CHAPTER 18 IN SEARCH OF ANSWERS

It was a bright morning, bathed in one of the two suns that illuminated Zalara . The ship was ready to depart, after fifteen years during which Terry's children had grown and matured. Kyran , at 35, was the spitting image of his father, both physically and emotionally. On the other hand, Elara , at 31, reflected her mother's strength and courage, supporting her family with wisdom and determination. Terry felt a deep pride in his children; Elara constantly reminded him of his beloved Nova, while Kyran had inherited her fighting spirit and insight.

Terry watched from the porch of his house as the ship was loaded. Kyran approached him.

—Everything is ready,— he announced.

—Be careful, you and your sister,— Terry replied. It wasn't the first time he had seen them leave for other planets in search of supplies. Terry had trained his children to defend themselves, though he didn't know exactly why. According to Ætheris , Terry already possessed military and hand-to-hand combat skills, but his mind was clouded with memories of his past and the loss of his wife.

—Don't worry, Father. You taught me everything I know about defense— Kyran assured , with his arms crossed over his chest. Terry hugged him and placed a kiss on his forehead.

—Even though I have taught you, I will always fear for you on every journey. Space is full of dangers,— Terry admitted. Despite the years since his wife's death, Terry still had not gotten over his loss. He still mourned Nova, refusing to remarry in her memory.

At that moment, Elara arrived , protecting herself from the sun with a shirt and a scarf.

—It's time to leave, — he announced.

Kyran replied. Elara hugged her father and received a kiss on the forehead. Terry held her for a moment before letting her go, watching her as she boarded the ship. Other family members were also saying goodbye to their loved ones, all watching longingly as the ship took off and disappeared into the sky like a fleeting flash of lightning.

Marcus accompanied Kyran as his right-hand man and chief advisor, as did his uncle Aiden , whom Terry had entrusted with leadership of the clan years ago so he could pursue his inventions and studies under Ætheris ' tutelage . Aiden asked where they were headed, and Kyran pulled out a piece of paper with a series of numbers on it, handing it to his uncle to enter into the ship's controls. With the portal open, the ship sped through space-time until it reached the planet known as Nixia .

Nixia was a vibrant, cosmopolitan place, inhabited by beings of all races and social classes. At the heart of the planet was a marketplace, known simply as —The Market of a Thousand Suns— where all manner of goods and services were available to visitors.

The ship landed and a guard approached to check their permit. Kyran handed over a plaque, which the guard placed in a box. They had obtained that permit years ago thanks to the knowledge and power of the Ætheris gem .

—Everything is in order,— the guard announced.

Kyran replied , gesturing for the group to move forward. Then he addressed them, —We're here now. Let's buy only what we need. They know the space pirates are lurking around. I don't want any trouble.—

—Don't worry,— Marcus assured him, patting him on the arm. Then he turned to the group. —It's time to get what we need. ¿Do you have your communicators?

—Yes, — they all answered.

Perfect. Let's explore this market,— Marcus said, motioning for them to disperse.

Kyran and Elara went together. While Elara searched for a dress, Kyran examined weapons and seeds for farming. Elara signaled to her brother that she would continue exploring other shops, to which Kyran nodded.

As Elara continued to examine the hanging clothes, oblivious to what would happen minutes later, a ship descended. It was Zahori and Ashtar's ship, who had had to land to repair an engine failure caused by a meteorite collision. They decided to check the market for what they needed for their repairs.

—They're waiting for us,— Ashtar said worriedly.

— I know — Zahori replied angrily. — But where are we going to get what we need for the ship? Besides, I need to eat something. We haven't eaten in hours.

That is true, Ashtar said, remembering their last meal at the meeting as peace ambassadors on the planet Elysium .

— This is the largest market in the area — Zahori said , checking his device. At that moment, a guard approached to check their passes. After verifying that they were diplomatic passes, he allowed them through.

—They walked through the corridors full of people and intergalactic beings.

—I don't see any place to eat,— Ashtar commented.

Zahori replied . He continued through the crowd and pointed ahead. —Look over here.

—As they walked, Zahori collided with Elara , causing her to fall to the ground.

— Be careful — Elara scolded as she tried to get up. Zahori offered to help her up and cleaned her clothes.

Zahori apologized. —We're a little lost. We're looking for a place to eat.

—There's a place over there,— Elara pointed ahead. —They must have good food.—

Zahori replied . —Come on, Ashtar.—

—Yeah, let's go,— Ashtar said, nodding in dismissal. They entered the food joint, but as they turned to say goodbye to Elara , they found Kyran , who was coming to find his sister. He was a perfect copy of Terry, and his youth puzzled Zahori and Ashtar. They watched the two young men leave with a smile before deciding to follow them.

Zahori said .

—I follow you,— Ashtar replied, still in awe.

—¿Why didn't they contact us?— Zahori wondered out loud.

—Maybe he lost his memory—Ashtar suggested.

Zahori said , frowning. —Because he's dressed differently and apparently doesn't remember anything. Who could that girl be for him?

—She might be his wife,— Ashtar replied indifferently. Zahori glared at him, realizing he had said too much. —Well, keep in mind that he has no memory. What did you want him to do, to be alone?—

Zahori replied , —but you could have at least kept quiet.

—Yes, you are right— – said Ashtar

——Sometimes, Ashtar, you are too talkative—

—I'd say sincere, — Ashtar muttered, looking down and covering his mouth with his hand because Zahori was looking at him with anger in her eyes. —I should try to keep my mouth shut so I don't get into trouble,— he added.

Zahori said , taking his arm. —Let's not lose them.

They arrived at the hangar where all the ships were. There they saw them gathered with other people, some adults and others young like them, they were loading a ship with spices, soil, seeds, among other things. They hid behind some nearby boxes watching the movement.

—We have to get on that ship no matter what,— Zahori said .

—And how do you plan to do that? — Ashtar asked.

—You'll see— – he replied Zahori

—If you use your powers, the ship might have psionic protection and you'll crash into that barrier, which will cause us problems,— Ashtar suggested cautiously.

—There doesn't seem to be any barriers, so we can enter through the cargo area,— Zahori stated with determination.

—Fine,— Ashtar conceded, though with a cautious expression. —But if something goes wrong, don't hold me responsible.

— You are the scientist of the family, so I will need your help. We are both in this together— Zahori replied confidently.

—That's right,— Ashtar nodded. —Let me think of a strategy while we board the ship.

Here is the corrected and improved text:

—Think about it up there,— Zahori said , taking Ashtar by the arm. With a subtle movement of his hand, he activated his power, and they disappeared and reappeared instantly inside the ship, in the cargo area.

They quickly slipped behind some huge metal boxes, crouching silently as the hatch closed with a soft click. The air was filled with palpable tension, the familiar hum of the engine vibrating beneath their feet as the ship began to rise, leaving behind the calm of takeoff.

Some time passed as the ship's inertia rocked them against the wall, but thanks to the crates being secured to the floor, the impact wasn't too severe for the two intruders hiding in the cargo. They had no idea how much time had passed when the door opened again, and the crew began clearing out the cargo. Hiding behind the crate, they murmured amongst themselves, trying to come up with a plan to get out unseen.

Suddenly, four men armed with ray guns appeared, aiming at them. Ashtar raised his head and gestured for Zahori to look up. They both stood up with their hands raised.

Zahori , with a smile, tried to calm the situation. —We are not armed, guys. Relax, we are not dangerous. It seems that we have sneaked onto your ship,— he said, looking at Ashtar, urging him with his gaze to say something.

—It seems that this is not our ship, I told you Zahori but you did not listen to me— said Ashtar, joining his hands in a pleading manner. —Forgive us, we will leave— he added, trying to leave, but one of the men pointed the gun directly at his face.

— Neither of you are moving from here— a tall man with light brown hair intervened. It was Aiden , who didn't believe either of them's excuses. —We're going to get you out of here— he told them, motioning for them to walk. So they did, with their hands up.

They left the ship and looked out over the planet's desert. However, where they were, there was vegetation, crops, and rudimentary but effective weapons. They entered a large building where there was a room with a huge table. They were left there, while Marcus, along with Kyran and Elara , were in front of the table.

—Who are you and what do you want?— Kyran asked , gesturing for his men to lower their weapons. —You can lower your arms, we won't do anything to you yet unless it's necessary,— he added authoritatively.

Ashtar and Zahori immediately lowered their arms. Ashtar spoke up. —What's happening is… it's a bit confusing. We wanted to know if we could speak to you in private?—

— I don't believe you— Aiden said , annoyed, moving towards Kyran , who was standing next to Zahori , facing the intruders. —If they were hiding, it's for something else— he added, while Kyran made a gesture with his hand for his uncle to calm down.

—I don't think they can do anything, they're not armed,— Kyran intervened.

—Still, we shouldn't give them the chance,— Aiden said determinedly.

While Terry was in his room fixing a device, a man came in to inform him about what they had found on the ship.

—Intruders?— Terry asked, alarmed.

—Yes, they are now in the great hall with Chief Kyran , Marcus, Aiden and Elara — the man reported. — Aiden told me to inform you of the situation.

—I'll be right there,— Terry replied, wiping his hands with a cloth. He hurried off with the informant. When he reached the great hall, he found himself confronted by a crowd that would not let him through.

Everyone was watching the spectacle: two strangers who seemed to belong neither to the planet nor to the group. They were white-skinned and had blond hair. The guard had to clear a path for Terry so he could pass. He was able to go down the steps and found Aiden , his men, Zahori , Ashtar and his children. When Zahori saw him, he put his hands to his mouth to hold back a scream. Ashtar turned pale with shock.

—What's going on here?— Terry asked, walking over to his children's side and looking at the strangers.

—There's nothing important— Kyran replied . —They're just two cops who don't have any weapons.

—I see,— Terry said, looking at the two strangers. Zahori tried to recover from the shock, while Ashtar tried to close his mouth.

Zahori shouted , trying to get closer, but Aiden stood in the way. —Boss, do you know this woman?— Marcus asked.

—No,— Terry replied, looking at Zahori . His mind did not recall Zahori 's face .

Zahori was about to say something, but Ashtar stopped her, taking her by the arm and gesturing for her to be quiet.

Elara 's face . —Don't worry, Father, I'll take care of this matter— Kyran said resolutely. Terry smiled at him.

—Take them to a cell while we decide what to do,— Kyran ordered , Aiden gestured for the men to escort the prisoners away.

Once the commotion had died down, each member of the clan retreated to their homes, leaving only Marcus, Kyran , Elara , and Terry in the great hall.

—I'll bring them something to eat,— Elara said , remembering that the prisoners had not eaten.

—Be careful,— Marcus said.

—Yes, I will— Elara replied smiling.

—Father, ¿why did that woman call you by another name? — Kyran asked .

— I don't know — Terry answered thoughtfully. It had been a long time since he had heard that name. Ever since Ætheris had mentioned that name and surname that he couldn't remember, it had been many years ago, when he told him that he shouldn't know everything yet so he could focus on his studies. — Later I'll go talk to them to find out why he named me that —

—Okay, Father. Still, be careful— Kyran warned .

—I'll go with you, boss,— Marcus said, and Terry nodded.

A few hours passed before nightfall, and Terry decided to go to the cell to see the prisoners and talk to that woman. Maybe she would have an answer to his lost memory. That gave him hope in the darkness of his mind.

He went to find Marcus, and they went down to where the cells were. A guard opened the cell. It was the room Terry had been in when he first came to this planet. That cell filled him with memories of his wife Nova. He hadn't been in there for years, but

Now he tried to balance his emotions so he could talk to the golden-haired woman. He entered with Marcus. Ashtar was sitting on the bed and Zahori on the chair. They stood looking at each other. Zahori immediately got up from the chair, approaching Terry, but Marcus was about to get in the way and Terry stopped him, saying:

—Wait outside for a few moments.

—But boss, Marcus replied.

—Please,— Terry begged.

—Okay, boss, I'll keep an eye out,— he said, looking at the strangers angrily.

—Terry – said Zahori , touching his arm – it's incredible how much you've changed.

Ashtar stood up from his seat, just staring at him. Terry looked at the two strangers.

—How do you know me? — he asked curiously.

—Don't you remember anything? — Ashtar asked.

—What should I remember? — Terry asked.

—You had a family,— Zahori said softly. —Parents, siblings, children… and me,— she added, touching Terry's hand tenderly. Terry looked at her hand in his, feeling a familiar warmth in the touch, though his mind could not recall the memories of his past life.

—I only know that I came to this planet... I don't know how or why. No one here knows. The name they gave me is Jaxon Steele, but my memory... it's just a fog. I don't know anything about what I was before. If you know... I beg you to tell me, Terry said, looking up at them with a flash of desperation in his eyes.

Ashtar put his hand to his chin, silently pondering before answering:

—It's understandable why you never contacted us.

—Yes, but now that we have found you, we can help you —Zahori intervened with a determined tone—.I can help you recover your memories.

—How?— Terry asked anxiously, his voice shaking with a mixture of hope and fear.

—My powers... can help you, — Zahori replied , looking at Terry with determination.

Ashtar, with a serious expression, intervened:

—Keep in mind that you could also make things worse. We need to make sure his brain is ready... There may be something blocking his memories.

—We can try,— Zahori insisted confidently.

—Yes, we can,— Ashtar nodded, though his eyes held a wariness she couldn't ignore.

—You are the scientist, so tell me, ¿what do you suggest?— Zahori asked , with a mixture of impatience and curiosity.

—Try it with your power first, and then we'll see,— Ashtar replied in a pragmatic tone.

—Okay,— Zahori said , turning his gaze back to Terry. —But you have to sit down. You're too tall for me, and I need to put my hands on your head to help you.—

Before Zahori could make the first move, Terry gently took her hands and, in a whisper laden with uncertainty, asked:

—¿Could it be tomorrow?

—Why not now?— Ashtar asked, intrigued.

Terry looked down, thinking carefully before answering:

—I have a family here. I must at least inform them of what is happening. Besides, I lead a clan. Although I have passed the command to my son, I am still its leader at heart. If something were to happen to me… you would be in danger. My clan would not let you go free, and my children would seek revenge. I need to leave everything prepared for whatever may happen, so that you can help me without consequences.

Zahori nodded with a serious expression and, turning to Ashtar, acknowledged the truth in his words.

—You're right about that.

—Fine,— Ashtar agreed. —Talk to them. But before you go, I have a question: do your children have powers?—

—Powers? Not that I know of... or at least they haven't manifested themselves so far, Terry replied, frowning slightly. Why do you ask?

Ashtar showed him a visor he was holding in his hand and explained:

—Your children were not conceived through scientific methods, I presume, given that this planet is still in a rather rudimentary state. It lacks significant technological advancements, save for those you yourself have introduced within local limitations. I deduce this based on what I have observed and the information this device has recorded. Therefore, if they were conceived naturally, they could have inherited some of your power.

Terry thought for a moment before answering:

—I'm not sure... maybe at some point they can manifest abilities, but I don't know yet.

—Very well, let's focus on the subject of your memory first —Zahori intervened , with a firm but understanding tone—. Then, we will deal with the scientific aspect —he added, making the order of priorities clear.

Zahori and Terry were engaged in a highly charged conversation, assessing the risks and potential repercussions of recovering their lost memory. The tension in the air was palpable.

—I agree,— Terry said calmly, acknowledging that he needed to rest first and prepare his people for what was to come. —I will talk to my children, my brother-in-law, and Marcus tonight, so they are ready in case something goes wrong during the process.—

Zahori and Ashtar nodded solemnly, watching Terry retreat through the door with firm steps. Zahori , with a look full of determination, muttered to herself:

—I always knew he was still alive,— she said, with the certainty of someone who never lost hope.

Ashtar, ever cautious, crossed his arms and pointed to a notable absence:

—He has children, but we haven't seen his wife. You should stay calm, — she advised, concern latent in her voice.

Zahori , always impulsive, made a dismissive gesture at Ashtar's comment.

—When you regain your memories, you'll know what to do. That's what really matters,— he declared resolutely, almost defying his companion's caution.

Ashtar, true to his reflective nature, posed a question that could not be ignored:

—¿What if his wife isn't there? Where do you think she might be?

Zahori 's frustration was evident in his response:

—You are unbearable sometimes,— she replied irritably, her eyes burning with impatience. —He will know what to do when he regains his memories. That is all that matters.

Meanwhile, in the great hall, Terry met with his sons, Marcus and Aiden . Worry was written on their faces as they sat in silence, awaiting what their father had to say.

—Thank you for coming,— Terry began, his tone grave and immediately catching everyone's attention. —My children, there is something you need to know.

The air in the room grew tense, and anticipation hung like a shadow over them as Terry prepared to reveal what he had kept secret for so long.

—I have something important to tell you— Terry began, a serious expression on his face. —I'm considering recovering my lost memory.

Looks of surprise and concern crossed the faces of his sons. Aiden frowned, visibly worried. —Are you sure about that, Jaxon ? Remember what happened the last time we tried something like that?—

Marcus nodded, adding, —True, it could be dangerous. We don't know what side effects it could have.—

Terry looked at them with determination. —I understand, but I feel like it's something I have to do. I can't keep living in the dark, without knowing my past.—

Elara , the eldest daughter, interrupted with concern.

—But Dad, what if something goes wrong? We can't risk losing you.

Kyran , the youngest son, nodded quickly.

—I agree with Elara . I don't want you to take that risk, Dad.

Terry looked at them with a mixture of sadness and understanding, his eyes reflecting the internal struggle he was fighting.

—I understand... but I need to do this. I can't go on living without knowing who I really am. Living in the dark, without my memories, is like not living at all.

Aiden , who until that moment had remained silent, sighed deeply, recognizing the firmness in his father's voice.

—Okay, Jaxon ,— he said, using the name Terry had adopted in this world. —If you decide to do this, we'll be here to support you, but… please be very careful. We don't want to lose you.

Marcus, his expression serious, nodded in agreement.

—We'll be with you on this, Jaxon . But make sure you have a backup plan... in case things don't go as we hope.

Terry smiled at them with gratitude, knowing that he had the unconditional support of his family and friends.

—Thank you all,— he murmured, his voice tinged with emotion. —I'll do everything I can to make sure this goes well.

With his children and allies by his side, Terry prepared to face the greatest challenge of his life: recovering his lost memory, venturing into the unknown, but with the certainty that he would not be alone on that journey.

The atmosphere in the great hall was thick, charged with tension, as Zahori channeled his energy, preparing the process to restore Terry's memories. The psionic energy around them vibrated with palpable force, and everyone watched expectantly. However, as Terry's memories began to emerge, the torrent of information proved to be too much. Something had gone wrong.

Suddenly, Terry collapsed, putting his hands to his head in a desperate gesture.

—Father!— Elara screamed , lunging towards him as his body fell heavily to the ground.

Aiden and Kyran watched, frozen by the horror unfolding before their eyes.

Kyran shouted , his voice full of panic, gently shaking Terry's limp body.

Marcus walked over quickly, his eyes filled with concern. He assessed the situation urgently and turned to Zahori and Ashtar.

—We need to act quickly. Can you do anything to help him?

Zahori, with a grave expression, nodded and knelt down beside Terry.

—I'm going to stabilize his psionic energy, — he announced with determination, beginning to work with precision and focus.

Ashtar wasted no time in joining her, checking his devices and focusing his attention on the physical and mental state of his lost brother.

—We must prevent the damage from becoming irreversible,— he warned in a tense voice, while his monitor flickered with alarming readings.

The chaos in the room was palpable. The hearts of his loved ones beat in unison, filled with fear at what was happening. As Zahori and Ashtar struggled to save Terry, the fate of his memory, and perhaps his life, hung in the balance.

Meanwhile, Elara and Kyran watched in fear, clinging to the faint hope that their father would recover.

—Please, Father, wake up,— Elara whispered, her voice shaking as a silent tear rolled down her cheek.

Time seemed to stand still. After what seemed like an eternity, Terry was still unconscious, his body limp on the bed. Elara, desperate for something to do, applied cold compresses to his head, trying to ease his discomfort. Outside, Marcus stood firmly at the door, vigilant, preventing anyone from interrupting or disturbing the eerie stillness that enveloped the room.

Aiden , meanwhile, had taken Zahori and Ashtar to his cell, following the chaotic events that had left Terry in such a critical state. With the weight of the situation on his shoulders, he made his way to the great hall, where Kyran sat silently, deep in thought.

Young Kyran stared into space, fighting the uncertainty and fear that consumed him. As Aiden approached, his determined stride and worried expression did not go unnoticed by him. Kyran raised his head and looked at him, feeling a cold knot form in his stomach.

—What's wrong, man?— Kyran asked, his eyes filled with doubt and fear as he saw the seriousness on Aiden 's face .

Aiden sat down beside her, sighing deeply. He knew what he was about to say would be delicate, but he couldn't put it off any longer.

— Kyran , I need to talk to you about something important —she began, her tone reflecting both concern and affection. She looked at the young man intently, searching for the right words.

Kyran nodded slowly, feeling the anxiety building inside him.

—¿What is it, uncle?— he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Aiden paused before continuing, choosing each word carefully.

— Kyran , I know you've been searching for answers about your father's past. About who he was before he came here. But I want you to understand something... — Aiden looked him in the eyes, his tone full of understanding and honesty — I don't know much more than what I've already told you. Your father... his life before coming to this planet has always been a mystery to all of us, even me.

Kyran looked down, processing Aiden 's words . He had waited so long for answers, but now everything seemed more uncertain than ever.

—But what I do know, Aiden continued, placing a hand on Kyran 's shoulder , is that your father has done everything he can to protect you. You, Elara , all of us. Even now, as he struggles to regain his memory, he still thinks of you. That's the only certainty we have in the midst of all this chaos.

 Kyran looked up, finding some comfort in his uncle's words, though fear was still present.

—I just want him to be okay,— she murmured, a vulnerable glint in her eyes.

—It will be, Kyran . I will do everything in my power to make sure it is,— Aiden said firmly, reaffirming his promise.

Silence once again filled the great hall, but this time it was not only filled with uncertainty, but also with a renewed, if fragile, hope that Terry could overcome this difficult moment with the strength and love of his family.

 Kyran frowned, puzzled.

 —What do you mean, Uncle? Don't you know anything else about how Dad came to this planet?

 Aiden shook his head sadly.

—I'm sorry, Kyran . All I know is that we found him lying in the desert sands, unconscious and without memory —he explained, feeling the weight of his words. Kyran looked down, feeling a mix of frustration and sadness —I understand, man. It's just that... I want to know more about him, about his past— he admitted sincerely.

Aiden placed a comforting hand on Kyran 's shoulder .

 —I know, Kyran . We all want answers, but sometimes it's better to accept the things we can't change,— she said softly.

 Kyran nodded slowly, processing his uncle's words.

—Thanks, man. I guess I'll just have to learn to live with that, he said with resignation.

 Aiden gave her a reassuring smile.

—I'm here for you, Kyran . If you ever need to talk or have any more questions, don't hesitate to let me know —she assured, conveying her unconditional support.

 Kyran nodded, taking some comfort from his uncle's words. He knew the path to the truth about his father's past wouldn't be easy, but he was grateful to have Aiden by his side during that uncertain journey.