"Sarkaz," Tian An almost blurted out 'Sankta'.
As one of the unluckiest races in all of Terra, the Sarkaz were known for their susceptibility to Oripathy and their bellicose nature. This, however, led to discrimination and exclusion from other races on Terra.
But the tenacious vitality of the Sarkaz race prevented them from disappearing into the river of history.
"Sarkaz?" March 7th thought the name sounded increasingly like something demonic.
"Yes, the Sarkaz are a race plagued by disaster. While other races were worrying about their next meal, the Sarkaz were still fighting desperately for survival."
Tian An spoke a lot, seeming unusually enthusiastic whenever the topic related to Theresia.
"Back in your homeland, did you face discrimination?" Dan Heng, who had been listening quietly, asked.
"Yes, we did," Tian An nodded.
"Huh? Why? I think Theresia is such a good person, why would she be discriminated against?" March exclaimed.
Often, discrimination needs no reason, especially for a race like the Sarkaz, who indeed carried historical guilt.
If there existed a race that spread hope like saints and never resisted, they would probably have been devoured long ago by other nations, not even bones left behind.
Fortunately, the Sarkaz still had systems and a nation; otherwise, they might truly have become a cold-blooded race akin to a primitive society.
"Perhaps Miss Theresia is one of the few with a good personality," Star offered.
The truly kind have simply been erased by reality. Often, the wicked walk further than the good.
"Speaking of the past... Miss Theresia, do you remember how you encountered danger and ended up sealed in ice?" Himeko walked at the very front. They were about to reach the central hub of the entire space station.
"I don't remember..." Tian An stuck to her answer. In a sense, she really didn't know how she ended up sealed in ice.
"If... and I mean if... the leader of the Sarkaz race was someone like Miss Theresia, what would happen?" Dan Heng mused thoughtfully.
Tian An heard this and thought she was hallucinating, but eventually, she smiled with resignation.
Of course, nothing would happen.
The Sarkaz never needed idealism or gentle light. They needed to fight, to gain their worth, to ensure their survival...
"Well, Little March, want to guess what my identity was back home?" Tian An felt this was a good opportunity to promote the Cult of Te-men.
"Uh... let me think... The director of a large hospital!" March guessed.
"Director of an orphanage," Dan Heng suggested.
"A teacher?" Himeko proposed.
"A Trailblazer," Star said something completely out of sync with the current mood.
"You! How could Theresia be a Trailblazer back there?" March 7th couldn't help but Tucao upon hearing Star's outrageous answer.
Trailblazer... in a certain sense, it fits quite well. Unfortunately, reality had other plans.
"Everyone, we've arrived. Let's put the reminiscing aside for now," Himeko stopped and reminded the group behind her.
A short, pink-haired young woman was busy coordinating via a communicator. She only stopped when the group had been standing behind her for quite some time.
"Miss Himeko? It's wonderful that you're all alright. Arlan was just here. Thank you for taking care of him during that time," Asta's voice was somewhat youthful, yet carried a mature steadiness.
Tian An's focus, however, was a bit strange. She noticed that all the young women standing here seemed to be wearing high heels. Was this some kind of fine tradition?
"It's only during disasters like this that we truly realize the staff are the space station's most valuable asset. Our emergency response strategies were too poor, lacking development in security and combat personnel."
"On the other hand, the members of your Astral Express are all exceptionally skilled."
Am I exceptionally skilled?
I got carried...
Well, whatever, at least I was useful.
"What's the current situation in the station?" Dan Heng asked.
"The situation is currently under control. Damage to the security system is minor. The intruders only altered a small amount of core data, so it's easy to repair..."
While the others were talking, Tian An suddenly felt something fluffy rubbing against her leg.
She looked down.
Isn't that Peppy?
At this point in time, he shouldn't be appearing here, right?
The little creature panted with its tongue out, bouncing around Tian An's feet, sniffing continuously.
"Cute little thing," Tian An turned slightly, bent down, and started petting Peppy's small head.
It seemed Peppy really liked this pinkish-white-haired lady.
His fur was very soft; you could tell he was usually well cared for.
"Then I'll have to trouble you all to help the staff... And this is...?" Asta seemed to hear Peppy's sounds and looked over.
She wondered why there were two strangers today.
"Ah, this is Theresia. She boarded before we arrived at the station. She's very nice!" March 7th introduced her like a precious treasure.
Hearing her name called, Tian An turned around to find everyone looking at her.
Peppy also happily trotted over to Asta's feet.
"Mm, I can see that. Even Peppy is drawn to this lady," Asta let out a slight sigh; the earlier coordinating had taken a toll on her.
"Then this one... did you rescue her too?" Asta looked towards Star.
Star pointed at themself questioningly.
"I'm a guardian from the galaxy," Star declared confidently, hands on hips.
"Asta, don't listen to her nonsense. Isn't she one of your station staff? We found her in one of the station's rooms," March interjected.
"Staff? I don't remember having you among the staff," Asta might not have perfect recall, but she remembered the basic personnel.
"That's why I said I'm a guardian from the galaxy," Star crossed their arms and repeated.
"You! Can't you be serious for once?" March 7th rubbed her head helplessly.
Himeko just smiled faintly from the side, saying nothing.
"We should get going. As for identities, we can sort that out once things settle down," Dan Heng was already waiting for them in the corridor.
How did you teleport over there?!
Don't question the ways of 2D!
"Let's go," Himeko also started walking.
Tian An was the last to move. Peppy was still barking farewells behind her.
"Goodbye," Tian An waved. Where else could you find such an obedient dog?
I think, no need to look—
If I posted pictures of Theresia online, there'd probably be tons. If they made me an admin...
You really only think about yourself, huh.
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Matter erodes, but the spirit is immortal, meow.