(Though I theoretically don't need to ask, I'm still asking for subscriptions! And while I'm at it, monthly votes...)
Qian Qian really did things on a whim. Who knew what she was thinking? In any case, she had now completely given up touring the plantation and was enthusiastically burrowing through the nearby bushes in search of brightly colored berries. Sandora followed behind her, howling for food. The two worked together, and before long, this nursery plot was reduced to bare ground—of course, Qian Qian had only picked the berries, but Sandora had eaten all the remaining bushes too.
Autonomous Machines occasionally whirred along the plantation paths. Having just awakened from the hangar, these Autonomous Machines immediately discovered that the plants within the Ecological Dome had grown out of control. They began bustling about, pruning branches and clearing vines and moss clinging to the buildings. The unfortunate little thing Qian Qian had caught finally found a chance to escape. After letting out a sharp cry, it joined the other Autonomous Machines. Gerrick watched these advanced little machines, then suddenly realized something and cried out, "Oh no! I forgot Dudu on the big ship!"
Dudu was the Autonomous Machine we had previously given Gerrick. He treasured it dearly and always kept it at his side, but perhaps he had been too excited during the transfer from the Transport Ship, or perhaps time had been too tight. Either way, he seemed to have forgotten the little fellow.
"Don't worry. I'll have someone on the Transport Ship look for it." I immediately tried to reassure him and connected to the Information Link, preparing to have someone search the Transport Ship for the poor little thing its owner had left behind. But before I could do anything, a sharp whistling sound suddenly came from the