Day 54 Post-Impact - Morning
The Safe Zone had never looked so organized.
Three days of preparation had transformed the compound from a functional survivor camp into something approaching a proper governmental facility. Banners bearing the Harmony symbol hung from the main buildings. The streets had been cleaned, the rubble cleared, the population instructed on how to behave when the delegation arrived.
Sarnav stood in the command center, reviewing the final arrangements with his council. Chen Wei had positioned awakened at strategic points throughout the compound, visible enough to demonstrate strength without appearing threatening. The medical facilities had been prepared to show off their capabilities. Food stores were arranged to suggest abundance without revealing the full extent of their resources.
"You're nervous," Nisha observed, watching Sarnav adjust his collar for the third time.
"I'm cautious. There's a difference."
"You've faced A-rank awakened in combat. You killed Kane with your bare hands. This is a diplomatic meeting."
"Combat is simple. Someone attacks, I respond. Someone threatens my people, I eliminate the threat." He shook his head. "Politics is a different kind of battlefield. One where strength alone doesn't guarantee victory."
Through the network, his wives offered support in their own ways. Ishani's fierce confidence, a warrior's certainty that they could handle any challenge. Minji's excited anticipation about possibly meeting a fellow Korean. Jade's analytical calm, her mind already processing scenarios and contingencies. Ananya's gentle warmth, a reminder that he wasn't facing this alone. Sana's quiet steadiness, the healer's peace radiating through the bond.
Six women. Six anchors. Six reasons to get this right.
"The Korean asset interests me," Jade said, not looking up from her tablet. "A charm-type ability in government hands is a significant strategic variable. They could use her to influence negotiations at every level."
"Which is why they're bringing her," Ishani agreed. "Show of force, but subtle. 'Look what we control. Work with us, or we might point her at you.'"
"Or they're testing Sarnav specifically," Minji added. "See if the big bad A-rank can resist a pretty face with mind powers."
"They'll be disappointed."
"They'll be here within the hour," Mythili announced, entering the command center. She wore formal attire, elegant but authoritative, every inch the former High Court Judge she'd been. "Chen Wei has the security arrangements finalized. I've prepared the diplomatic protocols."
"And the Korean asset?"
Mythili's expression flickered with something Sarnav couldn't quite read. "They've confirmed she's accompanying the delegation. Colonel Hassan made a point of emphasizing her... value."
"He's showing off his prize."
"Or testing your reaction to her." Mythili's eyes met his briefly before looking away. "Charm abilities are rare. Dangerous. If she can influence you, they want to know now rather than later."
"She won't."
"You sound certain."
"I'm A-rank. She's C+ at best, based on their description." He finally stopped fiddling with his collar. "But that's not why I'm immune."
Through the network, he felt his wives' collective attention sharpen.
"My bonds protect me from manipulation. Charm abilities work by creating false emotional connections." He smiled slightly. "I already have six real ones. There's no room for fakes."
Mythili's expression shifted again, something complex passing through her eyes. Then she nodded, professional mask back in place.
"The delegation is approaching the eastern gate. We should take our positions."
The convoy was impressive by post-apocalypse standards.
Three armored vehicles, military-grade, bearing the insignia of the Malaysian Continuity Force. A mounted gun on the lead vehicle, manned but not aimed. Soldiers in proper uniforms, disciplined formations, the look of people who'd maintained order while the world burned.
Colonel Hassan emerged from the middle vehicle first. Forties, weathered face, the bearing of a career military officer. His eyes swept the Safe Zone with professional assessment, clearly cataloging defenses, population, resources.
"Mr. Kish." He extended his hand. "Thank you for agreeing to host us. The Continuity Force appreciates your willingness to negotiate."
"Colonel." Sarnav shook the offered hand. "Welcome to Harmony. I hope we can find common ground."
"As do we." Hassan's eyes flicked to something behind him. "Before we proceed to formal discussions, I believe introductions are in order. May I present our special advisor on awakened affairs..."
The rear door of the middle vehicle opened.
She stepped out, and the world seemed to shift focus.
[NEW INDIVIDUAL - HIGH PRIORITY SCAN]
[INITIATING COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS]
Kim Jiyeon was everything her reputation suggested and more.
Tall for a Korean woman, 5'7" in low heels that still somehow emphasized legs that seemed to go on forever. Her black hair was styled with the kind of effortless perfection that came from years of professional training. Her face was sculpted, elegant, with sharp eyes that held intelligence and calculation in equal measure.
She wore a fitted navy dress that walked the line between professional and provocative. The fabric hugged her slim figure, highlighting the curve of her breasts without being vulgar, the cinch of her waist, the flare of her hips. Toned abs were visible through the material when she moved just right.
[NAME: KIM JIYEON]
[AGE: 24]
[NATIONALITY: KOREAN (SOUTH)]
[OCCUPATION: FORMER K-POP IDOL]
[AWAKENED RANK: C+]
[PHYSICAL PROFILE: 5'7" | 32DD-23-34]
[BUILD: IDOL FIGURE, TONED, LONG LEGS]
[FEATURES: SHARP INTELLIGENT EYES, ELEGANT BONE STRUCTURE]
[ABILITY: CHARM/ILLUSION - EMOTIONAL INFLUENCE]
[CURRENT STATUS: CONTROLLED BUT NOT RESTRAINED]
[EMOTIONAL STATE: GUARDED, CALCULATING, CURIOUS]
[COMPATIBILITY: 94% (EXCEPTIONAL)]
[BOND POTENTIAL: MAIN WIFE]
[WARNING: SUBJECT'S ABILITY MAY ATTEMPT INFLUENCE]
[NOTE: HOST IS IMMUNE DUE TO EXISTING BONDS]
Ninety-four percent, the system observed. That's higher than anyone except Sana. And a charm ability with that kind of potential... she could be invaluable.
"Mr. Kish." Jiyeon's voice was smooth, practiced, the voice of someone trained to perform. She offered her hand in a way that was somehow both formal and intimate. "I've heard impressive things about your accomplishments."
"Ms. Kim." He took her hand. Her grip was firm, confident. "The feeling is mutual."
Their eyes met, and he felt it. A subtle push against his mind. Not aggressive, not obvious. Just a gentle suggestion that he should find her fascinating, that he should want to please her, that he should...
The network flared. Six bonds reinforced his mental defenses without conscious thought. The suggestion slid off like water on oil.
Jiyeon's eyes widened fractionally. The first crack in her composed facade.
"Interesting," she murmured, too quiet for anyone else to hear. Then, louder: "Shall we proceed with the discussions?"
The council chamber had been arranged for formal negotiations.
A long table dominated the center of the room, with seating arranged to emphasize equality between the parties. Mythili had insisted on this point. Not a throne room where Sarnav sat above supplicants, but a meeting space where partners discussed mutual concerns.
Sarnav sat at the head of one side, flanked by Mythili and Chen Wei. His wives were present but positioned as advisors rather than participants, Jade with her tablet tracking every word and expression, Ishani standing guard at the door, the others observing from positions along the wall.
Sana had insisted on attending despite her newness to the family. Through the network, Sarnav felt her curiosity about the proceedings, her healer's interest in the government's medical capabilities, her quiet assessment of Jiyeon that carried no jealousy, only thoughtfulness.
Colonel Hassan sat opposite with his aides, two junior officers who took notes and whispered occasionally. Jiyeon was positioned slightly behind him, the "special advisor" role apparently meaning she advised but didn't negotiate directly. Her posture was perfect, her expression composed, but Sarnav noticed how her eyes tracked every person in the room, cataloging, assessing.
She was gathering intelligence even while appearing passive. Professional.
"The Continuity Force represents the remnants of the Malaysian federal government," Hassan began, his tone formal but not hostile. "We have approximately four thousand survivors in Putrajaya, including essential government personnel, military units, and civilian evacuees from across the region."
"We've heard your broadcasts," Sarnav's voice was neutral. "You've been consolidating since the impact. Building something out of the chaos."
"Survival required organization. We've maintained supply chains from preserved warehouses, medical facilities with trained doctors and nurses, communication networks that span most of the peninsula." Hassan leaned forward, hands clasped on the table. "But organization alone isn't enough anymore. We're facing threats that require more than bureaucracy and discipline. We need power."
"The Ascendancy."
Hassan's expression darkened at the name. "Among others. The southern faction has been expanding aggressively. They've absorbed or destroyed six independent settlements in the past month alone. Three of those were communities we'd established trade relations with. Good people, productive survivors, gone overnight."
"Their leader claims to be an S-rank awakened."
"Unconfirmed, but credible. His abilities have been... documented." Hassan pulled out a folder, sliding photographs across the table. "These were taken by a scout team three weeks ago. Our only survivor."
The images showed destruction on a scale that made even Sarnav pause. Buildings reduced to rubble. Bodies arranged in patterns that seemed ritualistic. And in one shot, blurry but unmistakable, a figure wreathed in dark energy that made the air itself seem to bend.
"Mind control?"
"Of a sort. We're not sure of the exact mechanism. But the result is clear. Independent thought suppressed, absolute loyalty enforced." Hassan's eyes flicked to Jiyeon briefly. "You can understand why we're concerned about powerful awakened with influence-type abilities."
Jiyeon's expression didn't change, but Sarnav caught the slight tension in her shoulders. So that was it. The government was afraid of her. Keeping her close as much for control as for utility.
"What exactly are you proposing?" Mythili asked, her diplomatic training evident in her measured tone.
"An alliance. Mutual defense, resource sharing, coordinated response to threats like The Ascendancy." Hassan produced a document. "We're prepared to offer significant support. Military equipment, medical supplies, trained personnel. In exchange, we want access to your awakened capabilities when facing major threats."
"You want me to fight your wars."
"We want partnership against common enemies." Hassan's voice was careful. "The Ascendancy threatens everyone. Alone, neither of us can stop them. Together..."
"Together we have a chance." Sarnav studied the document without touching it. "And what about Ms. Kim?"
The question hung in the air. Jiyeon's attention sharpened, though she didn't speak.
"Ms. Kim is a valuable strategic asset," Hassan said carefully. "Her abilities have been instrumental in several successful negotiations. We're prepared to assign her as a permanent liaison to your settlement, facilitating communication between our organizations."
"Facilitating." Sarnav met Jiyeon's eyes. "Is that what you call it?"
"I call it being useful," Jiyeon answered before Hassan could respond. Her voice was cool, controlled. "My abilities make people more amenable to cooperation. In a world where diplomacy can mean the difference between alliance and war, that's not nothing."
"And what do you want, Ms. Kim? Personally?"
The question seemed to surprise her. Her mask slipped for just a moment, something raw showing through before she recovered.
"I want to survive. Same as everyone." Her chin lifted slightly. "And I'd prefer to do it somewhere my abilities are valued rather than feared."
Hassan shifted uncomfortably. "Ms. Kim's personal preferences aside, the arrangement benefits everyone..."
"I'd like to hear more about those personal preferences." Sarnav stood. "Colonel, we'll take a recess to consider your proposal. Perhaps Ms. Kim would be willing to show me the grounds while my advisors review the documentation?"
It wasn't a request. Hassan clearly wanted to object but couldn't find grounds.
"Of course," he managed. "Ms. Kim, if you would..."
"I'd be happy to." Jiyeon rose with fluid grace. "Mr. Kish?"
They walked through the gardens in silence at first.
Nisha's work was evident everywhere. Flowers that had no business blooming in the post-apocalypse thrived here, their colors vibrant against the grey ruins visible beyond the walls. The air smelled of jasmine and green growing things, a pocket of beauty in a broken world.
The afternoon sun caught Jiyeon's hair, highlighting subtle brown undertones in the black. Up close, without the formal setting and watchful eyes, she looked younger. More human. The idol perfection softened by exhaustion she'd been hiding behind professional composure.
She walked with a model's grace, each step precise, but there was tension in her shoulders that spoke of constant vigilance. A woman who'd learned to never truly relax.
"You can drop the act," Sarnav said eventually. "There's no one to perform for out here."
She laughed, short and bitter. "There's always someone watching. That's the first thing you learn as an idol. The camera might not be visible, but it's always there. Even when you're sleeping, someone might be recording. Even when you're crying alone in your room, someone might be selling that footage to tabloids."
"And yet you let your mask slip. Back in the meeting."
"You asked what I wanted. Personally." She stopped walking, turning to face him. Her sharp eyes met his without flinching. "Do you know how long it's been since anyone asked me that?"
"I can guess."
"Since before the debut. Since before the training. Since I was sixteen and signed a contract that owned every part of me." Her voice was steady, but her eyes betrayed the depth beneath the surface. "Seven years of being told what to wear, how to speak, who to smile at. Seven years of being a product, not a person."
"And then the world ended."
"And I thought maybe I could be free. Finally." She laughed again, and there was genuine pain in it. "Instead, I traded one set of handlers for another. The agency for the government. Different masters, same cage."
"The government."
"They're terrified of me. Did you see Hassan's face when I spoke out of turn?" She smiled without humor. "They keep me fed, protected, comfortable. All I have to do is use my ability when they ask and never, ever forget that I'm a weapon, not a person."
"Is that how they treat you? As a weapon?"
"They're careful. Polite. Professional." She reached out to touch a flower, her fingers gentle on the petals. "But I see how they look at me when they think I'm not watching. The same way you'd look at a loaded gun. Useful, but dangerous. Something to be controlled."
Through the network, Sarnav felt his wives' reactions to the conversation. Sympathy from Sana, who understood what it meant to be trapped by circumstances, to give everything to others and have nothing left for yourself. Anger from Ishani, who'd faced her own struggles with being valued only for her appearance, her body, her surface rather than her substance. Analytical interest from Jade, who was probably already planning how to extract more intelligence about the government's operations.
And from Minji, something unexpected. Recognition. The gamer had spent years in the spotlight of streaming, performing for audiences, and she understood the pressure of constant observation even if her experience was different in scale.
"Your ability doesn't work on me," Sarnav said.
"I noticed." Her eyes studied him with new intensity, the sharp intelligence visible now that she'd stopped hiding it. "Why? You're A-rank, yes, but charm abilities don't care about combat power. They work on the mind, not the body."
"I have... connections. Bonds that protect my mind from outside influence."
"The wives." It wasn't a question. "I heard rumors, back in Putrajaya. A harem system, they said. The powerful awakened in KL with his collection of women. Most people thought it was propaganda. Exaggeration. The kind of story that grows in the telling."
"They're not a collection. They're family."
"Is there a difference?" The question wasn't hostile, just curious. "In my experience, men who accumulate women rarely see them as individuals. We're interchangeable. Replaceable. Status symbols at best, toys at worst."
"That's not what this is."
"Then what is it?"
He considered how to explain something that defied simple explanation. "A collection is objects you acquire. Things you own, arrange, display. Family is people you choose, who choose you back. Six women who could leave if they wanted but stay because they want to be here."
"And if one of them wanted to leave?"
"Then she would leave. The bond doesn't force loyalty. It doesn't override free will or manufacture feelings. It just... connects us. Lets us feel each other, support each other, be stronger together than we could be apart."
Jiyeon was quiet for a long moment, processing. When she spoke, her voice was softer than before, the professional distance finally cracking.
"Everyone sees the idol. The strategic asset. The dangerous charm user." She met his eyes directly, and for the first time he saw the woman beneath all the masks. "You're the first person who looked at me like I might be more than that."
"What do you want to be?"
"I don't know anymore." The admission seemed to cost her something. "I've been what others wanted for so long, I'm not sure who I am without it. Without the schedules and the handlers and the constant performance."
"Then maybe that's what you need to figure out." He offered his hand. "Come stay at Harmony. Not as a government asset or a strategic tool. As a guest. Take time to decide who you want to be when no one's watching."
She looked at his hand for a long moment. Her expression shifted through several emotions too quickly to track. Suspicion. Hope. Fear. And finally, something that might have been the beginning of trust.
"And the alliance negotiations?"
"Will proceed regardless of your choice. This isn't a bribe, Jiyeon. It's not a transaction or a manipulation. It's an offer. Help if you want it. Freedom to refuse if you don't."
"Jinjja?" The Korean slipped out, surprise breaking through her English. "Really? You'd let me stay without any conditions?"
"One condition." He smiled slightly. "Try to figure out what you actually want. Not what you think you should want, or what others want for you. What Kim Jiyeon, the person, genuinely desires."
She took his hand. Her grip was different this time. Less formal. More real. The hand of a woman choosing something for herself, maybe for the first time in years.
"I'll stay," she said. "For now."
Through the network, he felt his wives' reactions. Curiosity from most of them. Acceptance, understanding that this was how it had started with each of them too. A moment of choice, of possibility.
And from Minji, eager excitement at having another Korean in the household. Someone who'd understand the culture, the language, the specific pressures of Korean entertainment.
Compatibility confirmed, the system noted. Bond potential: excellent. However, I recommend a gradual approach given subject's psychological profile. Years of manipulation have made her wary of connection. She needs to choose freely, not feel manipulated into another cage.
For once, Sarnav agreed completely.
[ALLIANCE NEGOTIATIONS: IN PROGRESS]
[KIM JIYEON: STAYING AS GUEST]
[BOND STATUS: POTENTIAL (NOT INITIATED)]
[THE ASCENDANCY: CONFIRMED THREAT]
[S-RANK ENEMY: UNCONFIRMED BUT CREDIBLE]
[NEXT: JIYEON INTEGRATION BEGINS]