Page 5 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol. 1
When Paris was on the verge of being submerged by rising waters, the researchers had the option to move to another terrestrial center or to BN-35, the space station dedicated to medical research. They all decided to keep working on BN-35. Prianka was born just a few months after they arrived. I came into this world two years later, the result of Bernard and Indira's love.
I don't remember my birth parents. I just have the videos Roland and Chandra showed me. I was two when they died in an accidental decompression incident on BN-35. I was taken in by Roland and Chandra, who were already parents to Prianka, my beloved sister at heart, who unfortunately suffers from the same condition as Roland.
Prianka, my adoptive sister and sister in spirit, is the embodiment of kindness and gentleness. Maybe it's out of necessity—who knows? Her condition forbids any kind of exuberance or rough play.
I still vividly remember the time I, caught up in a moment of excitement, jumped on her over something trivial. The joy on her face instantly turned to horror as she lost her balance. The sickening crack of her bones echoed through the room as she tried to break her fall. She screamed in pain, and I was frozen paralyzed by guilt and fear.
We ended up rushing her to the regeneration chamber, but the image of her tear-streaked face and my own helplessness still haunts me.
Mohandas’s voice rang out from the next room, pulling me back to the present.
“I can’t make this decision for you, Chandra. I understand why you’re searching for a miracle cure for Prianka. But it’s going to be much harder now that Roland is gone. Especially since I’m about to hand over my role as base administrator. I’ve done my time here. Mourad will be taking over my responsibilities soon.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll manage. I’m sure the new administrator will be just as understanding and supportive as you’ve been.”
“I hope so. But no matter how kind he is, he’s not going to magically turn this base into a place suited for a single woman and her two little girls.”
“I appreciate your concern, truly. But my mind’s made up. I’m staying here until I find a solution for Prianka.”
Mohandas simply nods and walks out of the room.
Mom collapses into a seat, thick tears streaming down her trembling cheeks. I can’t take it anymore—I leave my hiding spot and rush to her side, wrapping my arms around her.
“Don’t worry, Mom. We’ll find a cure for Prianka. I promise I’ll help you every single day.”
“Oh, sweetheart, you’re too young to carry all this. Maybe Mohandas is right. This base isn’t the right place for two young girls, especially not girls your age. Evenif this is where I have the best chance of helping your sister, maybe you’d be better off somewhere else…”
“I’m staying with you!” I cut her off. “No way I’m leaving. I’ll help with Prianka. I’m old enough to make things easier for you. I can watch her when you’re busy in the lab.”
“But you’ve got your studies to worry about.”
“They’re not that hard. I don’t want to give them up, and I don’t have to. I can keep up with my apprenticeship and take care of Prianka. I promise, Mom!”
She looks at me, eyes shining through her tears. “You’re so brilliant. Just like my dear Indira, my cherished friend. I miss her so much. You remind me of her in so many ways. You’re right, sweetheart. The three of us will show them we never give up.”
I smile at her, trying to reassure her, even though I’m not entirely sure myself. But she’s right. We’ll find a way. The three of us, together.
5125, Polaris Year — Ileana, 17 years old
“Do you think Mom’s in love?” my sister asks.
I’ve just come back from the cafeteria with two cups of herbal tea, right after our medical study session. I can’t stand these thyme drinks, but Prianka has to take them regularly, and I drink them with her out of solidarity. Besides, you get used to the slightly bitter taste over time.
“Who are you talking about?” I ask, surprised, as I hand her the cup and sit down in the chair next to hers.
“Well, Henri. The new assistant to Administrator Mourad, of course,” she says in a hushed voice, as if someone might overhear us.
Which is unlikely, since it’s just the two of us.
“Henri? The new guy? But he only started a few weeks ago. How do you know that?”
“You’ve noticed he always stops by to say hello, right? And he shows up at the food court at the same times we do. Plus, he’s pretty good-looking, even if he’s older than she is. I’d say he’s easily over fifty, but he wears it well.”
I glance at her, feeling a little awkward. I’ve noticed we run into Henri more often than coincidence would suggest. Prianka’s theory makes sense. Mom’s been a widow for five years now, and she’s still young and beautiful—much more so than Mourad’s assistant, who, if Prianka’s right, must be close to sixty, if not older.
I have mixed feelings about Henri. He’s definitely handsome, with undeniable charisma. He’s always smiling, and his calm, confident voice seems to put everyone at ease. He’s kind and friendly, always trying to help solve people’s problems.
But something about the way Henri looks at me makes me uncomfortable. I’ve caught him more than once eyeing my body with what felt like a predatory gleam. Or maybe I imagined it. Prianka’s probably right—it’s Mom he’s interested in, not me.
