Jim's spaceship pierced through the star-strewn expanse of space, finally reaching the Celestic Justice Base - a massive, gleaming structure orbiting a distant planet, its walls radiating with energy defenses.
As Jim approached, the base's automated security systems scanned his vessel. Within moments, the docking gates slid open, granting him access.
He stepped out confidently, his mind laser-focused on the purpose of his visit.
The guards at the entrance saluted him, recognizing his authority. "Welcome back, Sir Jim," one said as the doors to the main hall slid open.
Jim smirked slightly. "Guess I don't realize my position," he muttered to himself, striding down the long corridor.
Little did he know - hidden in the shadows of his spaceship - Heatsun silently emerged after stowing away the entire journey. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings.
"I'm not letting him figure this out without me," Heatsun whispered, moving stealthily through the base, avoiding guards with his combat-honed reflexes.
_ _ _
In the command center, Commander Edward - a stoic man with Justice logo on his uniform - awaited Jim's arrival.
"Jim," Edward said, his voice firm but with a rare softness. "Any progress on your mission?"
Jim didn't waste a second. "I want to know more about my mother. You told me you found out where she is. I need every detail."
Edward studied Jim for a moment, then nodded. "I did confirm her identity. She is alive - but her location is..."
Suddenly -
ALARM BLARING!
The room flared with red lights, and a robotic voice echoed:
"INTRUDER ALERT. UNAUTHORIZED PRESENCE DETECTED."
Jim's head snapped toward the monitors. "What the-?"
Edward's expression darkened. "We have a breach."
Within seconds, the security feed zoomed in on the intruder - and both Jim and Edward's jaws dropped.
It was Heatsun.
Jim blinked in shock. "Wait... What is he doing here?!"
Edward's face twisted in confusion. "Heatsun? How did he even get past the outer perimeter?"
Jim immediately grabbed the communicator and spoke to security.
"Let him in."
"Sir?" the guard responded, confused.
"He's not a threat. Let him through."
There was a pause - then the alarms stopped, and the doors slid open.
Heatsun stepped inside, his usual demeanor slightly less severe than usual.
Jim crossed his arms. "You stowed away on my ship?"
Heatsun didn't answer - his gaze was fixed on Jim, an uncharacteristic softness behind his normally stern eyes.
"I know everything now," Heatsun finally said, his voice quieter than expected.
Jim blinked. "What?"
A long silence filled the room.
Then -
"You really are my son," Heatsun said, his voice breaking just a little. "The same son I thought I lost forever when you were just five years old."
Jim's world tilted.
"So you knew... all this time?"
Heatsun shook his head. "No. I only found out recently - but now that I'm standing here, there's no denying it."
For the first time since they met, Heatsun's usual coldness melted. His hand slowly reached out - and with a rare, genuine emotion - he placed it on Jim's shoulder.
Jim didn't move at first, still processing the fact that his long-lost father was standing right there, acknowledging him as his son.
Edward, watching the scene unfold, couldn't help but let out a rare chuckle.
"What an emotional reunion," Edward mused dryly. "Father and son - together again."
Jim shifted uncomfortably. "Alright, enough with the commentary."
But despite the awkwardness, a strange warmth settled over the room - the weight of long-buried truths finally breaking free.
Heatsun's hand lingered for a moment longer before he pulled back, his usual composure returning.
Jim, still grappling with the revelation, cleared his throat.
"So..." he muttered. "Where do we go from here?"
The room fell silent again - but this time, it wasn't the silence of secrets - it was the calm before the next step in their journey.
After a few minutes...
The silence in the room felt heavier now, not with awkwardness, but with the weight of a long-buried history finally resurfacing.
Jim stared at Heatsun, his mind racing as the truth slowly unraveled.
"I know who my mother is," Jim finally said, his voice calm but firm.
Heatsun's usually stern face softened again - a rare sight.
"That's a relief," Heatsun replied quietly. "It would've been hard for me to say her name."
Jim raised an eyebrow. "Why? Because she's Moonsalt?"
Edward's expression darkened slightly even though he already knew.
Heatsun nodded slowly. "Yes."
Jim didn't waste a second. "I want to know more about my mother. You told me you found out where she is. I need every detail."
Edward studied Jim for a moment, then nodded. "I did confirm her identity. She is alive - but her location is..."