THE LIFE OF UNITY v (Autistic author) Sponge Bob wraps around Plankton's quivering body, his eyes filled with compassion. "It's ok, buddy," he says soothingly. "Kevin didn't know. He's just not used to... well, you know." But Plankton's antennae quiver with a mix of anger and sadness. "Kevin," he murmurs, his one eye brimming with unshed tears. "Kevin hurt Plankton." Sponge Bob nods, wrapping around Plankton in a gentle embrace. "I know buddy," he says soothingly. "But Kevin's just a sea cucumber. He didn't understand." Plankton's antennae quiver with sadness, his monotone voice barely audible. "But jellyfish," he murmurs, his one eye slowly closing. "Jellyfish never hurt Plankton." Sponge Bob nods, stroking Plankton's antennae gently. "It's ok," he whispers, his voice filled with warmth. "You're safe now." Sponge Bob's stroke Plankton's antennae, his touch as soft as a feather brushing. Plankton's quivering slows, a distant echo of the pain that once consumed him. His eye closes, his body relaxes, and the tension dissipates. As Plankton's breathing evens out and his antennae stop quivering, Sponge Bob realizes that his friend has finally relaxed enough to fall asleep. The yellow sponge looks down at the tiny plankton in his arms. Sponge Bob's gaze is soft as he takes in Plankton's peaceful sleeping form. Plankton's antennae, no longer quivering with anger, lie still against his head. His one eye is now closed, his mouth slightly agape in the unguarded ease of slumber. He looks around the jellyfish fields, the serene scene a stark contrast to the emotional storm that has just passed. The jellyfish float around them, oblivious to the drama, their tentacles trailing lazily in the water. Sponge Bob sighs, his tightening around Plankton's small form. He knows that this incident with Kevin won't be the last time his friend faces misunderstanding or cruelty. Plankton's new reality is tough but he's determined to help him navigate it. Gently, he cradles Plankton and starts the journey back to the Chum Bucket, the place where Plankton's heart lies despite his recent troubles. The walk is quiet, the only sounds the distant hum of the jellyfish and the occasional splish-splash of the water. Sponge Bob's thoughts are with his friend, wondering how he can help him feel less alone in the vast sea of confusion and pain. As they enter the Chum bucket, Karen's electronic eyes light up with curiosity. She notices Plankton's asleep and Sponge Bob's solemn expression. "What happened?" she asks, her digital voice filled with concern. Sponge Bob sighs, still gently supporting Plankton. "A jellyfishing champion named Kevin was making fun of Plankton," he explains, his voice tinged with sadness. "It upset him because of his condition." Karen's robotic arms cross over her chest, her digital eyes widening. "His neurodisability?" she asks, her curiosity piqued. Sponge Bob nods, still wrapped around the sleeping Plankton. "Yes," he says, his voice gentle. "Kevin didn't know. He said some things that really hurt Plankton's feelings." Karen's digital brow furrows, her LED lights dimming slightly. "That's unfortunate," she murmurs, her circuits processing the situation. "Tell me what he said." Sponge Bob recounts the conversation around Plankton protectively as he speaks. "Kevin called Plankton 'stupid' and said jellyfish were dumb," he says, his voice heavy with emotion. "It really got to him." Karen's LED lights flicker with understanding. "I see," she murmurs, her robotic voice soothing. "It's not uncommon for those who are unaware of neurodiversity to make hurtful comments." Sponge Bob nods. "Yeah," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "But it really hit Plankton hard. He's already feeling so lost with his new diagnosis." Karen's LED lights dim slightly, her digital expression reflecting empathy. "It must have been quite the ordeal," she says, her voice a soothing hum. "I can see how that would be difficult for him." Sponge Bob nods, his tentacles still wrapped around Plankton. " He's not the same," he whispers. "But I think he's trying." Karen's digital eyes narrow, her circuits whirring as she processes the information. "Tell me everything," she says, her voice a gentle purr of concern. "I want to understand what happened to my Plankton." Sponge Bob takes a deep breath. "Kevin was making fun of Plankton," he starts, his voice filled with anger at the thought of his friend's pain. "He didn't know about the accident." Karen's eyes widen, her digital pupils dilating with concern as Plankton himself starts to stir, his antennae quivering in his sleep as if in response to the conversation. "It's okay, Plankton," Sponge Bob murmurs stroking his friend's antennae gently. "You're safe." Plankton stirs in his sleep, his antennae quivering slightly as he groans. Karen's eyes soften, her robotic arms reaching out tentatively. "Let me take him," she says, her voice a gentle hum. "I'll make sure he's comfortable." Sponge Bob nods, unfurling as he gently transfers Plankton to Karen's outstretched arms. She holds him with surprising tenderness, cradling him against her cold, metallic body. "Thank you," she murmurs, her digital eyes never leaving Plankton's face. As she carries him to his bed, Sponge Bob follows, his thoughts racing with the weight of the situation. He can't help but feel a mix of anger and sadness at Kevin's callous words and Plankton's pain. "I'm sorry, Plankton," he whispers, brushing the plankton's antennae. Plankton's one eye opens slowly, his antennae still quivering from the echoes of the painful conversation. "Karen?" he murmurs, his monotone voice thick with sleep. Karen's LED lights blink in response, her robotic arms adjusting his pillow with gentle precision. "You're safe," she assures him, her digital eyes softening. "You're home." Plankton's antennae quiver with confusion. "Home?" he murmurs, his one eye opening wider as he takes in the surroundings. "Where's jellyfish?" Karen's LED lights flicker gently. "You're in the Chum Bucket, Plankton," she says, her robotic voice a soothing purr. "You're safe." Karen hands him his box of organized jellyfish figurines. Plankton takes the box, his one eye blinking rapidly as he looks around the room. The familiarity of his bed and his beloved jellyfish figurines brings a small measure of comfort, but the memory of Kevin's cruel words still stings. Sponge Bob sits by Plankton in the bed, looking at the different mini figures of jellyfish Plankton assorted. "Jellyfish," Plankton murmurs, his antennae still quivering slightly. He takes one out, a small translucent figurine with a smiling face. "This one's Aurelia aurita," he says, his monotone voice slipping into the rhythm of technical jargon. "It's a moon jellyfish. They have a lifespan of approximately one year." Sponge Bob nods, reaching out to touch the delicate model. "They're beautiful," he says, his voice filled with wonder. Plankton's antennae quiver slightly with pride, shifting to a gentle lecture tone. "Yes," he murmurs, holding up another. "This one is a Cyanea capillata, also known as the lion's mane jellyfish. It can grow up to 2.5 meters wide with tentacles over 30 meters long. Quite the predator." Sponge Bob's eyes widen with amazement. "Wow," he says, his voice filled with awe. "They're so different from each other." Plankton nods, his antennae quivering slightly.

THE LIFE OF UNITY i (A LIFE OF DIVERSITY → THE LIFE OF UNITY) (Autistic author; make sure to read A LIFE OF DIVERSITY i - x first!) Sheldon Plankton wasn't born with autism but acquired neurodisability after a theft gone wrong. Despite interacting differently he's still an intellectual scientist inventor. (A LIFE OF DIVERSITY → THE LIFE OF UNITY) It's perfect day for jellyfishing. SpongeBob, ever eager to help a friend, had been up early preparing the jellyfish nets. When he arrived at the Chum Bucket, he found Plankton reading about jellyfish, his antennae quivering. "Plankton, are you ready to go jellyfishing?" Sponge Bob's voice filled with excitement. Plankton looked up from his book. "Jellyfish fields?" he murmured, his one eye lighting up. "Yeah, jellyfish fields," Sponge Bob said with a grin. "It's going to be amazing. We're going to see jellyfish like never before!" Plankton carefully put his book away. "Let's go," he murmured, his monotone voice filled with an unusual sense of anticipation. As they arrived, the water grew clearer, revealing a breathtaking sight: a vast meadow of jellyfish, their gelatinous bodies pulsing gently in the current, their tentacles trailing like a ballet. Plankton took in the mesmerizing display. But, Sponge Bob's eyes widened in recognition. "Kevin!" he exclaimed. Kevin the sea cucumber, Sponge Bob's long-time rival, surfaced with a smirk. "What's going on here?" he sneered, eyes flicking between them "You guys playing jellyfish keep-away?" Plankton's antennae twitched, monotonous voice tight. "No," he murmured. "Plankton... jellyfish expert." Kevin's smirk grew wider. "Expert, huh?" he sneered. "I bet I know more about jellyfish than you ever will." Sponge Bob's eyes narrow. "Why don't we have a little trivia showdown?" He suggested. "Just a friendly competition to see who knows more." Kevin's smirk grew into a full-blown grin. "You're on," he says cracking his knuckles. "But if I win, you leave the jellyfish fields and don't come back." Plankton's antennae quivered slightly, but his eye remained focused on the sea cucumber. "If wins," he murmured steady, "Kevin leaves. And brings jellyfish back to Chum Bucket." Kevin's grin faltered, but he quickly regained his composure. "Fine," he said, his voice dripping with confidence. "But if I win you both leave and never come back to these fields." The stakes were set. "Alright, let's get started," Kevin said, his smugness palpable. "First question: What is the scientific name for the jellyfish you're so fond of, Plankton?" Plankton's antennae twitched as he thought for a moment. "Medusozoa," he murmured with certainty. Kevin's smirk faltered, his confidence visibly shaking. "What? How do you even know that?" Plankton's antennae quivered slightly as he replied, "Jellyfish," his monotone voice calm. "Plankton studied." Kevin scoffed. "Fine, then what's the most venomous jellyfish in the sea?" Without missing a beat, Plankton murmured, "Chironex fleckeri." Kevin laughs. "Wrong; it's a Box Jelly!" But Plankton's antennae don't waver. "Chironex fleckeri," he repeats, his monotone voice unshaken. "Box jellyfish, Kevin. Chironex fleckeri." Kevin's eyes widen in surprise, his smugness dissipating. "Alright, show off," he stammers, visibly thrown off his game. "But you don't know this one: What's jellyfish can grow up to 16 inches in diameter?" Plankton's antennae wiggle slightly as he considers the question. "Moon jellyfish," he murmurs unshaken. "Aurelia aurita." Kevin's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, his grin faltering. "What? That's... that's right," he admits, his voice trailing off. "Good job, Plankton," SpongeBob cheers. Kevin's smirk turns into a grimace as he tries to regain his footing. "Alright, fine," he says through gritted teeth. "But I've got one more question that'll stump you for sure." Plankton's antennae wiggle slightly, his one eye focused intently on the sea cucumber. "Go on," he murmurs, his monotone voice filled with quiet confidence. Kevin's eyes narrow, his mind racing for the ultimate question to outsmart Plankton. "Ok then," he says, his voice dripping with challenge. "What's the most rare jellyfish species known to Bikini Bottom?" Plankton's antennae twitch as he thinks, his monotone voice measured. "The Bikini Bottom Glowing Jellyfish," he murmurs. "It's not rare everywhere, but here, yes." Kevin's grin fades into a scowl. "Fine," he says, his voice tight. "What's the average lifespan of a jellyfish?" Plankton's antennae quiver as he considers the question. "Depends on species," he murmurs, his monotone voice unwavering. "Some live weeks, others years." Kevin's smugness returns, his grin stretching wide. "Ah, but I'm not talking about any jellyfish," he says, eyes gleaming. "I'm talking about the Jellyfish of Legend, the one that even SpongeBob can't catch. What's the average lifespan of that one?" Plankton's antennae quiver slightly, eye narrowing in thought. "Rare. Long lifespan." Kevin's smug expression wavers as he realizes Plankton might actually know the answer. "You're bluffing," he accuses, his voice rising. "There's no way you know that!" But Plankton's antennae continue to quiver as he murmurs, "The average lifespan of a type jellyfish known as Turritopsis dohrnii is... indefinite." Kevin's eyes widen in shock, smugness evaporating. "What? That's impossible!" But Plankton's antennae keep quivering with confidence. "Immortal jellyfish," he murmurs. "Turritopsis dohrnii." Kevin's smugness turns to astonishment. "But that's not possible!" he stammers, his bravado slipping away. "No jellyfish can live forever!" Plankton's antennae wiggle slightly as he calmly explains, "Turritopsis dohrnii," his monotone voice unshaken. "It's unique. Can revert to polyp stage, start life cycle again." Kevin stammers, his usual bravado gone. "But... but?" "Plankton studied," Plankton murmurs, his antennae waving slightly. "Jellyfish... interesting." SpongeBob steps forward, eyes glinting with excitement. "I've got one," he says, turning to Kevin. "What's the main diet of jellyfish?" Kevin snorts. "Phytoplankton," Kevin says with glee. "And zooplankton, like your little friend here. Some times other jellyfish." But Plankton's antennae quiver with excitement. "Kevin wrong," he murmurs. "Jellyfish eat... everything." Kevin's smirk falters. "What do you mean?" he asks, his voice wary. Plankton's antennae wave slightly as he elaborates. "Jellyfish diet... diverse," he murmurs. "Phytoplankton, zooplankton, even small fish and shrimp. Some, yes, eat other jellyfish. But not all." Kevin's grin turns into a scowl. "That's what I just said!" "But you didn't say everything," Plankton murmurs, his monotone voice filled with a hint of satisfaction. "Jellyfish... adaptable." Kevin's confidence is visibly shaken, his smugness gone. "Fine," he grumbles. "But I bet you don't know their natural predators." Plankton's antennae wiggle slightly. "Natural predators," he murmurs. "Turtles, some fish, sea anemones." Kevin's scoff turns into a growl. "Turtles, sure," he says, his voice mocking. "But what about the big bad..." "Leatherback sea turtles," Plankton murmurs, his antennae quivering slightly. "They love jellyfish." Kevin's smirk fades, his bravado slipping away like sea foam on the shore. "Fine," he says, his voice tight. "What's the most... I don't know, the most useless jellyfish fact you know?" Plankton's antennae quiver slightly as he murmurs, "Usefulness... subjective." His monotone voice is calm, unruffled by the challenge. Kevin's scowl deepens. "Alright, then," he says, his voice tight with frustration. "But surely you don't know this one: What's the jellyfish that's immune to its own venom?" Plankton's antennae twitch, his monotone voice unfazed. "Turritopsis nutricula," he murmurs. "Immune to own sting." Kevin's eyes narrow. "Alright, then," he says, his voice tight with frustration. "What's the most bizarre jellyfish fact you can think of?" Plankton's antennae quiver slightly, his monotone voice contemplative. "Bizarre," he murmurs. "Some jellyfish have bioluminescent glow." Kevin's eyes light up with a spark of hope. "That's it," he says, voice smug. "Everyone knows that. I've got a better one: jellyfish don't have brains, just nerve nets. So, what's the point of all this studying?" Plankton's antennae quiver as he considers the question, his monotone voice calm. "Jellyfish," he murmurs, "have complex behaviors. Complex. Have nerve nets. Plankton studied. Brain not necessary for intelligence."

THE LIFE OF UNITY iii (Autistic author) Kevin's laughter reaches a crescendo as he takes a step closer to Plankton. "What don't I know?" he asks, his voice sharper than ever. "That PLANKTON JUST. DON'T. WUV. THEM. JELLYFISH. YOU ARE COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY..." But his words are cut off by the sight of Plankton, his antennae drooping, his eye brimming with tears. The tiny creature's body trembles as Kevin's to loud words settle upon him, and suddenly, all the pent-up frustration and pain come rushing out in a torrent as a single tear forms and slides down his face. Plankton's antennae quiver uncontrollably, and he squeaks out a sob, his tiny body convulsing with the weight of Kevin's cruel words. SpongeBob is shocked. Kevin's words hang in the water, his laughter fading into an awkward silence as he watches Plankton's reaction. The sea cucumber's eyes widen as he takes in the sight of Plankton's tears, his own expression morphing from smug to surprise, then to something akin to fear. "Plankton?" Plankton's antennae quiver as he sniffs, trying to compose himself, his monotone voice thick with emotion. "Plankton... brainless," he murmurs, his one eye filled with unshed tears. "Plankton," he adds, his voice cracking, "Plankton... not like jellyfish." Sponge Bob's heart squeezes tight in his chest. "Hey, Plankton," he says softly, "it's ok. Kevin didn't mean it." But Plankton's antennae quiver, his monotone voice echoing Kevin's hurtful words. "Kevin... right," he murmurs, his eye glistening with tears. "Plankton... brainless. Like jellyfish." Kevin's expression morphs from smugness to shock, his eyes wide as he realizes the impact of his words. "It's just... you know, a joke." But Plankton's antennae quiver, his monotone voice trembling. "Joke?" he murmurs. "Plankton... a joke. Plankton... brainless." Kevin's grin falters, his eyes widening in horror as he sees the pain etched on Plankton's tiny face. "No," he stammers, his voice cracking. "It was just a... I didn't mean it like that." But Plankton's antennae continue to quiver, his monotone voice a sad echo of Kevin's cruel words. "Plankton... no purpose in life," he murmurs, his one eye filled with a sadness so profound it seems to suck the color out of the surrounding waters. Sponge Bob's eyes widen in shock. "Plankton," he says gently, "you have friends. You have a purpose." But Plankton's antennae droop even lower, his monotone voice a sad echo of his own self-doubt. "Plankton mindless.." Kevin's smugness evaporates, replaced with a flicker of concern as he watches the usually unflappable Plankton crumple under the weight of his words. "Look, Plankton," he says, reaching out to touch him. But Plankton flinches, his antennae quivering with pain. "Plankton," Kevin says, his voice a mix of surprise and regret, "I didn't mean it like that. I was just messing around." But Plankton's antennae continue to quiver, his monotone voice a sad echo of Kevin's insults. "Mindless," he murmurs, his one eye fixed. "Brainless." Sponge Bob's eyes wide with shock and sadness. "Plankton," he whispers, his voice filled with a tenderness Plankton rarely hears from anyone. "You're not brainless." But Plankton's antennae quiver with doubt, his monotone voice echoing Kevin's words. "Plankton... mindless," he murmurs, his one eye unable to meet Sponge Bob's gaze. "Like jellyfish." SpongeBob knew that Plankton's obsession with jellyfish is more than just a hobby; it's a deep connection, a part of who he is after the traumatic brain injury. And now, Kevin's careless words have struck a nerve, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable. "Plankton," Sponge Bob says, his voice gentle, "you're not like that. You're smart. You're... you're you." But Plankton's antennae quiver with insecurity, his monotone voice a sad echo of Kevin's words. "Mindless," he murmurs, his one eye still avoiding contact. "Plankton... like jellyfish." SpongeBob understood that the brain trauma has affected him, making him more vulnerable to words that question his intelligence and identity due to his autism. "Plankton," he says, his voice filled with concern, "you know that's not true. You're not like jellyfish in that way." But Plankton's antennae quiver with doubt, his monotone voice a sad echo of Kevin's mockery. "Mindless," he murmurs. "Mindless, brainless." Sponge Bob's heart aches for his friend, reaching out to offer comfort. "Plankton, you're not like that," he says, his voice gentle and assuring. "You're brilliant. You know more about jellyfish than anyone." But Plankton's antennae quiver with insecurity, his monotone voice a sad echo of Kevin's laughter. "Mindless," he murmurs, eye downcast. "Plankton... brainless." Sponge Bob tries to find the right words to say. "Plankton," he says gently, "you're not like that. You're so much more than what Kevin said." But Plankton's antennae quiver, his monotone voice a sad echo of the cruel words. "Mindless," he murmurs, his one eye avoiding Sponge Bob's gaze. "Plankton... no purpose." Kevin's eyes dart from Plankton to Sponge Bob, his grin faltering. "What's going on?" he asks, his voice tight with confusion. "You guys are acting weird." Sponge Bob's embrace tighten around Plankton's tiny body, his voice firm but kind. "Kevin," he says, his gaze fixed on Plankton, "you don't know what happened to Plankton." Kevin's laughter fades into a puzzled look. "What do you mean?" Kevin's smirk fades, his eyes narrowing with confusion. "What are you guys talking about?" he asks, his voice tight. Sponge Bob hesitates, glancing at Plankton, who nods almost imperceptibly. "Kevin," he says, his voice serious, "Plankton had a bad accident. He hit his head, and now he's... different." Kevin's tentacles freeze in mid-air, his smugness evaporating. "What do you mean, 'different'?" he asks, his voice tentative. Sponge Bob sighs. "Plankton's had a brain injury," he says, his eyes never leaving Plankton's quivering antennae. "He's... autistic now." Kevin's eyes widen, his tentacles dropping to his sides. "What? No way," he stammers, his smugness gone. "You're... you're joking, right?" But Sponge Bob's expression is serious, gently stroking Plankton's antennae. "It's true, Kevin," he says, his voice gentle. "Plankton's had a tough time, and he's different now." "Plankton, joke." Kevin's confusion turns to shock as he looks from Sponge Bob to Plankton, his tentacles dropping to his sides. "But... but why didn't you say anything?" he asks, his voice trembling. Sponge Bob's eyes are filled with a mix of sadness and determination. "We didn't think it was anyone's business," he says tightening around Plankton's shaking antennae. "But now you know Kevin. And we need you to be cool about it."

THE LIFE OF UNITY ii (Autistic author; make sure to read A LIFE OF DIVERSITY i - x first!) Kevin scoffs. "Yeah, right," he says, voice dripping with disdain. Kevin snorts. "So jellyfish are smarter than you? You're saying you're like a jelly fish; Brainless and just floating around?" Plankton's antennae stiffen, taking on edge. "Kevin," he murmurs, "Jellyfish have nerve nets. Complex behaviors. Brainless? Not brainless. Different." Kevin's eyes narrow, his grin fading into a sneer. "So, what you're saying is that you're like a jellyfish?" he taunts. "Just with no real purpose?" The silence that follows is thick with tension. Plankton's antennae quiver. "Jellyfish," he murmurs, eye flashing, "have purpose. Plankton has purpose." Kevin snickers, unaware of the impact of his words. "Sure, Plankton," he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Your purpose is to annoy me I guess." Plankton's antennae stiffen. "Purpose," he murmurs, his one eye narrowing. "Annoying Kevin... not Plankton's purpose you don't understand." Kevin's sneer turns into a full-blown laugh. "Understand what?" he asks, his voice dripping with disbelief. "That you think jellyfish are your friends? That you're obsessed with them because you're just like them?" Plankton's antennae quiver with a mix of anger and sadness, his monotone voice tight. "Jellyfish. Different." Kevin's laughter echoes through the jellyfish fields, his ignorance fueling the flames of Plankton's anger. "Oh come on," he says. "You're just mad because you can't outsmart a jellyfish." Plankton's antennae quiver violently, his monotone voice filled with a rare emotion: insecurity. "Kevin," he murmurs, "you don't know what you're saying." But Kevin's laughter doesn't cease, eyes sparkling with mischief. "What, are you going to get all sensitive on me now?" he asks, his voice filled with mock concern. "Is Plankton thinking with his 'jellyfish brain'?" Plankton's antennae droop, the barb of Kevin's words hitting too close to home. "It's not funny," Plankton murmurs, antennae drooping. SpongeBob steps forward, fists clenched. "Kevin, that's not cool," he says firmly. "You don't know what you're talking about." Kevin's laughter falters, his smirk fading. "What do you mean?" he asks, his voice defensive. "It's just a joke." "No," Plankton murmurs, his antennae drooping further. "Not funny." Kevin's sneer fades, his expression shifting to confusion. "What's your problem, Plankton?" he asks, his voice tinged with annoyance. "Kevin," Sponge Bob says, his voice a mix of concern and reprimand. "That's not nice. Plankton's interest in jellyfish is special to him." But Kevin's sneer only deepens. "Oh, I get it," he says, his voice dripping with condescension. "You're all playing along with his little game. Well, I'm not. Jellyfish are just mindless blobs. And if you're so obsessed with them Plankton, maybe that's all you are, too." Plankton's antennae quiver, his eye blinking rapidly. But Kevin, fueled by his own ignorance, continues to laugh, his words cutting deeper. "What's the matter, Plankton?" he sneers. "Can't take a little ribbing?" Plankton's antennae quiver with each insult, his monotone voice strained. "Kevin," he murmurs, his one eye wide with hurt. "Not a game." Kevin's laughter echoes through the jellyfish fields, his eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. "Oh, I see," he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're just to sensitive for a little teasing." But Plankton's antennae quiver with a mix of anger and sadness, his monotone voice tight. "Jellyfish... complex," he murmurs, his eye flashing with determination. "Not brainless. Not like your jokes." "What's the matter?" Kevin asks, his smirk growing. "Can't handle the truth?" "Truth?" Plankton's antennae quiver with emotion. "Jellyfish," he murmurs, his monotone voice filled with a rare passion. "Jellyfish... beautiful. Complex." Kevin's eyes narrow, his laughter fading. "Beautiful?" he scoffs. "They're just jellyfish, Plankton. They don't have feelings. They don't have brains. Just like you." Plankton's antennae quiver. But Kevin's smirk only widens, his laughter bouncing off the surrounding coral, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. "You can't talk without getting all worked up. What kind of brainless blob are you?" Plankton's antennae quiver, his monotone voice strained. "Kevin," he murmurs, "you don't understand." "Understand what?" Kevin sneers, eyes gleaming with malicious amusement. "That jellyfish are just mindless blobs of jelly? That you're just like them?" Plankton's antennae droop. "Kevin," he murmurs, "you don't know." "Know what?" Kevin's laughter is cruel, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "That jellyfish are just mindless animals and you're obsessed with them because you're just a brainless creature who can't get a life?" Plankton's antennae droop even further, his one eye blinking rapidly. "Not mindless." Kevin's laughter turns into a cackle. "Oh, so you think you're better than jellyfish now?" he asks, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Maybe if you had a brain, you could actually catch one of those Krabby Patties you're always after! Maybe if you had a brain, you'd realize THAT YOU'LL NEVER BE MORE THAN A TINY, BRAINLESS BOTTOM FEEDER!" The words hit Plankton like a tidal wave, antennae drooping even further. "Kevin," Plankton murmurs, his monotone voice thick with emotion, "you don't know."

THE LIFE OF UNITY iv (Autistic author) Kevin's smirk is long gone, replaced by a look of shock and regret. "I... I had no idea," he stammers. "I didn't mean to... I didn't know." Plankton's antennae quiver. "Kevin," he murmurs, "you hurt Plankton." Sponge Bob's protectively around Plankton, who is now visibly upset. "You hurt Plankton's feelings," he says, his voice firm but not unkind. "You see, Plankton had an accident. He's not the same as before. He nearly broke his skull on a cash register at the Krusty Krab. It changed him." Kevin's expression shifts from shock to disbelief. "What do you mean, 'changed him'?" he asks, his tentacles quivering slightly. "He has autism now," Sponge Bob says simply, never leaving Plankton's trembling form. "It's ok, Plankton," he murmurs, tightening around the tiny plankton. "You're still you." Kevin's eyes widen, the reality of the situation sinking in. "Oh my...," he whispers, his tentacles dropping to his sides. "I had no idea." Plankton's voice filled with accusation. "Kevin," he murmurs, "you didn't know. You didn't care." Kevin's eyes are wide. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to..." But Plankton's cutting off Kevin's apology. "Kevin," he murmurs, his one eye flashing with pain. "Kevin not care." "I'm sorry, Plankton. I didn't mean to be so cruel." But Plankton's unyielding. "Kevin," he murmurs, his one eye still brimming with unshed tears. "You didn't know. You no care." Kevin's smugness evaporates as the weight of his own words crashes down on him. The realization that his careless jests have caused such pain is written all over his face. His eyes are wide with horror, his tentacles trembling. "I'm sorry," he whispers, starting to touch Plankton. But Plankton recoils at the touch, his antennae quivering violently, his monotone voice filled with panic. "NO!" he squeaks, his one eye wide with fear. "Kevin, no touch!" Kevin's tentacles jerk back as if burned, his eyes filled with shock and remorse. "I'm sorry," he says quickly, his voice thick with regret. "I didn't know. I didn't mean to..." "Kevin, no touch," he repeats, his one eye flashing. "Plankton not like that." "I didn't know," he whispers, his eyes never leaving Plankton's trembling form. "I'm so sorry." But Plankton's antennae continue to quiver, his monotone voice a sad echo of the fear he feels. "Kevin," he murmurs, his one eye fixed on the sea cucumber, "you didn't know. You don't care." Sponge Bob's placing himself between Plankton and the sea cucumber. "Kevin," he says firmly with a newfound resolve. "You need to apologize to Plankton. What you said was not okay." Kevin's tentacles quiver, his eyes darting from Sponge Bob to Plankton's trembling form. "I'm... I'm sorry," he stammers, his smugness replaced by genuine contrition. "I didn't know. I didn't mean it like that." But Plankton's antennae quiver with a mix of anger and sadness, his monotone voice still echoing the pain of the insult. "Kevin," he murmurs, his one eye narrowed, "you hurt Plankton." Kevin's expression falls, the full impact of his words hitting him like a brick wall. He takes a step back, his tentacles drooping. "I didn't know," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize you had... you know." But Plankton's antennae quiver with a mix of anger and pain. "Kevin," he murmurs, his monotone voice strained. "Kevin hurt Plankton. Not funny." Kevin's tentacles twitch, his expression a mix of shock and discomfort. "Look, I didn't know," he says, his voice quivering. "I'm sorry. I just..." But Plankton's antennae quiver with a mix of anger and sadness, his monotone voice cutting through the awkward silence. "Space," he murmurs, his one eye pleading. Kevin creeps up closer. "Space? What..." But Plankton's antennae quiver with a mix of anger and fear, his monotone voice a sad echo of the pain Kevin's words have caused. "Plankton," he murmurs, his one eye wide with desperation. "Alone." Kevin still doesn't understand. "You're not alone," he starts, reaching out. But Plankton's antennae quiver more fiercely, his monotone voice filled with a rare urgency. "No," he murmurs, his one eye darting around. "Space." "I don't underst--" But Plankton's filled with a desperation Kevin had never heard before. "Space," he murmurs again, more forcefully this time. "Kevin, go." "Go to outer space? But..." "Space," Plankton repeats more insistently, his eye frantic. Kevin's with confusion. "But, Plankton we're in the middle of the jellyfish fields." But Plankton's antennae quiver with urgency, his monotone voice unwavering. "Space," he murmurs, his one eye pleading. "Now." "I don't..." Kevin starts, grabbing Plankton's hand. But Plankton's antennae quiver with anger, and he pulls away, his monotone voice rising. "SPACE!" he shouts, his eye flashing with fury. Startled, Kevin takes a step back. "Where in outer space?" But Plankton's antennae quiver with impatience, his monotone voice tight. "Any space," he cries. "Just go." Kevin's tentacles twitch, his smugness forgotten. "But... but what about the jellyfish? Oh do you mean any planet.." He says, absent mindedly putting his hand on Plankton's back. But Plankton's antennae quiver with anger, and he jumps away. "NO TOUCH!" he screams, his monotone voice cracking with emotion. "PLANKTON. NEED. SPACE!" Kevin's tentacles recoil as if stung, his eyes wide with shock. "I'm sorry," he stammers, taking a step back. "I can't fly a rocket to space.." But Plankton's antennae quiver with rage. "Any space," he repeats, his one eye glaring. "Away." Kevin's tentacles hang limp, his smugness shattered by the depth of Plankton's pain. "But, Plankton, we can't leave Earth without..." But Plankton's antennae quiver with fury, his monotone voice a whip crack. "Any space," he repeats, his one eye narrowed. "Now." Kevin's tentacles retract, his smugness gone. "Any planet other than Earth? I'd like to help but..." But Plankton's antennae quiver with frustration, his monotone voice cutting through the confusion. "Not space," he murmurs, his one eye blazing with anger. "Space." Kevin's tentacles tremble, his smile fading into a look of fear. "I can't get outer space without a rocket?" he says, taking a step back. But Plankton's antennae quiver with anger, his monotone voice a thunderclap in the stillness. "No rocket," he murmurs, his one eye flashing. "Space. Now." Kevin's tentacles quiver, his smugness replaced by fear. "But Plankton," he stammers, taking a step back, "we can't just go to space without..." But Plankton's antennae quiver with rage, his monotone voice a whip crack. "Space," he repeats, his one eye narrowed. "Now." Kevin's tentacles retreat, his smugness replaced by a look of pure terror. "But Plankton, I can't just leave the sea," he says, his voice shaking. But Plankton's antennae quiver with a mix of anger and desperation, his monotone voice a thunderclap in the quiet waters. "Space," he repeats unwavering. Kevin's tentacles retreat, his smugness replaced by a look of fear as he tries to comprehend Plankton's words. "But Plankton," he stammers, "you can't survive in space. It's not possible." But Plankton's antennae quiver with anger, his monotone voice a monotone shout. "Space," he repeats, his one eye flashing with desperation. "Away from here." Kevin's tentacles retract, his smugness dissolving in to confusion. "But Plankton, we're in the middle of jellyfish fields," he says, his voice trembling. "We can't just..." But Plankton's antennae quiver with a mix of anger and desperation, his monotone voice a monotone shout. "SPACE!" he repeats, his one eye flashing. "Kevin go now!" Kevin's tentacles twitch, his smugness dissipating like smoke in the face of Plankton's distress. "But Plankton I don't..." he starts, taking a cautious step back. Plankton breathes in and gathers his words together, his antennae quivering with the effort of controlling his emotions. "Kevin JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!" he shouts, his monotone voice crackling with anger. Kevin's tentacles quiver in understanding, his smugness evaporating like mist in the sun. "Oh," he says, his voice small and sad. "You mean personal space.." Plankton's antennae quiver slightly, his monotone voice softening. "Yes," he murmurs, his one eye blinking rapidly. "Space." Sponge Bob nods. "Okay, Kevin," he says firmly. "You need to give Plankton some space right now. He's going through a tough time." Kevin's smugness is completely gone, replaced by a look of genuine concern. He takes a step back. "I had no idea," he whispers. "I'm really sorry. I'll go. Bye."