choose what it is we're going to do…"

"Yes. I know it's an unfair amount of pressure but everything we've prepared these last few decades has been thanks to you and Aeon. Who else but you should determine how we proceed? Despite our view, none of us wish to leave Aeon behind...though there has been some talk about the emergency procedure."

Elma nodded.

"Activating all our tracking systems…"

"Yes. Ideally, that would show Aeon exactly where we are immediately. Far faster than tracing a call he may or may not pick up from you."

"But that would also alert any intelligent life capable of tracking...including the enemy."

Nagi stepped aside, taking a seat at a console as he let out a long breath.

"There are no good options, Elma. We're all aware of that…"

Elma sat down next to the man.

"Is there any good news of any kind we can talk about instead? Did we manage to make a connection with any of the other Ark ships?"

Nagi brought up the logs and showed them to Elma.

"We've received response pings. As discussed, the signals are brief and all they tell us is that they're out there. No idea where and beyond these few signs we have no idea how many more could be out there...we'd need to set a starfall point and establish our base. Get the more delicate devices up and running to truly communicate. Doing all of that requires a planet and to activate all our necessary procedures."

Elma closed her eyes. There really were no good options but a call had to be made. It was all on her. Everything was on her. She chose to leave home and Aeon followed. The pair turned as Chausson approached them.

"Elma, if I may...couldn't we just return to your world? Your people are the best early warning sign against the Ganglion and the Ghosts. Surely they'd take you back?"

Elma shook her head.

"I doubt they would and even if they did, they wouldn't want any of you there. As they told me all my life...we watch, we don't interfere. I couldn't abide that. Not anymore."

Chausson frowned.

"Are you certain? There is no chance they-"

"None."

"Very well."

The man let out a sigh as Nagi addressed Elma again.

"You are free to take all the time you need Elma. I'd never force you to make a call…"

"Even if we were under fire?"

Nagi laughed.

"In that situation...I think I'd what I see as best...who knows...maybe dismantling the ship on our own would be more beneficial then letting us get shot down."

Elma smiled.

"That'd be quite the order to give out. Especially after how long Vandham spent putting our ship together."

"If you give that order Nagi, consider it my resignation!"

The pair looked over to Vandham.

"I'm serious."

Elma shook her head, Nagi continuing to laugh.

"I'll make the call Nagi...but before then…"

Elma waited. Unsure of how to put this. With Nagi's full attention she spoke.

"There is something you asked of me...that I have to disobey."

Jaynix and Eren found themselves at the training room, Jaynix setting up a punching bag as always.

"So Eren! I assume you asked to talk to me about Kriss. I'd like to know if you finally cleared things up and gave yourself the OK to ask the Professor out."

Eren rolled her eyes at Jaynix.

"That was never the point of anything I was doing!"

Jaynix laughed.

"Sure. I'd believe you but you always deny it so vehemently and if it wasn't true, you sure as hell wouldn't be blushing the way you are."

Eren's face continued to redden.

"I'm. Not. Blushing! If I wanted a date I would've asked her out a long time ago!"

Jaynix tilted her head.

"Ah, so you were considering it?"

"That's not-"

Eren cut herself off and groaned. The other woman laughed, before reaching over and patting Eren on the back.

"You're too easy to tease, Strategist."

Jaynix began her workout as Eren shook her head. There was a brief period of time where the only sound was the impacts of Jaynix's fists on the bag. Eren took a deep breath.

"In 2053 we had that...situation…"

"Which we all agreed to let lie. Right?"

"For your sake...of course, Jaynix…"

The Corporal continued punching.

"And?"

"...during the war room we were told that there was a hostage. Someone Elma had granted asylum but was then taken from her apartment in the attack."

Jaynix's punches slowed.

"None of us were of the clearance to get the ID...I had a few guesses and given what happened in 2054 I thought I was right...I remember that the General sidelined you from our 2053 operations because they were too personal for you. You were reassigned."

Jaynix turned to Eren.

"I never asked where. I figured wherever you'd be...it'd be better for you...then the attack and you were there immediately. At Elma's complex. Heavily injured...if my guess of who the hostage was is true...and you were called to aid Elma on some other operation…"

Jaynix sighed.

"What your thinking is right, Eren."

"...so you were with her. With Kriss."

Jaynix crossed her arms.

"You remember those anonymous sources we got to pin the bad guys in 2053 and in 2054? That was her."

Eren looked to Jaynix, she had assumed as much.

"...and...it was her who made the Code Red call."

At that, Eren was surprised.

"You mean...the call that got us out of the LAST facility before it was bombed to hell? That was her?"

Jaynix nodded.

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because she told me."

Eren shook her head.

"So...all this time...you've been pretending to not know anything about her?"

Jaynix raised her hands.

"Hey. That was her request. She gave the same statement to Elma once our...alliance came to an end. Though if I'm being honest, she's the one who kept tabs on us. Especially Elma. I think they're friends, actually."

"Friends? With her? But-"

Eren came to a stop, turning away she brought a hand to her chin.

"Then what happened in 2054 makes even less sense…"

"Eren. Why are you so obsessed with Kriss? I'm not gonna twist your answer into something funny just...tell me."

There was a long silence before Eren turned back to Jaynix.

"Do you know how some scientists get their thoughts out there?"

Jaynix shrugged.

"Not really. I always assumed they just invented something crazy and that got all the sponsors to show up."

Eren chuckled.

"Sometimes it works that way but no...a lot of us, engineers, researchers, toolmakers, whatever the profession. We write papers, research drafts asking questions, giving answers...we do it to set fire to any minds who read it and attract individuals who can help us advance our research."

"Makes sense."

Eren cleared her throat.

"Well. I came across these research papers around 2047 I think it was...solo research conducted by a woman who merely used the pseudonym Genius. Some people upload their work onto the network to get maximum outreach...these were particularly noteworthy for a variety of reasons. I read them and I was absorbed. Her intelligence. Her mind. It all fascinated me and…"

Eren let out a long sigh.

"...and yeah...it did...attract me…"

"Oh."

Eren shook her head.

"She asked the questions very few people even considered. She put theories forth in fields that no one wanted to venture into because of what it would mean…"

"I'm guessing it had a little something to do with...morality."

At that, Eren nodded.

"Even so. It got me curious as to what kind of person would be so dedicated to scientific achievement, they'd study and research anything...then I met Kriss in the Lawless Sectors and did my deep dive into Dark Mirror…"

Jaynix thought back to 2052.

"Right. You were really drawn into studying that agent."

"Why wouldn't I be? It was a gas capable of transforming the air around it into more gas. It could expand almost endlessly. Terrifying."

Jaynix shook her head.

"That's putting it lightly."

"Anyway, I matched several of the components within the gas to some of those research papers...the technique, the logic behind it. It was the same."

Jaynix leaned against a wall.

"I see...so this mystery mind, this Genius that fascinated you turned out to be to Kriss. Someone operating out of a secret tech group called LAST and working on biological weapons. Not exactly the kind of thing you'd want to associate with eh? The amoral, inhumane, possibly terrorist scientist lady."

"Yeah...so...in order to preserve what I originally thought of her I've been looking into it to try to convince myself there is some good in there. That she isn't just...crazy. To be honest, she actually challenged me herself."

Jaynix tilted her head.

"When?"

"2054. Shortly before the Exodus when we learned she'd be on the White Whale...well...when I learned. Turns out you already knew."

Jaynix chuckled.

"Yeah. I did…"

There was another silence before Jaynix asked.

"Are you satisfied with your answers? About Kriss?"

Eren turned away, scratching the back of her head she sighed.

"I think I am...but I have one more question."

"Shoot."

"...did the Coalition...really?"

Jaynix approached Eren and put a hand on her shoulder.

"It was all they could do to hold together people's trust in Project Exodus. Kriss agreed to it. That's why she's here and that's why beyond us or anyone with the proper clearance, no one knows who she really is or where she's from. As far as most of the staff is concerned, she's a highly intelligent passenger and instructor. That's all."

Eren looked to Jaynix.

"The move seems so...selfless. That word just doesn't fit with what I know of her."

Jaynix laughed.

"If she heard you say that, she'd be pretty upset. She said herself it wasn't selfless. Agreeing to the plan gave her passage on the White Whale and the ECP even threw in some classified files as an apology. She's always been motivated by her own research first and foremost."

Taking that in, Eren nodded. She began to walk away, but something else was clawing at her mind. Jaynix returned to her punching bag and was set to continue her training when she heard Eren call her name.

Looking back she found Eren staring at her, deadly serious.

"Did you do it?"

Jaynix almost laughed, of course Kumon was right. Eren's search for answers brought her to all the truths of 2053.

"Yes. I did it, Eren...and I have no regrets…"

The pair watched each other, Eren slowly nodded her head before departing.

Jaynix looked back at her punching bag, she heard his words. She saw him. For the first time in three years she allowed herself to think about that man. Clenching her teeth she began striking the bag with unmatched ferocity.

She didn't hear the footsteps approaching, then there was a hand on her shoulder. Surprised, Jaynix swung about, her fist narrowly missed the person behind her.

Seeing them duck under the strike, she brought her other arm around for a follow up, then she locked eyes with the person.

Her fist came to a stop, centimeters from their nose.

"Elma."

Standing up straight, Elma placed a hand on Jaynix's fist and gently pushed it down.

"Are you alright?"

Jaynix laughed.

"Me? I almost knocked your head off."

"Don't oversell yourself, Corporal."

Smiling Jaynix stepped aside and sat down, Elma joining her.

"Yeah. I'm fine. I just...I let some thoughts get into my head I shouldn't have…"

Elma nodded slowly. The silence that followed was a bit awkward. Jaynix found herself looking over to her companion to find Elma looking back at her with a smile.

Taking a deep breath, Jaynix spoke.

"Hey."

"Hey...I'm sorry about-"

Jaynix shook her head.

"Nope. I don't want you to apologize to me for anything, Elma. You're important...I'm sure whatever had you so preoccupied was worth it. Who am I to doubt you?"

Elma sighed.

"Thank you, Jaynix...but there is something that kept me from you specifically…"

"Oh."

Elma prepared to speak when Jaynix interrupted.

"Do you like me?"

Caught off guard, Elma looked at Jaynix.

"What?"

"I never really asked...I know I call you my best friend a lot and we've known each other for five years but I don't know if...I never actually heard you say...I don't know why this is bothering me so much."

Jaynix finished with an awkward laugh.

"I haven't felt this nervous since I first asked Lyla out…"

"You? Nervous? Nonsense."

Jaynix laughed.

"I'm sure Lyla told you the story."

"You. Ask. Out. Me. With. Please. You're pretty."

Jaynix felt her face grow red as Elma burst with laughter.

"Yes. Lyla told me the story, a few times. I never get tired of hearing it."

After Elma's laughs settled, she continued.

"I do like you, Jaynix. I figured that was obvious. We're close...it's because we're so close that I've had a hard time figuring out how to tell you what I need to tell you."

Elma noted curiosity in Jaynix's eyes.

"It's really important...and I'm a little scared so I decided to throw myself into my work to avoid it. I can't anymore. There is too much at risk."

Jaynix stood up.

"Maybe some part of you still isn't convinced that you can trust me."

"I don't think so. You've never given me a reason not to trust you."

Jaynix tapped her chin.

"There is one way to show how much our trust means to each other…"

Elma raised an eyebrow as Jaynix gestured to the training facility.

"You asked me to spar with you right? So let's do it."

Elma stood up and nodded.

"That'd probably do the trick...but I want to face you at your best, Jaynix. Well rested...not to mention a bout between us will probably attract everyone."

"I don't doubt it!"

Jaynix extended one hand towards Elma, clenching it into a fist.

"Tomorrow?"

Elma connected her own fist with Jaynix's.

"Tomorrow."