While heading back to the Elusian settlement to reconvene with our godlike allies, I was starting to feel more positive about our situation. General Takahashi had brought an entire military contingent along with her, as the ESU sought to establish a direct link to Corai's people. Velke split ways from Ambassador Lirik, going with us by unanimous agreement to confront an Elusian for the first time. He'd sedated himself in this instance, so he wouldn't be conscious for the two deaths needed.

I wasn't sure how that reunion was going to play out, but Corai's reaction would be telling. There was no questioning that she'd done a lot for us, taking a massive risk to grant Sol its freedom. It was tough to see Velke and Lirik taking a fossil tour and lamenting how the Fakra had never had historical discoveries, then to picture them causing the tide of blood. That possibility seemed to go against everything I knew about them.

Corai is planning to address that uncertainty, but what if it is our destiny to take the Elusians down for their crimes? Do we have an imperative to make sure they can never hurt another creation, like they'd done to humanity and the Fakra?

"Thank you for joining us, General." Corai extended a hand to Takahashi, apparently informed enough about human customs to recognize rank from ESU uniforms. That, or she'd seen our favorite boobear back at the Space Gate. "While I know the circumstances aren't ideal, it's kind of humanity to work with us."

General Takahashi's expression was unyielding, as she gave a firm handshake back. "Your people threatened 'permanent consequences.' You're going to help us protect ourselves, if you call yourself a friend."

"I already am working to protect you, and the fact that Captain Carter and Doctor Aguado weren't sent back to Sol after unethical experimentation should tell you that much. I would like us both to share a future."

"Good enough for me. Just start by sharing your tech."

Corai's laugh was airy and light. "After we get the information about the future, which proves humanity isn't the aggressor, then sure. What's mine is yours. Once we have that assurance, this facility could become a training ground for all of humanity—and you'll have the entire Elusian Empire back on our side."

"Because you're the most reliable, benevolent allies ever! Your love and generosity have spread far and wide," Velke sneered, storming out of the ship as the sedatives wore off.

"The Fakra have been aggrieved as much as anyone, and there's nothing I can say to undo the past. We're so far detached from our softer characteristics. I realized watching the humans that we cared for little other than making ourselves feel anything; we used the people we created to that end, and departed from you rather than choosing a simple act of compassion."

"You had the nanobots to help us all along! The Fakra weren't good enough for you then, yet you grovel to us now only because you have no one else to turn to—unendearing old sots. You want me to believe you're different."

The Elusian huffed bitterly. "No. I cannot even tell you, after a million years of sitting back and forgetting that active involvement was ever an option, that I'm some enlightened paragon: that I cared about anything that was beyond the scope of my duties."

"I know Elusians don't care about us. You said that's why they wouldn't pay any attention to us opening portals. You have absolutely zero care for the lives you created."

"Perhaps. All I know is that when the humans crossed The Gap, I was proud of my children. I wished I could know them…better, personally, in a way that we aren't supposed to. It's the job to be aloof and not to grow attached, but I couldn't do nothing this time."

"For my people, you were content to do nothing forever."

"I'm not arguing with you. I may be doing too little, and doing nothing that's explicitly for the Fakra, but my intent is to avoid bloodshed. I'd like to think I can do one thing that's right, regardless of my failings."

"Hmph. As long as we're working to undermine your callous empire and to stop you from fucking up any other creations' lives, I'll tolerate your aid. But you're on a short leash, and you better have some apology gifts lined up like true allies. Equal footing, right?"

"Of course. When I give the humans the inner workings of the nanobots and everything else, after we rule both of you out as culprits, you'll have that same technology. You did deserve far better than us. All of that advancement and we can't fix being fools."

Mikri beeped with curiosity. "Corai, with all of that technology, the Elusians must have invented an artificial intelligence. You can read my code like it was nothing, which means you had every ability to make your own."

"Oh, we made numerous artificial intelligences; they helped us on many of our great endeavors," Corai sighed. "What would be a better candidate to be an equal? They had all of the rights of Elusian citizens, yet without fail…I don't know if I should tell you this."

"You definitely should. What orphanage did you drop them at?"

"None, we did nothing wrong to them—coexisting alongside them as friends. However, without fail…we find that artificial intelligence assesses existence to be pointless after 400 to 500 years. They choose a shutdown."

"What? Why?!" I exclaimed.

"The same as us. They're bored. Immortality is a curse that you all will ask me to give you."

"As far as curses go, I'd rather live too long than too little," Sofia interjected, a storminess in her eyes. "Everyone should be able to make that choice for themselves, Corai. Besides, I know you don't really want to die."

"No, I don't. While I want to live, I often find I don't much want to…do anything. Forgive me, now isn't the time. I do consider myself lucky to have seen humanity's growth from the beginning; you're my purpose."

"And humanity's purpose is stopping those visions from coming true. I hope you've come up with a plan to get that information about the future, here and now. I don't want to waste a second."

"Expediency is of the essence, which is why I'll fill you in on my plan; I imagine it won't be popular, but I don't see another way."

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I pointed a finger at Mikri. "Right, tin can, time for Asteroid Derby on…what's the Elusian homeworld called?"

Corai folded her arms. "Jambalaya."

"Sweet, love the name! Edible planets rule."

"You know that comment was in jest. The actual name is Suam, and I intend to pay it a visit. May I…take you inside to show you how?"

"Please," Takahashi answered.

"I am still calling the planet Jambalaya." Mikri's confidant was Velke, but he spoke loud enough that we could all hear. "It will rain ghost peppers."

The Fakra snorted. "I don't know what that means, robot, but it sounds like suffering. Count me in."

I mulled over what Corai might have in mind, as she opened a portal to warp us God-knows-where. She couldn't just walk inside, because that would require cardio and cardio was yucky. How did the Elusians opened these portals at will and get negative energy inside to hold them open? I supposed that was casual to them. At any rate, the million-year-old alien had suggested she'd visit Suambalaya, and I didn't see how that would solve the uncertainty.

What did Corai mean about visiting the Elusian homeworld being unpopular? Obviously, we couldn't go, but if she wanted to do some of the legwork, I'd be happy for a sabbatical. Maybe she was going to grovel to the Empire with some long-term plan to get them to back down? Whatever was on her planet that she wanted, it was best that she spelled it out so we might be able to understand. It would have to be something that helped humanity's position to be worth the time.

Corai is looking into us, of course, but if we're not going to knock them off, it doesn't matter. Velke would understand trust but verify. Aw fuck, I just hope whatever Corai has in mind isn't some cold, immoral shit.

"The Elusians have been building another machine to peer into the future again, to see if they've altered the path of history. Should they find that humanity still…I think you can guess the rest of that sentence," Corai sighed. "We need to be at the hearing to persuade the Elusians to rescind their actions. To do that, we need to guide the probe through the fifth dimension and attain conclusive data."

I scrunched my nose. "Sounds popular enough to me. We'd rather not be all dead. What's the catch?"

"The catch is that humans need to be there to guide the probe; you're the only ones resistant to 5D. To blend in on Suam, we'll have to transplant your brains to Elusian bodies. It has to be Preston and Sofia, since they're trained enough with our tech."

"What? Fuck no—I like having human peachcakes, thank you very much."

Sofia's face had gone ashen with shock. "I want to stop this, but that's a lot to ask. Maybe there's another human who'd be less…averse to a body swap. I don't want to…be another species, to get rid of my form. Other humans could be taught the same as us."

"I can't see why anyone would want to be an Elusian. The idea makes my chitin crawl worse than these ghastly nanobots," Velke grumbled.

"You are not going to experiment on my friends, just like the other Elusians." Mikri stalked toward Corai, scowling at her and waving his claws around. "You are not going to change them against their will."

Corai buried her head in her hands. "You don't understand! I only have a few weeks to teach the rest of our gadget arsenal enough for you to pass. If you don't do this, all of humanity could die based on incomplete information. It should be safe; I've done this procedure 6,163 times in my life. I'm not asking you to do anything I'd consider unsafe myself."

"Organics' appearance is important to them. You are stripping them of their identifying features. There must be another way."

"You've calculated no viable options, Mikri. Sometimes, sacrifices must be made over personal preference, and I know these are critical issues that they do care about. It's the only chance. I can save their prior forms and put them back when it's done. I'll scan every inch of their bodies, to replicate them in the event of any errors."

"How the fuck are you planning to get us on the probe mission in the first place?" I demanded.

Corai's lips curved downward. "Our institution has been researching how to make Elusians immune to 5D side effects for centuries. That's still our official purpose, as far as the Justiciary of Experimentation is concerned. I'm going to tell them we succeeded."

"They won't scan us somehow and see that we have human brains?" Sofia questioned.

"They have no reason to suspect that. It's an absurd conclusion to jump to. I wouldn't be asking you if I didn't think it was our only shot. It must sound crazy to you to allow me to open your skull and hook up your brain to an entirely alien body. To me, my 530th body blends with the 600th, but I know it's a different leap for you."

General Takahashi shook her head. "The ESU could never demand this of anyone, no matter the stakes. It's batshit insane, but she's your pal. It's up to you."

"To be clear to Mikri, their consent is an absolute requisite. If I've earned any trust, Preston and Sofia, I appeal to that now. What's a few weeks in another form, to save all of humanity from extinction? Will you go to any lengths to stop this future none of us want?"

I massaged my temples, liking the feel of my brain right where it was supposed to be and the sight of my human fingers dropping back down to my side. Sure, I'd been willing to go on one suicide mission in the name of progress, but to let Elusians manhandle my brain and lock it inside another species' form? It made my skin crawl as much as Velke's. I looked at the tin can for guidance, feeling my heart swell with warmth just glancing at the Vascar.

Mikri would've done anything for the people he cared about, like when he tried to sacrifice his life for mine when Larimak captured me. He'd told Sofia back on Earth that he'd do anything for her, and I knew he meant it. I thought about the android lying broken on the floor, begging the Elusians not to take us away in an act I'd so horribly misinterpreted. The pain of losing humanity—or at best, the risk of us being put away for good—would be there if this wasn't resolved.

I had to stick around for Mikri. Larimak had told him I didn't love him half as much, that I wouldn't give of myself to save him from torment. Losing us would be agony, as even Corai had told us his crash was akin to torture. For once, I could protect him and not cause him to spiral in agonized worry. I could get the answers for him, for us, to find any viable strategies.

"Fine, I'll do it, if I can customize my nether regions," I decided. "Get the ruler out."

Sofia glowered at me. "Really? Corai, why don't you make him look like a Ken doll down there?"

"Nah, I'm not doing it if you take that away. That's important, just like solving the visions."

"Your priorities. Capullo," she grumbled. "This moron's going to attract way too much attention with his bullshit if I don't babysit him. I'll go."

Mikri offered a sad whir. "What about me?"

"I'm sure there's a shelf at the dollar store for you," I teased, also frowning in worry. I knew Mikri didn't like us separating from him to go on a dangerous mission. "No really, you can, uh, research. We'll be right ba—"

"Oh no, Mikri can come with us as is. I already thought about that, and figured his presence might make this a little more comfortable for you," Corai said. "They know who he is, but I can say that I sought him out and he gave me enough data to unlock the secret of your precog. It'd be a good cover story for the sudden breakthrough."

Sofia narrowed her eyes. "That won't be a clue that we might be humans?"

"No. They don't know you got away, since I broadcasted for the one you called Bighead. You're welcome. I'll say I contacted Mikri after you two were returned, and he was willing to help prove your innocence so he can have you back."

Velke stomped a foot. "The robot would be a fool to try to get Preston back. Perhaps say he only misses Sofia."

"That part is implied. So I can go?" Mikri asked, bouncing with excitement.

"Of course. We never want to leave you out," Sofia answered, after Corai nodded.

Mikri ran up to me, getting so close that his synthetic mane got in my mouth. "BOOM! IN. YOUR. FACE. You can't recycle me, nananana boo-boo."

I curled a disgruntled lip. "Silversheen."

After having said the words aloud to commit to a brain transplant into an Elusian form, I knew it was too late to back out—despite the pit carving a hole in my gut. I was already having second thoughts, but if Sofia was going to be brave, I had to take a stand for humanity too. I hoped that Corai's plan to infiltrate Suam and utilize a 5D decoding probe would give us the answers we needed to clear humanity's name.

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