Shifting Dunes

By Felisha Francine Reyes

After being convicted of an unjustified crime Daniel is sentenced to serve the remainder of his time on a desolate world, the Sunnda Moon. A satellite known for its mystery and its endless sea of sand. This will be his final mission. If successfully completed, Daniel will be a free man.

Annexed into the SAD Division, he searches for a wrecked spacecraft. Without his knowledge- or the knowledge of his superiors- Daniel realizes his connection. When it was the infamous Sloan Cox, the interstellar felon and his ex brother-in-law who left Daniel the decision whether he would choose to forget it or expose the ISDA from a great secret. When a covert occurrence is to blame for the death of Daniels sister, Maxine, the only family either of them had left.

Daniel must now face the truth, tied down by his own crime and his intangible regret, October. Who he was encouraged to leave behind in order to save from the same fate. Haunted by her, and by the loss of his sister, too, Daniel must fight for survival.

Escape tyranny by escaping home. Chase the sand in search of a second chance, a dream, a freedom, and a secret.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Apr 30, 2018
• ISBN: 9781480861466

Felisha Francine Reyes

Felisha Francine Reyes was born and raised in Texas. Writing did not come natural to her, as an artist she turned her art work into words, creative writing became a part of her person, a passion that has no end. Its not about reaching the moon anymore, its about defying gravity no matter where your from or where you been while youre getting where you need to go.

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Copyright © 2018 Felisha Francine Reyes.

www.fallintomatter.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Archway Publishing

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

ISBN: 978-1-4808-6145-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-6146-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018904153

Archway Publishing rev. date: 4/28/2018

CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two: Sands of Sunnda

Chapter Three: Into the Sands

Chapter Four

Chapter Five: Second Site, on the Third Day

Chapter Six: Hrodland Oasis

Chapter Seven: Edge

Chapter Eight: Ekaksha

Chapter Nine: Iron in the Sand

Chapter Ten: Oasis between the Hills

Chapter Eleven: Boardwalk

Chapter Twelve: Captured

Chapter Thirteen: Futures

About the Author

Rain fell endlessly, soaking into the ground. It was the end of a vast deception, but only to bring more pain. While voices of angels sang out their tunes, and as the rush of wind broke through the sanctuary that devoured it all, darkness was upon the face of the earth.

The secret was hidden beneath the ground, torn apart in burning flames that hid the illusion no longer presented. Where they had sought that which had disappeared.

When the tower had erupted, taking the entire enclosure down, they had escaped at the brink of capture.

Sloan, hard at breath, held tightly to the pain that throbbed within his chest. Looking back between the trees from the hillside, the institution was burning in flames before his eyes. As the tower of the corrupted capital city beyond it, could no longer be seen through the clouds of smoke.

The thought of having left Maxine behind in all of this, amongst the rubble of a dying city, broke him. But he had to move forward, he had to survive to deliver the justice she deserved. Sloan knew that this would come back eventually like a curved bullet aimed directly at Maxine’s heart, the one she lived for.

He who would inherit all of her misfortunes, Daniel.

Fall into Matter

Part One

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CHAPTER ONE

Interstellar Space Station Ambrosia over the Europa Moon, Jupiter, 2175

A BOX CAME UP TO DANIEL’S BUNK, DElivered without return post. He suspected it was from the ISDA for his pending mission. Finding a letter folded in three parts on top the box, he opened it and read the notice. In it was authorization note to hold the device. The signatures of the right people filled the two last pages, familiar names. It was enough to convince him, though he was not sure why he was permitted, knowing that no felon was allowed possession of such technologies.

But still it was his, the papers said it and when he peeled away the clear tape, opened the box and unraveled the foam wrapping, he found a Satomi Smart Mobile Computer and earpiece within. These were advanced technologies; the letter stated he was allowed their use for the mission only, and warned against utilizing them for any other purpose. It’s a valuable asset that could be a temporary gift.

Daniel took the items, preparing himself for the journey ahead.

After years of training on Ambrosia he also gained the three Elus braces at his left arm pinching his skin underneath his uniform. Officer Bourdain insisted it were for his benefit but each year Daniel was becoming even more agitated by it. Leaving Ambrosia made him just as uneasy, without Officer Bourdain around, Daniel didn’t know what to expect.

Daniel carried his tow bag down the hallway to the 619th Port, looking out the massive windows to the 6587 8th Veranda Voyager, docked at the gate just another distance across the Ambrosia Space Station. The Voyager remained anchored, he could see other lieutenants already boarding. It was still breathtaking, finding himself there and the distance the Europa Moon could be seen, and beyond it Jupiter and its dozens of moons. The lights of the Europa capital could be seen glimmering on its surface, bordered by a transparent dome that maintained a stabilized atmosphere within.

From this window, though it could barely be seen, planet Terra Earth looked like a star illuminated by the distant sun. It was faint but still shone brightly, even millions of miles away.

After being stationed at Ambrosia for over three years, Daniel was looking forward to seeing some solid ground; the Veranda Voyager was his only way out.

Daniel gazed up to the iron structure. He was always aware and always leery, holding a cautious fear deep within his heart that kept him at a safe distance from such massive crafts. But on this day, he had to put these thoughts aside; his duties called for him to finally leave this station for another. Those duties had brought him here, to be strapped inside this vessel, be transported through the distance of space, and to serve his final days amongst a division of the Interstellar Space Darkairi Arms within Lalande 21185.

On a distant satellite of Axunium Earth, the Sunnda Moon, an inhabited planet known for its mystery and endless sea of sands that revolved the dying world. This would be Daniel’s final mission, the end of his journey to become a free man.

It would be his last chance.

But nerves still intoxicated him when the vessel pushed itself off portside; the boosters moved with a thud that, within minutes, turned the vessel toward the direction of the route, pushed it forward out of range of Europa space, and prepared it for the second launch that would drive it fast through the void.

Daniel’s nerves fell to nothing, sweating where he had kept still in his seat. An announcement informed them all of their switching ignitions coming up. He remained seated, leaned back, and prepared for the thrust as the countdown progressed.

Amid all the noise he closed his eyes, he tightened his grip over both arm rests, trying to move his thoughts elsewhere. He sought to fall into a dream, and then a memory rose up, one Daniel had not thought of in years. It brought Daniel a small aid, held in an easy breath as the noises abated. The vessel reaching the clearing, switched ignitions and the count fell to one.

Daniel remained calm, contained in the silence as the pull sent them through the 149-hour trip. Fallen asleep he thought of October.

Nature’s Own Silent Rest

Brimingham, Texas, USA, Earth Terra,

Five Years Ago

The sunlight hit Daniel’s face, warmth stroked him; though spring had come, the cool wind was still in the air. But nothing could bother him here; nothing could move him when he was waiting for her. October always brought a smile to Daniel’s face even then where he stood alone.

She had him, heart and soul, no longer weathered or wondering, coming to that would say otherwise but now that it was known Daniel felt himself light at feet.

Since the moment Daniel has set eyes on her, he was in love not only because of her beauty, but also because of her bold and down-to-earth nature. There was an awkwardness about her; it made her unusual yet extraordinary. Daniel felt devoured by her eyes with every glance, but in the end, it had been the way Daniel looked at her that had caused October given him a thought.

And it was a vast thought, one that consumed them both.

Before this, October was untouchable; he couldn’t speak to her or even look her way. If it was by intimidation by her beauty, or nervous because of her robust ways. Or simply because October was considered of higher class than him and the world would not let this combination breath.

Back then, they were strangers. Back then, all that filled Daniel’s mind was his sister, his last remaining blood line, the only unconditional love worth his worry.

The disaster Daniel had seen it, repeating over and over again on the television news all over the world, worlds united.

Earth Terra, year 2169, June

The Darkairi constellation capital, Lalande, had been assaulted by unknown forces; civil war was being threatened amongst the kayos, including ISDA powers against two foes. At the end of it all, ISDA was said to be the victor, unmatched; still many lives were lost. When Daniel heard the civil brawl had hit the institution, he knew Maxine was in trouble, between it all, he known she was amongst the wreckage.

For two long weeks the worry ate into Daniel, having not heard of his sister, nor heard her voice brought concerns and drove him to come sit within the dean’s office on the worst fifteenth awful day of hearing nothing but Maxine’s absence within the dial tone.

Recognizing Ms. Humphrey’s silence, the look in her eyes, Daniel known that something terrible must have happened to Maxine in her last mission. She had never been known to not call in, and this waiting was becoming intolerable.

Daniel, Ms. Humphrey breathed; the hesitation could be heard in her tone.

Bad news was on its way.

Just tell me already, I know… just tell me, Daniel said. His quick words had not surprised her. Humphrey was deeply saddened to see a bond amongst siblings cut by tragedy. I haven’t heard from Maxine in days. he told, his eyes fell low, preparing for what was coming.

They didn’t specify to me, Daniel. Regarding the whereabouts of your sister they searched for her in the Institution, all throughout the capital for her and the other missing personnel; I know you’ve have seen the news. ISDA had initially announced she was missing, but now they are telling me that she is deceased. I’m sorry, Daniel. Ms. Humphrey’s voice had faded away. For a moment, Daniel felt a wave of emptiness distort him, making everything come so real.

Maxine is hurt, that is what he’d expected to hear. Not Maxine is dead.

Seeing your circumstances, Daniel, Ms. Humphrey was continuing. Having no living relatives, the board and myself had discussed this. You will not enter any orphanages by the promise Maxine left for you. Your schooling at the academy has been paid in full through her services to the ISDA, so you will stay here under the board’s eye and myself. Once you reach the appropriate age, you will also inherit the sum Maxine left for you; it’s her life insurance. One hundred eighty thousand dollars will be deposited in your bank account once you’ve reached your eighteenth birthdate. You have everything here so you don’t have to worry of where you stand, Ms. Humphrey’s stream of words continued to fall meaninglessly to Daniel’s ears.

He fallen adrift, he suddenly felt the breath taken from him.

Maxine’s dead, Daniel muttered.

After the meeting with the dean was over, Daniel felt the absolute and immediate need to leave the school grounds. He pushed through the front doors; all he knew was that he had to run. Anywhere. When Maxine was the one he used to chase behind as kids. Now she was gone, all he could do was let his feet find their own way down the sidewalk.

It was not a sane mind that walked the halls after that day, what was music that crossed Daniel’s ears that he no longer heard. Now the voices of fairies singing lightly at first for days it agitated him, then for weeks, and months until suddenly, the vague ringing stopped.

Daniel stopped in the center of it all. With the season changing came winter of the new year, 2170. Silence had corroded his thoughts, and finally his gloomy state no longer thought about the steady beep of the dial tone.

Maxine was gone, it was like nothing changed; the world still went on as if nothing happened. Only Daniel felt altered; he felt an emptiness within him that kept him light at his feet for days. There was nothing he could do but go on with the schedules, dragging through the halls aimlessly as if there were nothing else.

Daniel could not keep himself still during the day, and he could not sleep at night; left him with a tired look in his face. He had a reasonable excuse for falling asleep in class so often.

Professor Wynfield shown him some kindness and had allowed him to take the hall pass to go for a walk to clear his mind.

On his way back to class, coming around the corner of the empty corridor, Daniel’s mind was pushed out of its oblivion as he bumped into her shoulder. Her textbooks crashed to the floor between them, along with sheets of loose-leaf paper, her pens and smart tablet.

I’m sorry, Daniel quickly apologized, kneeling down to collect her things.

It’s fine, the sound of her voice reached him, Daniel pause to look up and realizing it was October kneeling down aside to help collect her things, pulling them back in order. You need to watch where you are going, October scolded him, glancing down the hall where her friends waited.

As fast as she had come around the corner, she left to the call of her name. Daniel was left standing there, watching her disappear behind a classroom door. Daniel felt as if he were falling into a deeper hole. For a moment, Daniel forgot where he’d come from, where he was, and where he was going.

Daniel’s mind was empty in wonder. Thoughts of her sustained him to the lunch hour. Where he sat in the company of his friends, they could sense his distraction; as it had been for the past weeks. It was nothing beyond the ordinary for Daniel to be lost in thought these days, so they let him be. They had no idea that his mind was on her, on something beyond the tragedy of his sister’s death.

Daniel was watching the entrances of the cafeteria, looking for her, making quick glances at the doors across the yard when someone would walk in. No October, but when he spotted those girls from before. Daniel suspected that she would be amongst them. As they passed his table, there she was, in the center of them all.

Her locks of hair were in all shades of brown, fell across her shoulders, and swayed with each move she made. She had light tan skin and abrupt hazel eyes, with a gaze that seemed to incriminate anyone she laid eyes on. Those eyes were unlike any Daniel had seen.

Daniel was captivated from the moment he looked up to her in the halls. And his silence had made him invisible.

Are you all right there, buddy? Bishop asked him from across the table, noticing Daniel’s far off gaze. Did you see something interesting? Bishop poked at him. Hmm, maybe you’ve got a little thing for the new girl? he playfully taunted.

Even though they were raised in different aspects of life; Daniel was from a small town in Texas and Bishop was from Chicago. Bishop always teased Daniel since they were younger, it started off as playful competition but now that they had grown older, it became a mutual respect that became a friendship. Bishop knew when Daniel had another interest.

I don’t know what you’re talking about, Daniel shrugged.

Who has it in for who? Kate asked, Bishop nudged his chin in October’s direction.

October Ardelis, Blake smirked to Daniel’s left, leaning up against him. Blake was a curious one from the bunch, cocky and a jokester. With his messy mohawk and gauge piercings, it was hard to take anything he said seriously.

Oh? Kate turned to find October surrounded by the popular crowd.

October is a stunning beauty; noticeable but not stereotypical, although she seemed to fit in with this crowd. Her clothes were of high quality, and the way she spoke, was like them. But there was some diffidence in October’s movements, maintaining a smile with them when they all laughed, being a sport.

Daniel watched as Thomas, that obnoxious jock that he was, walked over and put his arm around October. Thomas was tall and well built, blond hair with sun tanned skin. He used to be Daniel’s friend before steroids and the need to lift more than two hundred pounds. Daniel didn’t want anything to do with him, and he didn’t want to start a mess, and looked away.

Man, that’s a tough place to approach; you don’t have a chance, Blake told honestly. Give it up now, bro; she’s got her own bodyguards and everything.

Thanks for lying to me. Daniel told staring down at his tray, rolling the chunks of peas and carrots around with his spoon.

She is really something, Daniel, Kate said. She’s only been here a few months, and I’m already hearing talk about her in the bathrooms that she is all kinds of weird.

She’s been here a while? Daniel question, he hadn’t noticed before.

Yeah; your head’s been up in the clouds, you know, but she’s been here since school started, Bishop informed him. I mean, Blake pointed her out the other day, like really noticeably. I think you missed that too. We’re lucky the jocks didn’t hear him.

She’s hot, and weird. What more could you want? You can do all kinds of freaky things and she’ll be alright with it, Blake grinned, catching Kate’s displeased gaze. She slapped the back of his head.

Stop being nasty, Blake! she yelled, moving her chair away from him. Don’t be giving Daniel bad advice, weirdo. Kate turned to Daniel. Listen, Daniel. Obviously, she’s out of your league…

Oooo! Bishop and Blake responded to Kate’s words. Kate shot them both the evil eye; you’re not helping at all.

That doesn’t mean, she said forcefully, silencing them both with a threatening finger, and then turning calmly back to Daniel, "that you don’t have a chance. You don’t know what she really is like until you approach her, talk to her like a civilized person, she said loudly enough for Blake to catch. He only rolled his eyes. You might be surprised what you find." Kate told, worthy advice.

Daniel looked back at October. Her smile was seductive to him, and the way she presented herself captured all his attention, but the group she had become part of had made her untouchable.

Yeah, or you could drag her by her hair like our ancestors used to do, Blake laughed.

Stop giving bad advice, you freak! Kate shouted, pulling on his ear, making Blake wiggle around to take his seat.

I don’t know, Daniel replied, dispirited. He was beginning to feel guilty; he could not let himself think of such things when the memory of his sister was still fresh. I got to go. I’ll see you guys later, he told them, standing up with his tray.

But hey, Daniel… Kate started, her words dropped off as she watched Daniel make his way to the trash bin on his way to the west wing hall.

So, what about the approach confession? Is he going to do it? Bishop asked, turning to Kate and Blake. Kate could only shrug her shoulders.

I’m thinking it’s a no, Blake replied.

Daniel sat confined in his bedroom for the longest time, rhythmically tapping his fingers on his desk, taking a slight pause between each set. It was not enough to sustain him, but it did keep him calm. He continued the steady beat as he stared toward the container that leaned against the corner of his room.

It was a guitar case, and it held a treasure within, a forbidden fruit, Daniel felt it to be. It was the last thing his sister had left him, a few months before her disappearance.

Her words had remained in his thoughts.

She had wanted him to get rid of it when he had the chance, to pawn it out for some extra cash. Daniel had thought of doing it, but he had been busy. Looking at it now, Daniel couldn’t just let it go. He let it gather dust in the corner; but that was not what crossed him now with guilt. There was a hand print on it now, dustless shapes of fingers where its hinges had been opened.

A vision of Sloan Cox came to his mind, with his back turned away from Daniel, holding the guitar on his left leg, strumming its strings made heard the low tone. Sloan turned his head as if he’d heard something, but before Daniel saw a glimpse of his face, Daniel pull himself back into his reality, sitting at the edge of his bedside, staring into the oblivion.

Tears suddenly swollen his eyes when the depression set in, knowing that he couldn’t live like this anymore, with the blame, missing Maxine; knowing she wouldn’t want him like this, knowing that their parents would not want this for him.

Over and over again she had stressed to him of the ‘what if’ something happened. She had urged him to be responsible with the money he would receive from her, to fight for his future, for something worth the cause. His mind now turned to this; what was worth him fighting for? What would be his future? What cause was worthy? His mind came blank.

Daniel tried to do all the things Maxine wanted him to do. Stay in school, do exceptional work, have friends? Have love, even though his love was more like a crush, surely it counted for something. She’d wanted him to be a respectable man, noble and courteous to others, educated and well-established. Someone who knew who he was and could not be faltered or pushed around, either by words or physical means. She wanted him to be bold at times, have an edge when needed, to refuse to be a punching bag, and to be both a follower and leader.

Maxine told him to be a follower when it was required, and to be a leader when it was necessary.

These were all the traits which Sloan Cox had; they were things which Maxine admired, and Daniel once hoped to aspire to.

That was hard to believe now, when newscasts showed such a noble man to be a ruthless individual. Sloan Cox’s face was posted an interstellar wanted man, a danger to all living existences. Daniel couldn’t stand to see his face now, dismissed him off a stranger. But even though Sloan had proven to lack the qualities of greatness, it had not changed Daniel’s desires to be someone better, for Maxine. He wanted to aspire to all the things she’d wanted him to be.

Accepting now, at last, that Maxine would never return, Daniel decided to be an individual to carry Maxine’s ideal. With that, Daniel stood himself up and carried on to another day.

He went to class as usual, listened closely to the lectures of his teachers, soaked it all in. He went to lunch in the cafeteria, sat with his friends at their usual spot, a table in the food court beneath a tree planted between the concrete tiles.

And then there was October.

The least he could do was admit his feeling to her, to allow his admiration to no longer lay anchored. This would be enough, Daniel thought to himself. But just as he was on his way to take that chance, he was diverted by the massive wall that was Thomas and his group of friends.

One attempt after another followed. It frayed Daniel’s nerves, once having to dive out of the way before Thomas saw him coming. It was becoming ridiculous, but he had to do it.

When the second semester rolled in, Daniel couldn’t believe his luck.

When Daniel realized that October was in his journalism class, a mischievous smile crossed Daniel’s face. The class could provide a perfect excuse to talk to her. If his attempt crashed and burned, he began to imagine how he could use an assignment as an opportunity to get her attention.

Daniel borrowed a camera from the journalism professor, cleaned it, and inserted a new memory card. It was an old-fashioned one from the twentieth century. Jolson had wanted Daniel to experience the way digital photography had felt when it was a brand-new technology.

Kate watched him from across the table as he worked with the camera. It’s been a long while since she’d seen him actually working and not dragging his feet while doing it. It made her curious.

What you doing there? Kate asked playfully.

I’m cleaning this thing up.

Yeah?

Yeah. Why? Daniel asked.

Nothing, She shrugged.

The professor wants me to take pictures of the field trip to Brimingham High. He wants me to write a report on it, put in some inspirational photographs, and present it to the class for extra credit.

You’re doing a presentation like in front of the class and everything?

Yeah, Daniel simply replied, as he snapped a quick picture of her. Capturing her ebony complexion highlighted her hazel colored eyes. She had an inverted medium length bob haircut, it was a new look make her look like an intellectual even while she worn the most casual attire. She was studying to be an RN, which acquired her to be a people person, through the years she known Daniel, she could practically read his mind, know what he was thinking. Almost.

Daniel could see that she was suspicious, he knew Kate very well with just by a look he knew what she was thinking.

It’s not a big deal, Kate.

Yeah, okay. Kate was relieved to see that Daniel was trying to step forward from his tragedy. Trying to become the Daniel she long missed.

When the bus arrived at the Brimingham High State University’s education center, there was a collective gasp of admiration at the sight of the buildings. The bus came to a stop in front of the education center. Professor Jolson was the first to step out of the double doors onto the ground that were overflowing with people.

Wow, now here’s a crowd, Professor Jolson commented to himself, fixing his glasses as he looked up at the main building. A huge curved stairway lead up to the grand front entrance. Rivers of students followed their guides up to the doors, crowding the sidewalks in massive numbers. When the Bernadette classes began to gather on the sidewalk, Jolson couldn’t help but feel that they were the smallest group of all the schools there.

There Daniel stood, amongst the thirty-two students from his school. He began to take pictures.

Come on, youths of America, gather around, Professor Jolson shouted as he gestured with his hands, in an attempt to pull them into a tight bundle around him.

Come on, come on, hurry up. There’s no time to waste if we want to see everything BHSU has to offer, he said, counting each head as he spoke.

In one image had Daniel been able to capture her. October was in the group, it wasn’t surprising that the fifth ranked student in the class would come to take a look at Brimingham High. The bad news was that she was in company of one particular girl of her clique, the ruthless Camile, making October unapproachable as ever. Camile was second of the class, it wasn’t too surprising to see her there as well when she was the daughter of one of the top doctors in Brimingham.

Adding to Camile’s high intellect, she was also high maintenance, always worn the current fashion she made her own. With ebony skin, and long dark brown hair always kept stylish. Today she dressed professionally to conquer the business world and to keep a good record at BHU.

Her attitude was hardcore, nonetheless, but the worst news was that somehow the king of the jocks, Thomas, had been able to attend this trip, he never strayed very far from October. The idea of talking to October was stripped away for good the moment Daniel spotted Thomas’s arm swing into frame around her shoulder. Nothing came easy to Daniel, this was certain.

Thirty-two bodies. I expect thirty-two to return to the bus as instructed. We might be a small school, but this will be a fair warning for all of you. If you get lost, it’s both my ass and yours, which means it’s doubly yours, he pointed a grim finger and gazed at them all. Stay with the group, understood?

An unbalanced flood of Yes Sir’s filled the air.

That’s good enough for me, Professor Jolson said, and pressed his hands together. The enthusiasm of his group was far less than he would have liked. Let’s make the best of this trip and show those other schools what Bernadette Academy is all about! he cheered, though the response he received was some spare applause, and not from his class, but from other schools’ students as they were passing. Jolson’s visage darkened in humiliation.

Daniel couldn’t stop himself from laughing under his breath, amused by his professor’s epic failure as an inspirational speaker. He captured Jolson though the camera lens as he rolled his eyes, turning from the group in a still picture.

It’s one for the books for sure.

Bernadette Academy, someone called out.

Professor Jolson turning turned to find a tall woman behind him in a gray suit, with its white blouse buttoned up all the way to her neckline. Her brown hair was pinned up high in a tight bud. She looked like a lawyer, but the name tag on her jacket’s left pocket read, Ms. Reeves, BHSU.

Yes, we’re the Bernadette Academy, Professor Jolson replied. Hi, I’m Professor James Jolson,

Welcome to Brimingham High State University, Ms. Reeves shook his hand. I am Ms. Reeves, and I will be your guide today. She looked past Jolson to the students, a circle of faces that was much smaller than other school groups she had seen here today. Oh, well, are you a small class, she said, turning to Professor Jolson. Is this everyone?

Yes, this is everyone. Professor Jolson said, rather gloomy. We are a small school, but our high-level scores make up for it.

Well, all right then, if you all will follow me, we will begin the tour, Ms. Reeves started for the stairs that lead up to the grand lobby. Stay close if you please, and be courteous to other students so we all may have a great learning experience.

Daniel noticed Thomas whisper something into October’s ear. He was obviously trying to be charming, but he was so big that he towered over her brutishly. Whatever Thomas said to October, she was not impressed, only granting him a polite smile. It was clear to Daniel that October was trying not to seem bothered as she continued to walk along with the Camile on their way inside. Daniel, taken photos, noticing once Thomas had looked away, October’s smile had quickly faded.

Daniel had the idea to take a picture of the whole class as they approached the building doors, between larger groups; he envisioned it would be like a school of fish between swarms. Daniel took the photograph then fell back with the group as they walked it.

Isn’t this something? Lucilla said to him, holding back from the group to see Daniel take the photographs. Our school is nothing compared to everyone else here. It’s pathetic.

Well, our school is only fifteen years old, so I expect it would take some time to reach that kind of population, Daniel responded, as both of them worked their way behind the others.

Still, fifteen years is a pretty long time, Lucilla replied.

Lucilla known Daniel since the beginning of the year that she enrolled in Bernadette. She is a California baby, with short wild blond hair and an attitude of a true journalist, always prying for the right story.

She had another class with him as well with Kate, she was fairly new but even she knew Daniel hadn’t been himself. After talking to Kate, she known something was up and was keeping herself on the ‘in’ just to see exactly what Daniel was up to. Noticing October was there, it only made her smile, wondering even more if Daniel did have some secret intentions under the camera sense.

Daniel took a number of pictures throughout the tour. It was near inspirational how he had captured the school entering the grand lobby. Photographing them peering up to the lofty, modern architectural designs. Huge pillars held up the high round ceiling above, and there were balconies that curved walkways, around to the fourth level. Here, every eye wandered up through the open space, admiring this grand entrance, which greatly exceeded their expectations.

After the lobby, Ms. Reese led the group across marble floor to the front desk, to check the school in with Professor Jolson. They returned with brochures for the entire group, handing them around to everyone before leading them to their first destination.

Daniel couldn’t help but be amused by it all, to see the words printed exquisitely on the front cover of the brochures: Brimingham High State University Department of Aerodynamics, Engineering, Science and Interstellar Innovation.

It was incredible to see even for people who had yet to travel beyond the moon base ground, or even the space station, at that. Earth Terra (as this world had now come to be called) was no longer lost within the void of the spaces.

Now, after enduring so many traumatic happenings in the last century, the twenty-second century was now known as the era of exploration beyond the bounds of Earth Terra. This planet had been an inhabited system until it had been torn by confusion through the silent ages, before world records were recorded.

With the Alliance discovery of Terra Earth in the mid twenty-first century. They saved Earth Terra from unknown threats, it had also called for the realization of the outside existences and brought forth the united nations as a one world law, independent aside of the Alliance. Earth Terra was introduced to histories of external threats that had long wandered throughout the emptiness throughout time.

Recognizing these threats – these hazards to Earth Terra’s existence and watching two of its three brother planets in the solar system fall long ago, called for extra reinforcements. This not only led to the formation of the ISDA, but also created the United Nations Alliance, Earth Terra’s solar system defense, as well as other agencies for the inhabitants. Including the Terra Earth Defense and Arms.

The creation of the Brimingham High’s Department of Aerodynamics, Engineering, Science and Interstellar Innovation, was in order to better secure the defenses of Earth Terra for its future.

Ms. Reeves led the group to a curved hallway, lined with framed pictures of all the years of aviation throughout Earth’s history. From the unusual ideas of Leonardo De Vinci and the Wright Brothers, to the independent advancements by mankind on Earth to the discovery of the fallen Darkairi ship on the dark side of the moon. That discovery alone was a cornerstone that affected the entire world, proving the Darkairi’s existence and their fall.

The walls of the corridor also held modern images of aviation advancement given from the Alliance, used by the Interstellar Space Darkairi Arms, the militia of Darkairi Constellation Territory; including the AAD (Alliance Arms of Defense) Alliance Militia, and the UNA of Earth Terra.

To adapt to such dramatic change was the key, Ms. Reeves kept on. "To question the true situation Earth Terra was truly in. For thousands of years, this world was indeed alone. With the