Page 115 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol. 1
“Then let me explain what I’ve been thinking!” she says with a bright smile and that spark in her eyes that always means trouble—or brilliance. “If I understand correctly, there’s currently a Wingo-Pherebos duo roaming the galaxy, playing two roles. One for the Confederation, and one for the Coalition. Right?”
“Exactly,”we both confirm in unison.
“Then… what if we made it a trio?”
“A trio?” Akifumi echoes, sounding completely thrown off.
I stay quiet, but truth be told, I’m just as lost as Akifumi. I have no idea where my Soul-Bound is going with this.
“Yes, a trio!” she says again, full of enthusiasm. “To the Confederation, I’d be Pherebos’s partner and a traveling doctor, offering medical care wherever we go. And to the Coalition, I’d be the companion of a smuggler—while also selling my services as a medic.Because, if I understood correctly,everythinghas a price in the Coalition, right?”
My heart starts pounding. The future she’s painting—it’s bold, unexpected… and it’s starting to make sense. I can see it. I can feel it.
Next to us, Wingo is practically bouncing with joy.
“Gnuffgnuff!”
Akifumi rubs his chin, thinking it over.
“That could work,” Akifumi says thoughtfully. “It’d be unconventional, sure—but why not? Most Galactic Sentinel agents operate in pairs. But a few, like Pherebos, have always worked solo. Well… that was before he met Wingo.”
He gives me a knowing look.
“A trio isn’t out of the question. In fact, it’s a very viable proposal.”
In the end, our boss gives a small nod. “Let’s try it. And as a doctor working on certain Coalition bases, you might even pick up some valuable intel.”
“We’ll need to tighten security around her,” I say firmly. “I don’t want her taking unnecessary risks.”
We keep talking through Ileana’s idea, and the more we do, the more it feels right. She’s already organizing everything, jotting down notes for our chef like she’s been planning this for weeks.
As I glance over at her, chatting animatedly with Akifumi, a thought hits me—sharp and unwelcome. I think back to this morning… and all the other times. SIL isn’t built for three. I’ll have to let it go.
“Anything else?” Akifumi asks.
“Yeah,” I say. “We’re gonna need a new ship. Something neutral. Doesn’t have to be fancy—an older model is fine. Two double cabins. Three would be even better.”
“But… what about SIL?” Ileana asks, her voice soft.
“It’s had its time,” I say. “It’s too cramped for three people. And the lack of privacy is becoming a real issue.”
“Totally agree!”Wingo grumbles.“I had to go to bed early last night just so I wouldn’t disturb you two, when I really wanted to watch a movie!”
“I’ll remember that,” Akifumi says with a chuckle. “We’ll find something that works. Two double cabins and a medical workshop, right?” He taps away on his tablet.
“That would be perfect,” Ileana replies. Then she turns to me, her voice gentler. “But Pherebos, I know how much SIL—and SILMAR—mean to you.”
“It’s not a problem,” Akifumi reassures us. “The AI can be transferred to the new ship without losing any of its memory or personality. SILMAR’s coming with you. As for the name of your new vessel—once we’ve found the right one, I’ll let you choose it.”
Relief washes over me. SILMAR will still be with us. I turn to Ileana.
‘’My Faksaya,’’I say with a smile,‘’the honor is all yours. What should we name our new ship?’’
Her face lights up, visibly moved. She pauses, thinking. Then a trembling smile forms on her lips.
“I’d like to call itThe Prianka,” she says softly, eyes glistening.
The names of our two beloved sisters, woven into our daily lives? I’m all in.
