Lily: The Founding of the. Land, #1

By PB Fox

The year is 2937. Over the last 900 years, mankind has suffered two great disasters wiping out much of the human population. Vast areas remain empty, unfit for life of any kind. Natural resources are rare. People live in despair, wondering if the next disaster will be the last. Various projects to save humanity have come and gone. One man has worked tirelessly on his vision of taking the human race to the stars to find a new home. Although space travel has been available within the solar system, interstellar space travel has remained out of reach. Spruce Forest has invested his time and resources to develop a way. He finally succeeded. This is not his story. This is the story of his sister.

 

  It's been 6 months since the last evacuees passed through the portals on Earth to seek a new home among the stars. Those few humans that remain number less than half a million and include those who believe the Earth could still recover and provide a place for humans and nature to coexist. Among them is a group of scientists and other professionals whose mission is to save as many as possible of the Hybrid races, genetic creations, once the pets and playthings of the super rich, now abandoned and left to fend for themselves. The leader of this mission of mercy is a woman named Lily.

 

Prequel to the novels in the Adventures in the Land Series by PB Fox.

• Language: English
• Publisher: PB Fox
• Release date: Dec 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215977774

Book preview

Art work

ILLUSTRATIONS OF; LILY, Robin, Ewan, Aidan, Timeo, Jules, Karo, and Ulrik provided by YxCaro. Thank you so much for bringing these characters to life.

Illustrations of Eliran, Bree and Zohar, as shown in The Adventures in the Land series, by LenaRart.

Cover art from Adobe express.

Acknowledgement:

SPECIAL THANKS TO MY sister Deb. Without whose support and encouragement none of this would have been possible.

Lily

The Founding of the Land

book 1

By PB Fox

Prologue

THE YEAR IS 2937. OVER the last 900 years, mankind has suffered two great disasters wiping out much of the human population. Vast areas remain empty, unfit for life of any kind. Natural resources are rare. People live in despair, wondering if the next disaster will be the last. Various projects to save humanity have come and gone. One man has worked tirelessly on his vision of taking the human race to the stars to find a new home. Although space travel has been available within the solar system, interstellar space travel has remained out of reach. Spruce Forest has invested his time and resources to develop a way. He finally succeeded. This is not his story. This is the story of his sister.

It’s been 6 months since the last evacuees passed through the portals on Earth to seek a new home among the stars. Those few humans that remain number less than half a million and include those who were deemed unfit for the journey, mostly criminals or those suspected of radical terrorist activities, and others who believed the Earth could still recover and provide a place for humans and nature to coexist. Among them was a small group of scientists and other professionals whose mission is to save as many as possible of the hybrid creatures, once the pets and playthings of the super rich, now abandoned and left to fend for themselves. The leader of this mission of mercy is a woman named Lily.

Chapter 1 The Camp

LILY CLIMBED THE OBSERVATION tower that stood in the center of the landing field. From here, she could see most of the camp. It was vast, divided into sections. On the edge of the landing strip is the processing tent. A large circular tent that reminded her of an ancient circus. It was there that the hybrids were examined and briefed on what to expect in this new life. All who came here did so of their own free will, yet still it was a frightening and confusing time for most of them. After they had time to settle down, they were assigned to a habitation section. Free to move about within that section only, in order to keep predators from prey.

Lily spotted Cosmo heading towards her. Cosmo was her assistant, and from the look on his face, he had more bad news. It seemed like bad news was all she ever heard now days. She thought briefly about happier times when she was younger, playing with her brother Spruce in the family park. Spruce was gone now, lost in the stars, as untouchable as her childhood.

Lily, we have a problem.

Just one? That would be a change.

I wish. You know I try not to bother you with anything unless it’s urgent.

I know, Cosmo, and I appreciate it. I really do, so what’s the latest?

We lost another transport.

Was anyone hurt?

No, thankfully, the pilot was able to bring it down in one piece about two miles East of here. The crew was spotted herding the hybrids towards camp. We sent out a truck to bring them in.

Dam! That leaves us only four. We will have to reassign one of the supply transports to the rescue.

Samantha won’t like that! They are having a hard time keeping to the schedule as it is. Building a functioning observation base hidden in a mountain is no simple task these days. Last time she grilled me for 20 minutes on how in all her years of construction she’s never had to put up with so many shortages.

Yes, yes, I know. It can’t be helped! We’re in the bloody apocalypse! It’s not like anytime before!

We all know that. She’s just trying her best for you.

I know she is. It’s not for me though, it’s for them. Lily waves her arm in the direction of the habitation section. We don’t have any other choices.

We have rescued thousands already. Maybe it’s time to stop and concentrate on helping the ones we have?

There could be thousands more. We just don’t know? Each species needs as many individuals as we can find for the best chance of survival. I will not stop looking for them until I have to.

Many of them may not be able to adapt and make it on their own. With limited resources, focusing on the more promising races might be more productive?

You have said this all before, and my position hasn’t changed. I want to give them all a chance. None of them had a choice in anything since they were birthed in a lab. The least we can do is give them the best chance of surviving.

They have their freedom now, all of them, here and everywhere. Maybe that’s all they need?

We owe them so much more. Now let’s go find out what happened to that transport.

Arriving at the processing tent, Lily spotted Robin, his crew, and several hybrids that included a Centaur family, a very frightened-looking rabbit boy, and two Fauns. Lily waved Robin over.

What the hell happened to my transport? Do you know how much this is going to set us back?

Nice to see you too, Lily, and we are all fine. Thanks for asking!

Sorry, Cosmo, said no one was hurt. I see you found more hybrids. Good work. You haven’t answered my question, though. What happened?

We were able to land with no interference. The centaur father confronted us right away. It took a while to talk him into coming. In the end, it was the promise of food for his family that did it. We were getting ready to leave when Aidan spotted the little rabbit boy hiding.

I thought those two fauns looked familiar. Why were they on your transport? We don’t have the room for joy rides.

Those two are among the best rescuers we have. A lot of the hybrids trust them before they will any of us. That little rabbit boy is a good example. That’s only the second one we have been able to bring in, and it was Ewan and Aidan that did the trick both times.

Are you telling me you have brought those boys out before? They’re only boys, and hybrids are not allowed to be crew.

Of course I have. Don’t let their ages fool you. They mature fast and they want to help. Anyway, we got the little bunny on board and just in time. Some Scavs spotted us and started shooting. One got a lucky shot into the X-port as we lifted. I was able to feather her along on the remaining engine, but it redlined just short of the camp.

I am glad you made it back. Once you’re done here, I want the whole thing documented for tomorrow’s briefing.

Even the help from the faun brothers?

Put it in. I will decide what to do about it tonight. In fact, I need to see you this evening to talk about how we’re going to get you back in the air. Bring them with you. I might as well hear from all sides.

I am sure they will be thrilled. See you then.

As Robin makes his way back to his crew, Lily turns to Cosmo. What do you think?

You know what I think. We don’t have the resources to keep up the search, and it’s getting more dangerous. This trip he only brought in 5 and that’s the biggest group this week.

I know. I just don’t want to give up yet.

Are you really going to ground another crew just to put Robin back up? You know that won’t go over well with the other flyers.

I know. Robin is the best at it, though.

That’s true, and you seem to enjoy his company.

That’s ridiculous, and you know it. I don’t have time for that kind of thing right now.

Lily, we have known each other for a long time. It’s time you got over Ned. He’s gone to the stars. You need to have a life other than the project. Think about it.

Perhaps you’re right, but Robin, do you think he’s interested?

Lily, you’re the smartest woman I know. How can you not notice the way he acts around you?

You’re just making this up.

I guess you will find out tonight on your date.

It’s not a date! He’s bringing those kids. We have to make a decision, and I want firsthand information. What do you think about the matter?

It has to happen. We are running out of everything, including skilled workers. Some of these hybrids we are saving might help fill the gap.

This project is supposed to set them up to be independent of human influence. Having them involved in our operation might complicate that.

This refugee camp is temporary, anyway. Why not let them help here, just restrict them from the mountain?

Still, most of them haven’t exactly had the best relationship with humans. They have been used as pets, or worse. Will they trust us? Can we trust them?

Regardless of what they look like, they’re all just people. Some will have problems and might not be suitable candidates, others could be. Treat them like anyone else, as individuals. You don’t need all of them involved. Ask for volunteers and pick only those you feel comfortable with.

You’re right. Again, I will try to keep an open mind, starting with those faun boys. Thanks, Cosmo. I have to get moving. I need to catch up with Samantha.

The meeting with Samantha lasted for 3 hours and by the time they finished, Lily was exhausted. She desperately needed a break to gather her thoughts, a little peace to help compose herself for the evening. She started walking back to her tent, but before she got halfway there, she changed her mind and turned towards the path to the lake. It was a small lake nestled among the pines and, as a source of clean water, off limits to everyone. Everyone except Lily. She often went there to stand and look towards the mountains. The mountains where the new base was being built, a new home for her, and the other humans that chose to be part of the project, they would spend the rest of their lives deep in its roots. The sight of the mountains gave her a sense of calm, a feeling of rightness. Lily stood watching the minnows swim near the rock, listening to a hawk cry and breathing the sent of the pines, then before she left, she offered up a quiet prayer, in thanks for the opportunity to help, a plea for the strength to continue, and blessings for everyone involved. Not that she was what anyone would call a religious type. She rarely thought of such things. This moment, however it just felt right.

On the way back, she thought of the little scared rabbit boy. There was only one other, another boy, slightly older. What chance did they have for the future? If the rescue teams fail to find any more, their race will die out and those two would never know the joys of family or the sense of belonging with others like them. She made a mental note to check on them later. This was on her mind as she saw Robin leading the faun boys towards her tent.

After the crash landing and walk back to the big tent with the new people, Ewan and Aidan thought all the fun for the day was over. The only thing left was to help bring the new boy to his habitation section and turn him over to whoever was in charge for the day. When Robin told them they were to have dinner with him and that lady, the one in charge of the whole place, they both were excited, until he added she wanted to talk about them going on flights with Robin. Now the boys were nervous.

They had come to the camp with their family and a number of other Fauns from three different owners 6 months ago, and were among the first to arrive. The camp had grown rapidly at first. At the peak, over 100 people of all kinds arrived each day. It wasn’t long, however, until that first rush was over and now the rescue crews often returned empty. Not Robin’s crew. They always found someone. He took more risks and sometimes things got broken, like the ship today. Ewan and Aidan loved the excitement, and helping is what fauns do. It makes them feel right.

There were plenty of ways to help in the habitation section, of course. Their parents helped in the food distribution and the boys organized many of the children into patrols to keep the area clean and watch for families or individuals who might be struggling but not know who to ask. People felt safer talking to children sometimes than strange adults. The younger children followed Ewan around like puppies. In fact, some of the kids were puppies, the young sons and daughters of a people called Companions. Aidan was the leader of one of these patrols and kept his small charges on their toes or claws.

Robin had noticed their work and asked if they would come help on his flights. It was an offer they couldn’t refuse. That was a month ago. Now they were worried that it might be over. So nervously, they walked along with Robin to the leader’s tent.

Robin, good, right on time. Bring the kids inside and find them a seat while I get some food ready.

You heard her boys. Come on, we don’t want too many bugs coming in with us.

Miss, ah.

Just call me Lily.

Miss Lily, my brother Aidan and I can do the cooking if you want us to? We used to cook for our master.

Well, thank you, Ewan, right?

Yes, Miss Lily.

Just Lily.

Yes, Lily.

I appreciate the offer, but I am not your master. Those days are gone. All of you are free to do what you want now. That’s why we’re doing all of this, bringing you all here to live your own lives free from masters.

But you are in charge here? Everyone does what you say.

Yes, that’s true, sort of. In the habitation zones, each race is beginning to govern themselves now.

As long as we stay in our zone.

The zones are only temporary. Soon we will start assigning each race to a section of land all their own.

So, like a zone, only bigger.

Yes, exactly.

Will we get to pick our own lands?

Unfortunately, we can’t do that. You see, some races shouldn’t be near some of the others, and we want to avoid conflicts. For your safety. Do you understand?

I think so. We are going to be told where we will stay, to be safe, so we can do what we want as long as we follow the rules.

Robin chuckles, and as Lily looks towards him, he says. I told you, they look like kids, but they mature, fast, and smart.

I see that. Looks like we need to hold some informational meetings with the races.

Might not be a bad idea! You could ask for their input, let them become part of the process?

Miss Lily?

Aidan, it’s Lily. What’s up? Do you have a question?

No question, just the vegetables are burning.

Lily quickly removes the pan from the stove. I have changed my mind. If you boys don’t mind, I think I will let you cook. Robin and I need to talk about some things that don’t involve you. Then, after dinner, we can all go over some things together. Would that be alright?

Ewan and Aidan get up and bow. Of course! Come on, Aidan they move over and immediately get to work.

Robin, let’s go outside. If I stay to watch them, I am going to feel even more guilty.

I don’t think you have anything to feel guilty about. They asked to help. It’s part of who they are.

A part that was genetically engineered into them by us.

Be that as it may. They are who they are now. To attempt to change that would just be another crime.

I suppose, I just worry, a race of people who want to serve everyone. How long until one of the other races steps in and becomes their new masters?

We will give them the best education and put them in a safe place. After that, they will find their own way.

I know that’s what we have to do. It’s just so complicated and it’s worse when you get to know them. How will you do it? You have come to know these boys. Aren’t you going to worry about them once we dump them off somewhere?

Sure, I like Ewan and Aidan and when the time comes, I probably will be sad that I won’t see them anymore, but every time they come out on a rescue with me, they learn about how to handle different situations with other races. I don’t mind telling you, they are good at it. Worry, yes, but I will be comforted in that I did what I could for them.

It smells good in there. Let’s go back in. I am hungry now. We will finish up after.

Yes, Master Lily. Robin said with a smile.

Who’s the pilot that needs me to find him another transport? Lily smiles back.

As they finished dinner, Lily rose and collected everyone’s plates.

The food was wonderful, boys. Thanks for doing that! Now Robin and I will clean up, and I would like to hear from each of you why you want to help Robin on his missions.

Aidan begins, it’s fun. We get to ride way up high and see all the land.

Ewan continues, Robin is really nice, and he teaches us a lot of things.

The whole crew tells us stuff.

Go on, Aidan, what kind of stuff do they teach you?

How the ship works and how life was where they used to live.

Is that all, then? It’s fun, and you like to hear stories from the crew?

We like to help people. Ewan adds.

Well, I think I have heard enough. Thank you. Please wait outside while Robin and I finish taking.

Once the boys are outside, Robin asks. So, what do you think of my helpers?

I think they are very nice kids. However, I am not convinced that they deserve a place on missions.

I don’t think you understand how valuable it is to them and how much of an asset they are to us!

I will give it further thought, but I won’t make any promises.

So, what ship do I get? I want to do a through check before the next mission.

What makes you so sure I am going to give you another one?

Because I am your best pilot, and why else ask about Ewan and Aidan if I wasn’t going back up? I doubt you are thinking of putting them on another crew.

I talked it over with Samantha. It’s really critical right now for her to keep the 3 ships she has. She’s quite upset with you for letting your ship get damaged.

It wasn’t my fault! It’s them dam Scavs.

I told her the rescues are essential. It’s her opinion that the safer pilots should continue and you could find other ways to contribute. Like helping her with construction.

Please don’t tell me you're reassigning me to base construction!

No, but I am not taking Fala and her crew out of missions, either.

You really are grounding me, then?

No, you will use Fala’s ship.

But you just said she’s staying on missions. Are you planning on doubling us up? There’s not room to do that. The crew section is too small.

I am aware of the capacity of the ships. You and your crew will use the ship when they aren’t.

They fly every day.

Yes, they do. Every Day!

"Hold on! Do you mean you