Chapter 21: A Galaxy of Beginnings

“The Nova Rim, blessed as it was by the Primortala—their Worlds of the Garden and Harvest, and their Automatons all allowing for civilization at an unthinkable scale—is a place of endless reinvention, of second chances. There is no far corner of the universe in a space so vast, so densely populated with life. The unity of our Synatorium is a shining bridge across which anyone can forge a new path.”

—Chidron Remil Fordran of Hygaria, in a speech shortly after the Hygarian Civil War

The sun was setting over Demori. Zaina watched from behind a tall, needle-leafed tree as her father directed Deril and Elanta in chopping wood for their new house. He was firm, but patient—exactly as he’d been with Zaina around Deril’s age.

Her mother had Dessa tightly swaddled in a soft blue blanket and rocked her back and forth; she sat next to their tent and provisional stockpile. The plot of land was a perfect little slice of heaven. It was greener than Demelia, with dozens of colorful flowers in bloom across the landscape. Everything gently swayed in the wind as the sun shone down, suffusing the world with its warmth. A smile crept across Zaina’s face as she took it all in.

It had been three days since she’d escaped Demelia—she’d arrived at a skyport and then had to trade her particle hook-gun for transport to the planet’s surface. They dropped her on the other side of the forest and gave a rendezvous point and a time.

Having hiked through the woods with Kitali for the last of the trip, Zaina realized there wasn’t much time left if she was going to make it back. Staring out at the picturesque landscape, at the image of her family all together and somewhat happy again, she was struck by the sensation of longing for home. She wanted to stay. To go back to her old life, even if for only a day.

But if I do, she thought, I don’t know if I’ll ever leave again.

With a sigh, her shoulders slumped. Even if she wanted to settle down and be with her family, there were things about her now that needed to be sorted out. The Mark of the Recalcitrant was still there, and the whispers, while quiet, were still mumbling and buzzing under the surface.

Not only that, but in her short time of knowing one, Zaina thought she had a good understanding of what a lancer was, what they were supposed to be—and she was curious. Maybe she found her purpose in life after all.

Zaina leaned down next to Kitali, who was excitedly wagging her tail. Now came the moment she’d been dreading.

Trying to keep her voice from shaking, she said in a low tone, “All right, girl. There’s your home—go on, now.”

Kitali’s head tilted.

Zaina rubbed the limphor’s head. After everything they’d been through, she didn’t want to leave Kitali behind. But, Deril, Elanta, and Dessa would love to have her back, and Kitali had earned some rest after everything. She belonged here with her family.

Zaina sighed as she ran her fingers through Kitali’s soft fur.

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“Hey, now,” Zaina said, wiping tears out of her eyes. “Hey, now—we’re going to see each other again, girl. I’ll be back someday, all right?”

Kitali whined, not quite understanding.

Zaina forced a smile and pulled out a small, sealed pouch containing a complete meal for the limphor—immediately, Kitali’s eyes became glassy.

“You’ve been so good, girl,” Zaina said. “One last thing—go get it!”

Before she could change her mind, Zaina threw the pouch toward her family’s plot of land—it landed far enough away that no one noticed. Kitali rushed from the treeline, racing for the food—then, she stopped, and her tail wagged as her eyes fell on her people. The limphor turned back toward Zaina, who ushered her forward. After a whine, Kitali turned and sprinted toward her family, who shouted and cheered in excited surprise.

Kitali, surrounded by her family, sat and turned back, as if waiting for Zaina to join them. Her father, following the limphor’s line of sight, glanced toward Zaina. His expression was equal parts relief and joyous disbelief. They locked eyes—both crying—and her father smiled and nodded. She half-smiled before walking back into the treeline, heading toward her new life.

Jogging back to the recall point, Zaina set aside her feelings. Her family was safe, and that was all that mattered. Demelia was gone, but its people were saved. Her heart ached for Beni’s family, but she was sure the refugees from Ildegor would take care of each other.

The sun arced in its descent. Zaina broke into a sprint, not wanting to miss her ride back to the skyport. With her newfound speed she darted past trees, deftly maneuvering as the forest flew by.

Finally, she arrived at the rendezvous point on the other side of the woods. She’d made it in time—a line of people stood before a ramp that extended from the side hatch of a large transport. The ship hovered in the air, its gently-humming blue engines flattening the grass below in two overlapping circles. Zaina stepped behind a small green gentleman and his four-armed blue companion, who shot her a dirty look and whispered to the other. They both stepped forward, staying as far from her as the line allowed.

Despite her newfound vigor, she drew the hood of her cloak up, not wanting to draw unnecessary attention to the mark. Gir had warned her that some people would judge her for bearing it, thinking her a monster at first glance. At that moment it mattered little to Zaina—the Nova Rim was waiting for her, and she didn’t know what it held.

Before long they were away, back to the massive, hovering metal complex in the sky above Demori. The exterior was riddled with egress points from which ships of all shapes and sizes freely came and went, and the underside, supported by a structure of engines, emitted a light-blue glow. The transport landed in minutes.

Making her way back to Gir’s transport, Zaina marveled at the people around her—she’d never seen so many different species in one place. Some had translucent skin, others had tentacles or shells, or claws—it was like a Peoples of the Synatorium textbook come to life.

As her faded, whispering voice swirled in the depths of her mind, she thought: I have to stay vigilant. That part of me isn’t gone—which means neither is the Eldritch.

A shudder crawled up her shoulders and neck. If it ever returned, she didn’t know if she could resist it again.

She shook the thoughts from her head. I need answers.

With her head down, she made her way back to Gir’s ship; the dirt, grime, and char marks had been polished off. There was no one in sight to pay, and she had no money for anyone, anyway. Zaina pulled a lever next to the hatch and climbed into the ship.

Still not stoked about the idea of flying in a metal deathtrap.

She sat in the pilot’s seat but kept her hands off, still deciphering what every vis-screen did and what the readings meant. Gizmo chirped and swooped over, hovering next to her face.

“Hello, Z—zzz—Zaina. How can I help you today?”

“Hey, Gizmo. We’re setting out.”

Giving a curious beep, the glyph asked, “Oh, okay! Did you take care of everything you needed to?”

Zaina smiled warmly and lowered her hood. She did—Kitali was home, and she’d seen her family. There was a new life for them here—and for now, Zaina couldn’t be a part of it.

After all, there was a huge galaxy out there waiting for her.

“Where to, Z—zzz—Zaina?” Gizmo chirped.

Sure of her course, Zaina leaned back in the pilot’s seat. In a calm, confident voice, she said, “Take me to the Order of Riiva.”