Often, when we think about something alien, we tend to be very elaborate and unusual in our conceptualization. Of course, one can scarcely be blamed for doing so. It doesn't make sense for something that wasn't made in our world or with humanity in mind to have a strong resemblance to anything familiar. Yet, that isn't to insinuate the means to accomplish that wouldn't be available.
When Saitama was given a room on the Black Matter Thieves' ship, he was met with a completely bare space. It was a cleanly polished metallic cube. But then, to his utter surprise, with Geryuganshoop's aid, the room transformed into an actual room! The most powerful Esper in the universe found great amusement in Saitama's reactions.
How best to explain this? The ship itself wasn't capable of transforming in any capacity, as in a manner similar to Melzargard. However, throughout the vessel's body, it possessed the technological means of altering itself. That may sound like a contradiction, but I assure you it is not.
The easiest way to imagine the process is to think of the ship as a three-dimensional puzzle. Such contraptions always have moving components that must be shifted and aligned to achieve the goal. As simply as it can be put, that is what is happening here. The resources and tools needed to change the ship were built into it. However, you still needed to handle the changes manually. There wasn't a button you could push to have it be done automatically.
So, when it came to providing Saitama with the ideal dwelling, all he needed to do was tell Geryuganshoop the particulars. From there, the extraterrestrial octopus handled all of the work via multiple devices he carried with telekinesis. Both men used the latter half of yesterday to get Saitama situated. The final hours were spent replicating what they could of his belongings.
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Oh! Wait! The meeting with the Hero Association! How did that turn out? Well, let me just ask you a quick question. If your entire understanding of the universe was upended and you were made aware of the existence of a cosmic god-like interplanetary warlord, how do you think YOU would handle it?
Regardless of your answer, it should come as no shock at all that the Association's higher-ups were practically comatose. Geryuganshoop swore on the honor of his mistress that he did NOT harm these humans. He was sure to be patient and explain everything he showed them at length. Time flows differently on the "mental plane", you see. So, what had been the better part of an hour for the others was nearly a full day for Geryuganshoop and the Association's executives.
Even before they received the results of the medical exams for their bosses, Busho and Jinzuren believed Geryuganshoop had done no wrong. Yet, since it was obvious that the execs weren't going to be responsive for at least a day, it was agreed by all that this should be revisited. As for Genus and his creations, Busho and Jinzuren allowed Boros to keep them on her ship. Truthfully, the men felt better knowing these prisoners were being monitored in an environment that could make quick work of them should they do something stupid.
Now, we look to today's morning. The various members of the group could be separated into categories.
1. Geryuganshoop would be busy as he attended to Kuseno and Genus. Both the celestial cephalopod and the human scientists would be indulging themselves in the endless scientific wonders that the ship possessed.
2. Naturally, if Kuseno was here, then Genos had to be as well. Boros and Saitama were still getting ready for the day ahead, so Melzargard and Groribas offered to keep the cyborg busy. The trio would use one of the many combat spaces within the vessel for some warm-ups and mock combat. Such an activity had been approved by Boros, with her saying that she felt Genos could learn a lot from her combat-focused elites, ESPECIALLY Melzargard.
3. Busho and Jinzuren resumed their regular tasks as employees until the execs were back on their feet. The Association's medical staff who were tending to them would inform the duo when their bosses were fit for coherent conversation. Additionally, everyone involved had been sworn to secrecy unless they felt like living in a cardboard box.
4. Although Saitama was the only one getting used to his new arrangements, Boros was still occupied this morning. Apart from her usual routine, she wanted to greet her new roommate and give him a full tour of her ship. Yet, as of now, Boros hadn't left her quarters. Something seemed to be keeping her.
"..." Boros stared intensely at her closet. "Tanktops. White pants. Combat boots, regal and casual." She listed, arms folded over her chest. "I like these clothes. I always have. So...why do I feel bad?" She questioned.
An indescribable longing filled Boros' body. But what was it a longing for? For Boros, it was as easy to solve as a cryptic cipher. For anyone else, it's as difficult as a word search.
Boros wanted the first day of Saitama's residency to be special. She wanted him to feel welcome, comfortable, happy, excited, etc. Boros rationalized this intent as being a good friend and host to Saitama. Of course, the true depth of these feelings is what left her so stumped.
If that's all Boros wanted to accomplish, why did her wardrobe matter? She should be arranging a bountiful breakfast spread. She should be flaunting the grandness of her position as the Dominator of the Universe and the leader of the Black Matter Thieves. Instead, the cycloptic Amazon was fixated on the blandness of her clothing options.
"Does...Saitama like this outfit?..." Boros pondered, now looking in a nearby mirror. "I hope he doesn't think it's boring..." She carried on.
Boros truly wasn't aware of what she was doing right now. She legitimately perceived all of this as a desire to be a perfect host and proper friend to Saitama. Even as Boros turned this way and that, basically modeling her outfit to herself, she didn't consider any other explanations for what was happening. This woman was born and raised in violence, then proceeded to live it every moment after. There was scarcely anything unrelated to combat in her mind.
Well, there was Saitama. I mean, he WAS the only lifeform in the universe who was stronger than Boros. That's the reason she and her crew were on Earth. However, fighting Saitama had become less of a priority to her as of late. If Boros were to think about that actively, she'd argue that it was because she needed to train for a while, so there was no point imagining a fight right now.
But if we, the ethereal audience who've come to watch her life for our amusement, were to study the mind of Boros, we'd learn the truth. That is if we pretend for a moment that we don't already know it. The space in Boros' mind that was dedicated to Saitama didn't think about fighting at all. Heck, it barely-viewed him as a combatant anymore!
Conversations over the phone. The days spent exercising in Ghost Town. The smiles, laughter, and general merriment. The collection of mental data involving Saitama that Boros stored in her mind was, unjokingly, EVERY time they've been together or interacted. Working, relaxing, eating, and so on.
No matter how insignificant, every recollection caused a reaction within Boros. Much like her mannerisms when she called Saitama yesterday, just the possibility of speaking to him improved her mood. When they were in the same vicinity, Boros only felt good. No, more than that, it was the best she's ever been!
...Hold on. How was that possible? Boros and Saitama didn't trade blows every time they saw each other. No blood was spilled, and no injuries were incurred. Carnage, slaughter, destruction, pure unbridled conflict, these were the things that gave the Dominator of the Universe purpose. Those were the things that defined the existence of her species! The only satisfaction Boros or her kind could have was with the gamble of life and death!
Yet, Saitama hadn't been giving Boros any of that. Companionship was the only thing she had received. Despite that fact, Boros felt more than she ever had before. With Saitama, it wasn't just excitement and adrenaline. It was...it was...it was...
knock knock
"GAAAAAAAH!" Boros uncharacteristically shrieked. The startle was so intense that it led to a loss of balance.
THUD
The mountainous woman hit the floor with her full weight. Unsurprisingly, the contact did nothing. Well, nothing physical, at least. However, temporarily, Boros was dazed and slightly disconnected from reality.
"H-Huh?..." Boros blinked a few times. "What...What just..." She stammered.
Unfortunately, the confusion would only worsen. Upon hearing such a powerful sound and feeling the light tremor that accompanied it, the person outside of the room chose to enter.
"Boros!" Saitama called out, hurrying into the room. "Are you okay? What happened?" He asked, immediately helping her up.
"Saitama?..." Boros muttered, still coming to her senses. "I...I don't know...I've never fallen like that before..." She answered.
"Is this one of those episodes you mentioned?" Saitama guessed.
"Maybe?..." Boros shrugged. "I was just thinking about my clothes and how I looked in them. I mean, my mind was starting to drift a little, but I didn't find it concerning," She said.
"Hmm, all the same, we should probably go tell Geryuganshoop. He's like your doctor, right?" Saitama replied, followed by a question.
"Yes. Geryuganshoop is the only one who conducts medical tests of any kind with me. I trust him and his judgment above all others." Boros confirmed.
"Then let's go. Since Geryuganshoop already knows about it, we won't have to explain much." Saitama decided.
Afterward, the duo left Boros' quarters and went in search of the Esper. Boros started guiding Saitama once they exited the throne room. Yet, she still allowed him to lead as she gave directions. The cause for that, even though Boros didn't acknowledge it, was because Saitama was holding her hand, and she didn't want him to release it.
Elsewhere, In The R&D Area...
What happens when you put three geniuses in a room together? Nothing. Each of them is too busy with something to be notable in any way. Maybe that's a bit harsh, but what do you expect from me? Do YOU want to try and make the scene of a trio of intellectuals studying stuff sound so exciting you'd punch the wall from being overwhelmed?
Hmm, perhaps that's a tad snarky of me. What are these men studying? Could that be interesting? Yes, as it turns out. This trio of minds was focused on the same subject. It wasn't Genus' creations or even something from the Black Matter Thieves. It was samples that had been collected from the self-proclaimed Subterranean Queen.
Alongside the House of Evolution's imprisonment, the so-called ruler of the underground had been brought aboard. The glowing matriarch we kept in an unconscious state by a series of slaps. Unlike before, it was Boros who delivered the literal smackdown. It was the only way she could vent her disdain toward this bitch without stomping her into rubble.
Anyway, since the Subterranean Queen wasn't waking up ANY time soon, Geryuganshoop went ahead and gathered materials from her so the kind of entity she was could be discerned. He saved the examination process for when Kuseno and Genus participated since he thought it'd be a great way for them to start their exposure to the Black Matter Thieves' resources. As usual, the celestial Esper was right.
"I still can't believe how advanced even the most simple of apparatuses are..." Kuseno whispered as he used a device whose equivalent was a microscope. "In a design so similar to something in our world, you've accomplished far more. Through this lens, I see not only the material itself but all of the specifics that would require additional tests to obtain. It's as if you have the entirety of a research facility housed in this one tool," He described.
"It is almost existential, in a way..." Genus joined in, doing the same. "We spend our lives working so hard to achieve something like this. Yet, before us, we are shown an item that does it alone. It makes you question if there's any point to our efforts." He said.
"Every invention begins with a stone," Geryuganshoop stated, hovering between the men. "People underestimate the versatility of simplicity. You look at a rock, and you see something that is meant to be thrown or used as a bashing implement. However, the ancestors of every race, no matter where in the universe you look, experimented with the pebbles at their feet until all their uses were discovered. Crucial components for weapons. Ammunition for basic ranged weaponry. A method of creating sparks to form a fire. The list goes on. Never forget that the most complex and intricate products of the mind would not exist without those who gazed at a stone and saw all of its potential." He told them, mainly speaking to Genus.
"Does that apply to you and your kind?" Genus challenged, now looking at the deep blue alien. "You're an Esper. Despite not seeing the fullness of your power, I can feel its overwhelming potential. Would a race of creatures that possesses something so incredible even bother with the rock?" He asked.
"I'm sure they would, if there were more than one of me." Geryuganshoop answered.
"Are you saying you don't have a species?" Kuseno inquired as he also looked at him.
"Correct. I'm what you may refer to as a celestial creature. An organism born from the cosmos and the energies within them." Geryuganshoop revealed, only to then raise a tendril to keep his company silent. "If you plan on asking me questions about how that is possible, please know that it would lead us to a discussion that'll last for days. It'd be easier if I provided you with reading materials to go through when it's most comfortable." He said.
"Hmph, good to know. But that wasn't what I was wondering," Genus admitted, folding his arms. "I was curious as to how something like you could find yourself under the command of a typical organism. I may not know much about Boros right now, but I've learned one thing of importance. Even if her species evolved to be unrivaled survivalists, she still had to work to become what she is now. Maybe it's just my ignorance, but a creature of celestial origin sounds like it'd be stronger than something that was born." He shared.
"Heh, you've already deduced the explanation," Geryuganshoop chuckled. "My unmatched psychic capabilities are something I had from the get-go. Furthermore, as you considered already, I had very few equals due to my privileged existence. As such, I never strived to better myself. Why would I? From the instant I manifested, I could command the power of a black hole without breaking a sweat. To be clear, I'm not implying that I can summon black holes. I meant that it is within my capacity to exert the same level of pressure that a black hole would apply to everything around it. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that I crushed any who dared attack me as though they were paper. Massive fleets of ships that sought to destroy me became paperweights in seconds. I felt like a God. Only my fellow deities who were brought into life by the universe could rival me. To keep myself from rambling, I was nothing more than an arrogant asshole who got lucky at birth. And, as is the fate of every poor soul with such a start, I was eventually humbled." He responded.
"How did Boros do it?" Kuseno asked, rubbing his chin. "If you can replicate the gravitational force of a black hole, even with her regenerative capabilities, I struggle to imagine how she could win." He added.
"I'm sorry to say, gentlemen, the answer is underwhelming," Geryuganshoop sighed, closing his eyes. "Espers are always aware of their surroundings. Unless they intentionally suppress themselves, an Esper will detect everything around them. The range of this detection is directly related to the total value of power. The greater the amount, the greater the field of perception. For someone such as me, if I were to let my power flow free, I could sense anything within the majority of a solar system. Be mindful that I'm referring to what my power was like at the time when my mistress met me. I have no idea what my full extent is now since I've never had a reason to go that far afterward. Even so, that scope is impossible to avoid. The only option is to stay out of its reach, assuming you know what it is. Although my lady is not an Esper, she can still detect psychic power and any other ethereal force. So, she knew how close she could get before I noticed her. That knowledge was all she needed. It allowed my mistress to concentrate and build up her power, physical and ethereal. Then, once she aimed, my lady fired herself at me like a projectile." He answered.
"But...wouldn't you have stopped her?" Genus questioned with widened eyes.
"Absolutely, if I was stronger than her," Geryuganshoop began. "When my mistress entered my detection range, I reacted. I sent forth an all-encompassing barrier of psychic energy around myself. It wasn't a thin or thick wall. It was an impenetrable mountain of power. But that brings us to the age-old question. What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? The problem presents two opposing forces that are equal in different ways. Sadly, that was the key factor in determining the outcome. My lady had already fought many powerful opponents by the time she found me. If all I had was one trick, which was the case, then she just needed to be able to overcome that. If an impassable blockade of my psychic output couldn't stop her, then nothing else I had would. This so-called confrontation lasted less than ten seconds, just barely over five. My mistress took off, I reacted, and then she punched me so hard I flew through space until I collided with something. As she later revealed, she deliberately brought something with her and lined it up with the shot she planned to take, all so that when it was done, we would have a conversation. Despite being superior to me, my lady still recognized what I could do and what I could become with time. She asked if I wanted to join her, to which I took the idea further. That was not only the formation of our relationship but the first page of the story that would become our-"
"Hey!"
All three men were taken out of the trip down memory lane. Looking toward the entrance of the area, which is where that voice had come from, the trio saw Saitama and Boros.
"Sorry to barge in on you guys, but we need Geryuganshoop's help," Saitama announced once he had their attention.
"Oh? What's the trouble?" Geryuganshoop inquired as the trio came closer.
"I've had another episode, Geryuganshoop," Boros informed him. "I was in my room, considering my limited selection of outfits, when suddenly my mind started drifting. Then, when I heard Saitama knock on my door, it was enough to make me fall to the ground!" She exclaimed.
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"M'lady..." Geryuganshoop started with a half-lidded expression. "Before I give you an exam, may I be allowed to connect with your mind for a greater insight?" He requested.
"Of course! Please do all that you can to find the source of these spells! They're becoming a nuisance!" Boros permitted, desperate to be free of this enigmatic ailment!
With a willing recipient, Geryuganshoop was able to establish a link between himself and Boros instantaneously. As a result, he was bombarded with this:
"UGH! I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING! I wanted Saitama to have a perfect first day on the ship! Now it's been ruined by these accursed afflictions!"
"I should've just gone and seen Saitama after I was dressed. Even if he was still sleeping or getting clothed himself, it would've been better than this awkwardness!"
"Then again, maybe it wouldn't have. What if seeing Saitama getting dressed caused a repeat of the phenomenon during his tests? If I suddenly stiffened and didn't reply when he spoke, it would've made him worry!"
"Gah! But I've already made him worry now! Saitama should be relaxing! He shouldn't be standing here with me! His home burned down, for crying out loud! I should've done more as his host. I hope Saitama's not disappointed."
"He...wouldn't regret this, right? Saitama wouldn't want to leave, right? Sure, I was a little disturbed by the thought of him staying here. Er, I mean, nervous! No, wait, that doesn't sound right, either! Why would I be nervous about Saitama staying here? Why would I be nervous at all?! I've just never shared my personal space with anyone other than my elites. Yes, that's it! That's the explanation!"
"Crap, would Saitama notice that? If he thinks I'm antsy, then he might assume that I don't want him here! AH! THAT'S EVEN WORSE! IT'S ONE THING IF SAITAMA DOESN'T LIKE IT HERE! THAT'S UNDERSTANDABLE! THIS IS A WAR MACHINE! IT'S NOT A GOOD HOME FOR ANYONE, EVEN IF HE HAS A ROOM ALL TO HIMSELF! I SHOULD'VE INSISTED THAT GERYUGANSHOOP COULD'VE REBUILT HIS BUILDING! I'M SO STUPID!"
"But...it WAS Saitama's idea to be here. So...that...must mean...he's not bothered. More than that, it means he's not against being so close to me! I don't make Saitama uncomfortable! He likes being around me! And I like being around him!"
"Maybe we should do something together today? Yes! After how badly this morning is going, we should definitely engage in an activity to make up for it. Oh! Maybe we could go out and acquire the items that Geryuganshoop couldn't replace! It would also provide an opportunity for Saitama to teach me more about his culture! And I'd get to learn about Saitama's interests and preferences! Yes! We're going shopping! That is what we'll do!"
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"So?" Boros spoke when Geryuganshoop ended the connection. "What did you see? What have you learned?" She asked.
"..." Geryuganshoop stared at his mistress like never before. He was feeling a lot, but befuddlement was the most prominent. "M'lady, don't you remember what you just told me?" He inquired.
"What?" Boros reacted. Her lack of awareness of genuine. "Geryuganshoop, we didn't speak at all. Telepathically, that is. After you connected to my mind, I was in a meditative state. It was no different from any of the previous times you've examined my mind." She told him.
"..." Geryuganshoop continued staring. If he were a normal creature, his eyes might've started getting dry. "Mam, do you seriously not realize what just happened?" He persisted.
"Um...no..." Boros hesitantly replied. "Is...there something wrong with me?..." She assumed.
Oh, yeah. At long last, this inner evolution of the Dominator of the Universe has been noticed. It was used as a clever lie during Saitama's hero exam by Kuseno and supported by Boros' elites. It was then considered by all who were present, minus Genos, as the potential explanation. But just as swiftly as the thought had appeared, it was removed from the group's collective consciousness since it seemed so unlikely.
Yet, here we are. Precisely, here is Geryuganshoop. The realization struck him like a divine bolt. Lady Boros, the woman who he respected and cared for more than any other entity in the universe, had developed an attraction toward Saitama. Not only that, but she didn't have a single clue.
"I...guess it shouldn't be so surprising..." Geryuganshoop thought as he sighed, finally closing his eyes. "I'm certain that before I, Melzargard, and Groribas entered her life, our mistress never had anyone who cared about her. Even then, it took countless years before we truly became close. Right as our bonds deepened, our lady's condition surfaced. It was only through kind words and tired smiles that our mistress could show her attachment to us. I can't blame her for being like this." He went on, re-opening his eyes so he could look at Boros. "Still, this level of ignorance is worrisome. I need to tell Melzargard and Groribas at once! I need their assistance if we're to help our lady!" He concluded.
"Geryuganshoop?" Boros called with a quiet voice. She wasn't scared, but his silence surprised her.
"My sincerest apologies, madam," Geryuganshop responded as he bowed. "I had to review what we've learned thus far while also seeing if I could determine this troublesome issue without any extra effort. Unfortunately, I think you'll need to undergo a full series of checks. We must be more thorough than we have previously." He stated.
"Oh, geez, don't do that," Boros sighed with slight annoyance. "You added so much drama just now. It was as if you made a horrible discovery." She said.
"Horrible? Not quite. Alarming? Most certainly." Geryuganshoop thought. "We should get this started so we don't use too much time. If all goes well, we'll be done before lunch." He advised.
"Understood," Boros replied before pointing at Kuseno and Genus. "Will they be assisting us?" She asked.
"Only if they'd like," Geryuganshoop answered, now facing the men.
"I'm happy to help however I can," Kuseno offered with a smile.
"It's better than the cell," Genus remarked.
"Perfect. After I get my mistress in a relaxed condition, I can seek out Melzargard and Groribas," Geryuganshoop decided. "Saitama, while we're busy with this, why don't you go and see how Genos is faring with his temporary instructors?" He suggested.
"Oh! Good idea. I wouldn't want to stick around and cause any problems," Saitama said.
"Nonsense. You'd never cause any trouble, Saitama." Boros assured him with a smile.
"Aw, thanks, Boros," Saitama replied. "Still, I'll leave you guys to it. Make sure Boros is okay." He told them before heading off.
And so, as Boros' health check-up was underway, Saitama set out to find Genos, Groribas, and Melzargard. Yet, there was something none of them thought about before this all transpired. How was Saitama, who was new to the ship, going to navigate its labyrinthian interior without any help? Would he even be able to get where he wanted to go?