As she nears Kephar's sky, somebody suddenly starts speaking in the comms.
"Is this the awaited Astral Thread?", asks the mysterious voice, sounding like a soldier.
"Hey there, yes, I am Rain Usen, the driver and captain of the Thread. Who am I talking to?", says Rain, with worry if she is being attacked.
"Great! Please, land at the coordinates provided. You're going under arrest.", says the voice.
Rain suddenly calls Xita and explains everything: "Xita! Help! They're all saying I'm under arrest, what do I do??"
Xita says calmly, comforting Rain: "It should be fine, maybe it's the protocol on their planet – they never saw the Thread before and you're unknown to them."
Rain, now calmed yet still a bit tense, asks Xita: "But why an arrest? Why not a planetary checkpoint check?"
"All I can guess is they maybe know that the Thread is a work of the Scientists.", says Xita, equally as curious as Rain.
Rain decides to land on the designated coordinate, right outside Sanydra. As soon as she steps out of her device, a Kepharian police officer comes up to her.
"Name, and state of visit?", asks the officer, looking strict at Rain.
"Rain Usen, 25, captain of the Astral Thread. I've been told to visit this place, and everything afterwards I do not know.", says Rain, with worry in her eyes.
"That's weird… Are you sure you're the one stating you are?", asks the officer, just following his protocol.
"Please follow me to the Sanydran Administration District.", says the officer, cuffing Rain into handcuffs made of pure titanium.
As Rain leaves her device behind, she notices the device is being towed by the police as well.
"What will happen to my device? Will I be able to go back?", asks Rain, her eyes a little teary, worried about what will happen.
"Do not worry, we are just confiscating your device temporarily while we investigate your entry to this planet and confirm your identity as 'Rain Usen'", says the officer strictly.
After they arrived in the Administrative District of Sanydra, they enter a small building with weird text written on it.
"What does this say?", asks Rain, still confused from earlier.
"This says 'Police' in Kepharian Script", says the officer
"Thank you, officer.", replies Rain.
In the questioning room, the officers ask Rain several questions:
"Where are you from?" -Officer
"Earth." -Rain
"Do you have your Universal Identification Card" -Officer
"No... I only have this 'Solar Identification Card'" -Rain
"Interesting… Are you affiliated with the Solar Scientists?" -Officer
"My father was a major solar scientist. His name was Luvin Usen." -Rain
"Can you say that again?? Luvin Usen, you say?", says the officer, now cautious and suspicious.
"He was my father, and he passed away when I was around 11…", says Rain, a little teary.
"You said you're 25, that means he died 14 years ago. But Luvin died over 50 years ago." -Officer, now extremely suspicious of Rain.
"This is because the Scientists have Earth – and the rest of the Solar System under a time dilation effect which makes time run nearly 4 times slower than everywhere else", says Rain.
Suddenly, another officer stands up and calls the other officer over.
"Hey… She's been telling the truth there. The lie detection machine has not noticed any changes that can indicate a lie. Could she have something on that device that proves her identity?", asks the first officer
"Probably, let's ask her…", says the other officer.
…
"Hey, 'Rain'. Is anyone else in the device?", asks the officer, trying to calm Rain down.
"The device only had me, but there is a companion of mine from Titan who kind of knows the whole situation. He has the letter from my dad, and even his urn.", says Rain, reassured she will be free again.
"Good. Is there a way to get to that 'evidence'?", asks the officer.
"Well, I can make a waypoint here and get my companion to teleport these to you…", says Rain.
"Okay. I'll release you from the cuffs, and you tell the companion to give evidence to this locker." -Officer
As the officer uncuffs Rain, she pulls out her "Waypoint Device". She asks the officers: "What are the universal coordinates to that locker?"
"U-Kephar.S.S12.9843,98.3256301", says the officer.
Rain creates the waypoint and calls Xita.
"Hey, Xita? Can you please send over the urn and the letter to the coordinates of the waypoint I've placed down? Please, it's urgent. Thanks."
"Coming right up!", excludes Xita on the phone.
It takes a few seconds, but the letter and the urn are teleported to the locker.
"We will do testing to this piece of ash and read this letter carefully. Please stay here.", says the officer. "If it is true, then everything will be brought back to the device, and we will send the device back to the Thread. We will also create a waypoint for you. If not, you will be put to jail for impersonating a major figure's family person."
The officers left the room and locking it so Rain can't escape. The room – suddenly filled with silence, gives Rain anxiety. She is worried that she will be left here until death, but at the same time, she is confident she will be released, because everything she said was true. Kephar may be behind technologically, but everyone is equally smart (at least in Rain's head). She is currently focused that the Thread's reputation isn't at an all-time low, and that she tries to improve it over time.
An hour has passed, and Rain has gotten tired. Suddenly, the locks can be heard. An officer opens the door and tells Rain that she is allowed to leave.
"You're free to go. We are extremely sorry about this. We informed the UHC that the Thread is a safe faction and that you are the real Rain Usen."
Rain is confused as to what her father has to do with all this.
"Why did it matter if my father was my father? He was a scientist after all…", asks Rain, completely confused and shocked.
"Your father was a well-known spy for Kephar and neighboring planets – and the president for Sanydra. He told us about the Thread, but to still be careful.", says the officer.
"H… huh?", Rain is completely confused and doesn't know what's happening anymore.
"Don't worry about it. You're free now.", says the officer. "Welcome to Kephar."
Rain – after a bit of thinking – figures out the situation.
Rain stared at the streets of Sanydra, still smoldering from the fires she'd seen earlier.
"So this is what my father meant… He hated the Scientists. Technically owned the Thread before I was even born. Built it for me. Told me not to trust them, to turn against them. Xita was right. Time dilation, ordinary humans trapped, only the Thread can leave. Why didn't the Scientists stop him? Maybe it was part of their plan all along. Or maybe they failed to control the narrative.
The city's glow, the stars above… the universe is still beautiful. And I'm finally out there.
But one thing remains. I need to figure out the fires, the conflict here, and honor my father's legacy. His espionage cannot be wasted."
Back on Earth, an unknown Solar Scientist gives off a major announcement from the main building on Mars:
"My fellow Solarians, I have come with saddened news from Kephar that the Thread failed to land on Kephar and has crashed. There have been two fatalities, named 'Rain Usen', and 'Xita Rita.'
People on Earth couldn't believe the news and started to mourn across the planet. Jala, Rain's mother, is sure that Rain is still alive and decides to call Rain. The call goes through, but nobody replies. She decides to wait for Rain to answer back. Luvin gave Jala a specific "universal phone" that evades the Scientists' tracking of outer-space calls, and can also evade the time dilation set by the Scientists.
On Kephar, Rain decided she needed rest before anything else. The interrogation, the flight, the weight of her father's name all pressed down on her. She hadn't closed her eyes since leaving Earth, nearly a full 24 hours ago, and her body really needed rest. Even her reflection in the shop windows showed how exhausted she was: dark circles had formed under her eyes – eyebags.
She wandered through the city, letting her surroundings distract her from the ache in her chest. The people were ordinary in the best way, dressed in simple city fashion, chatting and laughing as though nothing monumental had just landed on their world. Their ease made her feel almost invisible, and for once she was grateful.
The flag of Sanydra was waving proudly above the main square: red, yellow, and white, its coat of arms with a peace symbol. It caught her eye, bold against the blue sky, as if promising safety. She slowed down, admiring how its' colors glowed in the late light. "These streets are beautiful… Their flag… the architecture… nearly everything!"
The architecture struck her with a strange sense of familiarity. Buildings curved into soft, organic shapes, almost like melted stone. Yet, tucked between them were buildings that echoed the Renaissance streets she had seen in the New Russian Federation back on Earth.
The city center was alive with scents, such as spiced bread, roasted meats, something sweet and nutty carried by the small wind breeze. A food stall drew her attention, a glowing sign buzzing in Kepharian script. She thought briefly about stopping, but her body reminded her that sleep mattered more than food.
And then she saw the hotel. Its' crimson domes and pale stone towers rose above the square, ornate and imposing, like something transported from Moscow's Red Square and reshaped with Sanydra's artistry. To Rain, weary and overwhelmed, it looked like a sanctuary.
"Well, it's getting late. It's time for bed. Hopefully they aren't full…", says Rain, yawning, and completely out of control. She can fall asleep any second now.
"Welcome to the Sanydran Hotel of Peace", said a lady at the front desk. She seems very nice, friendly, and beautiful.
"Hi, I'd like to reserve a room for several days please.", says Rain, excited to go to sleep, but filled with yawns.
"Sure, that'll be 85 colacks for 20 days", says the lady
"Is there an option to exchange this currency to 'colacks'?", asks Rain, not knowing that only the Solar System uses the 'sollars'
"I can exchange it, how much do you have?", asks the lady.
"I have around 250,000 sollars", says Rain. "…what even are colacks?"
"Colacks are a universal currency held by the Universal Holder Corporation. They want a unified currency in the universe and there's no worries about inflation.", says the lady.
"And how much is a single sollar?", asks Rain.
"1 sollar should be around 0.34 colacks. This translates your money to around 85,000 colacks.", says the lady
"Thank you.", says Rain, obtaining her keycard for her hotel room and goes to sleep.
"This room is quite beautiful. I wonder what will happen tomorrow. I need to start planning."
As the dawn creeps in, Rain still asleep, while outside the streets gather with a restless buzz for the Sanydran president's announcement:
"For centuries, we have stood apart from the Kepharian War. Yet after a thousand years of conflict that has scarred both lands, and with the arrival of the newly formed Thread in Kephar, the time has come to act.
Too many lives have been lost, too many generations have known only blood and division. This war has not brought victory to either side. We believe it is the duty of nations to pursue peace when war has proven itself endless.
Therefore, Kephar will host the first round of peace talks here in Sanydra. We do not claim the answers will be easy. We do not deny that old wounds run deep. But we believe dialogue is stronger than silence, and hope is stronger than fear.
To the leaders of both parties – Leinata and Pequina: come to the table. To the people who have suffered in the shadows of this war: know that we see you, and that this moment is for you. Let this day mark the beginning of an end, and the first step toward a future where our children inherit something other than ashes."
As Rain wakes up, she decides to call Xita.
"Good morning, Xita! How has it been these past few hours on the Thread by yourself?", says Rain
"It's been fine… Did you hear the announcement by the Sanydran president?" asks Xita, expecting Rain's answer to be a 'yes'.
"…Huh?", asks Rain, completely unaware of what is going on.
"The president has announced a first round of peace talks in Sanydra!", says Xita.
"What do you mean? What do you mean peace talks?", asks Rain.
"Kephar seems to have been under war and out of major universal talks due to it.", says Xita.
"Interesting…", says Rain.
"Alright. You go and find your companions and help around, whatever your mission here is.", says Xita.
"I will. Take care, Xita.", says Rain.
"Of course.", says Xita.
As Rain ends her call with Xita, she notices a missing call from her mother. She decides to call her, and in a near-instant, she answers her call:
"Rain!! I am so glad you're alive! The people on Earth and the Solar System think you have died.", says Jala, crying her tears out.
"Do not worry, mom. I figured out what happened. Why did you guys hide that from me though?", asks Rain, completely confused.
"The Scientists kept track of Luvin, with the only exceptions being his 'private universal tours', which were basically our visits to Kephar. Do not worry, at least I know you are safe. I have my own errands to do now at work, so I'll keep in touch with you.", says Jala, now calmed.
"Of course, mother. I love you.", says Rain.
"I love you, too, Rain. May the Universe be nice to you."
"May the Universe be nice to you, too."
Rain decides to leave the hotel now, and goes to a local shop. She orders some tea, and sits down to look at the situation around. She notices a girl worried and asking "if anyone has seen a girl from the Thread". It seems that everyone already knows about the Thread, but they do not know who it is yet. Little do they know that the main protagonist of their story is just drinking coffee. Suddenly, that girl approaches Rain:
"Good morning, miss. Have you seen anyone by the name of 'Rain'? I want to meet her.", says the unknown young girl.
"Good morning, young one. I am the one you speak of. What brings you here?", says Rain.
"Is it really you?", asks the girl, her eyes shining more than a clear window.
"Yes. Want proof?", says Rain, as she turns on her phone to show images of her with the Thread.
"Oh my God, it really is you!", says the young girl.
"My name is Zarya, and I come from Komara, a small country next to Sanydra, circled by nations in war.", says the girl.
"Hello there. You probably already know who I am, so there's no need for instructions, right?", asks Rain.
"Well, I only know your name… I do not know anything else…", says Zarya.
"Well… uhm.. I am 25 years old, I am from the Solar System, and I am the leader of the Astral Thread. What about you?", says Rain, kind of shivering from talking to people so suddenly – still half-tired while drinking her tea.
"I am 17 years old, an adult in Kepharian terms, without parents, and I want to join you!", says Zarya.
"…? Hmm. Mind if I call my companion?", asks Rain, still unknown of this character.
"Sure! I want to show you what I can do and also be of major help in the adventure around Kephar! I already know a lot, so I will be very useful.", says Zarya.
After a short call with Xita, Rain decides to temporarily allow Zarya into her team. If she proves herself worthy of her team, she will be able to join the Thread as a member, not as a visitor.
"I allow everyone to visit the Thread, but be a part of it will require you to prove yourself worthy. Here, help me out on this mission on Kephar, and help me bring peace.", says Rain.
"Great! I can't wait to join you soon!", says Zarya.
"You are a really smooth talker, I won't lie.", says Rain.
"Thanks. I've waited for around 3 years for your arrival! Will you do anything to prevent the war?", asks Zarya.
"Wait, wait, wait. War? Is this the fire that I've seen when I was landing here?", replies Rain, kind of confused
"Haven't you heard? The president of Sanydra called for the first peace talks between countries Leinata and Pequina", says Zarya.
"Nope… I was asleep…", says Rain.
"Basically, Kephar has had 2 nations at war for 8 generations – around 1,000 years. These two countries have been fighting for a piece of land that contains the city 'Bolmor', which is the city that has a big cultural status for the Rus' Humans, the ones that inhabit Komara, Sanydra, Leinata, Pequina and Marilka.", says Zarya, with her eyes sparkling by too much talking.
"Wait, wait, one by one please. You're saying a lot of stuff, it's still early. Go slower.", says Rain.
"Kephar is under war by 2 nations for a long time because they want an important city. That's all.", says Zarya, worried that she is overwhelming Rain and that she may not be a part of her team.
"Huh… Okay, if the peace talks don't go well today, I will step in to help. You will come with me.", says Rain. "I want to just get companions and deal with actual problems like planetary-level threats, if you catch my drift."
"Understood! Don't worry, this may be a planetary-level threat, and we just don't know.", says Zarya, with a bit of sarcasm in her voice, hoping that what she just said isn't true, also feeling happy that she may have a chance in joining Rain.
As the day continues, Rain and Zarya talk a little more and get to know each other better. Rain finds out that Zarya spent her teenage years fighting dummies and some monsters in forests:
"I have always been in forests when I was young. There were wild monsters that kept invading Komara's villages and made it completely unsafe there. Me and a few of my older friends there fought them off, and that's how I learned how to fight."
and that she has quite a funny personality:
"But you know, sometimes I love to also make cute and little funny toys! Like this toy here in my pocket! '(in a funny derpy voice: hi hello how are you I am polyx or something)', I forgot his name already oops…"
She loves to joke around, and isn't usually a serious person.
She is chaos herself – a walking wild cat if you say. She is also very skilled mentally and is ready to face every challenge.
"Why is she POKING A LIGHT POLE??", thinks Rain in her head.
Suddenly, a police officer approaches Rain and Zarya: "Miss Usen, please head over with me. The president of Sanydra wants your attention."
"Can Zarya come with me? I do not know this place too well, and she is my guide and my new companion.", asks Rain, worried that she has probably done something wrong.
Zarya's eyes sparkle up by hearing Rain say that she is her new companion, and instantly steps in: "I work with her now, I want to go too."
The officer takes both to the Governing District of Sanydra and tells them to walk into the 'Sanydran Presidential Fortress'.
"Hello there, miss Usen, and uhm… Who are you?", asks the president as both Rain and Zarya walk into his office.
"I am ZaryaLunova, miss Rain's guide and new companion on Kephar.", says Zarya, suddenly being very serious.
Rain – in her head – thinks about how Zarya works. She is still learning more about herself and she is starting to like her increasingly.
"I have called you to help us with peace talks for Kephar. Your father – a good companion of mine, a great representative of UHC in Kephar, and father – told me if our internal peace talks fail, that we call you and that you help us end this useless war.", says the president.
"I am Kael. The 472nd president of Sanydra. The nations of Leinata and Pequina have been fighting for about a thousand years to have control of a sacred city of 'Bolmor'."
"A thousand years??!", says Rain, shocked as to how many people have probably died during the war.
"More precisely, 1,294 years. Tomorrow is the 1,295th anniversary of the war.", says the president.
"Sanydra has tried to make peace talks to both nations and make amends to them, where both countries win. However, the peace talks kept failing because of Leinata's presidents. They have constantly acted weird in peace talks – like some force is trying to control them. We have sent spies to Leinata to figure out what has been happening, but Leinata's anti-espionage system is extremely overpowered. They figure out everything in a matter of days. However, with your coming to Kephar, today's talks have decided to allow you inter-planetary free-roam, and to also let you talk to the president of Leinata. If a fight occurs, feel free to call me, and Sanydra and its allies will come to aid you.", says the president, finally putting his hands on the table.
"Soo… I must break into Leinata, figure out what's going on and then give you guys the intel? Is that right?", asks Rain, just getting fully energized.
"Precisely. You're catching on quite quickly, miss Usen.", says the president.
"Okay. I'll move to Leinata today with Zarya, and both of us will bring peace to Kephar, as members of the Thread.", says Rain, looking at Zarya with a look of approval.
"Yes, miss Usen!", says Zarya, now jumping around happily.
"Just call me Rain. We're all friends in the Thread, after all."