MILKY WAY TIME: 1 YEAR 3 MONTHS SINCE NAMJOON AND SEHUN WENT MISSING

NAMJOON'S TIME: 12 HOURS SINCE HE WENT MISSING

Jimin engages the shields once more, fearing what's to come. "We'll be there soon. Maybe ten minutes max. Any questions you have before we begin?" Jimin asks, checking over the controls one more time. He's not confident with himself and his flying. He feels the overwhelming urge to triple-check anything and everything that could possibly gone wrong. Reactor? It's online. Engines? Functional. Shields? Full capacity.

"What the hell do we do if they're not there?" Jungkook says.

Jimin flips on the two brightest lights he has on the ship, pointing them at the empty space in front of them. "That." Jimin pauses to ease up on the yoke. "Is an excellent question that I don't want to think about. Consider yourself demoted for making me think about it."

"How many times have you demoted me over the years?"

"Sixty-nine times, Jeon."

"I hate you."

"I guarantee I hate you more. For that, you're demoted to platinum. Congratulations, you're platinum again."

Jungkook whacks Jimin's shoulder, the older chuckling at the action. Normally Jimin's the one hitting him to get his point across, but it looks like the tables have turned. Or maybe Jungkook's changed. Maybe Jimin has. Maybe both. Another thing Jimin doesn't particularly want to think about: changing. Jimin stares out the window, slowing the speed even more.

Jungkook raises a brow. "Sir?"

"Can I tell you something?" Jimin asks.

"Anything, sir."

"I'm really glad we're here together. I'm glad you let me come with you, I mean. This adventure is the happiest I've been in a while, and it's all because of you. Us. Our friendship, the memories we shared."

"You see, I tried getting sentimental on you but you just told me to suck your dick. Are you implying something, sir?" Jungkook asks.

Jimin whacks him, reclaiming his signature move that Jungkook so rudely took. Jimin remembers thinking that Jungkook pulling a wire was him stealing Jimin's signature move, but since then, Jimin's stopped pulling wires. Gosh, those were the days. Back in the beginning when he was nothing more than a scrappy engineer. Look how far he's come.

"Again, I wouldn't stop you, Mr. Jeon," Jimin says.

"Oh no, don't pull a 'Mr. Jeon' card. Please no. Sir, this is supposed to be serious, are you trying to turn up the heat? I'll accept your offer if you are, but shit Commander Park, I don't know if I can-'

"Not the 'Commander Park' card. Please no. Executive, this is supposed to be serious, are you trying to turn up the-"

"Alright, alright. I get it. You've made your point abundantly clear," Jungkook says with a chuckle. Jimin returns it, easing their ship closer to the edge. The edge that's so close yet so far away. Jimin eyes it, keeping the ship in manual rather than autopilot. Is this something they want to fly through on their own? Autopilot may be a better option, but for some reason, Jimin can't flip the switch.

Jungkook stares at the vastness of space with sparkles in his doe eyes. Jimin gazes at his Executive, thanking whatever higher power is looking over them that he got to meet Jungkook. The odds of them meeting were slim to none, but now Jimin has his best friend for life. He grins, Jungkook meeting his gaze and returning the expression.

"Someone's happy today."

"How can I not be? We have a solid lead for the first time in over a year. Plus, my Executive is right by my side through it all. Life is pretty good. It's nice to be able to say that, but it is," Jimin says.

Jungkook pats him on the arm as they approach the edge, Jimin halting the ship so they can stare. "I mean, there can't be any difference, right? There's a bit of distortion, but it won't like, teleport us anywhere, will it?" Jimin asks. The silence that comes from Jungkook has Jimin furrowing his brows. "Jungkook?"

"How mad would you be if I asked to do this alone?"

Jimin's eyes nearly burst free from his head. "What? We did this whole journey together, now you want to leave the solar system without me?" Jimin places a hand on Jungkook's shoulder, scooting a bit closer. "Why?"

"I have a bad feeling about this."

"Exactly why we should stick together-"

"Sir, that's exactly why we shouldn't. You're the leader of the solar system that's been pursuing a personal journey for lord knows how long now. Earth is already pissed at you. They need a leader. If somehow we don't come back from this, not only are our families devastated, but so is the solar system. I'm thinking about this logically: one of us goes to find our sons. The other returns to lead the solar system. You know I'd find them."

"I do, and that's what scares me. What if you turn into Namjoon and Sehun? What if you don't come back?"

"Honestly, I might not," Jungkook says, pain glistening in his eyes. "But it's better to try alone than to risk both of us. They need you. You and I both know that."

Jimin stays quiet longer than he should, his mouth letting a sigh pass. "Are you sure about this? Jungkook, I need your word. We can go back together, both of us. Deem it a loss. I don't want to lose my son and you. I can't."

"You can," Jungkook replies, taking both of Jimin's hands and holding them in his lap. "Jimin, they need you. My husband will need you. I'll save our sons and do everything in my power to bring us back." He hesitates for a moment. "And maybe Jihyun's there too."

Jimin stares at him like he has twelve heads. "You really think so?"

"It's possible. Think about it, we haven't heard anything from Jihyun in years, and now Namjoon and Sehun are gone for over a year. I'm not saying for sure, obviously neither of us know, but it's a distinct possibility. If I find him, I'll bring him and his crew home too, okay?"

The Commander pats Jungkook on the shoulder. "What about flying? You're far from a good pilot, no offense."

"I can handle it. You use the escape pod, should be enough fuel to get you back to the Tokyo." Jimin doesn't necessarily want to do that, but he knows he can't change Jungkook's mind. "And I need you to promise me something." Jimin nods. "Don't come looking for me no matter how long I'm gone."

"Jungko-"

"No. If I don't come back, drop it. Close that segment of your life, okay? I'm not risking military men, my husband, my crew... you. I'm not risking that. Please, give yourself closure. If we don't come back, focus on everything else. Live your life. For us. For me. Jimin, I need to know you can do that."

Jimin hesitates, then nods, giving Jungkook's hands a squeeze. "I can do it, but only if you promise to find closure in there too. And... please come back."

Jungkook flashes him a bunny smile that warms his heart. "Trust me Capt', I want to come back more than you know. I'll do everything in my power to, but in case I don't, stay strong for me. Keep my husband safe. Please promise me you won't use the entire Earth fleet to try and find me. Don't risk that many lives, we aren't ready to venture outside the system yet, don't push it. Don't force it. Please?"

"Dammit Jeon, I wanted to be all dramatic and come in and save your ass." Jungkook chuckles, standing and motioning for Jimin to depart. Jimin sighs and obeys, hopping off the pilot's chair. They stare at each other for a few moments, neither wanting to go. So, Jimin makes the decision.

Jimin hugs him.

He wraps his arms around the younger man, Jungkook melting at the contact and hugging back as quickly as he can. Jimin smiles against Jungkook's shoulder, patting the man's back and rubbing circles there as well. When they part, Jimin feels a new sense of pride. Of comfort. He's sending his best man to handle this. He has no fear, and if it doesn't work out, he'll let himself rest. Both himself and Jungkook. Jimin will take that closure Jungkook begged him to have. It's the only thing he'll have left of Jeon Jungkook, after all. But that's only in a worst case scenario.

"I love you, Jeon Jungkook. Don't call me gay."

"Sorry sir, but you said you'd let me suck your dick. I'm pretty sure you're gay," Jungkook says. The two share a small laugh, Jungkook insisting that he go. "I love you too, Park Jimin."

They stare for a few more beats, then, Jimin goes. He enters the nearest escape pod, double-checking to make sure it has enough fuel to last him until the Tokyo, but he's honestly not paying attention that much. When he's sure he's ready, he leaves the Astray, zooming away from it. He sets the pod on auto pilot, his eyes falling to the window to view the event. Jungkook drives his ship towards the edge of the solar system, a field of distortion cloaking it. Jimin furrows his brows, observing a bit closer.

Then, Jungkook and the Astray are gone.

~~~

MILKY WAY TIME: 1 YEAR 4 MONTHS SINCE NAMJOON AND SEHUN WENT MISSING

NAMJOON'S TIME: 13 HOURS SINCE HE WENT MISSING

Jimin engages the docking gear, staring at the forcefield that's covering the outside of the Tokyo. He decided to take his sweet time returning to base. After all, he needed time to process the events of the past month. The past year and almost a half, really. It'd be easier to list the good things than the bad.

Regardless, Jimin shuts down the pod, knowing his crewmates are probably sprinting here to see them return. Poor Tae, what will Jimin tell him? What about the kids? What will he tell his kids when he has to look them in the eyes and tell them Namjoon and Jungkook aren't here? Jimin knows Jungkook will save both their sons; he has no doubts about that, but the doubts he does have? They're plaguing his mind. Jungkook can rescue them, but will he bring them back? If Namjoon and Sehun couldn't return in over a year, what are the odds one more person makes such a huge difference?

He got a warm welcome when he stated his name and position, the docking crew not believing it at first. He had to go through five questions before they let him in. Now, here he is, waiting to leave. He can leave at any time, sure, but mentally, he needs to prepare himself. If Tae's there, waiting, how will Jimin react?

Only one way to find out.

Jimin stands, sauntering down the small corridor of the escape pod. The escape pod models have improved since Jimin was a kid. They used to be tiny, four to eight seated pods. Now they can fit around twelve on average, some even fitting up to thirty. Those are mostly in battleships though. Of course the small ones still exist, but technology constantly improves. Anya gets a lot of thanks for that.

The Commander opens the main door, sighing when it hisses and steam pops out. The door fully opens, his eyes blinking a few times upon seeing the lights of the Tokyo for the first time in a while. It feels like he's been gone months, when in reality it couldn't have been anymore than three weeks.

He steps out, Y/n dashing into the area. As always, the wife is notified first. "Min!" she shouts, rushing to him. He shoots her the best smile he can muster, opening his arms. She jumps into them, him spinning her around a few times before setting her on her feet. "You're back. Holy shit, you're back. I started getting worried and I thought something bad happened to you-"

"Yeobo," he says, interrupting her cute rambles. She shuts her mouth and nods. "I'm alright. I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere without you ever again, okay?" He kisses her forehead, then her lips, savoring the vanilla taste that never faded since their childhood days together. Well, they were both adults, but at this point, Jimin considers it his childhood. He really was just a kid back then; a new adult adjusting to life. Now, it's different.

When they part, he places his tiny hand on her face. "I love you, baby. How are the kids?"

"I love you too." She softly smiles. "They're good, but they'll be better when they hear their father's home. Speaking of father's, where's the other one, hm? Where's Jungkookie?" He can't stop his face from falling. Her eyes spark with terror. "Park Jimin-"

"He's alive, if that's what you're about to ask. He's alive and alright, but he won't be joining us for a bit." He places a finger over her lips before she can continue. "We went to Triton and found an unknown ship that matched the Moon's description heading towards Pluto, but the trajectory magically cut off."

"What? But that never happens."

"That's what we thought, so we went to Pluto and found they had no data of the ship even existing. That led to us drawing one conclusion: they left the solar system and that fucked with the scanners. It'd explain why I can't override the tracker and find them anywhere. So Jungkook told me to come back home and lead the ship while he explores the outside of our solar system."

"So there's hope? Hope that Jungkook will find Namjoon and Sehun and bring them home?" she asks. The expression in her eyes makes it impossible to tell her the whole truth. Not yet, anyway. The truth that it's probably the most dangerous thing they've ever done, even over the Ring. No one knows what's out there, not even the research team on Pluto. This is the biggest risk they've ever taken. But he can't tell her.

"There's hope. It may take a while, maybe months, or God forbid years, but I believe Jungkook will come back with our son." He desperately wants to mention Jihyun, but now's not the time for that either.

"Thank the lord," she whispers, then, she furrows her brows. "Why would it take years?"

"Well, if Namjoon and Sehun are out there, they've been gone for over a year. It could take Jungkook that long to find them."

"Oh God, but what about food and fuel? The reserves don't have enough for that, do they?" she asks.

"I'm not sure, but he's Jungkook, he'll find a way. I tried going with him, but he quite literally wouldn't let me. I thought he'd kill me if I suggested staying." His wife brings her smile back, hugging him. He returns the hug in time for Taehyung and Seulgi to come rushing into the hangar, stepping closer to him. Jimin shakes his head, Tae and Seul going still. He's not sure if they took that in the form of 'the kids are gone' or 'Jungkook is gone' or both, but either way, their faces fall, their shoulders slumping.

He strokes her hair, pulling away from her to kiss her nose. "It'll be okay. I promise, Yeobo, everything will be okay," he says. She rapidly nods, turning to see the two standing there.

She grips his arm, sighing and casting her gaze down. "He might not come back... right?"

Jimin places a hand over hers. "He might not come back."

The bracelet dangling off her arm shifts with her as she sulks away, her eyes on the ground. He desperately wants to follow, but he knows it's not his place. Seulgi comes over, hugging Jimin briefly. "How are you holding up?" Seulgi asks.

"I'll be okay. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, right?"

"Once an Earthie, always an Earthie. Speaking of, Earth has been requesting your presence for the past week now. I don't know how many times I can tell them to get off my dick in one week, Commander. It's starting to get ridiculous. I swear to God I told them in eight different languages that you're off on a personal investigation and any comments they have go to me. Thank the lord you're back."

He manages to smile despite the situation. He should be decently happy, right? Jungkook's the best man for this job, and he's out of the solar system fighting to find their sons. Jimin should be relieved that Jungkook is the one handling this, but for some reason, his heart won't stop pounding against his chest.

"Thank you for taking care of it, Seul. Sorry to Hoseok, but he's demoted. You're my acting Executive, is that alright with you?"

She salutes. "Anything for you, Commander Park."

"Thank you, Executive Jung."

For a second, she's taken aback by the new term, but she's quick to accept. "Should I ask what happened, sir?"

"Probably not, I'm not sure how to explain it myself." The two turn to see Tae and Y/n quietly talking amongst themselves, Tae nodding to everything she has to say. Jimin frowns, not wishing to see Tae in any kind of pain, but he seems to be taking it pretty well. Jimin's proud of him. Fucked up thing to be proud of, but it's better than nothing, right?

"What will we do, sir?" Seul asks.

He sighs, adjusting the collar on her jacket to make it straight again. She smiles while he fixes it, brushing off some fuzzies she had. "Executive, I don't know what we can do, but I know what I need." She raises a brow. Jimin feels strangely positive despite not having Jungkook here. So positive, in fact, that his smile turns into a grin. "I need a drink."