(Scott POV)
Scott gazed out of the aircraft window for nearly the entire journey; he was fortunate to secure a coveted window seat, a rare find that many passengers desired. Lost in his thoughts, he was abruptly brought back to reality by the captain's voice.
{"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. To your left, you can observe the Phelpo superweapon [Tempestas], an extraordinary achievement of our ancestors. It serves as a powerful deterrent against both adversaries and usurpers. This legacy was solidified after the usurper Teppup Vilman attempted to wield it for destruction but ultimately failed, thanks to our valiant hero, Major Freya Kramer Tempest. Now, as Major General, she oversees the protection of Phelpo, ensuring its safety from any threats. Let's give a round of applause for our hero! "}
As the applause filled the cabin, the hero remained blissfully unaware of the gratitude being expressed for her bravery. While this was happening, Scott's gaze was fixed on the window, where the imposing silhouette of the [Tempestas] loomed large, stirring a flash of memories of that fateful day.
~"This is not the end," the man inside his memory said to him, lying on the hard floor as he killed him with a shard of sharp metal as he was painted with his blood and saw the man's soul leave the body.~ He found himself pondering the nature of his words, reflecting on how, even at the twilight of his life, he held no fear of death; he questioned, what could lead a man to embrace death without trepidation, even in his final moments? But he dismissed it, uncertain of the answer, yet hopeful that time would reveal it.
He turned his gaze back to the planet that had once felt like his second home, now just a fading memory, as he set off on a new adventure, a chance to begin anew. 'I miss them so much. I miss my friend. I miss my parents,' he reflected, letting the images of their smiles and treasured moments wash over him, while knowing in the future new faces began to fill the growing list of those he yearned for.
Lost in contemplation, he failed to realize they had arrived at their destination. Passengers began to rise from their seats, departing one by one. Noticing this, he joined them, stepping into a stunning sci-fi hangar filled with spacecraft arranged neatly, reminiscent of the one he had just disembarked. Although Scott had long since tempered his expectations of this world revealing such captivating sights, he couldn't shake the awe he felt each time. The technological advancements here were astonishing, far surpassing anything from his previous world.
The vessel they had boarded was an impressive heavy freighter, expertly designed for transporting both cargo and passengers across distant star systems. He recalled its model name, the {SolarStar Heavy Freighter Class Camarica XI}, which was detailed on the website of this company.
Scott wandered the freighter alone as the crowd he arrived with dispersed to their rooms or other areas of the impressive vessel. Unfortunately, he was limited to the passenger zone, which left him feeling a bit disappointed. He decided to head to the cafeteria, where he found it bustling with both passengers and crew. The cafeteria had a simple design, neither extravagant nor costly, and its menu was geared towards efficiently feeding a large number of people.
He had collected his meal and completed the payment when he spotted an empty chair. Settling down, he began to savor his food. In this vibrant world, the variety of dishes was as vast and unique as the grains of sand in a desert; he chose only those that captivated him with their enticing aromas and visual appeal.
As he noticed a group of crew members approaching, he instinctively turned his attention back to his meal. Once they settled at his table, their conversation quickly shifted to the topic of pirates. The recent civil war had emboldened these marauders, leading them to brazenly attack in broad daylight. With the conflict now behind them, the pirate factions had grown increasingly reckless, scrambling to seize and plunder anything of worth in the chaos that ensued with the slow recovery of the nation.
When suddenly he was called by one of the guys in the group, a man of Chinese descent, "What do you think about our conversation? And don't say you didn't hear it, but I know you heard everything we said, so what do you think? "
He was taken aback by the man, and after a brief pause, he spoke to the group. "I'm not sure… it's possible, but sometimes not overthinking can keep it from being ruined or being true."
The group was amazed by his insight and began to applaud him for resembling the ancient philosophers of Terra from the 21st century.
"Very well expressed, very well expressed."
"You're just like those philosophers from the 21st century."
'Because I am, but they don't have to know.'
"Ohh, thanks for the compliment," he said shyly and got back to eating
The group welcomed Scott into their conversation, and for a while, he felt entertained and included. Their dialogue flowed easily, like that of old friends. Gradually, Scott found himself sharing his thoughts and feelings with these individuals, who, in his mind, often faded into the background like minor characters in a novel. Yet, in this moment, they were vibrant and real, each battling their own struggles to survive in this complex, advanced world.
As the conversation wound down, they exchanged warm goodbyes, each hoping to cross paths again aboard the ship. Scott made his way back to his shared room. Upon entering, he was greeted by his roommate, a man in his 40s of African descent, whose hair was speckled with white, a testament to the passage of time and experience.
"Name Folo," the man said to him with a handshake, and he replied, "Scott."
"So what might bring you here? "
"Ohh, just—a new beginning," he said, smiling, but the man saw in his eyes the sadness.
"It's hard to move on, right, kid?"
He was taken aback by the man's words and replied. "Yeah, it's hard."
"Well, what can you say? Connections are like a rubber band. When you are close, the bond is easy and relaxed, free of strain. But as you drift apart, the connection stretches, creating a growing tension that weighs on both of you.
The further the distance, the more unbearable the stress becomes until someone finally lets go. That sudden snap is agonizing; it's a sharp, immediate sting that feels like it might never end. But while that initial pain is temporary, it leaves behind a permanent mark. Even after the sting fades, you are left with the lingering friction of memories and the quiet reminder of the person who chose to stop holding on," the man said to him, giving him advice.
He did not say a word and just listened to the man.
"So kid, it's perfectly fine to feel pain or to let go; these experiences are what truly remind us that we are alive, not just lifeless beings drifting through the void."
"But for now, kid, I need to get some sleep. It's going to be a long journey before we reach our destination," the man said as he settled into his chosen bed.
He gazed out the window at the planet Phelpo, memories flooding back of everything he experienced and the friends he made there. After a moment, he spoke softly, "Yeah, about two days."
A heavy silence filled the room until he finally added, "Thank you."
(END OF CHAPTER)
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