Max POV

After when we got back on the ship, I went back to the loading dock to disembark the mech there. I quickly rush back to my workstation only to be meet both Nova and Mia surrounding an octoling. As I got closer, I realize it's the same octoling that helped me in a bad situation.

"Here you go, one live fresh specimen just for you Nova."

After when Mia said those words, my heart sank to my stomach I knew I have to speak up now. "No, I don't think you are going to do anything to that thing."

They both looked at me with their normal stare while Nova began to put on a fake smile.

" Oh Max you are here. I was about to transport our friend here for a chec-"

I quickly interrupted her midspeech " Don't lie to me crazy women. You were about to do more than a checkup. " She quickly put away her face smile and look me in the eyes.

" If there is one thing I dislike, it's lying. I'm going to take our friend to my lab for a checkup. Then proceed to dissect for research "

I cross my arms while Mia began to take a few steps back. " I'm fine if it was somebody evil, but I refuse for our ally to b-" I was then interrupted by Nova who was giving a look of realization.

" How do you know it's an ally? "

" How could I forget someone who got me out of a bad situation. If it wasn't for her, they could have cut the wires of the mech or I would be forced to use water on them and risk getting circuit damage. " I can see Nova slowly turn her head towards Mia. No words were spoken but her expression was very clear. Mia look at Nova with a face of confusion.

" You told me to capture someone alive. So, this octoling was the first thing I saw when I left the building. "

Nova began to cover her face while walking around in circles.

"How could this happen? How can I fix this? They probably think we're hostile." Nova just keep walking in circles while I pick up our friend from the floor and lay her on an empty worktable. "I GOT IT"

I turn my head towards Nova who just look like she solved the biggest mystery. "What?"

" well return her and apologize. I mean we could say it was an accident? "

Mia began to get up from the stairway and started to voice her opinion.

"We could do that, OR we could make a trade."

I don't like where this is going but Mia still have more to say.

"If we could make on offer then we could some stuff. For example I have data from the base we just raided so we can us that as leverage. Our friend here is something we can use as an advantage."

Nova looked at her with a blank stare.

"Mia you have a mental complexity to become a great scientist."

" Thank you, Nova, but being stuck in a lab is boring and lonely. Anyway, I know you have some way to contact them in going to use that later when our friend wakes up. "

Just heading those two-talk made me think they were the devil. After I grab a blanket of some sort for our friend, I walk over to my workstation and began building the core. I have to tell Mia to not make us look bad, but Nova beat me to it

"Mia do not make enemies with them. Okay?"

"No promises"

Time skip

I don't know how much time we have left, but I hope I can finish this before it's too late. Mia was just relaxing by the window of the workstation. When I was about to recheck some wires again, I notice our friend is starting to wake up. Sadly, setting up this contraption is more important, but Mia without her mask on got right up to her face. Next thing I heard was a loud shriek like someone was dying. Mia then began talking loudly.

" WHY HELLO THERE!!!"

"WHERE AM I? WHY AM I TIED UP? WHAT DO YO-"

I turn my head towards Mia and she was gently caressing the octoling face.

"There there my child your safe now. Grandma will protect you from the big bad scary wolf."

" LET ME GO!!! "

There goes Mia, making our first impression as bad it could be. I drop my tools and walk over to them. When the octoling looked at me, there was more fear expressing on her face. Almost as if she was making a will in her mind while Mia was touching her tentacle hair thing. "Mia, I think the joke has gone long enough don't you think?

Mia looked at me then started to untie the rope around her. Immediately when the rope became lose enough, the octoling immediately jump away from the table and back up into a corner while getting into a fighting stance. I just walk back to my station and continue working on the core while Mia just continue looking out the window. From the corner of my eye, I can see the octoling was very confused then started to rush out the door. Mia then got up and walk after her with arms behind her back.

After about what feels like five minutes, both Mia and the octoling were walking next to each other while having a chat. The octoling grab a chair and just watch me with curiosity while Mia walk back to the window

" so, is that the reason why you attack the base? "

Without adverting my eyes, I answered her question. "Yea, you know what it does?"

" No, what does it do? "

I turn my head at her, and her eyes grew wide and she had an aura of excitement. I drop my tools and began showing her the contraction. "this machinery here when working properly, will make the co2 into breathable air. Like plants with photosynthesis or something like that. I don't know that exact science behind this, but I do know how it should operate. Sounds confusing i know, but this should be one of my greatest work yet." After double checking the machine, I look at the octoling who was fully invested about learning this contraption. She then asks something that caught me off guard.

"Why are you building it?"

Her eyes were full of curiosity and excitement. Lying is the one thing I'm bad at. "We have about less than a day left before we run out of air." Her excitement began to fade away and she started to look down in a sorrow mood. Seeing a kid/octopus sad leaves a bad taste in my mouth. "Cheer up kid, if it doesn't work, then we do have backups so don't worry." She raises her head and started to be in a cheerful mood again. I however was scared that I might fail.

Mia POV

While Maximax is talking to our guest, I guess I should start setting up our little meeting with our "friends" from the ground. Luckily for me, Nova left me her datapad and a drone, so I don't have to meet them face to face. After when I got the drone in place, I turn on Nova datapad and it showed five different views. One of them was looking at cave, one was roaming around the city and three was looking at our "friends". What interesting to me was everyone except one was sitting down on the table and discussing while this Agent 4 was scouting around the room almost as if looking for something.

"As I was saying Three, we'll get her back. Just stay calm. I'm sure she is fine, I mean it's Eight." The green and white squid was trying to calm down agent 3.

"We have to save her. NOW!" I guess agent 3 have a temper issue.

" we don't even know where they took her. They appear then disappear without a trace. " I guess the octoling with an oversize zipper must be the brains of the group. As I listen in more on the conversation, I don't know why, but Four became more aware. He became fixed onto one of the drone, everyone looked at him then went back to their conversation. I just assume that he wants a break or something until he started to speak.

"Hey, You're here are you?"

I can see everyone in the room jump from their seats and were on high alert. I put on the same mask from the raid and clear my throat for a bit. When I was ready, I projected a hologram of sorts on one of the empty seats sitting crisscross. "Why hello there. Did yo-" I was then rudely interrupted when Three tries to punch my hologram. I relocate my image next to Four. Normally when I last saw him, he was about a foot or two smaller. The hologram made me the same height as them. I use the hologram to his behind Four while acting scared. " Ohh noo please protect me from the scary lady brother Four. "

"I'll give you something to be scared about alright. Where is Eight? And don't give me any bullshit."

The inkling name Three is really mad about his friend or could it be something more? It must be nice to be surrounded by true friends. Anyway I wonder if I made her even more angry. " Ooooooo I'm so scared. " Everyone was quiet while Three was getting ready to punch me again. Again I disappear and reappear but this time Behind an octoling who I gave a fake copy of the data we got. I made a taunting gesture to antagonize Three even more and each time gets funnier and funnier.

"STOP"

Apparently the green and white female squid shouted at both me and Three while everyone else were on high alert.

"Honestly Four if this is Nova person you're talking about, then we may be dealing with monsters then humans"

" Hey, I don't care if you bad mouth me, but leave my friends out of this. Well I guess it's time to get serious. " I reappear to an empty seat and proceeded to tell the group to sit. Some were hesitant at first, but when Four sat down the rest follows. I clap my hands together and looked at the group. "Let's get down to business." I turn my head towards Three " First I would like to apologize for my actions. I hope deep down you could forgive me. "

"Where's Eight?"

I can see that three is furious, so I left him be. I turn my head to the person on my left " let's start over again hello, my name is Mia . May I have your name or nickname? "

They were all hesitant on giving names until they cave in. They Callahan to give their names clockwise.

" Hello, my name Is Marie also known as Agent 2"

" Hi, my name is Callie or Agent 1 if you like"

" Yo Pearl here A.K.A Agent 5 A.K.A MC PRINCESS"

"Umm good evening, my name is Marina or Agent 6"

"..."

" You already know me but Hey, Agent Four"

"Classified"

I look at the octoling girl with a simple smile. "You sure you don't have a name?"

"Classified"

Interesting, they still don't know. Right before I was about to open my mouth, Marina ask me a question.

"Are you really a human?"

" C'mon it's like you never seen a human before. " They all stare at me with strange looks on their face except Three who just becoming even more angry as time went by. "*sigh* it's was a joke, of course I'm human. Been human since the day I was born." Everyone just stay quiet while Marina was typing on her laptop. I pulled out the datapad and try to use the drone to hack into the laptop. Everyone was just quiet for a while. After I got into her computer, I copy her data and blue screen her computer. When it happens, Marina was typing furiously into her keys while I just say there smiling. When the people at the table realized this, they began to look at her computer. "You know, I like to keep this between us for now Marina. You can interview me after the meeting.

When everyone began to settle down except for Three who is still daggers me, I clap my hands together. "Alright everyone now that is settle, I would like to ask you a very important question." Everyone in the room began to give me their undivided attention except for Three who is getting pretty rude.

"Where is Eight?!?!"

I just say there with a biggest grin on my face. As reach down into my pockets, I pulled out a golden toothpick and wore it. I can see everyone recognize it. Some were terrified, while others were filled with anger. I put both my hands to cover my mouth and began to mess around. "Three it's me eight why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my hair?" As I was about to scratch my hair, three gave me a very familiar eyes that I was very familiar with. MURDEROUS INTENT AND CONTRITENESS. I drop the act, remove my mask, and look three in the eyes. "Your eyes, is that how much you really hate me? Do you want to watch me suffer? Do you want me to disappear from existence?" At this point everyone is starting to become uncomfortable while both Three and I got up from our seat and start walking to each other. "Do you think that I am a mistake? Do you want me dead? Tell me three."

" Where is Eight? If anything happens to her, I'll make sure that you will be hunted down for the rest of your life. "

The funny thing about this is that I believe her. I walk back to the table and look at Marie. "Let's make a trade, bring me food, drinks, supplies, etc. I don't really care what to be honest, but I do not want any "tampering" if you know what I mean. She looked at me with those same eyes Three had. As I look around, everybody was giving me mix expression except for four who has a blank look.

" how much? "

Marie didn't say much, but she made her point clear "How much do you value your friend? Anyway, I best be going I am getting hungry. I think about five hours from now is a perfect time to make the trade. See you then friends." I got up from the table and walk to what I assumed to be the front door then disappear.

Max POV

While I was talking our guest, Mia walk out of my workshop I just ignore it. The octoling continue to look at the core and ask me a strange question.

" why is your friend like...that? "

She asks me in a sorrow tone of voice. I continue to modify the core and didn't bother looking at her. "Well it's a long story so got comfortable."

"To explain why Mia is like that today, I should start from the beginning. Before this ship "Unity Dawn", we all were living down there on earth. I don't think that Mia and Nova won't tell you what happen because I think they want to forget, but I don't mind keep our history alive or something. Anyway, being on a ship was something we didn't have a choice. Few months before we were launch into space, there was a terrorist organization that clams to be pure or something. Many nations keep their distance and monitor their movements. However they did something which cause us to be where we are now."

" what did they do? "

" They got a hold of a nuclear bombs and detonate them. At first, we thought that they were duds and just went on with our day. We were wrong. The bombs went off in Antarctica, Greenland, and places that have large amount of snow. They plan to drown the world. The government knew what was happening and for the first time they all unanimously agreed. This space station was a collective of many nations of the world with each sector was built by a nation. For example, this workshop and loading bay along with others places was built by Germany and My father was one of the lead engineer. Anyway, while the ship was building, the government has to compose a list. Now the list is very important for many reasons so keep this in mind. The list have many rules on them. One of which was only people on the list and one other could get on the ship.

"I still remember the news that lead up to launch date. First many islands such as Iceland, New Zealand, and others were swallow by the sea. Second was the estament amount of people who drowned. Things only got worst as there was food shortage. Once that happen, there was riot in the streets. When the list was leaked, earth became the embodiment of hell. There were other things that happen, but I don't remember them clearly to tell.

Anyway, on launch day, my father and I step on the ship along with many others who were worried about the future. I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared too, but I tend to go with the flow. When we got into space, I saw multiple ships were interlocking with each other. before I knew it, we were doing the same thing.

being in a new environment made us adapt to new situation. Before we knew it, everybody in the ship started working. I was assigned to the engineer bay because of my skill and my father recommendation while others became the security or medical team. My job was not easy, but I enjoyed it.

Soon after some time, problems began arise. Some people couldn't stand with each other while others have...complications. At this point, some rules have to be taken into effect. The heads decided to add the punishment system. This system was to give warnings to people. Sadly, the system has gotten worse as time went by. The new punishment system took its first victim. The victim stole some painkillers from the medical lab for his habits. The new punishment gave him no hope and his sentence were the airlocks. Overtime we see more and more people ejected to space for small crimes all in the name to keep the human race alive and I believe that.

One of the lead researchers proposed a plan to cryofreeze the remaining human race and reawaken 100 years into the future. It got approve and that's when we all got working. There were some days and nights with no sleep, but it did not stop me or my fellow workers.

Now you know about most of our history on this ship, lets get to Mia behavior. Mia and I became friends during our first week on this ship. She is completely different from today. Back then, she was serious and never show emotion acting like she has everything under control. She was a member of the security corp. Overtime she began to open up and we became friends. Overtime She began to have bruises and small scratches on her body. I thought it was training that they had so I paid no mind to it, but it only got worse. More and more showed up and became more visible. My friends and I started to get worried and talk to her. She said its "alright" or "training was rough", we all knew better. During one of my work days, a friend pulls me aside and told all of us that Mia mother was the one giving her the damage. We all believe him because he never lies. During our rare days off, we investigated it and found clear proof of it. Mia only living family member began physically and mentally abusing Mia. I would never forget the words that came out of her mouth. "I can't believe that my only true child saves a mistake." follow by glass breaking. One of my friend was ready to fight, but I have to hold him back because Mia mother was the leader of the security corp so I knew how it would end up and he would end up ejected from space because of the rule.

News began to spread to all the kids. We tried to cheer her up, but she chose to stay oblivious and began to act unusual. We didn't want to press forward because its personal.

"Why didn't you told the people in charge?"

"You see my small octofriend, we did. Every kid including myself file a complaint, however it mysteriously never reaches the head and Mia suffer for our actions. One suggested to talk to them directly but we all voted aginsted it because it was her words against ours. We could do nothing but give moral support."

Anyway, fast forward to when the cryofreeze were complete. Many of the adults were celebrating in the cafeteria while the rest of us were partying in a different hanger. The world around us was non-existence as we party all night. Even Nova was bobbing her head to the beat which was new to many of us. Then Mia came through the doors and relax on an empty seat. I went up and talk to her after what felt like hours, she gave me a smile and thank me for the talk I don't remember what I said. Before she left the room, she stole axel drink which was weird because I never see him drink also the fact because he's a cyborg...sorry I'm getting off track. After She stole Axel drink, she left the room with an unnatural grin on her face. I thought nothing of it, and I continue to have the time of my life. What I didn't expect was tomorrow.

Just then Mia enter the workstation while holding her pick and duffle bag while having a different mask. She was heading towards the teleporter. "Hey Mia, where are you going?"

She looked at me and gave me a very calm response. "I got business to take care of. I'll be back return."

I pray no further since the core was build and needed to be installed. " Alright be safe ok." She just smiled and waved her hands frantically as she disappears from view. I pick up the core while signaling Eight to carry the tools. After Finding the right spot to install the core, I set it down and began working on it while finishing the story.

"Where was I? Oh yea. The day after the party, we were all surprise when we actually have a proper trial. We just didn't expected it to be Lead Security Corp Mia's Mother. The trial only lasted for 10 Minutes only because that they have enough evidence against her, and Mia testimony. Mia acted so...unusual. Like she became a different person altogether. What they accused her was steeling multiple drugs and chemicals all over the station. They said that it happens since the ship first went into space. Mia's mother was of course was angry but had no proof she didn't do it. She had the nerves to cry for help from Mia which Mia just looked at her "How could you mother putting everyone on this ship in danger. Not only have you brought shame not only on me, but my father and your son who is also my brother." This of course angered the mother to the point she broke out of her cuffs and charges at Mia. Mia used her momentum and dislocated her shoulders. Just like that, Mia mother was basically executed, and everyone prepared for cryostasis. I know Mia maybe childish annoying from time to time, but she cares to protect her friends. Even by making the most difficult choice."

3rd POV

When Mia got teleported to the ground. She appears in front of cuttlefish shack. The old was hero was resting on his chair until he notices Mia. Cap cuttlefish got up from his rocking chair and walk towards Mia with his cane for support.

"Oh hello. You must be the human my agents meet." Cuttlefish extend his hand for a handshake Mia accepted his handshake. " Well come on in its rude to keep a guess outside. " Mia still holding on to her pick and duffle bag over her shoulder following cuttlefish.

At the same time this event transpired, the agents were informed by Marina that a signal appear in front of cuttlefish shack. This of course got the cousins panicking for their grandpa safety.

"Were leaving NOW" Marie was the first one to respond follow by Callie

"LET'S GO!"

"What about the food?"

Marie was about punch Four for his comment but quickly regain her composure "Forget about it let's go"

As the agents were rushing back to the shack, another event took place in space. As Nova walk into the workshop looking for something.

"Max, have you seen the datapad? I seem to have misplaced it."

After Max finished installing the core, he turns face Nova with a giant grin. "Nope haven't seen it but let the fresh air course though your body." Then Max inhale a good amount of air produce by the core and have a moment of enjoyment as he completed one of the few he could called his masterpiece

Nova interrupted Max moment of happiness "I'm sorry to cut it short max, for ruining the moment but could you help me make a good first impression? "

Max was snap back into reality "Hmm? What? Oh sure. When?"

"Now is perfect"

"Great let's go. I want to make this quick because I AM TIRED."

"Also, do you know where Mia is?"

" last I saw her, she went to the surface with a different mask, the ice pick, and a dufflebag. I'm going to assume that she is going for another trip. "

The octoling ask Max out of the blue. "What do you mean by 'trip'?"

"Trip? Basically going to get supplies. Mainly food, drinks, and random materials. I hope she still not upset about the cake."

The octoling knowing what cake Max was talking about keep quiet and follow Max and Nova to the teleported.

"Nova? Do you think Mia done something when we haven't noticed?"

" what made you think that? "

"Its Mia."

"By the love of...I hope she didn't. But then again, I don't think she did."

Mia POV

"NO PLEASE STOP!!!"

I was looking at cap cuttlefish who was having a breakdown "just to let you know cuttlefish, I'm not sorry for doing this. Maybe you should rethink your life choices."

" Then please, make it quick and painless. "

I did not say anything as I reach my hand out for the last crabby cake on a plate. I honor his final request and devoured it in one bite while looking away from the man. After finish eating it, I turn my head to him again and notice that his eyes are beginning to water.

"You're a monster."

'Then why did you bet on it? Also, if you have move your queen earlier, then you could have eaten the last one instead of me. Also why is the crab cake THAT important?"

"Because I don't have the ingredients to make another batch. I should ask Agent 3 to pick up mor-" Our thoughts were interrupted by a sudden knock on the door. "Coming."

I see cuttlefish walk up to the door while I reset up the chess game again. I was really surprise when they still use the same standard rules we used.

"Agent 8...and you brought M-MORE H-HUMANS. "

He got my attention, so I lean back on my chair to see both Max and Nova standing outside of the doorway. "Cuttlefish don't have a heart attack on me yet you're not that old or unfit yet. Oh, and hey guys." I can hear Nova was telling something at me, but I didn't care having another match with cuttlefish was more important. "Ready to lose again old timer?"

" Give me a minute and I'm not that old. "

"Don't break your hips."

Cuttlefish gave a small chuckle and told Max and Nova to enter the house. Nova was enter the house normally but have to lower her head to not hit the roof. I wish I could say the same for Max. Max has to turn his body to even squeeze through the door. Even when he's in the house, he had to bend his knees and bend his back or else the roof will have a hole. "Here have a seat let me grab some refreshments." Cuttlefish said as he was walking to the kitchen. Nova sat down on an empty couch. Agent 8 grab a chair and say down to the right of me guessing she want to see the chess match. Max was about to sit down on a couch but after putting some weight, it made a clear sound that it was giving up. Max just gave up and sit by the wall. As for me, I sat down on the chair, but it was uncomfortable however I didn't mind that much. Soon after cuttlefish brought out drinks for everyone which is just...something. It tastes weird but I'm still alive so that's good, I guess. Once Nova saw me drinking it, she soon follows while Max just set his drink to the side and try to get comfortable.

As time pass, Nova was talking to 8 while they were watching tv. I was still having a chess game with cuttlefish while Max still haven't move from his spot. I'm just going to assume he's asleep. The chess game against him is pretty intense it's almost like he can read my mind. Every move I made he predicted in advance.

"With this piece here, that is checkmate my human friend."

" fair game cuttlefish." Cuttlefish just chuckle while resetting the board again. While I was about to move the pawn, my intuition kick in and I began observing my surroundings. That when I notice movements outside. EVERYBODY TAKE COVER, WE GOT CONTACT AROUND THE HOUSE. " I kick the table over and ready my pick. I notice that agent 8 took her weapon and kick the couch over, Cuttlefish ran to the kitchen with Nova and Max was just sitting by the wall haven't move at all. At that moment, they began to beach through both the front and back doors along with the windows. I wasted no time and threw the table towards the one by the door and rush the one who was closest to me. Right when I grab the one who enter the window, I got a better look at their face and I started to laugh like to tomorrow.

"*laughs* guys it's ok it's the other agents. I recognize the angry smelly one. " I release agent 3 and began to set up the table to continue the chess game. While I was picking up the pieces, I got punch in the face and have an inkgun pointed at me.

"Where's 8"

"Girl she over there, you stupid or something? " I pointed to where the couches were and sure enough she was cleaning up Three lower her gun and ran towards her. I just ignore them and pick up the chess pieces. honestly, it's bad enough that the pieces were small, but they were scattered all over the place. Then I notice that someone was helping me it's was an inkling I recognize as Callie or Agent 1 and the octoling spy. After we pick up everything, I began setting up both side of the board and gesture the octoling for a round. It was kind of weird because of the silence soon enough after I take a few pieces, Callie complimented me about how good I am. I didn't say much as I was focusing. About midway through the game, the octoling finally said something.

"So... how was your day?"

I have a light chuckle " well...I raided a fort, burn it to the ground, steal all the information I could, kidnapping a wrong person which I hope you forgive me and my friends. " I turn looking at Callie when I said those words "where was I? I yea after kidnapping someone I had to do negotiation and been playing chess until someone interrupted the game, got punch in the face by a blind love freak and here I am playing chess with you right now. "

"...I'm going to say it's going well~." She asked in a confused tone

" Honestly, I like days like these. It gives you memories to remember when your older and believe it or not, it's not the weirdest thing I went through. " I smile a bit when I my move my bishop " and with that checkmate Sinha. " she looks at the board trying to and a way out. After a moment, she gave up and offer a handshake. A good sportsmanship it's kind of rare these days. I pulled out a flash drive from my metallic arm and handed it to her. "Here it's the data I got from the base the one I handed you was a fake, but I knew you'll figure it out.

After the game, nothing interesting happened in this weird little get together party. Most of them were talking to Nova about our history and culture, I was playing multiple games that they had and winning the majority of them, and Max still haven't move from the spot at all. Some of them were asking that if he was alright. I just told them that he's sleeping and to my surprise, the inklings known as the squid sisters have him a blanket.

After some time have passed, Nova suggested we should leave. I was getting tired of playing so I got up from the seat and walk over to Max who was still sleeping. I kick his leg to wake him up, but nothing happens. Knowing my lazy self, I punch his nose close and waited. Not long after, his entire body jolted, and he look at me with an irritated look.

" What the hell Mia, I only closed my eyes for a second. " he said while rubbing his nose.

" Max, you been asleep for hours and get up were leaving. "

Max got up but hit his head on the ceiling "ouch". Bending his back, he set the blanket on one of the couches and walk to the door. Again watching him trying to squeeze through the door was like watching a fat cat crawling under the couch. When we all got outside, most of the inkling and the octoling were waving goodbye. I have a two-finger solute and we were back at the ship.

"Good night guys I'm going to sleep."

" Same here, you been up for a while, so you need it. "

"I agree with Mia, you deserve the rest. If you need me, I'll be in my lab as always. "

As we all went out separate says except Max who just lay down on the handicap walkway. I went back to my test pad and slept on my hammock. Right when I was about to sleep, a sudden though rush into my mind. 'Shit, we forgot the stuff.' I'll worry about getting the stuff tomorrow, but just the thought of it will make it harder to sleep at night.