"You're is indeed a very cute girl, but compared to me, still just a little bit lacking."
Stelle stood with her hands on her hips.
Firefly's expression froze for a moment, and then she burst out laughing.
"...Mm, you're right, she's just a little bit lacking compared to you. Where are we going?"
Firefly followed slightly behind Stelle, her pace much lighter.
"Just wandering around." Stelle stopped walking backward and turned to walk side-by-side with Firefly. "I was wondering if there are any snack stalls nearby. I got hungry watching Bronya's speech in the plaza just now."
Stelle led Firefly to a stop in front of a steaming tin pushcart. Several simple wooden skewers were displayed on the stall, threaded with sizzling, oily roasted Rock Crab legs.
"Give me a few more skewers of these."
Stelle pulled some Shield from her pocket and handed it to the stall owner.
"Eat up quickly, the texture won't be right once it cools down."
She had already taken a large bite of crab meat without any regard for her image, huffing constantly because it was so hot.
Firefly followed her example and took a small bite.
"...It's delicious."
She smiled, her features softening.
"In a little while, my script time will be over. I've been really happy being with you, but I can't stay with you for too long."
"Are you leaving now? I also wanted to show you the photos in March 7th's room, and that ice cream machine Aidan made... You didn't even get a chance to check out the Express yesterday."
"If I don't leave on time, the situation that follows will become uncontrollable."
Stelle looked at Firefly, her disappointment currently unconcealed.
"Can't you stay a little longer?"
"Mm, I can't. I really want to talk to you more, but... I can't."
Firefly shook her head.
"...There are many things I know that I can't tell you. Learning the right information at the wrong time can turn that correct information into something wrong."
"I'll remember that... Then it's a promise, we have to come out and play together again next time."
"Mm, it's a promise."
Firefly smiled, looking just like an ordinary girl next door.
"You haven't told me your real name yet. He said Sam is just your codename."
Firefly:...
Just how much of my business did that guy spill to Stelle!
"Firefly. Remember it, okay?"
"Mm-hmm! I've got it!"
Flames soared into the sky as Sam reappeared. Firefly took one last look at Stelle, then the thrusters on her back erupted, turning her into a crimson meteor that streaked across the sky.
If she stayed any longer, the Interstellar Peace Corporation people would arrive; this was the message Silver Wolf had sent to Firefly.
The aetherial crystal barrier Aidan constructed yesterday had indeed blocked the threats, but it had also blocked the Interstellar Peace Corporation's fleet. By now, the IPC fleet had finally found the special entrance he had left for the Astral Express.
Large starships still couldn't get in.
Sorry, only Trailblazers are allowed entry (not really).
"Leaving just like that, how decisive," Stelle muttered softly, taking another bite. "But next time is a promise... you have to keep your word."
"Stop staring, she's already gone."
Aidan appeared out of nowhere.
"She left so fast." Stelle turned her head. "You won't leave, will you?"
"Why are you suddenly asking that?"
"I just want to know." Stelle looked at him stubbornly. "Will you be like her..."
"What are you thinking about in that little head of yours all day?" Aidan reached out and rubbed her face, then gave her forehead a flick. "I finally found such a comfortable nest on the Express with food, drink, and all of you. Why would I leave?"
Stelle rubbed her flicked forehead, still a bit uneasy: "But you change every day. What if one day you turn into a Path that likes to wander all over the place?"
"That's impossible," he put his hands back in his pockets, "the Express is my home, and you are my family. Besides, wandering all over... isn't that just Trailblaze?"
Stelle stared at Aidan for a good while, only relaxing once she was sure he wasn't joking.
— — —
"Members of the Astral Express, excuse the intrusion."
The mature woman who came to visit the Express was a high-level executive of the Interstellar Peace Corporation's Strategic Investment Department, Jade.
Why come to the Astral Express?
Because the Astral Express was blocking the only Path through the crystal barrier into Jarilo-VI.
A major event like Qlipoth appearing on Jarilo-VI was naturally noticed by the Interstellar Peace Corporation, but they had been blocked for several system hours and couldn't get in.
Jade sat on the sofa with a composed posture. Her gaze swept over the furnishings in the carriage before finally landing on the aetherial crystal barrier outside the window.
"This planet was marked in the Corporation's archives as being invaded by the Antimatter Legion and having its Paths blocked by a Stellaron... but now, it seems the situation has taken a turn."
"It indeed has." Himeko nodded. "Even when faced with such a disaster, the people of this planet have worked hard to survive."
After a few words of small talk, Himeko agreed to move the Express.
"However, this planet has only just emerged from the shadows. I'm afraid it might not be able to withstand development by the Interstellar Peace Corporation yet."
Himeko said.
"Hehe... rest assured, we won't act recklessly."
Jade stood up, then suddenly stopped as if she had glimpsed some interesting object. She stared at a small silver cube in the corner of the carriage; it was a spare stabilizing anchor Aidan had placed there.
"Oh?... That thing is quite interesting. If there is any intention to sell it, I am willing to pay a high price."
Himeko followed her gaze and took a look.
"That is the personal property of one of our passengers. If you are interested, you can talk to him directly when he returns."
Jade raised an eyebrow.
Someone who can make such a thing probably isn't an ordinary passenger.