"Reunion at the Starport"

Type: Story — Short Fiction Status: Canon (confirmed by creator) — full text preserved per archival standard

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It had been fifteen years since Michael and David last spoke, but they found themselves together once again at a bustling spaceport orbiting the planet. Their reunion was as unexpected as it was joyous.

As the digital clock above the baggage carousel read 5 PM, a steady stream of passengers from the starliner flight dispersed into the crowd to retrieve their luggage. Michael, dressed in a simple business suit, and David, clad in designer attire that subtly screamed opulence, both stepped off the conveyor belt at the same time. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and recognition washed over them like a sudden tide.

"David?" Michael ventured, a tentative smile playing on his lips.

David, his face lighting up with genuine delight, exclaimed, "Michael! I can't believe it!"

Warm handshakes turned into hearty backslaps as they embraced, the years of separation momentarily forgotten in their shared nostalgia. They exchanged pleasantries, quickly catching up on their respective lives, even as the baggage carousel continued its mechanical dance.

David introduced Michael to his wife, Katherine, a vivacious woman with a radiant smile. She greeted Michael with the same warmth she reserved for old friends. "David has told me so much about you, Michael. It's wonderful to finally meet you."

Michael's gaze swept across the couple. "Likewise. I can see that you've done quite well for yourself, David."

David chuckled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Oh, you know, things just fell into place." Katherine winked in agreement.

As the conversation flowed, it became apparent that while they had led very different lives, their friendship remained steadfast beneath the surface. They reminisced about their school days, shared stories of their families, and laughed at youthful escapades.

David revealed that he and Katherine were on vacation, a much-needed break from their high-stress lives. Their next flight, scheduled at 6:30 AM, would whisk them away to a nearby planet for rest and relaxation. Meanwhile, Michael was on a solo business trip, his next flight leaving at 8 AM for another space station.

With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, David noted, "Katherine has gone to check in at the hotel, but between you and me, she's probably off shopping at the mall nearby."

Katherine's voice chimed in through David's earpiece. "You're absolutely right, David."

The mall, they explained, was anchored at one end by the CosmoLux Inn, a hotel favored by budget-conscious travelers. At the opposite end stood the luxurious Celestial Grandeur Hotel, renowned for its five-star splendor. One night at the Celestial Grandeur cost about the same as five days at the CosmoLux.

David and Katherine were staying at the Celestial Grandeur, and Michael was booked into the CosmoLux.

"Why don't you join us at the Celestial Grandeur for a while, Michael?" David suggested. "We can catch up, reminisce, and share some stories. We've got a few hours before our next flight."

Appearances

• Creator-provided detail (ChatGPT export, "Playable MMORPG from Concept")