What about Remora? Will Earth abandon the humans onSerendipityif something similar happens to them? I desperately want to say no, but after hearing about Strafor, I don't know anymore. Maybe Earth has changed over these last twenty-some years and they realized their mistake. Maybe they won't callously forsake those onSerendipityif the residents mutate on Remora.
"It is, but that's mankind for you: selfish and cruel when it no longer benefits them to be selfless and kind." Wen's words aren't said harshly, more matter-of-fact, and that, I think, hurts worse to hear.
"That sounds likeSerendipity’s captain." A tear finally slips down my cheek and Wen sits upright, alarmed. Olo looks heartbroken, and it's all directed at me, not at what he and his people have gone through. That makes me want to cry harder, damn it. "I didn't mean to kill her, but he wouldn't listen. He just sent me away and washed his hands of me the second he could."
Wen looks confused, and it takes me too long to realize I had only told Olo the details of what began my journey to hell. Regardless of his lack of understanding, though, the alpha stands up and gently pulls me from my seat, claiming my chair for himself before guiding me onto his lap. He wraps his arms around me and presses me to his chest.
"Shh. You're safe now." Wen's chest rumbles with a purr as he mumbles sweet reassurances into my ear.
Chapter 7
Olo
ThemomentLyra'stearsstop, I get up and start clearing the table. She tries to help, but Wen doesn't release her.
Instead he says, "Olo is only putting the clay pot in the refresher, nothing else. Then we are all going to relax for the remainder of the afternoon. I'll clean later."
It's not the first time we've left dishes for later and I'm not opposed in the least. I'm too worried about whether Lyra is okay. She's dealt with so much in such a small amount of time, and I imagine it’s not easy to cope with. As much as I want her to unburden herself and share her struggles with me, I have to remember to have patience. She doesn't know us all that well yet, and it will come in time.
I can't rush the process, no matter how much I'm craving to help soothe her worries. For now, the best I can offer is a distraction, and that's something I can provide easily.
"She was interested in the lake," I start, turning to face them once the stew is chilling inside the refresher. "Should we go now?"
Wen finally lets her up, and I grab her hand, guiding her to the nest for a change of clothes and some shoes for the short walk to the lake. Our mate heads to the replicator, no doubt gathering drinks and some snacks while he waits for us to get ready.
It doesn't take long before we're all striding out the door, Lyra now dressed in a pair of simple shorts and one of my spare pairs of sandals. The walk is a pleasant one, and I keep hold of her hand the entire way. She hums under her breath, eyes wide as she takes Strafor in.
I do notice she doesn't ask about the crash, even though we pass clear indicators of it—divots in the soil and small metal scraps consumed by nature. There are even scorch marks on some of the trees, and footprints tell a story of just how many people scavenged the place for parts.
It's hard not to feel sympathy for her and everything she's been through. It hasn't been easy for her, and to hear about her ordeal on her ship… it breaks my heart. I don't know how exactly she killed someone, but from the little I've gotten to know Lyra, I do know she wouldn't have hurt someone on purpose. In fact, her being an omega further proves that.
Straforians have long since concluded that all revealed omegas are gentle individuals. None of the omegas are violent or aggressive unless provoked. And even then, it's usually only when they, their mate, or their young are threatened. Even before an omega’s reveal, we've gotten pretty good at determining someone’s dynamic based off their personality. Omegas are always gentle and nurturing individuals.
It's horrible to think of Lyra being kicked off her ship and forsaken by her captain. Then to get sold and crash land on our planet… Selfishly, I'm glad she's here.
Looking around what remains of the crash site, I have to wonder if her “owner” was on board. Was it one of the dead bodies Wen burned nearly a lunar cycle ago? I don't know what to tell Lyra either. Do I share my concerns that it wasn't on board when they crashed, or just let it be? She's dealt with too much as it is, and I don't want to add to her struggles. Yet I feel it's important she does know.
"Do you know how old this planet is?" Her voice cuts through my thoughts and I startle. I can see the lake through the trees, and I smile.
Wen grabs my other hand and says, "The government estimated that Strafor is at least as old as Earth, if not older. One of our scientists managed to get his hands on a fossil that dates back a couple billion years, but without the second ship and the equipment we were supposed to have, it's hard to give a more exact estimation."
Lyra's face lights up, and her next words are rushed with excitement. "What else do you know about Strafor? I studied environmental science back home, so this kind of stuff fascinates me. Though I always have preferred the wildlife side of it more than the environment itself."
"That's wonderful!" My smile widens. "Do you have any interest in working with the scientists back at Straf? I know they would appreciate the help."
I kick myself the moment I see her face drop, and she sputters out a reply. "I'm… I'm not sure. Not right now, at least."
I move on quickly, not wanting to cause her further distress. "That's perfectly fine. There's no pressure either way, and I'd rather monopolize your time anyway." Her sweet little giggle is music to my ears, and it brings a smile to Wen's face too.
"We're a little limited when it comes to information regarding Strafor,” I continue, “at least compared to Earth, but that's to be expected with new planetary colonization. What we do know was gathered from the drones and robots the government sent before our arrival, and the limited studies we all did after we landed. Thankfully we have a decent understanding of the wildlife here, or at least the creatures in our immediate area. Everything we do know is on the holopad back at the den, and you're welcome to look through it whenever you want."
Lyra positively beams, and right then and there, I vow to do everything in my power to bring that joy out of her as often as I can.
"That would be wonderful! Thank you!"
I'm too busy staring at her in wonder to notice we've arrived. It's only when she gasps that I turn.
"It's beautiful." Lyra starts to rush forward, eager to cross the treeline and onto the sand, but Wen's “stop” has her instantly stilling. She turns to him, concern clear of her face.