Station "Blue Draco" near " Force Nova station militar"

  After six months of intensive training on the "Force Nova" station, the cadets were granted a three-day leave to travel to the space colony "Blue Draco." Renn was excited to experience life on a space colony firsthand. In these colonies, families lead lives simir to those on Earth. They have regur jobs, maintain gardens, keep pets, watch television, listen to music, grow food, go on dates, get married, cook, and engage in many other activities familiar to earthlings. The key difference is that some things in these colonies are designed to provide these experiences artificially.

  The space colony "Blue Draco" is a high-security station. However, the cadets from the Force Nova station have free entry, as they are responsible for protecting the colony in case of an invasion. Renn dressed in a bck jacket, a light blue t-shirt, and comfortable pants and shoes, ready to explore and see what he could discover.

  Renn was astonished by what he saw. The environment closely resembled Earth, with buildings divided into blocks and flying cars traveling on two-tiered gss roads. Each corner had robot helpers guiding people to their destinations. Shops were abundant. On the day of Renn's visit, the inhabitants were commemorating the colony's 3,000th anniversary, filling the streets with people. One street was dedicated to traditional meals, local souvenirs, and games for both adults and children to enjoy.

  – What a surprise, Renn! The colony is enormous. It's quite a coincidence to see you here," Rina said, patting Renn on the back.

  – It's not really a coincidence. The colony is celebrating its anniversary, so I imagine most of our colleagues will want to spend some time here."

  Rina was drinking strawberry juice. She had a butterfly-shaped hairpin in her hair and wore a light blue blouse with long sleeves and ruffles on the shoulders. Her loose skirt reached just above her knee, and she wore ankle boots with small heels—elegant yet comfortable for walking.

  – Rina, Where are your friends?

  – I don't know, They must be out there, somewhere. Rina said it as she drank the st few sips of her juice. – And...you Renn, What do you tell me? Where are your friends?

  – We agreed to meet at 2000 hours but there is still half an hour left. Renn said, looking at Rina. – I imagine you will see Ben or Kiya...or...

  Rina was thinking for a few seconds. – I don't think so. I imagine they must be with their fiance.

  Renn confessed to Rina that he had believed all this time that she was Ben's girlfriend.

  – What a silly! Why did you think that? she said ughing.

  – You seemed very close. Said Renn.

  – We've known each other since kindergarten, that's why we seem close, I like to ugh at their nonsense. This is our native colony. Rina said as she fixed her hairpin. – Renn, What's your type of woman?

  Renn was taken aback by the very personal question. He was about to say it was a secret, but then he noticed the person he really liked standing less than four meters away. – I like girls with long hair adorned with flower hairpin," he said. "I admire those who wear dresses that reveal their bare shoulders, paired with a short skirt overyed by a longer, translucent one, and cute high-heeled shoes.

  Rina realized that Renn was describing Dr. Eli Goldstein. With a big smile on her face, she gently told him, – You'd better not fall in love with her, she already has a boyfriend."

  – May I know how you know that? Renn asked, hoping he was just being annoying. But without taking his eyes off his beloved doctor.

  After a few seconds, Renn noticed that Rina had moved more than seven meters away and was now distracted, buying things. He sighed, feeling ignored by her but at the same time relieved, as it gave him the chance to approach the person he liked.

  Dr. Eli Goldstein was in the midst of purchasing groceries and sweets when Renn spotted an opportunity to lend a hand by offering to carry her bags.

  – Hey, Eli, can I give you a hand with those bags?"

  – Renn, what a pleasant surprise! Thank you, you're a true gentleman, Eli said with a smile. She then directed him to a nearby table by the kiosk, saying, – You can put them over there.

  Renn pced the bags on a chair while Eli brought some delicious skewers, eager to share them with him.

  – Please let's eat together. Eli Said.

  – It will be a pleasure. Renn said, lost in her eyes, held onto a glimmer of hope that what Rina had said wasn't true. In his thoughts, he confessed his feelings, wishing that Eli might say something—anything—that would give him even the slightest chance.

  – Are you Ok, Renn?

  – I am Ok, I never imagined finding it here, but I'm gd I did. Sometimes I think it's impossible for someone as beautiful as you to be alone, without the company of friends.

  – You're partly right. One of my favorite pastimes is walking alone and enjoying the day by myself. But the other part isn't true—I actually have a commitment in half an hour.

  Renn's world colpsed when he learned she had an "Commitment." He realized that soon, whoever it was would take her away from him.

  – Eli, I... I want to tell you something... Why is it so difficult? I don't know why it's so hard to say this. I imagine that commitment is very important. And I... if I could just tell you..."

  – I know, Renn, – Eli interrupted gently. –I know, but it's not possible. Things can't be different.

  Suddenly, her intercom rang for a few seconds. She said she had to leave and, with a smile, bid him farewell, promising to see him in three days after her pilot tests. Renn insisted on bringing her things, but she reassured him not to worry and that she would be fine.

  Renn felt very sad, though he had a sense this moment would come. There was no turning back; he had been rejected. If it weren't for that "commitment," he would fight for her. However, he couldn't shake his curiosity about who she was meeting, so he followed her stealthily.

  Eli walked to a clock in the center of a busy street. She waited there for a short time until someone approached. At first, Renn found it difficult to see through the crowd, but soon he saw the unimaginable: Ben Yaacob! He watched as Ben gave Eli a long kiss on the lips, then took her things and held her hand. They walked down the street together and disappeared into the crowd within a minute.

  Renn thought things couldn't get any worse. Ben Yaacob is Dr. Eli's boyfriend. How was it possible? When did it happen? Why him? Filled with rage, Renn realized there was something worse than being rejected: seeing the girl you like with a guy you despise. He won again, Renn thought, feeling immense frustration.

  Determined to get answers, Renn turned back and went to find Rina Lion. She knew about all of this, and he needed expnations—now.

  It didn't take long for him to find her, as she naturally attracted a lot of attention. Rina was in an arcade area, pying video games and boasting about her winning streak to a group of unfortunate teenagers who had dared to challenge her. She was perched on a toy motorcycle equipped with game controls, with rge screens in front of her simuting her racing trajectory.

  – Who's next to lose? – Rina taunted, inviting another challenger to step up.

  Renn stepped forward and mounted the motorcycle beside hers.

  – Renn! Excellent, you'll be a worthy opponent, – Rina excimed.

  The game began with a loud "Start Game!" and Rina and Renn unched into their race duel. As they sped virtually at full throttle, Renn turned to Rina and asked her a question.

  – You knew, right?, about the retionship Ben and Eli have.

  – Obviously, Rina said while she skillfully dodged obstacles as she raced.

  – How long have they been dating? – Renn asked curiously.

  – One and a half years, – Rina replied.

  – So, they knew each other before coming here?" Renn said, surprised.

  – Exactly. Let me tell you something: Dr. Eli is the main reason Ben is on the Force Nova station. He knew she would be transferred here, so he wanted to be in the same pce to see her more often. Romantic, don't you think?"

  – Wait a minute. How is it possible that Ben decided which station he could be at? Normally, you can't choose; they just transfer you and that's it, –Renn said skeptically.

  – I can't reveal more details about my friend's life to you, but I'll tell you something. These two love each other very much and will most likely get married next year, – Rina replied without taking her eyes off the game.

  Renn was distracted by what Rina said and ended up crashing into a virtual wall, ending his game and giving Rina the win.

  Rina noticed that Renn felt bad, so she said, – Renn, I know you're disappointed or frustrated, but look at the positive side. It's better to know now. People wait a long time for things that will never come, forgetting that they have a great road and new adventures ahead.

  Renn was surprised by her words; she didn't seem as crazy as he thought. Well, at least until she shouted again, – Who's next to lose?!

  Renn smiled, got off the motorcycle, and met his friends, the Rosenberg twins, who had been looking for him everywhere. They invited him to an area within the colony to see a mobile suit prototype. Although the day hadn't gone as Renn expected, he was interested in seeing the prototype and forgetting a bit about what had happened. So, they all went together and spent the rest of the afternoon exploring.

  to be continued