Chapter 32

"So... You mean most of the beings want to head home for a while?" Vikul folds his arms as he watches the screen in the meeting room.

The four of us, Vikul, Galene, Melzul, and I, gather after I ask almost everyone I can get to. It isn't what I expected. Maybe it's like what Melzul says, I'm worrying about that too much. I could have waited to start worrying after everyone let their decision known, which turns out, there's nothing to worry about.

I nod. "Yes, I know it'll be too much to ask of you to bring us both ways, so a one-way for some of them to go back first will be good enough. The rest of us will find a way. All we desperately needed is a connection to the outside world."

He says, "When I bring the first group back, I'll bring my friend here. He is a business friend and his family deal with food processing. I think he may be interested in the farm and everything. I'm not sure whether he will buy you out or work out a deal with you, but there's a chance."

Really? My eyes light up and I have to fight myself to remain calm and professional. I've been working in companies for long enough to know how to behave as others expect.

"Thank you. We can't thank you enough."

Galene grins. "I'm so happy for the village." She pokes Vikul's shoulder. "See? I knew it was going to be a good idea to take the detour."

Vikul clears his throat. "Come on. We didn't know what they were about and the search system didn't give us enough information."

Melzul says, "I understand it isn't that easy to make a decision to come when there could be bandits lurking or just beings that are up to no good. We are thankful."

Ah... So Melzul can act decent too, interesting.

Galene nods. "It's worth the chance."

Vikul says, "Excuse us. My mate loves to mess with me. Because your village doesn't look like an official business and this isn't exactly a business meeting, she is messing with me again."

Galene laughs. "Come on. We can all be friends."

Vikul snorts a laugh with a faint smile. "I suppose we can. I believe in fate, so it's quite a deal to get to know both of you and the village. If the villagers have made their decision, maybe it is time for us to depart. We'll be sure to meet again. Oh, right. Before you send your beings onto a foreign spaceship, you should be free to check on us." He pulls out a card and hands it to me.

I take it with both hands. It is a business card with his name and his company's information. There's a logo of his company that's embossed in gold elegantly. It looks like his business is massive...

Oh, dammit... Did we just randomly call upon a super-rich guy to help our tiny village? I know I don't have to be ashamed or anything, but it feels out of place when I'm with those beings with a ton of money.

Before it gets weird, I put the card into my pocket after reading it. "Thank you. I'll inform them and... be ready to say farewell them in the meantime."

I... I didn't expect goodbye would come like this. This quickly and this out of nowhere.

Those who want to leave for the foreseeable future, and some of those who want to leave to visit, go with Vikul, which is the capacity of his spaceship. These are mostly beings who left their family to start working here, who must be missing their family tons. And those who plan to leave here forever...

They are around me and tears are already spilling from me. "Guys, I'll miss you all. You'll always be welcome!"

"I'll be back to visit." One of them grins, even though there's still sadness in his eyes. I know him. He came working on the project with a two-year contract, hoping to go back to school with the money after the contract was over, but for now...

I sigh. "Trust me, when we manage to raise funds from what the village produced, I'll send some your way."

We shake hands and give hugs. He says, "It's all good. At least I've gotten plenty of working experience by now. Don't blame yourself for it. You could never see this happening."

I talk to the rest of them, wishing everyone all the best.

It hurts, and my gut twitches as I watch them board Vikul's spaceship. Melzul holds onto me as we wave our goodbyes.

I hate saying goodbye to anyone, even those who will be back later, who have decided to stay here for the foreseeable future.

Melzul kisses my forehead. "Look, we're moving along great. Vikul will be back with beings who will set up our communication system and other essentials. We're going to be a legit city soon."

I sniff and rub my eyes with the back of my hand. "I know. Maybe I should be happy, but I can't help with the tears."

"Just cry if you have to." He waves some more at the spaceship. Almost the whole village is here to bid those leaving farewell.

I lean onto Melzul. "At least... It's coming together well."

"It is..."

We stare at the spaceship as it starts and rises into the sky, soon disappearing out into the galaxy, heading all the way back to Catieks.

Melzul pats my side. "Maybe we can go to Catieks in the future too. After we set up everything, we won't have to stay here all the time."

"Maybe..." I let out a breath. It feels like something has shifted, but... I shrug. "Sometimes, things fall into place when they want to."

"I guess so. Next time, you can fall into my arms when you want to, too."

I roll my eyes at his flirting that is so bad that he ruined the mood completely. "I have to prepare dinner for everyone."

He huffs. "But my prize!"

"Do you not want dumplings for dinner?"

"Oh..." He swallows. "Now you're threatening me with food, which we agreed never to mention again."

"Well, I guess we can have stew. I like a stew too, and they are so much easier to prepare."

He huffs. "No, no. Go get me dumplings."

I laugh and pat his chest. "And you'll be waiting for your chance with me."

"Yes, alone, and with you screaming and moaning."

The village won't be the same again. Melzul and I won't be the same either. And that'll be a change for the better.