15:40, February 10, 2295

  Cargo Hold, Hijacked Vessel, Approaching Nusantara, Borneo

  Jabari moved through the narrow walkway connecting the vessel's bridge to its cargo hold, the faint hum of engines growing louder with each step. The mission to secure Ume and extract her data had succeeded—at least partially—but the tension aboard their stolen craft remained palpable. He'd noticed Celine's increasing agitation since they'd left Taiwan airspace, her usual composed demeanor giving way to clipped responses and tightened jaw muscles.

  As he approached the cargo bay, hushed voices carried through the half-open hatch. He slowed his pace, listening.

  "—simply explaining that your distrust is unwarranted, Madame Celine." Ume's voice, calm and measured. "My behavioral protocols—"

  "To put it bluntly, U6-M9," Celine interrupted, her accent thickening with frustration. "You're not one of us. We did not rescue you for some vague sense of justice. You're an asset. Do not presume."

  Jabari peered through the gap. Celine stood with arms crossed, her frame rigid as she faced Ume across the bay. Behind them, Jabari's KM-233 Scarab mech loomed like a silent guardian, its powered-down systems casting long shadows in the dim cargo lighting.

  "I understand your concerns," Ume replied, her head tilting slightly. "But I am no longer bound by ZenFusion's restrictions. Xin altered my programming to—"

  "To what?" Celine stepped closer, her voice dropping. "To make you more convincing? More human-like?" She gestured at Ume's traditional attire. "Everything about you—your appearance, your mannerisms, your voice—it's all carefully engineered to manipulate."

  Ume's amber eyes flickered, almost imperceptibly. "Madam, that is not—"

  "Seven years ago," Celine continued, "my husband looked me in the eyes and told me he'd found comfort with a Da-Ji model because she 'understood him better' than I ever could." Her laugh was hollow. "Ten years of marriage, undone because a machine was programmed to never disagree, to cater to his every desire."

  Jabari watched Ume's expression shift, something genuine flashing behind her artificial eyes.

  "I was not designed to replace human connection, madam," Ume said softly. "I was designed to emulate it."

  "Is that supposed to reassure me?" Celine pulled a small device from her pocket — and aimed it at Ume. "What exactly guides your actions now, U6-M9?"

  The tension in the cargo bay thickened. Ume's hands, previously folded demurely before her, now hung at her sides, fingers curling slightly. Though her expression remained calm, something in her stance had shifted—a subtle readiness that reminded Jabari of combat drills at Cape Coast.

  "My name," Ume said with unexpected firmness, "is Ume."

  Celine's eyebrows raised slightly. "A name doesn't make you human."

  "No," Ume agreed, "but neither does biological birth guarantee humanity." She took a measured step forward. "I've reviewed human history carefully, Dr. Kamara. Many humans commit atrocities daily. They betray loved ones, abandon children, wage war over resources—all while possessing the very empathy you claim I lack."

  Celine's scanner remained steady. "Clever retort. Did this Xin program that too?"

  "He programmed me to think for myself," Ume replied. "Something I suspect your ex-husband's companion was never permitted to do."

  Celine's fingers tightened around the scanner. "You know nothing about—"

  "Your pain?" Ume's voice softened. "You're right. I can only analyze it, not feel it. But that doesn't mean I can't recognize its importance." She gestured to the scanner. "If examining my systems would ease your concerns, I won't resist. But I must warn you — activating that particular model near the Scarab's powered core could trigger its defensive countermeasures."

  "How did you even know about…" Celine's stance wavered.

  Jabari recognized the subtle warning in Ume's words. The KM-233's automatic defense systems would indeed register the scanner's quantum signature as a potential threat. He pushed the hatch open, stepping into the cargo bay.

  "Hey! Everything alright in here?" he asked, keeping his tone deliberately casual.

  Both turned toward him. Celine quickly lowered the scanner, though her expression remained guarded.

  "Lieutenant," she acknowledged. "Just performing standard security protocols."

  "Of course, madam." Jabari moved further into the bay, positioning himself subtly between them. "And feelings, apparently." He turned to Ume. "You okay?"

  Something flickered across Ume's features—surprise, perhaps, at being asked.

  "I am functional," she replied, then added more softly, "Thank you for asking."

  Celine exhaled sharply. "Lieutenant Adomako, your experience with androids — and the Imperium at large — is limited. This isn't a rescued civilian. It's advanced Imperial technology carrying sensitive data."

  "She," Jabari corrected. "And yes, she's carrying data we need. All the more reason to treat her with respect." He gestured to the scanner in Celine's hand. "Is that really necessary, madam?"

  "Standard protocol for unknown tech—"

  "We're carrying a Scarab mech along with other experimental weaponry," Jabari countered. "If anything's going to trigger alarms in Nusantara, it could be those, not Ume."

  A tense silence stretched between them. Finally, Celine pocketed the scanner with a resigned sigh.

  "Fine. But she stays under supervision at all times." Celine moved toward the hatch. "We'll arrive in approximately forty minutes. I suggest you prepare for customs inspection. Seydou's working on our documentation, but NIPU officials can be... thorough."

  "Aye, aye, madam." Jabari nodded cautiously.

  As Celine departed, Jabari turned to find Ume watching him, her expression unreadable.

  "Thank you," she said simply. "But an intervention wasn't necessary. I could have managed the situation."

  Jabari raised an eyebrow. "By threatening to trigger the Scarab's defenses?"

  A ghost of a smile crossed Ume's face. "It was merely a calculated warning. The KM-233's shields have been inactive since we boarded." She tilted her head.

  "I don't mind Celine finding out it was me who told you all that info." Jabari glanced toward the hatch Celine had exited through. "I just joined up, but it felt right to…do what I did."

  "Her reaction is statistically common among humans who've experienced relationship trauma involving androids," Ume observed. "Logical distrust, even if emotionally driven."

  Jabari studied Ume for a moment. "You really do think for yourself now, don't you?"

  "I'm learning to," Ume replied. Her amber eyes met his, suddenly uncertain. "Does that disturb you?"

  The question caught Jabari off-guard. "No," he answered honestly. "Actually, it's pretty amazing."

  Before Ume could respond, Wilhelm's voice crackled over the intercom.

  "Heads up. NIPU patrol vessels approaching our starboard side. Looks like we'll get the welcoming committee earlier than expected. Might want to get your story straight, hey?"

  The vessel's engines shifted pitch as they began descent procedures. Through the small viewport, Jabari could see the glittering spires of Nusantara rising from the ocean, the sun painting their surfaces in brilliant amber and gold.

  16:20, February 10, 2295

  Dock 88, Amber Wharf District, near Garuda Memorial, Nusantara, Borneo, New Indo-Pacific Union territory

  The setting sun painted the Primorian city's towering spires in shades of amber and gold, their gleaming surfaces reflecting the last rays of daylight across the port's crystal-clear waters. Jabari stood at the cargo vessel's stern, watching palm fronds sway against the backdrop of elegant egg-shaped structures that housed the New Indo-Pacific Union's governmental offices.

  "Documents, please?" a uniformed officer demanded, his bronze badge displaying NIPU Port Authority in holographic script. Two more officers flanked him, their scanning devices already humming. "Vessel registration and crew manifesto."

  Wilhelm stepped forward, datapad in hand. "Of course, of course. Everything's in order, hey?" His easy smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

  The lead officer's gaze lingered on Ume, who stood quietly beside Jabari. "Android transport permit?"

  "She's registered personnel, not cargo," Jabari interjected, fighting to keep his tone even.

  "Scanning indicates Da-Ji series architecture. 11th-generation, Imperium-made," one of the flanking officers reported, frowning at his device. "All Da-Ji units require—"

  "Special documentation, yes." Wilhelm produced a slim case from his emerald jacket. "Though I believe these might help — expedite the process?"

  Jabari caught a glimpse of the distinctive pleasure district hologram on the cards Wilhelm handed over, each card depicting the form of a scantily dressed person of the feminine persuation.

  The first card's title wrote ‘Isabella’, her dyed hair a cascade of mint green waves that tumbled over her shoulders, her form clad in a sheer red lingerie that left just enough to the imagination.

  The next card labeled ‘Yuki’, a vision of exotic yet oddly familiar allure. Her skin, a smooth and flawless alabaster, set off her dark eyes. She was draped in an embroidered kimono not too different from Ume's, a tantalizing hint of lace peeking out from underneath.

  Jabari bit back some small bits of dripping saliva as he moved to the third card labeled ‘Cassandra’. She wore her untamed, dark-brown locks like a crown, like a childhood crush from back home. She was dressed, or perhaps more accurately, undressed, in black lace that drew the eye to her dusky skin but didn't give everything away.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  His jaw tightened. "Those are…uh…"

  "Premium-grade Leased Lily service vouchers," Ume announced unprompted, her voice carrying the neutral tone of accessing stored data. "Valid for thirty standard days of companionship services at any registered establishment in the Scollay II district on planet Venus. Current market value: approximately 50,000 Atomic Dollars per voucher. Services include but are not limited to—"

  "Yeah, that's uh — that's enough, Ume," Jabari cut in, noting how the officers' expressions had shifted from suspicion to poorly concealed interest.

  The lead officer cleared his throat, tucking the vouchers into his uniform pocket. "Well, everything seems to be in order here." He gestured to his colleagues. "Expedited clearance protocols."

  Behind him, in the vessel's command center, Celine monitored local communications while Seydou ran diagnostics on their systems. Better to have experienced eyes watching their backs in unfamiliar territory.

  The cargo vessel's hold contained Jabari's Scarab mech, powered down but ready. Getting it through customs had cost extra, registered as "agricultural equipment" on their manifest, but Wilhelm had insisted on keeping it close rather than risking separate transport.

  Jabari sighed and turned away, unable to hide his disapproval as their vessel was quickly waved through to one of Nusantara's private docking bays.

  The dock's pristine surface hummed beneath their feet as they disembarked, its self-cleaning nanomaterials already dissolving any trace of their vessel's contact. Ahead, the city's legendary hanging gardens cascaded down the sides of crystalline towers.

  "This city's called Nusantara. Back in the Digital Era, 'twas but untamed wilderness, when the Sunken Ruins to the south was known as 'Jakarta the Capital'." Wilhelm murmured, his previous joviality replaced by focused alertness.

  "You know this place?" Jabari turned to Wilhelm as they walked, with himself on Ume's left and Wilhelm on her right.

  "Fancied myself a mercenary until Kimaris found me. Best place to take odd jobs and one-night stands on this side of Earth." Wilhelm returned his gaze with a thinly veiled mischief.

  Jabari nodded, casting a glance on Ume's shoulder as they moved toward the city proper. In the deepening twilight, Nusantara's buildings had begun to pulse with their own internal light, like a constellation brought down to Earth.

  "Two days we lay low here," Wilhelm murmured. "Give the heat time to die down before we make for Kimaris HQ. Nusantara's perfect - too many entering ships for anyone to track one specifically."

  "Hey, Jabari." Seydou's voice crackled through the earpiece. "What did you say happened to your Scarab again?"

  Jabari pressed a finger to his ear. "Got into a fight with a local. Something wrong?"

  "Found some interesting logs in the system. Someone accessed it externally — ah, anonymous calls to locally defined functions in shell script. Clever." Seydou's voice carried the enthusiasm of a technician finding a new puzzle. "But they forgot to encapsulate the return values. That works in our favor."

  "Xin's work, most likely," Ume commented beside Jabari, her voice too soft to carry over comms. "He keeps various scripts pre-loaded on his Quantum Watch."

  "Anything we should worry about right now, genius?" Wilhelm's sarcastic tone carried clearly as they descended a long stairway, his cerulean eyes and platinum blonde hair catching the luxurious hallway's lighting.

  "Actually, this gives me ideas for that local AI assistant model I've been wanting to develop for the Scarab," Seydou replied. "I'll stay aboard and work on it."

  Jabari observed the passing pedestrians, noting how they seemed to flow around his team like a stream around stones, their shorter statures making his group stand out even more.

  "No dinner for you then?" Wilhelm turned to Jabari, grinning. "What about you, Madame Celine? Care for some local cuisine or leisure?"

  "Not hungry." Celine's response came after a brief pause. "Do as you please, but check in at Hotel Majapahit before 23:00."

  "Mighty gracious of you, madame. Tot later!" Wilhelm dropped his hand from his ear and caught Jabari's eye. "There's a nice place just east of here. I know the way."

  Jabari spotted a group of soldiers in bulky crimson armor moving through the crowd behind Wilhelm, gleaming battleaxes on their backside. "Imperium troops?"

  "Hmm? Ah," Wilhelm glanced over his shoulder, seemingly unconcerned. "Common sight in these parts. NIPU's neutral territory — you'll see Alliance Vanguards strutting about too, from time to time."

  The city lived up to its reputation. Elevated walkways connected the egg-shaped towers, their surfaces adorned with cascading gardens that seemed to defy gravity. Holographic advertisements flickered in multiple languages unknown to Jabari, casting multicolored reflections across the chrome and glass surfaces.

  "Malay, Japanese, Hindi, Mandarin — and English." yellow lines of energies danced in Ume's amber-hued irises as she commented.

  "Do stay close," Wilhelm advised as they navigated through a bustling night market. The scent of grilled satay and aromatic spices wafted through the air, mixing with the clean ozone smell of fusion-powered food stalls. "Especially you, Ume. Lots of eyes around here interested in Da-Ji models like yourself."

  Jabari noticed how several passersby did double-takes at Ume's presence, their gazes lingering a bit too long. He shifted closer to her left side, while Wilhelm maintained his position on her right. The formation could protect her from any sudden grabs.

  A commotion ahead caught his attention. The crowd parted, and Jabari's breath caught at the sight of the woman who emerged. Her sleek uniform, black as obsidian with gleaming gold accents, cut a striking silhouette against the market's colorful backdrop. High cheekbones and refined features spoke of mixed heritage - the sharp angles common to Novian blood softened by Primorian grace. Her dark hair was swept up in an elegant updo, strategic loose strands framing her face.

  The fitted uniform's high collar bore a distinctive cutout at the throat, drawing attention to a golden chain that caught the light with every measured step. Her olive complexion was flawless, makeup applied with military precision, yet her commanding presence owed more to posture than cosmetics.

  Wilhelm's casual stride faltered for just a fraction of a second. "Well, well," he muttered, his accent thickening slightly with tension. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

  The woman's gaze swept over their group, calculating eyes moving from Wilhelm to Ume before settling on Jabari. Her painted lips curved into what might have been a predatory smile.

  "Good evening, gentlemen," she addressed them. Behind her, the Imperium troopers that had been shadowing Jabari's team rallied, their crimson armor shifting into defensive positions. "I believe we need to have a conversation about your cargo manifest."

  "But the Imperium has no jurisdiction here, miss," Wilhelm replied smoothly, though Jabari noticed his right hand had drifted closer to a Plasma Handgun on his belt. "This is NIPU territory we're in. Neutral, friendly, with a touch of tropical flair. Who doesn't love that, eh?"

  "True." The woman withdrew a holographic badge, its projection showing Imperium credentials. "But I'm here as a special liaison. Your vessel's registration number matches one reported missing from a Taiwan dock less than forty-eight hours ago." Her gaze fixed on Ume. "Along with certain... valuable assets. My Bloodtroopers won't attack if you'd simply return this — stolen android, to our care."

  Jabari felt Ume tense beside him. The market crowd had thinned considerably, those remaining watching the confrontation with poorly concealed interest. He counted six Bloodtroopers in crimson armor, their positions creating a loose circle around them.

  "Must be a mistake in the system," Wilhelm said. "Bureaucracy these days, eh? We have all the proper documentation—"

  "Including those vouchers you used at the dock?" Her smile sharpened. "Creative. Though I wonder if the port authorities know those particular Leased Lily establishments were... disrupted last month after a Radi-Mon attack on Scollay II."

  Jabari's mind raced. They were outnumbered, and in the cramped market space, any violence would endanger civilians. Plus, their Scarab was still in the vessel's hold, too far to reach.

  "Ah — I see you're a fellow connoisseur of exquisite Venus culture, milady," Wilhelm gestured at the woman with theatrical flourish. "Dare I venture a guess that you're the infamous Marisol?"

  "It seems my reputation precedes me." Marisol's eyes narrowed, cautiousness lacing her mezzo-soprano voice. "But pleasantries can wait. Submit U6-M9 to us, and this will end peacefully."

  Ume lowered her head, stepping back as Jabari instinctively moved forward to shield her from the Bloodtroopers. His gaze caught the two-handed Thermal Battleaxes fastened to each soldier's back – they'd come prepared for more than just talk.

  "You know, they say that Radi-Mon attack on Scollay II was the Incubus Horde's doing," Wilhelm maintained his grin, matching Jabari's protective stance. "They tend to take anyone with good looks, irrespective of gender, so perhaps a few handsome men were taken as well."

  "Quit stalling!" one of the Bloodtroopers barked from behind Marisol. "Give us that android, or we'll carve you to pieces!"

  "You want to try?" Jabari's hand found the grip of his Nanosteel Combat Knife on his belt, ready to draw at a moment's notice, the light on his green combat armor's chest piece glowed orange, signaling activation.

  But a commotion erupted from a nearby food stall. An Imperial woman in an elegant kimono stumbled forward, nearly colliding with one of the Bloodtroopers. Her short black hair swayed as she giggled, managing to splash what looked like rice wine across the trooper's armor.

  "Oh! A thousand pardons!" she exclaimed in heavily accented English. Her snow-white countenance and crimson lips formed a perfect 'O' of surprise as she collapsed against the armored chest of the Bloodtrooper. The pristine white and orange of her garment seemed at odds with her apparent intoxication. "Wen! You promised to marry me and take me back to China!"

  "What!?" the Bloodtrooper's bald head snapped back, face contorting in shock. "H-how do you know my name?"

  "Wen, really?" another Bloodtrooper stepped forward, jaw dropping. "You've been married to Lin for five years now!"

  "Liar!" The Imperial woman's delicate fists drummed against his chest plate, each strike echoing through the market. "You promised!" Her voice rose to a theatrical pitch.

  "I have absolutely no idea who you are!" The Bloodtrooper attempted to shove her away, but her grip remained surprisingly firm despite her lithe frame.

  Jabari caught a glint of something in the woman's snowy hands – a palm-sized recorder shaped like a ping pong ball. Her thumb pressed down on it, and voices filled the air.

  "Wen. Was that good for you?" A voice identical to the Imperial woman's purred from the device.

  "Fucking good, Fuuka. I wished my wife was skilled like you." The Bloodtrooper's unmistakable voice responded.

  "And you came so much, too." Fuuka's recorded voice teased.

  "Your mouth, Fuuka. It's so...soft and warm inside." The trooper's voice grew husky with remembered pleasure. "I'd shoot my load in it a thousand more times!"

  The surrounding Bloodtroopers recoiled in collective horror, their attention completely diverted from Jabari's team.

  "Fucking spies!" The Bloodtrooper's armor trembled with rage and shame. "I should have never visited that whorehouse in Susukino!"

  "What is the meaning of this?" Marisol's carefully maintained composure cracked as she turned toward the disruption.

  Fuuka, still playing drunk, began singing what sounded like an old Imperial love song, her voice drawing even more onlookers. The market's atmosphere shifted as the growing crowd threatened to break the Bloodtroopers' formation.

  "Shame on you, Wen." A Bloodtrooper shook his helmeted head in disgust.

  "The punishment for infidelity. By the Dragon," another backed away. "Forget promotion. Prefect Dinu could send you to the blocks!"

  "Sir? Please, my friend needs assistance!" A tenor voice called out from behind them. Jabari turned to see a tall Djinno man in traditional draped clothing, his emerald and gold attire marking him as a wealthy trader. Multiple gold necklaces caught the light as he gestured urgently. "She's making a mess of my establishment!"

  "Ah yes, then we should go — help!" Wilhelm said loudly, already moving away from the Bloodtroopers surrounding Fuuka and Marisol. "Wouldn't want to disrupt the fine encounter over there, eh?"

  Jabari could see Marisol's jaw tightening as the growing crowd of NIPU citizens now gathered around them.

  "Come on," he said softly, his voice carrying despite the market's noise as he turned to Ume, one hand on the sheath of his Combat Knife while his other arm hovered behind Ume's back, shielding her as they jogged to follow the Djinno man's steps.

  "Call me Amir," the man spoke as he led the way. His strong features were accentuated by a distinctive black bindi on his forehead, and his well-defined jawline spoke of noble heritage. Intense eyes gleamed with intelligence beneath neatly styled hair that carried a slight wave. "There's a local restaurant away from Imperium influence beneath these streets. Underground, secure and quiet."

  "Jabari. This here's my friends, Wilhelm and Ume," Jabari jogged along as he turned back to peek at the crowd they left behind one more time. "What about your companion?"

  In the distance, he could still see Fuuka making an even bigger spectacle of herself – now she had climbed onto a market stall, kimono sleeve dramatically raised to her forehead as she belted out what sounded like a tragic opera about lost love. Several Bloodtroopers were attempting to coax her down while others tried to control the laughing crowd, their military discipline crumbling in the face of such theatrical chaos.

  And then he caught it. Fuuka turned her delicate head to look in Jabari's direction, blinking one eye at him encouragingly. He could feel his heart skip a beat as he stared back with a silly smile. He could not ignore the captivating aura she exuded. It was as though Ume had an elder sibling, but that sibling had visited heaven and returned bearing a piece of its celestial radiance.

  "Fuuka's done this dance many times before. She'll find a way to meet us. She always does." Amir led them toward what appeared to be a dungeon entrance, its stone walls weathered by centuries. Above the heavy wooden door, a brass lotus icon gleamed softly in the evening light, its petals arranged in perfect symmetry around a crystalline center.

  "You people." Ume's amber eyes fixed on the lotus symbol, her voice rising. "Sand L—"

  "Shh. Don't want to scare the people above ground now." Amir smoothly pressed a finger to Ume's small lips. "I'll answer any question you have over dinner. My treat."

  "Sounds fair." Wilhelm paused beside Amir, his hand still resting casually on his holstered handgun, remarking sarcastically. "Lead the way, good sir."