"Xi P, er, I have a question. I should have asked it ages ago, but it's only just occurred to me now."

  Xi P shot Min a sceptical glance. Based on his previous experience, if Min speaks like this, he is probably not asking anything serious. Still, he nods: "Go ahead."

  "What are the chances of your Lierus civilisation finding their way here in like, ten years?"

  "Zero per cent. Impossible." Xi P shakes his head vigorously, "It's not about how fast they do the exploration, it's a technical limitation. The supply can't support it. Science vessels have finite space. With current designs, a mission at that distance would be one-way."

  "You sure they won't develop larger ship models within those ten years?"

  "I believe it's impossible. I say 'I believe'. There are two constraints on vessel size: firstly, space... the volume of the shipyard. Unless the space station undergoes significant redesign, it won't build larger vessels. Secondly, the FTL engine. The maximum volume of the warp bubble is limited, and I don't remember of any recent breakthroughs in that area. However, if both constraints be overcomed, this would still be considered a leading contender."

  "Why?"

  Xi P points towards the window: "A star roughly the size of Lierus Alt, with a rocky planet at just the right distance and mass. This place should have been flagged as a priority target ages ago. It's just way too far. Honestly, you should look into that TR1 star system too. Might have aliens there."

  "TRAPPIST-1. They're all tidally locked, so impossible for life to exist. Wait... what about you?"

  "What what about me?"

  "How are we supposed to get you back?! Surely our future FTL engines can't generate a warp bubble larger than yours?!"

  For a fleeting moment, Xi P feels an urge to reach out and ruffle Min's hair in consolation. Shuddering at the thought, he replies: "That's not an issue. The science vessel needs space for scientific instruments. If it's solely for transporting personnel, there's ample room to store sufficient water and food. Crucially, Lierus will assist with resupply. I am more concerned with your... Ambassador, right? isn't accustomed to a purely meat-based diet."

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  "Right. So why not use smaller FTL drones for resupply?"

  This question brings back memories of asking the Director the same thing a year ago. His reply was unforgettable, and Xi P can still recall nearly every word. Yet he hesitates, unsure whether to share it. It's hardly something to be proud of...

  But he soon dismisses the concern. This isn't a tuefue he's talking to; sharing it wouldn't matter. Besides, the situation with their government seems even worse.

  "The government don't have enough funds. The entire interstellar exploration mission isn't funded without limit, and FTL engines remain very expensive."

  "That's a shame." Min shrugs. The response is both reasonable and unexpected. Even alien governments face financial constraints, it seems.

  'The Director's original plan even included small shuttles for rotating personnel on research vessels.' Xi P thinks to himself.

  The pair continues discussing the intricacies of the interstellar exploration mission for a while, until Min recalls another matter: "Oh, one more thing. What exactly have you been occupied with in the study lately?"

  Since Mark's arrival, Xi P has spent markedly more time in the study. On the rare occasions that Min enters, he finds Xi P fiddling with experimental apparatus, seemingly conducting chemical experiments. Min initially assumed he was assisting Mark in reconstructing the medical spray, but with the patents already filed, he can't fathom what he is still working on.

  At the question, Xi P's ears twitch slightly and his face shifts with what seems to be an attempt at a 'smile' – though it is barely discernible. He gets up, ushers Min into the study, picks up a cup containing what looks like minced meat diluted with water, and says: "Drink this, and you'll understand."

  "This looks rather British in flavour." Min murmurs under his breath before taking a small sip. He's not mistaken: it is indeed meat sauce diluted with water, a concoction Xi P rather fancies... though the flavour tastes slightly different?

  Not daring to swallow the liquid, Min asks in a muffled tone: "Are you researching how to remove the taste you dislike?"

  "Not only that," Xi P replies, "I'm also investigating whether your local foodstuffs can be... chemically enhanced."

  Min gets what Xi P's getting at — never would've guessed he's such a foodie. Seeing him wolf down his meals, it's difficult to imagine that Xi P actually cares about flavour. Then again, it depends on how much his taste buds despise that particular taste...

  Spitting the contents of his mouth into the offered bag, Min continues: "Right. That's interesting to hear. Funny that we're currently riding a wave of natural food trends here."

  "I suspect we're not talking about the same thing. Speaking of "natural food", Ra... you've reminds me of something."