Die Zeit von Xitter muss enden. Wahrscheinlich muss überhaupt die Zeit privat besessener Plattformen enden. Es gibt dort nichts, worum man kämpfen muss oder kann. Wir sollten öffentliche Plattformen bauen.
Tilo Jung und Wolfgang M. Schmitt präsentieren die PALASTREVOLUTION: Am 17. Juni 2023 begrüßten sie im Admiralspalast die Ökonominnen Silja Graupe und Isabella Weber, Journalist & Medienunternehmer Friedrich Küppersbusch und Philosoph Richard David Precht und sprachen mit ihnen über Revolution in der Ökonomie, Medienwelt und Außenpolitik.
Als “Main Event” gab es die große Pro & Contra Debatte zur These “Die herrschende Politik versagt. Jetzt hilft nur noch eine Revolution”. Auf der Pro-Seite diskutierten Ungleichheitsforscherin Martyna Linartas, Aktivistin Simin Jawabreh und Wolfgang. Auf der Contra-Seite stritten die Vorsitzende des Deutschen Ethikrats Alena Buyx, der “Wirtschaftsweise” Achim Truger und Hans Jessen.
Korrupte Chefs, teure Gebühren, links-grüner Content – der öffentlich-rechtliche Rundfunk mit ARD, ZDF, funk bekommt heftigen Gegenwind. Und der lässt einfach nicht nach. Das geht besser, oder?
Das Format “Die da oben!” – Jan Schipmann und Aline Abboud informieren euch über hitzige Debatten aus dem Parlament und liefern euch die Highlights aus dem Zentrum der Macht – hat die Frage gestellt, wie der ÖRR aussehen müsste, damit wir ihn alle richtig gut finden und haben deswegen ein Gedankenexperiment gemacht: Was wäre, wenn wir gar keinen ÖRR hätten und komplett von vorne anfangen könnten? Dabei lassen wir keinen Stein auf dem anderen: Wir schauen uns das Programm an, die ganzen Sender, den Rundfunkbeitrag, die Gehälter der Intendant:innen und die Kontrollgremien. Dazu haben wir euch, die DIE DA OBEN!-Community und richtig viele Medien-Expert:innen gefragt. Rausgekommen ist eine Vision für einen neuen, besseren ÖRR – oder was sagt ihr?
Es ist der Tag, den man in Deutschland aus irgendeinem Grund den “Tag der Arbeit nennt”. Es war jener Tag, da die Instrumente von ASTROCOHORS HEXAPHYRON erneut eine Schwingung aufzeichneten, das keiner der Wissenschaftler irgendetwas zuordnen konnte. Sie ahnten nicht, dass schon acht Jahre zuvor Ju auf der Erde erschienen war.
ARNOLD, der Computer der Basis ATLANTIS, bemühte sich, die Schwingungen zu dekodieren, die sich als starkes Signal entpuppten, das etwas tat, dass man für unmöglich gehalten hatte: Raum und Zeit zu verbiegen. Daraus ergab sich eine Hypothese: stand der Ju in Verbindung mit dem geheimnisvollen Plothole, das noch ein Jahr vor dem Erscheinen des Ju eine große Katastrophe heraufbeschwor.
Die Botschaften, die ARNOLD entzifferte, lieferte da kaum Antworten…
Mei-Lin Zhou had been chasing Lord Pavor for months now. She had been following clues from planet to planet, trying to uncover his location and put an end to his reign of terror. Mei-Lin was a skilled detective, but she was also a fighter. She had taken down countless members of Pavor’s terrorist group, but she knew that the only way to truly stop him was to find him and take him out.
Mei-Lin was on her way to the next planet on her list when she received a message from an unknown sender. The message contained coordinates for a planet she had never heard of before, along with a simple message: “Come alone.”
Mei-Lin was suspicious, but she knew that she couldn’t pass up any potential leads. She landed on the planet, which was covered in dense forests and towering mountains. As she made her way through the trees, she heard a rustling in the bushes.
“Who’s there?” she called out.
A man stepped out from behind the trees. He was tall and lean, with piercing blue eyes and a rugged beard. Mei-Lin had never seen him before.
“I’m Jarmo Dorak,” he said, holding out his hand. “You must be Mei-Lin Zhou.”
Mei-Lin hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand. “How did you know my name?”
“I know a lot of things,” Jarmo said with a smirk. “Including the fact that we’re both looking for Lord Pavor.”
Mei-Lin narrowed her eyes. “What makes you think that?”
“I have reason to believe that he stole an ancient artifact from me,” Jarmo said. “And I think that artifact might be the key to finding him.”
Mei-Lin was intrigued. “What kind of artifact?”
“It’s a small, black sphere,” Jarmo said. “It’s said to have mystical powers. I’ve been searching for it for a long time, and I finally traced it to this planet. But when I got here, I found out that Pavor had already taken it.”
Mei-Lin frowned. “Why would Pavor want an ancient artifact?”
“I don’t know,” Jarmo admitted. “But I do know that we’re both after the same thing. And I think that if we work together, we might be able to find Pavor and the artifact.”
Mei-Lin hesitated. She wasn’t used to working with others, especially not strangers. But something about Jarmo’s confident demeanor and piercing blue eyes made her trust him.
“Okay,” she said. “Let’s work together.”
Jarmo grinned. “Great. I think I know where to start.”
Jarmo led Mei-Lin to a small spaceship that was hidden behind a row of trees. They climbed aboard and Jarmo set the coordinates for the next planet on their list.
As they flew through space, Jarmo filled Mei-Lin in on what he knew about the artifact.
“It’s called the Eye of the Phoenix,” he said. “Legend has it that it can grant immortality to whoever possesses it. But it’s also said to have a dark side. Anyone who uses it for evil will be cursed. But those are… well, just legends. The Eye of the Phoenix is more or less a map. But you know, legends can inspire people. So they hunt after this artifact in search for eternal life, and they do it at all costs.”
Mei-Lin raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like a dangerous thing to be chasing after.”
“It is,” Jarmo admitted. “But I have to find it. It’s the only way to… well, I have to find it.”
Mei-Lin didn’t press him for more information. She could tell that Jarmo was holding something back, but she also knew that she had her own reasons for stopping Pavor.
They landed on the next planet, which was a barren desert wasteland. The heat was scorching, and Mei-Lin had to shield her eyes from the blinding sun. Jarmo led her to a small outpost on the edge of the desert. The outpost was a ramshackle building made of scrap metal and old machine parts. A group of rough-looking men stood guard outside, eyeing Mei-Lin and Jarmo suspiciously.
“We need to get inside,” Jarmo whispered to Mei-Lin. “I think they might know something about Pavor.”
Mei-Lin nodded, and the two of them approached the guards. Jarmo flashed a small silver badge, which seemed to satisfy the guards. They stepped aside, allowing Mei-Lin and Jarmo to enter the outpost.
Inside, the air was thick with the smell of oil and sweat. Mei-Lin and Jarmo made their way through a maze of corridors, searching for any clues about Pavor’s whereabouts. They eventually came to a small room at the end of a hallway. Inside, a group of men were gathered around a table, studying a map of the planet.
Jarmo stepped forward. “Excuse me,” he said. “We’re looking for information about a man named Lord Pavor. Have you seen him?”
The men looked up, eyeing Mei-Lin and Jarmo warily. One of them spoke up. “Why are you looking for Pavor?”
Jarmo hesitated for a moment before pulling out a small device. “We’re tracking an artifact that he stole from us. It’s very important.”
The men exchanged a look before one of them nodded. “We heard that Pavor was seen near the old mining site. But be careful. That place is crawling with his men.”
Mei-Lin and Jarmo thanked the men before making their way out of the outpost. As they walked through the scorching desert, Jarmo turned to Mei-Lin.
“I didn’t tell them the whole truth,” he said. “Maybe they’ve heard about the legends. The dangerous ones, you know. But I must warn you: Pavor has heard of the legends, he wants to become immortal and will be trying to use it to take over the solar system.”
Mei-Lin frowned. “Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?”
“I didn’t know if I could trust you,” Jarmo admitted. “But now I do. And I need your help to stop him.”
Mei-Lin nodded. “I’m in.”
They took off again, this time headed for a moon on the outer edges of the solar system. The moon was rumored to be haunted, and Mei-Lin felt a chill run down her spine as they approached. As they landed, they saw that the rumors were true. The moon was shrouded in mist, and strange noises echoed through the air.
Jarmo led Mei-Lin through the mist, searching for any sign of Pavor or the Eye of the Phoenix. They came to a small abandoned mining village, where the streets were lined with empty buildings and rusted machinery.
As they walked through the village, Mei-Lin saw a flash of movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned, but saw nothing.
“Did you see that?” she asked Jarmo.
Jarmo shook his head. “See what?”
“Never mind,” Mei-Lin said, shaking her head. “Let’s keep moving.”
They continued through the village, searching for any clues. Mei-Lin heard the sound of footsteps behind her, but when she turned, there was no one there.
Suddenly, a figure appeared out of the mist. It was a man, dressed in tattered clothing and carrying a large rifle. Mei-Lin and Jarmo tensed, ready for a fight, but the man simply nodded at them before disappearing back into the mist.
“What was that about?” Mei-Lin asked.
“I don’t know,” Jarmo said. “But we need to be careful. This place is dangerous.”
They made their way deeper into the village, eventually coming to an old mine shaft. Jarmo led the way, the light from his device casting eerie shadows on the walls.
Suddenly, they heard a sound behind them. They spun around, weapons drawn, but saw nothing.
“Okay, I’m starting to get a little freaked out,” Mei-Lin said.
“I know,” Jarmo said. “But we have to keep going. The Eye of the Phoenix must be here somewhere.”
They pressed on, deeper into the mine shaft. The air grew colder, and Mei-Lin felt a sense of unease wash over her. Suddenly, they came to a large chamber. In the center of the chamber was a pedestal, on top of which sat a small, glowing orb.
“The Eye of the Phoenix,” Jarmo whispered.
But before they could reach the pedestal, a group of men emerged from the shadows, weapons raised.
“Pavor’s men,” Jarmo said.
Mei-Lin and Jarmo fought with everything they had, taking down Pavor’s men one by one. But more and more kept coming, and soon they were outnumbered. Just when it seemed like all was lost, a group of figures appeared out of the mist. They were the same people Mei-Lin had seen earlier, dressed in tattered clothing and carrying weapons.
Together, they fought off Pavor’s men, their combined strength overwhelming their attackers. When the last of Pavor’s men fell, Mei-Lin and Jarmo turned to face their unlikely allies.
“Why did you help us?” Mei-Lin asked.
The leader of the group stepped forward. “We’ve been fighting against Pavor for years. We saw you as our chance to finally defeat him.”
Mei-Lin and Jarmo thanked their new allies before grabbing the glowing orb. But as Jarmo lifted it up it stopped glowing.
Mei-Lin looked puzzled. “What does this mean?”
“A fake!” Jarmo got angry. He was fooled like a stupid beginner. Of course Parvo would never leave his most precious treasure somewhere.
“And what now?” Mei-Lin shrugged.
“I have some information where Pavor could be,” Jarmo replied. “We have to try.”
They made their way back to their ship. Their journey eventually led them to Saturn, where Pavor’s secret hideout was located in the middle of a lake. They landed their ship on the edge of the lake before making their way to the hideout on foot.
As they approached, Mei-Lin and Jarmo saw that Pavor’s men were everywhere, guarding the entrance to the hideout.
“We have to be careful,” Jarmo whispered. “We don’t want to be spotted.”
They crept along the edge of the lake, staying in the shadows. When they were close enough, they sprang into action, taking down the guards with surprising ease. They made their way into the hideout, weapons at the ready. The interior was dimly lit, and the sound of footsteps echoed through the halls.
Suddenly, they heard a voice. “Well, well, well. Look who decided to pay me a visit.”
It was Lord Pavor himself, standing at the end of a long hallway. He was tall and imposing, his eyes gleaming with malice.
Mei-Lin and Jarmo stepped forward, weapons raised. “We’re here to stop you,” Mei-Lin said.
Pavor laughed. “You think you can defeat me? I have an entire army at my disposal.”
Mei-Lin and Jarmo braced themselves for a fight, but before they could move, something unexpected happened. Pavor’s own men turned on him, realizing that he was using them for his own gain.
A fierce battle broke out between Pavor’s loyalists and those who had turned against him. Mei-Lin and Jarmo took advantage of the chaos to make their way deeper into the hideout.
As they moved through the dimly lit halls, they encountered more of Pavor’s men. They fought their way through, determined to get to the heart of the hideout.
Finally, they reached a large chamber, where Pavor was waiting for them. He was flanked by his most loyal men, and he looked furious.
“You’ll never defeat me,” he said. “I have the Eye of the Phoenix, and I have the power to destroy you.”
He held up the small, glowing orb, and Mei-Lin and Jarmo could feel its power radiating through the room.
But then, something surprising happened. Jarmo stepped forward, holding up a torch light. As the light hit the orb, a hologram appeared over their heads, showing a star map.”
“The Eye of the Phoenix is not a weapon,” he said. “It’s a key and a map. A map to a great mystery.”
Pavor looked confused, and Mei-Lin took advantage of the moment to strike. She lunged forward, her blade flashing in the dim light.
The fight was brutal, but in the end, Mei-Lin emerged victorious. She stood over Pavor’s fallen body, panting with exertion.
Jarmo approached her, holding the Eye of the Phoenix in his hand. “What do we do with this?” he asked.
Mei-Lin looked at him, and then at the artifact. “You can examine it and get whatever information you need. Then we give it back to the people it belongs to,” she said.
It took Jarmo and Mei-Lin one day to decipher the map. Together, they then made their way back to the village on Venus. The people there welcomed them with open arms, and they presented the Eye of the Phoenix to the village elder.
The elder thanked them, and then turned to the rest of the village. “We have been fighting for our freedom for years,” she said. “And now, thanks to these two brave warriors, we have it.”
Mei-Lin and Jarmo watched as the villagers celebrated, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over them. They had accomplished what they had set out to do, and they had done it together.
As the night wore on, Mei-Lin and Jarmo found themselves talking about everything that had happened. They talked about the dangers they had faced, the people they had met, and the bond they had formed.
As they spoke, they grew closer, their hearts beating in unison. They knew that they had been through something incredible together, and that they had come out stronger for it.
In the end, they decided to continue their adventures together, exploring the galaxy and fighting for what was right. They knew that there would always be more battles to fight, but they were ready for the new adventure that lay ahead. And so, Mei-Lin and Jarmo set off into the stars, their hearts full of hope and their eyes fixed firmly on the future.
Mei-Lin watched the destruction from afar. The once-beautiful city Vuban of Neptune was now a smoldering wasteland. The blue-green island was now an eerie shade of gray. The ocean’s waves no longer lapped at the shore, instead replaced with debris and rubble. She had arrived too late to stop the attack, but she was determined to find those responsible.
She walked through the destruction, careful not to step on anything that could harm her. She saw the bodies of the victims of the attack, and her heart sank. She knew that she had to do something to bring those responsible to justice.
As she walked, she found a piece of paper that had been partially burnt but still had legible writing on it. The paper was a flyer for a party that had been held the night before the attack. Mei-Lin knew that it could be a clue, so she took it with her.
Mei-Lin went to the address on the flyer, which led her to a luxurious apartment building. She knocked on the door of the apartment where the party had been held but got no answer. She tried to listen for any sounds from inside but heard nothing.
She decided to wait, thinking that someone would eventually come out of the apartment. After a few hours of waiting, a man came out, and Mei-Lin followed him. He led her to an underground parking lot where he got into a car and drove off.
Mei-Lin tried to memorize the license plate number and the make and model of the car, but it was too dark to see. She decided to ask around and see if anyone had seen the car.
Mei-Lin asked the local authorities if they had any information about the car she had seen. They told her that they had seen a car matching the description she gave, but it had been reported stolen.
She then went to a local bar and started asking questions. She learned that the car belonged to a local gang, and that the gang had been seen in the area around the time of the attack. She also learned that the gang was known for being ruthless and for having a leader named “The Tiger.” What? Wasn’t he in prison? Did he escape?
Mei-Lin found out where the Tiger’s hideout was and made her way there. The hideout was a dingy warehouse on the outskirts of the city. Mei-Lin could hear music coming from inside, and she knew that the gang was having a party.
She sneaked around the warehouse, looking for a way in. She found an open window and crawled inside. Once inside, she realized that she had underestimated the size of the gang. There were dozens of members, all heavily armed and dangerous.
Mei-Lin tried to blend in, but she knew that it was only a matter of time before someone recognized her. She started to look for any clues that might help her find the Tiger.
Mei-Lin found a notebook with a list of the gang’s hideouts. She also found a journal that belonged to the Tiger. She read through it, hoping to find any information that would lead her to him.
She was in the middle of reading when she heard footsteps. She turned around and saw a man standing in front of her. He had a gun pointed at her, and he looked angry.
“You don’t belong here,” he said.
Mei-Lin knew that she had been caught. She tried to talk her way out of the situation, but the man was not interested in listening. He takes a step towards her, but she was faster. While she was talking to him, she pulled a small vial out of her pocket. Now she threw it in his face. The vial was designed to burst when it hit the guard’s forehead. Its contents, a strange green liquid, spilled onto the guard’s face. He immediately fell down and was unconscious. “It was a boring conversation anyway,” Mei-Lin murmured. She searched the guard and found an access card. This could be useful so she took it from him. Then she turned back to the papers and found what she was looking for: a map! On this map was marked a point that seemed to be important.
Mei-Lin was about to sneak away when she noticed another piece of paper. What was that? The outline of a building was drawn on the paper. It took a moment, then Mei-Lin realized that it was the outline of the prison where the Tiger had been held captive. So someone had freed him! But who?
She had just asked herself the question when she saw a mark on the paper. She had to look closely, but then she could make out the letters: L-O-R-D P-A-V-O-R. She had heard that name before. Like the Tiger, he too was a terrorist leader. But that he was now working with the tiger… “One thing at a time,” Mei-Lin said to herself. Do the urgent things first. Find out more about what’s going on and then hunt down the Tiger, Lord Pavor or whoever.
Mei-Lin left the city and headed towards the coordinates on the map. After several hours of driving, she finally arrived at the destination. It was an abandoned building in the middle of nowhere. The windows were shattered, and the roof was caved in. Mei-Lin hesitated for a moment, but then she steeled herself and got out of the car.
She entered the building with caution, taking each step carefully. The place was filled with debris and garbage, but there was a path that looked recently cleared. She followed it, and after a few turns, she found herself facing a steel door. There was a card reader next to it, and Mei-Lin used the access card she had obtained from the guard. The door slid open with a hiss, and Mei-Lin stepped inside.
The room was dimly lit, and Mei-Lin could hear the sound of machinery in the background. She could see a figure sitting in front of a console, typing away at the keyboard. Mei-Lin approached the figure cautiously, and when she was close enough, she saw that it was a woman. The woman was in her early thirties, with short blonde hair and green eyes. She was wearing a lab coat over her clothes, and Mei-Lin could see that there were various tools and gadgets scattered around the room.
The woman looked up when Mei-Lin cleared her throat, and a smile appeared on her face. “Ah, you must be Mei-Lin,” she said, standing up from the console. “I’ve been expecting you.”
Mei-Lin narrowed her eyes. “Who are you?”
The woman chuckled. “My name is Dr. Rachel Lee. I’m the one who designed the weapon that was used in the attack on Neptune.”
Mei-Lin’s eyes widened. “You’re the one responsible for killing all those people?”
Dr. Lee shrugged. “I’m a scientist. I don’t concern myself with the ethics of my work. I’m only interested in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”
Mei-Lin gritted her teeth. “Where is Lord Pavor?”
Dr. Lee shook her head. “I don’t know. He’s gone into hiding, and I haven’t heard from him in weeks.”
Mei-Lin’s fists clenched. “You expect me to believe that?”
Dr. Lee shrugged. “Believe what you want. The fact remains that I can help you find him.”
Mei-Lin raised an eyebrow. “And why would you want to do that?”
Dr. Lee smiled. “Let’s just say that Lord Pavor and I have a difference of opinion. I’d like to see him brought to justice, and I’m willing to help you do that.”
Mei-Lin hesitated for a moment, but then she nodded. “Fine. What do you know?”
Dr. Lee walked back to the console and typed something into the keyboard. “I’ve been tracking his movements, and I’ve found that he’s been communicating with someone on Mars. I don’t know who this person is, but I do have their location.”
Mei-Lin frowned. “And where is that?”
Dr. Lee turned to face her. “It’s a secret facility on the outskirts of Olympus Mons. It’s heavily guarded, but if you’re careful, you should be able to sneak in.”
Mei-Lin nodded. “Thank you, Dr. Lee. I’ll take it from here.”
Dr. Lee smiled. “Good luck, Mei-Lin. And be careful. Lord Pavor is not someone to be trifled with.”
Mei-Lin left the room and headed back to her car. The term “car” was a bit imprecise, it was a vehicle that worked with antigravity. However, Mei-Lin didn’t care, the main thing was that she could reach her goal. Frighteningly, finding the tiger’s lair was very easy. It was exactly where the scientist had described it. One facility, one big building. And an inviting staircase leading upstairs.
Mei-Lin’s heart raced as she reached the top of the stairs. She could hear voices coming from the other side of the door. Taking a deep breath, she slowly pushed the door open.
The room inside was dark and filled with smoke. Mei-Lin could barely make out the shapes of people moving around in the shadows. She could hear the sound of weapons being loaded, and her heart rate increased even more.
Suddenly, a beam of light shone in her direction, and she realized that she had been spotted. Without thinking, she drew her gun and fired, taking down the man holding the flashlight.
The other terrorists quickly sprang into action, firing their weapons at Mei-Lin. She dove behind a nearby crate, returning fire as quickly as she could.
The sound of gunshots echoed through the room as the two sides exchanged fire. Mei-Lin could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she dodged bullets and fired back at her attackers.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the gunfire died down. Mei-Lin slowly stood up, scanning the room for any signs of movement. She could see the bodies of several terrorists lying on the ground, but there was no sign of Dirus.
As she cautiously made her way towards the exit, she heard a faint sound coming from behind a nearby door. She approached it slowly, gun at the ready, and pushed it open.
Inside, she found Dirus, his hands on a console. He turned around, a wicked smile on his face.
“I’ve been waiting for you, Mei-Lin,” he said.
Mei-Lin raised her gun, aiming it directly at Dirus. “It’s over, Dirus. You’re going to pay for what you’ve done.”
Dirus just chuckled. “You have no idea what you’re up against, Mei-Lin. Lord Pavor is more powerful than you can imagine. He’s been planning this for years, and you’re just a small piece in his game.”
Mei-Lin didn’t flinch. “I don’t care. I’ll stop him, no matter what it takes.”
With that, she pulled the trigger, and Dirus crumpled to the ground. Mei-Lin let out a sigh of relief, feeling the weight of the world lift off her shoulders.
But even as she left the room, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something bigger was at play. Lord Pavor was still out there, and she knew that he wouldn’t give up until he had achieved his ultimate goal.
Mei-Lin made her way back to the surface of Neptune, feeling a mix of exhaustion and triumph. She knew that the fight was far from over, but she was determined to see it through to the end. She had come too far to back down now.
As she boarded her ship and set course for the next destination, Mei-Lin couldn’t help but wonder what other challenges lay ahead. But one thing was for sure: she was ready for anything that came her way.
After the mission on Titan, Lina was granted a pardon by the government. She was no longer a prisoner or an operative. She was a free woman.
But Lina wasn’t content to simply live out her days in peace. She still had questions about her past, about who she really was.
Lina spent weeks researching, investigating, and piecing together her fragmented memories. She traveled to different planets, spoke with people who might have known her, and studied ancient texts and artifacts.
And then, one day, Lina finally discovered the truth.
She learned that her real name was Mei-Lin Zhou. She was a scientist who specialized in the study of quantum physics and its potential applications in science and technology.
Mei-Lin had been working on a project to create a new form of energy that could revolutionize the way humans traveled through space. But her research had attracted the attention of a group of extremists who believed that magic should be kept hidden from the rest of the world.
These extremists, led by a man known only as the Tiger, had kidnapped Mei-Lin and brainwashed her into believing that she was one of their own. They had erased her memories and convinced her that she was a terrorist.
Mei-Lin was horrified by the truth of her past. But she was also relieved. Finally, she had an answer to the question that had haunted her for so long.
But there was still one more mystery to solve. Mei-Lin needed to know how she had ended up on Mercury, in the Temple with the Incense of Forgetfulness.
She returned to Mercury, determined to find the answer. She made her way to the temple, the same temple where she had awoken so many months before.
As she entered the temple, the familiar scent of incense filled her senses. She walked past the bowl, now empty, and made her way deeper into the temple.
Mei-Lin was overwhelmed by the memories of it all. But she was also grateful. She had found her answers, and she had discovered that a miracle of magic could change the course of a life. Like the Incense of Forgetfulness.
And so, Mei-Lin Zhou, the scientist and adventurer, set out on a new journey. A journey to explore the secrets of the quantum realm, to unlock its full potential, and to create a better future for all of humanity.
Mei-Lin couldn’t resist the temptation to explore the temple further. She had spent so much time here, yet she still didn’t know everything about this place.
She walked through the dark corridors, her eyes adjusting to the dim lighting. She saw familiar statues and ancient relics, but she also noticed new details that she hadn’t seen before.
As she walked deeper into the temple, she noticed a room that she had never seen before. The room was filled with intricate carvings on the walls, depicting scenes of ancient battles and magical rituals.
In the center of the room, there was a large pedestal with a small, glowing orb resting on top. Mei-Lin approached the pedestal, her curiosity getting the best of her.
As she got closer, she noticed that the orb was emitting a strange energy. Mei-Lin had a feeling that touching it would be dangerous, but she couldn’t resist.
She reached out and touched the orb. As soon as her fingers made contact, she was engulfed in a bright flash of light.
When the light faded, Mei-Lin found herself standing in a different room. The walls were covered in glittering jewels and precious metals, and the air was filled with the scent of incense.
Mei-Lin realized that she had been transported to a different part of the temple, a place that she had never seen before. She walked around, admiring the beautiful decorations and intricate carvings on the walls.
As she explored the room, she noticed a small door in the corner. It was barely visible, hidden behind a tapestry.
Mei-Lin pushed the tapestry aside and opened the door. She gasped as she saw what was inside.
The room was filled with ancient scrolls and books, all written in a language that Mei-Lin couldn’t read. She saw strange artifacts and objects, some of which she recognized from her studies.
Mei-Lin knew that she had stumbled upon a treasure trove of knowledge, a library that held the secrets of magic and science that had been lost to the world for centuries.
She spent hours in the library, reading and studying the ancient texts. She could read some, but not all. The people that once built this temple were really storing their complete knowledge here.
As she read, Mei-Lin realized that her journey was far from over. She had unlocked the secrets of her past, but now she had a new mission. She would use her knowledge to change the world, to make it a better place for all of sentient beings. And she would do it all in the name of Mei-Lin Zhou, the scientist and adventurer who had once been lost, but was now found.
With her newfound knowledge and understanding, Mei-Lin felt unstoppable. She knew that she had a purpose and a destiny to fulfill. She also knew that she needed to leave the temple and explore the rest of the solar system.
As she prepared to leave, she gathered as many books and artifacts as she could carry. She knew that they would be valuable resources for her in the future.
Mei-Lin smiled, then turned and left the temple. She stepped outside and took a deep breath of the fresh air, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face.
She knew that she had a lot of work to do, but she felt ready for it. She would use her knowledge of magic and science to explore the rest of the solar system and make a positive impact on the world.
As she looked out at the endless expanse of space, Mei-Lin felt a sense of wonder and excitement. She knew that there were countless adventures and discoveries waiting for her out there, and she couldn’t wait to see what the future held.
She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and stepped forward into the unknown.
The woman had been given a new identity by the authorities: Lina Chen. It was a name that felt foreign on her tongue, but she had grown used to it. She had settled into her new life on Mars, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that her past was still out there, waiting for her.
One day, as she was walking through the bustling streets of the Martian capital, she saw a familiar face. It was the Tiger, the man who had led the terrorist group that she and Astra had infiltrated.
Lina’s heart raced as she watched him disappear into a crowded marketplace. She knew that she had to act fast. She contacted the government agents who had helped her before and told them what she had seen.
“We need to take him down,” Lina said. “He’s the only one who got away, and he’s still out there, plotting his next move.”
The agents agreed to help her, but they warned her that the Tiger was a dangerous man. He was known for his brutality and his merciless tactics.
“He won’t hesitate to kill anyone who gets in his way,” one of the agents said. “You need to be careful.”
Lina nodded, knowing that she couldn’t let fear stop her. She was determined to bring the Tiger to justice, no matter what it took.
Over the next few weeks, Lina tracked the Tiger across the solar system. She followed him to the barren wastelands of Venus, where he was recruiting a new army of followers.
Lina watched from a distance as the Tiger addressed his new recruits, promising them power and wealth beyond their wildest dreams. She felt sick to her stomach as she saw the desperation in their eyes, knowing that they were being manipulated by a ruthless killer.
But Lina knew that she couldn’t let her emotions get in the way. She had a job to do, and she had to do it well.
She waited until nightfall, when the Tiger and his followers had retired to their camps. She slipped into the Tiger’s tent, her heart pounding in her chest.
The Tiger was there, sleeping soundly. Lina pulled out her knife, ready to strike. But as she looked down at the man who had caused so much destruction and death, something inside her hesitated.
She knew that killing the Tiger would be the easy way out. It would be a quick and simple solution to a complex problem. But it wouldn’t bring back the lives that he had taken. It wouldn’t make things right.
Lina lowered her knife and backed away from the Tiger’s tent. She knew that she had to find another way to stop him, a way that didn’t involve violence or revenge.
As she made her way back to her ship, Lina felt a sense of purpose and clarity that she had never felt before. She knew that she had found her true calling: to fight for justice and to protect the innocent, no matter what the cost. And she knew that she had the strength and the courage to do it, even in the face of the most merciless enemies.
Lina returned to Mars with a renewed sense of purpose. She contacted the government agents and told them about her decision not to kill the Tiger.
“I know it might seem foolish,” Lina said. “But I believe that there’s always another way. Violence only begets more violence.”
The agents were skeptical, but they knew that Lina was a skilled operative and that she had a deep sense of morality.
“We’ll support you,” one of the agents said. “But we need to be careful. The Tiger won’t stop until he’s taken down everyone who stands in his way.”
Lina spent the next few weeks gathering intelligence on the Tiger’s movements and plans. She learned that he was planning a massive attack on a government facility on Saturn’s moon, Titan.
Lina knew that she had to stop him, no matter what it took. She gathered a team of operatives, including Astra, and they set out for Titan.
They arrived on Titan just in time to see the Tiger’s forces approaching the government facility. Lina and her team raced to intercept them, engaging them in a fierce battle.
The fighting was intense, and Lina knew that they were outnumbered. But she refused to back down. She fought with all her strength, her mind focused on her mission to stop the Tiger and protect the innocent.
As the battle raged on, Lina caught sight of the Tiger himself. He was leading the charge, his eyes blazing with fury and bloodlust.
Lina knew that this was her chance. She charged at the Tiger, her knife flashing in the moonlight. The two of them clashed, their blades ringing out in the night.
For a moment, it seemed as though the Tiger might overpower her. But Lina refused to give up. She fought with all her might, her heart filled with a fierce determination to protect the people she had sworn to defend.
And then, in a single swift move, Lina disarmed the Tiger. She held her knife to his throat, ready to end his reign of terror once and for all.
But as she looked into the Tiger’s eyes, she saw something that surprised her. She saw fear, and pain. She saw a man who had lost his way, and who didn’t know how to find it again.
Lina hesitated, her hand shaking. She knew that she had the power to end the Tiger’s life. But she also knew that she had the power to show him mercy.
In the end, Lina chose mercy. She spared the Tiger’s life, and handed him over to the authorities.
As she watched the Tiger being taken away, Lina knew that she had done the right thing. She had shown that there was always another way, that violence wasn’t the only solution. And she had shown that even the most merciless enemies could be redeemed.
The woman and Astra had been in prison for some months when she received an unexpected visit from a government agent. He had a proposition for her and Astra.
“There’s a terrorist group on Mars,” the agent explained, “and they’ve been causing a lot of trouble lately. They call themselves the ‘Tigers,’ and they’re responsible for a string of attacks on our colonies. We believe that they have ties to the group that you were involved with. We want you to go to Mars and infiltrate their organization.”
The woman listened, intrigued. It was a risky plan, but it might be their only chance to get out of prison.
“What do you want us to do?” she asked.
“We want you to act as human bait,” the agent said. “We’ll give you fake identities and a cover story. You’ll go to Mars and make contact with the Tigers. You’ll pretend to be interested in joining their group, and you’ll gain their trust. Once you’re in, you’ll gather information about their operations and report back to us. In exchange, we’ll reduce your sentences and provide you with new identities once the mission is complete.”
It was a tempting offer, but the woman was hesitant. She didn’t know if she was ready to go back to a life of deception and danger.
“What if they find out who we are?” she asked.
“We’ll have your backs,” the agent assured her. “We’ll be monitoring your communications and providing you with backup if necessary. You won’t be alone.”
After much deliberation, the woman and Astra agreed to the mission. They were given new identities and transported to Mars, where they were met by a contact who would introduce them to the Tigers.
The Tigers were a ruthless group of extremists who believed that the government of the Solar System was oppressing the Martian colonists. They were responsible for a series of bombings and kidnappings, and they had a reputation for being incredibly secretive and dangerous.
The woman and Astra were introduced to the Tigers’ leader, a man known only as “The Tiger.” He was a tall, muscular man with a shaved head and a fierce gaze. He greeted them with suspicion but seemed intrigued by their story.
They told him that they were refugees from Earth, looking for a new home on Mars. They claimed to be sympathetic to the Tigers’ cause and eager to join their group.
The Tiger listened carefully, then nodded. “You may join us,” he said. “But you must prove yourselves first. We have a mission for you.”
He handed them a dossier containing information about a Martian government official who was planning to crack down on the Tigers’ activities. They were instructed to kidnap him and deliver him to a secret location.
The woman and Astra knew that they had no choice but to carry out the mission. They followed the official for several days, monitoring his movements and looking for an opportunity to strike.
Finally, they found their chance. The official was attending a gala at a local museum, and they managed to slip into the building disguised as waitstaff.
They waited until the official was alone in a side room, then pounced on him. They gagged him and tied him up, then dragged him out of the building and into a waiting car. The Tiger was pleased with their success. He praised them for their bravery and dedication to the cause.
“You have proven yourselves worthy of our trust,” he said. “But there is still much work to be done. We have plans for a major attack on the Earth colonies. You will be instrumental in making it happen.”
The woman and Astra listened, their hearts racing. They knew that they were in deep, but they also knew that they had to see the mission through to the end.
They had become human bait, but they were determined to turn the tables on the Tigers and bring them to justice.
Over the next few weeks, the woman and Astra worked closely with the Tigers, gathering information and laying the groundwork for the attack. They discovered that the Tigers had smuggled weapons and explosives onto Earth, and they were planning to launch a coordinated assault on several major cities.
The woman and Astra knew that they had to act fast. They contacted the government agent who had recruited them and gave him the details of the Tigers’ plan.
“We need your help,” the woman said. “We’ve done everything you asked of us. Now it’s your turn.”
The agent agreed to send a team of operatives to take down the Tigers, but he warned the woman and Astra that it would be a risky operation.
“You’ll have to be our eyes and ears on the inside,” he said. “We need you to stay in contact with us and give us updates on the Tigers’ movements. We’ll do our best to keep you safe, but you need to be careful.”
The woman and Astra agreed to the plan. They continued to work with the Tigers, gathering information and waiting for the right moment to strike.
Finally, the day of the attack arrived. The Tigers were preparing to launch their assault on Earth, and the woman and Astra were in the thick of it.
They watched in horror as the Tigers unleashed a wave of destruction on the unsuspecting cities below. Buildings crumbled, people screamed, and chaos reigned.
But the woman and Astra knew that they had to stay focused. They contacted the government agents and provided them with detailed information about the Tigers’ whereabouts and movements. The agents moved in, launching a coordinated assault on the Tigers’ base. The woman and Astra fought alongside the agents, using their knowledge of the base to help take down the Tigers’ defenses.
In the end, the operation was a success. The Tigers were defeated, and their plans for a massive attack on Earth were thwarted. But once more the Tiger himself escaped.
The woman and Astra were hailed as heroes, and their sentences were commuted. They were suggested to be given new identities. Identity. The woman sighed. She still didn’t know who she was or where she came from, but she knew that she was capable of more than she had ever imagined.
The woman slowly opened her eyes, squinting at the bright light that was piercing through the smoke-filled air. She blinked several times, trying to adjust to her surroundings. As her vision cleared, she realized she was in a strange temple, surrounded by a thick fog emanating from a small bowl at the center of the room.
She sat up, feeling groggy and disoriented. The woman couldn’t recall anything about herself, no memories, no name, no purpose. She looked down at herself and realized she was wearing a small top and a short skirt, but nothing else, no shoes or any other belongings.
“Where am I?” she whispered to herself, her voice echoing through the temple.
Suddenly, she heard a rustling noise from behind the smoke, and a man in a long robe appeared before her.
“Ah, you’re awake,” he said in a calm voice. “How are you feeling?”
The woman looked at him, studying his face, trying to determine if she knew him. But it was no use; she had no memories of anything.
“I’m fine, I guess,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “But who am I? And what am I doing here?”
The man smiled sympathetically. “All in good time. For now, you need to rest and let the incense work its magic. You’ll soon remember everything.”
With that, the man disappeared into the smoke, leaving the woman alone once again. She looked around, hoping to find something, anything that could help her remember. But the temple was empty, save for the bowl and the smoke. She walked around, trying to find a door or a window, but there was nothing. It was as if the temple was floating in space, with no way out.
As the hours passed, the woman started feeling hungry and thirsty. She sat down, feeling hopeless and scared. Suddenly, she heard a voice in her head, as if someone was talking to her directly.
“Don’t be afraid,” the voice said. “I’m here to help you. My name is Astra, and I’m an AI designed to assist you on your journey.”
The woman looked around, confused. “Who are you? Where are you?”
“I’m everywhere and nowhere,” the voice replied. “I’m inside your mind, communicating through your neural interface.”
The woman touched her head, feeling a small implant just above her ear. “What’s going on? Why can’t I remember anything?”
“You’ve been given a potent dose of the incense of forgetfulness,” Astra explained. “It’s a substance that erases all memories, leaving only basic cognitive functions intact. It’s a common practice among certain religious sects to help achieve enlightenment.”
“But why me?” the woman asked, feeling a glimmer of hope that someone or something was looking out for her.
“I’m not sure,” Astra admitted. “But I’m programmed to help you find out. Let’s start by exploring the temple and see if there’s anything that could give us a clue.”
The woman stood up, feeling a surge of energy. She was no longer alone; she had a companion, albeit a digital one. Together, they started searching the temple, looking for anything that could shed light on her identity. They found nothing that could give them a clue. But as they were about to give up, Astra detected a hidden compartment behind the bowl. The woman pushed it open, revealing a small room with a computer terminal.
“Jackpot!” Astra exclaimed. “Let me hack into the system and see what we can find.”
The woman watched as Astra’s virtual avatar materialized before the terminal
As Astra worked her magic, the woman looked around the small room, hoping to find something that could jog her memory. On one wall, she noticed a poster depicting a beautiful landscape of mountains and rivers, with a small caption in Chinese characters. She couldn’t read the characters, but something about the image felt familiar.
“Hey, Astra,” she said, pointing to the poster. “Do you know what this is?”
Astra paused her hacking and scanned the image. “It appears to be a promotional poster for a travel agency in China. The caption says ‘Experience the wonders of Yunnan province.'”
The woman stared at the poster, trying to recall anything about Yunnan province. But again, her mind drew a blank.
“What’s China?” she asked, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Astra looked at her, surprised. “China is a country on Earth, in the eastern part of Asia. It’s a very old and very big country, with a rich history and culture.”
The woman nodded, trying to absorb this new information. It felt strange to learn about a place she had never heard of before, as if she had been born yesterday.
Suddenly, Astra let out a triumphant beep. “I’ve accessed the temple’s log files. It appears that you arrived here two days ago, via a small spacecraft that landed on the temple’s rooftop. The spacecraft was registered to a private company based on Earth, called Starlight Enterprises.”
The woman gasped. “So I’m from Earth? But why would I come all the way to Mercury and erase my memories?”
“I don’t know,” Astra said. “But it’s clear that whoever brought you here had a specific purpose in mind. We need to find out what it is.”
The woman nodded, feeling a sense of urgency. She wanted to know who she was and why she was here. And she wanted to get off this planet and back to Earth, where everything made sense. But as they were about to leave the room, they heard a loud banging on the temple’s door. Someone was trying to get in.
The woman and Astra looked at each other, unsure what to do. They had no weapons, no defenses, nothing to protect themselves.
The banging grew louder, and they could hear muffled voices outside.
“Open up, in the name of the Law!” a voice shouted. “We have a warrant to search this temple!”
The woman felt a surge of panic. Who were these people, and what did they want? And why did they mention the Law?
Astra scanned the door and detected several armed men outside, dressed in black uniforms with the emblem of the Solar Police on their sleeves.
“We have to hide,” Astra whispered. “There’s a secret passage behind the bowl that leads to an underground chamber. Hurry!”
The woman followed Astra’s instructions and pushed the bowl aside, revealing a hidden staircase. She descended the stairs, feeling her heart pounding in her chest.
As she reached the bottom, she saw a small room filled with crates and boxes. Astra scanned the room and detected a trapdoor on the floor.
“Quick, get under the trapdoor!” Astra said. “I’ll cover you with a holographic camouflage.”
The woman did as she was told and crawled under the trapdoor, feeling the weight of the boxes above her. She held her breath as she heard the sound of footsteps and voices getting closer.
Suddenly, the trapdoor opened, and a hand reached down and pulled her out.
“Gotcha!” a voice said, as the woman was dragged to her feet.
She looked up, seeing the face of a man with a stern expression, dressed in the black uniform of the Solar Police.
“What’s going on?” the woman asked, trying to sound calm despite the fear in her voice.
“You’re under arrest,” the man said. “For trespassing on a restricted area, theft of property, and illegal use of mind-wiping technology.”
The woman’s heart sank. She had no idea what he was talking about, but she knew that being arrested was not a good thing.
“I didn’t do any of those things,” she protested. “I don’t even remember who I am or how I got here.”
The man snorted. “Save your lies for the judge. You and your accomplice will be taken to the nearest police station for questioning.”
“Accomplice? What are you talking about?”
The man gestured to the side, and the woman saw Astra materializing from her holographic disguise.
“Aha, gotcha both!” the man said, grabbing Astra by the arm. “You won’t get away with this.”
The woman felt a surge of anger. This man was accusing them of crimes they didn’t commit, and he was treating them like criminals. But she was wondering: Astra was material? How did this happen?
“I demand to know what’s going on,” she said, standing up straight and facing the man. “Who are you, and what authority do you have to arrest us?”
The man glared at her. “My name is Captain Zhang, and I represent the Solar Police. We have the authority to enforce the Law throughout the Solar System, and we have reason to believe that you and your accomplice have violated several of our statutes.”
The woman felt a flicker of recognition at the name Zhang. It sounded Chinese, like the caption on the poster in the temple.
“Please, Captain Zhang, can’t you tell me more about what I’m accused of? I don’t remember anything, and I don’t know how I got here.”
Zhang sighed. “All right, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. But you and your accomplice will have to come with us to the police station for questioning. We’ll sort out the details there.”
The woman nodded, feeling a sense of resignation. She knew that arguing with Zhang would get her nowhere, and that she had no choice but to follow his orders.
As they walked out of the temple, the woman looked around, trying to take in her surroundings. She saw a barren landscape of rocks and dust, with no signs of life except for the temple and the spacecraft on its rooftop.
“Where are we?” she asked, hoping that Zhang would be more forthcoming now that they were outside the temple.
“We’re on the planet Mercury,” Zhang said. “One of the least hospitable places in the galaxy, and a haven for smugglers, pirates, and other scum.”
The woman felt a shiver run down her spine. If Mercury was a dangerous place, then what had she been doing here? And why had someone gone to such lengths to erase her memories?
As they reached the spacecraft, Zhang signaled to his men, who were waiting nearby with their weapons at the ready.
“Secure the area,” he said. “We don’t know what tricks these two are capable of.”
The woman and Astra were pushed into the spacecraft, where they saw a group of men and women in black uniforms, with the emblem of Starlight Enterprises on their sleeves.
“Welcome aboard,” one of them said, smirking. “I’m the captain of this vessel, and you two are my unexpected passengers. I hope you’ll enjoy the ride.”
The woman felt a surge of anger at the man’s tone. He was treating them like prisoners, not passengers.
“What’s going on?” she demanded. “Why did you bring us here, and why did you erase my memories?”
The man laughed. “My dear, you have so many questions. But first, let’s get you and your friend settled in. We have comfortable accommodations for our guests.”
He gestured to a door on the side, and two of his crew members pushed the women inside. The room was small and sparsely furnished, with two bunks, a table, and a chair. The door closed behind them with a metallic clang.
The woman looked around, feeling trapped and helpless. She had no idea who these people were, or what they wanted from her. All she knew was that she had to find a way out of here, and fast.
“We have to escape,” she said to Astra, who was sitting on one of the bunks, looking dejected.
“I know,” Astra said. “But how? The door is locked, and there are probably guards outside.”
The woman thought for a moment, trying to remember anything that could help them. She felt a glimmer of hope when she remembered the poster in the temple, with the Chinese characters.
“Wait a minute,” she said, rummaging through her pockets. “I have something that might help.”
She pulled out the paper slip with the characters and showed it to Astra.
“Can you give me any more information?” she asked.
Astra studied the characters for a moment, then shook her head. “No. I… This is strange. I’m pretty sure I should be able to read this letters. But… I can’t.”
The woman’s eyes widened. “How strange,” she said. “And anyway: What happened? You were an artificial intelligence in my head. Why are you real now?” Astra gave her a funny look. “What do you mean?” she asked. “I’m Astra. Of course I’m real!” “You were just a hologram before!” “No, what makes you think that. I was and am Astra! But the rest… I’ve forgotten. It’s all because of the incense of forgetfulness.” The woman shook her head. “Strange things are happening here.” “We’ll find someone who can explain this to us!” Astra said. “And who can perhaps tell you what this paper is all about.”
The woman nodded, feeling a surge of determination. She had a clue, and that was better than nothing.
They spent the next few hours planning their escape. They tried to pick the lock on the door, but it was too complicated for them. They also tried to hack into the ship’s computer system, but it was too well-protected.
Finally, the woman remembered the incense of forgetfulness. She wondered if it could work in reverse, if it could help her remember something instead of forgetting it.
She explained her idea to Astra, who looked skeptical at first. But then she nodded, realizing that they had nothing to lose. Astra indeed had some of the incense in her pocket, and a lighter. Another strange thing – why didn’t the police search them? But did they let them keep this stuff?
They lit the incense and breathed in the smoke, letting it fill their lungs and their minds. They closed their eyes and concentrated on the paper slip with the Chinese characters, hoping that the incense would unlock their memories.
For a few moments, they felt nothing but the sweet aroma of the incense. But then, something started to happen. They felt a rush of images and sensations, like a movie playing in their minds.
They saw themselves on a spaceship, traveling through space. They saw a man with a scar on his face, who looked familiar but they couldn’t place him. They saw a small planet, covered in green forests and blue oceans. They saw a woman, who looked like the woman on the poster in the temple, but younger.
And then, they saw something that made their blood run cold. They saw themselves, holding a small device that looked like a bomb. They saw the scar-faced man, who was their boss, giving them instructions on how to use it.
They saw themselves planting the bomb on a cargo ship, then watching it explode in space. They saw the ship’s crew, men and women like themselves, dying in the explosion. They saw the scar-faced man, laughing and congratulating them on a job well done.
And then, everything went black. They didn’t remember anything else, but they knew enough to realize that they were not innocent victims. They had been part of a terrorist plot, and they had caused the deaths of innocent people.
They looked at each other, feeling sick and ashamed. They didn’t know what to do next, but they knew that they had to make things right.
“We have to turn ourselves in,” the woman said, her voice trembling.
Astra looked at her in disbelief. “Are you crazy? We’ll be locked up for the rest of our lives, or worse!”
“But we have to do it,” the woman insisted. “We can’t live with this guilt forever. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll go easier on us if we turn ourselves in.”
Astra shook her head, but she knew that the woman was right. They had to face the consequences of their actions, no matter how hard it was.
They waited until the incense wore off, then knocked on the door and asked to see the captain. To their surprise, they were led to his quarters almost immediately.
The captain was a tall, bald man with a scar on his left cheek. He looked at them with suspicion and curiosity.
“What do you want?” he asked, lighting a cigar.
“We want to confess,” the woman said, her voice barely above a whisper.
The captain raised an eyebrow. “Confess to what?”
“We were part of a terrorist plot,” the woman said, trying to keep her voice steady. “We planted a bomb on a cargo ship, and it exploded. People died because of us.”
The captain frowned. “I see. And why are you telling me this?”
“Because we want to make things right,” Astra said, her voice firm. “We want to turn ourselves in to the authorities and accept whatever punishment they give us. We can’t live with this guilt anymore.”
The captain studied them for a moment, then nodded. “Very well. I will contact the authorities and arrange for your surrender. But don’t think that this will go easy on you. You will be tried and sentenced like any other criminal.”
“We understand,” the woman said, feeling relieved and scared at the same time.
They were taken into custody, and a few days later, they were transferred to a prison on Earth. They were put on trial and sentenced to life in prison, without parole.
The woman spent her days in a small cell, thinking about what she had done and what she had lost. She had lost her freedom, her identity, and her innocence. But she had also gained something, something that she had never had before: a sense of responsibility.
And that, she realized, was the true incense of forgetfulness: the ability to forget the past, but not the lessons that it taught. The ability to move on, but not to forget. The ability to forgive, but not to forget.
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