Selfish is the Heart of Man, But what of a Machine?

While they were locked in disagreement, the main facility elevator opened up and from out of it stepped the most unlikely figure.

Bearing the allure of the same silver-colored hair with brightly lit violet eyes shimmering with curiosity noting each and every bit of data they could acknowledge.

"Another Pygmy?" Illyanova let out in surprise as the doll-like figure marched up to them before saluting. Donning the black-gray uniform with golden braids and a deep green sash tied around his 

They come to stress the fact that they were sent to retrieve the Captain and only the Captain. Informing the major that they will have to go to another designated room, where someone is expecting her as well.

When it approached Vronica, the Pygmy simply mentioned that she would have to remain with the ship, 

"I will serve whatever needs you may require of a Pygmy." 

But Pierce reaffirmed himself, this time highlighting the fact that he cannot guarantee the safety of his crew mates if they are cornered by the IDF forces.

The Pygmy stressed that all Silver Council assets must remain in the docking bay.

"She is a member of my Sword Company and she'll be treated as such."

"She may accompany you, Captain. No more needless accommodations will be made until you adhere to our request. Please follow me." The Pygmy relented with no sense of winning the Captain over with its words, she fell back on its initial goal, to simply retrieve the Blank.

But she reaffirmed that Major Zoya was to make her way to the Detention center, making a point of stating that the 1st Order Major Anabelle Merricks had requested her presence with no grounds for her to refuse. The sudden appearance of two IDF guards ready to accompany her on her way made sure that she had little time to think it over.

"How strange, you did not protest for her to join you." The Pygmy remarked as the three of them entered the elevator, the doors closed behind Vronica, as she realized that the Captain stood between her and the Pygmy.

"Major Illyanova Zoya only joined my vessel so that she may appeal her case to the Silver Council. Even if she were to meet with the 1st Order Major Anabelle Merricks, it's unlikely that she would do anything to endanger her mission. She went on her way because she believes that she may gain something from their interaction."

"You speak with an unusual clarity…for a human." The Pygmy spoke with a similar coldness as she tried to make sense of Blank's reasoning. When slits bleeding pale strips of light into the elevator shifted from periodic glimpse to a single consistent glow, the container's doors slid open.

'His mind is his own, his thoughts are not yours if he has not permitted you to know it.' The Pygmies shared an instantaneous violet gaze before stepping out of the elevator into the corridor of a strange darkened stone, as if it was carved out of the rock of the crater itself.

As they followed behind the Pygmy guide further down the corridor they noticed the gradual silence slowly consuming each step they took until they couldn't even hear those. At this point, they came to a stop by a featureless wall. 

Right there the Pygmy reached out to it, and upon her touch, a vibrant glowing seam grew out of the point of contact, taking the form of a rectangular door frame shaped by the light. But in trying to push forward, she found her hand meeting an unseen resistance.

After stepping back and assessing the structure in front of her, she alerted her captain.

"Captain Gage, they have taken measures to ensure only you may enter. I will not be able to join you beyond this point."

"Then I would ask that you wait for my return."

Walking through the wall of light, he found himself standing atop white sands, with a faint breeze of unknown origin bringing a salty scent to his nose.

With no star in sight, he could feel a strengthening warmth leaching into his flesh. 

A beach of white sands with a dusk-lit horizon met with shimmering waters was the image that filled his mind. Said waters appeared so clear that he could see a strange variety of life occupying the waters. 

When with what amounts to a whisper, all the stimulus fell to a serene calm, with a single voice echoing in the now resounding and ever-present silence. A voice that felt far too familiar. 

"Y–Yuri?" Following the entrancing voice would be the penetrating force of that unmistakable visage.

'That scent…her eyes…'

"Pierce, it's me." 

Taking a step towards him, Pierce, within an instant, fell from the heights of amazement to the grounding truth of reality that he couldn't deny to himself, without a second of hesitation, he raised his palm up to his mouth and drew forth a spray of blood.

The splash of warm fluid flowed down his arm and was quickly followed by the growing sensation of heat radiating outwards from the wound.

"What are you doing?" The figure rushed to his side, trying to stem the bleeding, but the Blank merely persisted, biting even harder, managing to cut his way to the exposed bone.

The figure moved like a shade disguised by the haze of mist, passing through him to stand his side, this time their tone turned from forceful to desperate as they pleaded with the Captain to stop.

"Please…Pierce, say something. Anything…anything to let me know that you're listening. Are you going to shut me out again, after you disappeared for so long, after you left me behind?"

"You should tread lightly if you intend to mock me!" Captain Gage growled through the searing pain that crawled up his arm, leaving it a mass of heat and anguish.

With the look of his bloodied visage of barred teeth and a mouthful of sinews was enough to cause a shudder in the figure, forcing them back in shock.

"If you seek to manipulate me with a familiar face, make sure it's one you know well." Once again, the Blank spoke to no one in particular, as if cursing the very space he was trapped in.

"Will you continue to insist that I am not here, Pierce? I'm begging you to stand and acknowledge–"

"I will not acknowledge an illusion. That's what all of this is, right?"

"..."

"Yeah…you're not Yuri. And I didn't abandon her, she left. A choice I had no part in." As the Blank spoke, he felt his rage fade along with the memory that he, in that moment, had seen with perfect clarity.

"Then what am I?" The figure asked.

"A sign that it's time for me to wake up." Preparing himself to take another ferocious bite, the Captain was thrown off his feet and onto his bat after a sudden shift in his center of gravity. Trying to scramble back onto his feet, he found his muscles to be tensing beyond his control, effectively paralyzed.

Giving into his natural instinct to free himself, he fought against himself to get free, struggling and fighting and until…nothing.

In that moment, his eyes opened to welcome the brilliant light, as his lungs expanded seeking to be filled with the slightly moist air. Gage finally had a chance to take in the appearance of the Nebty Sisterhood representatives, their previously disembodied voices now given form.

"That thing…truly is a beast, why His Imperial Majesty would allow your kind to continue roaming His empire speaks volumes of his compassionate nature." A voice that previously echoed from the beachside illusion. This voice, while resounding with the tone adolescence and immaturity, continued with its ceaseless insults.

They were clad in robes of shimmering silks and intricate embroidery, the white fabric shifting with their movements, reminiscent of the play of light on water. 

Each robe was adorned with symbols and motifs of the Imperial lineage, denoting their rank within the order they represented.

The attire was both modest and alluring, designed to accentuate their natural beauty with golden trims and embroidery while maintaining an air of mystery and reverence with the hooded veils covering most of their features.

"It speaks volumes of his naivete. Look at this one, his mind should not be this resolute, such frightening mental strength was enough to overwhelm Tachi. My poor child had to push herself as close as possible to death to simply subdue him." The second and more distinguished voice denoted.

"Em-Elyona Shamat! You cannot say such a thing about his Imperial Majesty."

"Kohenet Alliya, my child. He will not crash upon me with his fury for merely questioning his intentions. Our is the sect of guidance and as such we are to play not just the passive and advisory role, but also to take our assertiveness and enact the truth for the sake of our beloved Empire."

"That aside, you, Rek`chad. Now that you are awake, will you react as beasts do, or can we engage in a discussion?" 

"What about me would make me so empty?"

"Oh, you're more Terran than you look. I have not known many males that know the Holy Tongue."

"The Speakers of Og were all descendants of Terrans. To study under them would mean an education in language, both modern and native." Pierce spoke with a hint of surprise that he would interpret their words before his translation augmentation could make sense of them.

"But the lexicon of the Holy Tongue is only readily available to our Order. Unless the Speakers studied from original texts, you could not possibly know of this language." The younger voice refuted, hoping for reassurance from the High-Mother.

"Pardon? You claim to be a Speaker? Then…I fear there is much we do not understand or know about you..Perhaps there's more to you than what meets the eye. Tell me Rek`chad, do you know who I am?"

"No."

"Then I can elucidate you. For we have precious little time, I would ask that you hear me and not allow my brazen tone to distract you."

High-Mother Shamat stood out with her regal bearing, her robe adorned with golden threads and a crown-like headpiece that marked her status. 

By her side, Kohenet Alliya, younger and more impetuous, had her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and determination. 

The other companions, each unique in their presentation, formed a semi-circle around Gage, their expressions ranging from skepticism to cautious interest. But with Tachi, the most fatigued among only regaining her strength, she assured her fellow companion that she will be fine, but for her to be careful.

Her companion felt hesitant after hearing Tachi's words, but stood firm, helping her to her feet and waiting on the High-Mother's next command.

As Gage absorbed their visages, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and wariness, understanding that these women were not just symbols of beauty, but formidable in their strength. With all that they have shown they can do, to dismiss them could put his Sword Company in danger.

Pierce nodded, folding his arms as he awaited her next words.

High-Mother Shamat looked intently at Pierce Christopher Gage, her eyes gleaming with both authority and a hint of desperation. 

"The Nebty Sisterhood was created by the most trusted advisor of the first Star-King." She began, her voice steady. 

"The Star-King?"

"The predecessor to our Imperial Majesty. To protect him and his descendants from threats that would prevent the continuation of both Humanity and its United Empire. We are a select order of women, chosen for our exceptional traits, trained rigorously, and genetically perfected to serve and safeguard the Star-King and his lineage." 

"Our primary duty is to act as his consorts and guardians, ensuring the purity of his bloodline and the safety of his descendants. Yet, we are more than just protectors—we are the keepers of his greatest secrets and the watchers over what his gaze cannot." 

"Your expression does not betray you, Rek`echam, though I am sure you have questions."

"Why are you addressing me? If you have the ear of his Imperial Majesty's ear and the IDF in the palm of your hands, what need would you have of me?"

"I was led to believe your kind to be tools. I am intrigued that you would be possessed of such an inquisitive nature." Alliya probed the Blank, remaining on guard as she watched him remain unshaken by all that their High-Mother had shared with him.

"I am not devoid of reasoning." He answered.

"Well it doesn't matter. Your acceptance of the contents that have been explained to you will only save us time." Alliya affirmed with unusual self-importance.

While he would have wanted to call them obnoxious or victims of delusion, he couldn't deny that their appearance was enough to confirm that some modifications beyond what could be achieved naturally through Human genealogy.

Only adding to the validity of their words, but ethereal beauty wouldn't distract him from his question.

For they were women of unparalleled beauty, each exuding an aura of authority and elegance. Their skin glowed with an almost ethereal radiance, hinting at the genetic enhancements they had undergone. 

They were tall and statuesque, with graceful, athletic builds that spoke of their rigorous training. Their eyes, a striking array of vivid colors, seemed to pierce through the very soul, radiating intelligence and a hint of something more profound. 

Their hair, varying shades from raven black to platinum blonde, was meticulously styled, cascading down their backs or elegantly tied up braids, with the High-Mother's intricate maze of braids standing out the most.

"Because we need you. You or rather your kind is the only one we can trust."

"You need me to do something for you, so much so that you're willing to exclude the involvement of the Silver Council?"

"Our actions are not in opposition to your Council."

"You expect me to believe that when you dragged our ship to your base, and trapped me in this room of illusions all against my will."

"Yes. Yes I do."

"Then again, I ask why?"

"Because everything we do now, we do for the sake of our Imperial Majesty…for his daughter." Having heard the High-Mother speak. His answered with simply resolution,

"No!" Spurring one of the Priestesses to subdue him, restraining both his arms behind his back before he could register any of her motions, it's only after they approached him and looked into his eye, that the high mother ordered her to let him go. 

Thanking the Blank for leaving her unharmed, confusing the rest of her companions.

"Compose yourself, Alliya. The only time a person is calm under threat is when they trust their companions with their safety or they trust in their ability to address the threat. Never forget that it is not a person, if you grab a beast's tail, be sure to watch its fangs." High-Mother Shamat scolded her companion, calling her back to her side.

Before Alliya could argue, her gaze finally took notice, below her breasts, lay her flesh lightly scored from her ribs beneath her heart to the abdomen above her right hip. Feeling the parted fabric of her robes split with a new seam.

"You are armed?" She asked the Blank, still restraining him.

"Alliya. To me!"

"Alliya, listen to the High-Mother, I implore you to keep your distance away from that man." Tachi warned her with his eyes sharing a piercing glare against the unbothered Blank.

"Tachi, what's going on?"

High-Mother Shamat, it…he is numbered. A numbered Swordmaster, I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see his memetic engrams myself but it should've been obvious the moment he claimed tutelage under the Speakers of Og." The longer she watched him, the more anxious she became, needing the aid of her companion to calm herself.

"There are no Blank Swordmasters, High-Mother. His Imperial Majesty forbade it."

"Yes, he did. However it seems the Silver Council in all their wisdom encouraged it." Tachi pleaded.

"I am…but I refuse to speak of my master or my rank."

"Then it is truly a weapon of their own creation, this one. All the more reason to stop, and return to the palace, before we are found by the very Council themselves." Said Tachi.

"And how would you propose we reach High-Daughter Mene?" Alliya asked.

"Sister, for the sake of our High-Daughter, her Royal Highness, we must be willing to explore other options before deciding on a task, there is far too much at stake. Truly dark days have befallen us if we are to entrust our will to such a beast, but in such days, those who are entitled will be left the victims of their enemies."

"What part would I have to play? For all you have said, would it not make more sense to gather your forces and make for whichever star system the person you seek is?"

"The very same role you played when you rescued an entire Sword Company after crash landing on Venus."

"How do you know about that?"

"All ships that experienced the same phenomena that brought down yours were recorded, studied and finally reconstructed to discover what had happened. All that data was easily attainable after that." Tachi mentioned, unsure if the facts about the survivors of that event aligned with the figure that presented himself.

"Not to mention, the IMS - Enduring Hope for Justice was originally a ship that belonged to the Imperial Defense Force Navy." The High-Mother added, to stress their point.

"Our point is ultimately this, you, with nothing but your companions and your derelict ship, managed to return to civilization, escaping what would have been certain death on that icebound hellscape. You are exactly who or what we need for this task."

"There is far too much at stake for us to risk acting too foolhardy. What we need from you is to do exactly what you are known for, to protect." They explained that while he understood very little of their interests or capabilities, all he needed to understand was that he was someone whom they desperately needed.

"What business would I have involving myself in your affairs?"

"Are you not a servant of the United Empire of Mankind, first and foremost?" Alliya pressured him.

"You wouldn't class me as Human if you could help it. I am only considered Terran-born by virtue of having been birthed and raised on Terra's soil, but that will never be enough for you to see me as a Human. So why should I, a Blank, do this?"

"Because it is not about whether you're a tool or a person. I am here, not just as the leader of my Order, but as a mother, pleading that you bring my child to safety. With all that you have done, would you not do everything in your power to protect those closest to you?"

"...You mean to relate emotionally with a Blank?"

"Yes, if it will grant me any favor. I will do all that I can to return the High-Daughter to safety. She finds herself in a state you are all too familiar with, which is why I have chosen you to place my faith."

"Please…Bl–Pierce. Aid the IDF and help them free the Third Princess Mene." Finding herself kneeling before him as she implored him, she went a step further and removed her veil.

"I would look the one to save my child in the eye as I ask for his aid."

After a tense hour had passed, the Captain eventually emerged from the Room of Light. 

Looking up at the Pygmy, Pierce wore an unexpected expression, a sense of relief.

"Captain Gage…is everything okay?"

"V–There's something affirming about getting to see you again."

"Captain Gage?" Her eyes widened as the familiar yet perplexing sensation overtook her, losing herself to his just she did on their voyage from Titan.

"Worry not, V. We should be on our way." Pierce's voice managed to secure her focus, anchoring her back to her senses. However those strange sensation...they continued to echo beneath the surface.

'Captain...Captain Gage.' His name resounded in her mind, taking more effort than she realized to silence.

Taking the elevator back up to the ground floor of the Base, Pierce and Vronica encountered Major Zoya waiting for the lift.

"I was tired of waiting so I decided to come and look for you. Did you finally meet with our captors?"

"Did you?" Vronica interjected.

"I didn't stay in one place long enough to find out, but I did get the Access Codes for the Base, nothing with too much clearance, just enough for you to establish a communication link with the Silver Council." Major Zoya produced a crystalline shard about the length of a human finger, with a flattened black tip, handing it over to Pierce.

While they went down the hall in search of the Holding area, Major Zoya mentioned that after she followed the guards that led her to the room, she found it to be empty with no one coming for her, so she opted to leave.

Searching and eventually finding where all the Cloudjumpers were found, finding that the Holding area was far too guarded for her to continue, she instead searched for Pierce and was lucky enough to stumble upon them.

When they reached that very same place, she asked Vronica to open the doors.

"I'm not as worried now that I have you and that Pygmy of yours." Major Zoya, upon scanning it, was descended upon by a group of IDF guards marching to their location. 

"Major Illyanova Zoya, apologies for our delayed arrival. The 208th Shahat Guard Regiment is reporting for duty." 

The force stood at attention, awaiting their next instruction. To this she thanked them although with a curious look about her, she asked for someone to explain what was happening.

At her command, a young and sharp looking figure with a thick set of dark hair made his way to the front, each step he took was met with his respective officers falling in line and making way for him.

"At ease, Major. I am the 1st Order Major in charge of the security of this Base, Valen Thorm. It is a pleasure."

"Likewise."

"Yes well I would have liked for all of this to have proceeded in line with regulation, the Sisterhood are nothing if not a disturbing force. To accommodate them is rarely if ever a pleasant experience. But now that their time with you has concluded we should send you on your way."

"I thought we were to be held indefinitely?" Major Zoya raised the awkwardness of their situation.

"It was brought to my attention that one of our ranks acted without instruction when they helding in one of our detention centers?"

"Was she not acting on your orders?" Vronica questioned the figure. 

"No. She had instead intercepted a fellow high ranked officer." Informing her that Major Anabelle Merricks was given no authority to engage with any of the Silver Council members, much less apprehend them.

"1st Order Major, Anabelle Merricks will be dealt with accordingly. Rest assured. That being said, you have no doubt been briefed on the matter of great importance, Captain Gage. I believe you appreciate the urgency to which we are operating."

"I need Essern, our prisoner and our ship."

"They are already on their way to the Copernicus Crater. Like I said, we don't have much time."

"Time for what, Captain?" Vronica wondered, watching as Valen led them past the elevator down a corridor that they hadn't seen before.

"Then… the Guard Regiment?"

"Meant to accompany Major Zoya. We still have much to discuss with her once she is done with the Silver Council. While they scoff at your achievement, what you've done in protecting the Empire's Fuel Fields on Titan has not been overlooked, the both of you."

"What have you gotten us wrapped in now?" Major Zoya huffed, as the guards and Valen produced an access keycard parting the dense doors in front of them. Crossing over the striped yellow and black markers over the floor separated the outside from the series of escalators heading downwards. 

"While we would have sent you on your way using the Shuttle, I am afraid our superiors would be able to track the vessel back to the IDF, so they opted to use this," Nestled deep beneath the lunar surface, was a marvel of engineering. 

As Captain Gage descended into its depths, the first thing that struck him was the sheer scale of the facility.

"This is our Transfer Station, affectionately known as the Shahat Underground."

The station sprawled out in a vast underground cavern, illuminated by soft, ambient lighting that mimicked natural daylight. 

The ceiling arched high above, supported by a network of reinforced titanium beams, giving the space an open and airy feel despite being so far below the surface. 

The walls were lined with sleek, metallic panels embedded with digital displays that provided real-time updates on arrivals, departures, and other essential information.

Numerous tunnels branched off from the main hub, each marked with holographic signs indicating their destinations. 

These tunnels, wide enough to accommodate both the shuttles and maintenance vehicles, stretched out into the darkness, vanishing into the far reaches of the lunar underground. They were lined with reinforced composite materials, capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of the moon's subsurface.

"There will be time for sight-seeing when we aren't pressed for time. Let's go, your train is here." Valen commanded the group's attention with a stern call from his heavy voice.