The regimented structure of Angelsteeth deformed uneasily to accept Ono Red-2’s existence. Other servings had their practice time cut to let Ono Red-2 have daily sessions with the seraph simulators. It did not go unremarked upon; whispers filled the halls and corridors of the station. Part resentment, but mostly curiosity. After the dramatic repel of the Heretics, they burned for more miracles. They dealt with a lot in the name of the Faithful; it was only fair that the Larex Forge rewarded them. But the dismal results turned in by Ono Red-2 were disappointing. In the training runs they were regularly trounced by the other servings. Ghost often de-synced with their efforts, Spider often lost patience and surged forward on his own, and the princess was absolutely hopeless. In fact, it was Misery Nomaki, the one pilot not a saint, who was most proficient among them. The servings that faced them and won wondered if they had wild luck on their side, or was the outcome some part of the Demiurge’s will? Hir chosen learning the ropes of combat, same as everyone else.

Misery Nomaki studied their new comrades with the same curiosity as one does a new set of tools, keeping track of their natures and proclivities. Tank’s enthusiasm; Spider’s rough humor; Ghost’s strangeness; the charisma of Sunyata Diamond, their captain. The cold distance of the Lady Lee Alodia Lightning. They played out their role as Messiah, smoothing over squabbles and boosting the spirits of their new comrades. At night they slept, plagued by strange dreams that followed repeating paths. There was the dream they first had on the Capital, that of the sad white saint combing her long hair, speaking to the shade of a long-lost lover. A dream they had over and over. And then there were the dynamic dreams populated by the strange, lean creature they recognized as a second delusion. The Messiah deeply preferred the latter: it was one place they considered safe, where they could be raw and confessional with themself. After all, they were merely talking to another delusion, were they not?

Humans are remarkable in their ability to function under strange circumstances. Even when their way of life is upended, even when their truths and realities are turned inside out, they find ways of continuing with the business of existence. It is a peculiarity, I think, of being beholden to a physical incarnation that requires such constant maintenance. One must continue to breathe, to sleep, and to seek sustenance in order to survive. And I think you and I can both agree that Misery Nomaki is very good at survival.