.
20 days earlier, during the meeting between Mailen, Vega and Asparion...
"So, you believe nuking the Driftspace would cause it to collapse?", asks Vega, taking some notes and looking at Mailen.
"Affirmative. Especially Thread's nukes. Considering the past issues on the other planet, I believe nuking would work. However, the Driftspace may be used to the nukes we use. So I believe that the nukes used on the Thread may, or may not, be useful. They're from the Solar Scientists. System technology, you know.", adds Mailen, showing the Solar System's nuclear capabilities and the systems on the Thread.
"Understood. Asparion?", asks Vega, looking at Asparion, who's looking sharp, and determined.
"Yes. I have understood. However, how could we transport the nuke to the Driftspace without it exploding in our hands and killing us all?", asks Asparion, looking at the whiteboard behind him.
"... Physical coordinates of a person. A sacrifice.", says Mailen, putting his hands on the table, and starting to look concerned.
"...I see.", says Asparion.
After a little chat, the trio decides to end the meeting. Vega leaves to do her work, and Asparion leaves to have an important call.
"Hello? Galactic Center? This is Asparion, Rank 78 in the UHC ranking system. I need to talk concerning Almatia's situation."
A beep is heard on his phone. Just then, a deep male voice is heard: "Good day, Mr. Asparion."
"Mister Voss... I am sorry for calling at a bad time. But, this is important.", says Asparion.
"Just call me Julian. It's okay. About Almatia, right?", says Mr. Voss.
"Yes. Do you remember the day I got to rank 75? When I vowed..."
In Asparion's mind, the entire vow is replayed from several decades ago.
== Month of Anfang, Day 1, Year 2098 of the Second Space Era. 77 years ago.
"My name is Asparion.
I do not claim a surname, a lineage, or a future beyond this position. I have now been ranked as Rank 75 of the Universal Holder Corporation Board.
Before the people of Almatia, before the Universal Holder Corporation,
and before those who will judge this era long after I am gone...
I accept the responsibility of preservation and secondary-level leadership of Almatia. I have lived long enough to understand the planet, and the worlds beyond it.
If this planet must be defended, I will stand.
If it must be sealed, I will remain behind.
If it must be saved at the cost of a life,
I acknowledge that life may be mine.
I will not flee from extinction events,
nor from the war of gods,
nor from memetic collapse,
nor from threats that demand a witness instead of a survivor.
Should Almatia require a final coordinate,
a final signal,
or a body to carry disaster away from its people
I consent.
This vow is not conditional.
It is not revocable.
It does not end with my survival.
By this oath, my existence is subordinate to this planet.
I am ready."
==
"Yes... I remember.", says Mr. Voss through the phone, his voice getting deeper and deeper.
Asparion exhales, and says: "I believe it's time. The Driftspace situation is getting out of control, and the Thread is getting a plan to nuke it to heal all the monsters, and potentially get rid of the Driftspace itself, once and for all."
An applause is heard from the other side of the phone.
"Mr. Asparion. You never failed to surprise me. I approve of your sacrifice. Are there any wishes you would want me to do?", says Mr. Voss
"How the old saying goes: 'For when the Thread sets off, prepare for world's end. The war among gods has begun.'. I want the Thread to be safe, as this is not just their beginning, but the beginning of a shift in the universe itself.", says Asparion, adding: "...and give Vega a massive promotion."
"...Got it. For Vega, you can just give her the promotion yourself. Up to Rank 20.", says Mr. Voss.
"Of course. Thank you.", says Asparion before ending the call.
Asparion thinks to himself, and then chuckles. "Heh... For when the Thread sets off... The Universe is doomed. The Thread has to prepare. I could only give them twenty days."
He calls Mailen and Vega to come to his office.
"Before you two start to practice fighting, I want you both to do this in 20 days. The Thread is not ready. Mailen. You and your crew need to prepare. Please. I will sacrifice myself for the Driftspace. I will contact your support robot. Xita, or whatever he's called."
Mailen nods, agrees and leaves with Vega.
Asparion calls Xita from the number Mailen gave him, and tells Xita what will happen. It needs to stay secret, especially for Rain.