Chapter 20

[August 24, 20XX]

Dan Ning agreed to continue communicating.

This was a positive signal.

While congratulating me, the Biocomputer suggested I begin preparing other things.

For the next Mimetic Camouflage transformation, I needed a legal identity and Earth’s currency. With the help of the internet (especially with the Biocomputer’s technical support), these weren’t difficult to obtain.

The Alliance does not prohibit professions like Starfarers from employing certain gray-area methods when integrating into new planetary civilizations—as long as they aren’t too conspicuous and risk exposing themselves, the integration process isn’t scrutinized.

Still, I tried my best not to violate this planet’s laws.

[August 25, 20XX]

The Biocomputer’s restructuring progressed smoothly, and I updated my positioning information.

So far, no messages from the rescue ship have been received—I’m no longer in a hurry to be rescued.

Today’s conversation with Dan Ning was also pleasant.

[August 26, 20XX]

Dan Ning asked me the reason for my interest in him: “Did you know me in real life?”

I gave an affirmative answer.

“Then… do I know you?”

I shifted my posture on his lap: “You will.”

[…]

[September 27, 20XX]

Dan Ning no longer minds sharing some private emotional experiences.

The man named Zhao Lin hasn’t appeared in our lives for a long time, and when mentioned again, Dan Ning no longer shows negative emotional fluctuations.

Daily online conversations have become something enjoyable for both of us.

On this foundation, I tentatively proposed meeting in person.

Dan Ning hesitated but didn’t refuse.

My grasp of human psychological activity grows increasingly accurate—even without the Biocomputer’s help, I can analyze the reasons for his hesitation.

His past failed romantic experiences have filled every step forward with uncertainty.

I don’t want to pressure him; we have plenty of time.

Messages from the rescue ship indicate they’re still 2 million light-years away from Earth, dealing with a commercial ship that failed its jump.

We have plenty of time.

[September 28, 20XX]

The Biocomputer’s main body has taken shape.

Though its function differs from the missing components of the Mimetic Camouflage, its position still stimulates the Mimetic’s external genitals.

As the Biocomputer’s form restores, this stimulation seems to be worsening.

[September 29, 20XX]

Retracting my previous conclusion!

The second Mimetic transformation must be completed immediately!

Dan Ning clearly misunderstood the reason for the Mimetic’s exposed genitals. Today, after observing the Mimetic’s lower body, he called Brother Zhao. The content of the call made the Mimetic bristle uncontrollably. (“Brother Zhao, will your clinic be open during National Day? … Yeah, I want to bring Chocolate in for neutering. The holiday’s a good time to take care of it… Vaccines aren’t done yet… Pretty healthy otherwise… Can we do them later? Okay, I’ll bring it over during the break.”)

I have no time left.

I must change forms—otherwise, everything will have to start over!

This decision is too rushed. I haven’t planned how Dan Ning will accept his pet cat’s disappearance, nor have I figured out how to enter his life in human form…

I’ll have to take it one step at a time.

[September 30, 20XX]

I transformed before Dan Ning woke up.

This transformation used the collected average human data as a baseline and my original parameters as reference, setting numerical values for all aspects of the human body.

The transformation went smoothly.

The human form felt unfamiliar to me, accustomed to quadrupedal movement, but the Mimetic program’s forced simulation allowed me to adapt to the new locomotion in an extremely short time.

I borrowed some of Dan Ning’s clothes, then left the home he shared with “Chocolate.”

The separation is only temporary.

Now, I have many things to do.

[October 1, 20XX]

Chocolate’s disappearance has left Dan Ning anxious.

He didn’t log into the forum at all yesterday.

And now, even in my empty new residence, I can hear him calling Chocolate’s name.

This realization fills me with guilt for leaving without a word. Dan Ning invested considerable emotion in his pet “Chocolate,” and I never intended for “Chocolate” to vanish so abruptly—but the threat of neutering was too dire.

“Chocolate” had to disappear.

I hear him walking through the hallway, knocking on different neighbors’ doors.

It’s a process of repeated disappointment.

I can imagine his current mood and grieve for it—but alongside that grief, a greater anticipation and secret joy swell in my heart. This isn’t the meeting scenario I originally envisioned, but at last, we’ll meet as equals.

After this, no matter what troubles arise, I’ll face them with him.

I hear his footsteps drawing closer, until they stop outside my door.

I hold my breath, waiting for the rhythmic knock to sound.

“Knock, knock, knock…”

———————————————————————————————————————————

* I’ve translated all logs from after my arrival on Earth and before we met into your language. If you’re reading this now, it can only mean one thing: You are such a trustworthy and beloved individual that I wish to lay bare everything for you.

PS: I’ve applied for a scientific research project to stay on Earth. The new ship has been parked by the rescue team in a lunar crater on the far side of the moon. The ring I gave you is the ship’s activator—don’t lose it.

-End-