In the same cold, dark room, the atmosphere was charged with awe and mystery. The metallic walls reflected a faint gleam from a hanging lamp swaying gently, adding a sense of unease. The unknown guest stood confidently, his appearance suggesting power and mystery, looking at Pluto and Charon, who awaited his words with concentration.
"I knew you would be surprised, but I am here to offer my alliance with you," he said in a confident voice, while features of seriousness reflected on his face.
Pluto's first moon spoke suspiciously, trying to analyze the intentions of this strange visitor: "Why? What is your interest in this alliance?"
The unknown smiled faintly, a smile carrying a mixture of sadness and self-esteem, then said, "I am tired of being marginalized and ignored. They have always treated me as if I don't deserve to be part of this system. It's time to show them who I am."
Charon, known for his biting sarcasm, couldn't restrain his comments and said mockingly, "So you are here for your own interest and nothing else."
The unknown shook his head in denial, then continued enthusiastically, "No, I admired Pluto's boldness in front of the planets. If it weren't for his last words to them, I wouldn't be present with you now. Those words awakened my self that had always weakened and remained silent before them. But everything has indeed changed thanks to your leader. I now support him in every step he takes until we achieve our goal."
Nix, Pluto's other moon, asked with clear astonishment, "Our... our goal?"
Pluto interrupted him firmly, addressing everyone: "Alright folks, enough questions. Let's welcome our guest and work together. We need a solid plan."
The unknown nodded and said, "Of course, I have some ideas that might help us. But regarding the idea of freezing the Sun..."
Pluto raised his hand, interrupting: "I know. I was in a state of anger and oppression. I shouldn't have uttered that nonsense. Freeze the Sun." He let out a sarcastic laugh, trying to ease the tension.
But the unknown did not smile, instead replying with seriousness and confidence, "On the contrary, we will take that idea into consideration."
Pluto's laughter stopped abruptly, and he looked at him in amazement: "What?"
Amidst this meeting, Nix was eavesdropping on them with fear and awe, saying to himself, "What are these people talking about? What sun and what freezing, what is happening here?"
Charon interrupted his train of thought, shouting angrily, "Enough nonsense! We are talking about the Sun: the most important source of heat and light in the galaxy." Then he added in a more serious tone, "Do you realize the gravity of what you are proposing?"
The unknown guest smiled slyly and said, "Of course, we realize that, but we won't literally freeze the Sun, rather..."
Everyone exchanged glances in astonishment, unable to contain their shock after hearing the diabolical plan he proposed. It became clear that this guest harbored ideas exceeding all their expectations, and they realized that his presence among them might be... no, would be the key to their success.
Pluto, Charon, and the new guest began to devise a meticulous plan to destroy the solar system and restructure it in their own ways. The plan was complex and required full cooperation among all participants.
———⟡ ☽ ⟡———
On the other side of the Milky Way, specifically in the secret council of the leaders of the universe, the atmosphere was charged with tension and suspicion. The ornate walls bore ancient symbols representing the union of the planets, while everyone sat around a huge round table reflecting a design that suggested grandeur and responsibility.
After Pluto left Sirumi, the discussion began with an unusual question from the leader of the living planet, Earth: "What just happened?"
Silence filled the space. Everyone exchanged glances without anyone daring to speak.
Earth repeated his question, but this time in a sharper tone: "Speak! What is this stupid device talking about? Since when does the 'Ex-Politas' determine our fate?! Since I met it, its only mission has been to give us information, not to decide."
Mars, who seemed equally tense, added, "Is there anyone here who knows what's going on to tell us? Why are you silent? How did this decision come about?"
Jupiter spoke in a calm but firm tone: "The whole matter is that the Ex-Politas has limits to strength and weakness. It is, after all, as you said, the most important source of information in the universe. It is older than all of us, the Sun's only legacy. And to provide more information about our system and galaxy, it requires something in return: protecting this great star."
Earth interrupted him angrily: "I realize and know all this information even before you! Come on, folks, why all this beating around the bush? We want one answer: why was Pluto removed from the group?"
Here, Jupiter intervened, trying to justify: "Didn't you hear what I just said? Protecting the Sun requires immense power. Do you think this task suits Pluto? We all realize his importance and what he has provided for us and the solar system, but..."
Earth turned towards Saturn, who had his head lowered and looked tense. Before he could speak, Jupiter interrupted angrily: "You two don't believe me? You're pressuring Saturn now because he's shy?"
Earth replied in a less sharp tone: "We believe you, but we want to confirm the answer. So, tell us, my friend, how did things get here? Aren't we brothers? We promised each other to protect the solar system... but we promised to protect it together."
Saturn hesitated slightly, then gathered his courage and spoke in a faint voice that was barely audible: "Everything Jupiter said is true, but he omitted an important part. Why. 87 Kai ago, you two were on your planet solving your inhabitants' problems. A mission that couldn't wait came to us in the Kuiper Belt, so we went, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and I, in a hurry. Then Mercury caught up with us after we contacted each other using the 'Beta'. And before we gathered... why.."
Saturn fell silent for a moment, and his silence carried a clear weight, as if his next words held a secret that would change everything. As his words continued, shock took over the faces of Earth and Mars. The meeting ended for the first time before its scheduled time, due to the withdrawal of these two leaders.
———⟡ ☽ ⟡———
After that incident, a short conversation took place between the leaders of the third and fourth planets. In a place immersed in green nature, Earth said calmly: "Hey Mars, what do you think about what Saturn said in the meeting?"
Mars replied, looking upwards as if contemplating something huge: "I don't know... I have mixed feelings. I never expected a Kai worse than... you understand what I mean."
Earth sighed and added: "Heh, I understand your feeling very well. Do you remember our first meeting with him?"
Mars replied with a faint smile: "Sure, although I couldn't stand him at first because of that incident, he proved to me, no, proved to everyone, that he is trustworthy. We always used to go together to visit Eris after every meeting. He was always eager to meet him. I really miss him."
Earth smiled and looked at his friend, but noticed something he hadn't seen before. He asked questioningly: "M.. Mars, are you crying?"
Mars quickly wiped his teary eyes and replied in a tone filled with embarrassment and anger: "Shut up, you fool. Don't tell anyone about this, or I'll kill you alive."
Earth placed his blue hand on Mars's shoulder then added: "Shall we go visit Eris together?"
He nodded his head, agreeing to his companion's request.
So how will the relationship between the leaders be after Pluto's expulsion?
— End of Chapter —