In the Research and Development Branch in the Central Defence Base, Sato was in a heated discussion with Thomas Yuji, the Head of the R&D Branch. Showing the middle-aged man his prototype piece which he had devised, Thomas had his hand on his chin. He was deep in thought while looking at the component that Sato had just created. In his heart, Thomas was shocked. "Sato, this invention of yours is truly a stroke of genius!"
"Really, hehe." Sato felt embarrassed by the sudden praise.
"No, I am serious. This component would fully solve the overheating problem that would arise when the machine is falling back down from space."
"So those that mean it is viable?"
"What I am saying is that this prototype of yours is not only viable, but that it would definitely work! Congratulations, Mr Sato! You did it!"
"I..I did?!"
"Yes!"
"Hahahaha!" Sato laughed heartily. The pressure he had been putting on himself over the years were finally paying off. Even the honeymoon for him and Gray had been delayed as the young man was extremely determined in completing this prototype. With this completed, it meant that Sato would be able to start proper experimentation in outer space. "I'm gonna go find Gray now. Thanks for your time, Doc."
"Anytime, Mr Sato. I am honoured that you would come to me for advice." To Thomas, a person who had been awarded the Nobel Prize of Science, the man felt like he was watching a younger and more talented-self grow into an unimaginable strength in this world.
Alongside Madel, Sato left the R&D Branch and headed to Gray's office. The two bodyguards by the door did not obstruct the young man from entering. After knocking, Sato entered the room, while Madel chose to stay outside. Inside, Siara was talking to Gray. When the General turned his head to see who it was, he did not hesitate to ask Siara to head off first for now.
"So, how was it?" Gray asked with a smiling face. The Major General had neatly gelled hair and devilish looks that never decrease with age. Rather, Sato felt like his husband had only gotten more handsome with time.
"It was a success! I finally did it, Gray!" Sato ran up and stuck the USB stick into Gray's computer terminal. With it, the blueprint was uploaded to the desktop and Sato opened the file with excitement. Still, he couldn't help, but be nervous in front of his lover. After all, this project had significantly reduced the couple's time together. Many times, Sato would choose to sleepover in the office space. It would even come to the point that the young man had a bed on the 180th floor.
Gray pushed his chair in closer to the table as he got a closer look at the changes that Sato had done to the final prototype. After a few minutes of Sato's explanation, Gray stood up and pulled Sato into him. He gave the young man a great big hug. It was one that was filled with love and encouragement. "I'm proud of you, my love."
"Thank you." Sato took the opportunity to give the nice smelling man a deep loving kiss on the lips. Before it turned into a full on make out session, Sato broke it off timely. Of course, Gray was reluctant to do so. Sato could only choose to pacify the big baby, "We can continue at home, alright?"
"Okay, let me finish up some work first before we head out to celebrate."
"Sure!" Sato proceeded to sit on the couch that he had slept on in the past when the two first met in Country Z. Gray called in Siara and continued on with his work. Sato did not disturb his husband, while he decided to check on Li Ming.
Although the two best friends were separated by thousands of kilometres of ocean, they would still keep in contact and ask about their progress in their work. Coincidentally, both of them were working on space-related projects, resulting in the both of them having many common things to talk about.
Hearing that Sato had just completed his prototype, Ming was extremely proud of his best friend. It was safe to say that he wasn't as talented as Sato. After all, Li Ming was constantly surrounded by aerospace technicians and engineers that were about to value add on each other. However, in Sato's case, the young man decided to learn everything by himself and create an entirely new invention from scratch. As it was an idea that never had any breakthroughs before, Sato had to brainstorm potential ideas and experiment around with it for a good number of years. Watching Sato's every step and process, Ming knew that the reason Sato was able to come so far was because of hard work and dedication. The young man worked even harder and crazily than he did.
"So what is your plan moving forward?" Li Ming inquired over text.
"It is simple," Sato smiled while texting his plan. This was something that he had been wanting to do for over a year. "I am going on my honeymoon!"
"Hahaha!" Li Ming shook his head in real life. His best friend was truly peculiar, but that was what made Sato so special.
"Okay, but speaking seriously, I will probably be heading down to Country U soon."
"Ah," Ming knew what Sato was talking about. "You have already chosen which space program company you would like to work with?"
"Of course! Didn't I tell you that I will be working with The Black Box space program?"
"Oh? That wasn't a joke?"
"Hell no! I get to work alongside my best friend! Where else would I get such an opportunity?" Sato spoke amicably with Ming.