Dark Nebula

Sylvie and Camellia fought their way from the Tower to the military, then seized the first and second seats in the Alliance's central district.

Yet they were always partners, from beginning to end, with perfect understanding.

During one mission, the other's bullet grazed her. Their open rivalry became an undercurrent.

After years of entanglement, they sat on opposite sides of the courtroom, gazing at each other.

Sylvie suddenly remembered how, many years ago, someone had asked behind her, "What are you looking at, Commander?"

"There are no stars. Tomorrow will be a fine day."

"Oh, Commander."

"Don't be sarcastic."

That person laughed and said, "Two o'clock, forty degrees up. Less than one light-year away, there's a dark nebula. The stars behind it are invisible."

From a little distance away, Sylvie looked at the person below.

That person smiled and asked her, "Commander, can I come closer? I can't see you clearly."

Sylvie furrowed her brow. The person had nowhere left to retreat, yet looked like a victor.

Just like all these years.

"Commander, if you told me you loved me, maybe I'd be willing to let go."

"Get lost."

Several days later, the central district's First Executive Officer appeared at the special prison.

"Did you come to get revenge on me?"

"No," Sylvie said. "I came to drag you out to do some unpaid work."

"What do I get out of it, Commander?"

"The Chief Executive Officer's office. Is that enough?"

Camellia: "Maybe."

And so, the dark nebula that had stretched between them for years dispersed. The nebulae on either side converged, and at last the light of day appeared.

"I still want to hear..."

"Don't push your luck."

2025.3.1

Theme: The Alliance's interests come first