In Silent Dreams

CHAPTER 3 - Z, My Dear

"The best offense can only be described as a lucky defence."

- Qing Zhi Ying, Qing Dynasty Empress, 3978

** **

"Happy birthday Jude!"

Mother says that this is the point in my life where I should be making important decisions on my own.

I am celebrating my twelfth birthday on the ISS Hope.

I guess this is where all those years of learning will pay off.

Today is my twelfth birthday. As I blow the candles off the delicious cake, I close my eyes and wish.

I wish mother and father were here to see me grow up.

Ichika, I mean Samantha, is here, and she too wishes they were here for this moment.

If only.

"Hey girls, the lounge is closing, mind if you take it up to your rooms?"

** **

Eva: Welcome to the capital city of Qing, Beth.

Qing was an extraordinary city. The capital had been through countless centuries of kingdoms and rulers, and with each kingdom's passing, the city grew. Technology advanced at unprecedented levels, whilst culture and heritage still remain deeply rooted in the city's spirit. The planet of Qing saw some of the galaxy's best forests. Lush tropical forests and rivers dotted the planet-scape, providing for a serene and tranquil scenery for its inhabitants.

The culture of the city was shown in itself even from the skies above. Oriental architecture, built with curved roofs and lantern-like lighting inspired by ancient Gaian Chinese designs infused with modern technology speak volumes about the city itself. The people are polite, friendly, and civilised. A world nurtured through countless decades and centuries into the monument it is today.

However, underneath the smiles and Qing Ming Festivals on the surface, lies a deep underground society. Triad lords and political figures play the game of power in the city, plotting to eventually overthrow the rulers of the kingdom.

This power struggle was the reason Qing never made it to the top of the galactic charts. Had it been different, it may have been a worthy competitor to Terra Novali.

Elizabeth: "Take us down to the main harbour port."

Eva: Will do.

E: "I am going to connect you to my watch. It's time you got off the ship for a breath of air."

Eva: Thank you. You should spend the time we have here to relax yourself.

E: "I will, as long as we don't accidentally step on a triad member's toe."

The port was bustling. There were countless people around, loading and handling cargo onto water-based crafts, which were massive and majestic. A man and a young boy approached Elizabeth, smiling.

Boy: "姐姐!"

Man: "Greetings, lady. Sorry about my boy, he is very young you see. He no speak English yet."

Elizabeth: "Hey it's okay!"

Man: "My boy just wants to play with you. He thinks you are from very very far place."

E: "Well... Home... Home.... I can't.... I..."

Man: "I am sorry lady. Very sorry."

Boy: "这个是给你!"

The boy takes out a piece of paper from his pocket and hands it to Elizabeth. On the paper it was a drawing. The drawing was that of a house, and a heart.