“I am absolutely not your son.” Solaris said as Remington kept Vincent in place with his invisible grip.

  “If you are not Vezaias then who are you?” Vincent asked as he stared at the floor.

  “My name is Solaris, and you are now going to provide me with the nutrition that I need. I will take it from your flesh once a day.” Solaris said seriously.

  “I don't understand how that is possible. Where is my son?” Vincent pressed. He hid his fear with irritation.

  “We have devised a way to give you the ability to regenerate your body. Once you have learned how to do this I will then take my meal from you as often as you are able to give it. Your son is away. He has offered you to me as a gift, to help satisfy my appetite. I suppose it is some sort of punishment for being a terrible father. He cares not for the suffering you will endure.” Solaris explained looking almost amused by this.

  “I want to speak with him!” Vincent demanded.

  “I am quite sure he will not change his mind.” Solaris chuckled.

  “I don't care about that! I just want to see my son!” Vincent sputtered out as he filled with emotion.

  “I will make sure he knows. If he wants to see you there is nothing stopping him. I will not prevent this. Now, no more delays. I am starving.” Solaris did not make Vincent's death quick or painless, he ate while keeping Vincent alive for as long as possible until the last moment before decapitation was necessary. It was too gruesome for anyone else to watch, and it was even difficult for Zexich to stay focused but eventually Vincent was fully recreated. When he woke Remington was appointed to take him to the training room that would be where he would undergo the traumatic situation of learning how to regenerate.

  “Follow me, or I will take you by force.” Remington was serious and unwilling to put up with resistance.

  “How am I alive? That monster attacked me. I should be dead.” Vincent said solemnly.

  “You were recreated. Just as Ava was, as I have been, and Vezaias has been.” Remington said. “Now come with me.”

  “Where is Vezaias? I want to see him.” Vincent pressed.

  “He does not want to see you. That's why he hasn't been around. You will only see Solaris or any of the team members that Vezaias had collected. Now you are coming with me.” Remington gripped him and forced him through a portal. They arrived in the training room that was already prepared for the operation that was necessary. Lux was at the terminal waiting for them to arrive. Remington quickly strapped Vincent forcefully into the solid steel chair making sure his body, legs, and arms were secure. Lux stood by looking almost satisfied over this situation, for one because he would not be on the receiving end of this torture, and two because he had never liked Vincent from the experience he had with him in the past.

  “This is going to be a very horrific situation for you, Vincent.” Remington said, picking up the hedge trimmers from the table. He turned to look at Vincent who was serious and fearful.

  “What are you going to do with those?” Vincent asked anxiously.

  “I am going to force out of you the desired specific talent that Solaris needs you to have. I will clip off your fingers one at a time. If I run out of fingers I will start amputating larger body parts. Now you are desperately going to need to learn how to regenerate these parts or else you will die. If you die then we will just recreate you again with the piece of your crystal that Solaris took from you before you woke. Then we will just keep trying again and again until you get it right, but honestly it does not matter as long as Solaris gets the nutrition he needs. Once you have learned this talent you will be a meat factory, and if Solaris feeds to the point of killing you, we will just recreate you again.” Remington said. Vincent stared at the floor with tears gushing out.

  “I will cooperate with anything that will satisfy Vezaias's anger towards me. Please tell him that I want to see him.” Vincent struggled to stay composed. It was quiet for a long uncomfortable moment.

  “You know my father was just like you. Overbearing, demanding, and abusive. He used to beat me, say horrible things to me, and he was an all around horrible father. I don't blame him one bit for not wanting to see you, or asking us to handle things for him. Don't forget I killed my own father. Thanks for helping me get out of trouble for that, but maybe you will regret that I’m not in prison for that after I cut off a few of your fingers.” Remington spoke almost smugly towards the end.

  “Heh, Pfff, pry after one finger. This shit is going to be painful. Trust me I know from experience. I will not feel bad for you at all either. I remember sitting in the other room while you beat the shit out of Vezaias, and how helpless and torn up he felt and looked afterwards, and how helpless I felt too, because I couldn't do anything about it either. I even tried to plan out a way to kill you, but I was just a dumb kid. Now it seems the tables have turned. I am going to give you a quick explanation of what you need to do. Then I will sit here and coach you through this. Hopefully you are a quick learner. When Remington cuts off a part, you are going to want to try and flex that part as if it were still attached. The more you flex it, the faster it will grow. Now get ready, because this isn't going to be fun. At least not for you.” Lux said, looking amused. Remington left no time for more conversation, as he clipped off the first finger. Lux talked to Vincent briefly after each amputation, and helped Vincent stay conscious through the process, but neither Remington or Lux were very forgiving or comforting towards him as he struggled to develop his regeneration talent. Remington was then tasked with delivering the amputated parts to Solaris to enjoy. Eventually Vincent's body began to regrow, and soon they were able to successfully release him from the chair and take him to his new prison-like bedroom.

  Vezaias found a very large room in the base that was at one time utilized as the common room. It was then quickly remodeled with a large king sized bed and two queen sized beds just in case. There were also a couple of couches, a desk and a few armchairs to lounge in. This was to help alleviate the issue of having a four person relationship, and not being able to sleep in the same bedroom because the small bedrooms with only a queen sized bed were barely big enough to uncomfortably sleep three people. Now the four members of the relationship could all sleep in the king sized bed or in groups of two on the queen beds if they wanted but still all be together in one large comfortable bedroom. Everyone was back to their normal schedule now. Wake up, medication, gym, shower, briefing, Solaris would eat his meal, then human breakfast for everyone else, then Ava, Remington, and Vezaias would be going to reality to work on music, while Lux and Ephraim would stay to look after the base and make sure Zexich had help to do the work needed to build the new portal. It was a slow process because first they had to completely gut the locker room where the tear in the fabric of space was. They also had to use the women's lockers now that the men's was being used for the portal. Next Zexich had to draw up a plan of how to build the mechanisms and then order the materials necessary to build it. Assembling it would also take a lot of time. When the others would arrive back after their time in reality they would also help, but the contraption was still in its early stages of construction. It had been eleven days since the massacre that killed the majority of the base members. Now that the new management was in full operation working everyday towards Solaris's ultimate goal, things were going much more officiant. Solaris had a better source of nutrition and everyone was very cooperative in the new situation. The band members had gone off to reality to work on music, while Lux and Ephraim worked on helping Zexich in the locker room.

  “The wiring is mapped out right here, just connect everything, then these panels will need to be attached to hide all of the internal components. I will need to go and check out the stock of crystals to power this portal. I will return shortly.” Zexich instructed.

  “Heh, sure.” Lux said. He looked over the very complicated schematic of the electrical wiring and internal components of the terminal that would control the portal.

  “What is that?” Lux asked, looking over the diagram.

  “This would be the power supply.” Ephraim said reading over the schematic.

  “And this?” Lux asked, looking very focused.

  “Oh simple, that's the computer terminal's RAM.” Ephraim said.

  “Pff, yeah simple, and just how many interdimensional portals have you built?” Lux scoffed.

  “Well none, but the computer components are familiar. I have built several of my own PCs from the ground up. Plus Zexich color coated everything. It should be easy to connect everything.” Ephraim explained.

  “Hmm, sure simple, so what are these?” Lux asked, looking serious.

  “Cooling fans, they sit next to this vent to keep the components from getting too hot.” Ephraim said.

  “Alright let's get these connected then.” Lux got down on the floor and laid on his back nearly inside the large compartment where the components would be hooked up. Everything was simple to attach, Zexich had organized each component with its wiring and Ephraim helped Lux by directing where to place everything. Ephraim then checked to make sure the computer terminal would power up and work properly before it was time to install the panels.

  “Alright now just put these panels on and everything should be ready for the next step of assembly.” Ephraim said. He sat down on the floor and watched Lux keenly as he attached the panels. He pressed the electric screwdriver into each screw and soon the panel was secured.

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  “Well I think that about does it.” Lux said getting up from the floor. He took the drill to place it on the charger. Ephraim clicked around on the computer terminal to see the startup operations. Just as they finished, Zexich and Sigil returned.

  “Oh good you're finished. I have some rather unfortunate news. Our supply of crystals has been depleted after all of the recreations that we have done, I'm afraid we don't have enough stock to power this portal. We'll need to restock our quantities before I can proceed.” Zexich explained.

  “And just how do we do that?” Lux asked.

  “Well the crystals were farmed from inside the dark void of the other portal. Someone will have to enter the realm and collect what we need.” Zexich said.

  “Shit, okay so let's go.” Lux motioned for Ephraim to join him.

  “I must warn you, it will not exactly be easy or safe. I know the expanse has changed but the dark void can be very dangerous. Perhaps you should wait for our leader to return to see what he would like to do about this.” Zexich cautioned.

  “How dangerous is it?” Ephraim asked.

  “Sunshine died while on a mission in the dark void, Demetri nearly died twice, but also returned with a parasite that also nearly killed him afterwards.” Zexich said, looking disheartened. He always seemed to wilt whenever he was reminded of his friends. “I believe the only one who is able to successfully cure the parasite is Ziona, and she is no longer here.” Zexich continued to explain.

  “Well I really want Vezaias to be satisfied with the amount of work we've done.” Lux groaned.

  “You do not even have a weapon.” Sigil reminded him. “Remington would be better suited to going on this mission.”

  “Ugh fine, I need a cigarette anyway. Just do whatever work you can without the crystal that you need.” Lux said as he turned to leave through a portal. Ephraim followed him into his old bedroom that was now his designated smoking room. He sat down a lit his cigarette and fell into aloofness. Ephraim was quiet and only watched Lux as inconspicuously as possible. It wasn't enough though because Lux shifted to glance at him.

  “Why are you looking at me?” Lux asked.

  “Uh! Well, because you are the only person here.” Ephraim straightened up looking awkwardly away.

  “And you also have been following me around everyday, just like Remington did.” Lux highlighted.

  “Oh, um, yeah I guess I have been.” Ephraim said looking bashful. He stared at the floor now feeling his cheeks heat up with embarrassment.

  “Why?” Lux asked. It was more of a statement.

  “Um, well, I guess because we are supposed to work together and be a family.” Ephraim said bashfully.

  “It's because you like me.” Lux said very bluntly. Ephraim blushed very pink at this observation.

  “Uh, well why do you think that?” Ephraim stammered.

  “You are acting the same way Remington did when we first started to work together. He always came to see me, he stared at me when he thought I wasn't paying attention, he was nice to me, and he wanted to socialize with me whenever it was convenient.” Lux listed.

  “Oh.” Ephraim meeped. He felt terribly awkward. “I guess I feel a little left out because you and Remington can be together with Vezaias at the same time. You don't seem to be shy about being naked and letting anyone see what you are doing, when I would feel embarrassed.” Ephraim said as he fidgeted.

  “Mm, well I went to prison. You end up naked a lot around other inmates or the guards. Especially when they want to search for illegal junk. I guess I just give no fucks. I've never had anything to hide. Why? Did you look at me when I was naked?” Lux looked amused towards the end.

  “Uh! Well I guess during showers. Did you look at me?” Ephraim said looking even more embarrassed.

  “No.” Lux said bluntly.

  “Oh…why not?” Ephraim asked.

  “I know that it embarrasses you. So I make it a point not to look.” Lux said nonchalantly. Ephraim pondered this for a moment. Lux was quiet and finished his cigarette. He smashed the butt into the ashtray. “Don't get me wrong, I want to see you naked. I have been very curious about you. I think you are breathtaking. I am just not going to do that unless you want me too.” Lux continued. What an odd way to put it, odd but fascinating.

  “Why are you curious?” Ephraim felt himself heat up by the thought of what Lux wanted.

  “Is your whole body white like a ghost? How much body hair do you have? Is it white too?” Lux glanced at him asking purely out of curiosity.

  “Um….I don't have any color anywhere. Nor do I have very much hair. Just a little bit, and it is the same color as my body.” Ephraim answered feeling bashful.

  “Mmm.” Lux looked thoughtful for a moment then turned in his seat and pulled out another cigarette and lit it. Now it was as if he was done socializing. It was quiet and awkward. Ephraim had never wanted his attention again so badly but he was feeling too shy to say anything. Just then a portal opened and Remington walked in eagerly.

  “There you are, I was looking for you!” Remington said approaching Lux urgently. Lux quickly put out his cigarette and stood up to intercept the impatient hug as Remington threw his arms around Lux.

  “I'm so glad you are back! I missed you!” Lux said, hugging Remington and nuzzling him lovingly. Ephraim watched feeling a bit awkward as they began to kiss. It got very intense very quickly until Remington was trying desperately to take Lux's shirt off, but Lux stopped him.

  “Wait Remington, chill. Ephraim is here, and I really need to talk to Vezaias, where is he?” Lux put the brakes on, making Remington pout into his shoulder.

  “Ugh, he's in the kitchen making everyone food. Why? Is something wrong?” Remington asked.

  “Just have a situation that needs his attention. Let's go see him.” Lux said. The three of them all headed to the kitchen together through a portal. Lux was quick to begin his explanation.

  “So we got the terminal put together but then Zexich told me that the stock of crystals is getting low. I was going to just go find them but he told me I shouldn’t because I don't have a weapon and it would be dangerous, so I should wait and talk to you.” Lux looked very anxious as he explained the situation.

  “Relax Lux. I know you are working hard while I'm gone. Let's eat and then I will figure out what to do about this.” Vezaias told him as he gave him a loving squeeze around the shoulder. Lux tried to calm but the thought of eating anything while he was already anxious was very triggering. He turned to walk away but only ended up pacing in a very frantic circle. Remington was already aware of his frazzled state and came to intercept him right away.

  “Lux, it's okay, let Vezaias handle it alright? Come and sit by me. I will try your food for you alright?” He pulled him gently out of his circle towards the table. Remington sat him down and began to give him very tender affection. Ephraim watched keenly feeling jealous suddenly. It was strange feeling this way but he was the only one that Lux had not emotionally attached to. He was also the only one Remington would not be so physically affectionate with. At first he was fine with this, because it was a bit strange to be a part of a group relationship. Now the more he watched the others love each other the more he wanted to be included, yet he was too shy to tell anyone. The emotional response was intensely stronger than any emotion he had ever felt before. Remington was now massaging Lux's shoulders as he leaned against Remington’s chest.

  “Are you feeling emotionally supported yet?” Remington asked him. Lux glanced up at him with his icy blue eyes.

  “Maybe?” Lux said rather contemplatively. Remington seemed amused at how unsure he was, then he leaned down to kiss Lux very softly. Ephraim watched in fascination while feeling flushed. Just as the kiss became more intense Ava arrived and strolled over to the table to sit down while swishing his hair behind him.

  “Bleh, can't you both go in your community bedroom or something? You are going to give Ephie a nose bleed.” Ava scoffed. Remington halted and looked up.

  “What?” Remington asked in puzzlement. Ava rolled his eyes. Ephraim only looked away awkwardly. Remington glanced back down at Lux who was ignoring Ava and fixated on him.

  “How do you feel now?” Remington asked.

  “Very supported.” Lux said, looking hungrily at Remington. They attached to each other's lips again but we're immediately halted.

  “Not at the dinner table you fucking sluts. Sit down and eat.” Vezaias said coming over to set the food down. He filled his own plate first then passed the food to Remington. Today chicken lo mein and spring rolls were on the menu. Remington was eager to eat now and made sure to let Lux see him test out all the food. Lux only looked apprehensive for a few moments before he picked up his chopsticks feeling relief from his anxiety over the food. Everyone ate a few servings of noodles and spring rolls except for Ephraim who seemed to be distracted and deep in consideration over something. After the meal was over the others were eager to get to the bedroom and have time together. Remington nonchalantly gestured to Vezaias to go to their communal bedroom.

  “I will be there soon. Don't start without me.” Vezaias said mildly. He was trying to be respectful of the forth member of their relationship who he assumed would not want to be a part of their group activity. Remington acknowledged this and left with Lux to their large bedroom. Vezaias approached Ephraim at the sink to help clean up after the meal. They washed dishes together but Ephraim already knew he was about to be ditched.

  “You don't mind if I head to the bedroom with the others. I know you feel shy, but you are always welcome to join us.” Vezaias said delicately.

  “Uh, oh, well I can hang out in Remington's room for a while.” Ephraim said feeling rather awkward over this. He wasn't sure how to tell Vezaias how much he was feeling left out and jealous and even curious about how this whole group thing would work. The others didn't seem to be uncomfortable while together. He wished that he could be just as relaxed and enjoy things in the same way.

  “I can stay with you if you want. I don't want you to feel left out.” Vezaias offered, pulling him into a hug. Ephraim blushed and felt his heart race wildly. This would be his opportunity to speak up but before he could work up the courage to say what he wanted to say they were interrupted.

  “Don't worry I will hang out with Ephie while you go off and have your orgie.” Ava meeped as he snuck up behind Ephraim. Vezaias pulled Ephraim to his side protectively.

  “Now I'm definitely not leaving him.” Vezaias said in irritation.

  “But I just get so lonely Vee! And you have more than one fuckboy to spare.” Ava cooed.

  “Ava I will beat your ass if you think you will…”

  “No, it's okay! I will hang out with Ava! Please don't fight! I swear I won't fall for his influence. I know better now.” Ephraim said urgently trying to calm Vezaias as he was growing angry.

  “Are you sure Eph? I really don't mind…” Vezaias said softening and sounding concerned.

  “It's fine! I swear. Have fun alright? I will miss you.” He leaned over and kissed Vezaias.

  “Alright, sure, I love you Eph. I will find you later.” Vezaias said after returning the affection. “You keep your damn hands off of Eph. He's mine, not yours.” Vezaias pressed shooting and angry stare at Ava.

  “Yes Vee, I remember. He is your property, I swear I will be on my bestest behavior.” Ava said, pulling Ephraim away from Vezaias by his arm.

  “Ugh, when you say shit like that it doesn't make me feel any more confident in this situation.” Vezaias said in irritation. Ava only gave Vezaias a sassy look as he left through a portal pulling Ephraim along with him.