Against the backdrop of jet-black space, a myriad of lights stood in orderly rows, tracing the silhouette of a massive ring.
The first relay station: Zenit Pardua.
It was a robust, functional, modular colony designed to anchor the Empire's logistics network.
"Master. Docking at Zenit Pardua is complete. Quarantine protocols are approved; shore leave has been granted."
Prompted by Lucia's voice, we passed through the airlock.
Cleaning drones patrolled the corridors with clinical efficiency, and the air was remarkably clearer than at the Freeport. However, the atmosphere wasn't entirely sterile. The footsteps of passersby, the faint rattle of transport carts against the deck, and the subtle scent of machine oil drifting from the vents all whispered that this was a living, breathing port.
"Wow... Akito, look! The floor is so clean! It’s night and day compared to the Freeport!"
Mina was frolicking with excitement, but Lucia remained at my side, calmly observing our surroundings.
"Mina, it is too early for surprise. This is merely the Empire’s outer rim; the management standards here are modest at best. As we approach the Imperial Capital, Arcadia Nova, the environmental maintenance systems will become more rigorous, transitioning into increasingly higher-level stability zones."
"I see. It looks plenty well-maintained to me, but I guess there’s always a higher level."
Following the flow of the crowd, we headed toward the station's Market Plaza. There, we found a sense of "ordered abundance" unique to the outer rim.
The latest lineup of General-Purpose Synthetic Food—the Tasty Cube—was displayed on the shelves, each one individually wrapped like a jewel. These were the staples of a world that pursued absolute efficiency, providing perfectly optimized nutrients and taste data.
"Akito, Akito! Look at this! It says 'Zenit Pardua Limited Premium Flavor'!"
Mina pointed toward a Tasty Cube specialty store bathed in the soft glow of a minimalist display.
The shop featured limited-edition flavors supposedly derived from rare components harvested from the surrounding gas giants—descriptions that felt entirely alien to the concept of food.
"Fifteen credits each. Since we're here, let's try some!"
Using her own allowance, Mina bought enough of the translucent blue cubes for the whole group. She handed one to me, Emalgand, and Lucia.
"I made sure to get one for the Captain, too!"
"Thanks, Mina."
I stared at the blue cube in my hand. It felt like a firm jelly, but the scent... it was a hint of mint mingled with the clean, sterile aroma of brand-new precision machinery.
"Let's eat!"
Mina, Emalgand, and Lucia bit into their cubes simultaneously.
"Mmm! This sharp zing shoots right up your nose, and then this rich flavor follows it up! This is a totally new experience!" Mina’s ears twitched with delight.
"Indeed... Unlike the cheap versions, there is no lingering aftertaste. The flavor is so pure and clear, desu-u." Emalgand swallowed with a satisfied expression, as if such a taste were only natural.
"It is an efficient yet entertaining composition based on a calculated blend. For a relay station of this class, the execution is of a very high standard," Lucia added, her evaluation detached but positive.
Now it was my turn. Steeling myself, I popped the premium morsel into my mouth.
"............"
An unrecognizable sensation exploded across my palate, like a potent peppermint candy dissolved in detergent—or perhaps like licking a sample of high-end perfume.
Was it sweet? Was it spicy? My brain struggled to even categorize it as food. It wasn't strictly inedible, but the sheer, unnatural "wrongness" of the taste overrode everything else.
"How is it, Akito? Is it delicious?"
Looking into Mina's expectant eyes, I swallowed the honest opinion that had nearly escaped my lips.
"Yeah... it certainly tastes futuristic. I think it’ll just take me a little while to get used to it."
Lucia spoke quietly as she watched me manage to swallow.
"A communication has arrived from the station's Management Bureau. Preparations for the material transfer are complete. We may begin the transaction."
Hoping to wash away the "premium" aftertaste lingering on the back of my tongue, I looked up at the station’s vaulted ceiling. The residents here enjoyed this as a masterpiece of flavor and efficiency. Once again, I was struck by the unbridgeable chasm between myself and this world’s sterile definition of abundance.
"I want to get back to the ship and cook something soon..."
Mina and Emalgand looked at me with puzzled expressions, but I simply hurried my pace toward the Trading Post to finish our business.
An episode for eating properly.
If you enjoyed the story or are looking forward to the next part, please click the "★"!
It might just help Akito's dinner get a bit of an upgrade tomorrow. Thank you for your support!