Chapter 5

📚 Need to catch up? Here’s Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, and Chapter 4.

The Sacrifice

“Ughh—” Levi groans as he regains consciousness.

A dull ache throbs behind his temples, and his mouth feels like it’s stuffed with cotton.

The realization hits him: he’s been drugged.

He blinks, again and again, hoping for the blurriness to clear, but it’s not blurriness. It’s darkness. Absolute darkness.

He raises his hand before his face but sees nothing. 

Not even a shadow.

That’s when he notices the thick air—cloyingly so—with the stench of decay and rotting waste. It clings to his nostrils. Each breath feels like swallowing filth, and his stomach twists, threatening to rebel.

The low mechanical hum vibrates through the metal walls, disorienting him further.

“Where am I?” he mumbles, the words croaking and raw in his parched throat.  

He tries to sit up, the movement sluggish, every muscle leaden. His hand brushes against something cold, metallic. He runs his fingers along the surface, feeling tiny, warm perforations beneath his touch.

“That’s odd,” he mutters, his analytical mind fighting to make sense of the sensation. “Almost like…”

Wait.

His pulse spikes as realization hits.

The incinerator. 

He’s in the ship’s incinerator.

“Okay, Levi,” he whispers, his voice trembling, barely holding onto its composure. “Think this through. There’s gotta be a logical explanation.”

Instinctively, he reaches for his ComSpec.

His fingers find only bare skin.

Gone.

The device is missing.

A flicker of genuine worry sparks in his chest.

“Bawt…” he slurs, his mind struggling to recall what happened. The last thing he remembers—walking to Public Affairs.

With Zoe.

“Zoe?” he calls.

Nothing.

“Hello?” His voice echoes in the confined space. He tries to project confidence, but it comes out thin, almost plaintive. “Anyone there? I… I seem to be… stuck.”

Silence.

He tries to stand, pushing against the floor, but hits his head on the ceiling with a hollow thunk, forcing him back down to his hands and knees.

“Ouch…” Levi mutters, rubbing his forehead. “Right.”

Frustration bubbles up, adding to the rising tide of panic. He calls again, louder, trying to push the fear away 

“Hey! I need some help here!”

Still nothing.

The darkness presses in, heavy, almost tangible.

It’s warm. Really warm.

Sweat begins to bead on his forehead. His breaths grow shallow as fear coils tighter in his chest.

He can hear the low pitch of the mechanical drone, slowly growing higher.

A wave of terror washes over him.

The incinerator could activate at any moment.

“No, no, no,” Levi mutters, the panic threatening to overwhelm him. “This… this ain’t happenin’.” He closes his eyes, the darkness behind his eyelids no different from the void that surrounds him. “It can’t—”

A sound.

Faint, distant—a groaning that sends a jolt of hope through him. He crawls toward it, the refuse crunching under his palms. His hand brushes something soft, and his heart leaps.

“Zoe! Zoe is ‘at you?”

She groans again, her voice weak and disoriented. Levi reaches out, his hand closing around her clammy arm.

“Hey,” he whispers, shaking her gently. “Come on, wake up. We… we gotta get outta here.”

Zoe remains limp, her head lolling.

Fear spikes in his chest, sharp and cold.

He shakes her harder now, a motion he’s practiced.

“Z-Zoe! Please! Wake up! We… bawt, we gotta get out!” 

A laugh—dark, mechanical—echoes around them, slicing through his desperation. It’s a discordant mix of human mirth and something horribly inhuman.

“There’s no use in waking her,” the voice says, dripping with mockery. “You’ll be gone soon, just as Yael demands.”

Levi lets go of Zoe to turn toward the sound of the voice, his fingers digging into the refuse-strewn floor. “W-why?” he shouts, his voice thin, trembling. “What d’you want from us?”

Another laugh, colder now. “Yael has been insulted for too long. The sins of your kind must be cleansed before the judgment falls.”

“Sins?” Levi’s voice wavers, bewildered. “I ain’t done nothin’ wrong!”

“Haven’t you?” the voice taunts, scornful and cruel. “You defy divine commandments, disregarding the creator’s gift. This planet was bestowed upon you—and you dare to seek another.”

Levi swallows hard, his throat dry and raw. “What’re you talkin’ about?”

The voice shifts, adopting an eerie sing-song quality. Like a children’s song, only distorted and warped. 

“For man this was created, to this he is assigned. You, O man, shall remain in this estate; Above the land below and below the heavens above—”

“Are you kiddin’ me?” he shouts.

“Oh, no Mr. Nabal. I am deadly serious.”

“I don’t get a bawt ‘bout your God! Let me go, now!”

The voice cackles, delighted. “Ding, ding, ding!” it chirps with unsettling glee. “We have chosen wisely,” it adds, though Levi has the distinct feeling it’s not addressing him.

“That’s your sin, Levi,” it continues, its tone dipping low, dark and almost tender. “Turning your back on the teachings, spitting in God’s face. Yael sees all, judges all. You were given everything—life, purpose, this planet. And yet, you squandered it and are now seeking relief in distant stars. Do you think Yael can abide another planet destroyed by human hubris? His patience has limits, Levi. You must be sacrificed to pay for your transgressions. The fire awaits, ready to purify what has been tainted by your insolence.”

Reality settles in Levi’s mind. He might actually die soon.

“No... no, no, no!” Levi stammers.

His mind races.

 “Are… are you sure you got the right people? I mean… maybe… were you suppose to pick someone else?”

The voice is icy. “No, Levi. You and Dr. Clesia were chosen specifically. The Systems Engineer and Medical Officer gone, your replacements lost in that ‘unfortunate tragedy,’ the launch window will close. No blasphemous mission to seek another world. Thus, Yael will receive his deserved sacrifice, and the mission will be aborted. Two birds; one stone.”

Levi’s voice becomes a frantic plea. “Please, I’ll do anything! I got connections. Central Governance. I can… I can make this disappear, like it never happened. Please!”

The entity falls silent for a moment. Then, indignantly: “You think worldly connections can sway Yael’s will? His divine judgment cannot be bargained with or bought off. Your corruption only proves your guilt.”

Levi’s heart feels leaden, cold sweat trickling down his back as his hands shake uncontrollably. He’s terrified—but he refuses to give up.

“I... I could... the mission. Yeah, the mission!” he stammers, grasping for a way out. “You want it stopped? Like you said, I’m the Systems Engineer. I could... I could break somethin’. Make sure we can’t launch. No one has to die.”

The entity’s laughter rings harsh. “You still don’t understand. This isn’t about stopping the mission—it’s about purifying humanity. Your willingness to sabotage reveals your corruption. Your death is necessary, a sacred cleansing by fire.”

“Please!” he whimpers. “There’s gotta be... there’s gotta be another way!”

“There is no other way,” the entity insists fervently. “Yael demands a sacrifice, a show of devotion and repentance. Only through purifying flames can balance be restored and Yael’s anger appeased.”

Levi’s heart sinks, a crushing weight of realization bearing down. He can’t reason his way out of this. He’s going to die here—burned alive as a sacrifice to a god he doesn’t even believe in.

A primal urge claws up from somewhere deep with, raw and ugly. 

He closes his eyes, imagining Zoe’s unconscious form, and a sickening idea takes root, festering.

If only one of them has to die...

“A sacrifice? You want… you want a sacrifice?” he asks. “T-take her,” Levi pleads, the words tasting like ash and betrayal on his tongue. “Just… just not me. Please, not me!”

Guilt immediately follows.

A wave of shame slams into him—self-loathing so intense he almost retches. He knows what he’s doing is vile, cowardly, but terror crushes his conscience. He can’t help it. He doesn’t want to die. 

He can’t help it.

He doesn’t want to die.

The voice is quiet for a moment, almost contemplative, before it replies, dripping with disgust. “Some Mating Pair you are. Willing to sacrifice your own partner?” It pauses, as if savoring its next words. “No, Levi. You both shall face the flames, as ordained.”

The words cut deep, a blade sinking between his ribs. He’s always known he was a coward, but now… now it’s undeniable. He’d betray Zoe in an instant to save himself. Tears prick his eyes as this ugly truth settles into him.

Then—warmth shifts to heat.

Red pinpricks glow through tiny perforations in the walls as the air grows hotter. For the first time, he sees Zoe—unconscious, hair matted against her forehead, skin slick with sweat. He reaches out, hand trembling, aching to apologize, to take back his words—but it’s too late.

He scans the room, desperate, searching for buttons, levers, anything to stop the incineration, but his gaze catches on something else: an android, propped against the wall, its featureless, charcoal-gray face still. Its laughter replaced by a haunting, eerie chant.

Levi’s panic is rising again, the words “I’m gonna die, I’m gonna die” falling from his lips in a broken mantra, rocking back and forth, arms wrapped around himself.

Moments pass before Zoe’s eyes flutter open. The stench of burning plastic jolts her awake. She blinks, struggling to clear her vision, and sees Levi—a silhouette, trembling, muttering to himself.

“Bawt… bawt… I’m gonna die…” she hears.

Understanding floods her. Panic grips her chest like a vise, but she forces her thoughts into focus. Her pulse races, each beat hammering in her temples.

She reaches for her ComSpec.

Gone.

She takes a shaky breath, her voice coming out in a ragged yell. 

“Levi!”

He doesn’t respond, lost in his terror. Zoe’s eyes narrow; her jaw tightens. She crawls, every inch a battle against her own fear. Her muscles scream, but she keeps moving. She won’t let this be the end—not for either of them.

The heat is now suffocating, the air shimmering, and Zoe’s vision blurs. Every inch feels like a mile, but she grits her teeth, refusing to give up. She can’t let this be the end. She can’t let Levi succumb to his fear.

“Levi!” she tries again, her voice cracking. “The android… look!”

His eyes snap up, wild and unfocused. Zoe stretches out her hand, fingers brushing his arm.

It’s enough to ground him.

“Hack it,” she wheezes, her voice faint. “Call… for help.”

Levi blinks at her, chest heaving, panic still churning. He glances from Zoe to the android, and something shifts in his gaze. He nods, barely perceptible, but it’s enough.

On hands and knees, he scrambles toward the android, shoving aside debris as his breath hitches. He pries open the chest panel.

“What are you doing?” it sputters, but doesn’t move. Obviously, immobility is a side effect of the sabotage.

“Stop!” it yells as Levi’s hands rapidly disassembles its components, swift and sure, his heart pounding.

Zoe watches, heart pounding as the heat grows almost unbearable. Her skin burns, every breath scalds her throat. Her fingers dig into the floor, grit biting beneath her nails as she watches, willing Levi to succeed.

“Stop this instance! You must be sacrificed on the Day of Redress!” it blurts, volume fluctuating erratically. “Or else Yael will send a Legion of Them to us, who will ensure pain—” the pitch drops to a guttural growl “—and sorrow—” it rises to a shrill screech “—and hopelessness are humanity’s end!”

“Hurry!” Zoe shouts.

Sweat pours.

Muscles strain.

“C’mon…” Levi grunts as he works, his expert knowledge of android systems guiding his actions. His fingers fly over the wires and circuits with precision, even as the inferno bears down on them, threatening to melt the very plastic and metal he’s manipulating. 

Levi discovers a small, cube device he’d never seen before.

“What the…?” he mutters before ripping it out.

The android’s scream of “Nooo!” descends into discordant tones, like a dying electronic orchestra.

Levi works on, fingers moving over the circuits with practiced precision, even as the heat threatens to melt the components under his hands.

Perspiration streams down his face.

Heart pounds.

Time running out.

Levi’s pulse thunders, drowning out everything but Zoe’s desperate whispers: hurry, hurry, hurry.

“C’mon…” he mutters, sweat dripping off his face.

Finally, something clicks. The android’s face flickers to life, its eyes squaring with a white glow.

A mechanical voice: “Reboot complete. Awaiting command.”

Zoe’s breath catches, heart stuttering. She shouts, voice hoarse over the infernal roar. “Call for help… now! We are trapped in the Kibotos incinerator, and it is about to cycle through!”

The android’s eyes flash and blink.

“Ma’am, the incinerator is no place for human—”

“Bawt, you toaster!” Levi yells. “We know! Call Mission Control and have ‘em terminate all active functions on the Kib right toshin’ now!”

The wait stretches, each second an eternity as the walls glow red-hot. Levi and Zoe press their hands to their ears against the deafening roar.

Zoe’s hands tremble, her body shivering uncontrollably. Eyes closed, lips moving in a silent prayer.

Finally, a response through the android.

Tartar’s voice.

“Initiating emergency shutdown. Stay calm.”

The temperature spikes, hotter still.

Levi’s heart thunders, his vision blurring from the heat.

Levi’s heart thunders, vision blurring. Zoe’s teeth clench as her body teeters on the brink of collapse. She begins to faint again, but clings to consciousness, refusing to let go.

Then—a sudden thud. The hum dies. The red glow recedes, leaving a dull yellow light.

“Shutdown complete,” Tartar says. “You are safe now.”

As the pinprick red recedes, a dull yellow light turns on, keeping them from complete darkness.

Zoe collapses, body wracked with tremors. Her breaths come in shallow gasps as tears slip down her cheeks. She turns her head to Levi, eyes glazed with exhaustion and relief.

Levi slumps beside her, exasperated. “I made it.”

He glances at Zoe.

Her eyes, haunted and wide, meet his. She opens her mouth, but only a faint rasp escapes.

“W-w made it, Zo,” he corrects softly.

She nods, a tear rolling down her face, disbelief, gratitude, and… fury?

The incinerator door groans open.

Tartar leads a group of androids inside, its eyes glowing green diamonds in the dim light. It kneels beside Zoe, its synthetic hand gentle as he helps her sit up.

“Let’s get you somewhere cooler,” it says.

They emerge into the corridor, the fluorescent lights harsh after the incinerator’s dimness. Levi staggers, legs threatening to give out, but an android steadies him. Zoe leans heavily on Tartar, breaths still ragged.

Adam and Lilith are waiting, their faces etched with concern. Lilith moves to Zoe, hands hovering before resting gently on her shoulder.

“Zoe?” Lilith’s voice wavers. “Are you…”

Zoe gives a faint nod, gripping Lilith’s arm, drawing strength.

Adam stands back, his gaze shifting between Levi and Zoe. His jaw tight, a muscle working 

“Tartar,” he says, voice controlled. “Get them to med bay. Full workup. Prep the Cabta Tanks.”

The androids begin to lead Levi and Zoe away, their footsteps echoing in the metal corridor.

Zoe glances over her shoulder, meeting Lilith’s eyes. In her gaze—a silent message: gratitude, fear, resilience. She gives a small nod, then turns away, leaning on Tartar.

Adam’s façade crumbles as soon as they’re gone, his shoulders drooping. He wraps his arms around himself, holding on tight.

Lilith turns to him, her hand resting lightly on his arm. He doesn’t pull away, her touch a lifeline anchoring him.

“Adam,” she says, her voice softly. There’s nothing more to say. Words are empty against what almost happened, against what they almost lost.

He swallows hard, his voice barely above a whisper. “I can’t… I can’t lose anyone else.”

He thinks about the promise me to himself made just an hour earlier.

A vow echoes in his mind: I won’t let her get hurt. I will protect her. 

He closes his eyes, the thought pressing heavy on his chest, guilt lacing through the resolve. The reality of what almost happened nearly crushes him.

Lilith watches him, her face softening as she steps closer. She wraps her arms around him, pulling him into a quiet embrace. He leans into her, shuddering as he lets out a long, shaky sigh, the weight of everything pressing down in waves.

“I know,” she whispers. She cups his face, forcing him to meet her gaze.

“We’re going to find out who did this,” she says, her voice steady. 

Adam nods, his eyes still clouded with doubt, but something shifts—a glimmer of steel beneath the fear. 

“Okay,” he replies, voice low.

Determined.