The two of them make a swift exit not long after the seminar concludes. The moment they walk into the car park, Xi P's phone (which Min is carrying) rings. Frantically fumbling to pull it from his pocket, Min can't make out a single word on the screen. It's only after a flurry of random taps that he finally manages to stop it.
Having noticed the phone's distinctive shape, Mark makes a curious remark as he pulls it out: "Nice phone."
Taking a deep breath, Min forces a composed expression: "It's not mine. A friend asked me to hold it temporarily. You'll probably see why once we get to my place."
"Has a tech company taken over your home?" Mark teases. Min ignores the remark, focusing solely on stuffing the bicycle into Mark's car. Why hadn't he ever noticed how bulky it still was when folded up?
Only once the car windows are rolled up, and the engine started, does Min finally recover: "It's nothing really. And, I have a question for you."
"What is it?"
"Last time we were on the phone, why was there that weird noise on your end?"
"I..." Mark seems to be recalling something, "I was at the boxing gym, I think. Is that a problem?"
"No, I just almost thought you were on like some dangerous bio-mission." Min can't help but cover his forehead, embarrassed by his wild imagination — probably from seeing too many aliens, "Never mind. Did you ask me about NgAgo just to get my attention? That's quite a sensitive topic, you know?"
"You're more sensitive than the topic itself. Does it have any real connection to you? I just wanted to get your attention. My turn to ask — what are your thoughts on the pace of current scientific progress?"
"Turn left here. WWII brought breakthroughs in foundational technologies, and peace was built upon those foundations. I'm not against peace, but progress has slowed dramatically. Twenty years ago, we said controlled nuclear fusion would be here in 30 years. Today, we're still saying the same thing." Min instantly comes alive when discussing these matters, replying earnestly, "But I believe an unexpected, monumental breakthrough is imminent — one that will fundamentally reshape our era."
"What? What breakthrough?" Mark is taken aback. How could Min's adolescent daydreams resurface the moment they left the conference hall? Not that he dislikes it, but he'd expected Min to continue discussing the causes of contemporary academic fraud and similar topics. He doesn't remember there being alcohol at the conference.
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"We've already proven space can be curved and identified examples of this curvature. We've demonstrated curved space can exceed light speed — we just lack a concrete example. Perhaps those massive particle colliders have already inadvertently created such conditions. Once we can travel at fractions of light speed, or even faster, the stars will be within our grasp."
"I don't recall you being interested in this before. Besides, using the entirety of Jupiter to propel a single cubic metre of iron beyond the speed of light would be meaningless. And that's the most modest estimate. Do you have any idea how much energy warping space would require?"
"I don't know. But we must look ahead. Scientific progress has never been achieved by quoting old texts." Min says, adding silently to himself: 'And I'm certain there are 'people' who know.'
"Aren't you a microbiologist? What, thinking of studying microbes on other planets?"
"Not a bad idea; that'd be pretty cool. Besides, I've always had broad interests. Also, turn left and keep going straight."
"..."
"What I'm absolutely certain of is that, throughout the development of all civilisations, the emergence of faster-than-light technology is the most crucial milestone. I'm talking about every civilisation in the Milky Way and beyond. The light speed barrier is so brutal. Those who research it sooner gain more resources, research data and absolute initiative over civilisations without FTL technology. Even if an attack cannot breach the enemy's defences, it would at least ensure that defeat would be impossible."
"It reminds me of a book called 'The Road Not Taken'. In it, humans had the most advanced foundational technology in the universe, yet through a series of unfortunate events, we missed out on inventing anti-gravity propulsion and faster-than-light engines. As a result, aliens wielding matchlock guns were immediately captured upon arriving on Earth. What followed was humanity reverse-engineering their technology and conquering the galaxy. The greatest leap in development comes when you master reverse engineering. As that famous saying goes, 'As wars progress, opposing sides grow increasingly alike.'"
"Well, well..." Min shakes his head and focuses solely on navigation for the rest of the journey. Mark is still too conservative — he probably won't harbour any hope for the stars until he sees with his own eyes.
***
"Time to show me the big secret you've been hiding in your house, huh?" Mark says, crossing his arms, as they step out of the car into the driveway.
"Keep quiet, don't make too much noise. This is a very, very big secret. I met an alien." Min takes a deep breath before unlocking the door, flipping the switch in the living room.
The lights flicker on, revealing a silver fox standing before them.
Mark nearly burst out laughing. "Min, you really are drunk. Good thing I drove. This alien looks kinda familiar. Admittedly cute."
Seeing no sign of Xi P, only the silver fox approaching, Min knows what's happening. He calls out into the house: "Xi P, you can come out now. This is our future partner."
As the words escape his mouth, Min feels a surge of excitement wash over him, his heart pounding with anticipation. After all this time, finally someone else will know of Xi P's existence...
A rustling and trembling sound echoes down the hallway. Within twenty seconds, Xi P's figure rounds the corner and appears before them.
"Jesus Christ!"
