CHAPTERFOUR
ONYX
Even though Onyx had used wormholes before, he came out of this one feeling terribly disoriented. He’d never traveled to Earth before and wondered if it was the distance or the planet itself.
He wasn’t impressed by his first glimpse of the place. All he could see was dark, grimy concrete and a black tar road.
There is nothing as ugly as this on Nova Aurora.
Gerri had given him instructions to follow, so he headed to the end of the alley where he could see cars speeding past. As he got to the curb, he was almost run over by the fast-moving people.
The disorientation he’d been feeling from the wormhole increased. Cars were zipping by, people were almost walking into him, and there was so much noise coming at him from every direction that he could barely think.
Why is everyone in such a hurry? Why so many loud noises?
A car horn blared nearby as if in response to his thoughts. He frowned at the car, at the entire busy street.
This place is mad.
He squared his shoulders and walked down the road toward the car rental place. Gerri had left a set of instructions for him with directions. He was glad of it. Everything in this strange place looked too similar for him to get a real sense of direction.
He hired a car, noticing that the young girl seemed surprised when he chose the most expensive one. She was even more surprised when he flashed his set of gold cards while paying for it.
This place is so weird. Their money is all just numbers on a screen. If Gerri hadn’t exchanged my goods for these cards, I would have been paying in gems. I feel sure that’s inappropriate.
He gave the young girl at the counter a big smile as he left and saw her blush as she waved goodbye. He shook his head a little, wondering if she liked his looks or his money.
Probably both.
One of the guys brought the car around, and Onyx jumped in, revving the engine a bit as he pulled out onto the road. He had driven cars before, they had a few on Nova Aurora, but he was pretty lost with the streets and busy roads.
Gerri had given him a rundown of road rules and provided him with a driver’s license, but she couldn’t have prepared him for the way some people drove.
After fifteen minutes of being cut off, confused by incorrect turn signals, and people dangerously swerving at him to claim dominance over the road, Onyx was ready to leave the car right there and fly.
The thought of Alyx and Bella holding their new baby crept into his mind. He felt a warm glow in his chest as he remembered his friend’s smile when Alyx had held his child.
I want that. I really do. I might not believe in it yet, but I want it. So, take it easy, big fella. Just get there in one piece … without blowing anything up.
He managed to keep calm for the remainder of the drive, and as he got closer to the estate, the traffic settled. As he drove the car through the massive gates and down the drive, he was awed by the scope of the house and grounds.
The place was beautiful, with sweeping wings stretching away from the center. Including the attic, it probably had four stories and most likely a big cellar too.
The ivy growing over the sculpted gables and window frames only enhanced its charm, and the old-style architecture entranced him with its detail.
It could have been built on Nova Aurora. It’s so unique and detailed.
He pulled up next to a big non-operational stone fountain full of scummy water. He looked over the cracked rock and moss with a sense of expectation. He knew it would be beautiful when it was restored.
I’ll be more than happy to sink millions into this place. Of course, I’d do that for my mate in any case, but even if I had no connection to it, I’d want to save it.
He tilted his head back to see the top windows as he headed forward. The house seemed to have an air of defeat, as if she were sick of holding back the destruction of her years. He reached out and patted a stone slab.
Don’t worry, old girl. We’ll get you fixed up.
He joined the crowds that milled around the back gardens, admiring the beautiful stone terraces and seating areas. Someone had built this with extreme care. The seats were carefully positioned underneath shade trees and placed between trimmed hedges and magnificent rose bushes.
He noticed that the cut of his suit was slightly different from what appeared to be in style, but he liked to have a hint of individuality. He’d asked Alyx for advice before having his personal tailor measure and make the suit, but obviously, they couldn’t match Earth fashions to their exact details. The fabric of Onyx’s suit was far finer too.