Colony One (Part 1, 2-in-1)

Litosys felt like he was having trouble breathing.

He tugged open the collar of his clean uniform and paced back and forth through the conference room. Each breath grew heavier than the last—the news he had just heard had left him almost unable to think straight.

What did they mean, "go to another universe and colonize it"?

He understood every word the two men had said. Low Gothic was not as obscure and difficult as High Gothic. But when The Void were strung together and spoken aloud, Litosys somehow could not understand them at all.

"That is exactly what it sounds like, Captain."

The tall officer said patiently, "It is normal that you do not understand, but I can tell you that there is not the slightest falsehood in what we have said. This is a new expedition, and you are about to become our first choice."

"As long as you agree," the short one added. "So, what do you think?"

". . . What happens if I refuse?"

"Your memories will be erased, along with those of everyone on this ship who ever knew we came here. Every related trace will be wiped away—of course, that includes this sentence I am saying to you right now. If you refuse, you will forget all of this."

"I can't think of a reason to refuse." Litosys looked at them and said, "I accept. When do we leave?"

A smile appeared on the tall officer's face. He rose to his feet, and his figure gradually began to blur, even turning somewhat transparent. It was like the shimmering surface of water.

At the sight, Litosys was abruptly startled—Could I have been tricked? His worry and vigilance were quite necessary, but they were not correct. The short officer raised a hand, signaling for him