The Starseed Experiment

Chapter Ten

The pyramid made its way quicker than expected to Pleiades. Jezebel was nervous to leave the ship when it landed, but Roland was right there beside her. Her heart began to beat quicker as she stepped out of the spacecraft, the others following behind. The group that waited on their return ushered them to the throne room where they were met by Asthirko, formerly Asthan. She cringed internally as she neared him, remembering him as her father, the one who wasn't exactly kind. He was back in his Draconian form, cold and intimidating, but when he saw her, he warmed.

Jezebel was a bit timid as she inquired, "Have you been enjoying your time here?"

He nodded, his yellow eyes held fast onto hers, <<I have been ruling this planet in Querra's absence.>>

She was surprised, although it made sense, they had lost their leader upon Querra's decision to take part in the experiment. She just hoped he had been treating them right, as they were a peaceful race that didn't deserve a tyrant. She set her jaw, not wanting to offend by seeming too shocked, or concerned, "They are fortunate to have you." She drew into herself, suddenly feeling self-conscious about her words, then she added, "I am sorry about what happened to you... It was not right. You should have lived."

His lips thinned seriously, <<As you said, these people needed a leader. I do not regret leaving, though I do regret how I treated you. I was confused, not altogether there. Please forgive me.>>
Jezebel felt a stirring of remorse, it was nice of him to apologize, but, "It is understandable. None of us were. We were not human and the world and their ways alluded us." She grew more timid, "I loved you as my father. I would like to continue our friendship."

The Draconian smiled, showing his sharp fangs, <<We will be living together on this planet. I should hope so.>>

It was then that Julia came to a stop beside Asthirko, and when they locked eyes there was a look of passion between them. It seemed they had missed each other more than she had thought. They grinned and embraced. Asthirko drew back to place a hand on Julia's cheek, <<My Queen.>>

Jezebel looked back to see Belinda just standing there at the ship and she went to her, "You must go back to Vega now, don't you?"

The younger nodded with a faint smile, "Yes. But I will visit you."

They hugged and Belinda left. Jezebel would miss her, but they'd see each other again.

Sooner than she had thought, as the Andromedan called them all to Adromeda. All six of them traveled just to speak with him, knowing that he'd want to talk about the mission. They all met in a council hall where they took seats at a round table. Not before Julia hugged Jutan, back in his Lyran form, the son she lost and had mourned. <<You will always be my mother,>> he stated consolingly.

The Andromedan spoke up, <<We have gathered to discuss the results of the experiment. I would not care to say that you have failed to show that your races can live in harmony, but I had been expecting better.>> He turned to Asthirko, <<You have shown an attempt at peace, I am aware that you did your best, considering who you are. I commend you.>> He then addressed Julia, <<You are a good mother, you have raised and supported your children well. Though, you could have shown more compassion toward Jutan and Uthera.>> He then spoke to Jutan and Belinda at once, <<The both of you have shown great love toward Uthera, and cordiality toward each other. Reymera, you have great strength. Jutan, I would have liked if you'd had the strength that you've displayed before.>> Then he addressed Roland and Jezebel, <<The both of you found each other against harsh odds, and that is to be held in high regard. You worked together to defend Earth. You both are astounding beyond the rest.>> He straightened up taller, <<Although you have not fully swayed me toward the certainty of peace, what truly matters is that the mission was completed.>>

They all took in their parts, and Jezebel felt the need to interject, "I believe we are all inspired to bring our races together. The universe can live in harmony."

The Andromedan nodded, <<Certainly. I do believe that is possible.>> He heaved a sigh, speaking only with Jezebel, <<You have been chosen to be the sole over-watcher of Earth. You will visit Earth whenever they are in need. You will keep in contact with the elite of each region. Show them that we mean no harm, and that we are here to help.>>

Jezebel nodded, serious and ecstatic all at once, "I promise I will keep a hard eye on them. I will communicate often."

The Adromedan stood, <<Good. Come with me. All of you. We shall return you to your original forms.>>

They all followed him to a machine in which each in turn lied down, save for Asthirko and Jutan. The machine administered a lethal shock to them so that their bodies died, and they teleported as their old forms to their respective planets.

They may have not been an exceptional family on Earth, but they were still family, and always would be.