As Duncan stepped back onto the deck of the Vanished, a sense of comforting familiarity washed over him. The familiar buzz of Goathead, his chatty first mate, grounded him and soothed the mental fog he had suffered while navigating the chaotic subspace.

Taking a deep breath, Duncan took comfort in the normality of the ship and headed to the navigation table. Goathead, buzzing with excitement and oblivious to Duncans exhaustion, eagerly shared its experiences. Captain! Your crew has surpassed expectations. Ive been engaging in fascinating discussions with this brain, exploring topics from the exotic cuisines of the Boundless Sea to the nuances of poetry and music

Duncan glanced briefly at Goathead with amusement and asked, And did it respond to you?

Goathead paused, momentarily unsure, Not exactly

Regaining its optimism, it added, However, Im close to a breakthrough. I believe my genuine conversations will eventually make an impact. It might even start talking to you soon

Enough, Duncan interrupted, This brain wont respondits mostly in subspace.

Goathead stopped abruptly as if its words were cut off. After a moment of silence, it processed this new information, Its in subspace?

Didnt you realize that? Duncan pointed towards his bedroom door, explaining, I was resting, but I came back through the captains room door. While you were deep in conversation, I ventured into subspace and returned.

Goathead looked visibly shaken.

Stop that, Duncan said casually, sitting at the navigation table. He looked at another version of Goathead lying there. The Skull of Dreams doesnt talk back because it primarily exists in subspace. I made some contact with it there, but our interaction was limited. Unlike you, it doesnt have full consciousness or memory.

Goathead took a moment to understand the implications. Shocked by Duncans casual foray into subspace and his discoveries, it cautiously asked, What did it communicate to you? Quickly, Goathead added, If its too dangerous or sensitive, forget I asked. I can be patient

Duncans response was serious, It knows things about Duncan Abnomar, similar to what you know. Essentially, you both share initial memories. But this isnt the place for such conversations. Its enough that we understand each other, he concluded, dismissing the topic with a gesture.

Goathead stopped asking questions, grasping what Duncan meant.

The truth about the situation was too volatile for the ship, potentially severing its connection to Duncan and throwing it back into subspace.

This understanding between them had developed over time, a silent agreement shaped by subtle hints and shared secrecy.

As the room fell silent when Duncan settled in his chair, regaining his strength during the process. Meanwhile, the Skull of Dreams sat quietly on the table, looking at nothing in particular. As for Goathead himself, the sculpture seemed lost in thought. Finally breaking the silence, Goathead asked, Did you discover anything else?

Duncan shared a bit more, The Pale Giant King, a legendary figure from the First Long Night, mentioned in The Book of Blasphemy. His essence is intertwined with that ancient being But I should say no more; it could be risky.

Goathead paused, noticeably taken aback, then slowly nodded. Understood, I wont pry further.

Duncan responded with a noncommittal hum, his mind wandering through a sea of memories and thoughts.

Despite knowing that aimless thinking wouldnt produce any concrete results, Duncan couldnt help but reflect on the fragments that haunted him, remembering a distant voice that echoed through the roar.

These fragments, though incomplete, were profoundly revealing.

They spoke of a civilization teetering on the edge of discovering the ultimate truths of existence, a civilization that had mastered time and space.

They referred to themselves as humans, vastly different from the humans Zhou Ming knew.

This civilization had followed a supernatural trajectory, nearing the ultimate truth.

Yet, they too faced extinction during an event known as the Great Annihilation. Unlike other doomed races, they seemed uniquely aware of and prepared for this cataclysm.

While unable to prevent the impending disaster, they seemed to have devised a way to preserve a complete seed in the aftermath.

Duncan turned to gaze at an oval antique mirror on the wall. His reflection stared back, igniting a new understanding within him.

He realized why his memory lacked the red glow of total destructionit wasnt part of the era he remembered.

The concept of the Great Annihilation, an event from a distant future, dominated his thoughts. But it wasnt only these potential truths that occupied him. He was also troubled by the mystery surrounding Zhou Mings existence.

He sat motionless behind the table, immersed in contemplation, until he stood up, determined to clear his mind.

Im going for a walk on the deck, he announced to Goathead before leaving the captains quarters.

The deck was serene, illuminated by the ethereal glow of the Worlds Creation over the distant sea.

Duncan walked slowly along the decks edge, temporarily setting aside the perplexing mysteries, seeking comfort in the night breeze and the calming sea ambiance.

Eventually, his stroll brought him to a familiar scene.

Alice was seated on her favorite oversized barrel by the railing, gently rocking with the barrels motion. Her gaze was fixed on the horizon, legs swinging rhythmically as she hummed an unusual melody.

Duncan listened for a moment, then recognized the tune. It was a sailors song often hummed by Goathead, now altered beyond recognition in Alices rendition, making it nearly foreign to anyone else in the Boundless Sea.

Yet, when Alice hummed it, the tune took on a unique charm.

Noticing Duncans approach, Alice stopped humming and jumped down from the barrel with evident excitement. Captain!

You seem well, Duncan replied with a slight smile, I just came out for a walk.

Alice looked at Duncan, her expression filled with genuine concern.

You look tired, is something bothering you? Are you dealing with some serious issue?

Caught off guard by the dolls perceptiveness, Duncan hesitated but soon offered a reassuring smile. Nothing major, just pondering some things. Why are you up at this hour? Is there something making you so happy?

My mind? Alice bubbled with enthusiasm, I brought the spoils to the kitchen! Theyre really handy. Everyone in the kitchen was initially unhappy, but I convinced them, and now theyve welcomed these new friends

Their conversation continued, Alices lively chatter sharply contrasting Duncans deep, unresolved thoughts. The night aboard the Vanished moved forward, each individual wrapped in their own reflections and experiences.

I also checked on the meat we pickled earlier, and its perfect! Not a single barrel has spoiled. In a month, it should be just right for cooking

Alices voice bubbled with excitement as she shared her latest culinary adventure. Ive also tried pickling cucumbers using a recipe from Nina. She said that pickled cucumbers go exceptionally well with smoked meat patties, much better than what Goathead suggested

Her enthusiasm didnt stop there. And guess what? I found a stash of unused pencils in a storage closet on the second deck. Its a mystery who left them there, but I plan to use them for sketching. Luni has this amazing talent for drawing; she promised to teach me, but only when she finds some spare time

Alice chatted away with unbridled enthusiasm about these ordinary activities, each one not particularly supernatural or significant. Yet, for Alice, these simple pleasures brought immense joy, each discovery or activity filling her with delight. Now, she was sharing this joy with Duncan, hoping to add a sprinkle of her happiness to his life.

She was blissfully unaware of the deeper concerns that typically occupied the captains thoughts.

Duncan listened intently, his genuine smile slowly brightening his eyes as he absorbed her words.

Then, driven by a sudden curiosity, Duncan asked, Alice, have you ever thought about your own origin? Ever wondered why you exist, why you have thoughts, why you are Alice, and what lies in your future? Have you ever thought about these things?

Alice responded instantly, without hesitation. To her, questions that might perplex philosophers seemed simple and straightforward. Ive never thought about them!

But then, realizing her response might seem overly simplistic, she added with a touch of uncertainty, Is that a bad answer? Does it make me seem too simple-minded? Do you often think about these things?

Duncan looked at the doll, his expression a blend of amusement and tenderness.

He then smiled warmly, shaking his head gently. No, your answer is just perfect.

Alice looked back at him, slightly puzzled.

Duncan offered no further explanation, instead reaching out to affectionately pat her hair.

If youre interested in learning to draw, I can teach you.

Alices eyes lit up with surprise and curiosity. You know how to draw, Captain?

A little bit, from a very, very long time ago Would you like to learn?

Alice nodded vigorously. Yes!