🚧Still under revision, please come back later.
Summer train is approaching its destination:(
Note: This is a follow-up to the Prelude.
2025.7.21 EARTH, ASIA, CHINA HOTEL, 2F
Xan stood silently at the door, staring into the empty hall. There’d been no trace of last night’s revelry. Not… at all…
The manager of the hotel came out with some guests. Xan knew that he was no longer a legal visitor to the hall. But he still came in, for his unwilling to leave any regret behind.
He heard music playing. It was Going Home, a renowned instrumental piece on earth. “You’re reminding me of that, too.” Xan’s ears drooped.
He didn’t stay long in the hall. Well, what’s left? Meaningless to stay longer.
He returned to his room.
CHINA HOTEL, XAN’S ROOM
Xan’s combadge beeped. It was Captain Huanxing. He was on his way here.
Xan recalled the gathering last night: in Shangri-La Guangzhou, Huanxing from U.S.S. Kardashev, Noriega from U.S.S. Event Horizon, Lightails from another department——All gathered under the flag of the federation. Thinking back, he felt… unreal. Starfleet officers’ uniting. He couldn’t believe it, especially in this unfamiliar world.
He was jolted out of his reverie by the beep of the combadge. Capt. Huanxing had arrived.
CHINA HOTEL, 2F
“I already checked,” said Xan, “nothing’s left.”
Capt. Huanxing still checked the room before leaving.
“Most of the crew have returned to Nova Strider. There’re still a small amount of them remaining here.” Xan continued.
“I’d like to meet the communication officer.” Huanxing said.
“Well, scans indicate there is indeed a turkey in the building. But you have to find him yourself. He’s not responding to hails.”
“Fine.”
CHINA HOTEL, CREW RECEPTION
“He’s a fellow enthusiast, too.” Huanxing introduced Xan to some crew of Nova Strider.
“Uh… I’m afraid I have to go now.” Xan approached Huanxing. “Don’t when I can meet you again.”
Huanxing accompanied Xan walking in the lobby, “I’m waiting to see one of my crew, Mangguo. Don’t be down. Though we may get separated, our hearts are together.”
“Live long and prosper.” Huanxing gave Xan Vulcan Salute.
“Live long and prosper.” Xan returned.
Then Xan left China Hotel with his luggage.
When he found a safe place, he tapped his combadge, “Xan to Expedition, one to beam up.”
2382.8.20 U.S.S. EXPEDITION
0805 ENGINEERING
“… flow regulator maintenance. That will your job, Xan, Smith.” Chief engineer said.
Smith nodded. But Xan didn’t seem to hear it.
“Xan?” Chief engineer raised his voice.
“Yes, commander?” Xan’s thought was interrupted.
“You’re supposed to focus on the morning meeting.”
“Yes, sir. I’m sorry. I’ll start working on flow regulators with Smith once the meeting is over.”
“Good. As for realigning the matter and anti-matter injectors…”
1700 CREW QUARTER
Xan entered his quarters, sat on his chair and put his head on his paws.
“Computer,” finally he opened his mouth, “access classified database 718, authorization Xan-4-8-λ-φ.”
“Authorization pass, accessing…”
Xan suddenly jerked upright and fixed his gaze on the ODN interface in front of him.
He began to scan the database carefully and finally came to a stop on a single image. It was shot by a 21st century earth state-of-the-art communicator.
He stared at the image, for quite a long time.