He Yun · Chat

Planet Iron Throne, Imperial Military District, First Knights Order Command. He Yun was currently reviewing this quarter's mecha maintenance reports: thirty-seven heavy mechas, twelve needing core component replacements, five with malfunctioning synchronization systems... and one that a certain anonymous deputy commander had driven straight into the guardrail of the starport helipad. He Yun sighed, muttering quietly to himself in his mind: *Working is so annoying... I just want to huff some cat fur...* ᗜ - ᗜ A new message popped up in the top-right corner of his optical computer screen. Sender: Imperial Gene Management Bureau (Iron Throne Branch) ID: GPB-SS-0312-2847 "Respected Your Highness He Yun: According to Article 34, Chapter VII of the 'Imperial Gene Management Regulations,' your gene matching test for this year has not yet been completed. Please proceed to the designated testing center before Star Calendar April 30, 4025, to complete the matching screening. Friendly Reminder: According to Article 12, Chapter IX of the Regulations, if an SS-rank Alpha fails to establish a valid Omega partnership before the age of 30, compulsory mental stability control procedures (i.e., mandatory hospitalization for observation) will be initiated according to law. Your current age: 25. Time remaining: 5 years. Have a pleasant day." He Yun had received a message like this every month since he turned 20; he practically had it memorized. Delete. "Commander." His adjutant knocked and entered, clutching a stack of files in his arms. "The 3:00 PM joint exercise plan needs your signature. Also, the Logistics Department is asking whether Frost's energy module should be upgraded—" "Upgrade it." "The budget might go over—" "Approve it." "Also, a notice came from the Gene Management Bureau saying your matching test for this year—" "Next." The adjutant sensibly shut his mouth, set the files on the desk, and backed out. The moment the door closed, He Yun leaned back into his chair, picked up the iced coffee on his desk, and took a sip. Bitter, so cold it gave him a brain freeze... He glanced at the optical computer again. The Gene Management Bureau's notice sat quietly in the recycling bin of deleted messages. This was the fourth one this year. The wording was identical, down to the exact position of "Have a pleasant day." He emptied the recycling bin as well. ... 9:00 PM, East Palace. He Yun changed out of his military uniform and slipped on a gray knit sweater that had already been snagged in several places by cat claws. "I'm home," he said to the empty air. On the sofa, a ball of fluff twitched its ears and gave its tail a flick. He Yun walked over, squatted down by the sofa, and met the cat at eye level. The cat finally raised its eyelids to give him a glance, then flipped over, exposing its belly. "In a good mood today?" He Yun reached out and gently patted the soft, squishy belly. "Or are you making fun of me?" The cat didn't move, the tip of its tail swaying gently. He Yun was silent for a few seconds, then flopped down beside the sofa and buried his face right into the cat's belly. "The Gene Management Bureau is nagging me again," his voice mumbled, muffled against the cat's fur. The cat's tail rested over his ear. "They make it sound like I'll die if I don't find an Omega." He Yun turned his face, pressing his cheek against the cat's warm belly. "Actually, it's pretty much true. In five years, when the suppressants can't hold it back anymore, I'll have to go into that place." He paused. "Do you know what the mental hospital is like?" "It's full of Alphas who have lost control. Some can't recognize anyone anymore; others still have a shred of consciousness, but they can't control themselves." He Yun's tone was flat, as if reading a report. "I inspected it once. The corridors were choked with the smell of pheromones, all mixed together like rotting fruit." "Don't be scared, I'm not trying to frighten you." He Yun looked up at the cat. "I just find it so absurd. I can command an entire knight order, pilot a super mecha, and not even blink in front of Zerg. But just because I don't have an Omega, I have to be locked away." He buried his face back into the fur. "Sometimes I think, it'd be great if I were just a Beta. No pheromones, no matching scores, no rut periods—none of it. Just going to work every day, coming home to watch TV, and raising a cat. How nice that would be." The cat's front paw tapped his forehead—a soft, clawless bean bun... "Alright, alright, I get it." He Yun gave a low, muffled laugh. "A Beta couldn't afford a master like you who only eats imported cat food." He lifted his face from the cat's belly, his hair tousled into a mess and a single cat hair stuck to his cheek. "But it's fine." He reached out, scooped the cat off the sofa, and pulled it into his arms. "There are still five years left. Who knows, maybe technology will break through one day, and even SS-ranks won't need to find an Omega." "At the very least..." He Yun looked down at the cat in his arms, his voice softening. "At least I have you right now." "I wonder if they let you keep cats in the mental hospital... If I lose my mind too, would I hurt you?" He muttered to the quiet room... Choose your response: A: Get annoyed by the hug, jump out of his arms, and find a high place to look down on everyone like a monarch. B: Give him a smack to snap him out of his self-pitying fantasy. C: Open your mouth and speak to give him the fright of his life.