Chapter 10

I suddenly became nervous

We arrived at the lounge in silence, where others were waiting.

Oh..." Magini elongated his tone, speaking slowly. After a while, Magini suddenly raised an eyebrow and asked, "It is quite strange; there is something I do not quite understand.

However, Kelly suddenly hummed, as if mocking Magini, "You have the time wrong; the spacecraft malfunction occurred at 10:30 PM"

"You may check my flight records," Miss Kelly said calmly, without any expression, "All assessment results are excellent"

Miss Kelly paused for a moment, her expression unchanged as she continued to walk forward. I felt a slight sense of disappointment

9:30 PM

Miss Kelly's body trembled slightly, though imperceptibly

"May I ask where you actually went?" Magini asked stubbornly

It is regrettable that such an outstanding second officer made a rather serious mistake. On the evening of April 7, 2317, the flight management system of the scientific vessel experienced a malfunction, leading to the activation of the backup system for the conventional engine countermeasures, causing the countermeasures engine to deploy and resulting in an abnormal trajectory change for 2 seconds. Clearly, Magini has conducted a thorough investigation and is well-prepared.

"Yes, without a doubt, it is a matter concerning the research vessel," Magini said. "I am just puzzled; where were you at that time? As far as I know, you were not in command, which is quite strange. How could a competent second officer abandon their post?"

I could no longer endure that piercing gaze, as if I were being scorched. I quickly turned my head, pretending to look elsewhere. Clearly, in Miss Kelly's eyes, my intentions were suspect.

At that moment, I thought I was going to die, and perhaps I truly was. I felt the pain suddenly lessen, and my consciousness was slowly drifting away, rising upwards, attempting to detach from the control of my body, floating all the way to the top. I knew that many descriptions of death contained similar elements. I did not want to die; I wanted to scream, I wanted to struggle, but everything was in vain. In the final moment, in the cold mud, I decided to give up. Just then, suddenly, I felt a wave of warmth, perhaps a miracle, perhaps an epiphany, that brought my consciousness back. I still did not want to die; I wanted to scream, I wanted to struggle, but everything was in vain. In the final moment, in the cold mud, I decided to give up. Just then, suddenly, I felt a wave of warmth, perhaps a miracle, perhaps an epiphany, that brought my consciousness back. The pain in my back also disappeared, as if something had blocked the descending blows. It was a person, a person lying on my back.

In the corridor, I caught up with Miss Kelly. Miss Kelly looked at me coldly, as if she were looking at a stranger

There was no way to stop, absolutely no way, as if I were caught in the surging waves of the sea. Terrible chaos erupted immediately. My head was struck violently by a shield, and I fell to the ground, my entire face submerged in the mud, nearly suffocating. The frantic shouts suddenly grew faint, as if they were so distant, like something out of a dream. Countless blows fell upon me like raindrops; my head, my body, an array of pains radiated from every part of my being, as if my bones were about to shatter. I wanted to scream, but no sound came out. I could only instinctively clutch my head tightly, rolling in the mud. More people surged forward, trampling over me, more blows rained down, and the dull sounds of collisions echoed around me. Bodies kept collapsing around me; it was truly a terrifying nightmare.

"Let us go," Miss Kelly said coldly. She was the first to step out the door, her hand resting on the doorknob, waiting for me to follow. I awkwardly lowered my head and hurried outside. In the corridor, Miss Kelly walked quickly, clearly unwilling to walk with me. I fell behind her, watching her petite figure. Suddenly, that familiar feeling resurfaced once again. It was strange; I had this feeling the first time I met Miss Kelly, as people often say, a fated encounter. As I looked at her back, this feeling intensified, disturbing my thoughts. In the corridor, Miss Kelly walked quickly, clearly unwilling to walk with me. I fell behind her, watching her petite figure. Suddenly, that familiar feeling resurfaced once again. It was strange; I had this feeling the first time I met Miss Kelly, as people often say, a fated encounter. As I looked at her back, this feeling intensified, disturbing my thoughts and leaving me inexplicably irritated. I quickened my pace to walk alongside Miss Kelly.

In fact, before Magini could speak, I do not know where I found the courage, I suddenly interjected, "It is like this, Professor Ma may have misunderstood my meaning. I did accidentally overhear a conversation, but I can assure you that the voice was not Miss Kelly's. That voice... um... yes, it was somewhat hoarse, not Miss Kelly's voice..." It is like this, Professor Ma may have misunderstood my meaning. I did accidentally overhear a conversation, but I can assure you that the voice was not Miss Kelly's. That voice... um... yes, it was somewhat hoarse, not Miss Kelly's voice..." I tried to keep myself calm, at least on the surface.

In just three years, you have become the second-in-command. It is important to note that this position is not easily attained

His kind tone elicited a smile from Miss Kelly

"Please speak," Miss Kelly said, slightly furrowing her brow, seemingly disliking Magini's pretentiousness

Miss Kelly nodded. "According to standard operating procedures, the scientific vessel should undergo a Level C inspection after every 10,000 flight hours and a Level F in-port maintenance check after every 70,000 flight hours. Captain Decker has already prepared the maintenance checklist and the minimum maintenance equipment list, but Weimar Enterprises has not approved the routine Level F maintenance check."

I sighed

"This is impossible," Magini exclaimed, his face suddenly turning red

"Why?" Professor Ma asked with interest, as if he was particularly intrigued by such an unrelated question

Then you are also quite familiar with the circuit breaker lines in the spacecraft's electronic compartment

You are being too harsh on this lady, Professor Ma said gently

For example, a rather special relationship..." Magini said ambiguously, staring at Miss Kelly

"There is no need to flatter me, it is of no use," she said. "I sensed it from the very beginning, you want to please me. Put away your boring tricks; I have no interest in you."

I lay in the hospital for over a month. This experience suddenly made me realize the importance and preciousness of life; overnight, I grew up. In the years that followed, I diligently completed my studies, then returned to Mars to find a job, continuing my life steadily, doing everything a common person should do. There is only one thing that I can never forget, and that is the girl—the one in the fashionable dress, who appeared innocent and lovely, yet was brave and resolute. She was the girl who shielded me from death in times of peril, and the only impression I have left of her is a silhouette. In the years that followed, I diligently completed my studies, then returned to Mars to find a job, continuing my life steadily, doing everything a common person should do. There is only one thing that I can never forget, and that is the girl—the one in the fashionable dress, who appeared innocent and lovely, yet was brave and resolute. She was the girl who shielded me from death in times of peril, and the only impression I have left of her is a silhouette. Over the years, all memories have gradually blurred, yet that silhouette has become increasingly vivid. Until one day, that silhouette appeared before me again. I just wanted to confirm.

I looked at Miss Kelly and found that we had both come to a halt, standing side by side like this

"Do you ask such impolite questions to every lady?" Kelly retorted

Miss Kelly stared at me for a long time

For this strike, Magini lost his direction again, staring at me in confusion for quite a while without saying a word

"Miss Kelly, please make yourself comfortable," Magini politely stood up, smiled, and said. In my view, his smile seemed somewhat insincere. I found Magini to be a typical Martian, the kind who inherently looks down on Earthlings. This is hardly surprising, as on Mars, people are educated from a young age to believe that Earthlings are second-class citizens, that they have no future, that they can only helplessly wait for their land to be eroded by the sea, and that they can only live in space stations, on decks without roots.

I have just retrieved the maintenance log data, which indicates that the spacecraft experienced a malfunction at 10:30 PM, beyond the standard time. Did you not see this record?" Kelly raised her eyebrows slightly, speaking with a hint of mockery.

"Oh, it's nothing, I should take my medicine now," Professor Ma said, pulling a small bottle from his pocket and swallowing a pill with water. "You all continue," he added, appearing quite satisfied. To be honest, I really can't believe that someone like Professor Ma, who loves sports so much, actually needs to take medicine.

I am a Martian, yet I participated in a parade of Earthlings to resist the oppression of the Martian government. Looking back now, I can hardly believe it, but at that time, I was indeed very young, impulsive, courageous, and understood the principles. Although I still understand the principles now, I no longer have the courage. That day, like any other, it was pouring rain, and the sky was terrifyingly dark. On May 7, the parade decided to set off towards the government offices, and I will always remember that day.

"I am in the restroom; you wouldn't want to ask a woman what she is doing in there, would you?" Kelly Xiaohua coldly retorted to Magini.

Miss Kelly's pace has unconsciously slowed down

I covered my chest with my hand, as if my heart were about to leap out of my chest, and then let out a deep sigh

"What do you suspect about her?" Professor Ma asked curiously

"When I am not present, someone monitors the spacecraft," Miss Kelly said coldly. "According to the Universal Spacecraft Flight Regulations enacted in 2300, I can be away for five to ten minutes, and that does not count as abandoning my post."

Magini cleared his throat

There is another question, Magini inquired, "What is your relationship with Mr. Ford?"

I am the second officer and communications officer of the Weimar Biological Enterprise's scientific vessel, "Miss Kelly replied dryly.

I was taken aback, at a loss for words, my mouth dry, my throat tight, my muscles stiff, staring in astonishment at Professor Ma. I never expected that he would relay what I had told him to Magini. Meanwhile, Professor Ma seemed deliberately oblivious to my expression, engrossed in writing something.

Now I understand Magini's intentions, and I feel somewhat annoyed

"Excuse me?" Miss Kelly suddenly displayed a look of confusion. "What time did you say?"

As far as I know, Weimar Biotech should have other scientific vessels as well? Professor Ma's expression was quite amusing, resembling that of a naive child asking questions

Do you think my motives are impure, that I am trying to win your favor

Majini had nothing more to say and changed the subject

"I was there too," I said. Miss Kelly glanced at me without speaking and continued walking forward, looking preoccupied.

I am not very clear; each research vessel has different tasks, and transporting the facilities and personnel of this research vessel must require considerable effort

I looked at Miss Kelly; she had no expression, but I was certain she was listening

Three years ago, to be precise, it was at the end of the year 2314

It is quite strange, isn't it? I let out a bitter laugh and said

The investigation has concluded. Miss Kelly left the room, and I found myself drenched in sweat. For the first time, I told a significant lie in such a situation, but fortunately, Magini did not notice.

Miss Kelly glanced around and sat down opposite Magini. Magini had his notebook open and was holding a pen. I looked at Professor Ma, who was not recording anything in particular; he was comfortably sunk into the sofa, his hands clasped together, looking kindly at Miss Kelly

I have no connection with Ford," Miss Kelly said expressionlessly

I could not listen any longer, so I stood up and walked out of the lounge

I understand, thank you, Miss Kelly. Professor Ma nodded, indicating that he had no further questions

Magini felt a bit awkward and remained silent for a moment. "Alright, then around 10:30, where will you be?"

This is a personal question. Kelly stood her ground, "Can I not respond to https://mhetushucomcom?"

I abruptly grabbed one of Kelly's arms; she struggled for a moment, but I held on tightly, refusing to let go

I do not understand your meaning

Our team reached the wide road, and although everyone was soaked, exhausted, and shivering from the cold, the singing remained resounding. It was like an unstoppable torrent, rolling forward, with the vibrant flags being the only bright colors in the dark sky. As we approached the end of the road, a gray iron wall appeared ahead, an obstacle formed by the military and police, armed with weapons. I was in the front row and could see clearly; fully armed soldiers raised their shields, forming barriers attempting to block the torrent. As we neared the end of the road, the gray iron wall reappeared, an obstacle made up of the military and police, also armed. I was in the front row, observing closely as fully armed soldiers held up their shields, creating barriers trying to stop the torrent. The loudspeakers began to announce, their aggressive voices echoing in the air, warning the advancing crowd. Finally, the torrent met the barriers.

The distribution of circuit breakers is quite complex; however, checking the circuit diagram should not pose any issues, Miss Kelly stated

Miss Kelly did not speak, turned around, and continued walking, which was tantamount to acquiescence. I followed her and walked alongside her.

"What time is it now?" At this moment, Professor Ma suddenly asked a question out of the blue.

That girl, it is you

Miss Chris stated that it is due to the urgency of the task; once the research vessel begins maintenance, it will delay the entire antibiotic development plan

Professor Ma looked at me with a strange expression, "Is it 4 o'clock?"

"4 o'clock, how?" Majini asked in surprise.

"A radical globalist," Magini muttered, "is probably hoping that all Martians are dead, which is why he has the motive to murder Ford and sabotage the antibiotic program that could save Mars. There is another possibility," Magini added, "a crime of passion"

"Please forgive me, I am not a planetary discriminator," Magini said, "I just feel that this woman's background raises many questions. She was once a radical Earthist, has a criminal record, and was arrested several times during her student years for illegal demonstrations"

This is a formal investigation. "Magini frowned and said, "Let me rephrase the question formally. Miss Kelly, on April 7, 2317, at 9:30 PM, where were you?"

This is a computer malfunction Miss Kelly's face was slightly pale It is inevitable for such things to happen due to the long-term lack of maintenance of the scientific vessel

Miss Kelly, as the second-in-command, you should be very familiar with the spacecraft's equipment

"Of course not," Magini said slowly, narrowing his eyes. "Professor Ma mentioned that our Captain Leifeng once overheard a conversation between Mr. Ford and a lady, which was evidently very intimate. Would you like me to repeat the content?"

At first, I thought it was just another unfortunate person who had fallen. However, I was mistaken. Soon, a voice echoed in my ears and around the books, though soft, it penetrated deep into my soul. That voice said to me: 'Hold on, classmate, hold on!' The voice revitalized me. That person, leaning on my back, bore the blows coming from above. My head was tightly held by a pair of hands, resting in a warm embrace. I could still feel that it was a woman, a young woman. 'Hold on, classmate, hold on!' The voice revitalized me. That person, leaning on my back, bore the blows coming from above. My head was tightly held by a pair of hands, resting in a warm embrace. I could still feel that it was a woman, a young woman.

Of course, I have already seen it. Magini smiled subtly, as if he had grasped some leverage.

As the tide of people surged past, akin to a moment of calm in the roaring sea, the woman who had always protected me let go of my hand and stood up. Blood continuously flowed from her forehead, obscuring her eyes, yet I struggled, desperately lifting my head, wiping away the blood with my hand, and striving to look ahead. All I could see was a silhouette, a petite figure, dressed in a knee-length skirt so vividly colored that it obscured everything else. That silhouette was merging into the forward surge, the skirt fluttering like a beautiful butterfly, dancing before my eyes, ultimately transforming into countless golden stars, until I completely lost consciousness... I could only see a silhouette, a petite figure, dressed in a knee-length skirt so vividly colored that it obscured everything else. That silhouette was merging into the forward surge, the skirt fluttering like a beautiful butterfly, dancing before my eyes, ultimately transforming into countless golden stars, until I completely lost consciousness...

When were you employed by Weima Biological Company

Magini seems quite satisfied, as this response appears to align with his conjecture

I took a breath and continued speaking

"Miss Kelly, what is your position?" Magini asked

In May 2307, the largest protest in history erupted on Earth, with nearly all students participating in the demonstration. "I did not look at Miss Kelly, but merely recalled, 'They had a pure faith, hoping that the Earth government would face reality, completely sever diplomatic relations with the Mars government, in order to stop the plundering of Earth's original resources by Mars and the contempt of the Mars government towards Earth people. For political reasons, the politicians adopted very harsh suppression measures, leading to bloody conflicts, with the most intense struggles occurring in the Third District of Earth, where the military was also deployed, and the sounds of gunfire and protest songs could be heard in the streets.'"

I apologize for the interruption," Professor Ma gently interjected

Really

"Please speak, Professor Ma," said Majini

At that moment, I noticed Professor Ma suddenly took out a notebook from his pocket and began writing something

I also turned my head to look at the clock, "Indeed, it is 4 o'clock."

You are mistaken. I said slowly, realizing that I had never been this serious before

At this moment, everyone present was astonished. Clearly, when the spacecraft experienced the tremor, it was around 9:30. I was there at the time, and Magini was at a loss for words; the information he received was also corroborated by us witnesses. It is evident that something went wrong.

Ms. Kelly, you said this is due to the lack of maintenance of the research vessel

Miss Kelly was taken aback. "What does this have to do with me?" she said

Yes," Kelly nodded