Re-Creator of Universes - Book 4 of Re-Forge

Welcome to Luna

Joshua, Susan, Steve, Adara and SP1 stepped off one of three shuttles that arrived in Luna and now stood, looking around the artistically decorated shuttle bay with awe, as they waited for the reception committee to arrive.

The shuttle bay of the Luna colony was maintained in pristine condition by Nanites, like on Eden, but Luna's diameter was more than seven hundred kilometres. It seemed everything was bigger.

This was the first time Steve had been to the 'new' Luna Colony and like the others, he was beyond amazed at the beauty and artistry surrounding them.

The Eden delegation was escorted by attack avatars supplied by the SP council, and in addition, Steve was guarded by two special avatars created and renewed by Adara's personal Nanites.

Steve's avatars incorporated the ultimate weaponry designed and built by Adara and together, they formed a potent protective guard for him.

Adara was acutely aware that Steve's life was in danger on Luna, as there was a distinct possibility that Luna may try to use Steve to manipulate Adara if events did not go as his way. She designed both Steve's avatars to mimic SP1's attack avatar colours and they would be Steve's first line of defence.

Joshua's ship, Shadow, was taking no chances with the wellbeing of its Captain. Joshua and Susan were surrounded by six of its own avatars, one SP1 avatar two Shang-Gri avatars. SP1 stood off to one side with two of its avatars and monitored the second shuttle.

Adara walked alone. She remained far enough apart from Steve to suggest fermenting discord existed between them. She was unaccompanied by any Avatars.

In addition to the personal guard avatars, for Joshua and Susan, the delegation was further surrounded by twelve SP1 attack avatars in loose formation.

The friends turned to watch as a cargo door to the second shuttle opened and eighty attack avatars from as many SP warships formed into eight perfect rows of ten. Leading them was an SP8 attack avatar. They were present for the sole purpose of protecting Steve, Joshua, and Susan.

The shuttle bay they landed in was situated off the level one command deck and friends did not fail to note the lack of any form of welcoming committee.

Joshua commented: "No Luna, no avatars, no administrators, no Luna Council members... Not a single representative to greet us."

SP1 said: "Luna is ignoring the basic rules of hospitality that one person shows to an invited guest. Not to mention a delegation of the NINE and SP council. This is the height of rudeness. A deliberate slight against the positions we hold in the hierarchy."

Susan said: "It makes me feel uncomfortable."

SP8 came forward and said: "It seems there could be trouble soon. From this point forward, I will coordinate the SP delegation to protect this hanger and defend our interests while inside the Luna Colony. Alpha Centauri is eight years away. A lot can happen in eight years."

Adara bowed her head slightly to acknowledge SP8's commitment. A loud BONG tone reverberated through the surrounding 'inner' space of the Hanger. An ornate inner door opened, and Luna entered alone. It walked in a nonchalant and flippant manner across the intervening distance to Adara.

He stood proudly with his perfectly sculptured physique and said: "Welcome, Adara. I am so happy to welcome you to Luna, personally."

Then he looked past her and said: "Oh, I see you have bought an entourage... four members of the NINE. This is an unexpectedly pleasant bonus."

He bowed and said: "Welcome, SP1, Joshua, Susan and ... Steve.

Then he leaned in close to Adara and said: "I thought we had an unspoken agreement that you would come to me, alone, Adara."