The day passed quicker than it seemed, Intra had broadcast the image of Earth, or Terra as it was sometimes called, and its orbiting moon Luna to every screen not used for some task. Everyone was abuzz with delight at seeing a planet so much like our own, though with considerably more land mass it seemed. I had to constantly tell people it wasn’t going to be our new home, as it was already someone else’s home after all, and that seemed to disappoint a few people. But Intra noted how much we liked the look of the planet, and I learned that it and my own homeworld were strikingly similar, the gravity was apparently a bit heavier here than it had been there, but other than that it was mostly the same.

As we got closer, the images started to change, we got sight of great stations built in orbit, wildly different from the ones we’d seen earlier before entering the gate network. There were so many ships, and now that we were closer we could see glittering lights on their moon. It was so busy, it was amazing.

And then something passed before the cameras and several of us fainted, it was another station, this one though didn’t look friendly at all. It was bristling with what I could now accurately identify as weapons. I just couldn’t differentiate between them yet, but I could tell what they were. There were so many weapons on it, I swear it was just itching for a reason to use them.

I asked why the humans would have built something like that, and Intra said.

“Humanity is a rather protective species, much like any other, but they take it so seriously that sometimes other species see it as extreme paranoia. Why, you can find stations like that scattered along every border they share even with their own allies. It’s less about paranoia and more logic I suppose. Eventually, even good friends can become enemies, and they wish to ensure that they have appropriate defenses in place when that time inevitably comes. Plus, they really, really love this system, so they wish to make any invader bleed and regret the day they ever stepped one foot, tentacle, fin or wing inside it.”

I accepted this answer, and it made sense. I suppose when your foes have access to weapons that can destroy planets in seconds, one wishes to ensure it’ll take a long, long time for those weapons to get anywhere near your planets.

I was still thinking about it when the view shifted and I felt the engines burn for a moment, and now our view was centered on a large station that hung between Earth and Luna. It looked quite like a diamond in general shape, though it sported five blade-like sections that surrounded a central disc shaped structure. It looked important, and also slightly sinister. (For reference, it looks like the head of Sauron’s Mace)

“Where are we going, Intra?” I asked, and she appeared beside me.

“We are headed for Themis Anchorage. It was the first massive station humanity ever built in space, and has existed ever since the colonization of Mars, Venus, Mercury and Saturn’s moons.” She seemed proud as she talked about the station, as if she’d been there to see it being built. I shared her pride almost, and hoped that one day my people could build something as grand as this.

“You should probably prepare your people to leave, I’m already being informed that there is a temporary settlement for them on Mars, which isn’t so far away. Your people will be safe there till they can find a new planet for them.”

I nod, and turn, leaving to speak with my parents and the others. In moments it’s nothing but a frenzy of packing up and preparing to leave, and I can catch glimpses of large ships moving towards us via the screens. They don’t look nearly as scary as the warships that were even now breaking off to return to their own postings. In fact, they looked rather nice, they had these large domes on them that seemed to be filled with green life. I wondered briefly how that worked, before my mother was pulling me back to work.

My goodbye’s were teary, filled with promises that I would return to them soon, but I knew that might not be possible. But I lied, and I think they knew I was lying to them, but they didn’t argue. I watched them board the larger ships, and the door closed behind them as they waved.

Now it was just me and Intra.

⫷⟪∞⟫⫸

I watched as the people got to work taking down tents and gathering up various supplies. I noted a significant increase in my food systems being used, and chuckled softly as they took food and stored it for later. I know it was probably just a nervous reaction on their part, that they were afraid they’d not get as much food as before wherever it was they were going.

I watched the four ships that approached me, all four were colony ships with no colony to go to just yet, so they would serve as massive transports for the refugee population instead. Smart move, especially the bio domes, as they would give the people some much needed natural comfort.

In four hours the first two ships matched my course and speed, coming up on either side and docking easily enough, and I watched as my halls slowly started to empty. It was… Saddening I suppose, watching my halls become so lifeless. But such was the way of things I suppose. Eventually I’ll always be left alone, unless I gave myself a body that truly could go anywhere. Maybe I would… It could be fun. Maybe…

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Either way, it took a full twelve hours for everyone to be transferred over to the other ships, and another four hours for my drones to clean up any messes that’d been left behind. I and Ula watched as the ships sped away from Earth, bound for Mars. I could easily sense her worry, and I didn’t do what I normally would have done to comfort her. Instead, I appeared beside her, peering at the screen like I would need to just to see her people go.

“They’ll be safe, you have my word.” I say softly, and she looks at me, a moment of quiet skepticism on her face. But that fades quickly, and she nods, looking back at the scene. We stand there for a long time, before she retreats to her room, all without another word being said.

But come the following morning, I wake her gently as we near the station. Without a word, she settles onto the bridge with a bowl of cereal for breakfast, watching as the station grows larger and larger, now without needing me to zoom in on it.

“Themis Anchorage, this is the T.A.B.C. Warden of Eternity requesting permission to dock and undergo full inspection and refit.” I say, and I had clearly startled Ula as she jumped and nearly choked on a spoonful of delicious cereal. Why am I suddenly craving a bowl of cereal? I can’t even eat it!

“Warden of Eternity, this is Themis Space Traffic Control, you are cleared for military berth C-9. Please acknowledge receipt of course correction data?”

“Course correction data received and verified.”

“Acknowledged Warden of Eternity, please proceed to berth C-9. Welcome home. Themis out.”

I watched as the spinning space station started to slow in speed, then simply stop, or at least that’s how it seemed to me, to everyone else I was perfectly matching the speed of its spin, while still getting closer and closer to it. It was a hard thing to do, especially for an organic, who would perhaps have a few slight variables thrown in, but I wasn’t organic, I suffered no such flaws.

We both watched as a cut out portion of the thickest part of one of those blades was actually a large hangar, into which I was guided as the station's automated landing systems took over for me. We could see several other military ships docked already, one looked like it was just about to undock and leave actually, but would have to wait till we were secured before it could leave.

It took ten or so minutes for us to slide into the designated berth, the massive docking clamps closing around my hull like a lover. And immediately I felt my world expand as I was given access to the station systems, merely as a guest of course. But it was so nice, all the same, to be able to move freely. Stretch my legs, you could say.

But duty calls, and I was informed of an incoming escort for Ula, and of course, an inspection team for me and the ship. I sighed, and told her as such, and she seemed a little agitated, but some soothing words seemed to make up for it.

It was time to face the music, as they say, and I knew I would not hesitate to declare I was in the right when it came to my actions.

⫷⟪∞⟫⫸

I watched the whole spectacle of docking with a massive space station and honestly, I couldn’t deny I found it fascinating. All of it was fascinating actually, every last thing. But it didn’t stop me from feeling lost and confused, but luckily I had Intra there to help me through it, and she did. She was ever so patient.

Still, when she told me I’d have my own personal escort, I was worried that I might be in trouble, but she assured me it was most likely an honor guard sort of situation. I was essentially the chief diplomat for my entire species, at least till we appointed a proper diplomat of course. It was more for my protection than anything else.

So I found myself minutes later standing at the airlock once more, and when the doors slid open I found myself facing a smartly dressed woman, complete with armed guards, though they weren’t wearing the massive suits of armor than the Admiral’s escort used. They were more smartly dressed, and their weapons were lowered for now.

“Miss Ula? Am I saying that correctly?” The woman asked, peering at a small pad with a squinty expression.

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Excellent. My name is Alice Otoe, but you may call me Ms. Otoe or Alice if you prefer. I’ve been assigned as your liaison during your stay here on Earth.” She seemed quite pleasant, friendly even, but had this strange air about her, something dangerous but not in the traditional sense. More like her very words could be dangerous. “Our first order of business is to see to your housing. An ambassadorial apartment has already been prepared for you down on Earth, so if you’ll follow me, I will guide you to our transport and fill you in on the way.”

“I… Thank you.” I say, and I step up to walk at her side, the guard escort turning on their heels with practiced grace and moving in step with us. I can see their eyes sweeping back and forth behind the strange coverings that they have over them. One of them looked at me, and offered a polite, but friendly smile. A smile I returned.

It didn’t take long for us to reach a crowded civilian area, and I was suddenly surrounded by humans who had no idea who or what I was. I was the center of attention so suddenly, so many eyes landing on me, curious and fascinated. I felt wildly uncomfortable, and Alice seemed to pick up on this, because she spoke into her wrist and the pace picked up. I felt two hands settle on my back, as the guards shifted in closer, hiding me from sight and others stepped out, pushing the crowd back with their mere presence.

It was over in moments, and we were getting settled in a very fancy shuttle, Alice handing me a glass of water to calm my nerves, a gift I happily accepted.

“I’m sorry about that, I should have had the level cleared before we even stepped foot out there.” She said, cursing herself softly. But I shook my head.

“I-It’s fine… I‘ve just… I’ve never been so surrounded before, especially not by anyone that wasn’t like me either.”

She nodded in understanding, and adjusted the glasses she wore while crossing one leg over the other.

“Well, I shall keep that in mind for next time, though I’m afraid once the press catches wind of your existence, things might get a bit less comfortable, but we’ll do all we can to ensure your privacy and your safety. You have our word.” She smiled kindly, as we took off and headed for Earth.

“And you’ll have me as well.” A voice said in my head.

“Intra? But… how?”

“Same way I have been doing. We’re connected, I can talk to you from anywhere so long as you’re still in the same star system as me. I’ll help out in any way that I can.”

I was relieved to have her still, and visibly relaxed, much to Alice’s relief. I took a look out a window, watching as Earth grew larger and larger.

I have no idea what I’m doing anymore…