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Selene was appointed to manage the political aspects of the joint corporation, while Zane was nominated CEO of the Alliance’s vast mineral, shipping, and manufacturing holdings.

Kainan helmed the ceremony as Chief of the Joint Defense Force and Head of Training.

As the entire galaxy watched, the pact of unity was signed by each of the planets’ rulers and elders with co-signatures from The Sable Riders.

With that, the partnership was set in stone.

After the ceremony, all dignitaries retired to the Eden II spaceport’s gallery, where a lavish feast awaited.

Multiple toasts were made as the delicious canapés and finger food disappeared, as did the champagne.

The focus turned to the sumptuous repast with delectable platters from all over the galaxy.

When bellies were sated, lively dancing took over the expansive floor, which had an endless view of the skies above Eden II. The band, composed of musicians from all four planets, played symphonies and modern numbers popular throughout Pegasi.

Bodies swayed together, attempting the different quick steps and waltzes from across Pegasi, each more mesmerizing and enchanting than the next.

As the guests left and the crowds dwindled, the Riders and their women gathered at the edge of the large plex windows overlooking the port and space itself.

‘I am so proud of you,’ Selene said, taking her husband by the hand. ‘You ought to be pleased with what your hard work has achieved.

The Riders saw tears in thekhosi’seyes for the first time. ‘Fokk, it’s been such stress,’ he growled. ‘But worth it.’

‘Without your relentless spirit and fire, brother, we would not be who we are today,’ Riv added, with feeling.

Kage grunted, holding Harlow from behind as he lifted his glass. ‘For everything you’ve done for us, we are grateful.’

‘Hear, hear, brother,’ Ki’Remi drawled, his words echoed by Kisan, who stood by with a small smile.

As Kainan swiveled away to control his emotion, Zane lifted his glass in one hand, the other around his red-headed beauty, Illanna. ‘It is time to raise your glasses of fine wine and clink them together in a toast to our bright and shining future.’

The all drank long and deep, throwing back with enthusiasm.

‘Riv, got any choice poetic words for this moment?’ Kage growled.

The silver-haired Rider thought for a moment before jerking his chin. ‘I do. It’s an ancient poem,Children of the Sun, byone of the most promising Old Earth poets, who became the forerunner of a great renaissance. I’ve read so often it’s burnt in my skull. For it portends the reason we Riders fight so hard, love so deep, and hold so close the joy our shared union has wrought.’

Riv’s voice dropped into a low-timbered reverb, resonating with a feeling that was as somber as it was breathtaking.

‘We are children of the sun,

Rising sun!

Weaving endless destiny,

Waiting for the mighty hour

When our Shiloh shall appear

With the flaming sword of right,

With the steel of brotherhood,

And emboss in crimson die

Liberty, Fraternity!

We are the star-dust folk,