Year: 2201. The present.
The dreamscape was quiet, the vivid echoes of Nyota's memories fading into a soft, formless glow. His legs gave way, and he dropped to his knees, quiet tears streaming down his face.
His shoulders trembled, burdened by the weight of everything he had recovered—every truth, every pain that had once been hidden.
Nora remained standing, luminous against the muted backdrop. Her expression was calm yet inscrutable, though her eyes betrayed a deep, unspoken grief.
She watched him silently for a moment, allowing him space to process the enormity of his restored memories, before finally stepping forward.
"Nyota," she said gently, her voice steady but thick with emotion.
He didn't look up. His hands clenched into fists against the ground, his breaths shallow and uneven. The tears came silently at first, but then his voice broke through in a whisper. "Why?" He asked. "Why does it hurt so much to remember?"
Nora's steps were measured as she approached him, her figure radiating warmth in the dream's stillness. She rested a hand on his shoulder, her touch firm yet comforting. "Because now you see it all clearly," she said. "The weight of it—the loss—it's almost too much to bear. But you're not carrying it alone anymore."
He lifted his head slightly, his voice shaking. "I thought forgetting was the worst thing that could happen. But now... I don't even know what to do with this pain."
Nora sighed, her expression softening. "Pain doesn't just vanish, Nyota. But it can transform. Together, we've grieved what was lost—separately and now, finally, together. What matters now is what you do with the truth you've reclaimed."
He raised his gaze to hers, his tear-streaked face a mixture of sorrow and anger. "Then tell me," he demanded, his voice suddenly stronger. "What happened to you? Were you killed? Were you—"
Nora nodded solemnly. "Yes, Nyota. I was taken from you. I died that day."
"And the red emblem," he continued, his words coming faster. "The RSAA soldiers—they carried out the attack! And Elwin... I shook hands with him! He came to Jora's funeral and didn't speak to anyone.
He has to be involved! How could someone do such a thing? And Noriko! How are they so evil, so heartless?"
Nyota stood abruptly, his back turned to her, fists balled at his sides. "How could they destroy everything?"
Nora's tone was calm but firm. "These are questions that will take time to answer, Nyota. You've uncovered so much. Now comes the task of understanding why—and deciding what to do with it."
Nyota's breathing slowed as something clicked in his mind. He turned to Nora, his face pale with realization. "This... this was just over a year ago, wasn't it?"
She nodded solemnly.
He staggered back a step, his voice trembling. "A year. All this—my town destroyed, my friends taken, my life ripped apart—was only a year ago? And I've been... what? Living under their lies ever since?"
"Yes," Nora said softly. "They moved quickly. The machines, the serum, the memory alterations—it was all designed to keep you from questioning or remembering."
His fists clenched. "And in all that time, I've been living someone else's story. Forgetting my people, my family—forgetting you. It's unbearable."
Nora placed a hand on his arm, grounding him. "But now you remember. The timing doesn't lessen the pain, but it gives you clarity. That clarity is your strength."
Nyota exhaled sharply, his anger simmering into determination. "I have to make this right. For Lunenrane, for the others—for you."
She stepped closer, her expression shifting to one of quiet determination. "Now you have a choice to make. Are you ready to face what comes next?"
Nyota straightened, his hands unclenching as a faint smile tugged at his lips. "As ready as I'll ever be." He paused, then added, "But first, I need to tell Sage and Kilo everything."
Nora's face softened. "Of course. And if you need me, I'll always be here."
The light around them began to shift, growing brighter. As the dream dissolved, Nyota called out one last question. "When will I see you again?"
Her smile was faint, bittersweet. "Whenever you'd like."
--
As dawn broke over the new apartment, the soft hum of life stirred within its walls. Nyota rose quickly, his mind still buzzing from the night's revelations.
He smoothed his bed with quick, practiced motions, then slipped out of his room and toward the kitchen, where the brothers' familiar voices carried through the air.
"Morning!" Sage greeted with a warm smile, his tone unhurried as he leaned against the counter.
Nyota slid onto one of the stools at the kitchen island, his movements sharp and purposeful, hands clasped tightly in front of him. His eager expression caught the brothers' attention.
They exchanged a puzzled glance before Kilo spoke up, his brow arched. "What's got you all wound up?"
Nyota met their eyes, his own alive with urgency. "I spoke to Nora again."
Sage's expression shifted to curiosity, while Kilo tilted his head. "Your mom?"
"That mystery ghost lady?" Kilo added with a grin.
Nyota nodded, his voice steady but brimming with determination. "Yeah. And we're finally getting down to business."
The brothers froze for a moment before bursting into laughter, their anticipation spilling over.
"Oh, really?" Sage said, his grin spreading wide as he leaned closer.
"Oh-ho-ho, shit!" Kilo exclaimed, practically vaulting to Nyota's side. "You better spill it, man!"
"Tell us everything!" Sage urged, leaning against the kitchen island.
Nyota took a breath, the weight of the truths he was about to share momentarily grounding him. He glanced between his closest friends, their faces full of trust and excitement.
This was it—the moment to bring them into the storm that had been brewing within him.