Barren Star – Chapter 49
by Little PandaI’m afraid I’ll overthink things.
Iron Tree City
The bridges swayed in the high-altitude winds, while the iron tree branches rustled, producing synthetic leaf sounds.
Ning Buyi knew interstellar cities could be strange, but the main avenue of Iron Tree City still made her weak-kneed and frightened – worse than the glass walkway she’d walked before. She loved space but disliked heights.
“Hold onto me,” Hua Zhuoyu extended her hand. They could have taken a flying car back to their “residence” in the tree branches, but Ning Buyi had insisted on “investigating” the surroundings. Now look who’s getting weak-kneed first.
Ning Buyi caught a glimpse of amusement in Hua Zhuoyu’s eyes. Her face reddened slightly, giving Hua Zhuoyu an annoyed glare, but her body remained honest as she took the offered hand. Perhaps the warm touch of skin dispelled her fears – looking down at the swirling clouds below didn’t seem so terrifying anymore.
“There are many patrol fleets around,” Ning Buyi observed, scanning the area.
Hua Zhuoyu tilted her head, blinking: “Perhaps because there are many terrorist attacks in this area?”
Ning Buyi’s eyelid twitched instinctively: “What terrorist attacks? Targeting you?”
Hua Zhuoyu: “Strictly speaking, they target the Star Court Judges.”
Ning Buyi: “…” Was there any difference from targeting Hua Zhuoyu? “Why?” she asked, concern evident in her eyes. She now considered Hua Zhuoyu “one of her own”, so she wasn’t shy about showing her worry.
“Some people with extremist views believe that the appearance of Judges brings death. They see Judges as executioners and murderers, blaming them for forcing people to abandon their homes,” Hua Zhuoyu replied casually. Although the Star Court held supreme status, not everyone acknowledged the Judges’ existence or maintained deep respect for them. No power could be universally welcomed, just like the Mountain and Sea Star Base – despite their best efforts, some remained dissatisfied.
“Aren’t they just deceiving themselves?” Ning Buyi defended Hua Zhuoyu indignantly.
As they talked, they entered the “Bird’s Nest” through slender branches. The dwelling wasn’t large, similar to the single-story houses at Mountain and Sea Star Base. Between the living room and bedroom hung deep blue synthetic curtains decorated with celestial patterns – not ugly, but far from elegant or beautiful.
“The upper levels have more luxurious ‘Bird’s Nests’ or ‘Tree Houses’,” Hua Zhuoyu noticed Ning Buyi’s gaze and smiled, pointing to a concave soft chair. “Come relax here,” she said, tossing a cushion onto it.
Ning Buyi followed her suggestion, sinking into the cushion as her tense nerves finally relaxed, releasing the stress accumulated since encountering the “bandits”.
The Nine-Tailed Fox ran off to another room with its puzzle cube, leaving just the two of them in the living room.
“Perhaps now you can tell me why you insisted on coming to Giant Sickle Star?” Hua Zhuoyu retrieved an energy drink from the refrigerator and handed it to Ning Buyi, quickly adding with a smile, “Of course, you don’t have to tell me. I’ll just assume you came to see me.”
“You wish,” Ning Buyi shot her a look, hesitated, then pressed her lips together and said, “The Planetary Consciousness.”
Hua Zhuoyu’s face showed surprise. She’d considered many possibilities, all plant-related, but hadn’t thought of the Planetary Consciousness. Her smile faded as she looked seriously at Ning Buyi, frowning: “Dead Planetary Consciousnesses become Star Cores and are collected by the Star Court. Living ones are elusive and rarely appear before humans. Even if you’ve been blessed by one before, the chances of encountering another are minimal.”
“I know,” Ning Buyi met Hua Zhuoyu’s gaze, stubbornly insisting, “but I still want to try.”
“Giant Sickle Star is dying. Unlike Mountain and Sea Star’s gradual decline, there’s almost no chance of recovery,” Hua Zhuoyu said after a moment of silence. “As a Judge, I can sense the Planetary Consciousness’s state but cannot track its whereabouts. I’m afraid I can’t help with this.”
“That’s alright,” Ning Buyi added after some thought, “I think I can sense it.”
Although the Mountain and Sea Atlas showed no reaction now, Ning Buyi believed that since it had issued such a mission, it must be capable of detecting the “Planetary Consciousness.” However, she still didn’t understand how the Atlas upgraded – could it be through absorbing Planetary Consciousnesses? But if a planet’s “consciousness” died, that would mean a dead star. Wouldn’t that be an ominous way to upgrade?
Hua Zhuoyu nodded without further questions. She moved a chair beside Ning Buyi and asked, “How much do you know about Giant Sickle Star’s situation?”
“I’ve seen all the important information on the StarNet, as for the restโ” Ning Buyi met Hua Zhuoyu’s gaze, pausing before smiling, “I planned to learn more in the city, but that seems unnecessary now.”
“I’ll tell you everything you want to know,” Hua Zhuoyu smiled gently, folding her hands in her lap as she began explaining Giant Sickle Star’s recent developments.
Ning Buyi’s eyes widened: “The Governor simply abandoned this planet?” She gained new insight into these Imperial officials’ character – whether ancient or future, “abandoning post” seemed inevitable.
Hua Zhuoyu nodded and continued: “After the residents evacuate, power supply to Giant Sickle Star’s major cities will cease, and infrastructure will shut down. Those who voluntarily stay can purchase their own energy supplies. However, the current problem is that those refusing to leave have formed a ‘Survivors’ Alliance’, attempting to disrupt the evacuation.”
Ning Buyi shot to her feet: “Have they lost their minds?”
“Some can’t let go of their assets, others have something to hide, and some are so deeply infected with dark pollution that they’re beyond saving and want to drag everyone down with them. As for that last typeโ” A shadow crossed Hua Zhuoyu’s eyes as she looked at Ning Buyi gravely, “I don’t want you getting caught up in chaos because of momentary sympathy.”
“Iโ” Ning Buyi faltered. She wanted to say “I won’t,” but without facing such a situation, she couldn’t be certain how she’d react. She could be cold-hearted toward space fugitives and pirates, but what if they used elderly, women, and children as disguise?
“I can be quite autocratic [็จๆท | dรบ duร n | taking no account of other people’s wishes or opinions],” Hua Zhuoyu maintained her gaze on Ning Buyi’s face, her usually tender eyes showing a coldness like snow on glaciers. “You must obey.” She smiled again, but the frost remained in her expression.
Ning Buyi’s heart trembled. She wasn’t one to accept others’ control, but meeting Hua Zhuoyu’s gaze now, she felt an inexplicable fear and stepped back. “I understand,” she said dejectedly, hanging her head.
Seeing Ning Buyi’s expression, Hua Zhuoyu’s heart sank. She quickly softened her stern look and stood up. Reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind Ning Buyi’s ear, she said gently: “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to force you. But your safety is important to me, very, very important.”
Ning Buyi had heard this from Hua Zhuoyu multiple times. With her cheek cradled by the warm palm, she felt heat climbing up her spine and spreading through her body. “How important?” she asked softly, regretting the words as soon as they left her mouth.
Hua Zhuoyu replied without hesitation: “More important than anyone else. Both officially and personally.”
Ning Buyi pushed away Hua Zhuoyu’s hand and stepped back, covering her flushed cheeks with her own hands. Taking a deep breath, she said: “Don’t be like this.”
“Like what?” Hua Zhuoyu’s voice rang out.
Ning Buyi refused to look up, unable to see Hua Zhuoyu’s expression, but from the hidden amusement in her tone, she could easily guess her alluring demeanor. She had thought that after some time, she’d become immune to all of Hua Zhuoyu’s moods, but who knew that just one meeting would stir her heart-lake [ๅฟๆน | xฤซn hรบ | metaphor for emotions], creating ripples of feelings.
“You’re always like this, I’m afraid I’ll overthink things,” Ning Buyi sighed, slowly lowering her hands and raising her head to look at Hua Zhuoyu with clear eyes. In the moment of speaking, she thought she’d reached peak nervousness, but after the words fell, that tension vanished completely, replaced by unexpected calm.
“Why would you thinkโ”
Hua Zhuoyu’s words were interrupted by knocking, and she frowned as the “uninvited guest” entered without waiting for a response.
“Why are you here?” He Chao strode in, his expression changing instantly upon seeing Ning Buyi.
Ning Buyi: “…” At this moment, her disgust toward He Chao reached its peak – she probably wouldn’t get to hear the rest of Hua Zhuoyu’s sentence now.
“Shouldn’t you be asking yourself that question?” Hua Zhuoyu sneered, blocking He Chao’s rude gaze toward Ning Buyi. “Has spending time with dark pollution eroded your manners? Or do you think this is your He family compound, where you can come and go as you please?”
“I’m sorry,” He Chao immediately bowed his head in apology. “I just heard about the patrol fleet encountering those desperados [ไบกๅฝไนๅพ | wรกng mรฌng zhฤซ tรบ | dangerous criminals], and I got worried.”
“What does your worry have to do with me?” Hua Zhuoyu rebuked harshly.
He Chao’s face turned pale as he tried to explain: “Zhuoyu, I was just concerned for your safety. I meant no harm.”
“I don’t need your concern, and I despise your presumption. He Chao, I suggest you take some etiquette courses to understand the concept of boundaries.” Hua Zhuoyu showed no interest in He Chao’s feelings, coldly venting her anger at being disturbed.
He Chao’s face alternated between red and white as he repeatedly apologized, retreating outside. He knocked again, waiting for the “come in” before re-entering properly.
“Youโ”
“Skip the concerns and state your purpose directly,” Hua Zhuoyu cut off He Chao’s words.
He Chao pressed his lips together: “In five days, support vessels from a Construction Star will arrive. The frontline will send a squad to assist. However, His Highness the Crown Prince hopes you can help at the frontline.”
“Since when is evacuating residents and defending against threats the Star Court’s responsibility? Isn’t government support a given?” With a mocking smile, she continued coldly, “Whether residents evacuate from Giant Sickle Star or not, the Judgment will proceed as scheduled.”
He Chao’s face showed urgency: “Then the Planetary Consciousness will die completely, making it harder to resist dark pollution. The risk of remaining residents being corrupted by dark pollution will increase.”
Before Hua Zhuoyu could respond, Ning Buyi countered: “Why are you so certain the evacuation can’t succeed?” She couldn’t stand the sight of He Chao, “The choice lies with Xia Tu, if anything goes wrong, it’s Xia Tu’s fault. What does it have to do with Ah Zhuo?”
Feeling humiliated by Ning Buyi’s rebuttal, He Chao shot her a cold glare, raising his voice: “This is Star Court business!”
Ning Buyi wasn’t intimidated by He Chao’s loud voice, responding calmly: “The Star Court’s duty is judgment. I’ve never heard of Judges needing to be ‘exchange students’ [ไบคๆ็ | jiฤo huร n shฤng | sarcastic reference to temporary reassignment].”
Hua Zhuoyu broke into a smile at these words, raising an eyebrow at He Chao: “What does Mr. He think?”
Hearing this distant form of address, He Chao’s face darkened with anger, but his rationality prevailed as he suppressed his rage and replied to Hua Zhuoyu: “I understand.”
Now I understand their frustration… Hope he trips