Chapter 3

Taryn’s heart raced as she returned to the desolate city square the next night. The entire city was alive. If anyone hadn’t been aware of the aliens’ arrival, they were now. More people than she could recall seeing for a long time were out.

She moved around looking for Jorim. Thankfully, it didn’t take her long to locate him. She could feel his intense gaze studying her as if he could sense the danger she was in. She had taken a huge risk by approaching him last night. To do it twice would definitely bring attention to her, but it was her only chance at freedom from the suffocating existence imposed upon her by the oppressive government.

As the tension between them grew, Taryn felt a weight pressing down on her chest. She had crossed a line that was considered unforgivable by the government’s standards, but she believed it was worth it for a chance at a better life.

Before Jorim could greet her, a voice rang out from the crowd. A man, with fear and anger contorting his face.

“They’re here to enslave us!” a man shouted, his face contorted with fear and anger. “They’ll turn us into their slaves! Don’t trust them!”

Taryn’s stomach twisted with anxiety as his words spread like wildfire through the gathering.

Jorim remained calm and composed amidst the chaos. He stepped forward and addressed the crowd with a firm yet reassuring tone. “We are not here to enslave you,” he said, his tone firm yet reassuring. “Our mission is one of aid and support. We responded to your distress signal because we believe in helping those in need.”

The atmosphere in the square was tense, but Jorim’s words seemed to sway some of the crowd’s opinion. However, Taryn knew she couldn’t stay any longer. As much as she wanted to believe in Jorim and his people’s promises of aid and support, she couldn’t risk being caught by the government’s agents who were undoubtedly watching for any signs of rebellion.

With quick glances around the square, Taryn made her way back to her apartment. She tried to blend in with the crowd, keeping her head down and avoiding eye contact with anyone. Her heart pounded in her chest with every step she took, knowing that discovery would mean certain death.

Once safely inside her apartment, Taryn wasted no time in packing up her essentials—clothes, personal items, research notes, and a few days’ worth of rations. She had to act quickly, her mind a whirlwind of fear and determination as she prepared to flee from the oppressive government’s grasp.

As she packed her bag, Taryn’s mind replayed Jorim’s words. The promise of a new life, free from the oppressive government and the cockroaches who now ruled their world, resounded in her thoughts. But she couldn’t dwell on it for long. She had to focus on escaping.

With her bag full and slung over her shoulder, Taryn paused to catch her breath and steady her nerves. She closed her eyes, taking slow and deliberate breaths to calm her racing heart. Every second counted as she snuck out of her apartment and into the deserted streets below.

Her senses were on high alert as she made her way through the darkening streets, constantly scanning her surroundings for any signs of danger. Finally, she reached the square where the spaceship was parked, its imposing figure illuminated by soft lights.

Taryn quickened her pace, her heart pounding with fear and excitement. She had to reach the ship before any government agents spotted her. Her fate rested on this risky decision to seek refuge with the aliens.

Approaching from the back of the ship, Taryn spotted Jorim and called out to him softly.

“Please,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “I need your help. I can’t stay here any longer. I’m in danger.”

The alien studied her for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Taryn’s heart raced as she awaited his response, knowing that this moment could determine her fate.

“You seek safe harbor,” Jorim said, his voice calm and measured. “We can offer you refuge, but there will be risks.”

“I understand,” Taryn replied, her gaze steady. “I’ve already taken the biggest one. Tell whomever you answer to, stardust.”

Jorim studied her for a moment before silently gesturing for her to follow him onto the ship. With a deep breath, Taryn stepped aboard, leaving behind her old life in search of a new beginning.

Taryn’s heart raced as the steel ramp clanked shut behind her, sealing her inside the spaceship. She took a moment to steady herself, breathing in air that seemed fresher than what was outside.

Her thoughts raced with the possibilities of what lay ahead. She was ready to face whatever challenges came her way, knowing that she had chosen the path of hope and change.