The Driftspace, now fully engulfed in on itself, and Almatia, completely unstable, is undergoing a stricter cosmic lockdown.
Meanwhile, at the Thread's Almatian base...
[data://entries/thread/crew/logs] – OPENED
Subject: Driftspace: Rules Clarification
Author: Kärn Vennur (Aeternum)
Time of input: Month of Earth, Day 30, Year 2175 of the Second Space Era
Driftspace items are not object-based.
They are effect-based phenomena, sustained by interaction signatures rather than physical presence.
An item exists only while being observed, interacted with, or referenced by a compatible consciousness. Once interaction ceases, the effect disperses — not destroyed, not stored, merely unmanifested.
Ownership within the Driftspace is non-exclusive. Multiple entities may access identical effects independently without duplication or theft.
Removal of an item from the Driftspace does not imply absence. It implies loss of interaction continuity.
As such, cataloguing Driftspace artifacts relies on behavioral imprinting and signature logging, not containment.
Any attempt to "extract" Driftspace items into baseline reality will result in degradation, misfire, or null effect.
This clarification supersedes all prior object-based assumptions.
[data://entries/thread/crew/logs] – CLOSED
Rain walks up to Aeternum, as he's adding an important data bank entry. "Sup there, Aeternum! What are you doing?"
"Uhm, just adding the UHC's Driftspace data into our data bank. It's pretty unique to say the least. Did you know that the Driftspace cure never existed in the first place?", says Aeternum as he shows a log entry from the official UHC sources.
Rain looks and asks: "So, why were they mentioning a cure and some materials from there?"
Aeternum tells Rain to sit, because "this is a long topic. We have to sit for a while."
"They didn't trust us. Only when Code 12 was undergoing plans, the UHC gave us full trust.", says Aeternum, making Rain finally connect all the dots.
"I guess maybe they didn't want the truth to slip out to the public. Interesting.", adds Rain. Aeternum snaps his fingers and says "Correct! That is exactly what they've done.". Aeternum shows a public release of the Driftspace that they haven't seen yet:
"== ALMATIAN NEWS – PEACE MONTH, DAY 27 ==
The Universal Holder Corporation is actively working to develop a cure for the Driftspace, and is finding materials inside! We believe that the Driftspace will be a major player in helping the cure's development. The major problem is fighting the 'force', according to Rank 78 UHC official Mr. Asparion."
== END =="
"Hm... Okay.", says Rain, standing up.
In the Galactic Center...
"Hey there, love. What's the situation in Almatia?", says Julian from his table.
His wife, named Lucia Voss, sits down beside him, and answers: "Badly. Remember Asparion? He's dead."
Julian nods and replies: "I know. I've talked to him. I'll guess that Code 12 is executed?"
Lucia just nods in agreement. "Trust me, make me the head of the mission. I'll make sure to get it done in 2 days."
Julian stops her: "Lucy, you know you can't do that. If the UHC's best troops from the Almatian area can't do it in 50 years, why do you think you can do it in 2 days?"
Lucia just stands up and turns her back on Julian. "Because. UHC only holds 1% of the power there, isn't it? Everything is here. Also, the Thread is there. I want to control them. Why don't we allocate only 10% and then get the Thread under our control~"
Julian just looks in discomfort towards Lucia. "Dear, the Thread is our ally!"
Lucia just turns to Julian and grabs his chin. "Hence why it will be so easy! The Thread already trusts us! And as you saw on their Kephar mission from a while ago, they're extremely gullible!"
"I'm sorry, I have to deny your request to lead the mission. I'm giving it to Vega, Rank 20."
Lucia just stands there in silence. A few seconds later, she adds, her eyes showing lust for ownership: "I guess I'll have to do it my way."
Julian quickly grabs her arm and says to "stop. On the command of the entire cosmos, I am declaring that you won't own the Thread, and that if I see you even glance at the Almatian mission again, you'll be in trouble."
Lucia starts to act worried, just to manipulate Julian's mind to let her go. "Okay... I'll go home then. Good night."
Lucia leaves and says to herself: "I am literally Rank 99 of the Board. Who does he think he is, to boss me to do anything? Yes, he leads the UHC, but I do not care. I want to own everything in the Universe."
Julian, in his office, just looks at the papers in front of him. "What the hell is wrong with that woman..?"
In Almatia, in the UHC building, Vega is with Mailen and Zarya.
"Thank you two for coming here. I have something I need to say.", says Vega, with a lot of worry on her face.
"What is it?", asks Mailen with a straight face.
"Mailen, do you know Julian Voss?", asks Vega, looking at Mailen. Zarya, finally healed and back to her usual self, is playing with a toy and making baby-like sounds.
"One second. Zarya, could you go out the room for a second?", asks Mailen
"Hm? Yeah, yeah, sure.", says Zarya, still playing with her toy, but leaving the room. Mailen just adds: "I can't focus when there's a 17-year-old making funny sounds and acting like a 2-year-old."
"I understand, I also tried not to laugh. Anyways. You know Mr. Voss, right?", adds Vega, with a pen in her hand.
"Do you mean The Leader? Not personally, but I did hear of him.", says Mailen.
"Well, his wife is probably going to control the mission. I do not know how though. The Leader never allowed his wife to work on important mission due to her 'ownership lust'. I am a bit worried.", says Vega, with her face turning to worry. "I'm scared of who will lead the mission."
"Just... don't trust her. If she leads the mission, then she'll try to turn you upside down. Please, trust in me.", adds Vega. "I love you guys, and this mission. The month we've spent together was really adventurous, and has made me not work in an office for 10 hours a day."
Mailen comforts her and says that "everything is going to be okay. Trust us."
"I believe you at least. You've known me for longer than anyone in the Thread. You know I'm saying the truth.", says Vega, putting her hands over her face.
"Yes. I'll make sure to get rid of Mrs. Voss and make her not sabotage the mission.", says Mailen.
"Alright. Thank you. You may leave now.", says Vega before leaving the room herself.
Mailen leaves and sees Zarya focused. "I guess you've heard everything, right?"
"Yep! Don't you worry, I'll let Rain and Aeternum know that someone'll try to mess with us.", says Zarya, taking her purse and leaving the building. "I'll wait by the car!"
Mailen just stands. Complete silence in the building. Just then, someone walks in. It's Asten. "Mr. Kurpun. Perfect timing. I was looking for you."
"Good day, Mr. Asten. This is our first time seeing each other in real life, outside the call.", says Mailen.
"Correct. I was the one to sign your entry to Almatia. I have been observing the Thread and the work you and Ms. Vega were doing for the past month.", replies Asten. "...and what Asparion did for you guys."
Mailen just stands in silence, not knowing what to answer.
"And I'd love to support you and Vega in this mission. Ms. Vega told me that The Leader's wife may be involved.", adds Asten.
"Thanks, Mr. Asten.", says Mailen. "We'll make sure the Driftspace goes away, and that Almatia breathes again."
"I'm glad to hear that. If Vega falls, I'll make sure to personally deal with Mrs. Voss and The Leader.", says Asten before leaving. Mailen takes a deep breath and leaves towards the car to not keep Zarya waiting.
"Sorry for taking a while. Someone wanted to talk.", says Mailen, talking to Zarya.
"I kind of thought they arrested you", says Zarya, chuckling a bit.
"Nah... Alright, let's head home.", says Mailen, turning the car on and driving off.
In the building, Asten is talking to someone on his phone.
"Yes. The Thread may be under grave danger if Voss contributes to it. Her corrupt mind mustn't be a part of this. ...I understand. Goodbye.", says Asten through the phone, and hanging up shortly after.
In the Thread's base...
"Rainy! I'm back!", says Zarya, running towards Rain, tackling her to the ground.
"Ow! That hurts!", says Rain, grabbing her waist in pain.
"Ah! Didn't mean to hurt you!", says Zarya, looking worried for Rain.
"Gotcha! It's fine, hehe.", says Rain, starting to tackle Zarya back but failing.
Mailen and Aeternum are just looking down in disbelief. "The girls are 'girling' again.", says Mailen, looking back at the data bank. "I see you've added some UHC logs."
"Yep. This entire mission is so confusing.", says Aeternum, standing up and making some tea.
Rain looks up at Mailen and asks: "What's today's date, by the way?"
Mailen looks at his phone and says: "Earth Month, Day 30."
Rain's eyes sparkle with excitement. "Isn't it our birthdays soon??"
Mailen nods, and says: "Yes. Mine is in 14 days. Yours is in 21."
Rain jumps out of excitement. "Yep! Oh gosh, my first birthday outside the Solar System. Sounds exciting."
"I see you value the world outside the Solar System.", replies Mailen.
"Yes. This is all just a new thing to me. Seeing many new intelligent species, meeting many new people... It's fun.", says Rain, calming down in the process.
"I see. We'll make sure it's the best birthday.", says Mailen at the end.
Aeternum returns with his tea and asks: "So... Our plan is to finally destroy that 'force' thing, right?"
"Yes.", says Mailen. Just then, his phone rings.
"Who's calling?", asks Rain, fully calm, and locked in.
Mailen grabs his phone and takes a look. "It's Vega.". Mailen answers the phone.
"Hello there. Am I on speaker?", says Vega through the phone.
"No. Do you wish to be?", asks Mailen, with Rain looking at him wondering what he's answering to.
"Yes. You already know this, but the rest of the crew doesn't.", says Vega. Mailen puts her on speaker, and says: "You're on speaker now."
"Good. Dear Thread Crew. I am currently being detained under command of Mrs. Lucia Voss. I am no longer able to lead the mission. She will come tomorrow to visit you guys. This is a personal message from me: Do not trust any word she says. Do as you wish. I'll try to contact The Leader, meanwhile you try to get evidence of her corruption. To Mr. Kurpun: I believe you know how the UHC system works. Good luck."
In the prison, Lucia grabs Vega's phone and shuts it off. "What did you tell them, huh? How'd you even get this thing here..?"
"You see, dear, your 'new technology' can't surpass the older ones, also known as the ones you forget to scan. You forgot to scan this device.", says Vega, grinning at Lucia.
"F*****g dammit. Whatever. I'll personally lock you behind these bars anyway. You'll rot here until you perish", says Lucia, pushing Vega into the cell and locking them away, burning the keys with her hands.
Vega just looks in shock, like she just saw a ghost. "Y... you.. can do magic?"
Lucia just looks at Vega and doesn't say a word, then leaves.
"I see how it is...", says Vega to herself, before taking a look around the cell. "...At least she was generous enough to give me a window, at least I get to breathe."
In the Thread's base...
"Rainy! I got a name idea for us!", says Zarya, sitting next to Rain on the kitchen table.
"Hmm? What's up?", asks Rain, sipping tea.
"I get to say this cause it's only the two of us, the boys are out looking for Vega. What if we call ourselves 'The Thread-Pinks'?", says Zarya, showing Rain a logo she created.
"No. Instant no. Sorry. However, look at this thread I found on the internet.", says Rain, showing Zarya a 'Mitter' post from an Almatian person, saying the following:
"Did anyone see the Weaver's work with Almatia? They have healed everyone! The virus is gone!"
"...It has 40 million likes and a billion views. What the...", says Zarya. "By the weavers, do they mean us?"
"I don't see anyone else that basically cured Almatia...", says Rain, taking her phone back, while getting a message from Mailen.
"Rain! Vega is gone! Someone is here and wants to talk to you. Please come here immediately!", says Mailen on the phone, sending Rain a live location of his phone.
Rain speedruns her tea on the way out and gets into the car. "Zarya, please drive, I am not in the mood."
"Gotcha!", says Zarya as she slams on the gas and quickly goes to the location.
The location – the middle of nowhere, probably where the least buildings are on this planet.
Rain notices Mailen and Aeternum, walks up to them and asks: "Where the hell are we?"
"Look at this, please.", says Mailen. "Do you recognize this?"
"It's... Asparion's remains... What are they doing here?", says Rain, looking all disgusted, looking at Asparion's body parts.
"Let me show you something else...", says Aeternum, taking Zarya's bag.
"Hey! That's not your property!", pouts Zarya, now trying to take the item Aeternum took back.
"Wait a little, Zarya.", says Aeternum. He takes the item and presses a button. The item jumps out of his hands and digs below Asparion's body. Everything falls down and a portal is visible.
"Do you see this?", asks Aeternum.
"A portal... to the Driftspace, I presume?", says Rain, looking down.
"I believe so. We need to contact Vega ASAP. We have to find where Mrs. Voss keeps her.". says Mailen, feeling a bad presence behind him.
Just then, Lucia comes up from the back and grabs him telepathically. "Oh, look who's here... My dear Weavers..."
Zarya says: "You also like the name we've been given, yay!". Rain looks at her, scolding her psychologically. Zarya sees what Rain's doing and shuts up, attacking Lucia.
Lucia moves around, with Mailen in her hands. Mailen is resisting but can't move a muscle. Zarya starts throwing her dolls at Lucia, and lands a shot, giving Mailen a perfect time to escape.
The crew runs away, going into their cars. Rain calls Mailen's car and they decide to start talking.
"It seems this is the person Vega was talking about. Lucia Voss, co-leader of the UHC. Her husband is Julian Voss, Rank 100 of the UHC, nicknamed as The Leader.", says Mailen through the radio.
"What do we do against her? Do we ask Mr. Voss for help?", says Rain.
"We'll never be able to reach him. However, I know just the guy that has a chance. Follow me.", says Mailen before ending communications and calling somebody else.
"Asten! Can you hear me?", says Mailen, trying to set up communications.
"Yes, Mr. Kurpun! What seems to be the problem?", says Asten through the line.
"Remember when you told me that you will try to support our project with helping Almatia?", says Mailen.
"Yes. Is Lucia doing something now?", asks Asten.
"Yes- how did you know??", asks Mailen, completely confused.
"I have my ways...", says Asten.
"Whatever. Help us!", says Mailen, arriving at the UHC building, searching for Asten.
Rain's car is right behind, and they all leave their cars. They enter the building. Just then, Lucia ambushes them inside the building.
Mailen prepares his weapon, and suddenly somebody shoots Lucia, as she evades the bullet. She looks to her right, and sees Asten, out of breath, holding a gun.
"Don't you dare touch the Weavers.", says Asten. Zarya smirks at Rain because of the name, as Rain just sighs quietly.
Lucia just laughs hysterically before grabbing a nearby desk and throwing it at Asten, nearly hitting as Asten moves away.
The crew attacks Lucia while she's distracted with Asten, but they fail miserably as Lucia just grabs them and holds them in the air.
Aeternum decides to use his small wormhole magic. He activates a wormhole in his hands, throws it, just to get rid of Lucia, fighting with her for dear life.
Lucia vanishes, for now. Asten and the crew get released.
"... THAT is what we're fighting against?", says Rain. "What is this magic stuff? That doesn't even exist on Earth... HOW??"
"You'll figure out later. Right now, our main goal is to protect the Thread from Mrs. Voss, and find Vega.", says Aeternum. He looks at Mailen, and asks: "You could check the location of Vega's device when last called, right?"
Mailen just looks at Aeternum, and takes a device from his pocket. "Well, not through my phone... Maybe through the Thread's systems? We'll need to get there before Lucia."
Rain calls Xita, but the call doesn't go through.
"Xita isn't answering. We got to go to the Thread, quick.", says Rain, putting her phone away, and taking out the waypoint device.
They teleport and notice it's empty.
"Xita! Where are you?", exclaims Zarya, looking at the command center.
"It's oddly eerie in here... Are you sure Lucia didn't come to the Thread already?", says Mailen whilst looking at Aeternum.
...Well, a few minutes earlier, Lucia infiltrated the Thread, and teleported everyone in the middle of nowhere. Thankfully, nobody died, due to Xita being the only one inside, and it being a robot.
"Well, the wormhole location is something I am yet to learn to control. It's just a one-way door I can make… But, considering her power... She may have already taken control of Almatia.", says Aeternum.
"Correct, Mr. Vennur.", comes from the comms. The voice clearly resembles the one of Lucia Voss. Just then, the Thread starts to move, and instantly teleports through a wormhole set up by Lucia. The Thread is in the middle of nowhere.
"Wait a minute. Why are we in the void?", asks Mailen. "Are you trying to feed us to Devourers, you crazed woman?"
"I want to show you that you've lost. You're under my control. Now, get rid of the Driftspace, and give me all your credits.", says Lucia through the comms.
Just then, a bang can be heard through the comms. Right before the Thread's teleportation, Rain sneaked to the communications center, while the crew argued with Lucia. She grabbed a nearby chair, and hit Lucia right in the head, making her temporarily unconscious.
Rain gains control of the Thread, and creates a wormhole towards Almatia, and locates Xita. Xita was smart enough to create a waypoint before Lucia got rid of its phone.
Rain overwrites the Thread's administrative power and forces Xita to teleport to the base in Almatia.
In the Thread, it's only Rain and Lucia left. Lucia quickly regains consciousness, and floats. "How cute… you think you can simply get me with a pitiful chair?"
Rain's eyes shrink in shock as she runs away from Lucia as she clones chairs and throws them at her. Rain runs as much as she can, until Lucia gets exhausted.
Lucia stops and stops to float to save energy. "I was just testing you… You're mine anyway."
Aeternum pushes Lucia from the back towards Zarya, when Zarya pulls out a spear from her purse, piercing through Lucia's chest.
Lucia just stands there, frozen and in shock. "How the…"
"You crazed woman, you UHC bastard. How aren't you bleeding out already??! You should've died already!", shouts Rain, seeing Lucia just looking around herself. No blood, nothing.
Lucia faints from the shock of her heart being pierced.
Rain takes Lucia out of the Thread and tells Mailen. "Please find someone that can seal her powers and make her talk. Her heart is pierced, but she's still alive…"
Mailen calls Asten and says that it's time to call The Leader.
Asten tells everyone to use their waypoints to come here. However, none of them planned to make any in an UHC building. Asten makes one for them anyways.
Everyone teleports, including Xita, and Rain – still holding Lucia in her arms.
"This woman needs to work on weight loss. She's heavy.", says Rain, laying Lucia on the ground.
"If I were you, I would've just dropped her, heh..", says Zarya, smirking at Rain.
"Anyways. Please, call Mr. Voss. Let him deal with Lucia.", says Mailen.
Asten uses the UHC Emergency Line to contact the Galactic Center, and receives an answer.
"Hello? What may be the issue, Mr. Asten?", says a robotic voice.
"I need Mr. Julian Voss!", says Asten through the phone. "This is Asten, Rank 30 of the UHC Board. Your wife, Mrs. Lucia Voss, has attacked the Thread! However, she was dealt with for now."
"...This matter will be personally sent to Mr. Voss. The subject you're talking about, Mrs. Lucia Voss, has her location activated and is located where you are at. We will send some personnel shortly.", says the robot before hanging up.
Lucia regains consciousness, and starts to attack everybody.
"The Thread WILL BE MINE! I want to do everything myself, and own YOU!"
Lucia and Aeternum clash on their wormholes, but with Aeternum losing and him being teleported outside the building. Just then, an explosion happens inside the building, with the crew flying out in the sky. Lucia starts spamming her magic at them and freezes them. Asten calls somebody and says a code: "1000". Just then, several shots get fired at Lucia.
Lucia falls, with the frozen crew still falling slowly to not kill them.
Asten and Aeternum run towards the crew and deal with unfreezing them, as a UHC member arrests Lucia and seals her magic, and moves her to the Galactic Center.
2 weeks later, Xita, just unfazed with everything that happened, starts asking questions.
"So... what is happening?", asks Xita.
"A lady tried to capture us to be under her control. We have been fighting her, and trying to get the attention of Mr. Voss, the leader of the UHC. However, we couldn't reach him until Asten used the UHC lines.", says Rain.
"I see. So, where is this lady now?", asks Xita.
"Probably trialed. Anyways, Xita, what happened to the Thread?", asks Rain.
"A lady teleported inside it, and somehow evaded the seals we've set a bit earlier to combat infiltrators. She teleported me in the middle of the void. I was scared for my dear life! Thankfully, I put a waypoint before she teleported that too.", says Xita.
"Don't worry. We'll make a new one easily.", reassures Rain.
"She won't be our issue anymore, according to Asten.", says Mailen. "Her powers are sealed, and she's now in the highest-security prison."
What really happened was...
In the Galactic Center.
"Love. I have believed you wouldn't do anything stupid. The Thread is our ally, not our entity!", says Julian.
"See, Julian, you would've gone and helped your wife in this sense, just like how you did in the past 650 years we've been together!", says Lucia.
"Well, not anymore. I'm done with you. You're going to be executed, effective immediately.", says Julian, as he points his gun at Lucia.
"I see. How about this... I get my powers sealed, and I get to live normally, huh?", says Lucia.
"Not in a million years. I'd rather feed you to the Scientists than do that.", says Julian, completely angry.
"Okay.", says Lucia, completely unfazed. "Julian... you've changed."
Julian's eyes shrink. He sits down, and starts to put his hands all over his head. "Okay. I'll do you this. Life sentence in the UHC's worst prison , with magic powers sealed. Got it?"
"...Okay. I will come back anyway.", says Lucia all confident.
"Oh, no you won't. You'll be specially dealt with, monitored 24/7, et cetera.", says Julian, after finally calling security.
"Well, aren't you one tough man... That's what I love about you... heh.", says Lucia.
"...Shut up.", says Julian, as security takes Lucia to prison.
Back in Almatia...
"Alright. I'll go to the Thread. Please, deal with the Driftspace, and let's get out of here. It's been nearly 2 weeks since we've dealt with Lucia.", says Xita.
"Wait! Let's all go together! It's Mailen's 28th birthday tomorrow! We need to make it the best!", says Rain, looking at Mailen and grabbing him by his shoulder, trying not to blush by just knowing she's holding Mailen right now.
"It's just a birthday, Rain, it's nothing too important...", says Mailen.
Rain cuts him off, and says: "No, dear, we all in the Thread celebrate birthdays! We will make it the best birthday for you, and I want to make sure you enjoy the free day tomorrow!"
"...Okay. Let me just check something really quick.", says Mailen, as he starts to call Vega.
"Hey, Mailen! Thank you guys for rescuing me! You actually got that woman to speak out!", says Vega through the phone.
"Of course! I hope you've recovered from the pain she gave you before her powers got sealed.", says Mailen.
"I have, a little bit. I've noticed your birthday's tomorrow, right?", says Vega.
"Yes, yes. I just wanted to quickly check up on you. I'm still wondering how Asten did all that. He's such a secretive person.", says Mailen. "I need to learn what's up with him."
Vega quickly adds that "you shouldn't worry about it for now. It'll come in the future."
Mailen agrees, and invites Vega to his birthday.
The next day, everybody arrives at the Thread's base.
"Let me check the list... Aeternum, check. Mailen, check. Me and Zarya, check. Leo, Asten, Vega... check. Everybody else... check.". Rain is checking the list of invited people. Mailen also receives a call from Astoria: "Hello, Mailen! It's your mother! Happy 28th birthday, my little baby!!!", says a female voice excitedly.
"Mom, I'm not a baby anymore! I'm twenty-eight!", says Mailen, getting a bit red from hearing his mother's voice after a while.
"You'll always be my baby, Mailen.", says his mother.
"...At least you could've said it in Astorian..", says Mailen, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Hehe... Alright, have fun with your friends, and I'll go do some of my own work. See you!", says Mailen's mom, and the call ends.
Mailen just exhales, and suddenly the crew comes up from behind with a cake.
Everybody starts singing the happy birthday song, and lets Mailen blow the birthday cake candles. The tradition, now several thousands of years old, has spread through the cosmos, and all the species celebrate the passing of 12 months of a Universal Year, decided by the Universal Holder Corporation back at its founding on the first day of the Space Era.
"Thank you, everybody.", says Mailen, as he blows the candles.
Everybody cheers.
The crew and their friends enjoy a beautiful birthday day for Mailen. They also get invited to Rain's birthday in exactly 1 week.
At the end of the day, everybody finishes the celebration, and start talking about the Driftspace.
"Well, I am sorry to end the party prematurely, but I want to discuss the Driftspace and our final plan to get rid of it. The Thread's nuke only healed the people, but we are still yet to get rid of the force that controls everything.", says Mailen, taking a look into the data bank.