CHAPTER 21 FAMILY REUNION NEW BEGINNINGS

Ashtar pulled out his LumiCom , hoping to get a connection so he could make the call. He had no problem doing so, and together with Zahori , they told Darius and Francisco Javier about their encounter with Terry. They gave them a few details, few, as they would talk about everything as it was when they met in person. It had been many years of relentless searching for everyone in the family. They didn't wait long to be able to reunite with their long-lost family member.

They took a ship to get to Zalara and be able to land on the planet, the entire clan was waiting for the arrival of the visitors with expectation, they were going to be the first visitors to arrive on the planet when they got off the ship the first thing they noticed was the men, women and children who were from the Saharim clan from among those people Zahori and Ashtar came out to find them, there was a bit of wind blowing which was typical for the region remembering that Zalara was a hot and desert planet, Zahori and Ashtar directed them to where Terry and his family were inside in the great hall they met they closed the door to have more privacy indicating to the rest

of the clan who would later inform them of everything that was happening.

They hugged each other and cried from the emotion of having found their lost relative.

The change that Francisco Javier observed in his son Terry was remarkable. The transformation in his physique was the testimony of years of hard work, tilling the land and carrying heavy sacks and wood. He was no longer the thin, white-skinned boy who had disappeared in the conveyor belt years before; now, before him, stood a man, whose body structure had been forged by incessant physical effort. His skin, once pale, now looked tanned and bronzed by the sun, a clear indication of the long days outdoors.

Terry's arms, which once hung at his side with the lightness of youth, were now marked with the definition of worked and strained muscles. Biceps and triceps were clearly outlined beneath his skin, evidence of his daily routine of carrying sacks of grain and moving heavy logs of wood. His hands, now calloused and strong, spoke of dexterity and manual labor, capable of firmly gripping farm tools and withstanding the roughness of wood and earth, as well as fixing or building weapons and communication inventions.

Terry's chest had expanded, wide and robust, each breath moving his ribcage powerfully, as if each breath was a proclamation of his strength and endurance.

The muscles of his back, worked to definition by lifting and carrying heavy loads, formed a broad back that narrowed to a waist marked by physical effort.

Terry's legs, pillars of his strength, reflected the stability and power needed to move over uneven terrain, carry weight or plow the land. His thighs and calves, strengthened by constant climbing and descending, by pushing and pulling machinery and materials, were the support of his hard work.

Terry's transformation was the embodiment of his dedication and labor. Through sweat, determination, and daily contact with the earth, not only a body forged by physical labor had emerged, but also the spirit of a man who had found his strength in the land he worked. Francisco Javier did not just see his son; he saw a man transformed by the life he had not chosen by his own hand but by fate when he was expelled through the transport portal to another planet, a man whose body told the story of the effort to survive a planet that was not his own.

The family reunion on the planet Zalara took an unexpected turn, marked by Terry's revelation and the meeting with his new family. Even Rodrick , the brother always reluctant to express his emotions, could not hide his amazement at Terry's transformation.

—Brother, how you have grown and become stronger. I will not be able to convince you like before — he said between laughs, to which Ethan, always the mediator, added with a wink: —Try it now, I'm sure he'll knock you out in two moves — The laughter of the three men resounded, an echo of the old times that now seemed so far away.

—You have to tell us your secret, what are your weights? —Rodrick asked , still joking.

—There are no weights here,— Terry replied with a smile, —just hard work on the ground and carrying loads. That's the way to this body.— His flippant comment belied the truth of the sacrifices and hard work that had shaped not only his physique but his character.

But then the atmosphere changed, becoming more intimate and meaningful. —Now I want to introduce you to my family in Zalara,— Terry said, a gesture that brought together his children, brother-in-law and close friends. Silence took over the space,

broken only by the whisper of the wind through the trees, as his blood family looked at their chosen family, a bridge between two worlds that Terry had built with love and effort.

Helena and Francisco Javier, along with Darius and the others, watched in amazement as Kyran and Elara entered . Kyran 's resemblance to Terry was undeniable, a reflection not only in appearance but in essence itself. Elara , though inheriting her father's eyes, carried within her the spirit of her mother, a mystery her family was eager to uncover.

—These are my children,— Terry said, his voice tinged with pride.—Kyran , my oldest, and Elara , my youngest.— The introduction was simple, but the words carried the weight of years of untold stories, lessons learned, and unconditional love.

Darius opened his mouth, perhaps with the intention of demanding an explanation or simply to break the awkward silence, but the withering glance of his nephew Ashtar stopped him dead in his tracks. That look was a clear warning: this was not a time for questions, but for silent observation.

In the warmth of the family gathering, the introduction of Aiden , Elian, and Marcus added new voices to the welcoming chorus. As the evening light filtered softly through the windows, bathing the room in golden hues, Francisco Javier stepped forward, his expression a mix of solemnity and warmth.

—On behalf of the Whittaker family,— he began, his voice firm but charged with emotion, —I want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Aiden , Elian, Marcus, your support of Terry over these years has been a beacon of hope for us, knowing that he was not alone.—

Aiden nodded with a humble smile. —Terry is more than a friend to us; he's family. What we did for him, we would do again and again. And honestly, he's taught us as much or more than we could have ever offered him.—

Elian intervened, his tone soft but firm, —It's true. Terry's arrival changed many things for us, he showed us new ways of seeing the world, of working the land. He taught us to read, not just words, but also people's hearts. His presence has been a gift.

Marcus, normally reserved, added , —Friendship is measured in difficult times, and Terry has never hesitated to be there for each of us. It is an honor for us to be here today, being part of this extended family.—

Francisco Javier nodded, touched. —Your kindness and brotherhood have transcended all expectations. Terry has always been a man of deep ties and affections, and seeing how those ties have strengthened and expanded, even from a distance, is a testament to his character and yours.—

Terry, standing beside his father, looked at his friends, his family from Zalara . —There are no words to thank you for everything you have done for me. These years have been challenging, but you have been my rock, my refuge. Now, to have both families, my family of blood and my family of the heart, gathered in this place… it is more than I could have ever dreamed of.—

The exchange of words, charged with emotion and sincerity, wove the fabric of these intertwined relationships even more tightly. At that moment, the differences between blood family and chosen family dissolved, united by the mutual respect, affection and unwavering loyalty that defined their union.

The revelation that Terry had continued to teach, share his knowledge and change lives even far from home came as no surprise to Ethan, who pointed it out with a hint of humor. Terry's smile at the comment was a testament to his unwavering spirit, always seeking to enlighten the minds and hearts of those around him.

—We should all talk together,— Terry finally said, setting the tone for a serious conversation. The invitation to sit around the long wooden table, witness to countless family meetings and decisions, was an invitation to share, to plan and to dream together about the future of this family assembled by fate and strengthened by love.

The family reunion on the planet Zalara took an unexpected turn, weaving together the threads of the personal and the cosmic. Francisco Javier, with the solemnity that the moment deserved, addressed his words to Terry, setting the tone of the conversation.

—Terry, you must meet again with the Galactic Federation , so that you can be reinstated,— he said, his voice reflecting both urgency and fatherly pride.

—I understand, Father ,— Terry replied, his tone serious and thoughtful. —I just can't go now, not right now.

Darius 's question , laden with concern and curiosity, cut through the brief silence. —Why?— he asked, looking at his nephew with inquisitive eyes.

Terry, firm and with a clarity born of conviction, explained, —I have obligations here as well. This is my family, I am their leader, and I cannot abandon them.— His statement resonated with the strength of his commitment, an echo of his devotion to those he had sworn to protect and guide.

Francisco Javier, although initially surprised, nodded in understanding. He knew Terry's character well, his responsibility and his tendency to adhere firmly to his principles. —Then we must think of a way for all of us to be together and for there to be no problems,— he mused out loud, aware that the solution would require creativity and sacrifice.

It was Marcus who stepped in to lighten the moment, aware of the emotional burden that these decisions carried. —It's late at the moment, let's eat and then rest. Tomorrow we'll see everything through,— he suggested, offering a necessary pause in the midst of the storm of decisions.

Aiden , ever practical, stood up, followed by the others. With a mix of hospitality and leadership, he guided the family and friends to their rooms, making sure they knew the details for dinner and rest. —In two more hours we will serve the meal so you can come down to the great hall,— he indicated, marking the end of the conversation for the moment.

Night fell on the planet Zalara , enveloping it in a calm that contrasted with the intensity of the emotions and decisions shared. The promise of a new day brought with it the hope of solutions, of a future where the family, in all its forms, could remain united in the face of the challenges of the vast universe that surrounded them.

Under a sky dotted with stars, in a distant world that had become their new home, Helena and Francisco Javier shared a moment of reflection in the tranquility of twilight. The light of the two distant moons illuminated their faces, revealing a mixture of wonder and concern.

— ¿Did you notice our grandson Kyran? — Helena broke the silence, her penetrating gaze searching Francisco Javier's eyes for confirmation of her own impressions.

—Yes, I saw it clearly. It's the spitting image of Terry,— he replied, his voice filled with surprise and a hint of pride.

—¿Do you think he did it genetically or scientifically? Here, on this planet, there don't seem to be laboratories for such purposes — Helena asked.

—No, I don't think so, — Francisco Javier mused, dismissing the idea with a wave of his hand. —I think he was conceived naturally, without the intervention of modern science. What really worries me is the boy's potential powers. Will they be latent or completely absent? And if they are present, when will they manifest?

Helena nodded, sharing her husband's concerns. —Well, we need to ask Terry about our grandson. We can't be left in the dark, especially if there's anything we can do to help.

— Totally agreed. We will find the right time to talk to Terry—said Francisco Javier, his voice firm in his decision.

With that resolution in mind, Helena prepared to leave. —I'll just go out for a moment. I'll go get something from the ship that I forgot.

—I'll wait for you here,— Francisco Javier assured him, offering him a reassuring smile.

On her way to the ship, Helena met Terry, who was deep in conversation with some of his co-workers, giving instructions that she didn't manage to hear. Upon noticing her presence, Terry quickly said goodbye to his group and approached her with a smile.

—¿Where are you going, Mother?— he asked with genuine interest.

—I'm going to the ship to get my forgotten LumiCom . Will you join me, son? — Helena offered him a smile, looking to share a more intimate moment with Terry.

— Okay,— Terry agreed, and together they set off. The starlight guided them, casting long shadows on the ground as they went.

It was then that Helena decided to broach the subject that had been weighing so heavily on her. —I want to know something, Terry,— she began, her voice soft but laden with a motherly curiosity that had been bubbling just beneath the surface. Night had fallen over the planet, and the path to the ship was lit only by the stars and distant moons, creating an intimate setting for the conversation.

—¿Tell me, Mother?— Terry replied, his tone calm, though attentive to the seriousness in his mother's voice.

—About your children, ¿how were they created? — Helena's direct question reflected a deeper concern, not only about the nature of her grandchildren's conception but about the implications this might have.

—Naturally. They're not genetic creations in labs, if that's what you want to know,— Terry replied, his words seeking to ease any fears his mother might have.

Helena nodded, relieved but still thoughtful, as they reached the ship and she pressed a button to open the door. —That's why your son Kyran looks so much like you then,— she said, contemplating the implications of what Terry had confirmed.

—I guess so. ¿What are you afraid of, Mom?— Terry probed, sensing the underlying current of concern in the conversation.

—If he has powers, we need to know so we can help him in time,— Helena replied, her mind already considering possible scenarios and how they could support Kyran and Elara in developing their abilities.

—He hasn't shown up yet,— Terry said, his voice a mix of hope and concern. —And I don't know if he will. I want Kyran to live a normal life until then. When he does, we'll see.

—It's not just him, the girl can have the powers too— Helena reminded, expanding the conversation to include both children in her concern.

Ætheris ' voice echoed in his mind, ending their dialogue.

—Mother, I must leave you. I have somewhere to go,— he added quickly. —Go to the dining room and have something to eat. I'll come later when I can.

—It's okay, son,— Helena replied, gently kissing Terry's forehead. Her gesture conveyed a comforting calm, a peace that could only come from family closeness. Despite the unknowns that the future held for them and the challenges that could arise, the union and unwavering love of the family were their compass, the light that always guided them in the midst of uncertainty.

Terry arrived at the temple, a place shrouded in ancient and deep spirituality. The stone walls held centuries of ancient secrets, and the energy that enveloped the place seemed to vibrate with an almost tangible power, as if the mysteries of the universe awaited in every corner. Without hesitation, Terry entered the cave, where Ætheris was waiting for him, adopting the familiar and comforting figure of his father, Francisco Javier. The atmosphere inside the cave was thick, charged with the promise of revelations that could change everything.

—¿What is it?— Terry asked, his voice firm but filled with an expectant reverence that resonated in the sacred space like an echo that had yet to find an answer.

—We must talk,— Ætheris replied , his tone grave and solemn, but with an undertone of closeness that reassured Terry, preparing him for what he was about to hear.

—I'm listening,— Terry said, focusing his full attention on Ætheris , as if time had stopped and every word that followed was crucial to his fate.

—Now that you have reunited your two families and remember almost everything, the rest of your memories will come back to you, little by little — Ætheris revealed , her voice carrying a truth that seemed to ease Terry's soul. It was as if, at last, the shadows in his mind were beginning to dissipate, leaving room for clarity.

—Yes, you're right,— Terry acknowledged, feeling the missing pieces of his memory slowly begin to fit together, giving him a new understanding of himself and his purpose.

Ætheris continued , a gleam of expectation in her eyes, —¿what do you want to do now?— The question hung in the air, not as a challenge, but as an invitation for Terry to take control of his own destiny, now that his past and present were beginning to merge into a single line toward the future.

Terry took a deep breath, aware that the next step would be crucial, but more certain than ever that he was ready to face it. Terry expressed his deep desire, a dream that encompassed the union of two worlds: —I would like both families, the Saharim , who I now consider my people, my clan, and the Whittaker family, to live together. I do not wish to separate from either of them. I want my children to grow up in a normal environment, as they have until now. Although I am aware of my duties and know that I must resume my position as Imperial High Priest, I cannot simply leave my clan adrift.

—I understand,— Ætheris replied , her voice filled with deep understanding and palpable power. —If that is what you wish, I will make your dream come true.

Terry, moved by a mixture of curiosity and hope, leaned forward a little, searching for more details.

—And how will you do it?— he asked, his eyes full of expectation.

—I have powers, have you forgotten?— Ætheris said , her tone softly reproachful, but with a smile on her lips. —I am capable of doing whatever is necessary to keep things from falling apart. The solution is simple: we will build a new planet, one just for us. A place where both families can live together as one, without divisions. This way, you will never have to choose between them again, and you will always be surrounded by all your loved ones.

Terry gasped for a moment, processing the magnitude of what he had just heard. Then his face lit up with a mix of relief and excitement.

—That would be amazing,— she said, with a wide, sincere smile that reflected the gratitude she felt at that moment.

But Ætheris was not finished. With a slight gesture of seriousness, he continued:

—However, it will be you who will do it. —The words echoed loudly in the cave—. I will be at your side, I will assist you, but the power to create this new world lies within you. You will manifest it.

The surprise on Terry's face was evident at first, but it was soon replaced by a firm resolve. This new challenge was calling to him, and although it was a colossal challenge, something inside him, something deep and ancient, told him that he was ready.

—I will certainly take up that challenge,— he said, with a conviction that vibrated in the air, as if the echo of his words were already beginning to build the foundations of that new world.

—It will be crucial that both families are aware of this plan, — Ætheris added, his voice firm but imbued with the wisdom of millennia. —Together, they can begin to create this new home. There is no time to waste.

Terry nodded, feeling the weight of the mission begin to settle on his shoulders, but also the excitement growing within him. The future was in his hands, and with Ætheris ' support , he was determined to forge a destiny where both worlds, both families, could live in harmony.

With renewed impetus, Terry set out to summon everyone. His step was firm and determined as he headed toward where his family and clan waited. As he gathered them together, he shared a vision of a future together, on a planet designed to be their home, free of adversity and full of possibilities.

—This sounds promising,— Terry's uncle Darius commented, a curious gleam in his eyes. —But where exactly do they plan to create this new world?—

—It should be somewhere close to our old home,— Ethan suggested, contributing to the conversation with a vision that mixed the new with the familiar.

As the family brainstormed and their dreams began to take shape, Elian, with a mixture of wonder and doubt on his face, approached Terry. There was a spark of disbelief in his eyes, but also an almost endless curiosity.

—¿Can you really create an entire planet?— he asked, his voice barely a whisper, as if the magnitude of the question weighed on him.

Terry smiled, acknowledging his friend's astonishment.

—Yes, although it's been quite a while since the last time, I know I can do it. Imagine a complete and natural world, similar to the one we know, but with one big difference: it won't be arid, there won't be desolation —Terry replied, his voice calm but full of promise, painting with words the vision of a paradise.

Terry, feeling the weight of the trust placed in him, placed a hand on Elian's shoulder in a gesture of camaraderie.

—And you have that ability too —she added, looking him straight in the eyes— Ætheris will teach you how, later.

Elian, shocked and filled with wonder at the revelation, could only respond with a brief —Oh…— as the idea of being able to contribute to the creation of a new world took shape in his mind. The air around them seemed to vibrate with a new energy, a palpable magic that promised adventures to come. Family and friends, united by Terry's shared vision, stood on the brink of an exciting new beginning, ready to bring their own utopia to life.

Aiden, intrigued by the conversation, approached Terry and Elian, his eyes shining with curiosity.

—That gem you carry with you... can it create entire planets?— he asked, fascinated by the idea, as if he were faced with a mystery he was only just beginning to understand.

Terry, maintaining his usual calm, nodded slowly.

—Yes, I've done it before. Plus —he added with a touch of serenity in his voice— I can also stop a black hole from devouring a planet... at least for a few hours.

The revelation left Aiden speechless, and the room seemed to pause for a moment as the implications of what they had just heard settled into each of their minds. The sense of witnessing something larger than themselves grew ever more palpable. This was not just the beginning of a new world, but the start of an epic that would unite everyone in the creation of something extraordinary.

—Wow, that's really impressive!— Aiden exclaimed , amazement in his eyes, unable to contain his fascination at the revelation. Then, his face scrunched up slightly in confusion. —But wait… what exactly is a black hole?—

Terry, amused by the innocence of the question, gave her a warm smile.

—I seem to forget that you've never seen one in person,— he said, and then, with the patience and knowledge of a master, he continued, —Black holes are regions in space where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape. They form when giant stars collapse at the end of their lives, and the effects they have on the cosmos are devastating. If you get too close, you'd be sucked in and destroyed by their immense gravitational force.

Aiden listened with wide eyes, taking in every word as if the universe itself were unfolding before him.

Wednesday marked a decisive day: the new planet, which they named—Zephyria ,— was finally ready. It was a world of incomparable beauty, filled with vast landscapes of lush vegetation, majestic forests, and a diverse fauna that seemed to have been created from the dreams of those who would inhabit it. There were no complications in the adaptation, and the two families quickly integrated into their new life on Zephyria , which was a great relief for Terry, who saw his dream of uniting all his loved ones under one sky come true.

One of the first things Terry did, without delay, was to move the grave of his late wife, Nova, the mother of his children, to a mausoleum in a nearby cave. This place would be a peaceful refuge where his children could visit her, bring her flowers, and keep her memory alive. Terry would go often, too; Nova had been one of the great loves of his life, a woman who had taken him in and given him a new reason to keep going. He would not allow her memory to fade in time, and honoring her on Zephyria was his way of keeping her close.

Shortly thereafter, Terry returned to Galactic Command to be reinstated in his position. During his absence, his three children, Claudius , Dennis, and Sapphire , had taken over the command on an interim basis. It was during this time that the three siblings had the opportunity to meet their half-siblings, Kyran and Elara , with whom they formed an almost immediate connection. Despite the differences in their backgrounds and the circumstances of their lives, the five quickly bonded, forging a close relationship that further strengthened the family ties.

Zephyria , in a short time, became not only a home, but a symbol of unity, where the different branches of the family could flourish together, and where memories of the past and promises of the future coexisted in harmony. Terry, with the weight of so many responsibilities and the pain of the losses experienced, felt lighter, knowing that he had achieved what many would consider impossible: creating a place where the ties of heart and blood could thrive together in peace.

Now, the Saharim , Terry's clan, faced a new beginning filled with possibilities. Zephyria would soon become richer with the construction of colleges, universities, and the fostering of trade, among other initiatives. It would be a rebirth for the clan, a promising future in their new planetary home, a testament to the power of unity and the vision of a shared future.

As Zephyra flourished under the care of Terry and his loved ones, the Saharim clan began to chart the path to a prosperous and harmonious society.

The first days on the new planet were filled with discovery and shared joy, with each dawn promising new adventures and opportunities. The integration of the Whittaker and Saharim families , along with the arrival of schools, universities and businesses, promised a bright future for all.

Yet in the vastness of the cosmos, balance is always delicate. As Terry resumed his place at the Zenith headquarters of Imperial command, a new challenge loomed on the horizon, a shadow that threatened not only the peace of Zephyria but the stability of the galaxy itself. The bonds forged between the Saharim and the Whittakers would be tested in ways they had never imagined.

Claudius , Dennis, and Sapphire , who had commanded in their father's absence, were beginning to sense whispers of discord among the stars, a sign that the harmony they had achieved might face its first great test. Kyrian and Elara , meanwhile, found in their new lives a series of mysteries that connected them to their heritage in deep and surprising ways.

Meanwhile, in the darkest reaches of the universe, ancient and forgotten forces began to stir, drawn by the power that resided in Zephyria and by the Ætheris Gem . that the Whittaker family held dear. The peace they had found was precious, but fragile, and protecting it would require sacrifices and decisions that none of them were sure they were prepared to face.

So, while Zephyria stands as a beacon of hope and unity, Terry and his family's story is far from over. What began as one man's dream of reuniting his loved ones on one world has transformed into a mission to protect that home from the threats that emerge from the shadows of space.

The saga continues, promising to take Terry, his family, and his allies to the far reaches of the universe in search of answers, facing new enemies and forging alliances with races and civilizations that defy imagination. The legacy of the Saharim and the Whittakers is yet to be written, with Zephyria as the setting for its next chapter, in a story where love, bravery, and destiny intertwine in the infinite tapestry of the cosmos.

This saga continues in Book 2—Borders of the Infinite: Echoes of Aetheris .

If you wish to contact the author, you can do so by writing to her email autoraselenelunara@gmail.com