Chapter Text
[It’s a few days prior, back when Tonee was just murdered and Mahogonee was on Kumo’s ship.]
MAHOGONEE: (Shakily) You should be here. I shouldn’t have to be going through this alone. If you were here, none of this would be happening.
[The focus remains on Mahogonee as she shuts off the video, sniffing. She lowers her head and sobs lightly - but stops & quickly looks up when the pod behind her holding Tonee suddenly opens up with a hiss. Tonee is not shown as Mahogonee turns around. Her eyes, full of tears, are wide and fearful.]
MAHOGONEE: ...Tonee?
[CUE OPENING CREDITS]
[Meerkat and co. are still outside the large ship. Both Meerkat and Puppet are looking up at it with a sort of wariness.]
PUPPET: ...So that’s Katacomb’s, huh?
DAYLILY: Sure is.
MEERKAT: And you expect us to just...go in?
DAYLILY: It’s either go with him, or back there with them.
[She points behind them, which makes them turn their attention in that direction. Through the clouds in the distance, they can see the silhouette of the Dominion ship Mahogonee and Slayt came in. Meerkat looks back at Puppet, who responds with a slight nod.]
MEERKAT: ...Take the reins.
[Daylily takes the reins, and leads Wilson up the ramp. It shuts as soon as they're in, and the ship becomes invisible again. As Meerkat and Puppet hop off Wilson, taking off their masks, the hangar door opens, and two other MPUs enter and take the reins from Daylily, proceeding to lead Wilson out. As they do that, Meerkat eyes the pistol that Puppet currently has hooked to his belt.]
MEERKAT: (Quietly) Take off your jacket.
PUPPET: Pardon?
MEERKAT: Take it off, tie it ‘round your waist instead.
[Though Puppet is visibly confused, he does as she asks. As soon as he puts his jacket around his waist, the gun is clearly hidden, and Meerkat turns her attention away. As Wilson is exiting the hangar, a sleek black and silver MPU with a half-lidded expression enters and approaches Daylily.]
MOONROSE: Sister.
DAYLILY: Moonrose. Took you long enough.
MOONROSE: Our father is a busy man-
[Daylily perks up at the word ‘father’.]
MOONROSE: -You know this.
DAYLILY: He’s here?
MOONROSE: Of course. He wanted to meet our little criminal personally.
[Moonrose looks directly at Meerkat, who glares back. Puppet, uncomfortable under Moonrose’s eyes being in his general direction, lowers his own gaze and steps behind Meerkat, gripping her arm. Moonrose tilts her head.]
MOONROSE: A Doguardi?
DAYLILY: (Slightly defensive) He helped her. The Commanders would’ve had her head if it weren’t for him.
[Moonrose hums, indifferent, before turning and zipping over to the hangar opening, turning back when none of the others make a move.]
MOONROSE: Come.
[Without hesitance, Daylily starts moving forward to follow her. Meerkat hesitates, and Puppet holds her arm a little tighter. Finding some form of encouragement in this action, Meerkat proceeds.]
[Kumo is working at the control panel within the ship. Titus is working beside her, while Dekker appears to be doing a much simpler job.]
TITUS: What made you join the Dominion in the first place?
[Kumo looks at him with narrowed eyes. Though he’s not looking back, he must feel her eyes on him.]
TITUS: I’m not judging. I’m genuinely curious.
[Kumo still seems slightly doubtful, but slowly turns back to her work.]
KUMO: My planet was ruined during war. My family couldn’t afford to leave themselves, but the Dominion was willing to take refugees. They only took me, though, and I haven’t seen my family since.
[Sometime during her explanation, Dekker stops and looks over. Titus is looking at her with a gentle expression.]
TITUS: I’m sorry to hear that.
[Kumo opens her mouth to reply.]
DEKKER: Is that how you lost your arms? And got those scars?
TITUS: (Lightly scolding) Dekker. That’s not polite.
DEKKER: Oh. I’m sorry.
KUMO: No, no, don’t be. It’s alright. I didn’t lose my arms then, no. I lost them while on the job.
DEKKER: What happened?
KUMO: Eh - just hazards in the workplace. Working for the Dominion’s about the most dangerous job you could have.
DEKKER: Is it difficult?
KUMO: Living without arms? Of course. I manage, though.
[She closes the panel’s door.]
KUMO: That should do it. Thank you both for your help. (To Dekker) You can keep the mask for the way home - I’ll find a way to-
DEKKER: (Interrupting) Home? Wait, do you think we’re leaving?
KUMO: (Confused) ...You...want to come with me?
DEKKER: Yeah!
[Kumo’s looking at him with a raised brow, then looks at Titus.]
KUMO: Where I’m going may not be safe. I don’t wanna put you or your boy in danger…
TITUS: As long as he’s with me, I have nothing to worry about. (Jokingly) I know I don’t look like much, but I can keep us both safe.
[Kumo still seems uncertain, but nods.]
KUMO: Alright. Mind activating the ship for me?
TITUS: Of course.
[Titus goes and presses some things on the control panel, and the ship hums with life. Kumo retracts her back’s limbs as she sits down, repositioning her seat so that she can take the controls in her feet. Dekker, who’s seated on one side of her, raises a brow.]
DEKKER: How come you don’t just use those all the time?
KUMO: Mm, imagine having hooks tugging at your spine-
DEKKER: Eugh. Sounds painful.
KUMO: Precisely.
[Titus sits on her other side while they have this exchange. Kumo takes a deep breath through her nose.]
KUMO: Alright - here it goes.
[She slowly starts pushing the controls forward - and thus the ship begins to ascend.]
[A door opens, with Meerkat, Puppet and Daylily remaining in the doorway while Moonrose enters. It’s a pilot’s room, and there’s clearly someone sitting in the main seat, with a robot-like, clawed hand resting comfortably on the main panel. It doesn’t seem as if there are even any manual controls.]
MOONROSE: They’re here, father.
KATACOMB: Fantastic-
[He swipes across the panel, the words “AUTOPILOT ACTIVATED” flashing on it.]
KATACOMB: -Leave them with me.
[Moonrose nods, and zips away. Katacomb taps a finger on the arm of his chair, and it immediately pulls away from the panel and turns to face his visitors. His head’s covered entirely in a helmet that makes him look unnerving and intimidating. Meerkat and Puppet stand - stubbornly and wary respectively - in their spot, but Daylily flutters over to him. He holds out his arms and, when she reaches him, holds her close to his chest, Daylily nuzzling into him.]
KATACOMB: It’s good to see you in one piece, sweetie.
DAYLILY: It’s good to see you as well, father.
[He raises his hands so that she can move onto and perch on his shoulder. He takes a few steps towards Meerkat and Puppet, and holds out a hand - one that’s not clawed.]
KATACOMB: Welcome aboard.
[Puppet shifts a little closer to Meerkat, and Meerkat only stares at Katacomb. Katacomb retracts his hand.]
KATACOMB: I understand it’s been an eventful couple of days. I apologize for the wait - these events have been as surprising for me as they have been for you. (Pause) ...I see you’re injured-
MEERKAT: (Interrupting) Who are you?
KATACOMB: My name is-
MEERKAT: (Interrupting) I know your name. And I know you’re against the Dominion. But who are you?
KATACOMB: (Understanding) Ah. I am a renegade.
MEERKAT: (Unimpressed) A renegade.
KATACOMB: Yes. I’ve seen what the Dominion stands for firsthand, and I believe it is disgusting.
[He turns his back as he’s explaining. Meerkat’s ears perk up slightly, her brows raising.]
KATACOMB: They claim t’ be helping, they pretend t’ be some superior, first-rate syndicate, but they’re nothing less than scum.
MEERKAT: ...Well, I already knew that.
[Katacomb turns back to look at her.]
KATACOMB: I know. I’ve been keeping an eye on you longer than you know.
PUPPET: (Quietly) That’s kin’a creepy…
MEERKAT: I get the ‘longer than you know’ part since ‘parrently you got spies in that institute, but why me specifically?
KATACOMB: I couldn’t help but notice you were the only child servant there.
[He turns his back again, and starts walking towards his chair. Meerkat ends up walking forward, though Puppet seems to hang back for a moment, letting go of her arm before changing his mind and taking her hand instead, trailing behind her.]
KATACOMB: Shocking, considerin’ the Dominion’s history with takin’ children. and thus I found my attention bein’ drawn t’ ya’.
[He takes a seat, with Meerkat standing just in front of him, and crosses one leg over the other.]
KATACOMB: How did that come t’ be, anyway?
MEERKAT: That ain’t somethin’ I’d like to openly speak about. I’m sure you understand.
KATACOMB: Mm. I s’ppose I can, yes.
MEERKAT: But I’ll tell ya’ this - they stole me. They took me in as their glorified janitor when it ain’t their right. And they acted like it was some huge service-
KATACOMB: I’m not surprised. That’s their whole cover - pretendin’ t’ help. Hell, they prob’ly believe they’re helpin’. They would be that delusional.
MEERKAT: Right.
[Puppet is looking at Meerkat, a look of confusion on his features at her suddenly being so agreeing with Katacomb. He looks at Katacomb, who - judging by the slight movement of his head - looks back at him. Puppet looks away at once.]
KATACOMB: You two must be exhausted. Daylily, escort ‘em to a dorm, would ya’?
DAYLILY: Yes, father. (To Meerkat and Puppet) Come with me.
[Daylily leaves his shoulder, and flutters towards the exit. Puppet is ready to leave, but Meerkat hesitates. Only after giving her hand a slight tug does she follow him.]
[They are now walking through the hall. Meerkat seems mostly unbothered while Puppet seems more on-edge than ever.]
DAYLILY: (Pleasantly) So, what’d you think of him?
PUPPET: Unsettlin’.
[Daylily gives him what almost seems like a look of surprise.]
PUPPET: He is! Ah mean, what’s he coverin’ his face like that fer? An’ Ah bet his name ain’t even ‘Katacomb’.
DAYLILY: He’s got to keep his identity hidden - him being not on the Dominion’s good side puts him in a dangerous position. He put himself at risk trying to get to you - show a little more gratitude.
[Puppet glances at Meerkat, half-expecting her to back him up.]
MEERKAT: What’s, uh - what’s with the whole ‘father’ thing, eh? What’s up with that?
DAYLILY: He made us! My sisters and I may be robots, but he treats us as if we were his own daughters.
MEERKAT: (Indifferent) Cool.
[They eventually stop when Daylily goes and presses a button on a door, which opens to reveal a bedroom with a bunk bed. The two kids enter, while Daylily hangs back in the doorway.]
DAYLILY: This is will be your room for the duration of your stay on this vessel. I do apologize, but due to limited space, you will have to share.
MEERKAT: That’s hardly a problem, I’d say. Hey - about Wilson-
DAYLILY: He will be well taken care of, rest assured. If you need anything, don’t be afraid to ring, okay?
MEERKAT: Thank you.
[Daylily nods, then leaves, the doors shutting behind her at once.]
PUPPET: ...Ah understand he’s in yer good favour, but with all due respect, miss - Ah deh like this.
MEERKAT: He’s not ‘in my good favour’, Puppet. I’m just glad we’re in the hands of someone who’s anti-Dominion.
PUPPET: Mum was anti-Dominion, that didnae mean she was good!
MEERKAT: (Patiently) No, she wasn’t anti-Dominion, ‘cause if she were, she wouldn’t have called the Commanders on me.
PUPPET: ...That’s true. No, you’re right. She was just completely for herself.
MEERKAT: Right.
PUPPET: But so could he…
MEERKAT: I’m perfectly aware. Hey-
[She puts a hand on his shoulder, which seems to make him perk up a bit.]
MEERKAT: -I am completely on your side, okay? I agree, he seems a li’l sketch - but, on the other hand, he seems t’ be on our side, too. It may not be sayin’ much, but we may be in the safest possible hands we can get right now. Okay?
PUPPET: Yeah. Ah hear ye.
MEERKAT: Yeah. Look, it is okay. We are okay.
PUPPET: Right.
[The two exchange a smile, and Puppet nods.]
PUPPET: Ah might lay down, here - bit of a long day, even fer me.
MEERKAT: Yeah, I’ll stay up still. Still got a bit of adrenaline, y’know?
PUPPET: Alright. (Pause) ...Mind if Ah take the top bunk?
MEERKAT: (Laughing) Yeah, ‘course. Go ahead, knock yourself out.
[With a gleeful grin, Puppet scrambles up the ladder. Meerkat looks at him with an amused smile before going and sitting on the bottom bunk. Puppet goes to lie down, but pauses, eventually reaching under his jacket still tied around his waist to grab the gun. He looks at it for a moment before deciding to shove it under the covers. He then lays his head on the pillow.]
[The ship Kumo, Titus and Dekker took off in is now far from the Earth and is in space. Dekker has fallen asleep in his seat. Kumo is still at the controls, though her legs do seem strained.]
TITUS: ...Here - you can take a break.
[Kumo looks at him, blinking. His expression doesn’t change.]
KUMO: ...That’s a polite offer, but you don’t need to. I got this.
TITUS: You shouldn’t be straining yourself.
[Kumo pauses, but seems to silently agree with him, or at least decides not to argue. Either way, she releases the control and stands up, her legs a little shaky. He stands up, and the two switch seats, him taking the controls. Kumo relaxes in the seat, then glances over at him.]
KUMO: ...So your Dominion ruined the Earth, huh?
TITUS: Yes.
KUMO: And you stated they left technology behind.
TITUS: Yes. And it evolved to the point of sentience. Now that Earth is mainly populated by Androids.
KUMO: Like you?
TITUS: Like me. But I am not like the others.
KUMO: How so?
TITUS: I have empathy. Or, at least, the closest thing to it. It came around the time I first met Dekker, actually.
KUMO: He must’ve been young, if he considers you a father.
TITUS: He was an infant when I found him, so he really didn’t know any better. It does make it difficult, too, though - he doesn’t understand how violent most Androids are towards humans. They’d have killed him if they found him - and some part of my system apparently decided I couldn’t let that happen.
KUMO: ...Look, Titus - you helped me. So if there’s any way I can return the favour, I’ll do it, okay? I’ll try to provide a safer place for you and Dekker to stay.
TITUS: If you are relying on Dominion resources, I’m not sure if I’d consider that offer too heavily.
KUMO: I could take you to New Earth.
[He glances at her with a surprised raise of a brow.]
KUMO: It has a treaty that declares independence from any and all organizations like the Dominion. I could help you migrate there.
TITUS: ...That’s awfully generous for people you just met.
KUMO: Hey, you were the generous ones here. You had more to lose, yet you took the risk anyway. I owe you.
TITUS: ...Thank you, General.
KUMO: Please - you don’t have to call me General.
TITUS: Then Kumo it is.
[Suddenly, the entire space around them changes, causing a brief flicker in the lights on the ship and making both of them alert.]
TITUS: ...Did we pass through something?
KUMO: Must’ve. It was invisible when I went through, too.
TITUS: Is this the same one?
[Kumo’s glancing around, and she notices an enormous building not too far off, with smaller buildings (in comparison to the other building, at least) near it.]
KUMO: (Surprised) It’s...not. And it’s strange - the one I went through was so much more volatile. It was like a- like a- I don’t know, a vicious magnet, I guess.
TITUS: Maybe they have different properties?
KUMO: Maybe...You see the building over there?
TITUS: The largest one?
KUMO: Yeah. There’s a place near the bottom on the other side that we could safely enter in. Could you get us there?
TITUS: I can. But tell me this first; is this a Dominion building?
KUMO: More than that. It’s THE Dominion building - Dominion Headquarters.
TITUS: I understand.
[Titus proceeds to approach the building.]
[Titus is now pulling the ship into what looks like a hangar with only a few other ships, the ship landing with a thud.]
KUMO: Alright - I’m going in.
TITUS: If you don’t mind my asking, what exactly do you plan on doing?
KUMO: Touching base with a friend. No doubt, she thinks I’m dead, so I gotta go show her I’m not.
TITUS: Makes sense.
[Titus goes to stand up.]
KUMO: No, no - you and the kid stay here.
TITUS: Is that a safe idea?
KUMO: Safer than going in there where they’ll probably have you arrested on the spot. (Softly) Hey-
[In an awkward, but meaningful fashion, Kumo places her foot on his shoulder the same way one would place their hand on another’s.]
KUMO: I got you, okay? I’m keeping your safety - and Dekker’s - in mind.
TITUS: ...Alright. I believe you. But understand, if anything happens, I will do whatever I have to-
KUMO: I understand. I do. I won’t let it come to that.
TITUS: If you can help it.
KUMO: I won’t. (Pause) ...I’ll be back.
TITUS: I believe you.
[Kumo nods, removes her foot then exits the ship. She immediately heads to the nearest elevator.]
[Mahogonee is passing by the elevator, looking over some files on a device, when it opens. Kumo exits, and looks around briefly, doing a double take when she sees Mahogonee.]
KUMO: Mahogonee!
[Mahogonee perks up, eyes wide with shock. Kumo stays in her spot, waiting, and Mahogonee - though clearly hesitant - turns around to look at her.]
MAHOGONEE: (Quietly) ...Yumi? Is that actually you?
KUMO: Yeah. Yeah, it’s me. I’m here.
[Mahogonee still seems hesitant, but shuts off the device and puts it away before promptly running over to hug her, and Kumo uses her back-limbs to hug her back. The hug is tight, with each of them shutting their eyes tightly, but Mahogonee’s shoot open, and as soon as she moves away, Kumo retracts her limbs.]
MAHOGONEE: I don’t understand - how are you here?
KUMO: I managed to catch a ride, I have a ship in the Commanders’ hangar.
MAHOGONEE: How - you flew out! How could you’ve-
KUMO: I don’t know how to explain it in a way that makes sense, so I’m going to put it bluntly; I’ve been to another world.
MAHOGONEE: ...I’m sorry?
KUMO: I know, it sounds bizarre, but I am telling you - I landed in another world, a-another version of Earth- of Old Earth! It’s in ruins, and the air’s hardly breathable, just like our version of Old Earth, but it also has Androids, and apparently it was-
MAHOGONEE: (Interrupting, concerned) Kumo, did you...hit your head?
KUMO: (Defensive) No. (Pause) ...Well, maybe-
[Mahogonee seems more apprehensive after that answer.]
KUMO: -But I have proof! In the ship, there are two with me - an Android and a human-
MAHOGONEE: (Interrupting) You brought them here?
KUMO: They helped me, and I owe them. They need a safer place to stay, Hew, we have t-
[The elevator opens while she’s talking, and Slayt walks out. Coincidentally, Kumo looks behind her to emphasize her words, only to catch sight of him. There’s tension in the air as the two look at each other.]
KUMO: (Lowly) You…
SLAYT: (Shocked) Kumo...it’s- it’s you! You’re actually alive, I didn’t-
KUMO: (Interrupting) YOU DOUBLE-CROSSING SON OF A BITCH!
[As soon as Kumo starts yelling, she lunges and is only stopped by Mahogonee quickly wrapping her arms around her to stop her. Slayt looks frightened and confused while Kumo’s trying to fight Mahogonee’s grip.]
KUMO: YOU LET ME FLY OUT, YOU PIECE OF SHIT! YOU LEFT ME TO DIE!
MAHOGONEE: (Calmly) Colonel, please subdue her.
[Slayt obediently pulls a needle from his back pocket.]
KUMO: STAY AWAY FROM ME! YOU SNAKE - YOU TRAITOR! HEW, KEEP HIM AWAY FROM ME-!
MAHOGONEE: (Quietly, calmly) Hey, it’s okay, you’re alright-
KUMO: NO! NO, HE’S A TRAITOR, HE’S-
[Kumo yells as Slayt manages to get the needle into her neck. Though she continues to struggle, she eventually grows limp in Mahogonee’s arms.]
KUMO: (Growing faint) He...he left me to die...he let me f...ly ou…
[They wait a few moments for her to finally pass out before Mahogonee heaves a sigh.]
MAHOGONEE: Call security to check the Commanders’ hangar, she mentioned there may be others in there.
SLAYT: What’re you gonna do with her?
MAHOGONEE: I’m taking her to an infirmary immediately. I don’t think she’s mentally sound.
SLAYT: No wonder. Poor lady’s lucky to be alive.
MAHOGONEE: Don’t mention her to anyone. Not until I have a better handle on the situation.
SLAYT: You got it.
[He starts walking away, with Mahogonee watching him then looking down at Kumo. She looks at Slayt as he continues walking away, and narrows her eyes, a little suspicious.]
[Dekker wakes up with a yawn, which catches Titus’ attention. He looks at Dekker with a smile.]
TITUS: Had a good nap?
DEKKER: (Sleepily) Mhm. Where’s Yumi?
TITUS: She’s out. Said she needed to talk with a friend and that she’ll be back soon.
[Dekker opens his mouth to reply, but his eyes shift over, looking past Titus with a confused look.]
DEKKER: ...Just one friend?
[Titus follows his gaze out the window, and sees Dominion security approaching. Titus immediately stands up, Dekker mimicking the action, and reverts the ‘skin’, shifting his mechanical hand to a gun, holding one arm out in front of his son.]
TITUS: Get to the back.
DEKKER: Are they dangerous?
TITUS: They don’t look friendly, now get back.
[Dekker does as he’s told, immediately running towards the back. Not too long after, the security guards start busting open the front window, but as soon as one enters, Titus fires, leaving a gaping hold in their side, the guard falling to the floor. Titus fires a couple more shots before the guards start firing back, the shots burning the ‘skin’ when they make contact but otherwise not fazing Titus. Eventually one guard, who’s armed with a different-styled gun than the rest, fires a shot and it makes contacts, and immediately sends a surge through Titus’ body, his eyes soon displaying an error, his body frozen in one position like a statue.]
GUARD: Grab him. Get the other one.
[Some guards move to deal with Titus while some run past him to go after Dekker. Dekker is sprinting as fast as he can, his breath audibly wheeze-y - he’s not at all fit for running - and the sounds of the guards’ footsteps behind him. He reaches the backdoor and forces it open and slams it behind him and keeps going. The guards manage to open it quickly, though, and are still in hot pursuit. Dekker is running through crowds of people by this point, people giving startled or angered cries as he tears past them and turns a corner sharply and vanishes. The guards take the same route and corner he does some moments after, and keep running. They eventually run past an open bin, and once their bootsteps have grown distant, Dekker peeks his head out, clearly out of breath but trying to keep it quiet, swallowing. There’s a beeping sound, and he gives a confused look before looking up to see a chute.]
DEKKER: What th-
[There is promptly garbage dumped on him via the chute.]
[Puppet is still sleeping, snoring softly, but Meerkat is no longer sitting on her bunk. She is seen wandering the halls - not entirely aimlessly though she doesn’t know where she’s going - and pauses in her step when there’s a quiet coo coming from a door. She decides to go in and sees Katacomb with Wilson. Katacomb is petting under his chin, and Wilson seems to be enjoying it very much.]
KATACOMB: Such a lovely specimen, ain’t he? (Pause) ...I’ve always admired Lavla birds. Their ability to retain vast ‘mounts oxygen in their very flesh - and so rare, too.
MEERKAT: ...Can’t say I know much about ‘em.
KATACOMB: Nah. Not many do.
[Meerkat decides to approach him, though stays a few steps away. He doesn’t turn to face her yet.]
MEERKAT: ...What is your plan?
[Katacomb pauses, making Wilson give a puzzled chirp. Katacomb turns to look at her, merely tilting his head.]
MEERKAT: About me. About my current situation.
KATACOMB: What would ya’ like t’ be done?
[It’s Meerkat’s turn to tilt her head, but unlike her, he does not clarify.]
MEERKAT: ...I want t’ prove my innocence.
KATACOMB: Obviously. But t’ who? The Dominion? The Commanders?
[Meerkat pauses, genuinely thinking over the question.]
MEERKAT: ...Tonee’s mum. I want t’ prove t’ her that I didn’t kill her daughter.
KATACOMB: And why is that?
MEERKAT: Because it’s her daughter, and I didn’t do it.
KATACOMB: Obviously.
MEERKAT: (Pause) ...It’s a bit personal, too, I s’ppose.
KATACOMB: (Intrigued) Ah. How so?
MEERKAT: She’s- ...she’s kinda the one that made me a servant. (Quickly) I don’t want t’ talk about it.
KATACOMB: That’s fine.
[Meerkat has drifted over to Wilson by this time, who’s lowered his head for more scritches. She decides to provide them, much to his delight.]
KATACOMB: …I’m not sure how far this’ll go in provin’ your innocence, but I’ll have ya’ know; I plan on returnin’ t’ that weak spot you encountered the other day.
[Meerkat looks over at him with a raised brow.]
MEERKAT: ...Weak spot?
KATACOMB: Yes. Y’know what I’m talkin’ about, right?
MEERKAT: Yeah, ‘f course, I just...is that what it’s called?
KATACOMB: That’s what I’ve been callin’ ‘em.
MEERKAT: What is it?
KATACOMB: Walk with me.
[He turns and starts leaving. Meerkat, though confused, decides to follow. The two walk through the halls and into what looks like a meeting room as they speak.]
KATACOMB: From what I know about weak spots, they’re parts of the universe that’re weaker than the rest. You’ve heard the term ‘fabric of the universe’, yes?
MEERKAT: Yeah.
KATACOMB: Alright. Imagine it literally, and imagine it in your own hands. If you stretched it and kept stretchin’ it, what would happen?
MEERKAT: It’d tear.
KATACOMB: Now imagine you’ve a quilt with several seams. ‘F you stretched that, the seams would tear before the actual fabric, right?
MEERKAT: Right.
[Katacomb goes to a table in the middle of the room and uses his clawed hand to tap on it, and a large hologram forms over the whole room, much to Meerkat’s amazement. There are large white spots with lines going across them scattered across the room.]
KATACOMB: Weak spots have been appearin’ for as long as you and I and several generations before us have lived, and they happen specifically on what I’ve called leylines.
MEERKAT: (Quietly, in awe) The seams…
KATACOMB: Correct.
MEERKAT: ...You said you were plannin’ on goin’ back t’ the one I encountered...why?
KATACOMB: Well, aside from it bein’ the closest one t’ the Dominion’s Institute - the thing that killed your alleged victim is made of the same properties as weak spots and leylines.
[Meerkat looks at him with wide, surprised eyes.]
MEERKAT: …What?
KATACOMB: Mhm. I ain’t ever seen anythin’ like what killed her, but the properties are almost exact. I’d like t’ find out more.
MEERKAT: ...I want t’ help. In any way I can. If it helps me clear my name, then I want t’ be part of it.
KATACOMB: Obviously.
[Titus’ eyes are shut (though it can’t be recognized as Titus - his ‘skin’ is completely reverted only revealing the mechanical skeleton underneath). Mahogonee is speaking as he opens them, the errors in his eyes still present for a moment before returning to normal.]
MAHOGONEE: (Fading in) ...This technology is definitely not anything like I’ve seen before.
[Once his eyes are fully open, he can see Mahogonee and Slayt, along with some other Commanders and Domineers, inspecting weapons. It doesn’t take him long to realize what they are, and glances over to see his forearms missing, along with other parts of his.]
SLAYT: Me neither. Yet it seems familiar, doesn’t it?
[Before Mahogonee can answer, some Domineers notice that Titus is awake, which catches everyone else’s attention. Titus is unable to show any facial expression.]
MAHOGONEE: (Authoritatively) ...Leave. Colonel, wait outside the door.
[The other Commanders and Domineer clear out, with Slayt exiting last, the door shutting behind him. It’s quiet for a few moments as Mahogonee and Titus stare at each other. Mahogonee sets aside his arm on the metal table behind her as she speaks.]
MAHOGONEE: ...You’re a unique artifact, aren’t you? Your model is outdated, but your weaponry is advanced. That core in your chest looks pretty hazardous-
TITUS: (More robotic, interrupting) Where is he?
MAHOGONEE: Who? Oh. Your friend.
[Mahogonee pulls up a chair and sits on it, speaking as she does so.]
MAHOGONEE: Yeah, he managed to get away, but make no mistake - we will track him down. Or maybe we won’t. That depends.
TITUS: On what?
MAHOGONEE: On how willing you are to help me. If you do, I can tell my men to lay off him. If you don’t, I’ll have him tracked and killed. And I know he must mean something to you because you killed at least two people to buy him time.
[Titus says nothing - just merely stares. Mahogonee leans forward in her seat, brows furrowed.]
MAHOGONEE: I was told you’re from another world. Is that true?
TITUS: ...Yes.
MAHOGONEE: Tell me about it.
[Slayt is hanging outside of the door. Mahogonee exits and starts walking, and Slayt promptly follows behind her.]
SLAYT: What’d h-
MAHOGONEE: (Interrupting) I want you and an entire squad back over to that anomaly.
SLAYT: (Shocked) The one that wrecked the ship?
MAHOGONEE: Yes.
SLAYT: Do I need to remind you that it nearly killed Kumo and nearly killed Holkurg and-
MAHOGONEE: (Interrupting) No.
SLAYT: But-
[Mahogonee stops very suddenly, making him stop suddenly as well and even startling him.
MAHOGONEE: There are more like him out there, Colonel. If he has a way to get here, then so could others like him - and believe you me, his technology is dangerous but ahead of ours. I want it before it can be used against us. End of discussion - get it done.
[Slayt stays in his spot as she storms away.]
[Mahogonee enters a dark room, which lightens up as soon as she fully enters. It looks like a large office, and she walks up to the window, literally staring into space. There’s a voice coming from behind her, though their reflection isn’t shown in the window like hers. The voice is, undoubtedly, Tonee’s.]
“TONEE”: You don’t actually want the weapons.
MAHOGONEE: No. I don’t. But it wouldn’t hurt, would it?
“TONEE”: (Ignoring her question) You want to know more about this new world.
MAHOGONEE: ...Yes.
“TONEE”: Ridiculous. This contributes nothing to our current goal.
MAHOGONEE: I disagree. I think this could aid us well. (Pause) ...Slayt lied, didn’t he? Kumo’s telling the truth, isn’t she?
“TONEE”: (Ignoring her questions) Do you wish to see your daughter again?
[Mahogonee goes wide-eyed and promptly turns around to face “Tonee”.]
MAHOGONEE: (Slightly desperate) Yes-!
[“Tonee” is finally shown - and while alive and well despite the ‘murder’ that had occurred, her eyes are bright white. The truth of the situation is clear - this isn’t actually Tonee. and “Tonee” is glaring hard at Mahogonee.]
“TONEE”: Then don’t get distracted. Search this world as you wish, pillage to your heart’s content - but do not find yourself concerned in personal feelings. Especially not at the risk of your position. This is all a privilege, Hew - and if you are compromised, I will take all of this away. Understand?
MAHOGONEE: ...Yes, Carnifex.
[“Tonee” - or, as Mahogonee called them, CARNIFEX, hardens their gaze.]
“TONEE”/CARNIFEX: Good. Do not attempt this again. Remember whose life is on the line.
MAHOGONEE: Yes. Yes, I know. It won’t happen again.
“TONEE”/CARNIFEX: It better not. That is all. I’ll leave you be.
[Carnifex walks away towards a different door on the other side of the office, leaving Mahogonee standing there alone. Mahogonee is visibly upset and disturbed. The last sound before the seen cuts to black is the sound of a door shutting.]
[CUE CLOSING CREDITS]