In the midst of this
newfound calm, Gim and Paru decided to go on a reconnaissance
tour. They wanted to make sure there was no major threat
lurking in the area. Besides, Gim admitted with a laugh, they
both needed some distance from their constant duties. "Just
you, me, and the outside world," Gim said with a grin that was
somewhere between adventurous and weary. "Sounds like the start
of a bad joke." "All that's missing is the monkey who stole
your instrument," Paru replied dryly, shouldering his
pack.
They set off early, equipped
with supplies, water and their communication devices. Nature
outside the walls revealed itself in all its wildness: dense
jungle, glistening rivers, strange plants, huge trees that
covered the sky. Gim was thrilled - at least as long as no
insects crawled into his ration. "You know, this is exactly
what I've been missing," he said, examining a leaf the size of
his torso. "Moisture, mud, and plants that look like they're
going to eat me for breakfast." "At last it's not you who keeps
biting everything and everyone," said Paru, ducking under a
vine.
At first, everything went
quietly. They explored the area, mapped the terrain and
collected data on plants and animals. Gim meticulously recorded
how many things had stung, bitten or offended him - the list
was astonishingly long. But on the third day of their journey,
a heavy storm rolled in. Dark clouds rolled across the sky,
lightning flashed on the horizon, accompanied by thunder that
rolled through the treetops like the rumbling voices of
gods.
"Great," Gim growled as
the first downpour drenched him. "I guess the weather
decided to be particularly crappy today, too." They sought
shelter in a crevice, half-hidden between two moss-covered
rocks. There they set up a makeshift camp, lit a makeshift
emergency light and sat down close together on their
blankets.
Outside, the rain lashed
against the rock faces like a drum roll of fury. There was
silence for a while, broken only by the rhythm of the
storm. "Paru," Gim finally began, his voice muffled,
"sometimes I wonder... if we've really taken the right
path." Paru turned to him, his gaze open. "Whether our
intervention won't end up doing more harm than good," Gim
continued. "Maybe we should have just stayed away. Maybe
they would have made it on their own." "Or would have gone
under," Paru said calmly.
"Is this really our
decision?" Gim snorted. "I mean - we're not gods. Even if
some people like to think we are." "I know. But we've seen
what's coming. What can happen. If we do nothing..."
"...then they live. Free. With their own mistakes. With
their own victories. Maybe they die in the process. But
maybe not."
Paru was silent for a
moment, then he said quietly, "I wonder that too, Gim. But
I believe that we are not here to dominate. But to help
when necessary. Maybe that's the difference." Gim leaned
back and shook his head. "You and your noble ideals. You
know, sometimes I feel like you're the last good guy among
us." Paru laughed softly. "Then that's a damn sad
statistic." Gim grinned. "Or the start of something
better." A flash lit up their sanctuary for a moment. Gim
looked over at Paru, his gaze suddenly serious. "You know,
you annoy me like athlete's foot sometimes. You and your
belief in the good, in the task, in the grand plan. But
despite that - or perhaps because of it - I'm glad you're
here." Paru raised a brow. "That was... almost touching."
"Shut up, or I'll take it back," Gim growled, then grinned
again.
"But seriously. We've
been through a hell of a lot of crap. And no matter what
comes next - I'll stand by your side. Even if it means
sinking into the mire with you at ." "There's nowhere I'd
rather sink," Paru replied and held out his hand. Gim
clasped it firmly. "Forever, brother. And if you ever get
cocky - I'm here to bring you back down to earth. With a
good kick."
"Admittedly, that's a
talent of yours." They both laughed. Not loudly, not
boisterously - but honestly. It was a laugh that said more
than many words. Trust that had grown. Friendship that had
been forged over the years. They talked for a long time
that night. About Nibiru. About mistakes, decisions,
sacrifices. About what it means to bear responsibility -
and still remain Nibiruian. And while the storm raged
outside, something new emerged between them. Not a pact,
not an oath. But something deeper. Something that even
lightning and rain could not extinguish. A bond. Not just
camaraderie. Brotherhood.
