EXTRAS

Chapter 1 RamsEE “Commander, five more shuttles from the transport are due to arrive in ten minutes.” “Are there any complications?” “No sir.” “Very good. Make sure we have three liaisons there to greet them.” “Yes, sir.” Katieran Commander RamsEE stood with arms folded behind his back, his posture ramrod straight, as he stared at the sleek, curved viewing screen. The translucent display shimmered with overlays of atmospheric data, shuttle telemetry, and population readouts. Beyond it, through the viewing port, the last wave of shuttles approached New Terra Colony 15. His dark eyes, so often unreadable in battle or diplomacy, now glinted with a rare flicker of anticipation. These weren’t military craft or merchant deliveries. This was a humanitarian transport, one that carried something far more precious than minerals or weapons: Katiera’s future—human orphans. All Earth refugees were temporarily assigned to colonies like this one while their home planet underwent an ambitious terraforming project, one projected to take fifteen to thirty Earth years. An entire generation would grow up light-years from the soil of their origin. To support the displaced, Earth had struck a strategic agreement with the three dominant planetary nations—Katiera, Kiljorn, and the Colonial Planet. The deal ensured safe passage, long-term care, and educational integration for refugees. In return, Earth granted shared access to mineral rights and—most notably—a citizenship exchange. Any Earth female could gain immediate citizenship in one of the three allied systems, should she choose to move. That last clause? It wasn’t just political. It was vital. Natural reproduction across the allied worlds had been plummeting for decades. Katiera’s future had been on the brink of extinction. Then came Earth. Human females were biologically compatible—and unexpectedly adaptable to alien culture. They brought not just fertility, but hope. Even the Prime Leaders of the three nations had bonded with Earth females, sparking an uptick in population growth. It was slow. But it was progress. Now these shuttles, the last arrivals in this convoy, carried over thirty human orphans—young who’d lost their families, their homes, everything. RamsEE’s chest tightened. These small, fragile lives might one day anchor four civilizations. “Have the accommodations for the orphanage been completed?” he asked. “Yes, sir,” his assistant replied. “We followed the human director’s specifications exactly. Living quarters are prepped. The schoolroom is set apart. And we added a private courtyard facing the lake, as asked. Full perimeter security is operational.” “Good.” RamsEE nodded once. “Send me the schematics on their security grid. I’ll review them personally.” “Yes, sir. And… the director asked to personally watch all shuttle landings. I approved the request.” RamsEE’s brow furrowed. That should have come to him first. Chain of command mattered—especially when dealing with cross-species alliances. He didn’t appreciate being bypassed, even on minor details. Still, he’d let it pass. For now. “Very well. But if any other requests come through, direct them to me.” “Yes, Commander.” “Is the Governor greeting the shuttle?” “No, sir. He’s sending his assistant. Claims he has more pressing matters.” RamsEE growled softly, low in his throat. “Pressing matters?” he echoed. “What could be more important than ensuring the safe arrival of vulnerable younglings?” “His assistant said that the young would need to go to the medic wing to ensure that their health had not been affected by the long journey in space. There would be no need for the governor to attend that.” He snorted. “They were well cared for on the transport ship.” “I told the assistant this, but she just ignored it. “Very well. Make sure they are seen by the medics.” "Yes, sir.” Thinking about the situation, perhaps the recent updates made to the nanos would be something to consider. The scientists found ways to make the nanos remain longer in bodies, to perform internal healing, but also, allow the nanos to check the vitals of patients. No one had the opportunity to apply the new nanos yet. It couldn’t hurt. His thoughts were interrupted. “There’s the governor’s assistant now.” RamsEE was the colony’s commander. The Earth World Government assigned governors to serve the human refugees. However, Governor Donald Lawrence, was more concerned with prestige and showing off his power than actual stewardship. This wasn’t the first time since the colony was set up that the governor neglected his duties. “I’ll go down to the landing pad myself,” RamsEE said. “Commander, I can go in your place if needed,” offered LosON, his second commander and longtime friend. “No. I want to greet them personally. You’re in charge of the control tower until I return.” “Yes, Commander.” “Warrior WarES, with me.” “Yes, sir!” The young warrior, barely past his first commission, straightened his spine with visible pride and fell into step. As they moved through the central corridor, WarES puffed out his chest and offered nods to the passing patrols. “Commander,” he said, lowering his voice, “do you think there’ll be available females at the gathering later this week?” RamsEE arched a brow. “With today’s arrival of human females on New Terra, I expect so. Why?” “I was thinking about finding a mate.” “You’re what—nineteen?” “Nineteen and a half,” WarES corrected proudly. “I want to do my part.” “Your part?” “Every male is supposed to help repopulate. Even with humans. That’s what they tell us in training.” RamsEE stopped cold. “Who told you that?” “Everyone says it. It’s common knowledge.” “No,” RamsEE said, voice edged with steel. He turned, facing the younger male directly. “It’s true that our population was failing. But things are changing. Our scientists, with collaboration with the three nations and Earth have made progress. Compatibility has brought us opportunity, not obligation. But females are not just a means to repopulate. They are not tools. Not vessels.” WarES blinked, uncertain. “A female is a force of her own. A treasure. If you pursue her out of duty, you will never truly see her. Desire her for who she is, not what she can provide.” The younger warrior bowed his head. “I think I understand, Commander.” “Good. Let’s hope others do as well.” The compound gates hissed open, letting in the scent of blooming skyflowers and sun-warmed stone. Guards saluted as they passed. The path to the landing field stretched out ahead like a silver vein through green grass. Above them, the hum of descending shuttles filled the air—steady, rhythmic, reassuring. At the edge of the landing field, a small welcome party had assembled. Human volunteers, the Governor’s wife among them, three Katieran liaisons, and Captain Banks—the human head of security—stood in formation. RamsEE noted how Banks’s sharp eyes never stopped scanning the perimeter. The male would have made an excellent warrior, had he been born Katieran. The first shuttle touched down with a hiss of steam and the faint stir of displaced wind. Grass flattened beneath its retro-thrusters. The other four followed in a practiced sequence, until all five stood grounded in a half-moon formation. Protocol required that all shuttles land before any were unloaded. Safety first. Especially with young onboard. The ramp of the first shuttle lowered. A Katieran warrior stepped out, scanned the area, and gave the all-clear. Then came a human female, herding six small children behind her. They clung to her sleeves, gazing around wide-eyed. One little boy tripped at the base of the ramp and fell hard. RamsEE instinctively stepped forward, jaw tightening. The female knelt beside him instantly. “Toby? Are you okay?” “My knee hurts.” She rolled up his pant leg, inspecting the scrape with practiced calm. “It looks okay. Can you feel this?” She tickled his kneecap. The boy squealed. “And this?” She tickled his ribs. He broke into giggles. RamsEE exhaled softly. The female had a presence. Compassion. Strength without fanfare. He tapped his communicator. “Have a medic team sent to the orphanage. Just for a scan.” “Was anyone injured?” Lead Medic DorAN asked. “No. Precautionary only.” “Understood.” The female gathered the boy into her arms and turned—her eyes locking with his. Time stood still. Her face—no, her presence—struck him like a solar flare. Dark, wild curls framed skin the colour of golden earth. Her gaze was vast, knowing. Eyes like ancient galaxies. Something deep within him stirred. Not lust. Not duty. Recognition. The goddess KatieRI was a symbol of protection, wisdom, and fate in Katieran myth. This female—whoever she was—embodied all those things. She didn’t look away. Didn’t flinch. He took a step forward— BEEP. BEEP. His communicator broke the spell. “Commander RamsEE.” “Go ahead.” “Commander, we’ve had a breach. A supply room was broken into.” He turned sharply. “Where?” “Level 2. West wing. No casualties. But entry was forced.” “Secure the level. I’m on my way.” “Yes, Commander.” He clicked off and turned to WarES. “You’re taking over. Greet the director of the orphanage and extend my apologies. Ensure they’re escorted safely.” “Yes, Commander.” RamsEE glanced once more at the intriguing female. She was now surrounded by more young and other adults filtering out of the shuttles. She laughed at something a young girl said—light, free, unafraid. He didn’t know her name. But he would. Perhaps at the gathering. Soon. But for now? Duty called. And as always, RamsEE answered.