The Seventh | A Dark Matter Fanfiction | Two (Portia Lin)

Chapter 33

Android's voice resonated through the room, breaking the heavy silence that hung over Two's quarters like a suffocating shroud. "Two, I've completed my analysis of all available sensor data pertaining to the explosion. Would you like to hear it?" the android's voice reverberated through the intercom system, its tone measured and clinical.

"Maybe just the short version," Two replied wearily, her voice tinged with exhaustion and sorrow.

"It was the temporary manifestation of what's known in layman's terms as a white hole," the android explained.

"Let me guess. The opposite of a black hole?" Seven chimed.

"Precisely," the android confirmed. "It's an area of space-time which cannot be entered from the outside, but—"

Two interrupted, her voice trembling with a mix of disbelief and dread. "Is there any chance it was a coincidence that it manifested five minutes after we delivered that device?"

"It would be highly unlikely," the android admitted. "Research into white hole technology was banned by the Galactic Authority several years ago because of its potential to destabilize the current balance of power between the major corporations."

"How many people were on that planet?" Two's voice was barely above a whisper.

"The world was otherwise uninhabited, so the death toll was limited to those on the research facility..." the android paused, a heavy silence filling the room. "Are you sure you want the number?"

"How many?" Two's voice was strained, her heart heavy with the knowledge of what she was about to hear.

"A little over fifteen thousand," the android replied solemnly.

"Fuck," Two breathed, her voice a mere whisper of anguish.

Seven moved closer to Two, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder as she absorbed the devastating news. "Hey," he murmured softly, his voice filled with sympathy and understanding.

Two's gaze remained fixed on the floor, her expression a mask of grief and guilt. "Fifteen thousand lives," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "All because of us."

Seven squeezed her shoulder gently, offering what little comfort he could. "It wasn't your fault," he insisted, his tone firm and reassuring. "We were just doing our job. We couldn't have known..."

Two sighed, the weight of the tragedy pressing down on her shoulders like a heavy burden. Without a word, she stepped into Seven's embrace, seeking solace in his comforting presence. His arms wrapped around her gently, offering a silent promise of support and understanding.

<>

"Galactic Authorities continue their investigation into what they've classified as an Extinction Level Event on a Hab-1 world under the directorship of The Mikkei Combine"

"Satellite imagery captured the planet's final moments... The incident, which claimed the lives of all on-site personnel, is believed to have been triggered by illegal research into what has been termed a "Doomsday weapon" linked to white hole technology.

Representatives of The Mikkei Combine offered condolences to all those affected but have otherwise refused comment pending completion of the official inquiry"

As the news report unfolded on the bridge of the Raza, the crew stood in a tense silence, absorbing the gravity of the situation. Two, her expression, a mixture of concern and contemplation, broke the silence.

"Is that all?" she inquired.

The Android responded with its usual efficiency. "This was the most relevant of several reports," it confirmed.