CHAPTER 1 4

For three years, Terry and the Cosmic Architects held intense negotiations and meetings with the Galactic Federation and the Concilium Imperium Stellaris. Their goal was to convince them to accept a crucial proposal: to unite in the face of the threat of imminent universal destruction, which could only be avoided by changing the protocols and rules that held the universe together.

Terry and the Cosmic Architects stressed the importance of changing universal laws and norms. However, neither the Galactic Federation nor the Concilium Imperium Stellaris were willing to negotiate or relinquish the control that allowed them to exercise total power and exploit the resources of certain planets to maintain their hegemony.

In June, a third meeting of the month was convened, in a large room located on a space station. The room, adorned with large windows offering a spectacular view of outer space, housed the members of both councils, seated around a large round table. In the center were the Galactic Architects and Terry.

Lyra, speaking to both the Galactic Federation and the Concilium Imperium Stellaris, warned sternly: —If this continues, you will be the first to fall into this vortex of violence. — Her message was clear: refusal to change could lead to a catastrophe from which you would be the first to suffer.

—¿Are you threatening us? — asked an elderly man, who appeared to be around 70 years old, dressed in a military uniform that denoted his rank as Admiral, with obvious annoyance.

—We are not threatening you, — Caelum replied calmly. —My sister is simply sharing information about what will happen if you are not willing to engage in dialogue and change your tactics.

A woman from the Concilium Imperium Stellaris, dressed in white with delicate ornaments on her shoulder, intervened: —They still haven't explained to us how this supposed war would start, and why.

Elio took the floor: —It will begin with the seizure of power. A group of men and women will emerge who are tired of their freedom being constantly restricted by abusive regulations and laws. There will be revolutions on all the planets, and you will not be able to stop this revolt.

Then another woman, a member of the Galactic Federation, asked: —And, ¿when is all this scheduled to happen? ¿Do you have the exact date?

—It will be 47 years from now when all this will happen, — Caelum replied, providing a specific time frame to the discussion.

—There are still many years to go, — a man from the Concilium Imperium Stellaris commented, underestimating the urgency of the matter.

Terry, surprised and concerned by this long-term perspective, intervened: —¿Are you going to wait for that moment to come before acting? Many innocent lives will be lost. Are you not thinking of your people?

— We are working for those peoples — assured another representative of the Concilium Imperium Stellaris. — For that reason, we cannot waste time on something that we do not know if it will happen or will never happen — With these words, and marking the end of the meeting, the man hit the table with his judicial gavel.

Thankful for the opportunity to talk, Terry opened a portal so he and the Cosmic Architects could leave the room. They arrived at Zenith, at the laboratory that Caelum and Lyra maintained. Once there, Lyra, visibly frustrated, leaned against a white counter filled with chemical test tubes.

—I can't believe how stubborn they are, — he said dejectedly.

Caelum, arms crossed and pondering the situation, replied, —It is not stubbornness, but rather ambition. They do not want to let go of power.

The conversation made clear the challenge they faced: convincing those who clung to power of the need to change, for the good of all, before it was too late.

— I think we'll have to do it by force — Elio proposed, his voice reflecting a determination forged by frustration. — We have no other choice. These people won't do anything. We'll be talking for forty-seven years and we won't make any progress.

—I told them from the beginning, — Terry added, his concern evident in every word. —They won't give up power that easily.

The conversation between the Cosmic Architects and Terry revealed a growing awareness of the complexity of their mission. Faced with unyielding resistance from the Galactic Federation and the Concilium Imperium Stellaris, they considered more drastic measures, aware of the delicate balance between the need for change and the consequences of forcing that change.

—So, we have no choice but to force them to give up their power. We have waited long enough, hoping that they would convince themselves and decide to change. Despite knowing that they were corrupted by power, we held out hope that we would see them change, but that has not happened— Lyra said, her voice tinged with regret.

— It's not our fault, — Caelum said firmly. —We tried our best to convince them, but they refuse to see the truth. They are blinded by power. We have no choice but to act with force. — Everyone nodded in agreement; they saw no other way forward if they wanted to avoid the total destruction of the universe. At that instant, the door to the laboratory swung open, and an officer entered, greeting everyone before addressing Terry directly.

—Your Excellency, your presence is urgent. Something important has happened, and we need your orders, — said the officer respectfully.

—I'll be right there, — Terry replied promptly. The officer nodded his thanks, said goodbye, and left. —I have to go, — Terry announced, turning to face his creators.

—Go and do your duty, — Elio told him in a voice that denoted urgency, but also confidence. —You are needed. We will stay here, trying to find a solution to this problem.

—Of course, Your Excellencies—said Terry, saying goodbye before leaving the laboratory. Marcus, his bodyguard and friend, followed him closely.

—¿Marcus? — Terry asked once outside, seeking confirmation.

—Yes, — Marcus replied, ready and alert for whatever came next.

They arrived at the hangar where the ships were landing, meeting Claudius, Terry's son, there, who was waiting for them with a detailed report of the events on a monitor.

—Tell me, Claudius. ¿What exactly has happened? — Terry asked, eager to understand the magnitude of the conflict and determine the most appropriate course of action to resolve the situation, maintaining peace and minimizing losses.

—It appears there was a clash between two of our allied planets, — Claudius began, his expression serious and focused as he held the monitor up for his father to see. —The conflict escalated rapidly due to misunderstandings and the influence of third parties interested in seeing tensions rise. We have suffered considerable casualties, and there are significant damage on both sides. Terry listened intently; his gaze fixed on the information spread out before him. The weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders, aware that the upcoming decisions would influence not only the fate of the planets involved, but also the peace of the entire cosmos.

—¿What is our best option for intervening without escalating the conflict further? — Terry asked, looking to his son and his team for strategies to handle the situation with the wisdom and precision the moment required.

—Diplomacy should be our first line of action,— Claudius suggested, looking at the data on the monitor before turning his attention back to Terry. —We can send a team of mediators to both planets to try and negotiate a ceasefire. We need to understand their perspectives and find common ground for peace. We could send Dennis and Sapphire so they can see what is going on firsthand.

—We can also offer humanitarian aid to the most affected areas to demonstrate our neutrality and goodwill, — Marcus added, supporting Claudius' strategy. —That could ease tensions and open a channel for dialogue.

Terry nodded, considering the options. —Let's arrange a meeting with our best diplomats and strategists. And I want a report prepared on the humanitarian aid needed. We must act quickly, but with caution so as not to make matters worse.

—Understood, Your Excellency. I will begin coordinating efforts immediately, — Claudius said, determination in his voice.

Terry, staring at the monitor, took in the magnitude of the situation. —¿And who are these? — he asked, pointing to a section of the report.

—They are prisoners of war, Your Excellency. ¿What would be your order regarding them?— Claudius inquired, aware of the delicacy of the situation.

—For now, take them to the holding cells. We need information. Try to get something out of them that will help us better understand the causes of this conflict. Perhaps, with more knowledge, we can find a way to restore peace, — Terry instructed, aware that every piece of information could be crucial.

—It will be done immediately, your Excellency— Claudius confirmed, ready to act according to the orders he had received.

—You may leave, — Terry said firmly.

—Yes, Your Excellency, — Claudius replied, signaling the other officers to proceed with the prisoners, all moving with the urgency and precision the moment demanded.

—Let's go to the office, Marcus— Terry said.

—Wait, Your Excellency, — Marcus interrupted, —I've been informed by the communicator that we must go to another place where your presence is urgently required.

—Okay, let's go, — Terry nodded, letting out a sigh. It looked like it would be one of those days full of unexpected events.

Meanwhile, Claudius, in charge of taking the prisoners to their cells, crossed the corridors with Kyran, who was leaving his laboratory. Kyran, dressed

Wearing the typical white scientist's coat and carrying a report of his experiments under his arm, he headed to his uncle Ashtar's laboratory in search of assistance for an experiment.

—Claudius, — Kyran said, clearly surprised to meet him, —I understood that you had left for a planet to assess a situation.

—That's right, — Claudius confirmed, —but we had to change course due to a war that broke out between two planets. And here I am, in charge of transporting prisoners.

—I see, — Kyran said, briefly glancing at the prisoners. —It seems you'll be quite busy, and I assume everyone at the base will be as well with this matter.

—Exactly, and I doubt we'll be able to return home today, so don't expect us for dinner, — Claudius replied, anticipating a long and difficult day ahead.

—I'll inform our mother about what happened, — Kyran said, smiling and patting his brother on the shoulder.

— Thank you, — Claudius replied, retreating with the group.

On his way to his uncle's lab, Kyran was immersed in reading his chemical report, seeking to clarify a doubt. So absorbed was he in his study that he did not notice a soldier approaching from the opposite direction, accompanied by a prisoner who seemed to be of importance. The clash was inevitable.

—¡Careful! — exclaimed the soldier, visibly annoyed.

—Excuse me, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bump into you, — Kyran apologized, looking at the soldier who was adjusting his jacket. When he looked up and recognized Kyran, the soldier's expression changed.

—I'm sorry, Your Royal Highness. I didn't realize who you were. Please accept my apologies, — said the soldier, making the formal salute.

—Don't worry, I was distracted. It's my fault for not paying attention. You can continue on your way, nothing happened—Kyran assured kindly.

— Thank you, Your Highness, — the soldier said, smiling in relief. He gestured for them to continue on their way with the prisoner. At first, Kyran paid no attention to the woman, but seconds later, something inside him made him stop. He turned around, trying to locate the group in the crowd that was moving through the corridors. He couldn't believe it; the prisoner was Mina; the woman he had crossed paths with three years ago. Since she was a prisoner of war, he reasoned that she must have been taken to the cells or to an interrogation. He decided, then, to go to the prisoner cells first, hoping to find her there.

The possibility of Mina, someone he hadn't seen in three years, suddenly appearing as a prisoner in the midst of this war chaos had his mind spinning with questions and possible implications. How had Mina come to be involved in this conflict? What had she been doing all this time? And, most importantly, how could he possibly help her or even protect her under these complicated circumstances?

Upon reaching the cell section, Kyran looked for a guard or official who could give him information about Mina, hoping to confirm if it was really her and, if possible, have a moment to speak with her in private. After several minutes of search, he located a guard who seemed to know the current distribution of the prisoners well.

—Excuse me, — Kyran began, trying to maintain his composure despite the anxiety that was overwhelming him. —I'm looking for a prisoner who was recently brought here. Her name is Mina. ¿Could you please inform me if she is in this section?

The guard, recognizing the Imperial Supreme's youngest son, responded promptly and respectfully, —Your Royal Highness, allow me to check our records. — After a few moments of checking his datapad, he looked up. —Yes, Prisoner Mina was recently admitted. She is in cell 17B, but...—

—¿But what? — Kyran insisted, noticing the hesitation in the guard's voice.

—She has been classified as high risk, Your Highness. The orders are to keep her isolated until her interrogation—

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Kyran knew he couldn't just walk away. —Take her to me, please. I need to ensure her well-being.

With some reluctance, but unable to refuse a direct request from royalty, the guard nodded and led Kyran through the maze of corridors to cell 17B. Once there, Kyran found himself face to face with Mina, who was staring in surprise from behind the bars.

—Mina, — Kyran began, his voice soft but firm, —It's hard to believe we're meeting like this after all this time.

—Kyran, — she replied, her expression a mix of shock and wariness, —I didn't expect to see you in… this situation.

—¿How did you come to be here? — Kyran asked, his concern evident.

Mina sighed, lowering her gaze before answering cautiously, —There is much I wish I could share with you, Kyran, but current circumstances make it impossible. I am sorry.

Kyran, though confused by the vagueness of her response, did not let his concern diminish. —I will do everything in my power to help you, Mina. But I need you to trust me as much as you can. Is there anything you can tell me that will help me protect you?

Mina's gaze filled with a glimmer of hope, though tinged with a hint of resignation. —Your willingness to help means more than you know, Kyran. But you must understand that there are certain things I simply cannot reveal. All I can ask of you is that you trust that I have my reasons.

Kyran nodded, feeling a mix of frustration and determination. —I understand that you can't tell me everything. But please, if there is any way I can help you within these limits, let me know.

Mina offered a weak smile of gratitude. —I'll keep that in mind, thank you. Knowing I have your support is already a great relief.

With a promise to find a solution, Kyran took his leave, his mind now in a whirlwind of thoughts. It was clear that Mina was caught in a complex situation, and although he didn't know all the details, Kyran was determined to do his best to help her, respecting her boundaries and protecting her secrets. Mina's complicated position as a mercenary soldier and her secret mission under General Sox Ruleci posed a challenge that would require all of her cunning and resources.

Kyran left the holding cells in search of his brother Claudius, hoping that he hadn't left on one of the ships yet. He ran to the hangar, and luckily for him, Claudius hadn't left yet.

—Claudius, — Kyran shouted. His brother turned to look at him as he saw Kyran running to his side and grabbed his arm. —It's good to see you, — he said, trying to catch his breath.

—Calm down, — Claudius told him, worried. —What's wrong?

—I need your help, brother, — Kyran pleaded, trying to control his breathing.

—¿How can I help you? Claudius asked.

—There's a prisoner and I need to see if you can get her out of the holding cell.

— A prisoner? Who is she to you? Claudius inquired.

—She's a friend, — Kyran said. —I need you to help me get her out of here.

—You know well that I cannot do that, brother. I can help you with anything else, but prisoners cannot be released unless there is a specific order to do so— said Claudius.

—Come on, I've never asked you for anything. I'm just asking that this time you put bureaucracy aside and let me get her out of prison. She shouldn't be there—Kyran pleaded.

Claudius, who had never seen his brother so involved with anyone, understood the seriousness of the situation. —I understand, — he said finally. —Give me his name and I will check the records.

—Her name is Mina, — Kyran said.

—Mina, okay. Let me see, — Claudius replied, consulting his mobile projector. Mina Ishikawa's image appeared on the screen.

—She is, — Kyran confirmed anxiously.

— Okay, give me a minute. It says here that it's a special case, high risk. In this case, I can't help you, brother — Claudius said regretfully.

—¿Why not? — Kyran asked, worried.

—She is classified with a special grade. No one here can help you, not Dennis, not Safiro, not even our uncles. The only one who can modify this security level is our father. He is the only one who can get her out of prison and revoke her security level.

—Let me see, — Claudius said as he tapped away on his monitor. —He's in the West Wing. You'll have to go there to ask him to revoke the order. Go quickly, because it says here that the woman named Mina Ishikawa has been ordered to be handed over to a Commander Sox.

—I'll be right there, — Kyran said, hurrying over to his father. He ran as fast as he could until he reached the west wing, but his father was nowhere to be seen.

—Damn, — Kyran thought. —¿Where could he have gone? — he whispered.

— Hello, Kyran— his uncle Aiden greeted him.

—Hey, man. What are you doing at Zenith? — he asked curiously.

—I came because I need your father to sign a document to authorize the entry of some products into our planet, Zephyria.

—¿Where is my father? — Kyran asked, looking around.

—I was told he'd be here, but I haven't been able to reach him. I've been calling Marcus's CosmoCom Earlink, and he's not answering, — Aiden replied.

Just then, a lieutenant passed by, and Kyran took the opportunity to ask him about his father.

—He's in his office, — the lieutenant replied.

—Thanks, — Kyran said. —Let's go to his office, man. We'll find him there. — Aiden nodded, and they headed toward Terry's office.

They arrived just as Terry was finishing up a conversation on the LumiCom at his desk. Looking up and seeing his brother-in-law, he stood up from his seat and walked over to give him a warm hug. Aiden returned the gesture, but couldn't help but give him a slight rebuke with a playful smile. —Looks like if I don't come to Zenith, I won't see you anymore.

Terry, somewhere between sad and understanding, replied as they parted, —You know how this job is, everything takes up time.

—I know, — Aiden admitted, changing his tone to something more serious. —But I need you to sign this document, — he said, handing her the paper.

Terry took the document, curious. —And what is this specifically for?

—To authorize the entry of supplies: seeds, machinery for the land, equipment for the laboratories and, of course, weapons to defend the planet— Aiden explained with the seriousness that the subject required.

—I understand, — Terry said, and without further ado signed the document before handing it back. Then, his attention turned to Kyran. ¿And you, Kyran ¿What brings you here? — he asked, his interest evident.

Kyran, with a mixture of anxiety and determination, replied, —I must speak to you about an important matter. It would be best if we could do so in private.

Aiden, understanding the situation, intervened diplomatically, —Say no more, I'll take advantage of the opportunity to visit my niece.

—Perfect, — Terry agreed, and quickly pressed a button on his monitor. —Let me call Vicenzo. He'll guide you or send someone to accompany you, so you don't get lost. — He had barely finished his sentence when Vicenzo appeared at the office door. —I need you to take my brother-in-law to my daughter's lab, Elara.

—Right away, Your Excellency. Please follow me, — Vicenzo said, inviting Aiden with a gesture.

—See you later, Terry, — Aiden said, shaking his brother-in-law's hand before following Vicenzo out of the office.

—See you later, Aiden, take care, — Terry replied affectionately.

—Take care of yourself, Kyran— Aiden said, showing his concern.

—Don't worry, Uncle. See you soon, — Kyran said goodbye, watching as his uncle closed the door behind him.

Once alone, Terry turned to his son. —¿How can I help you, son? — he asked seriously.

Kyran bluntly explained his situation. —I have a problem and I need you to help me get a prisoner out of the holding cell.

— A prisoner? — Terry repeated, his curiosity piqued. — Who is she that you are so interested?

—Her name is Mina Ishikawa, — Kyran replied, clearly worried.

—Let's see what this is about, — Terry said, walking over to his desk to type the name into his Nexus HCX-5D HoloCore computer. Mina's image was displayed along with her personal details and other additional information. Kyran moved closer to get a better look.

—She is—Kyran confirmed. —Can you help her?

—I can revoke the order and the protocol, if that is your question— Terry began, showing himself willing to help—The problem is that she is not a soldier, she is a slave and belongs to Commander Sox Ruleci, who has requested her immediate delivery after her arrest.

—¿A slave? — Kyran looked desperate, remembering. —It can't be, when I met her she had a mansion and cars, — he thought, trying to understand the situation.

—From what I see here, this woman has been owned by Commander Sox Ruleci since she was fifteen. He bought her, and she has been his property ever since. He has the legal papers; there is nothing that can be done, son. I am sorry—said Terry, expressing his regret.

—Still, that ¿Commander Sox must be coming for her, right? — Kyran inquired, searching for some hope.

—Yes, he must come to see me so I can officially hand him over. In fact, he should be arriving at the hangar already, it's time for our meeting— Terry explained.

— Fine, — Kyran said, coming up with a plan. —I can talk to him before you give it to him and see if he's willing to sell it.

—You can try, — Terry conceded, though with reservations. —But it won't be easy to negotiate with a military man of his caliber. It's not the same as negotiating with civilian merchants. Remember, he's a high-ranking officer. These officers often acquire slaves for very specific purposes and don't usually free them easily if they've been useful to them.

—I'll try anyway, — Kyran said, determined to do his best for Mina.

—I'll try to help you in any way I can, son, — Terry offered sympathetically. —Let me be the one to talk to him about that first. Maybe, as a soldier to a soldier, we can understand each other.

—Okay, — Kyran agreed, accepting his father's strategy and feeling a glimmer of hope that Terry might be able to influence Commander Sox Ruleci in some way. Their collaboration became a ray of light in a situation that seemed increasingly complicated.

Through the intercom, Vicenzo announced the arrival of Commander Sox Ruleci, who had come for his slave. —Send him in, — Terry ordered firmly. Instantly, both he and Kyran stood up, preparing to greet the commander with due respect.

When Sox Ruleci entered the room, Kyran couldn't help but look at him closely, noticing the man's advanced age. At first glance, he could be said to be at least 150 years old, a fleeting memory crossing his mind of how, in this universe, life expectancy was greatly extended thanks to chemical manipulations. Despite the accumulated years, the commander carried his age with a vitality that belied the numbers.

—I'm Sox Ruleci, — the commander introduced himself, extending his hand toward Terry in a formal greeting.

—Nice to meet you, Sox Ruleci. Meet my son, Kyran, a Space Biochemical Engineer specializing in Sustainable Agriculture— Terry said, introducing Kyran with a palpable tone of pride in his voice.

— Nice to meet you — Sox replied, shaking Kyran's hand. Despite the underlying tension over the reason for his visit, the greeting was carried out with the cordiality dictated by the circumstances, revealing the complexity of emotions and thoughts each of them harbored.

—I understand, — Terry began in a calm voice, gesturing for Sox Ruleci to sit in the chair in front of him, while he himself took a seat behind his desk, leaning back slightly to signal an open and dialogue-ready posture. Kyran, following his father's example, took a seat a little further away, maintaining his presence discreet but attentive.

—Yes, — Sox replied with unflappable seriousness, his voice ringing with a timbre of authority that left little room for rebuttal. —That girl belongs to me. When she was fifteen, I bought her, and she has been in my custody ever since. She is the most competent assistant I have ever had.

Hearing this, Terry felt the weight of the situation settle into the room, thick as the air before a storm. He struggled to find the right words, the ones that could tip the scales in favor of what Kyran wanted.

—I understand, Commander Sox, — he said, his tone measured, seeking to project both respect and firmness. —I have a request to make of you. If you could help us, we would be deeply grateful.

The atmosphere in the room grew even more tense, with three worlds colliding: Terry's, full of hope and diplomacy; Kyran's, marked by anxiety and the desire to change Mina's fate; and Sox's, a universe of control and unchallenged power. It was a critical moment, a delicate balancing act between what is possible and what is ethically correct.

—Tell me, Your Excellency, ¿how may I help you? — Sox asked with obvious curiosity. He assumed a relaxed, contemplative posture, elegantly and comfortably crossing his right leg over his left. His right elbow rested on the arm of the chair, thoughtfully supporting his chin. This position not only suggested a state of comfort and confidence, but also projected an image of deep reflection. His foot dangled gently in the air, occasionally swaying in tune with the flow of his thoughts.

—I'm interested in purchasing your slave, — Terry said, straight to the point.

Terry's response took Sox by surprise, his eyes widening in shock before he fell into deep thought. It was not common for a figure of his stature to be involved in the purchase of slaves, especially for personal use. Noticing Kyran at his side, he began to understand the situation. Perhaps, he thought, the young man had fallen in love with the slave. Despite this, Sox was reluctant to lose someone so valuable to his operations; Mina was exceptional in her ability for strategy and quick action.

—I am sorry, Your Excellency, — he finally replied, —I cannot sell her. She has been and will continue to be too useful to me. I have future plans for her.

—And, ¿you couldn't reconsider the offer? — Kyran intervened, trying to keep his anxiety under control.

—You're still very young, and you don't seem to understand what it takes to win a war. Being in a lab isn't the same as being on the battlefield, — Sox replied, dismissing Kyran's request with a mix of firmness and an attempt at politeness.

—I know what this implies—Kyran replied, before being interrupted by a signal from his father asking him to remain silent.

—I understand, — Terry said, taking control of the conversation again, —and I fully understand that. It's true, my son has no experience in battle, unlike my other sons.

—I am familiar with your other children, especially one named Sapphire, — Sox mentioned, acknowledging the family's reputation and contributions in different fields. This change of topic momentarily eased the tension, opening a new channel of dialogue between them.

Terry smiled, slightly uneasy at Commander Sox's mention of his son Sapphire. He wondered what imprudences Sapphire had committed this time; his sharp tongue had often landed him in compromising situations. —I hope my son hasn't caused you too much trouble with his words, — he said, hoping it was nothing serious.

—Don't worry— Sox replied with a calm that inspired respect—I don't despair over what a boy might say. Although I must admit that your son Safiro knows how to put a person in his place. In addition, he carries himself with the dignity expected of an Imperial, and his combat prowess is, without a doubt, formidable.

—Thank you, — Terry said, genuinely surprised. It was rare to find someone who recognized Safiro's potential in battle; usually, people focused more on criticizing her defiant attitude and cold, logical approach to life. —Still, I would like you to reconsider my offer. It is very important to us.

The conversation had taken an unexpected turn, and although Sox's initial refusal to sell Mina was firm, the opening to a dialogue about Safiro's qualities could be the start to engage in negotiations from a point of mutual understanding and respect. Terry sought to take advantage of this moment to soften the commander's position and perhaps find a path to a solution that would benefit all parties involved.

— I'll keep that in mind, — Sox conceded, showing unexpected openness. —Let me think about it and I'll let you know, — he added as he rose from his seat, indicating the conclusion of his visit. —I must leave now; I have to attend to a village that was decimated by the enemy.

—I understand, — Terry replied with genuine understanding, ringing the intercom to facilitate the commander's exit. Vicenzo informed him that Mina was already outside, waiting for them.

—Thank you very much for your time, — Sox said, offering a formal greeting before leaving. Kyran, who had remained silent during the final exchange, seemed about to speak, but Terry stopped him with a look as Sox left the office.

—Don't go, son, — Terry warned him in a soft but firm tone.

—You don't understand, — Kyran replied, anxiety and desperation bubbling in his voice until he was on the verge of bursting into tears. In a gesture to provide privacy and containment for the emotion of the moment, Terry ordered the artificial intelligence Aurion black out his office windows and soundproof it, as well as delay all meetings for at least two hours. —Leave me alone, — Kyran pleaded, but instead of letting go, Terry wrapped him in a hug, providing a safe haven as Kyran finally allowed himself to break down in tears.

In that embrace, more than in any strategy or negotiation, lay the true core of their relationship: a father willing to support his son in his moment of greatest vulnerability, demonstrating that, above all, love and unconditional support are the most powerful forces they have.

As Terry wrapped his son in a comforting hug, trying to console him for his loss, he desperately searched for a solution to the dilemma they faced. It was the first time he had seen Kyran in love, and now, his son was also experiencing the pain of losing the love of his life. Terry remembered well that mix of desperation and passion of first love; he had been young once and understood the crazy things that the young heart is capable of committing for love. Kyran, despite his intelligence, shared with him that intense fire, that stubbornness to follow what his heart dictated, and that filled Terry with fear for what could come.

— Cry as much as you need, my son. Letting out the pain will help you heal— she said softly to Kyran, who was sobbing bitterly at the loss he had suffered. He had held her so close, and yet he felt helpless for not being able to free her from her confinement. The depth of his sadness not only showed the love he felt, but also the hard learning that comes with loving and losing.

After an hour of inconsolable crying in his father's arms, Kyran finally found calm, his breathing steadying enough for Terry to trust that he wouldn't try to escape again. Guiding him to the couch, they sat down together.

in silence. Kyran's eyes, a visible testimony to his inner turmoil, were noticeably swollen, marked by the traces of a pain so intense that words could not describe it.

—¿Are you feeling a little calmer now, son, after letting all that stuff out? — Terry asked, his voice tinged with concern.

—I think so, — Kyran murmured, covering his face with his hands before collapsing into tears again. —I want to die, — he sobbed, while his father patted his back slowly, trying to offer him some comfort. 

— Yeah, yeah, son, this too shall pass. I know it seems impossible now, but with time, the pain will fade — Terry tried to assure him, although in his heart he knew that the path to overcome such pain was not easy.

—When Mom died, ¿how did you manage to stop the pain from consuming you? — Kyran managed to say between sobs.

Terry delved into his memories, reliving the moment he lost Nova Celestia, his second wife and at the time his great and only love. The void she left behind was a dark, unfathomable abyss. What had once offered him some solace was revenge, though the nights were still a testament to his pain and loneliness, a grief that took him years to learn to handle. He gently took Kyran's chin, bringing his son's forehead to his lips to place a kiss laden with paternal affection, and then brought him even closer to speak into his ear.

—It won't be easy, no one says it will be. But with time, the pain softens. You learn to live with it, — he explained sincerely.

—I don't want to live with this pain, — Kyran sobbed, tears streaming down his cheeks. —I want you to take it away, Father.

— If I could take this pain away from you, I would do it in an instant, my son — Terry whispered, his voice cracking with emotion at seeing his son in such a state of suffering. His embrace tightened, offering Kyran not only his comfort but also the strength to face the days ahead.

With the vulnerability of a child seeking refuge, Kyran placed his head, weighed down by the weight of the world, in his father's lap. Terry, becoming his son's physical and emotional support in this critical moment, wrapped his arms around Kyran, providing him with a human cushion of comfort and security. In this sanctuary formed by paternal love, Kyran found enough peace to drift off to sleep, his breathing becoming deeper and more even as exhaustion and sadness dragged him into the temporary oblivion of rest. There, in his father's lap, he fell into a deep sleep, a brief respite in the midst of his personal storm.

After 45 minutes of tense waiting, the door rang with a subtle knock. Vicenzo, with steps that barely disturbed the silence, entered the room. His eyes fell on the scene before him: his boss, Terry, holding his sleeping son with a serenity that contrasted with the storm of responsibilities that awaited him outside those walls.

—¿What's wrong? — Terry whispered, his voice as low as a butterfly's flutter in the night.

—I need you to sign this document, Your Excellency, — Vicenzo replied in an echoing whisper, holding the document out to him.

With a delicacy that belied his usual firmness, Terry slid out from the embrace of the sofa, placing his son carefully on the cushion, as if transferring a crystal treasure. He took the sheet and, after a brief glance, slid it across the desk to affix his signature. Then he raised his gaze to Vicenzo.

—A question, ¿what else is coming up today?

—There are no pending meetings or similar commitments at the moment. We are awaiting reports on the conflict between the planets, including casualties and damage.

We are also evaluating how we can provide assistance, Vicenzo said, keeping the tone of his voice as controlled as the content of his message.

Terry nodded, his mind already racing through the implications of those reports.

—I'll be gone for a few hours; I'll take my son to the castle. Any news, let me know through the LumiCom, — Terry instructed, already standing and preparing to leave. —Oh, and please send for my brother Ashtar. Tell him I need a strong sedative.

With those words, the fate of the afternoon took a new course, outlining the tasks that Vicenzo would have to execute. The shadow of galactic events loomed over them, but at that moment, Terry's priority was the well-being of his son, leaving it to Vicenzo to manage the chaos that awaited outside the quiet walls of his office.

I will send for him immediately, your Excellency - said Vicenzo leaving, it took 10 minutes for Ashtar to arrive with the sedative, he entered stealthily

Ashtar entered the room with a worried expression, alarmed by the urgency in his brother's voice that echoed through the LumiCom. He had not noticed the serene figure of his nephew, Kyran, sleeping peacefully on the couch when, in a voice laden with concern, he inquired:

—What's wrong, brother? Why did you ask me for a strong sedative? Did they attack you?

Terry raised a hand, a gesture enough to defuse the conversation.

—Brother, lower your voice, — he whispered, a finger to his lips. —Kyran is sleeping.

Ashtar, realizing his oversight, moderated his tone and apologized in a whisper:

—I'm sorry, — he said, genuinely contrite. —But what happened?

—Your nephew's heart was broken, that's what happened —Terry shared the news in a tone that carried the weight of the world —He has learned what love is and also how to lose it.

—Wow, that's tough —Ashtar nodded, understanding the magnitude of the situation. —He's going to be sad for many days, that's for sure.

Terry, with a look that revealed his fatherly concern, expressed his wish:

—I want you to inject him with the sedative. I don't want him to do anything crazy at his own risk.

Ashtar, though he understood, couldn't help but muse out loud:

—We've all done crazy things for love, brother. It's a natural part of life.

—Yes, I understand, — Terry conceded, his voice a mixture of resignation and understanding. —But you know what my son is like; he's not like his brothers.

—Oh, yes, you're right about that, Ashtar acknowledged thoughtfully. —There's a lot of you in it, and a lot of Rodrick in it, too. We had enough of you alone, imagine it all together in one being; that's already something impossible to contain.

At that moment, the two brothers shared a look of mutual understanding, knowing that beyond the immediate challenges, their love and concern for Kyran united them in a common effort to navigate the turbulent waters of adolescence and heartbreak.

With a smile that dispelled the tension in the room, Terry replied to his brother:

—Joker, go do your job.

Ashtar, keeping the slight smile on his face, replied:

—I'm just repeating what our father says.

Then, with a shift to a more serious tone, he brought up the reason for his visit, holding the sedative in his hand:

—Okay, I brought enough sedative here. How long do you want me to be asleep?

The question carried significant weight; a decision Terry did not take lightly. After a pause, he shared his wish, one that reflected his longing to protect his son from pain, even if only for a brief moment:

—I wish it could be a week so that when he wakes up he'll forget everything that happened. But that's not going to happen, so at least he'll be sleeping for the next two days so he can rest well and be calmer.

Thus, the two brothers hatched a plan in the hope of providing Kyran with a temporary refuge from his emotional turmoil. The decision to administer the sedative was not easy, but it was taken with the intention of offering the young man a necessary break, a brief parenthesis in his suffering, so that, as the days passed, he would find the strength to face and overcome his heartbreak.

—I can get him to sleep for a week, — Ashtar said, —without interruptions, we can put him in the Regeneration Dome, a space specially designed to house the Assisted Regenerative Rest Chamber (ARRC). This dome is located in a quiet and controlled area, designed to maximize relaxation and recovery. Upon entering the Regeneration Dome, you will be greeted by a calming atmosphere, with soft sounds of nature and soft lighting that mimics the cycle of the sun, fostering an environment of absolute serenity.

The chamber itself is the centrepiece of the dome. Its futuristic design is not just for aesthetic purposes; every curve and every system is designed to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency during your sleep period. CRRA's cutting-edge technology ensures that while you sleep, your body remains perfectly nourished, oxygenated and in an optimal state of cellular regeneration. Life support systems constantly monitor your vital signs to adjust any needs that may arise, ensuring an uninterrupted and restful sleep cycle.

Inside the Regeneration Dome, everything is controlled to eliminate any stress or distraction factors. Specialized personnel are in charge of monitor the cameras 24 hours a day, ensuring that everything is working perfectly and that the environment is maintained in ideal conditions for regeneration.

At the conclusion of your week of rest at the CRRA, the awakening process is gradual and assisted, ensuring that your transition back to wakefulness is as smooth and comforting as the rest itself. The Regeneration Dome and Assisted Regenerative Rest Chamber offer an unprecedented sleep experience, allowing you to wake up revitalized, rejuvenated and ready to face whatever the future holds with renewed energy.

Ashtar's revelation left Terry between surprised and curious, his eyes reflecting the astonishing news he had just learned.

—Wait, ¿when did you create that?— he asked, his voice tinged with wonder and genuine curiosity.

Ashtar, in a whisper that carried a hint of reproach, replied:

—It's been a month since he started working. But of course, since you don't listen to me when you're working, it's natural that you don't pay attention to me.

Terry, caught in his carelessness, apologized:

—Oops, you really did mention that to me, now I remember. Sorry bro, you know what this job is like.

Ashtar, without losing his reproachful tone, insisted on his point:

—Yes, I know, but you still don't pay attention to me.

The slight tension was broken by Terry's promise, his smile seeking to soften his brother's reproach:

—There, there, I'll make it up to you, — he said, offering her a conciliatory smile.

Although work and responsibilities often consumed Terry's attention, this exchange made it clear that beyond the urgencies of everyday life, brotherly bonds and mutual affection remained at the core of their relationship, capable of overcoming any temporary neglect.

—Then I will proceed with the Nebulix to administer the sedative, — Ashtar said, cautiously approaching his nephew, who still lay in a deep sleep.

Looking more closely, he noticed that Kyran's eyes were swollen, a silent testimony to the tears he had shed before falling into the embrace of sleep. With the delicacy of someone handling such an innovative device as the Nebulix, Ashtar prepared to offer Kyran the relief and rest he so desperately needed, ensuring a more serene and comforted awakening. —He's ready, — Ashtar announced. —Now we just need to get him to the CRRA and in a week he'll be completely revitalized, with his mind functioning at its best to resume his activities.

—Well, then let's proceed to the CRRA —Terry replied, approaching his son to pick him up in his arms. Meanwhile, Ashtar activated a teleportation portal. Crossing the portal, they found themselves on the ground floor of Zenith, where they located the regenerative domes. There was one prepared especially for Kyran. Carefully, Terry placed his son inside, giving him a tender kiss on the forehead before closing the dome, hoping to see him recovered and strengthened within a week.

Ashtar precisely configured the CRRA for a one-week rest period, meticulously adjusting environmental conditions and health parameters specific to Kyran.

Once activated, the dome began its preparation sequence. Kyran's clothing faded smoothly, replaced by an advanced nanotech material that conformed to his body.

Designed to monitor vital signs and deliver painless treatments, this fabric would automatically dissolve, leaving Kyran's skin covered in a protective and nourishing layer. This innovative preparation ensured that his body was perfectly cared for and ready for the regenerative process, ensuring his maximum comfort and privacy during his week of rest at the CRRA.

—Now we just have to wait a week, — Ashtar said. —Don't worry, Kyran is strong and will overcome this broken heart problem.

—I hope so, — Terry replied, full of hope, hoping that his son will soon overcome this situation without further difficulties.