Epilogue
The planet Alloa, Barony system, three years later.
Though the citizens of Alloa had much for which to be thankful, today’s service was one of solemn remembrance. The brief and heartfelt remarks given from the temporary podium
were appreciated by those in attendance, but they only served as a starting point. Jet was invited to present the reading of the names so all the original crew could participate. The Exploration Memorial Garden was constructed in memory of the sixty crew members who lost their lives to the Silestri.
Not only was it a magnificent work of art, but the monument was made from the wreckage of the ship itself. At the center was a stylized silver sphere, set on four massive prongs, like a mounted jewel. Sealed inside the sphere were the ashes of the small number of bodies they were able to recover. The surrounding plaza, also made from the wreckage, fanned out in a half circle away from the sphere, while near its base stood ten evenly spaced hexagonal columns. Each one was made of different materials, around four feet high, and included a plaque or engraving on each side containing a name and personal information.
As Jet read the first ten names, surviving members of the crew streamed forward to place flowers or other mementos at the base of the columns. When they finished, a new group of names was read and the process was repeated. After all the names were called, Jet invited Alloa’s Governor to provide closing remarks. Lovett was seated next to his wife, the lovely Dr. Norcross, who was expecting their second child any day. He released her hand and strode purposefully towards the podium, the crowd quiet and still as he prepared to speak.
“My friends, this memorial will remain long after today as a testament to what our journey into the unknown cost us. They will never enjoy the beautiful world we are endeavoring to create here, yet it is my hope their sacrifice will inspire us to achieve even more. We do not know what the future may bring our way, but each of us is capable of making the future a better place. Exploration was not just the name of our ship, but it is the driving force which compels us to achieve, grow, and improve. This is our legacy, and we will not forget.”
The crowd applauded softly and began to disperse; some to more closely examine the memorial, and others to greet friends and visitors. Out of the corner of his eye, Lovett spotted a lone figure near the back of the crowd. He moved quickly in her direction, hoping to speak to her before she got away. She turned as he approached, face calm but expressionless. He knew she still had difficulty with casual social interaction, so he stopped before getting too close and spoke quietly.
“Glynnis, I’m glad you came today. I want to thank you again for your work on the memorial. We could not have asked for a more fitting or beautiful design. We may have more need for public art in the near future, and I would enjoy seeing some of your work in Erskine.”
The reclusive artist simply nodded and graced him with a small smile.
“Thank you, Jack. It was something I needed to do, not just for them, but for me. I appreciated your remarks...it was a lovely service.”
She turned and walked away.
Lovett was thankful for her progress in the last few years. She was encouraged to take up art as part of her therapy, but no one realized she harbored so much talent. When Lovett saw some of her early work, he convinced the council to invite her to design an appropriate memorial. It was especially fitting one of the survivors was able to channel her own pain and recovery into something so meaningful. Lovett quickly retraced his steps, sure his wife and son were getting tired of waiting for him.
As he approached, he spotted Jack junior on his favorite perch - atop Birmew’s shoulders. The grinning Silestri held the child firmly in place, as his furry ears were tugged every which way. The little boy was having a grand old time, giggling and kicking his legs, while his mother and Birmew’s partner, Jeanie Archer, chatted quietly.
Jeanie was one of the former sex slaves, so it was something of a shock when she began to show an interest in Birmew. She and her counselors spent a good deal of time discussing the issue, but found she was genuinely fond of, and attracted to, the Silestri. As her former guard, he never even touched the human women in his care, let alone abused any of them sexually.
No, the attraction was mutual and not influenced by guilt or hidden psychological issues on either side. Birmew was glad he underwent the medical therapies when they were finally made available to him, and he was grateful to be able to please his partner without threat of injury. Seeing the two of them together was no longer shocking nor uncomfortable, and the colony treated them with respect and dignity. Obviously, the two could not produce children of their own, but with all the genetic material from the ark, Jeanie chose to carry the child of one of her fallen comrades. Watching Birmew with his own son reassured Jack the gentle Silestri would make a terrific father.
Logan Osborne, Alloa’s ambassador, stopped by to visit, but was only able to speak for a few moments before being called away by one of the visiting delegations. He turned out to be an excellent choice for the position, perhaps swayed by his work with Alloa’s immigrant population. The woman he married was a telepath from Deviri, and he was still adjusting to their unique relationship.
It was some time before Lovett was able to speak to all of his off-planet guests, though he was sincerely grateful so many of them took the time to attend. Fold space travel made interplanetary contact as easy as walking across the street, though it was staggering to think how widely scattered the Alliance really was. The universe was an awfully big place, and though they could count on each other, there was no guarantee humanity would always remain safe. The Lydokk and Silestri clearly underscored the need to remain diligent when it came to security issues. Research was already a large part of Alloa’s budget, as it was for the other members of the Alliance, and he was determined they would never lose their technological edge.
Finally, it was time to go home. Lovett secured a place to sit on the public transport for the short trip back to the city. His wife was grateful to get off her aching feet, and Jack Jr. fell asleep as soon as they started to move. Alone with his thoughts, Lovett glanced to his left and spotted the foothills of the nearby mountain range which used to be his home. The cave complex and surrounding acres of catnip grass were designated as a national park. Soon, there would be guided tours available, led by a modified EMR unit who also served as caretaker. His trip down memory lane served to remind him of plans to join several of his friends for dinner at one of Erskine’s newest eateries.
The Caveman Cafe was an exact replica of the mess hall he and the other men used for their meals, owned and operated by their former cook. With a unique atmosphere and terrific food, including roast hopperbird, the place was usually booked solid and required reservations in advance. The vast majority of patrons came from Pacifica and Deviri, bringing an ever-changing clientele to the city.
There was, however, a small private dining room reserved solely for the men once marooned on this planet. They were the only ones who could truly appreciate how much their fortunes changed in the last few years. Lovett’s thoughts were interrupted when his wife gave a startled cry and wrapped hands around her swollen belly. With a smile and nod she let him know it was time, and Jack reached out to hold her hand. It was true the past had not been easy, but right here and now, life was good.
END
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review with your favorite retailer.
About the Author
I grew up in a big house, with a big family, and a big imagination. My writing began back in Junior High school, and over the years has included unpublished stories, music, poetry and drama scripts. I enjoy reading and writing in several genres, including science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and romance.
Since my writing style is primarily plot-driven, readers may notice my books don’t rely as heavily on detailed character development. My goal is to create stories which are interesting, generally upbeat and have a ha
ppy ending. If you enjoy my work, I would love to hear from you.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.aelliottbooks.com
Other Titles by Alexander Elliott
Galactic Neighborhood Trilogy: Expedition, Odyssey, Exploration
The Galactic Neighborhood Trilogy traces the fate of three Earth colony ships, sent out into the void to find new worlds for man to conquer. Though their futures are ultimately intertwined, each face the uncertainties of a galaxy filled with wonder, danger and incredible opportunity.
Author’s note – though each book may be enjoyed as a stand-alone, I recommend reading them in sequence to get the complete backstory.
Expedition Galactic Neighborhood – Book 1
The humans of Earth planned for a long intergalactic journey. What they didn’t plan on was running into the neighbors.
In 2096 Captain Christopher Perry led the starship Expedition on a centuries-long search for a suitable world to colonize. Assisted by Mosis, a sentient AI, the unsuspecting crew is awakened by an alien transmission, leading them to the remains of the Vingah race, preserved in stasis.
With a rescue mission in full swing, the allies are challenged by an aggressive species, bent on acquiring the Vingah’s secrets. The confrontation’s outcome will change the destinies of three disparate races, and allow the victors to spread their influence throughout the galaxy.
Odyssey Galactic Neighborhood – Book 2
Colonization of an inhabited planet is forbidden. Someone broke the rules.
Under mysterious circumstances, the colony ship, Odyssey, settled on the strangely barren world of Sahara. Eighty years later, and with no help in sight, their long-term survival is in question.
When help finally arrives, long buried secrets of the past, and the machinations of a scheming politician, threaten to upset carefully laid plans for prosperity.
Caught in the middle are the Rxyl - an elusive, telepathic species already inhabiting the planet. Unaware of the human intrigue, a fortuitous accident forges a bond between the races which will alter the destiny of both peoples forever.
Exploration Galactic Neighborhood - Book 3
The Silestri thought their enemy was dead. Big mistake.
Exploration’s peaceful journey ends abruptly in disaster. The doomed vessel is attacked, stripped of its crew and destroyed. The men are marooned, while the women are forced into a slavery of the worst kind on the Silestri homeworld.
The elusive search for Exploration continued until a corridor through space was discovered, leading straight to the enemy and the dark secrets they kept.
With only days before a decisive battle, an audacious rescue effort is launched to reunite the remnants of humanity and bring them safely home.
####
SECOND CHANCE EARTH - Change is Our Future
We ruined our first chance. Can we survive the second?
Abused past the point of no return, a dying Earth is host to only a handful of struggling survivors - and something else.
Scott Hayes, at the end of his hope and longing for death, awakens to discover Earth has been rescued by a strange amorphous entity he names the Cloud. While restoration of the planet has begun, the remnants of humanity have also been changed.
Entrusted with the leadership of the first community to be awakened, Scott embraces his new life and the Cloud’s vision of the future.
Notice: Recommended for readers 18+. This book contains adult themes and sexuality, including M/M romance and male pregnancy, and is suitable for mature readers only!
####
Men of Retail Series: Love for the Working Class
Who says only the rich, powerful or famous have successful relationships? Most of us are everyday guys, working common jobs, and looking for love like everyone else. If you like stories about real people with happy endings, Men of Retail is the series you have been waiting for.
Green’s Thumb Men of Retail – Book 1
Real men, real love, real happy.
Mitch Graham and Karl Hartman are meant for each other - they just don’t know it yet. They’re both gay, middle aged, single, and open to meeting that special someone. Problem is, they never get out of the house!
With Karl working from home, and Mitch’s non-existent social life, it seems unlikely the two will ever meet. When Mitch decides on a whim to visit a new dog park, Karl’s greyhound takes a shine to him, and the game is on.
In a sneaky bid to spend more time together, Karl hires Mitch to do some landscaping work on his front yard. It doesn’t take long for something special to grow along with the flowers.
Notice: Recommended for readers 18+. This book contains adult themes and sexuality, including M/M romance, and is suitable for mature readers only!
Exploration (Galactic Neighborhood Book 3) Page 22
