The Solution (2nd Edition)

Chapter 20 - *From Prism Ashes, The Phoenix Will Rise* - Chon

Obviously, I did want to question Xen about the Leisure Lounge situation.

    However, without asking him directly, and likely causing embarrassment, my guess was that he was feeling heartbroken or guilty. It was understandable though. From a physical viewpoint, the sultry siren who'd graced him with some kind of illicit offer, was undeniably radiant, even with the ragged robe wrapped around her. And based on the way they'd responded to each other, they were clearly acquainted, with him weak to her appeal.

    Way back when, and before the scandal had even broke, Xen did mention that there was somebody he was growing quite fond of.

    Maybe that was her?

    On another questionable note, if it was guilt that he was succumbing to, could the woman have been one of the many girls that he'd, gotten too kinky with...?

    Who knew.

    As and when he might want to broach the subject, I just vowed to be there for him.

Months had soon passed, and life aboard the small Earthian Star finally settled.

    The main reason being, the absence of The Notorious One, O-Kenai.

    Mùqīn and Suki were relieved.

    Cassius, too.

    The three of them could now resume work on their secretive project.

    And, for my Trio, our time together was almost at an end.

    Xen and Captain Mortensen had set out a training matrix for the big guy, and happy for him, Mikey was ready to disembark from Stardom.

    "...So," Sarah breathed, "if I hear anything about you - anything at all - I will call the Puddin'... Okay?"

    "Okay," Mikey smiled. "But guys, I've had an exclusive change of heart, and from now on, I've no plans on womanizing, or lettin' down Michelle. A little while back, I realized that I kinda, dig her, like in a really big way. And so far, monogamous abstinence isn't half as bad as I thought it'd be."

    "Big guy, that's good to hear," I said, taking stock of his declaration of being in love. "And even better to know that you're so dedicated to your Earthbound Angel. The next time I have a BTV briefing with the boss, I'll mention it. Your loyalty always lights up her eyes."

    "Dude 'n' dudette, thanks," our wingman whined whimsically. "Okay, enough with the stallin'. I need to get back on point - The Wealth Core awaits!"

    We weren't losing Mikey, entirely.

    Instead of disembarking, and being dispatched down to Las Cruces, New Mexico, Xen had managed to wrangle things with the Admiral. Thankfully, Stephen was accommodating, and the big guy was primed to train alongside O-Kenai's old pilot, Captain Bloom.

    Meanwhile, for Sarah and I, we had our own plans to pursue...

    The orbital medication that we each took everyday wasn't the only thing causing Sarah's sickness. To top the clichés of all clichés, yep; you guessed it; my fiancée was, 'expecting'. It was confirmed by the Dynasty sector's senior midwife, and naturally, we'd planned a small shotgun wedding that Mikey said he would perform. Sarah was overjoyed that the big guy was around to act as an ordained minister, as well as a witness. Especially as her parents were still earthbound at The Great Wall, and regenerating the flora surrounding Badaling National Forest Park, with no eligible way to attend.

    In no time at all, Sarah was eight months pregnant, and struggling to get around. As a result, we were often dormbound, with no real inspiration to socialize, or visit The Track. Instead, we'd spent the last month and a half binging on the latest offering from the Disney-Lucas Federation - 'Star Wars Episode 50: Another Virgence of The Force'. As it finished, I sighed with relief. "Well, at least they got it right this time! Fanbase retcons really can save a franchise!"

   "Absolutely," Sarah breathed, as she let me rub her tummy bump. "The Force Ghost War was epic, and Darth Cyclonus, fantastically gangster."

    Now that we'd seen it, I was naturally in agreement with Sarah, but more so Mikey, who'd holo-streamed the movie a hundred times already. "The names of all the new characters were so cool, and it's, had me thinking... We haven't really talked names yet..."

    "Well, as I've maintained," Sarah postured, "I think that out of respect, we should go with at least one of your parent's names."

    "Okay, talk to me..." I said.

    "Chon, if it's a boy, I was thinking, 'Tengfei'? An obvious choice, I know, but probably the best one?"

    I sighed again. But this time, for sentiment, and the conflicting factor. "Sarah, considering mùqīn is an Elder, Xen and I have done well to escape her limelight. My bāba's, too. With Xen's history also a factor, I feel we should look to your family's lineage and start fresh?"

    Sarah placed one of her palms on top of mine and looked into my eyes. "I hear you, Chon. But, what if it's a, girl..."

    "...Well then, we'll cross that beautiful bridge when the three of us get to it..." Agreed, I shared an intimate embrace with the love interest who had become my wife and the soon-to-be mother of my very first child.