Ψυχή – Dawn of the Galaxy

03 — O.UNI-X Emergency Escape: A Desperate Plea and a Miracle

At the sound of Captain Love’s voice, One turned slowly. His expression remained composed, yet behind his eyes flickered the unmistakeable glint of rapid, intricate thought — at least, that is how it appeared to Love.

“The spatial layering procedure… and the use of the White Gate. The one we resorted to during the previous incident. Is it viable this time?” Love asked plainly.

One’s gaze drifted upwards, as though in quiet consultation with unseen companions. He nodded faintly.

“Technically? Yes, entirely possible. But… I fear there may be certain ethical complications.”

The word ethical snapped Shior’s attention into sharp focus.

“Ethical complications? I’ve barely made it through my last disciplinary hearing! If another incident gets pinned on me, I’ll be out of the agency for good!”

Her voice rose in a mixture of panic and indignation. For Shior, this situation wasn’t merely perilous — it was career-ending.

One, his gaze still fixed on empty space, showed no sign of acknowledging her. Instead, he spoke calmly to Love.

“From a technical standpoint, both the ship and Mother’s systems are more than capable of executing the procedure. The… complications… lie elsewhere. If you agree, Captain, I recommend initiating the formal request through Mother.”

“A formal request?! In this situation? You think they’ll process that quickly?!” Eft exclaimed, her voice a cocktail of frustration and disbelief. The ship was still buckling under the onslaught; no one had time for bureaucratic formalities.

“This is dreadful,” Lite muttered, his tone flat but undeniably exasperated.

But Love showed not a hint of hesitation. Ignoring the protests around her, she tilted her head back, addressing the ship’s AI with unwavering authority.

“Mother! Submit the emergency request — as per Third or Fourth Transport Voyage protocols. Request authorisation for spatial layering and immediate deployment of the White Gate. Emergency priority — immediate execution!”

The cool, detached voice of Mother echoed through the bridge.

“Request acknowledged… Submitted to the Life Elemental Particle Research Institute and the Central Space Administration Authority.”

“Seriously? They’ll never approve that in time!” Eft exclaimed in disbelief.

“For once, I agree with you,” Lite added, with rare emphasis.

Everyone thought the same. But then…

“Approval confirmed by the LEP Research Institute. Approval confirmed by the Central Space Administration Authority. Initiating construction of layered space… complete. Deploying White Gate.”

The words sliced through the bridge like ice.

“What…?” Eft and Lite stared wide-eyed, while Shior’s mouth hung agape. Love, her gaze fixed on the monitor’s unfolding phenomena, muttered softly to herself.

“Rather more efficient than expected…”

Brilliant, silvery light spread across the main screen of the O.UNI-X, as though a membrane had been torn asunder. Space itself was folding, layering upon itself — undeniable evidence of an artificial parallel domain forming around them.

Love’s eyes flicked back to One for final confirmation.

“Within this layered space… moving objects, such as the meteor storm — they won’t be copied across, correct?”

“You’re just confirming that now?!” Eft’s voice cracked with anxiety. “If the rocks come with us, it’s not a rescue — it’s a death sentence!”

“I’d… rather like to know the answer as well,” Lite agreed dryly.

“Wait, wait, wait — hang on a minute!” Shior’s delayed comprehension blossomed into outright horror. “We’re creating a parallel domain in this region? You can’t be serious! The regulations… the aftermath… I’ll be held responsible for the fallout!”

Her protests, logical as they were, dissolved into insignificance as the White Gate completed its manifestation before them — gleaming, luminous, inevitable.