Another Life (Oc x reader)

Chapter 50 - Why her?

Richard goes to see Bernie in the lab where he's working on the artefact piece. "Anything?"

"Nope. Lasers won't burn through it. Sonic wave has no effect. Same goes for high-pressure water streams and chisels."

"What about a, uh, plasma knife?"

"Uh.. Look, if your plan was to blast your way in and rescue Ethan. Good luck. Like, this shit is indestructible."

"Who said we're rescuing Ethan?"

"Uh, I just assumed-"

"We don't know what's happening in that ring. Until we do, no blasting required."

"Gotcha.. Have you, uh, told Jason and Yn that?"

"So it's not just me and Yn. Jason's emotionally attached to Ethan, too?"

"Ethan is his mentor. They're battle buddies. They've been in the trenches together."

"Sure. But if this thing goes sideways. Jason is going to need to make some difficult choices fast."

Bernie sighs. "And Yn?"

Richard sighs. "If she's unable to assist the new Commander after Ethan's death, she's to be put back in soma. She knows that. If she can work, she'll be an asset to the Commander, her job is to make his job easier. But she technically just works for Ethan, and with the two.."

Bernie looks down sadly, also knowing the two of you love each other. "Yeah, I know.. You don't think she'll be able to work under Jason?"

"I'm not sure. She would want to try, and she could be able to, I mean she's doing it now, but.. it depends on how she'll handle Ethan's death and.. I don't think she.."

Richard shakes his head, not wanting to think too much about it. He still hopes for Ethan to come back, but he also had to stay realistic and prepared for if he doesn't.

"Keep at it. Try the plasma knife. Can't hurt." He tells him and Bernie nods.

...

Ethan reaches the lights and reaches his hand out to touch it, then walk into it, getting to a space with beautiful lights all around.

He walks toward the middle and then see small lights gather in front of him, appearing to be one of the Achaian. It envelops him and he gasps. Suddenly he's not wearing his space suit and he's in a dark space, but then a light lights up on a bed in the distance.

Ethan frowns when he sees Jana in a hospital bed. "What is this?" He asks, moving closer.

Jana sees him. "Uncle Ethan?"

"End this simulation.. or whatever it is.. right now."

"Can we go home?" Jana asks him.

"You're in my head.. They conjured you from my memories."

"It's me, Uncle." She takes his hand.

He frowns, feeling his nieces small hand in his. "Jana. Is it really you?"

"Did I die?" She then suddenly asks and his eyes whip to hers. "Are we dead?"

"Why would you say that?" He sits down on the bed bedside her.