The morning sun filtered through the forest surrounding Rei’s ship, painting the metallic surface with warm hues. Rei sat inside, sipping a steaming cup of synth-tea, his thoughts wandering back to the previous day. Kae had left a lasting impression on him, and Rei couldn’t shake the feeling of wanting to see him again.
“You’re distracted this morning,” Miko observed, its lens glowing faintly as it hovered near Rei’s shoulder.
Rei sighed. “I guess. I was just thinking about Kae. There’s something... different about him.”
Miko whirred thoughtfully. “He exhibits a high level of charisma, confidence, and knowledge. Those qualities often leave an impression on explorers like you.”
Rei chuckled softly. “Yeah, maybe that’s it.”
A sudden voice from outside startled him.
“Good morning, Rei!”
Rei nearly dropped his tea. Peering out the window, he saw Kae standing just outside his starship, looking as if he’d been awake for hours. The older man waved, his rugged appearance illuminated by the morning light.
Rei opened the hatch and stepped outside, still in slight disbelief. “Kae? What are you doing here so early?”
Kae shrugged with a grin. “I figured I’d catch you before you got too busy. Thought maybe we could explore more of the planet today. I know a few places that are worth seeing.”
Rei’s heart skipped a beat. He’d hoped to see Kae again but hadn’t expected him to show up so soon—and with such a casual invitation. “Uh, yeah. Sure. Give me a second to get ready.”
As Rei stepped back into his ship, Miko hovered closer. “You seem pleased by this development.”
Rei tried to suppress his smile but failed. “It’s just nice to have someone to explore with. That’s all.”
“Statistical analysis suggests a 72% increase in your mood since Kae arrived,” Miko pointed out.
Rei rolled his eyes, grabbing his gear. “Thanks, Miko. You’re really subtle.”
When he returned outside, he gestured to Miko. “Kae, I want you to meet my companion. This is Miko.”
Miko floated forward, its lens glowing warmly. “Greetings, Kae. Rei has spoken positively about you.”
Kae chuckled. “Well, I hope I can live up to the hype.” He leaned slightly toward the droid. “You’ve got a good one here, Miko. I imagine he’s not always this talkative, though.”
Miko emitted a soft beep. “Correct. Rei’s verbal communication increases approximately 47% in your presence.”
“Okay, enough out of you,” Rei said quickly, his cheeks reddening.
Kae laughed, clapping Rei on the shoulder. “I like Miko already.”
---
Exploring the Planet
The two set off into the dense forest, Kae taking the lead with a confidence that put Rei at ease. The forest opened into fields of vibrant, alien wildflowers swaying in the breeze, their vivid colors painting the landscape like a dream.
“You seem to know your way around,” Rei said, falling in step beside him.
Kae nodded. “Spent a few days here before you arrived. The locals pointed me to some hidden spots. You’ll love them.”
As they walked, Kae gestured to a towering cliff in the distance. “That’s our first stop. It has a view you won’t forget.”
Rei glanced at him, trying to read the subtle expressions on his face. Kae had a warmth about him, but there was something else too—a shadow that lingered in his eyes when he thought no one was looking.
“Do you always explore alone?” Rei asked tentatively.
Kae hesitated before answering. “These days, yeah. It’s simpler that way.”
Rei noticed the slight pause, the way Kae’s voice dipped as he spoke. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to pique his curiosity.
“Is that by choice?” Rei pressed gently.
Kae’s smile returned, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Let’s just say I’ve learned it’s easier to focus when it’s just me and my ship.”
Rei didn’t push further. Instead, he followed Kae to the edge of the cliff, where the view stretched for miles—rolling green hills, sparkling rivers, and distant mountains shrouded in mist.
“Wow,” Rei breathed.
Kae stood beside him, arms crossed. “Told you it was worth it.”
---
Building a Connection
They spent the rest of the day visiting more landmarks, from shimmering crystal caves to tranquil waterfalls hidden deep within the forest. Along the way, they shared stories about their adventures, though Rei noticed that Kae always kept the conversation light, steering away from anything too personal.
At one point, as they rested near a riverbank, Rei caught Kae staring at a family of locals playing nearby. The children’s laughter echoed through the air, and for a moment, Kae’s expression softened into something almost wistful.
“You okay?” Rei asked, breaking the silence.
Kae blinked, his expression hardening slightly. “Yeah. Just... thinking about how lucky these people are. To live in a place like this.”
Rei nodded, sensing there was more Kae wasn’t saying.
---
Parting Ways
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, the two returned to the village.
Kae walked Rei back to his starship, where Miko was waiting. The droid hovered closer, scanning Rei as he approached. “Welcome back, Rei. Did you find today’s exploration satisfactory?”
Rei smiled faintly. “Yeah, Miko. It was... different.”
Kae chuckled. “Different in a good way, I hope.”
“Definitely,” Rei replied, his voice softer than he intended.
They stood in companionable silence for a moment before Kae cleared his throat. “Well, I’ll see you around, Rei. Thanks for letting me tag along today.”
“Thanks for showing me those places,” Rei said quickly. “It was... nice.”
Kae smiled, his eyes meeting Rei’s for a fleeting moment. “Goodnight, Rei.”
As Kae walked back toward his larger starship in the distance, Rei watched him go, his chest tightening with emotions he wasn’t ready to name.
Inside his ship, Rei sank into his chair, staring at the closed hatch.
“Miko,” he said after a moment, “do you think it’s possible to feel connected to someone you barely know?”
Miko hovered closer, its tone thoughtful. “Connections are not always defined by time. Sometimes, they are sparked by shared experiences or an unspoken understanding.”
Rei smiled faintly, leaning back. “Yeah, I guess that’s true.”
As Miko began its nightly analysis report, Rei’s thoughts drifted back to Kae—his smile, his laugh, the way he seemed to carry the weight of something unseen. For the first time in years, Rei felt like he’d found someone who made the vastness of the universe feel a little less lonely.
YOU ARE READING
Chasing Starlight
Science FictionRei, a young planet explorer, arrives on the stunning world of Ilvaris, eager to immerse himself in its beauty and uncover its wonders. As he journeys through lush forests and vibrant communities, he begins to sense that something meaningful is unfo...
