Bab 4

It's been a few weeks since our makeshift meeting. Things have been progressing rather smoothly. We've completed additional upgrades to the naval base which they've taken to simply calling Liaoning and as a result have also upped its defences. We've also further developed the city around said base, turning it into a hub of trade and technological advancements. Civilians from all across the Empire all flock to what they're now calling, the capital city. It took some getting used to but I think I'm also finally getting used to everyone addressing me like royalty. It has a nice ring to it.

Dalian: I think that's the last of the construction material. 

Me: I'm surprised to see you helping the common folk with construction. 

Dalian: Well, we Kansen are stronger than they are so it only makes sense. Besides, they're the ones who are adapting the knowledge we brought over quickly. 

Me: You do have a point. I was surprised to see how fast they were able to build the things we described. 

Dalian: Industrious as ever. 

We both chuckle as we continue overseeing the construction of a new residential complex, proceed as planned. It's good that everyone's getting along a lot better now. When we first arrived, there was a sense of gloom and despair in the citizenry. I think they were losing faith in the current system. Perhaps too many defeats at the hands of the enemy or maybe it's something else entirely. I have no idea and I didn't feel like asking. No need to dig up old wounds after all. The important thing, however, is that we keep moving forward and it seems everyone agrees. 

Yat-Sen: The first patrol group has just reported in. They finished their patrol route without any incidents and are now heading back. 

Me: That's good to hear. Have the second group meet them halfway. We can afford to have no one out there for even a few minutes. 

She nods and leaves. Even without looking, I can feel Dalian's eyes boring into the side of my head. 

Me: What is it?

Dalian: Nothing. It's just that you're good at this.

Me: Good at what, exactly? 

Dalian: Leading. I'll admit, I was a bit sceptical given you really hated the idea but you've adapted rather well. 

Me: I'm going to take that as a compliment. 

Dalian: As it was meant to be.

The conversation falls into yet another peaceful break of silence as we continue watching the people work, occasionally stepping in to offer assistance or advice but mainly just watching from the sidelines. I'll admit, I thought there'd by far more "work" involved with leading but as it turns out, having a secretary really lifts a large chunk of that work off my own shoulders. Still, I can't help but worry that Yat-Sen will overwork herself. She seems rather happy with her new position but even so, I sometimes have to force her to take a break and we've only been doing this for a short amount of time. Imagine how stressed she'll be after a year or two! 

Dalian: If you want, I can always help her out with some of the work, you know.

Me: Hmm?

Dalian: You're thinking about Yat-Sen again, no?

It's eerie how easily Dalian can read me. It sometimes scares me, to be honest. It's as though I'm an open book laid out before her. Still, it sometimes helps us get through situations without speaking words so it's not all bad. 

Me: Well, I'd most certainly rest easier at night knowing she's being helped but I fear it wouldn't do her any good.

Dalian: Oh?

Me: Knowing her, she'd just find even more that needs doing.

Dalian: You're probably right but-

SCREEEEEECH!

The sound of metal rubbing against one another pulls our attention to the site in front of us. One of the cranes is tipping over under the weight of the machinery it's carrying. There's a little child playing there! 

Time slows. It's as though something takes me over and before I can even think I'm there scooping the cold up in my arms but it's too late. One of my feet gets caught in some of the wirings at the foot of the crane. The chains keeping the machinery from falling snap and they plummet towards us like an angry comet streaking through the sky. In a last-ditch effort to save the little girl, I call out to Dalian and, with all my might, toss my precious cargo towards her. The last thing I remember is Dalian catching her before-

BOOOOOM!

Darkness follows.

I awaken sometime later in a white room. Everything's white, from the blanket and pillow I'm resting on to the walls and floor. Even the machinery in the room is white. It's almost comical really but the pain in my side prevents me from laughing too much. I try moving my hands but quickly find out that it's futile. In fact, every limb's unresponsive at the moment. It's a bit frustrating, really, but I'm utterly helpless. 

Lying there, all alone, my mind replays the last events it recalls and I remember the little girl and the crane. Before I can reminisce longer, however, Dalian comes in and from the look on her face when she notices I'm awake, she's brought her attitude as well.

Dalian: That was remarkably stupid of you, you know that, right? 

Dalian: I go out of my way to keep you safe and what do you do? Go headfirst into the first sign of danger! 

Dalian: Sometimes I wonder-

Me: Thank you.

My response barely comes out but even in its hoarse, whisper-like state, she hears and her face immediately softens. With a deep, exaggerated, sigh, she comes over and tends to me, checking my temperature before helping me into a sitting position.

Dalian: Now, at the very least promise me you'll eat?

She doesn't wait on my response, instead, grabbing the nearby broth herself and lifting a spoon of the dark, steaming broth to my lips. I didn't even notice it before she entered. As the hot liquid passes over my tongue, I taste a faint hint of beef. I wonder who made it. It tastes delicious. 

Dalian: She's safe, by the way.

Me: Hmm?

Dalian: The little girl you saved. She's safe. Her family sent their many thanks along with some gifts. 

Me: Oh. That wasn't necessary though. As long as she's safe.

Dalian: Well, they insisted on repaying your kindness somehow. 

Dalian continues feeding me until the strength finally returns to my arms. I don't know what's in that broth but it's some pretty potent stuff! In less than thirty minutes I'm back to my old self, though I'm perhaps giving the broth too much credit. After all, I wasn't really damaged during that entire ordeal since my ship itself was safely docked in the harbour. I only needed some rest is all. 

After stretching a few minutes and being checked for like the billionth time yet again, by Dalian, I head outside. As we step through the doors, there's raucous applause. My eyes adjust to the sight of what seems like an endless stream of people all chanting my name. It's too much and I almost run back inside but Dalian, at the last moment blocks off my path and whispers to just let it be.

We're escorted, for some reason, by guards to the base as the humongous crowd follows behind at a distance cheering on. It's like they think I'm a hero or something. They do know I didn't really risk myself to save the little girl right? 

We manage to make it to the base's entrance without too many incidents, where I'm greeted by the girl I saved's family who thanks me over and over again despite me trying to downplay the entire thing. I'm almost overjoyed when I finally make it past them and in behind closed gates. 

Me: Whew! 

Dalian: Oh don't tell me you didn't think you'd make the headlines of every major news outlet in-

Me: No. No, I didn't. I merely did what anyone would do.

Dalian: Perhaps, but it hits a bit differently when it's, and this is a direct quote from one of the headlines here, "Our Empress, Hero of Dragon Empery, Pride of our Nation" that does the good deed.

If I had known the position would have come with this much attention I'd have turned it down and ran far far away. All I wanted was a nice relaxed life. Now, it looks like I won't even be able to go to the nearest park outside our base without having the whole city on my heels. 

Leaning against a nearby wall, I sink to the floor and bury my head in my lap, wishing all my newfound fame away. It's true that even back in my old life I was the pride of the nation but things were much different then. I was only a ship that people could admire from a distance. Now I'm also part human and...

Dalian: So...are you just going to stay here or...

I'm about to reply when Chao Ho comes running up to us. Her face has concern written all over it and as the words leave her mouth, we find out why.

Chao: We received a distress call!