Chapter 4

Taryn followed Jorim down the curved, metallic corridor of the alien spaceship. Her nerves were still settling after the brief ride in a small capsule that had projected them into space where a much larger ship had awaited. It made her realize that Jorim had spoken the truth. They could have easily wipe out her entire planet and no one would have been none the wiser.

The walls glowed with a soft, luminescent light that seemed to shift and pulsate in response to their presence. She was both mesmerized and slightly unsettled by the ship’s living and breathing appearance.

As they walked, she noticed how silent the ship was—no sound of machinery or footsteps, only the faint whirr of energy coursing through its walls. It was a stark contrast to the delapodated city she had left behind on Earth.

Jorim led her past closed doors, each one adorned with intricate symbols that Taryn couldn’t decipher. A surge of curiosity filled her and wanted to ask about the different rooms, but she held back, unsure of how much she could trust her guide.

Despite her unease, Taryn felt a sense of wonder and excitement as she walked through this advanced alien spacecraft. She couldn’t believe she was actually here, experiencing something so unimaginable just days ago.

The corridors twisted and turned, revealing more of the ship’s sleek and futuristic design. The floors were smooth and reflective, making her steps feel weightless as they navigated through different levels and sections of the ship.

Through open doorways, Taryn caught glimpses of rooms filled with high-tech consoles and holographic displays, showcasing data and images beyond her understanding. It was clear that they possessed knowledge and capabilities far beyond those on Earth.

As they passed a large communal area, Taryn saw several aliens engaged in conversation. Their voices blended into a melodic language that she couldn’t comprehend.

Feeling a pang of loneliness, Taryn realized that she hadn’t truly felt at home in a long time. But amidst these unknown beings, she felt safer than she had in a long time.

Jorim continued to lead her deeper into the ship, and Taryn noticed subtle shifts in the atmosphere—the temperature fluctuating slightly and changes in energy around her. It was as if the ship itself was adapting to their movements.

As they walked, Taryn’s thoughts turned to her decision to board this ship and leave behind everything she knew. She was taking a huge risk, but she also felt a sense of excitement for what lay ahead.

Jorim turned to look at her, their gaze meeting for a moment. Though Taryn couldn’t decipher their expression, she sensed a hint of understanding and comfort.

They reached a section of the ship where Jorim paused in front of one door. Gesturing for Taryn to enter, they left her alone with her thoughts and emotions, on the brink of an uncertain yet promising new chapter in her life.

As the door slid open, Taryn’s eyes widened in awe at the sight before her. The walls were bathed in a soft, ever-shifting light that seemed to create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. The room was sparsely but elegantly furnished, with sleek minimalist pieces that exuded both practicality and grace.

Jorim spoke to her. “Please, come in and make yourself comfortable,” he said. “We will have someone speak with you soon.”

Taryn nodded, grateful for the offer of a place to rest and gather her thoughts after her harrowing escape from Earth. She took note of the comfortable-looking bed in one corner, a desk with a holographic display, and a small seating area.

As Jorim left the room, Taryn settled onto the edge of the bed, her mind racing with everything she had seen and experienced. She knew this was just the beginning of her journey aboard an alien spaceship, one that would challenge her in ways she couldn’t even imagine.

Despite the uncertainty of what lay ahead, Taryn tried to steel herself. She had come this far, and she was determined to make the most of the opportunities before her. As she glanced around at her new surroundings, she wondered how this experience would shape her destiny.

But her musings were cut short when there was a sharp knock at the door and it opened to reveal an even larger alien than Jorim. His yellow gaze landed on Taryn and she immediately stood up.

“Follow me,” he commanded.

Taryn followed him down the sleek corridors of the spaceship, her heart pounding with fear and anticipation. This was a significant risk, but also her best chance for escape and safety. Still, she felt weighed down by the uncertainty of what awaited her.

The alien led her to a small room with smooth, metallic walls and a clear view of the desolate landscape outside. He gestured for her to enter before leaving her alone in the room.

Taryn’s eyes scanned the sparse furnishings—a single chair in the center and a small table off to one side. But her attention was quickly drawn to the expansive view of space beyond the window, a stark contrast to the ruined world she had left behind. This was what she had risked everything for—to find help and escape from the aftermath of a catastrophic superstorm that had ravaged Earth.

Taryn had always been fascinated by science and space exploration since childhood. She had even been part of a talented and gifted science program and was studying aerospace engineering in college when the first major earth storm hit. Her instincts had warned her of its danger, but no one listened.

And now, as she stood alone on an alien ship, Taryn wondered if this was all meant to be. The geo-storms may have destroyed everything she knew, but they also led her here, to this moment and this chance at a new beginning.

The door slid open, and Taryn’s heart raced as she turned to face the new arrival. He was tall and imposing, his sharp features displaying authority and confidence. She could feel her determination falter slightly in his presence, but she knew she had to stay strong.

“Hello, Taryn,” he greeted with a nod.

“Hello.”

“I am Morvex,” he continued.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Please, sit,” he said, gesturing towards the chair in the center of the room.

Taryn hesitated before deciding to stand her ground. “I’ll stand, thank you,” she stated firmly.

A hint of what appeared to be amusement appeared on Morvex’s face as he raised an eyebrow—but she wasn’t sure if alien expressions meant the same as humans. “As you wish.”

The room fell into a tense silence as they studied each other. Taryn took a deep breath, preparing herself for what she was about to say.

“I know you didn’t come here out of pure altruism,” she began, meeting Morvex’s firm gaze. “There must be something that you want in return for helping us.”

“You are correct,” Morvex admitted. “We have reasons for answering your distress signal.”

“That’s why I’m cautious. The government factions on Earth can’t be trusted. They’re corrupt and willing to do anything to maintain their power. If they find out I’m here seeking help, my life will be in danger.”

Morvex’s expression remained unreadable as he listened intently. Taryn wondered how he viewed the state of her world.

“The environmental disasters and extreme weather changes are caused by human activity,” she continued, her voice carrying the weight of the truth she was about to reveal. “The greed and negligence of our governments have led to the downfall of our planet. We’re paying for their mistakes.”

His gaze remained fixed on her, his demeanor attentive and calm. She wondered what he thought of humans and whether he believed they were worth saving.

“I am part of a secret group that has been working for ten years,” Taryn confessed, feeling the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. “We’ve repaired old communication systems and sent messages into space, hoping someone would hear our call for help. It took us years to do it without raising suspicion, but we finally managed to send out a plea for aid.”

“And your message reached us,” Morvex stated, his expression thoughtful. “And we made the decision to come.”

Taryn’s heart raced as she nodded, trying to conceal her fear. She knew the risks of being involved in this mission, but she couldn’t back down now. The fate of humanity and the planet rested on their success.

Morvex regarded her with a stoic expression before finally responding. “We are aware of the dangers,” he said, his deep voice echoing in the room. “But we have taken precautions to ensure our safety and yours.”

A flicker of gratitude towards Morvex and his people surged through her. But she still had questions, ones that needed answers before she could fully trust them.

“What are your motives?” she asked firmly, meeting his gaze head-on. “What do you want in return for your help?”

Before he could respond, the door slid open and another alien entered the room. Taryn’s breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of him. He was even larger than Morvex, and there was an undeniable presence about him that demanded attention.

His broad shoulders and muscular frame exuded power and authority, yet there was also a gracefulness in his movements that Taryn found intriguing.

As he approached, Taryn couldn’t tear her gaze away from him. His handsome features were like nothing she had ever seen before—high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and smooth purple skin that seemed to shimmer under the artificial lighting of the ship.

But it was his eyes that captivated her the most. A deep shade of purple color like no other, they were almond-shaped, giving him an intense and mysterious look that sent shivers down Taryn’s spine.

She felt as though he could see right through her, understanding every thought and emotion without her saying a word.

Despite his imposing appearance, Taryn sensed a gentle energy emanating from him as he greeted Morvex with a respectful nod. It was clear that this alien commanded respect and attention.

Her heart raced as she took in the sight of this enigmatic alien male. As he drew closer, Taryn felt a mix of awe and curiosity overwhelm her. She knew his presence meant a shift in the dynamic, and she prepared herself for whatever might come next.