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Chapter Four

LACIE

We’re in the middle of breakfast when the subject of being integrated into an existing civilization comes up.

The fact that we are all being asked what we want really relieves many people’s distrust and unwarranted anger.

No one reacts well when faced with the unknown and knowing that we’re completely dependent on an alien race is difficult for most to accept.

The vote was unanimous for a planet of our own.

Not long after, we received a summons to gather in the lounge.

Briar and I both maneuvered ourselves to the front of the room as it quickly became crowded.

When the doors slid open, you could’ve heard a pin drop.

I knew every female in this room, young or old, was standing there with her mouth hanging open.

My eyes roamed over his tall, powerful form from top to bottom, finding not a single flaw in his appearance, and then the moment he opened his mouth, I think I may have fallen in love. That man could talk to me all day.

“ Greetings all, my name is Commander DaR .

I speak not only for myself but for the Elders , who are the ruling factor that upholds the laws in this sector of space.

We are happy to see so many of you have survived the perilous trip that led you to us.

I have come personally to help you with the rebuilding of your culture and way of life.

We have narrowed the search for a habitable planet down to two locations.

The first is a moon, and it is the one I personally find more favorable, because the other does not appear to have a long enough growing season.

We believe this moon will provide you with the means to advance, survive, and grow as a race.

It possesses all the same properties as your Earth , such as atmosphere and water availability, although it lacks the same aesthetics.

It orbits a gas giant called Etherium , and as of now, it is only a few rotations away from our present location.

I understand your fears and your hesitancy regarding all the unknown and unanswered questions plaguing your minds.

Hopefully , in time we will be able to prove we are the ‘good guys,’ as my Kira would say, and put some of this unease to rest. Especially since we will be working side by side to help you rebuild your lost world.

The main reason I am here is to provide you with some insight into what is coming.

First , we need to establish your infrastructure.

Necessary power stations will be first on the list because they are necessary to ensure you have clean water and comfortable dwellings.

Once that is in place, we will explore opportunities for trade and commerce.

Several of my sons will be stationed on the planet with you to assist with the construction and planning of your new world.

We already have a cargo ship filled with essentials and building supplies with us.

Others will arrive shortly afterward with more complex structures on board.

Your safety is our top priority; second only to ensuring that you have a roof over your head.

Because we will be spending a significant amount of time together, I hope to get to know all of you personally once we are on the ground.

As we approach the moon, a ship named ANDI will dock with the Destroyer .

At that time, several of you will accompany me on a smaller shuttle to the moon’s surface.

Once you determine where you would like to start your settlement, I will notify my sons, MeK and BuK , so they can begin heading our way.

Currently , they are in the process of loading your personal dwellings.

Before I answer questions, let me explain my plans moving forward.

Once you decide that this moon is where you wish to relocate, you will be grouped into teams. Some will assist with power, others with planting, and more with housing.

However , those are not the only areas that will need staffing.

People skilled in medical procedures, food preparation, building design, and safety will all be working hands-on to make your new world a wonderful and productive place to live for each and every one of you.

When we have your infrastructure up and running, we will discuss what can be used for trade with other planets in the many markets available throughout the universe.

Our goal is to make your race self-sustaining.

I am open to all constructive ideas, so in the next few risings, gather your thoughts on what you can contribute. We will convene again once the volunteers return from the surface. Until then, rest and recuperate as the tasks ahead will not be easy.”

Suddenly , I feel the entire ship vibrate beneath us. He looks over at the captain, EvO . “ Father , I do believe that is ANDI . He must have switched into hyperdrive after you left in order to get here this quickly.”

“ It seems our plans will be moved up slightly. We have room for around ten volunteers to go planetside. If you are interested in getting a closer look, please meet me in the adjoining room.”

I don’t even think about it, I just step forward. “ Where are you going, Lacie ?”

“ I want to see this moon.”

“ Let the guys go, we don’t know these … people. The last thing we need is to be separated.”

“ Briar , I not gonna sit back and allow anyone or everyone else to have complete say in my life. I want to see our options firsthand. If the place is a desert wasteland, I want to be the first to say no. If you’re so worried, then come with me.”

“ Apparently , you’ve never watched many horror films in your life.

Because we are sure setting the scene for a good one and God , I’m about to follow you like an idiot.

Fine , let’s go get in another tube and be shot across the stars.

I mean, you know we were pushing our luck the first time, and at some point, that luck’s gonna run out. ”

Several others have already started toward the adjoining room.

The older couple I noticed before walks in behind me and Briar holding hands, and I rub my chest. The odds of me ever finding someone to love like this are slim.

Most of us will end up simply settling to expand our race or die alone.

I don’t mean to listen in on their conversation, but I’m standing too close to miss it.

“ Carla , you don’t need to come with me. I spoke to Captain EvO earlier, and he said if all goes well, we’ll be back this afternoon.”

“ Absolutely not James , where you go, I go! We’ve traveled too far through the cosmos to be separated at this point.”

“ Dear , I have no idea what the terrain or the atmosphere is like where we’re headed. Your hip may give you issues if it’s too rough.”

“ I don’t care, James . That nice doctor’s shot has helped me feel much better. We will manage, but you will not leave me behind.”

They walk away after that, and I stand there lost in thought until he enters the room.

I’ve never been around anyone like the Commander , a presence that I swear feels like he controls the very air we breathe.

He’s not just beautiful, and the word masculine fails to capture the aura around him, but one thing’s for sure: there’s no ignoring him.

“ Thank you all for coming. If you will follow me, we will get this trip started.”

We walk down a long hall into another room that appears like you could walk right off the edge into space.

Several ships or objects hover effortlessly above the floor.

The Commander approaches the closest one, touching the exterior and stepping back when a ramp begins lowering.

Its unusual shape resembles a narrow bullet.

It seems small from this perspective. I’m a bit concerned there won’t be enough room for all of us on board, and I really don’t want to be turned away.

He motions for all of us to board when the ramp touches the floor.

I’m about halfway up the ramp when several others appear from a separate hall.

Curious , I stop to watch as the Commander bends down, kissing a stunning blonde.

The look on her face when he straightens up is full of love, and I think I hate her.

He walks back toward us, only to be stopped by one of the guys I remember helping with the pods earlier when I first got up.

I think his name is Ricky , but I’m not sure.

I almost miss the blonde turning back toward the Commander because she is surrounded by a few others, but when her eyes land on him …

this time she looks like she’s seen a ghost.

Even surrounded by some of the other girls I’ve seen on the ship who clearly know her, she is staring at the guy the Commander is talking to.

Suddenly , Ricky storms past me heading into the shuttle, so whatever the Commander said to him, he’s not happy about it.

Several people walk around me but I seem frozen in place as I watch the Commander stroll across the deck, swinging the blonde woman up into his arms; holding her as if she’s made of glass while she tucks herself into his chest.

The girls that were standing with her look after them with concern, but soon turn and walk back into the main ship together. Briar has apparently gone on without me and her voice shocks me out of my wandering thoughts.

“ Hey , what’re you doing? If you’ve changed your mind, I’ve got no problem exiting this mini rocket and heading back to our room.”

“ Sorry , something caught my attention. I’m coming.” I follow her inside the ship, grateful that it seems bigger on the inside than it looked from the outside. Everyone else has already claimed their seats, leaving only two in the back row.

Glancing over at Briar , “ Do you want the window seat?”

“ No damn way, it’s all yours. Ignorance is bliss in this case.”