human evolution

Jackob felt the weight of Liz's stare. It was cold, sharp—like the edge of a blade resting on his neck.

He bowed low, hand to chest, eyes wide with panic. "I'm sorry, my goddess! I am your devoted knight, clad in bug armor! My only purpose is to serve my queen!"

Liz blinked. Then blinked again.

What... was this creature?

He flipped moods like pages in a windstorm.

"Humans…" she muttered.

Still, a faint smile twitched at her lips.

"Remember who you are," she said. "And remember why I even bothered talking to you."

Her tone turned serious, almost nostalgic.

"I only gave you this conversation because my ancestor respected your kind. He told me stories—of how humans defied the gods, how they changed the galaxy, how they burned brighter than anything before vanishing."

She stepped closer, gaze softening just a little.

"And deep down, I hoped the little thing standing in front of me would grow into what he once described. I wanted to see if those stories… were true."

Jackob swallowed, stunned.

"But don't get ahead of yourself," she added, voice firm again. "Stay in your place. Wander through my room again or touch one of my bras, and I'll skin what little skin you have."

She turned and exited the room.

Jackob didn't move. Didn't breathe.

He wasn't sure if he was still alive.

Then whispered to himself, "Still worth it."

—

Liz walked the wide halls of the ship, eventually arriving at the command deck.

The doors slid open with a hiss.

"Baldy," she said.

Zake—the bald, stoic giant—nodded in greeting.

"Liz."

She stepped up beside him, looking at the vast space ahead.

"Why are we still not there yet?" she asked.

Zake didn't look away from the stars. "Fuel management. I'm reserving as much as I can. We don't know how far the Suzaku System really is. And we don't know if wherever we're going has fuel compatible with this ship."

Liz nodded, biting her lip. "Actually... I have something to show you."

Zake arched a brow. "You're not dragging me to see another stray, are you?"

"Just come."

"Alright, alright, easy, princess."

She rolled her eyes. "Watch your tone, old geezer."

Zake snorted. "I'm the same age as your father."

"Exactly. Old."

—

On the way to her chamber, she explained.

She told him about the trap. The escape. The chase.

About the bug.

And the not-so-bug.

Zake just nodded. One word came from his lips, over and over:

"Fascinating."

Liz tensed.

She remembered why she didn't like being alone with him for too long.

He was a genius. A warrior. A commander.

But also… a bit of a creep.

Still, she couldn't deny he was part of the reason they were still alive.

The door to her chamber opened.

They stepped inside—and stopped.

There, frozen in front of her untouched cake, stood a round, yellow bug.

Fat.

Familiar.

Kolgar's body.

Zake squinted. "Tell me you didn't bring a fat bug onboard."

Liz blushed. "No, no! It's not what it looks like. He has… a power."

She cleared her throat.

"Show him. Jackob, transform. Now."

Jackob jumped, startled. "Wait, now? But I'm not... ready!"

"NOW!"

Jackob straightened, muttering, "To hell with it..."

With a shimmer of light, the yellow bug rippled—and shrunk.

Limbs pulled back. Skin morphed.

In seconds, a human boy stood where the bug had been.

Zake's face didn't change. He stared long and hard.

Jackob fidgeted, then stood straight and put his hands behind his back like a soldier.

Zake turned to Liz. "You kidnapped a child."

"I didn't kidnap anyone!"

"He was inside your bra, Liz."

"That was an accident!"

"I'm sure it was."

Jackob cleared his throat. "I'm just… a humble slave knight. Also, I taste terrible, please don't eat me."

Zake slowly turned back to Jackob.

Then tilted his head.

"I didn't know humans could do that."

Jackob flashed a grin. "I'm special."

Liz respond quickly almost . "You're an idiot."