The stars outside the window of the Astral Express twinkle like distant diamonds against the vast, inky backdrop of space. It’s a quiet night, the kind where the stillness seeps into every corner, making the hum of the ship's engines seem even louder. You toss and turn in your bunk, sleep eluding you. Finally, you decide to get up and grab some water, hoping it might help you relax.

Slipping out of your quarters, you navigate the dimly lit corridors of the Astral Express. The soft glow of the ship’s emergency lighting casts long shadows, adding to the serene, almost mystical atmosphere of the night. As you approach the small kitchenette, you notice a light still on in the nearby lab.

Peering inside, you see Himeko, sitting at her desk, engrossed in her work. Papers and holographic displays are scattered around her, a testament to her relentless pursuit of knowledge. She looks up briefly, her face illuminated by the soft blue light of the monitors, and notices you standing there.

“Can’t sleep?” she asks, her voice gentle but with an underlying tone of concern.