Page 145 of Stars in Nova

‘Hmm,’ was all Kisan offered.

‘How is he?’ came the quiet ask.

Kisan hesitated, then sighed. ‘Damn, if you know all this, you don’t necessitate an update. It appears my override of your node didn’t work.’

‘No one can overrule me, but tell me regardless. It’s more personal that way.’

Kisan huffed, crossed his arms over his chest, and gave the AI a long look. ‘He’s doing what he does best—helping those in need in his ownfokkedup way. He’s found his peace, but he’s still bitter at the Riders.’

‘Will he ever forgive us?’

Kisan shrugs. ‘Not sure. I struggle with it myself, even if I’ve said the words. Healing might take years.’

‘I understand.’

‘He won’t like it that you’re keeping tabs on him,’ Kisan remarked, shaking his head. ‘He’d hate to ever find out.’

‘What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him,’ she replied.

‘When he finds out though -,’ the Rider rasped, leaving the thought open-minded.

‘See you on the Cephei,’ the Oracle said with a smirk before winking out of view.

He huffed at her departure.

Minutes later, he was done.

Kisan slung the bag over his shoulder and paused at the door.

The rest of his packed boxes would arrive on his ship within the hour.

He glanced back at the emptied apartment, soul burning, suffused with emotion.

With a twist of his lips, he stepped away, letting the door slide shut with a soft hum and hiss behind him, closing a chapter of his life.

Homecoming

The landscape of Thalassa had transformed into a vibrant panorama of renewal.

Where scorched plains and cracked soil once dominated, verdant fields stretched toward the horizon, dotted with flourishing forests and sparkling lakes.

The air was fresh, carrying the earthy scent of rain-soaked dirt and blooming wildflowers.

The buzz of life—chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the murmur of distant rivers—filled the sky, starkly contrasting the stillness of the war-torn past.

Kisan stepped off the Cephei, his boots sinking into the softened earth.

The sun’s warmth bathed his face. Its golden rays filtered through the light canopy of trees surrounding the landing site.

The docking pad was alive with movement.

Workers bustled about, guiding supplies and assisting ships as they docked.

He didn’t have to search for her.

Samira stood near the edge of the pad, her dark hair loose and catching the breeze, her warm eyes fixed on him.

Her children flanked her, their faces lit with anticipation.

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