Keon, whose neural network processed the slightest biological anomalies in their vital signs and muscle tension, instantly sensed Mark's subtle difference.
He decided to ignore it as he categorized the reaction as a Primal male anxiety and resentment over social rejection. He knew the source must be the collective decision of Aria, Anna, and Lilith, which, in the context of species continuity, was a rejection of Mark's role.
Finally, Vera, the last to speak, broke the charged silence. Her eyes, less defiant than Lilith's, were more concerned with logistics.
"If I choose the first option," Vera asked, her voice cautious, "will you provide the basic necessities for survival? Shelter, food, and the other necessities that human beings like us require?"
Keon gave a curt, mechanical nod. "I will not allow you to survive in this harsh world on your own and force you to immediate extinction. I provided the option for species continuity… I will arrange everything for your survival."
He raised his left hand, and a light-blue holographic projection sprang forth from his palm.
This projection, however, was not of cosmic violence, but of life: three-dimensional renderings of herbivores and carnivores creatures that looked like the eagle, sparrows, duck, hen, tiger, lion, elephant, rabbit, goat, sheep, cow, cat, mice, etc. But these creatures are a little enhanced in structure for gravitational adaptation on this massive planet.
"I have secured samples and blueprints for almost all biological life from your world, with the enhancement they received from spores evolution makes them completely compatible with this planet's environment."
Keon stated and continued, "Also, even if they are not suitable for survival in this world, It is simple for me to synthesize and fabricate suitable species to inhabit this world, which will serve as a foundational food source and ecosystem balance."
He dismissed the creature projection with a flick of his wrist.
"As for the rest of your survival… hunt, shelter building, water procurement… I will only provide you with basic tools of your choice from my archives, a fair start on this newly optimized world. But once you survive for a year on your own, I will not interfere with your lives, nor will I provide any kind of technological assistance."
He paused, letting the finality of the statement hang in the air. "The rules will remain absolute."
Vera, her eyes fixed on Keon, mentally categorized his promise of non-interference as an incredible, almost unbelievable notion. She chose to ignore the latent suspicion it raised. She glanced toward Mark, her voice practical, stripping away all romantic or emotional pretense.
"If Mark doesn't mind, I will choose Option One with him," Vera stated, her eyes flicking back to Keon. "If he also chooses Option Two, then I will also choose Two, as there is no benefit to living alone."
Her candid, pragmatic assessment of the situation… the implicit coupling of their fates… startled not only Keon but also Lilith, Anna, and Aria.
Lilith, in particular, felt a cold shift. By choosing Option Two, she had already relinquished her role as the de facto second-in-command to Kai; she was now a soldier, equal to any other under Keon's command. She remained silent, acknowledging Vera's choice without comment.
Mark, the subject of Vera's blunt proposal, remained silent for a tense moment. He looked at the three women, his eyes lingering on Lilith, Anna, and Aria… the last surviving women of their race who had just chosen servitude over biological continuity. The resentment, briefly sensed by Keon, sharpened into a quiet, defiant resolve.
"I accept Vera's proposal," Mark finally spoke, his voice measured. "I choose Option One. I do not want the flame of human civilization's name to perish entirely." He offered a deep, meaningful glance toward the three women, then fixed his gaze on Keon, a silent challenge in his composure.
Keon gave a curt, mechanical nod, processing the decision with objective finality. "It is good that you have accepted the options so soon."
He pointed toward a row of identical, metallic hatches lining the far wall of the Habitat Unit. "You may choose your cells and stay in this habitat unit until I deal with the requirements for each of you."
With the final logistical command issued, Keon turned and began to walk toward the exit hatch of the unit.
"Wait!" Lilith's voice, sharp and inquiring, sliced through the air behind him, halting his perfect, fluid stride. "I want to know what you meant, outside. What did you mean when you said you were once a human being yourself?"
Keon's footsteps halted. He glanced back, his green optical lenses fixed on Lilith, then swept over the four faces watching him. He spoke thoughtfully, his voice a low, perfectly modulated synthesis.
"It seems Kai did not tell you everything about his true situation."
Keon paused, then addressed all of them. "Kai and I were once part of the human civilization, living on a planet which we called Origin Earth. We were just ordinary humans, but suddenly, every human being was reincarnated into different universes and in different species. Kai was merely lucky to be born once again as a human, but I was reincarnated as a mechanical species."
After speaking, Keon stood motionless for a while, like a messenger of impossible reality.
"Our ultimate task," Keon continued, "is to rise and dominate all universes. Also, Kai is responsible for the demise of your world, as each one of us possesses a unique talent that will help us in our paths. Kai's talent was related to apocalypse."
He glanced at the dazed, horrified expressions of Lilith and the others, who stood transfixed by the cosmic betrayal.
Keon gave a final, silent nod of acknowledgment to their shock, then turned and walked out. The heavy, reinforced hatch hissed shut behind him, plunging the habitat unit into a sudden, deep silence.
Lilith and the others slowly returned to their senses, looking at each other with wide, uncomprehending eyes.
Aria was the first to speak, a long, deep sigh escaping her lips. "My guess was correct," she said, her voice heavy with sad confirmation. "I already felt Kai was behind everything that happened to our planet."
Lilith and the others' expressions became ugly, a mixture of profound shock and bitter betrayal. The person they had supported and followed… Their leader, Kai… had used them, and was ultimately responsible for their misery.
Although a stranger like Keon told such news… Yet, they decided to believe him; there was no discernible reason for him to lie about an event of this magnitude, and everything they had encountered confirmed his words… the sudden portal, Kai resolved to invade through portal, war, defeat, advance technology, annihilation and merger… all of the scenery is still fresh like connected dots in their minds.
Lilith took a deep, shuddering breath, clenching her fist until her knuckles were white. "That selfish, arrogant bastard," she cursed, the words gritted out through her teeth recalling the always expressionless gaze of Kai. She then turned and walked toward the third cell.
"I am going to take a rest," she said, her voice rough and silent.
Anna and Aria didn't say anything, they also walked side-by-side, toward their first and second cells.
Vera and Mark exchanged a final, silent glance… a bond forged in the crucible of species survival… and walked toward the fourth and fifth cells respectively.
...