Our journey proceeded smoothly. We reached the closest gateway without problems, and we didn’t have to wait long before we could activate it. We’d stopped by a colony en route, but we hadn’t run into any problems with local mercenaries or gangsters; we’d traded and resupplied without issue. It really had been smooth sailing.
“Things are going well, so how come you guys seem more and more concerned?” Dr. Shouko asked during a meal. She seemingly couldn’t hold that question in any longer.
Oh, so you noticed.
Tina answered with a wry smile. “Ya see, Doctor, hon tends to draw trouble toward him,” she explained. “Best to be prepared.”
I’ll leave that to you, then.
“I’m aware of that, but…” Dr. Shouko trailed off. “Oh—so you mean that right now is the calm before the storm?”
“You’re a smart one, Doctor! Last time things were like this was… That’s right! Back when we were in the Leafil System.”
“Please stop,” I protested. “Don’t remind me of that.”
That situation really had been bad. It wasn’t unusual for us to discover pirates the moment we entered a system, and it wasn’t a bad thing that that had led the elves to welcome us. But then we’d ridden that weird aerial car that crash-landed in a primeval forest, which was followed by space pirates suddenly attacking the planet, after which Colonel Serena showed up to drag us into a major pirate subjugation mission. When we’d finished that mission, we’d been targeted by a crazy woman; there was an 80 or 90 percent chance that she’d been those subjugated pirates’ leader or something. It had been absolutely crazy.
That last bit had been especially bad. It wouldn’t have bothered me too much if she’d only gone after me, but the thought that she might target one of my crew members was terrifying. That was pretty much one of the only moments when I’d felt that I wasn’t strong enough.
“I don’t think being on edge all the time will help. Whatever happens, happens,” Elma shrugged.
“It’s true that we can’t do much before that kind of situation, since we don’t even know what’ll happen,” Mimi added with a wry smile.
They’re right. Since we can’t predict the future, we can’t do anything to prevent it. But I can’t shake the feeling that the longer things are smooth sailing, the bigger the problem will be once it shows up. “Kugi, is there any way to, like, use my abilities to improve the situation?” I asked. “If we’re ever going to use a grandiose ability like fate manipulation, I figure now’s the time.”
“If that were possible, it would indeed be ideal, my lord. However, it likely isn’t feasible.”
“What makes you say that?”
“To consciously manipulate fate, you must be able to consciously perceive it. You currently only manipulate fate unconsciously, my lord.”
“So even if Hiro possesses the ability to manipulate fate, he can’t really use it if he can’t perceive fate,” Dr. Shouko noted. “Hmm…very interesting. I wonder what the scientific principle behind manipulating fate is.”
As if recent events had piqued her interest in psionic technology, Dr. Shouko would immediately jump into any conversation related to the topic. She was one of those people who got excited whenever they encountered something they didn’t really understand—a true researcher to the core.
“I am not very familiar with the particulars of fate manipulation,” Kugi replied. “The prior users of such an ability can be counted on one hand, and there isn’t much established research on the topic.”
“I like the sound of that. It means there are valuable discoveries to be made. Tell me more about the few real examples of people using that ability.”
“Very well; I’m able to do that.”
Dr. Shouko was getting along well with the rest of the crew. She’d talk about mercenary life with Mimi and Elma, then switch to technical topics with Tina and Wiska, then switch again to discuss psionic technology with Kugi. As for Mei… I’m not sure. What does she talk about with Mei? Come to think of it, I don’t see those two together often.
“Dwelling on this is a waste of time, since we can’t do anything about it,” I said. “That doesn’t stop us from thinking about it, though…”
“That feeling when we reach our destination without anything happening, and it’s like ‘Of course nothing happened,’ is really the worst,” Elma added.
“All we can really do is stock up on supplies and make sure our equipment’s in tip-top shape,” Mimi concluded.
Me, Elma, and Mimi—the three original crew members—heaved a collective sigh. Us three being this way definitely put a damper on the ship’s atmosphere, which was why Dr. Shouko had gotten worried and confronted us about it. Still, if someone else had experienced the things we had, they couldn’t have helped sighing either. Even if it didn’t help any.
“Okay. Let’s change gears,” I said. “Not that we should get complacent, but just sighing all the time won’t help.”
“You make that sound so easy,” Elma remarked. “Got a plan…?”
“There are a lot of fancy food-processing factories on Arein Tertius. When we arrive, let’s go all out and eat and drink whatever we want. We’ll have a party. Dr. Shouko will join us as an official crew member soon, so let’s hold a welcome bash for her.”
The look in Elma’s eyes immediately changed, and not only hers. Tina and Wiska perked up right away, and fire glittered in Mimi’s eyes too.
“How lavish are we talking? What’s our budget? You’re paying, right?”
“Booze.”
“Alcoholic drinks.”
“Master Hiro! Last time we were on Arein Tertius, I saw something called ‘kobe beef.’ I want to try it!”
“Gah! You guys are freaking me out! Calm down!”
The alcoholics and foodaholic had immediately begun pressing me for details. It’s not like you guys lack for food or alcohol, so how come you’re acting so frantic?!
“Nothing’s as delicious as wining and dining on someone else’s cash!” the four chanted in unison.
“Ah…okay.” Faced with their bright smiles, I didn’t have the heart to argue anymore. I doubt they could spend more than five digits, which would be a low price to pay—well, for mercenaries, not normal people—if it boosted morale.