This longing arises so suddenly that he doesn't realize that what engulfs him is inevitably the longing for his parents.

So strange, how can I get this feeling? Is it... because I'm having a hard time? Ah, that accusation is true then, that I am an unfilial son? Just like the uncles and aunties in Saturn often said; The mind pattern of an unfilial child is, when they are happy they don't long for their family, but they have a hard time, they'll definitely seek for their family. Before, when I was triumphant, I didn't communicate with my family, but now when I'm in trouble, I then long for them. Does it mean that Dad's accusation is right?...

He turns his gaze from the ultra-cyber minipad screen. And watching Daphne who is having a conversation with Mrs. Yalle, their faces look very happy.

No... that's not true. I feel this longing because of the propinquity of Daphne and her mother. I have been out of touch with my parents for years, it's normal to miss them when I see both of mother and daughter.

He himself feels ashamed soon after he makes that argument. He thinks, he is no more than seeking justification to cover up his mistakes.

Not wanting to dwell too long on his turmoil feelings, he then forces himself to fight his doubts that have dominated his heart for a long time. Thus, he uses the telepathy call on his ultra-cyber minipad. Calling his parents.

He must wait so long until someone picks up the call.

"Hello... who's this?..."

Stairmount's heart skips a beat. His voice is hoarse as he replies, "Mom... it's me..."

No immediate answer.

"Mom?..." Stairmount asks once again.

"Schynn? Are you Schynn? Are you really Schynn?!"

"That's right, Mom. It's me, Schynn."

"Schynn! Geez, how is it going now?! Are you alright?!? Mom has been calling you since yesterday, Neptune has attacked Pluto, right?! Why didn't you pick up the call?! And the embassy didn't even mention your name in the citizens who have returned, you know, we are almost crazy because of too panic!!! We think you have...!"

We? Does it mean, his father also worries about him?

"Don't worry Mom... I'm... fine..." Deciding not to ask that sarcastic question, Stairmount stutters. Is he actually lying to his mother? How can he be okay while he is now trying to run away?

"Where are you now?! How come I don't recognize your ultra-cyber minipad number?! The number order is neither Pluto's nor Jupiter's?!"

"This is Mercury's number. I'm at the Kharon airport right now, waiting for a flight to Jupiter..."

"Where is Kharon? So what will you do now, will you return to Jupiter?"

"Yeah, Mom... I'll be home soon, so don't worry..."

"Thank God! Thank You so much. You have helped our only son, thank You so much!..."

"Errr... to be honest, Mom... I'm... not fine..."

"Eh... what do you mean?..."

"I... I did something they didn't like... and I was being chased by them..."

"I don't get your point, Schynn! Please tell us more clearly!"

"Chrono... they did a very awful thing in Pluto... then I... I couldn't stand it anymore... I messed up their work... so they got mad at me!..."

"I really don't get your point, Schynn!"

Stairmount takes a deep breath. "Chrono collaborated with the Pluto government in massacring the innocent Neptunian-Plutonian just because they hate Neptune due to invading Pluto. I couldn't stand the massacre... so I reflexively messed it up... it made them angry... that's why I am running away from them..."

There is no reply for quite a long time. Assuming that the communication has been disconnected, Stairmount asks to ensure, "Mom? Can you hear me?"

"So, what'll you do right now?"

Copyright ©️ by boundless_universe

Stairmount gasps. The person who answered him just now, has a male voice.

His father's voice.

"Dad..." Stairmount's voice trembles more severely.

"You're on the run? But why do you return to Jupiter? They're headquartered here, it must be very easy for them to catch you."

"I am planning to disguise as an illegal immigrant whose identity can't be easily recognized." Stairmount gets stunned. Unexpectedly, his father is much more responsive than his mother who is prone to be panicked. He guesses, maybe his mother is too scared that his father - despite his antipathy towards him - quickly takes the initiative to take over the conversation. And automatically, he is relieved that his father doesn't scold him as he thought before. "So, where should I run to, Dad? I am only familiar with Jupiter and Pluto."

"I'll call my relatives..."

"Dad, come on! I'm the member of Chrono, and Saturn really hates Chrono since Chrono often messes with their national stability. The reality is, I'll be killed right away as soon as I get there!"

"But none of your relatives know that you're a Chrono member. I follow your advice and I don't tell them at all."

"They don't know, but Saturn government does know. They have great intelligence, Dad. I've heard that they have managed to execute 25 henchmen sent by Chrono. Let alone put them into trial first, they didn't even catch the captives, and got them shot to death on the spot!..."

"That must be because they are the Jupitune. Different from you. You are a Saturnian, and besides, you still have relatives in Saturn. Your Daddy and Mommy are also immigrants coming from there. They will perceive you the same as them, Schynn. As a Saturnian."

Something odd trembles inside Stairmount's chest. "I...is that true, Dad?..."

"Besides, you said, you screwed up their work? And by then you become the opponent of Chrono? So Saturn has more important reasons to protect you for certain, right?"

Reason to protect? Stairmount feels the sudden chill surging through his whole body as he realized that matter. "I can't go to Saturn..."

Copyright © boundless_universe