A Stellar Purpose II

By Natacha Belair

The much-anticipated sequel to the 2023 Nautilus Book Award Gold Winner, Young Adult Fiction Sci-Fi, A Stellar Purpose.

Six months after her initial adventure, Avery wins a weeklong trip to the first ever five-star, self-sustainable, ecotourism resort, located on a secluded Pacific island. She's among a group of twenty young

• Language: English
• Publisher: Koehler Books
• Release date: Feb 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9798888243145

Natacha Belair

Natacha Belair is the Award-Winning Author behind the A Stellar Purpose series; a unique and thought-provoking narrative that uses fantasy to address real-life topics such as animal rights, environmental care, and positive social change. In these novels, Natacha masterfully intertwines memorable characters with colourful backdrops and mind-boggling theories-delivering captivating, sci-fi-filled adventures set in inspirational storylines.Raised in a French-Canadian household entertained by American fiction, Natacha longed to share her debut title with her unilingual loved ones. Lux&Nox granted her wish when they published Mission céleste.When she's not writing, or chatting with her fans, Natacha enjoys spending warm days outdoors with her husband, two teenage daughters and her fur babies.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Hello?

Is this Avery Westwater?

Yes. Who’s this?

My name is Eugenia. I’m calling on behalf of the Forever Green and Blue Federation.

I’m not interested.

Hold on, please! I’m not a telemarketer. I have some great news for you.

What’s this about? Avery thinks, reluctantly staying on the line.

Have you heard of us?

Nope!

"The federation’s mission is to help save Earth one human at a time. Last year, we launched an international competition to reward a group of twenty young adults who’ve had a positive impact on our planet. I’m happy to tell you that you’ve won a week-long trip to the first-ever, five-star, self-sustainable ecotourism resort."

Yeah. Right! This is definitely a scam. Why am I still on the line?

I promise. It’s true. We reviewed many outstanding submissions, and yours was among the best.

Really? Let’s see her get out of this one. Who nominated me?

Hmm . . . hold on for a second. Eugenia shuffles through papers. Here it is! It was a joint proposal by the De La Grotta Zoo and the Whaleford Public High School.

Seriously? Nobody said anything.

They probably didn’t want to get your hopes up.

That makes sense. This may be legit, after all. How many nominations did you receive?

Over six thousand.

No way! That’s like winning the lottery!

I can’t recall the exact details of your submission. But if you were chosen, I’m sure you did a bit more than simply buy a lottery ticket.

Good point! Avery giggles. Is it safe to assume that they also nominated my friends, Skyler and Pike, and my little sister, Teagan?

Yes, but unfortunately, the competition was for teenagers aged sixteen to eighteen—exclusively.

I turned sixteen on November 5, and Pike celebrated his sixteenth birthday on December 16. So . . . we both won?

Correct.

Phew! Avery’s relief quickly morphs into guilt. But that’s not fair for Skyler and Teagan.

I know, and I’m sorry. Some jurors wanted to eliminate your nomination completely. The selection committee debated for days. They finally decided it would be unjust to exclude you and Pike, given the significance of your accomplishments.

That’s nice, but still . . . We never would’ve saved those animals without Teag and Sky.

Note that the jurors have commissioned the design of a unique glass trophy that will be awarded to you and your teammates, recognizing your ecological commitment. Eugenia lowers her voice and whispers, I know it’s a bit silly compared to what you’ll be getting, but it’s better than nothing.

I guess.

You should know, though, that one of my colleagues called your school principal and the De La Grotta Zoo’s general manager this morning to tell them the good news, and both parties pretty much reacted the same way you just did. But they also admitted they took a chance by adding Teagan and Skyler to their submission, even if they didn’t fall in the competition’s age range. They did so, hoping the jury would make an exception. All this to say that the zoo’s general manager mentioned that they will be hosting a special event in your team’s honour and will award you the trophies at this time.

"It should help soften the blow, especially for my sister. She’ll be sooo jealous. If my parents let me go on the trip, that is."

I’ll call them later today so they know this isn’t a scam.

Good idea!

Would you like to see pictures of the third-party resort the federation partnered with to make this trip a reality?

For sure!

Search for the name ‘Peace Lilly Luxury Resort and Spa.’ Avery puts her phone on speaker, follows Eugenia’s instructions, clicks on the images, and exhales—speechless. Do you see the rows of cabins perched in the middle of the ocean?

Yup.

This is where you’ll be staying.

No way!

Doesn’t this place look incredible?

It really does. I take it back. My sister will be jealous no matter what.

Eugenia chuckles. Is it safe to assume that you’re interested?

Definitely! When’s the trip?

In two months. We picked the second week of March, hoping it falls at least partially on most spring breaks.

Smart!

Thanks! It was my idea, actually!

So, what’s next?

When we hang up, I’ll text you a link to a private portal where you can download several documents to read.

You mean for my mom to read? Avery cackles along with Eugenia.

We’ll also invite parents and guardians to an online meeting in the coming days so we can answer any questions they may have.

Sounds good. I’ll talk with my parents right away.

Terrific! I hope you’ll be able to participate in this unique experience. And on behalf of the Forever Green and Blue Federation, I thank you for your ongoing commitment to saving our beautiful planet.

Thanks! She hangs up and shouts at the top of her lungs while exiting her bedroom, Mom! Eric! Where are you? I have crazy news!

CHAPTER 2

Squeeze closer together, Teagan says. Bestie, put your arm around your girlfriend’s shoulders. Pike complies enthusiastically.

That’s a keeper! Teagan admires the picture of Pike and Avery, both of whom blossomed in the past six months. Pike is sporting casual summer wear—a T-shirt with baggy shorts and high-tops while Avery wears cut-off jeans, a tank top, and strappy sandals. Her brown, shoulder-length hair is tied up in a messy bun.

ATTENTION, PASSENGERS OF FLIGHT 807.

Sis! Listen up! This is you guys!

"FOR ALL THOSE TRAVELLING WITH SMALL CHILDREN AND—"

It’s okay, Teag, her mother says. This simply means your sister and Pike will embark in a few minutes.

Teagan playfully punches her sister on the shoulder. Be safe! Don’t go anywhere without Pike.

We’ve been over this. The resort has plenty of security guards, and we’ll have a chaperone looking after us.

Come here. Skyler wraps her arm around her youngest friend. Don’t worry. They’ll be in good hands. Teagan smirks, feeling a bit better. She turns her attention to Pike, who seems to need assistance.

Okay, Mom. I think you can let go now. Dad, help me out! Pike’s father smiles motionless, enjoying every minute of this funny scene.

His mother teasingly piles on. You’re my little boy. She kisses him some more. I love you so much. I’ll miss you. I’ll—

Mom! Stop kissing me! You’re getting lipstick all over my face. Dad! Help!

Nope! Pike’s father smiles and adds to the love frenzy.

Thanks for not embarrassing me like that—Avery laughs with her entourage—and for seeing us off.

We wouldn’t’ve missed this for the world, kiddo! Avery’s stepfather, Eric, leans in for a last-minute hug.

Teag, promise you’ll hug and kiss Shadow, Pluto, Daisy, and Lexie every day for me. Promise!

Yeah, yeah! I’ll put a picture of you near their feeding bowls so they don’t forget your face. Teagan laughs with Skyler.

Finally freed from his family’s embarrassing farewell, Pike approaches Avery, and she whispers playfully, I think your mom missed a few spots. Pike laughs, rolling his eyes. They grab their carry-ons and quickly head into the security checkpoint, waving goodbye to their loved ones—and mentally preparing for the twelve-hour overnight flight.

DAY 1

CHAPTER 3

I’m so excited! I can’t believe we’ll be on the mainland in less than two hours. Avery stares out the porthole.

Yeah, but then we have another flight.

Are you still feeling nauseous?

No, the meds worked. I’m just looking forward to being at the hotel.

Poor you. Avery gently squeezes Pike’s hand. I wish I could do more to help.

It’s okay. Who knew I’d get airsick? Good thing my mom loaded my carry-on with all the over-the-counter meds she could get her hands on.

She’s the best! I’m pretty sure my parents wouldn’t’ve let me go on this trip if she hadn’t run a background check on the Forever Green and Blue Federation and its employees.

True! My mom’s cool. She just needs to chill with the kisses. They both laugh.

Avery whispers, Hey, do you think any other winners are awoken protectors?

Maybe? They did choose the participants based on our commitment to our planet.

I’d love to meet another animal protector. Wouldn’t you like to become friends with a human protector?

That would be amazing!

You’re the largest group. The odds are in your favour.

He laughs. There are eight billion people on Earth and only seventy-five hundred human protectors.

Exactly! She giggles. Anyhow, I can’t wait to explore Magenta Island from above.

I wish I could shapeshift into a falcon like you. Animal protectors are so lucky.

We sure are, she teases playfully.

Sitting in a small charter airplane parked at an international airport about thirty minutes from their final destination, a group of twenty teenagers anxiously await the flight attendant’s departure announcement. Some of the more outspoken kids introduce themselves.

Hi, everyone! A red-headed girl in the back stands up and shouts across the plane. My name is Kenzie, and this is Chris. We just met, and we’re both from Ireland.

A young boy, sporting a ball cap that covers his thick black hair says, Hi, all! They call me Juanito, and I live in Spain.

Hey there! adds a student sitting at the front of the aircraft, modelling a bright blue mullet and fashionable wood frame glasses. I’m from Italy, and my name is Flavia.

Identical green-eyed twins, who look like they’re barely fourteen years old, stand and simultaneously say, Hi, everyone!

My name is Aria.

And I’m Jiya. We live in England. Our dad owns the island and everything on it. Well . . . partly, that is.

Aria giggles. What Jiya’s trying to say is that he owns it with a bunch of other people, but he’s the only one who actually works on the island. He’s the resort manager.

Her twin cuts in, You’ll see. This will be the best trip of your life!

An older-looking student with light-blue eyes and a thick, blond sideswipe modern crew cut boards the airplane and addresses the passengers. Hello, everyone!

Several voices respond, Allo! ¡Hola! Hi! Ciao!

My name is Rémi, says the friendly stranger dressed as if he’s boarding a yacht—wearing a navy-blue polo and white pants, with matching casual shoes and a jacket. I’m the group’s chaperone. I’m your first point of contact for anything you may need.

Nice to meet you, Rémi. I’m Avery, and this is Pike. They both wave.

Nice to meet you, too! During the next week, you’ll get a chance to interact and possibly become friends with like-minded individuals from around the world. We hope these new connections will help forge lifelong bonds that may organically transform themselves into future environmentally focused endeavours or even businesses one day.

I’m in! Flavia says enthusiastically.

I love the positive energy I’m feeling from you guys. He glances at his phone. We’ll be taking off in about fifteen minutes, which should give me plenty of time to introduce myself properly and tell you about the exceptional resort you’ll be staying at. The crowd looks at Rémi, waiting silently. Some of you may have picked up on my French accent. I was born and raised in Southern France. I recently completed an undergraduate program in environmental studies, and I’ll be starting a master’s in sustainable tourism management next fall.

Kenzie whispers to Chris, That’s so cool.

As a prerequisite to my postgraduate studies, I had to find an internship at an ecologically sustainable organization. I sent out several applications; however, the conglomerate that owns Magenta Island and everything on it was definitely at the top of my list, and I’m proud to be part of the Peace Lilly Resort and Spa’s guest services team. And to be honest, I’ve been looking forward to this upcoming week probably as much as you have.

Juanito asks, Why’s that?

Are you kidding me? I’m surrounded by brilliant young environmentalists. And I can’t wait to learn more about each of you and the inspiring things you did to deserve this trip. A student at the back raises her hand. Rémi looks in her direction and nonverbally gives her the floor.

A black-eyed teenager clothed in a cozy brown strappy dress and matching flats replies, My name is Noa. I live in South America. The young woman grabs her long, thick, curly black hair and pulls it over her left shoulder. Why did you choose that specific field of study?

What a good question. My relatives on my mother’s side owned a lot of land. So, I come from old money, and my parents are wealthy. They raised me in an environmentally conscious household where they spent their days looking for worthy, like-minded companies to invest in. As a result, they’ve helped countless businesses bring eco-friendly products and services to market. But when I was about eleven, I discovered that not everyone in my parents’ tax bracket is as dedicated to saving the planet.

Kim-May—a quiet and introverted passenger, sporting a straight bob and thick black glasses—asks, Why? What happened?

As you can imagine, my parents tend to hang out with other rich families. One day, I overheard them talking with a few friends. My dad boasted that he would get his pilot’s licence by flying aboard a two-passenger, zero-emission aircraft. The couple couldn’t stop laughing—pointing out that my father could’ve bought two personal jets for the price of this one. When my mother explained that her husband’s obsession with becoming a pilot didn’t have to increase their family’s ecological footprint, they said that fixing environmental issues should fall on government leaders and not people like them who simply try to enjoy life to the fullest.

How dare they? Flavia shouts.

"Exactly!