Chapter 12 - Samantha
I don’t come to Gekkar Creek very often anymore. The town hasn’t been safe since a new kind of trafficking started about five years ago.
Ever since that cursed day—when my father’s shady dealings brought two thugs into our home—everything changed. Everything spun out of control. And it’s entirely my fault.
That was also the day I gave in to Ayden—the one and only time.
I had dreamed of it so hard! And finally, it happened…
like a miracle. But by morning, the dream had turned into heartbreak.
He was gone, just like that. No note. No goodbye.
He left me—and also abandoned his lifelong partner.
All because of me. Logan never said anything directly, but I know he knows.
He stuck around for a few weeks, bringing a little structure and stability to Dad’s chaotic life. Together, we made some improvements to my Gekkari hut and my small prep lab—a wooden shed where I make my balms, potions, teas, and even a few edible jellies.
Logan helped expand and strengthen my little workspace. It gave him a chance to really get to know the Gekkaris, to see how they live and understand the unique bond I share with them.
A little while later, his new partner arrived—this sweet guy named Igor. That’s when I realized Ayden was now roaming the galaxy with Vlad, Igor’s old partner, and that I would probably never see him again.
And then they were gone.
I could have accepted Logan’s repeated offers to move to a larger, fully managed base like BN-22, where the Confederation has its HQ. But for what? I’d still be alone. At least here, among the Gekkaris, I have my routine. I have peace, familiarity. Comfort.
So, five years have passed.
But that awful day—when everything unraveled—I let slip a piece of information that seemed harmless…
but it didn’t fall on deaf ears. My father immediately realized the profit he could make from a new kind of trade: a plant that induces deep relaxation and hallucinatory dreams. Because for him, everything is just an opportunity.
He used dirty tricks to find out what the plant was—even threatening my little Gooz’s life. Eventually, I gave in and vaguely described the yellow-flowered plant that grows to the northeast. I didn’t think he’d have the nerve to go find it.
But he did. And after many failed attempts, he managed to extract the effects he was after.
That’s how the famous “Albert’s Miracle Potion” hit the market. And with it came a new breed of visitors—not the kind you want in a quiet place like Gekkar Creek. So now I only go there when I absolutely have to.
Logan hasn’t set foot on Gekkaria in over two years—off on missions across the galaxy. So I’ve kept quiet about how bad things have gotten here. What could he do about it, anyway? No need to worry him.
And Dad? With his new business, he played the local kingpin for a while—until Felone showed up with his thugs and took over. He didn’t even have to try hard to knock Dad off his perch.
But I have a feeling my father never stopped his deals. He’s probably still at it behind Felone’s back. And I’m afraid it’s going to catch up with him. I want no part of his shady business.
Gekkar Creek’s become a haven for lowlifes of every kind. The farmers are still around, but they’re ruled by fear now—afraid of angering the wrong people. As for me… I feel like we’ve been abandoned.
Today, I came into town in a rush to run errands and drop off my latest batch of balms and herbal teas. Like always, I stop by Rebecca’s shop. She fills me in on local gossip and voices her growing concern for her safety.
“You know old Hector? He was found dead the other day. Beaten to death and dumped behind a building. Nobody knows who did it, of course—but rumor has it he was bad-mouthing Felone in the saloon just hours before,” she whispers, glancing nervously around even though we’re alone.
“You think Felone did it?”
“Oh, it’s obvious! That man doesn’t even try to hide who he is anymore. And no one dares stand up to him.”
“That’s terrible! But the settlers outnumber Felone and his men. Surely—”
“They only understand violence. Who’s going to rise up? The farmers? The merchants? I’m thinking of leaving Gekkaria. Maybe move to another base,” she says with a sorrowful sigh.
That would be a disaster for me. She’s the only Human I still talk to regularly. Sure, I live among the Gekkaris—but over time I’ve come to realize that while they’re my friends, I crave connection with others like me. Other Humans.
“You should ask Logan to come pick you up,” she says gently. “It’s not safe here anymore. If I leave, who will you turn to?”
She’s right. That question has been echoing in my head for a while now.
When I was little, Mom gave us a peaceful life among the Gekkaris.
She taught me how to harvest plants and extract their healing properties.
We made ointments for bruises, teas for kidney issues, decoctions for headaches, poultices for sore muscles.
Even after she died, continuing that work gave me comfort—kept me away from the colony.
But now? Now I’m not sure. I’m twenty-three, and I feel so alone.
I glance over at Gooz, happily rummaging through fruit bins under Rebecca’s gentle gaze. I still need to drop off these groceries in my aeropod and come back for the rest.
“You can leave him here for a bit. I’ll watch him,” Rebecca offers.
“Thanks! I’ll be right back,” I say, grabbing my load.
“My pleasure. That little furball is just adorable.”
I smile and head to the landing zone.
At the platform, I secure my bags carefully, mentally double-checking my list. I really hope I don’t have to come back for a few weeks. To avoid that, I need to make sure I didn’t forget anything.
As I head back toward Gekkar Creek, a thick cloud of dust kicks up behind me. I turn around—and there it is: Felone’s massive, unmistakable ship. The skull-shaped prow makes his intentions perfectly clear.
Not wanting to cross paths with that bastard, I rush toward the shop to grab Gooz and get out of town fast.
When I walk in, Rebecca is gently stroking my little one’s silky purple fur.
“There you are! He didn’t suffer too much, as you can see,” she says with a big smile.
“He sure didn’t! All right, sweetheart, let’s go. That monster Felone just showed up—I’m not sticking around.”
Her face falls instantly. Her smile vanishes, replaced by worry. She hands me Gooz, who lets out a soft trill of joy and nestles into my chest pouch.
“You’re right. Go!”
I grab my remaining groceries, say goodbye, and leave the store.
And everything’s changed.
In the middle of the main street, two figures stand locked in a silent showdown.
On one side—my father. Years of abuse have taken their toll. He’s wearing a worn-out linen shirt, canvas pants, and cracked boots. His eyes are wide with fear and horror.
On the other—Felone. Dark. Cruel. His face is a patchwork of scars from countless fights.
His crooked nose looks like it’s been broken more than once.
He wears a long black coat, spotless boots, and a cowboy hat that casts a shadow over his cold, cruel eyes.
A hideous smirk curls his lips. A wide belt hangs at his waist, revealing a rough polymer-made pistol, primitive compared to the Galactic Sentinels' pistoblasters.
The silence is deafening—broken only by the rusty creak of a nearby air-flow detector pushed by the wind.
Seconds stretch. Invisible spectators gather in the shadows, eager not to miss the drama.
“This man… defied my authority!” Felone says loudly, making sure everyone hears. “I told him to leave. Told him to stay out of my business!”
With just those two lines, I understand—my father got himself into trouble. Again.
“But… I… I have to… survive…” Dad stammers.
“You were selling Zebulon behind my back. You thought you could deal my drug without me knowing?”
“I… I’m sorry… I won’t do it again!”
“Oh, I can promise you that,” Felone replies, his smile wicked.
He draws his weapon slowly. I instinctively step forward, but a hand grips my shoulder, holding me back.
“Don’t. You can’t help him anymore,” Rebecca whispers.
A shot rings out, shattering the silence. Dust flies up from the ground. My father sways. A red stain blooms across his chest. He stares at it, confused… and collapses.
“Anyone else want to challenge me?” Felone’s voice cuts through the silence.
No one moves. The whole street holds its breath.
Felone smiles. A cruel, satisfied grin. His eyes glint with icy amusement.
“Then drinks are on me! Let’s celebrate at the saloon!” he says, tipping his hat like a grim-faced showman.
I stand frozen, staring at my father’s lifeless body. Whatever his flaws—his greed, his failures—he was still my dad.
Some settlers step forward to take his body. I want to help.
“You can’t do anything more for him,” Rebecca insists gently.
I close my eyes. My throat tightens. Pain surges through me—grief for a man who gave me nothing, yet whose death still hurts.
But Rebecca is right. I have to go.
I grab my bags and rush to my aeropod. Before I reach the great forest, I land briefly and record a holographic message to Logan. I know he’s far away, and it’ll take time for the message to reach him. Longer still for him to get here.
But I know he’ll come. However long it takes—Logan will come.
***
Days later.
My brother is finally here! He came straight to find me among the Gekkaris… at my lab—well, what I call a lab! I didn’t expect him so soon, but I’m beyond relieved to see him again after all this time.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he says, pulling me into a warm hug. "I left the moment I got your message.”
“Oh, Logan, I’m so glad you came!” I whisper, my voice trembling.
“There, there. I’m here now. Everything’s going to be okay,” he says soothingly.