The Cleansing (Book One: The Folara Chronicles)

Prologue

Initiation

Kara turned her eyes to her brother, Galantyne. "The Pact Guarantee, Kara. You must understand to know why we cannot fail."

"I am ready to understand." Kara agreed, knowing there was no other answer.

"There were three families, unrelated. They traced their lineage back eight Earth generations and there could be no mixing of blood. Three families met the requirement: Carrigah, Aquaria, and Etrusia. They would enter the compound and work, live, and plan together.  Eventually, they would build three ships according to the planetary regulations governing this expedition. The Earth they escaped from was dying. These three bloodlines only inherited the planet Folara."

"Folara is our heritage." Kara whispered.

"The honor of coming to the Pact was extreme, only the very best, most committed, future seeing people were selected. The screening was rigorous, and many were turned down. Only the brightest, Kara, the selfless, the strongest, the pioneering. These were our forebears."

"It is because of them that anyone survived the toxic air on the planet when they got to Folara and found it inhospitable. They built the undersea domes."

"Yes. But not all agreed on how to survive. Some wanted to use their resources to return to Earth or to further explore. Others wanted to utilize what planetary means were afforded to build enclosed settlements on land. A few more influential scientists discovered the oceans on Folara are nearly identical to Earth and could be used to produce non-toxic air and food.

"It was the first time in four generations they didn't all agree. Mark Carrigah had been born en route, studied science and medicine and was brilliant. He believed that a gene altered in the population of the ship's children would allow adaptation to the planet's variances. A man named Valdemar believed Mark Carrigah. They chose to have this gene altered. They all participated in building the undersea domes, but Valdemar, when the time came, took his brood and went to the land. Many died, but some lived.

"There must be balance, Kara. Civilization must be preserved. It is time for you to step into your rightful role. It is time for you to lead this people out of the undersea domes, a way has been made for them to adapt."

Kara's eyes lifted to Galantyne's in dawning realization. "A way has been made? Or a way has been found?"

Galantyne sighed and squeezed his eyes shut envisioning the harsh quest he was initiating. "It is my belief that the planet itself has adapted to us. We must prove worthy, though."

Kara stared at the sea. "You believe me worthy?"

He swallowed hard. "I believe the planet has provided a way."

"The Talisman." She whispered and smiled as the thought became a reality. "The planet has given us the Talisman if we are worthy of it."

"There can be no failure." Galantyne fingered his beard as they both gazed out of the clear plasma that served as a window to the sea. "There can be no failure."