The sun dipped below the horizon of Xandar, casting a warm, amber glow through the expansive windows of the Katagawa residence. The cityscape shimmered with the luminescence of hover cars zipping through the skyways, their engines humming in harmony with the pulse of the metropolis. Unlike the crude, pollution-spewing vehicles of Pandora, Xandarian transportation was a testament to advanced engineering—sleek, efficient, and environmentally harmonious.
In the garage, a space that seamlessly blended functionality with aesthetic appeal, Kalen Katagawa stood before a sophisticated workbench. The surfaces gleamed with embedded holo-screens, and tools hovered in designated magnetic fields, awaiting their master's command. This was a far cry from the grimy, oil-stained workshops he remembered from his past life.
"Stupid," Kalen muttered, his fingers deftly manipulating a micro-welder. "They think they've eliminated pollution. It's just hidden, redirected. But it's still there."
He envisioned a device that would not only harness ambient energy but also redefine personal defense mechanisms on this planet—a shield that could absorb and repurpose electrical currents, much like the Transformer shield from his previous existence. That Hyperion technology had the unique ability to convert shock damage into shield energy, providing both protection and sustainability.
As he immersed himself in his work, the soft hum of the home's AI announced the arrival of Kailean, his mother. The term still felt foreign, almost causing an involuntary grimace. Yet, beneath the layers of his reincarnated consciousness, there was an undeniable warmth—a burgeoning affection he couldn't quite suppress.
"Kalen, sweetheart," Kailean's voice was gentle, carrying the melodic lilt of genuine concern. She approached with a tray, the aroma of the meal wafting through the air. "You've been in here all day. I brought you some York and lamb."
Kalen glanced up, momentarily taken aback. York, the Xandarian equivalent of pork, had been a delicacy he hadn't indulged in for what felt like years, when it was just before his transmigration that this body had eaten it. And lamb—a terrestrial import from Terra, a planet now under the enigmatic protection of someone known as the Ancient One. The mere thought of Terra ignited a spark of curiosity. "Someday," he mused internally, "I'll set foot there."
He accepted the plate, the warmth of the dish seeping into his palms. "Thank you," he said, the words feeling both foreign and familiar. "Actually, my first product is for you."
Kailean's eyes softened, a mixture of pride and maternal concern. "That's sweet, baby. Just don't overwork yourself."
As she exited the garage, Kalen felt a twinge of discomfort. The genuine care in her voice was a stark contrast to the cold, transactional relationships he was accustomed to. His previous mother had been a figure of authority and discipline, devoid of overt affection. This new dynamic was... unsettling.
Pushing aside his tumultuous thoughts, Kalen refocused on his project. Hours melted away as he meticulously assembled the components. The design was inspired by the Transformer shield, but he introduced critical modifications. In his past life, a scientist had met a grim fate due to the shield's flaw—drawing electrons directly from the user's body, leading to fatal consequences. Kalen ensured his version would siphon energy solely from the environment, eliminating such risks.
As dawn approached, the device was complete. Sleek, compact, and pulsating with a soft blue glow, it was a marvel of engineering—a testament to the fusion of his past knowledge and present resources.
Exiting the garage, Kalen intended to place the shield in Kailean's room as a surprise. However, the sight that greeted him halted his steps. Kailean was asleep on the couch, the holo-screen still projecting the paused frame of a movie they had planned to watch together. She had waited for him.
A pang of guilt resonated within him. This woman, who had no knowledge of the soul that now resided in her son's body, displayed an unconditional love that was both alien and comforting.
Quietly, he placed the shield on the nearby table, its gentle hum barely disturbing the serene ambiance. He draped a blanket over Kailean, ensuring she was warm. As he turned to leave, he hesitated.
"You're too trusting, Mother," he whispered, the words tinged with a complex blend of affection and caution.
Against his inherent instincts, he settled into the adjacent chair, allowing sleep to claim him. For the first time in many, many years, Kalen, no, Katagawa Jr felt the stirrings of familial bonds—a connection he hadn't realized he yearned for.