The GCS Starhunter sailed through the vastness of space the voyage wasn’t long as humanity advanced into the stars they encountered races that gave a helping hand that propelled their own technological advances, its hull gleaming under the distant glow of the Gliese 581 system. Declan Vanyork stood at the helm; his gaze fixed on the celestial bodies that held a special place in his family's history. It had been over 500 years since their ancestors had settled in this system, sowing the seeds of their empire and amassing a fortune that spanned the stars. Now, Gliese 581 was not just their destination but their birthplace—a homecoming that carried a weight of legacy and expectation.

  As the ship's engines hummed with anticipation, Declan's thoughts drifted back to his final moments on Mars. He had bid farewell to his trusted military contacts, Gunther and Maxie, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support during their time together. The bonds forged in the fires of battle were strong, and Declan knew he could count on their friendship should the need arise in the future.

  With a firm resolve, he turned his attention to the task at hand. Gliese 581 system, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The familiar constellations that had adorned their childhood sky now grew brighter, welcoming them with open arms. The ship's scanners revealed the presence of settled planets, bustling colonies, and thriving cities—a testament to the industrious spirit of their ancestors.

  With Nora and Conner, safely aboard the Starhunter, they looked to Declan with a mixture of hope and apprehension. They trusted him implicitly, knowing that he would do whatever it took to protect and guide them. Their innocence and resilience fueled Declan's determination, igniting a fierce sense of responsibility within him.

  The Starhunter gracefully descended into orbit around Gliese 581, finding its place among the celestial dance of spacecraft and planetary bodies heading for the space station to dock. The scanner began to ring and Declan waved his hand over it which answered the call “Young Lord it that you” A Drakorian appeared in the hollow leering at him “Yes Delacroix, we are in the system and ready to land”. The Drakorians were reptilian species characterized by their scaly skin, elongated snouts, and sharp claws.

  They are known for their militaristic society and remarkable agility; it was notoriously hard to guess what they were thinking by their facial expressions. Delacroix nodded and the line cut, as he turn intent on getting the kids ready for their departure he was stopped in his tracks. “How long have you been standing there Conner” The young boy found himself stepping out from the corner and facing his brother head-on. “Not too long” He stammered out, so Declan waved him over.

  They found themselves staring at the planet below them “Do you remember it” Declan peered down at the boy with a smile, but Conner shook his head, “That’s alright… you know we were the first Vanyorks to be born on this planet in over 500 years of our family’s history, for some reason our family had this weird obsession with being born in Sol’s system… I think it had something to do with the first of us but around the time I was dues for the world was the same time The rebellions were happening and travel to the system was prohibited for all, and you know how that went.

  Conner said nothing and only stared at the planet “It will be ok conner, Think of Drilaten as a new start, I know mother and father kept you two away from here, but this was your first home as much as it was mine” He felt conners finger tighten around his waist and momentarily froze “When was the last time I was hugged” A soft smile and the gentle pat of the boys head quieted the room.

  “Beginning Station docking” Declan nodded at that and patted conners shoulder “Come it's time to go” They headed for the hangar and were met by Nora who was waiting in the hall.

  ….

  The chamber de pressurized and they were greeted by armed guards and a mixture of Humans and Drakorians wearing the original Vanyork crest, “It seems Delacroix isn’t lacking, Good I’m going to need that if I’m to keep us safe from whatever enemies my parents have left us”. Declan nodded at them, and the siblings kept close on his heels as they departed the ship, The transport guard surround them, and the man who appeared to be the lead reached back and handed Declan a Datapad. “Work right out the gate huh” He sighed and continued to walk matching the group’s cadence and not being a hindrance.

  They made it to the shuttle without incident and cleared off the Spacestation, The Shuttle broke the layer of Gliese and the windows were retracted showing the view of the massive continent. On the continent of Gliese, known as Drilaten, a remarkable fusion of humans, Drakorians, Taurians, and Caelians has taken place over the years. The capital city, Drilla, stands as a testament to this unique melting pot of races, cultures, and traditions.

  Drilla, a bustling metropolis nestled in the heart of Drilaten, serves as a vibrant hub where the inhabitants coexist and thrive. The cityscape is a captivating blend of architectural styles, reflecting the distinct influences of each race. Towering skyscrapers with sleek, modern designs harmoniously stand alongside ornate structures adorned with intricate carvings and symbols reminiscent of Drakorian and Taurian heritage. The city's streets are adorned with vibrant colors, reflecting the cultural diversity that flows through its veins.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  The citizens of Drilla are a testament to the successful integration of these three races. Human, Drakorian, Taurian, and Caelian individuals live side by side, forging a society that embraces both their shared values and unique differences. Through cooperation, understanding, and a mutual desire for unity, the inhabitants have created a harmonious community that celebrates their collective heritage.

  In the markets of Drilla, the scents of diverse cuisines waft through the air. Here, humans, Drakorians, Taurians, and Caelians come together to savor a rich tapestry of flavors, blending traditional dishes from their respective cultures. Street performers captivate passersby with mesmerizing displays, blending Drakorian acrobatics, Taurian musical compositions, and Caelian aerial dances into breathtaking performances that enchant and unite the crowd.

  Education and knowledge are highly valued in Drilla. Schools and academies cater to students of all races, fostering an environment of learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Language centers offer courses in multiple tongues, allowing residents to communicate and understand each other's native languages, and strengthening the bonds between communities.

  In the governance of Drilla, a council composed of representatives from each race ensures that the interests and concerns of all inhabitants are heard and addressed. Decisions are made collectively, considering the needs and aspirations of the diverse population.

  …

  “We get to stay here” Nora looked back at her brother with a questioning gaze, Declan nodded without saying a word, she spotted the moment he tightened his fingers around the data pad he had been given to him early. Conner strolled into what could only be described as a mansion with clouded apprehension but a look from his brother calm him somewhat. They all filed into the building with maids and guards littered about, “Young Lord” Delacroix who had greeted them upon arrival at their estate stood some feet away, Declan glanced back and nodded his head he knew was pressed for time but was reluctant to leave.

  “Conner, Nora I have to go” Declan straighten himself to his full height and placed a comfortable smile on his face, Both siblings stared at him the questioning look on their faces told him all he need to know “These last few days have been too hard on them” He shook his head at them and said “I won’t be long, Ill be back by tonight; Nora you remember Delacroix he will have someone stationed nearby for anything you need, look after conner I will be back tonight and we will talk then. She nodded and pulled the boy off deeper into the mansion, Declan turned on his heel and left out the main door. The dark red glow of Gliese Systems star beamed through the Highrise building's glass-tinned windows. Declan stood in a large office overlooking the capital city of Drilla as its wide variety of people busy themselves with their daily lives.

  “How much has shifted because of my presence here Delacroix?” Declan turned and headed for the desk finding his seat and staring at the Drakorian that had been appointed to oversee and guard the Vanyork's interest in Drilla. “That’s hard to say young lord” His guttural voice rumbled over the walls as he gestured to the seat opposite Declan, Declan eyed the hand and the chair and nodded.

  Delacroix sat and pulled up his own pad, “You were born in Drilla but most of their upper ranks of society knew that you left at the tender age of 17, And you know what type of scandal that was for your parents and the company”. Declan nodded at that a nodded for him to continue “Well to put it simply the chairman singleminded focused on Mars he had neglected Drilla and the Vanyork's name has slipped through the cracks, Your ancestor's estate and this building are what’s left of the Vanyorks on the continent, I’ve managed to keep the guards able and with steady pay not to mention the staff at the mansion but this building without any staff or personnel is probably the most valuable thing I can offer you, young lord”.

  “Tsk” Declan had hoped for better, but his father’s handling of the responsibility left to him by his grandparents was just too damn shameful, to leave the planet that gave us our wealth was ridiculous. “I expect that the council to know your back on the planet and the upper level of the sentinels and I will suppose the chancellor to want to meet you but for the populace, I think they could care less to be frank”. Declan shut in eyes and took a breath “I am a fish in waters that have forgotten that I am a shark it seems, this might be my advantage” His eyes open slowly, and his breath flowed out of his real slow.

  “What has happened to our relatives the Yorkfields” Declan peered at the man sitting across from him, Delacroix twitched a facial muscle and he seemed to deflate at that question. “Uncle Del what has happened to them” Declan felt the tension he always felt when things always got worse, Delacroix sighed audibly this time “I have told you from when you were a babe to stop calling me that but it habits are like reflexes, they never go away it seems, they have married into a High family for a few generations now; the last I’ve heard”. The shock on Declan’s face was visceral.

  “NO THAT CAN’T BE” Declan flew to his feet and began pacing the room “Do they still carry the name?” Delacroix shrugged which was unbecoming of him “The last I’ve heard is that only the daughters are accepted no words un the sons” Declan shook his head solemnly. He got himself under control and sat pulled the data pad and stared at Delacroix “I’ll let you know; I’ve washed our hands of Mars and left it to Tenavee Vanner I’m sure you remember him; His branch will be in charge of Mars and it’s assets of what’s left on it; that being said I intend…” He paused and looked off into the distance of the city.

  Declan waved his hand and a hollow screen projected upward

  “This is the liquid we have to work with". Declan showed Delacroix and like usual the Drakorian showed little emotion, but he did reply with “That’s not much but it’s enough, What do you intend to do young lord”, Declan smiled at that “Intend to put this city beneath my heel” Ohh but that brought a grin to the old Drakorian his race always loved a good battle.