Ten years, that’s how long it's been since the extinction of the Yil’kaa and the fall of Valkyr. The galaxy has moved on. Ula became Empress when Zretiq stepped down, allowing his son to take the throne. Their son Arro has grown up, not old enough to be an adult, but he’s a bright boy, very kind, just like his mother. I watched the Imperium and the Union join the larger community, with the Imperium joining the Terran Alliance specifically. Trade flourished and over the course of five years the Hyper Gate network was expanded into both nations, allowing for wider exploration of their peoples.

I watched it all, happy to simply sit back and rest. Keai came to live with me, as did a few other H.I. children that had been made by Valkyr. It was nice, and when they were ready to go their own way I watched them go too. But I wasn’t alone for very long. Edrym came to me, and things between us grew intimate. I won’t lie, it feels good to be held again at night, to feel him against me in the mornings.

Times change of course, the war with the Yil’kaa started to fade, the treachery of Laurent Verninac almost forgotten as he rotted in prison and Valkyr was just a bad memory now. With the galaxy now fully explored, fully connected, people were finding themselves growing restless. They wanted to see and explore strange worlds around distant stars, but soon even that became just a dream.

I woke with a dream, an idea and extricated myself from Edrym’s tender embrace. Standing bare at my window I stared up at the sky of Pelevon, and wondered. If we can no longer explore the stars of our galaxy, then perhaps it’s time to branch out. I stared at the void between stars, where galaxies unknown waited for us. Would we find more life out there? New battles to fight, new worlds to settle on… Perhaps. We might find nothing.

I became consumed with the idea, and Edrym noticed, but though our time together took hits, he remained supportive even as I worked out the fine details of my plan. Finally, I presented it to the Conclave, and the support I received was unexpected, but welcome.

Within months recruitment efforts began, as well as the construction of fourteen great colony ships and their armed escorts. It was a massive undertaking, one with no guarantee of success. But the dream, the scale of it was enough to spur so many into action. The galaxy came together to build a new future for those willing to take the risk.

It was going to be a one way trip though, but we made sure to think ahead, drawing up the plans for a Hyper Gate of unparalleled size and power that would allow the crossing between galaxies in mere hours. But we had to get there first. Another five years passed, one by one the ships were built, tested repeatedly and then cleared for use, supplies and equipment gathered, and soon the colonists from every species in our galaxy were boarding, settling into the extended stasis sleep that was required.

I stood on Pelevon, looking up at the shipyards in orbit as the stream of shuttles and cargo ships loaded the last of our supplies. This was the day, the day we would be leaving for who knew where. I had to say goodbye before I could leave though, and before I turned to acknowledge those I held dear, I received confirmation that my H.I. companions were secured and in hibernation.

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I turned with a nod and laid my eyes upon an older Ula, she had looked mature before, but now she was a picture of calm wisdom and certainty. As far as her posture said at least, her eyes said something else. There was sadness in them, she didn’t want me to go.

“It’s time isn’t it?” She asked softly, little Arro standing beside her, Zreeth at his son's side. They had all grown up so nicely, Zreeth was looking more and more like his father everyday.

“It is,” I say, and she nods. “I… I wish you all luck in the years to come. And that your happiness never fades.” I suck at goodbyes.

Ula stepped forward and wrapped me up in a hug, Zreeth resting his hand upon my shoulder and Arro held onto one of my legs. I knew this would be the last time I ever saw them, but this time it was on my own terms. Stepping back she smoothed out her dress, carefully wiping a tear from her eye.

“Safe travels… And… Remember that you’ll always be in our hearts. We’ll be thinking about you.” Man, she sucks at goodbyes too. I smile and nod, bowing my head.

I find myself at a loss for words, but I look down when my robes are tugged by little Arro. Kneeling I smile softly, and he looks like he’s about to cry when he speaks finally.

“I love you, granma.” He says, and my synthetic heart skips a beat. I embrace him, holding him firmly to me as I close my eyes and try not to cry.

“I love you too. Be good for your mother and father okay?” I murmur, and I feel him nod against my shoulder. Letting him go I stand and smooth out my clothes in the exact same manner as Ula. Taking a deep breath I turn and ascend the few steps into my shuttle, soon streaking up into the sky as the ships report ready for departure.

Minutes later I find myself on the bridge of my rechristened ship, the Hope’s Promise, settling into my seat as my crew perform their final checks. “Status report?” I call out, knowing it’s not required of me, but it feels right.

“Everything is in the green, Director. We’re ready to depart on your order.” The technical officer reports.

“Excellent, then the word is given. All ships, exit dock and break orbit. Bring us to the fore of our formation and prepare for Hyper Gate travel.” There’s a clank and a hum as the engines spool up, pushing us gracefully from dock and out into formation. Soon the small armada of ships forms up and we begin for the Hyper Gate on the edge of the system. Within a few days we’re at the edge of the galaxy, an entire universe waiting for us.

The crews retreat to their stasis chambers on the bridge and at their posts, and soon my ship is quiet. With a simple series of commands I have complete control over the fleet, ready to begin the long journey on my word.

“We’re going to be asleep for a long time you know… I hope you don’t mind the atrocious morning breath when we wake up.” I hear Edrym say behind me, clad in his stasis suit. A smile tugs at my lips as I turn to face him. It’s just the two of us now, the last ones awake.

“I think I’ll be fine. I’ll just be happy to kiss you again.” I say, and he chuckles, leaning forwards to plant a gentle kiss on my lips. “You should get stowed away. I’ll be right behind you.”

He nods, gives me another kiss and then settles into our dual pod, waiting for me to join him. I take the time to look out at familiar stars for one last time, then transmit a message to our galaxy while I execute the FTL jump. And soon we’re passing out of our galaxy, across the void and to a new home.

I join my love in the pod, and as it seals and puts us to rest, I hold his hand in mine.

⫷⟪∞⟫⫸

People of the galaxy, this is Director Kaelyn McCarthy of the Pegasus Project. By now we have already left the galaxy, off to a new home in a distant galaxy. Look to the sky and wait for our call across the void, wait for us to come back to you. While we may be the ones taking this bold step, never forget that it would not have been possible without all of you. Without you we couldn’t have done this.

We go together, to the stars.