MILKY WAY TIME: 4 YEARS AND 8 MONTHS SINCE NAMJOON AND SEHUN WENT MISSING

NAMJOON'S TIME: 46 HOURS SINCE HE WENT MISSING

Jimin stares at the vastness of space.

A hand holds his as he gazes at the stars that once called out his name. During the Ganymede War, he used to look up with his wife and dream of a world beyond what they knew. Now, as they stand side-by-side, hand-in-hand, he can't help but wonder where the time has gone.

The bridge is empty tonight. The two of them have the entire circular room to themselves. The seats are vacant, the lights are dim, and the giant windows encompass them in a sea of starlight.

"Jungkook will be mad," she says as she leans against his shoulder.

He strains his neck so he can kiss the top of her head. "He's never not mad at me, sweetheart."

"More mad than normal. You know who else will be mad?"

"The Earthies?" he asks. Her silence is the answer. "I don't care what they think. This time, it's not my fault. They can take it up with Seulgi."

"You're the commanding officer, they're going to take it out on you. And they'd have every right to."

He slips his hand away from hers and turns to face his beautiful wife. She has bags under her eyes, and her hair is frizzier than it has ever been before. There's a small bit of skin poking out from the bottom of her shirt. It's like a little pouch that came from all the pregnancies she endured. Jimin calls it his love pouch. He makes sure to kiss it before they go to bed every night.

"Do you think I'm making the wrong decision?" he asks, but it feels more like a statement.

"I love Jungkook more than life itself, but maybe he had a point. Going after him might cause more chaos than the system is ready for. Triton isn't ready for another conflict. Ganymede isn't. Hell, I'm not."

"We're not going after him."

"Then what are we doing?" she asks, but he has no answer. She runs a hand through her hair. More frizz pops up. "I'm tired, Jimin. I was born into a loveless home, and when I finally got away, war and death followed me. Losing Namjoon hurts every day. We've lost too many people. I don't want us to lose any more. There's a reason Jungkook told you to stay behind, and this is it."

"But... what if..."

"We can find them?" She pauses to take his hand and kiss the back of it. "This is why I fell in love with you, Park Jimin. You never give up, you believe in everyone, and all you want to do is help. There's no better man than you. So please, listen to me when I say you're making a mistake."

Jimin gives her hand a squeeze. "But Jungkook needs me."

"So do I. I lost you once, I'm not losing you again."

He hugs her. He strokes her hair and cherishes her peachy scent. Looks like she's been stealing his cologne again, not that he ever minded that. After all, he has one too many bottles of her perfume stashed away in his secret closet.

"How about a compromise? We don't have to go in, but maybe we can try something else," Jimin says as he pulls back and meets her teary eyes.

"Why does it feel like you've made up your mind and didn't bother telling me?"

"Y/n," he whispers, stroking her cheek. "Please don't say that. We make these decisions together, okay? You and me." He breaks off to chuckle. "Besides, you're my wife. Diamond Commander or not, your word is far more important than mine. Women are scary."

Despite his joke, she frowns. "I'm sorry, I feel so awful. I've lost so much, but you? Here I am crying about Jungkook as if you didn't lose twice as much."

"It's not a competition."

"But it's true," she says in a tone so soft he barely heard her. "You haven't been the same since Jihyun left. You never talk about it. That's what we do, isn't it? We talk to each other. So why won't you talk to me?"

Jimin heads over to the window and places his hand on the glass. They're a few days away from Pluto. A few days away from taking a stupid risk proposed by Seulgi and approved by Commander Park Jimin. It's funny, really. The more he calls himself Commander Park, the less he feels like that's who he is.

"You fell in love with me because I don't give up, but that's what I've been doing. The last time I slacked off like this, the Belt suffered in silence while no one else did anything. No one ever does anything," Jimin says. A bittersweet smile blesses his face as he turns to her. "We were never meant for a life of peace. We were meant for adventure and risk."

"We were meant to change the galaxy."

"Maybe, but at the very least, we were meant to change each other. We've done that, but our mission isn't over yet. I don't give up, and I certainly don't leave my crew behind. Jungkook is out there. Jihyun is. Namjoon is. None of them left us, honey. They're trapped and waiting for someone to help. Please, trust me. I'll never forgive myself if something bad happens to Jihyun and Joon."

"Fuck Jungkook, huh?"

"Shit, I'm trying," Jimin says with a snort.

Y/n approaches. Jimin wraps an arm around her. It's instinct. They've been married for longer than Jimin can remember. They used to celebrate every anniversary down to the month, now it's an annual affair. They were kids, young and in love. Although they were in their twenties, Jimin considered them kids who fell head over heels for each other. But one thing never changed: Jimin always holds her, even in their darkest times.

"I don't talk about Jihyun because there isn't much to say. Earth didn't do anything to help. I'm starting to think Mars has been right this whole time. Earth isn't fit to lead."

"Maybe you are," she says.

"Oh please, the solar system can't be run by one man. We're not a monarchy."

"You say that, but who's the one fixing the real problems? Not Earth, not Ganymede, not the Belt, not even Mars. You're the one looking out for the future. I'll be damned if I let you forget who you are."

"And who am I?" he asks.

She backs away from his grasp to instead meet his eyes. "Diamond Commander Park Jimin. The highest-ranking official in the entire solar system, a loving father, and the most honorable and honest man humankind has ever produced."

"Shit babe, don't give me a boner, it's too early-"

She cuts him off by groaning. "And the horniest man in the galaxy. Guess being in your fifties doesn't slow you down."

He winks. "I like to think I'm still twenty-five."

She laughs, and she sounds as harmonious as ever. Her nose scrunches up, and her eyes glimmer in the lighting of the stars. Age and pregnancy only made her more beautiful. Every day, Jimin finds more to admire about her.

Without needing to plan it, they end up dancing in the empty bridge. Jimin knows her body by now, and he takes his time to hold her back and guide her to the music playing in his head. The night carries on, and their conversation flies away like the Astray once had.

By the time they conclude their dance, fifteen minutes must have passed. Jimin grins and kisses her the way he always has. It's short and sweet. He barely closes his eyes. For a moment, he's transported back to the first time they kissed. Not the infamous ladder, but before Triton. Before Namjoon.

"I love you, Park Jimin," she whispers against his lips as they part.

"You really need to stop with the full name, it's giving me flashbacks."

They laugh and kiss one more time. Then, Jimin walks her back to their quarters. Sleeping isn't exactly on Jimin's schedule. Being the captain of the Tokyo means there are problems every hour of every day. Y/n always understood, although both of them miss the hours upon hours they used to spend in bed cuddling.

He carries her bridal style just to be cheeky, and she buries her head into his neck. He sets her down, tucking her in and kissing her forehead before shutting off the lamp.

"Goodnight, my love. Dream of a world where we're at peace," Jimin says.

"That would be any world with you."

He smiles until it reaches his eyes. He strokes her hair the way she likes it, and five minutes later, she's mumbling to herself, signaling she's asleep. Jimin leaves without making any noises and searches the Tokyo for the young girl he knows is up after curfew. She breaks curfew more than she follows it, but Jimin knows exactly where she is.

Jimin goes to the greenhouse. As soon as he steps in, he spots his daughter, Irene, sitting under the tree with a comic book in her small hands.

"Repeatedly breaking curfew can result in up to thirty days in the brig," he says.

She jumps and glares at him. "Dad!"

"Repeatedly breaking the quiet hour rule can result in a fine of up to three hundred. Would you like to pay with a debit or credit card?"

"Fine, fine, I'll go back to my room."

Jimin snickers and sits down next to her, peeking at the comic book she's reading. "I have a different punishment in mind."

"I'm not binge-watching the Sherlock movies with you again," Irene says with a pout.

Jimin shakes that idea off to instead point to one of the characters in the book. "Tiffany dies in volume eight."

Irene's eyes jut out of their sockets. "Fuck you!"

"Language!"

"You taught me it!"

He can't argue with that. He makes a mental note not to tell his wife their daughter is swearing like a sailor. Is it Jimin's fault? Yes. If Y/n finds out, will he tell her that? No.

"You stay up past curfew again, I spoil volumes nine and ten too," Jimin says. She doesn't seem like she wants to budge, so he snatches the comic out of her hands. "I'm serious, Irene. You don't get special treatment just because you're my daughter. If you weren't a minor, you'd be in the brig by now. I have half a mind to fine you."

"I don't have a job."

"Well, it's about time you got one."

"I'm fourteen."

"And a half," he protests, which makes her smile. She has a toothy grin that makes her cheeks shine.

"You don't care about curfew. You want my help, don't you?"

"Earth is up my ass about trying to find Jungkook. Even Seulgi's a bit spooked and it was her idea. You're my little princess, everyone loves you. All you gotta do is cry about Jungkook and they should listen to you. What do you say, you wanna emotionally manipulate the leaders of Earth and have Seulgi wrapped around your finger?"

"What do I get out of it?"

"No fine for breaking curfew a dozen times."

She smirks. "Your security's slacking. It's closer to three dozen."

He ruffles her hair. "That's my girl. Now come on, we have a job to do."

Jimin leaves the comic under the tree and goes to pick her up. He manages to do it, but she's taller than she used to be. Irene was the smallest in the family, but she had a growth spurt that led Jimin to believe she'd be taller than him one day.

"I'm too big for you to carry me," she says, but he brushes her comment off.

"You'll never be too big for my arms, princess."

"Until you're old and bald."

Jimin gasps. "How dare you insinuate I'd ever be bald."

She plucks one of his black locks. "I'll make sure it happens."

"You're grounded," he says, grumbling to himself as he carries her to one of the conference rooms. Before he enters, he clears his throat and meets her puppy-like eyes she got from him. "No cursing around anyone other than me."

"And Jaemin."

Jimin sighs. "Four more years until you can date, missy."

"Three and a half."

He chooses to ignore her comment to instead bring her inside. The conference room is tiny but cozy, offering three couches and a center table for any hologram meetings they require. Seulgi is already there, waiting for him. Her face ignites with joy the second she spots Irene.

"Ireneeee," Seulgi draws out, hopping up and rushing over. She steals Irene from Jimin's arms. "How's my favorite person in the entire system doing?"

"I'm telling Hobi you said that," Jimin says, raising his baby-like index finger and pouting.

"Do it, his favorite person is Yoongi."

Seulgi plops back down on the couch, and Jimin sits across from her. The Earth representatives should be there shortly, which was why Jimin was so comfortable being "late." This meeting isn't like the others. Everything is done over screens, but Seulgi's plan requires more discussion. The leaders of Earth hand-selected their most-trusted representatives and shipped them off to dock with Jimin. Luckily, they were already stationed on Triton for a diplomatic mission, which meant they didn't need to take weeks to fly from Earth to the Tokyo's current position.

"Do you know who they sent?" Jimin asks.

"Three reps. One on behalf of Earth, one from Mars, and one from the Belt."

"Earth had the sense to include the Belt and Mars in this decision?"

"Maybe they're not as lost as you think," Seulgi says, but Jimin waves the idea away. She senses his discomfort and motions to Irene. "She staying for the meeting?"

"Caught her up past curfew again. I'm teaching her responsibility. Maybe seeing this meeting will help her learn what real life is like."

She smiles. "But daddy, I thought real life was all about boys and coloring books."

He knows she's acting that way to get under his skin, but God dammit, it works. His jaw clenches, but he decides to return her smile instead of scolding her. There's only one problem: Seulgi. She also knows Jimin is an overprotective dad, so she decides to spend the entire wait talking about boys with Irene. They gossip about the boys in school, and Jimin learns Irene received the most roses on Valentine's Day this year. And last year. And the year before that. It takes all his willpower not to get up and write a law to ban Valentine's Day on his ship.

Fifteen minutes later, Jimin gets an alert on his comm that the Earth reps arrived. They keep the door to the conference room open, and soon enough, three people step inside. Two women and one man greet Jimin, all three of them wearing business attire while Jimin stays in his commander uniform. Seulgi wears executive colors while Irene wears baggy clothes that make her stand out.

"Commander Park, how lovely it is to finally meet you," the first rep, a woman with bright red hair, says. "My name is Dalia Vantaz, the Mars representative. This is Francis Dubani from Earth, and Elizabeth Coson from the Belt."

"It's nice to meet you too. Please, come in and shut the door, we have much to discuss. I assume you've met my executive already?"

"We have, thank you. Who is this adorable girl?" Dalia asks.

Irene glances at Jimin with a look only he would know. Around the ship, they always cause chaos together. Commander Park is supposed to be on a 'diet,' but Irene always smuggles snacks into his office. Irene is supposed to be in school five days a week, but Jimin sometimes picks her up early under the excuse of 'needing to discipline her for breaking curfew.' They go watch movies in the cinema instead. Whenever those activities are occurring, Irene gives him that look. The mischievous look.

"I'm Irene, this is my daddy," she says, pointing at Jimin.

Jimin gives them a sheepish smile. "I apologize for any trouble her presence causes."

"Oh no, please don't apologize. I'm a mother, I understand," Elizabeth, a blonde woman taller than Jimin, says as she sits with the other representatives on one couch while Seulgi and Jimin sit together across from them. Irene sits on Jimin's lap for an added feel of innocence. Although she's in her teens, she took many of Jimin's features. The puppy eyes, small hands, and chubby cheeks make her look no older than twelve at most.

"We're here to discuss our plan to find Executive Jeon," Seulgi says. "While going outside the solar system is off-limits, we want to station ourselves 50,000 kilometers away from the edge to do an extended analysis of the distortions. Two weeks ago, three ships went missing around 30,000 kilometers away from the edge. Have the Earth leaders drafted a law restricting unauthorized personnel from going close to the edge?"

"Surprisingly, they have" Francis says. His voice is scratchy like he needs to clear his throat. Considering he appears to be in his seventies, Jimin isn't sure water or coughing will help. "I insisted that they send it to Commander Park as soon as possible."

"I appreciate it," Jimin says. "We want to investigate the disappearances and hopefully find the evidence needed to safely rescue Executive Jeon and any others lost inside."

"A noble mission," Elizabeth says, leaning back and crossing her long legs. "But you're a warship, not a research vessel. While I do agree with the idea, I don't believe you should be the one conducting it, especially considering your emotional attachment to the mission."

"My emotional attachment is exactly why I'm the perfect fit. Look at my history, ma'am. Whenever emotions are involved, I perform stronger. Commander Clementine is dead because of me. She would have turned Earth to dust."

Elizabeth clicks her tongue. "Emotions were also involved when you murdered Chaeyoung."

The room goes quiet at that. Even Irene, who wasn't alive during that portion of his life, knows to never say that name. It's one of their banned words in the household. Ever since Namjoon left, no one dared say her name.

"That's highly inappropriate," Seulgi says, moving forward so her body is in front of Jimin's. "Commander Park was tortured mentally and physically. Any rational human being would have done the same. She earned the death penalty. If Jimin didn't do it, someone else would have."

"It doesn't change that he did something illegal and got away with it. Maybe the rest of the solar system forgot, but I haven't. You're a criminal who got promoted to the highest rank in existence. It's not fair."

"I disagree," Francis says. "Madam Seulgi has a point. While I never condone murder, humans need to use logic and emotion to survive. Commander Park has demonstrated an excellent balance of both. He saved Ganymede. He saved the Belt when no one else would. Are they not your people?"

"Earthers are all the same," Elizabeth says with a hand wave. "You think taking pity on the Belt is respect. You've looked down on us for ages. You need all three votes of approval for this mission, and I refuse to give mine."

"Ridiculous," Francis mutters. "Commander Park, you have my vote. I think you're the only one who should be in charge of this mission. A random research vessel wouldn't fill me with confidence. Dalia?"

Dalia bites her lower lip. "Both of you raise good points. Commander Park, you're an incredible leader. I have nothing but respect for you. However, I disagree with Francis. A research vessel is the perfect tool in this scenario. I must say, I don't see why the Tokyo should lead this mission. You're the protection for the outer planets."

"That's why I requested more ships from Earth. They're flying here as we speak, but it will take them several days if not weeks. While the Tokyo moves in for samples, the fleet from Earth monitors the outer rim and keeps it safe. We have the best researchers in the system here. Anya, Sapphire, and Hoseok. We need them," Jimin says.

Dalia nods. "I agree, but they can be moved to a research vessel if necessary."

"They won't have the same resources."

"We can move those too."

"With all due respect, we're dealing with the unknown," Jimin says. He keeps his tone light. Cautious. "We're going closer to the edge than any ship ever has without disappearing. If we encounter trouble out there, it's better to have a battleship than a research vessel. We'll have stronger comm support, more weapons, more structural integrity in case we're attacked or need to make an emergency landing. We can evacuate all the civilians off the ship and relocate them to the outposts around Pluto for the time being, that way no innocent lives are at risk, only essential crew."

"The Moonchild crew," Seulgi clarifies, and Dalia hums.

"I will admit, that's not bad reasoning. The Tokyo certainly has more benefits than a research vessel."

"Not to mention it's easier to move people than equipment. Dropping off civilians won't take as much time as hauling the equipment my scientists will need. And that's assuming the research vessel has enough room for said equipment. Oh, and one more thing: can a research vessel get here in a timely manner? This is a sensitive issue and one I do not wish to sit on," Jimin says, which has both Dalia and Elizabeth hanging their heads.

"All fair points," Dalia says, sighing afterwards. "Alright, I'm willing to vote in your favor, but only if I can aid the evacuation process. I swore an oath to protect all innocent life."

Commander Park hides his excitement as best he can. "Whatever you need while you're here on the Tokyo, I'll make sure you get."

Elizabeth rolls her eyes. "None of this changes my perspective."

Without her, they can't continue. They need all three votes if they are to go to the edge and find answers for Jungkook's disappearance. But Jimin brought a cheat code. Elizabeth is a mother, and she seemed to consider Jimin's points, even if she won't admit it out loud. All she needs is one final push. So, Jimin gives Irene a little bounce.

As if on cue, Irene starts crying. Jimin fake panics as she crawls into his arms and sobs against his neck. He rubs her back and makes soft 'shh' noises, but the girl pretends to be inconsolable.

"Hey, hey," he whispers, stroking her hair. "What's wrong, princess?"

"U-Uncle Kookie," Irene says with a whimper. She turns to Elizabeth with a quivering lower lip. "Does that mean daddy can't find my Uncle Kookie?"

Elizabeth's eyes bulge, and the two representatives who already voted in Jimin's favor glare at her. Elizabeth glances between them, then stares at Irene.

"He's been gone so long," Irene cries, more tears falling down her face. "I miss Uncle Kookie. Daddy, you promised you would bring him back!"

She burrows herself against Jimin's chest and keeps bawling her eyes out. Even Jimin joins in on the glaring contest. That causes Elizabeth to slump her shoulders.

"I... no parent should make a promise they can't keep, but I don't want to agree to this."

"Because you think it's a bad idea, or because of your prejudice against me being an Earther?" Jimin asks in a lower tone than he intended. At her shock, Jimin shakes his head. "I hate that shithole as much if not more than you. You do realize I put the leader in the ground, right? Earth does nothing but cause chaos. Sorry Francis, but I think you know it's true. So, Elizabeth, if you don't mind, will you please tell my daughter you're going to let her daddy find her dear Uncle Kook?"

Elizabeth sets her jaw as Irene peeks up from Jimin's chest. Silence follows for a few more beats. Then, Elizabeth huffs.

"I vote yes. Your daddy will find your uncle, Irene."

Irene beams and bounces in Jimin's lap. "Yay! Thank you!"

They spend the next five minutes discussing the details before Seulgi kicks them out to speak privately with Jimin. Jimin and Irene get up from their seats, and Irene wipes her tears away like they weren't there to begin with. Jimin high-fives her.

"You're so getting ice cream," Jimin says, doing a little dance with her.

Seulgi freezes. "You brought her here to emotionally manipulate the reps?"

Jimin grins. "Yes. Please don't tell my wife."

"Why would I? The plan worked. You're a genius, Jimin."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Teddy Bear, my ears aren't working very well. I'm getting old, y'know? Mind repeating that one more time? What did you call me?"

"Why did I agree to being your second-in-command?"

"You love me, admit it. Everyone does."

"Do you ever shut up?" Irene asks, which makes Jimin's jaw drop.

"Young lady, I am your father."

"Who doesn't shut up," Irene says in a deadpan voice.

Seulgi snickers. "This is why she's my favorite. Irene, as much as I love you and your acting, do you mind giving your father and I a minute alone?"

Irene agrees. Jimin kneels so he can hug her goodbye, and she departs the room. Jimin stands just as Seulgi comes over and pats his shoulder. She has a smile on her face that seems more genuine than any he had ever seen from her before.

"We won, Commander. All three of them are on our side. Do you know what that means?"

Jimin knows, but he needs to hear the words coming from his executive's mouth. "What does that mean, Seul?" he asks, and he adores the way her eyes light up from the question.

"We're gonna go find Jungkook."