After everything, the EXPO continued as usual. During Aeternum's meeting, an important discussion happened.
"There's a few planets at issue because of the Intelligence Network. These include Sculpta-4, Laurentia, Scupren, Proton, and so on.", says the supervisor for the meeting.
"What do we do about this?", says another member.
"We have to visit every planet, and help them out ASAP.", says the supervisor.
"I'm assigning 12 groups for the 12 planets."
Futurum's meeting was not too important, just checking up.
Rain, Mailen, Zarya and Xita are strolling around the EXPO, checking out all of the tech.
Zarya is constantly focused on a big computer that can simulate life of anyone.
"Rainyyyyyy~", says Zarya.
"Hm? What is it?", says Rain.
"There's a machine that can simulate life. What do you think, can we simulate Luvin?", says Zarya.
Rain nods a 'no'. "That is just a fake AI. It's worthless. It can't replicate my father. I do not want to see my dad be replicated by a fake via artificial intelligence."
"Understandable", says Zarya.
Mailen gets a call from Aeternum. "Hey, bro, what's up?"
"Uhm, so, there's an expedition I'll maybe have to take in a month or so. Apparently, some planet is dealing with an issue.", says Aeternum.
"Oh?", says Mailen. "We can come with you."
"I'd rather we all choose the destination. I have denied my entry, because I'm a Thread member.", says Aeternum.
"Gotcha.", says Mailen.
"Well, I'll go and meet you guys shortly.", says Aeternum, ending the call.
After a few minutes, Aeternum meets with the Thread again.
"Hey there, old man~", says Zarya with a smug face.
Aeternum just gives Zarya a calm stare and looks at Mailen.
"Okay. The part in Colania is finished. This was not really important, to be honest. The final part is in Malyxia, right?", asks Aeternum.
Just then, Futurum also arrives behind Aeternum, and replies: "Yup. Let's head over to Malyxia."
Mailen tenses up.
"Everything okay, Mailen?", asks Rain.
"Possible signs of uncomfort and stress.", says Xita.
"Why? What's wrong?", asks Rain.
"My mother lives in Malyxia. I feel like she'll be a nuisance if she sees us.", says Mailen. "I do not want her to annoy us or ask too many questions."
"Worry not, Mailen. As a mother myself, I will be able to take care of her.", says Futurum.
"Thanks, Futurum.", says Mailen.
"Why do you guys call us by our Intelligence names?", asks Futurum. "Just call us Kira and Kärn."
"I guess we all grew with formality in our mind. Maybe we'll get used to calling you by your first names.", says Zarya.
"You call Fae by her real name…", pouts Futurum.
"Kira… Fae isn't an Intelligent member.", says Aeternum.
"Oh… right.", says Futurum, turning a bit red.
Finally, the crew heads to the train station in Colania, searching for a train to Malyxia.
"An hour from now… Got it.", says Mailen. "Let's find the platform. This station is too big for my own comfort."
"Platform 350. That's half a kilometer away.", says Rain.
"Yeah. Okay, let's go.", says Zarya.
After 20 minutes, they find their platform. A floating magnetic train arrives.
"Maglev trains? That is pretty old-school, don't ya think?", says Rain.
"Well, on Astoria, these trains are faster than the speed of sound here. We will take around 6 hours to get to Malyxia.", says Mailen.
"That seems comparable to Earth, as far as I remember.", says Rain.
"Interesting.", says Mailen.
The crew enters the train, and it leaves the platform in Colania.
The crew specifically ordered their own private wagon for privacy reasons.
"Aeternum, you mentioned some planet having an issue, and you being assigned to it. What is it?", asks Rain.
"Well, the planet of Laurentia, and the 200 demigods of the planet have sent a distress signal. Apparently, their gods, the four gods of earth, 'banished' them into the skies 20 years ago. But what makes no sense, the planet is sending itself into some suicide mission. That's all I know.", says Aeternum.
"A suicide mission? Interesting. Why don't we go check it out?", says Rain.
"It's difficult to go to that planet. You can't go there with the Thread.", says Aeternum.
"Why?", says Rain.
"The UHC has put an interplanetary block, and will block any physical object from entering the area. And the planet itself cut themselves off the cosmic network. We need to use a waypoint to get there. Even then, it's nearly impossible to get there. You need a Laurentian to set up a waypoint there.", says Aeternum. "Yet, only the members of the Thread can do it."
"Unless you involve the Laurentian 'God of the Skies'.", says Futurum. "The UHC has made a grave mistake by having the block be inside their gods' limits. They can still let people through. We just would have to win their trust, which is the true hard part."
"This seems to be getting complicated. We'll talk about it later.", says Rain. "I need a nap after everything today. The EXPO was nice."
Rain leaves the wagon hall and goes into a small room, where Zarya's already napping, and Mailen is on his laptop.
"Kärn. I don't think I want to go to Laurentia. Not because of myself, but because I am personally scared for the little ones.", says Futurum.
"I know, Kira. But, this could be a good first trial for them. They have the strength.", says Aeternum.
"One Laurentian could kill an entire UHC fleet. That's why they're demigods. They'll be especially screwed if they deal with her.", says Futurum.
"Who?", asks Aeternum.
"Venera. The goddess of the people, leader of Laurentia.", says Futurum.
"You seem to know a lot about this planet.", says Aeternum.
"Even if it's locked outside the rest of the galaxy due to the peoples' powers, the Intelligents still work with them to help provide safety.", says Futurum.
"That's why they want to send twenty of us. They want to evacuate everybody. Sadly, it seems to get harder.", says Aeternum.
"Why?", asks Futurum.
"Well, the Intelligents are getting kicked out of the planet as we speak. I do not know why, and who is doing this.", says Aeternum.
"Whatever, we'll go and deal with them later. We still got one more stop here, and that's the final month on this planet."
The Vennurs head to nap into their own room too, where Fae sleeps.
A few hours later…
"Makya, Malyxia lompranda. (Arriving at Malyxia)", spews out the bullet train.
"We're here", says Mailen. "Wake up, everyone."
He gently shakes Rain and tells her to wake up. Zarya is already looking out the window, with sparkles on her eyes.
Aeternum is taking the sleepy Fae on his arms, and carrying her.
"She's gotten quite heavy..", he says.
"That is what happens when you go away for a year.", says Futurum.
The crew leaves the train and heads outside.
"Okay… what now?", says Zarya.
"Well, we have to find a hotel.", says Mailen.
Just then, a familiar woman approaches. The same one Zarya saw when they landed on Astoria.
[Writer's note: I am not creating another language for this occasion right now. That is a lot of work, and I am nearly done finishing this.]
"Hello, Mailen.", she says in a thick Malyxian accent, comparable to modern-day British.
"Hey, mom.", says Mailen in Astorian. "What are you doing here?"
"The UHC told me you joined the Thread, so I awaited your arrival. I have just guessed that you'd come for the EXPO.", says Mailen's mom.
"Sorry for not introducing myself, I am Kaliya Kurpun, this young man's mother.", she says.
"Hello, I am Rain Usen, the leader of the Thread. That is Zarya, and these are our two Intelligents, Aeternum and Futurum.", says Rain, introducing the crew.
"Uhmm.. Has anyone seen Fae?", she adds.
"Hehe! I'm right here!", Fae says, hiding behind Kaliya.
Futurum stares sharp at Fae, making her come to mom.
"Anyways, I overheard your conversation. Why don't you guys stay over at my place?", asks Kaliya.
"I appreciate your hospitality, ma'am.", says Futurum.
"Don't worry about it. Mailen, take us there.", says Kaliya.
The crew leaves the station, with Mailen seeing his personal car in front.
Mailen freezes in shock. "Mother, YOU got here with a CAR? You don't even have a license!"
"That is why you're taking us back home. You have a license.", says Kaliya.
"…", Mailen is left speechless. "Okay, everyone, get in."
Mailen takes the driver's seat, Kaliya, Zarya and Futurum sit on the back, while Fae sits on Futurum's lap. Aeternum squeezes between Kaliya and Futurum, while Rain takes the other front seat.
"This car is cramped… Mom, please never do this again.", says Mailen.
"I just wanted to leave a good first impression~", says Kaliya.
"Well, you did~", says Zarya. "It was hilarious."
"Of course the chaos herself says that.", says Mailen, rolling his eyes.
Zarya chuckles. "No need to be so serious all the time, Mailen."
The car radio plays a song from Astoria, in the Astorian language.
"This song sounds cool.", says Zarya. "What's its name?"
"Uhh, it says there.", says Mailen. "As far as I understand, it's about cats."
"Fun!", says Zarya.
After half an hour of driving, they arrive at Kaliya's house, a place where Mailen used to live before leaving for Kephar earlier this year.
"Well, welcome back home, Mailen!", says Kaliya excitedly, unlocking the door.
"...Where's dad? I haven't seen him in a while.", says Mailen.
"He should be out shopping. He is excited to see his son and his friends!", says Kaliya.
"Great! You guys, go settle in. The third EXPO should be… when exactly?", asks Mailen.
"Let me check. Three days?", says Aeternum, checking the invitation mail.
"Alright. Settle in the guest rooms. You three are going to be in your own room, while Rain and Zarya are going to share their own rooms. Xita will use a waypoint to get here.", says Mailen.
Mailen sets a waypoint and Xita teleports to him.
"Hello, Mailen. Is this Malyxia?", asks Xita.
"This is eastern Malyxia. Be careful, there's a lot of water here.", says Mailen.
"Understood. I will stay inside and help the Kurpun family in their housework!", says Xita.
"Okay. But, whatever you do, do NOT help my twin sister, Malina. She is very lazy. I need to teach her a lesson on productivity.", says Mailen.
"Got it.", says Xita.
Everybody settles in their rooms.
"Okay. I'm going to go to the living room. You need anything, Zarya?", asks Rain.
Zarya, who is laying on her new comfortable bed for the week, looks at Rain and curls around, eventually falling off the bed.
"Ow! Yes, please! I want some water.", says Zarya, holding her head from the pain.
Rain chuckles, and leaves the room.
She goes downstairs into the living room.
Down there, she sees an unknown lady, laying and watching TV.
"Hello there.", says Rain.
The girl looks at Rain and just nods. "Hi."
Rain just looks back, and grabs a water bottle for Zarya. She goes back up.
As she goes up, Aeternum passes her.
"What's it like down there?", asks Aeternum.
"They have a big TV, and a lot of sitting places. I feel like they are a huge family.", says Rain.
"Great. Fae will love it.", says Aeternum, leaving.
Rain returns to her room, seeing Zarya having her head bandaged.
"...You only fell off your bed. Why is your head bandaged?", says Rain in worry, handing Zarya her water bottle.
"...The floor is as hard as concrete. I just have a small cut, I should be fine by tomorrow.", says Zarya.
"Wait here. FUTURUM!!", shouts Rain from her room.
Futurum walks in. "First off, hi, Rain, what's up? Second off, please do not be so loud. Third off, what is wrong with you, Zarya?"
"You answered the first question by asking the third. Also, sorry, I didn't know what room you were in, and I didn't want to walk in on anyone.", says Rain.
"Zarya, are you okay?", says Futurum, taking a look at Zarya's head.
"I fell off the bed. The floors here are hard.", says Zarya.
"Let me heal this, stay here.", says Futurum, starting to heal Zarya's head. It takes a few minutes, but she gets fully healed.
"Oh. Thanks, Futurum!", says Zarya, hugging Futurum as a thank you. Futurum hugs back.
"You're welcome. Now, do not be like a baby when on the bed. It's already hard to deal with Fae's shenanigans, you know."
"Sorry…", says Zarya.
Futurum leaves the two in their room, hearing Fae asking "where is Mom??!"
A door opens in the house. It's Mailen's dad. He introduces himself with Aeternum and Xita.
Mailen goes down, as he received a message from his dad.
"Hey, dad! It's been a while!", says Mailen, giving his dad a dap up.
"Hey, little one. Where are Malina and Jonar?", says his dad.
"Uh, Jonar is at school, and Malina is in the living room.", says Mailen.
"Got it. Where's Kaliya?", asks Mailen's dad.
"Miss Kurpun is in the kitchen with Xita, making a feast for everyone, when Jonar returns.", says Aeternum.
"Got it. Alright, you guys go into the living room, and I'll come by and we'll have some fun!", says Mailen's dad.
Just then, Rain and Zarya go down. "Wanna come with us to the living room?", asks Aeternum, noticing the two girls.
"We'll come shortly. We wanna take a stroll around the town a bit, and get ourselves known with Mailen's hometown.", says Rain.
"Suit yourselves.", says Aeternum.
A bit later, Futurum goes down with Fae as well.
"How many people are here??", asks Futurum.
"We got my mom, my dad, my sister, Rain, Zarya, you, me, Aeternum, Xita, Fae, and my brother who will get here in a minute.", says Mailen, using his fingers to count.
"Eleven people in a house. That's a lot!", says Futurum.
"Well, the Kurpun family is huge.", says Mailen.
Malina is forced to stand up so that everyone has place to sit on the couch.
The door of the house opens again. It's Mailen's younger brother, Jonar, coming back from high school.
"Hello, I'm home!", says Jonar. He looks at the living room, his face going blank.
"Hello!", says Fae.
"Hi!", says Jonar.
While Jonar is standing behind the door, he gets pushed by the door opening. It's Zarya and Rain.
"Oh! Hello there!", says Jonar, taking his phone, sending a message to mom: "Mom, why are there like 15 people here?"
He leaves for his room, and the dad finally introduces himself.
"I am Paron, Mailen's dad. I'm happy to see everybody from the Thread here!", says Paron.
"We're happy to be accompanied by Mailen's family.", says Rain. "Is it fine if I call a Thread member that is currently not here? I think she'd be happy to know you guys.", adds Rain.
"Sure!", says Paron.
Rain decides to call Jala on her phone.
"Hello!!", says Jala through the phone.
"There's a lot of people. Hello, Kurpun family!"
Paron says hello.
The Kurpun family and the Thread has a long discussion about life, and also tease Mailen a little bit.
Afterwards, they have a feast with the family.
A day later, Zarya and Fae are playing video games, and invite Jonar.
"Let's see what you're made of, little one.", says Zarya.
"Zarya, I'm only 2 years younger than you.", says Jonar.
"Still little~", says Zarya, bullying the little one.
Jonar beats Zarya and lets Fae win, to bully Zarya back.
"Oh, you went straight for the heart, I see.", says Zarya, completely locking into the game, unable to beat Jonar.
"Look at the universal leaderboards of the game.", says Jonar.
Zarya checks the leaderboards. "This is me!", she says, showing her ranking: "Zarama: Universal #982"
"Cute, look at this.", says Jonar, showing his ranking: "MalyxianWarrior: Universal #29"
"...A top 30 player..?", says Zarya in shock.
"Yup. Nobody knows it. I am the community's most mysterious player.", says Jonar.
"Why don't you reveal your identity?", says Zarya.
"People would go after me, and start telling me things. The internet sucks.", says Jonar.
"True.", says Zarya. "I genuinely dislike the social media platforms."
"Me too!", says Jonar.
They end up playing more games together, and exchange contact information. "Teach me how to improve in this game whenever you're free, okay?", says Zarya.
"Gotcha.", says Jonar.
Two days later, the final EXPO starts.
"Have fun, guys!", says Kaliya.
"Mom, why don't you want to join the Thread?", asks Mailen.
"I prefer a simpler life. I will stay in touch, though!", says Kaliya.
Jonar, Malina, Kaliya and Paron wave the crew goodbye as they leave for the EXPO.
After a while, the crew arrives. "No meetings anymore. Let's show you what the Network really is about!", says Aeternum.
The Vennurs go and show the crew some of the most popular inventions made by the Network, such as a machine that can create old-school computer machines that can be used for gaming, and a virtual reality headset that can put you anywhere, and even read your mind to create an area for you to play in. So, you can create your very own videogame that you can live through.
"This is so fun!", says Zarya. "I am playing in my favorite movie!"
"It seems somebody is having fun.", says Rain.
A few minutes later, Fae shows something to Futurum.
"Look, mom, I found this weird orb on the floor!", says Fae.
Futurum takes the glowing orb. "How is this here?"
Aeternum takes a look. "Rain, do you know this? This is something that's only found on the Solar System."
Rain takes a look. "This is Solun, a molecule created by the Solar System's sun. The Thread's core contains a bit of it."
"Is this from the Thread..? Or the System..?", asks Zarya.
Rain calls up Jala. "Hey, mom. We found a bit of Solun. Is the Thread okay?"
"Everything is fine here. Weird. Be careful.", says Jala.
"Will do.", says Rain, ending the call.
"There may be a Scientist here.", says Rain.
Mailen looks around for anybody suspicious.
"I thought they were gone…", says Mailen. "That they were all sent back. Astoria, what have you done..?"
"Calm down, Mailen. Maybe it's a fake identity.", says Rain.
"Yeah, you may be right. We have to stay focused, it seems.", says Mailen.
The crew continues their exploration of the EXPO.
A few minutes later, an Intelligent comes to the crew.
"Hello, how are you enjoying the EXPO?", says the Intelligent.
"It's great!", says Rain.
"Good.", says the man.
Just then, somebody punches Aeternum from the back, making him unconscious.
The crew defends themselves, and defeats these people.
"What the…", says Mailen, in shock from the sudden attack.
"Where's Fae??", asks Futurum.
Everybody looks around. More and more Scientists are coming and attacking the crew. The Intelligents nearby get to the Thread's assistance, and kick out the Scientists around.
Aeternum sends a message to his group, asking for Samuel's assistance. A fellow member sends his contact information.
Aeternum calls Samuel and tells him that the Scientists have infiltrated the Network.
"Got you. I will do a background check on everybody that is new. The images of the guys that attacked you all joined during the current EXPO.", says Samuel.
The announcement comes to every member's phone at the EXPO, having everybody do a background check. Meanwhile, the crew is still searching for Fae.
In the sky, a spaceship is leaving Astoria.