Chapter 3: Uncle Chen, the Neighbor... and a Ticket to a Distant Planet
The next two days passed in a blur. Shen Xixuan spent all his time preparing for the journey and eagerly learning about the technology of this era, his curiosity endless.
He learned how to use holographic screens, how to summon a flying taxi, how to shop online and have his purchases delivered by cargo drones, and how to use the interstellar communications system.
Cargo drones! Automatic home delivery! And faster-than-light interstellar communications! You could talk to someone on another planet as if they were sitting in the same room! The technology of this era really was incredible. If the old era had technology like this, how convenient would life have been...? And StarNet—that's the network connecting every planet in the Federation, right? It looks like the internet from the old era, but with its capabilities multiplied hundreds of times over.
He learned more about planet DT-3 from the Federation database—its terrain, climate, local culture, and dangerous areas that should be avoided.
He also prepared clothes suitable for DT-3's hot, arid climate, various necessities, medicine and first-aid supplies, and a few small toys he bought online for the children.
The toys of this era were so novel. There were holographic toys and smart robot toys. The children would probably love them. But he also hoped they wouldn't be too startled by him, since he was their uncle.
He also started a small backyard garden, planting a few vegetables that looked like they would grow quickly, so there would be delicious food waiting for the children when he brought them back.
If the children liked eating fresh vegetables and fruit... he would cook delicious meals for them every day. This garden would be filled with all kinds of vegetables and fruit.
He talked to himself as he planted seedlings in the soil, feeling a small spark of happiness at being able to do something he loved, even though his thoughts remained fixed on the children the entire time.
On the morning of the third day, the door chimed. Shen Xixuan hurried over to open it and found Uncle Chen standing outside with a thin tablet and a bundle of documents in his hands.
“Uncle Chen! Good morning.”
“Good morning... I brought everything you needed, Xixuan.”
The two of them went inside and sat at the dining table. Uncle Chen placed the documents and tablet on the table, then activated a holographic display showing three-dimensional information.
“These are your travel ticket, transit documents, and a special identification card that will make your journey easier. I pulled a few strings with these documents, so the checkpoints won’t give you too much trouble, Xixuan. Look—the documents all have advanced security systems. They can’t be forged.”
Shen Xixuan stared at the three-dimensional holographic documents in surprise. They glowed and displayed information that updated in real time.
Holographic documents! Paper was a thing of the past now? That’s so cool. Everything in this era is digital. If the old era had this, people wouldn’t have had to waste time carrying stacks of paperwork around.
“Thank you so much, Uncle... Without you, I wouldn’t be able to go at all.”
“Don’t thank me, kid... I’m just helping an old friend and his grandchildren.”
Uncle Chen paused, then began explaining the travel details in a serious tone.
“The spaceship leaves tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. from AG-1’s main spaceport. You need to arrive two hours before departure so you can have your documents checked and pass through security. The spaceport has an advanced security-scanning system that scans both your body and your luggage, so don’t bring anything prohibited.”
“Understood, Uncle. I’ll definitely get there on time.”
“The journey will take about five full days because you’ll have to pass through three interplanetary checkpoints and avoid dangerous areas filled with drifting spaceship wreckage. On board, you’ll get to see all kinds of technology: private cabins, automated dining halls, interstellar communications. But you need to be careful. Don’t talk to strangers too much, and don’t wander into dark corners by yourself.”
“I’ll be careful, Uncle.”
“And once you reach DT-3... things will probably be very difficult. I’ve already contacted an old friend who lives there. His name is Xiao Ming. He’ll wait for you at the spaceport and help you with housing and other information. He’s trustworthy.”
Shen Xixuan was deeply moved. Uncle Chen had taken care of everything so thoroughly, even though they weren’t close relatives.
Uncle Chen really was kind... If he got the chance, he would have to repay him someday.
“You’ve really helped me so much, Uncle... I’ll never forget this.”
“Why talk about repaying me, kid...? I’m only doing what I should. All I want is for you and the children to come back safely. That’s all.”
Uncle Chen looked at him with concern, then sent an emergency contact number through the holographic display.
“One more thing, kid... If anything happens or you need urgent help, call me immediately at this number. The system can connect across planets instantly. I’ll help you right away, no matter which planet you’re on.”
Shen Xixuan carefully saved the number in the personal communications system embedded in his wrist—another piece of technology that continued to amaze him.
An implanted communications system! You can make a phone call just by thinking about it! This is incredible. If the old era had this, people wouldn’t have needed to carry cell phones around all the time.
“Thank you, Uncle... I’ll remember that.”
“Good... Now go finish getting your things ready, Xixuan. I’ll come take you to the spaceport tomorrow morning and handle the final paperwork.”
Shen Xixuan walked Uncle Chen to the door. Before leaving, Uncle Chen turned back and spoke once more, his eyes gentle.
“One more thing, kid... I feel like you’ve changed a little lately. You seem more mature, more steady... and more curious about everything. That’s a good thing. Don’t let anything destroy your kind heart.”
Shen Xixuan smiled back.
“I’ll try, Uncle.”
After Uncle Chen left, Shen Xixuan seriously began packing his bags. Luggage in this era had weight-reduction and smart-storage systems, making it easy to carry even when packed with a lot of things. He put in clothes, toiletries, medicine, various necessities, and the small toys he had prepared for the children.
Smart luggage! It can hold so much and still be light! This era is way too convenient.
He also prepared some food, trying to make simple dishes from the natural ingredients he could find in the garden and local stores, so he would have something to eat on the way—and possibly something to give the children if he found them.
As he packed, he thought of the children again. How were they doing now? Were they comfortable? Did they have anything to eat? Were they scared?
Wait for your uncle a little longer, kids... I’m coming for you. No matter how difficult it is, I’ll bring you home. And as your uncle, I’ll take the best care of you I can.
That night, he sat on the bed and looked at the children’s pictures on the holographic screen once more, his heart filled with determination and concern.
He had never had a family in the old era. He had grown up in an orphanage and never known the warmth of a family. But now... he had an older brother (even if he was no longer here), a kind Uncle Chen, and five nieces and nephews waiting for him to come to them.
This time... he wouldn’t abandon anyone again. He would take the best care of them, become a good uncle to them, and if they accepted him... maybe some days, he could even be their dad.
He turned off the screen and closed his eyes to rest, trying to get enough sleep for the long journey tomorrow.
But his mind remained restless, thinking about the children and the challenges waiting ahead on DT-3, as well as all the technology he had just discovered and wanted to try out even more.