Chapter Two: The Carousel at 00:13

Lu Chen did not scream. He covered the box with a steel lunch tray, which was the most dignified response he could manage. “Insolence,” said a muffled voice. “A Moilin must not be humiliated.” “Name, species, purpose of entry.” “My name was lost. I came to find the gate, and you. Also lies. I am hungry.” Lu Chen named it Blackbean. It protested until he fed it another lie from the debt collector's message. Su Wanqing arrived with Han Jiuzhang, an elderly baggage mechanic. Han wore oil-stained overalls but carried paper seals resembling boarding passes. “What did it call you?” Han asked. “Keeper of food,” Blackbean answered quickly. “Gatekeeper,” Lu Chen said.