"How could I be so irresponsible?" I thought all the time.

I desired to give up my research career.

"Yes, it's time to give up everything," I thought, sad and disappointed with myself.

Discouraged with my career and relationship with Drinihian, I gave up on myself, just waiting for the worst to happen.

I lost track of time. I didn't know if the food that came was from the meal of the day or night, because the same thing always came. They were strict with punishments, but I had no idea how much. Being a researcher or military officer at the World Space Agency had its advantages and disadvantages. Even though I was not in the military, the punishments for researchers were on the same level as that of the military who broke orders or disregarded a rule.

It was for a greater good, to maintain order, to achieve a common goal of technological evolution, but there were situations that, in my opinion, were exaggerated, but as I accepted these rules, the moment I came to the World Space Agency, I had to follow everything rigorously.

"But there was no point in that anymore," I thought, crying.

My career was over. Tired of crying and sleeping, I didn't know what else to do. I was about to freak out when a video call started:

"Dornnih!" he said, crying.

"Micahilla! Forgive me for letting this happen to you. I'm doing everything to help you..."

"Hang on! This is all my fault. I was irresponsible. I lost the confidence of those who believed in me," I said, interrupting him.

"Micahilla! I promise you will not suffer there anymore. We have good news..."

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, interrupting him again.

"We rescued the (Major Captain) Yennir and and the Aspirants who were with him. All thanks to the message you got!"

I wasn't buying it. They managed to rescue them! So my effort had not been in vain!

"This is wonderful! So everything I did was not in vain!" I said, with a happy smile.

"Exactly! And so they are reviewing your situation. The (Captain Lieutenant Colonel) Hennmi and I are doing everything to get you out of there as soon as possible."

"Then he heard me..." I said, feeling emotional relief.

"I beg you to wait a little longer."

I smiled, very happy. He ended the video call.

I sat, relieved, not for the chance I might have to get out of there, but for the lives that were saved thanks to the distress messages, which I managed to capture. I lay down happily and closed my eyes thoughtfully. I ended up falling asleep.

☼☼☼

"Micahilla! Micahilla!"

"What happened?" I said, waking up scared.

"Calm. It's me!" said Dornnih, touching my face.

I held his hands.

"Thanks!"

He helped me up. A Sergeant brought my things, and I accompanied her to change, which I did quickly, returning to where Dornnih was.

"Come on, but there are conditions that you will need to fulfill, for now."

"What would it be?" I asked, cautiously.

"You haven't been fully released yet. They are still analyzing your case. They will probably get rid of the detention punishments, but you will have to take some lighter punishments, due to the invasion of the secretive system. As much as it was for a just cause, they do not want to accept this attitude as justification. One of the conditions for you to be released now is that you will have to be accompanied by a military officer, which in this case will be me until you have fully judged your case."

I looked at him in surprise.

"I don't want to disturb your routine," I said.

"I can take care of you, don’t be a worry."

I was embarrassed. He was being so kind, and he had been helping me since I met him. My heart sped up. I never thought I would have that feeling for anyone other than Drinihian. My reason was to be cautious and not to confuse things, but my heart seemed to be getting divided.

"What happened? Did I say something you didn't like?" asked Dornnih, looking concerned.

"No! No! Let's go!"

"Great! You will stay at my residence if you don't mind. I was released from my activities to be able to accompany you."

I didn't know if it would be a good idea. I've been living in accommodation at the Agency for a long time. I had my parents' residence, but it was too far. Since he would have to stay with me until I was judged for all my actions, it wasn't going to make a difference where I was going to stay.

"It's all right! Let's go!"

I accompanied him with my divided feeling. Outside, I took Dornnih's hand, but something caught my attention and I let go of his hand. I looked back. It looked like someone was looking at me. I didn't see anyone. I took Dornnih's hand again and followed him. He called for a transport drone and we boarded. After a while we arrived at his residence, which was quite large and overlooking the sea.

"This residence is very cozy and big," I said, admired.

"Follow me."

I followed him upstairs, which overlooked the beautiful sea. The sun was ending its day.

"It's beautiful," I said, admiring the sunset.

When I looked at Dornnih, I saw that he kept looking at me. My face came closer to his... Our lips met, and he kissed me gently. I gave in to his kiss, but after a few seconds, I interrupted. I had remembered about Drinihian. I couldn't believe I was falling in love with my best friend. I wasn't sure if it was a passion, but my heart was racing. I realized that I was attracted to him.

"Let's take it easy!" I said.

He walked away, ashamed.

"I wasn't supposed to do that. You are in a relationship. Forgive me. I couldn't help myself. It will not be repeated."

"It's all right. My relationship is messed up. I have been confused about my feelings."

"I'm sorry. Make yourself comfortable. Whatever you need, you can ask Artificial Intelligence, who will guide you where things are and call me when necessary. I'll take you to your room."

I accompanied him and he showed me the room I would stay in. It was very BIG, with a bed very comfortable.

"Thanks!" I thanked him, smiling.

"I am available. Good rest! I was already forgetting... I'm going to prepare something to eat. If you prefer, I'll bring it to you here."

"There's an area for that, I saw it when I entered. I want to join you for the meal."

He smiled.

"It's all right."

Dornnih left and I went to bathe in hot water. After a while, relaxing, I was notified by the Residence's Artificial Intelligence, that everything was ready to start the meal. I got ready and left the room. I saw him sitting at the table, with a beautiful meal served and with many things that looked tasty.

"Did you prepare everything?" I asked, curious.

He smiled and didn't answer me. He got up to help me sit and sat down again.

"You can start wherever you want."

It was so much that I didn't know where to start, but as it seemed that I hadn't eaten something so tasty in a while, what was closest to me, I got it. I started to eat quickly, without any elegance. When I realized, I looked at Dornnih, who was looking at me smiling.

"I saw you liked it," he said, taking something fried to eat.

We continue with the meal. In the end, when I was going to say something to him, I heard the sound of a notification.

"We will need to return to the Agency early tomorrow," said Dornnih, reading the message he had just received on his communicator.

"What happened?" I asked, concerned.

"This will be an opportunity for you to reestablish your career."

"How?"

"It's about the Crommirris mission. They found a solution to the virus."

"Perfect, but what would I be useful in, since they found the solution ?"

"They analyzed their research on communication by quantum entanglement. They were surprised because you are close to finding a solution to make this type of communication possible. They want to send the response back to the colony as soon as possible and are looking to give you a chance to accomplish that feat."

I was excited about what Dornnih had told me. It would be a challenge, but it was so close to a solution that might be possible.

"Yes! I think I can do that, but... What if I fail?" I asked, concerned.

"I believe in your potential, and if you can’t accomplish what they’re wanting, there’s no problem. I will be with you all the time," said Dornnih, smiling.

I smiled at him gratefully and trying to be confident with myself.