Destinies : Connected by Fate✔️

Chapter 27

"So, let me get this straight, you introduced yourself as Xue to Professor Kwan and then went ahead and named the space pod Xue as well." Zhang exits Xue, the space pod, with a thick sliver-wrapped cord.

"I didn't see any point in wasting a good name on someone fictional." The crown prince replies. He notices Zhang plug the cord into a machine labeled as an analytical translator.

Zhang had developed it the day before and was initially planning to use it to get readings on the pod he had thought he would have to build from scratch. He lets the code run; meanwhile, YiHuang goes over its central console. His brows knit. "You did a commendable job, brother. But..."

YiYang groans, frustrated, "I know. As I mentioned earlier, it needs at least a couple of weeks' worth of work."

The analytical translator beeps, and Zhang goes over the report. He gestures YiHuang to place the Intex manipulator on the workbench. "Xue is brilliant. I see that you were designing it to be unmanned, but if we stick to the plan, it will take at least a week to just get it ready for launch without testing."

"I did not have a choice. Though I can design it, I have no experience with handling it. I was more confident with letting the machine do the job."

Zhang beams, looking between the brothers, "But now we have someone who has experience. I can-"

"Absolutely not!" YiHuang interjects, "I can't let you do that. That's a wormhole we are dealing with; no one knows for sure how it works. Moreover, it's volatile. We need to launch the Intex manipulator into its vortex. It would require you to get close..." he shakes his head, "No. Just no. Find another way!"

"Ah-Huang..."

"Absolutely not!"

YiYang massages his temples. He had not signed up for this. Being the third wheel sucked. He didn't want any part of it. He witnesses the back and forth for a few moments before coming to stand between the lovers. "Enough!" He turns his eyes on his brother, "I know you are scared, but think of what you are asking of him. He is doing this so that we can save not only our race but the land dwellers as well."

"But brother..."

"I am not done yet." His eye blaze, "Even if you don't care about the land dwellers, are you willing to sacrifice the lives of five hundred thousand Yuanjians for the chance that you might lose one human?"

YiYang's harsh words are like daggers to the younger prince's heart. Yet, he can't deny the truth behind them. His brother was right, but...

"How about I fly it?" YiHuang offers hesitantly.

YiYang snorts. His anger is visible in the way the muscle at his jaw clenches, "Are you kidding me right now!? You know lesser than me when it comes to flight dynamics! We have to play to our strengths here!"

Unable to remain a spectator any longer, Zhang interrupts the brothers, "I agree with the crown prince, Ah-Huang. The truth is, we have a better chance at success if I am the one flying Xue. Don't forget, if we fail, there will be nothing to stop XudianJi from entering this dimension. Will you be able to save me then?"

YiHuang gulps thickly and turns away. Her fists clench, and his heart aches. "Do as you both see fit. I will comply with your orders, brother." His words put an end to the argument.

No more words are exchanged as Zhang and YiYang team up to make Xue ready for space travel, and YiHuang proceeds to integrate the Intex manipulator into the pod's console.

Just before dawn, with the three working together, they make the final modifications to the space pod.
Patting the top of the oval-shaped vehicle, YiYang announces, "Now all that is needed before she can make me proud is do is a test run."