How have you been? China asks as the panda nuzzles his hand fondly. Have they been treating you well, my treasure? This one he carried with him in his basket on his back as a cub, this one he cradled in his arms when it was born. This one he named with words of prosperity and longevity, and these two he chose to send off on a plane across the ocean as gifts of friendship and alliance, his trust wrapped in black and white.
The other panda puts its paws on his chest, almost pushing him down with its weight, and looks up at him with a question. China smiles and pets it, glad it hasn't forgotten that this artificial world isn't its real home. Soon, very soon, he answers as the American zoo-keepers approach. Your brothers and sisters are waiting for you as well.