Indeed.
As a subordinate organization of the Academy of Sciences, the Resource Management Bureau oversaw all the Human Federation's resources. Mineral resources were merely one of the larger categories.
And they, mineral prospecting officers, were at the very bottom of the hierarchy.
Calling themselves members of the Academy of Sciences was giving themselves far too much credit.
Hansent's lips trembled slightly. "B-but..."
That was an ice giant!
Fear of the unknown was etched deep into human DNA.
The thought of that beautiful giant planet, shimmering crystal blue all over, sent a chill down Hansent's spine.
On Earth, in the Solar System, in the universe...
No matter where one was, beauty often meant danger.
Hope slowly shook his head. "There are no buts."
"Opportunity always comes with risk."
"At the very least, I don't want to remain an obscure mineral prospecting officer."
Looking into Hope's resolute eyes, Hansent felt momentarily dazed.
It seemed... when they first met, Hope had worn that same determined expression as he solemnly declared that one day, he would work at the Academy of Sciences.
Decades had passed in the blink of an eye.
Hope was still the same Hope.
But what about him?
Hansent instinctively looked back over his ordinary life.
There was nothing in it worth praising.
He fell silent for a moment, and his dull eyes gradually sharpened.
"You've made up your mind?"
"Yes." Hope nodded firmly without the slightest hesitation. "I'm sorry. You may have to handle the mineral prospecting assignments on your own from now on."
Hansent said nothing and simply turned toward the inner room.
Watching Hansent walk away, Hope's eyes filled with guilt.
"I'm sorry."
He lowered his head and murmured again.
Then he turned and strode resolutely toward the door.
Beep!
A crisp notification sounded, and the door opened.