Time crept on and a few days had passed.
There was only Hans working in the engine room. Ivan had already made the plan and schedule in details, even without him, Hans could carry on the work himself.
From the perspective of the Ark as a whole, there weren’t any differences. But for Hans, it was all the difference with Ivan gone. The sound of gears and parts working, the coldness of the machines, and working all by himself – couldn’t say it was too bad, but the loneliness was there.
Work went by quickly. Hans activated external view and looked upon the stars. “Old humans often lived for seventy or eighty years. Genetically enhanced, we can live to a hundred and twenty, but what does it mean to a galaxy spanning across millions of light years? Is it possible to go two hundred or five hundred million light years, by piling up billions of short-lived lives?”
The door opened all in a sudden. Carrying a delivery box, Lotti popped her head in nervously, and stared right into Hans’ eyes.
“Ivan?” Lotti probed.
But there were only Hans and her. The two kept on staring at each other awkwardly.
“You are?” Hans broke the silence.
“Uh… I am… hmm… Ivan’s… acquaintance. The head of culinary, Lotti,” Lorri said nervously.
Hans didn’t respond, he just kept staring at her which made the atmosphere worse.
“Hmm, if you would be so kind, please try this…” After a brief thought, Lotti opened the delivery box, and handed Hans a burger.
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