Page 149 of Stars in Nova

The revolutionary leaders—Samira included—nodded.

Together, they agreed to work as independent principalities, with everyone governed autonomously but united in a shared council.

Marius retired under strict probation to a small, isolated share farm on Thalassa.

Along with the other Vaelorii who’d been sucked into the Corilians’ darkness, vowing to live out their days in quiet penance.

As for Kisan, he spent many long hours walking the hills and ridges that surrounded Cygnus.

He’d find a spot, sit back on a boulder, and reminisce while studying the view below of the new town of Thalassina as it rose in the shadow of the once imposing cyborg fortress.

It made sense to position it here given the existing water silos, the location near the mouth of a now-flowing river, and a sizable lake.

It was encircled on one side by stunning mountains and on the other by a beautiful, verdant valley, where the farmers planned to till the arable soil for crops.

Sometimes Samira joined him, even the kids, and they’d sit and watch the skies until the first stars appeared.

Some in supernova, some in nova.

In death, in new life.

Kisan took time searching his heart, making peace with himself.

He sometimes pulled out his commtab and flicked through photos of himself with his Rider brothers.

He missed them. He even spoke to Xion every other week.

Not as often as he did with the Sarabaite, though.

That said, he didn’t lean on them anymore.

Neither did he seek their approval.

He was a man rebuilt.

He had a family, a community, and the love of a woman he adored.

He had a new future and a hope.

That was enough.

More than enough.

Epilogue

Zane Sable sat in his Sable HQ office high above the streets, a million klicks away in the steel and glass corridors of Eden II.

Perched aloft the sprawling metropolis, the enormous room was suffused with the amber light of the setting suns streaming through the towering glazed windows.

The city below hummed with life: shuttles darting through sky lanes, the distant murmur of crowds, and the buzz of neon advertisements casting their reflections against the polished floors.

His eyes softened as a slight figure twirled across the open space, past his massive desk, the edges of its dark wood embedded with glowing circuitry.

His five-year-old daughter, a whirlwind of energy, danced with unrestrained joy. Her auburn curls caught the golden light like strands of fire.

Her laughter rang out, a sound so pure it seemed to challenge the luxurious efficiency of his office as her bare feet padded onthe sleek floor. Her red dress swirled around her knees as she spun and giggled, clutching a small stuffed animal.

‘Daddy, look at me!’ she called out, her cry filled with glee.

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