Poignant Skies

Intention

It was only midday when Lee and Selena arrived in Dr. Kurt's humble abode. They had a light lunch of salad and garlic bread. After which, Selena drank her medicine and fell asleep almost immediately in the couch. Lee placed a blanket over her and went up his loft.

He suddenly remembered the piece of paper that the chancellor discreetly handed him when they shook hands upon leaving. It took a second for Lee to understand what it was. He then placed the paper in his pocket as if simply getting his handkerchief.

Knowing there are NICC cameras everywhere in his house, he went to the bathroom to find a possible blind spot where he could read it freely.

Lee took the paper out and it says. "Protect her from NICC."

Lee shredded the paper and flushed its pieces. He didn't know why the chancellor would trust him with a precious asset such as Selena. But he knew that the NICC has been aggressive with its search for knowledge and technological advancements. Surely, they are thinking that Selena is no ordinary human after being alive in space for a long time.

General Wilk was also adamant about using the memory retriever on her. It was a serum developed by NICC to retrieve data from captured enemies from other planets. It was an invasive and highly dangerous serum. Perhaps even the chancellor wouldn't take the risk of killing what could probably be the last human from earth.

Lee needed to think and relax at the same time. He brewed some coffee for his usual afternoon coffee break. Coffee used to be a luxury to Novus. But the migrants' agricultural knowledge and their quick technological advancements made it possible for Novans to cultivate the planet efficiently.

As Lee took his first sip, he couldn't stop thinking about the chancellor or the NICC's intentions. He peeked at Selena's room and she was still asleep. He couldn't help but think about her true intentions as well.

Lee got back to his loft office and sat down. He was not feeling up to work on his research. Instead of opening his computer, he took out one of his old books in his shelf. It was his favorite history book for children. It was also the very first book his mother gave him.

For him, he didn't have any intention of prying into the chancellor or NICC's motives. All he was tasked to do is to host her in order to prepare her for a permanent life in Novus. He was tasked to teach her about Novus and its way of life. And that's exactly what he intended to do.