Page 58 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol. 1
“It’s Akifumi!”he announces as I meet him in the hallway.
A smile spreads across my face.“Then let’s go welcome him!”
Wingo practically bounces with excitement. His trust isn’t easily earned, but Akifumi is one of the rare fewwho has it. Every time we cross paths with the Polarian, Wingo lights up like a kid on festival day.
And honestly? I feel the same.
Outside, on the landing platform, a sleek single-seater bearing the Confederation insignia touches down with quiet precision.
A few minutes later, the hatch opens, and my mentor—my friend—steps out, grinning from ear to ear. We meet halfway and pull each other into a strong hug. It’s rare that we get to see each other in person, and we both know how much that matters.
Akifumi has the classic Polarian look—humanoid, with straight black hair, a warm copper tint to his skin, and long, thoughtful eyes. There’s an old theory that a few Polarians ended up on Earth millennia ago and intermingled with the local population. I’ve met a few Earthlings from the Asian regions who bear a striking resemblance.
Even in the dim morning light, I can see the calm confidence in his face. He’s in his fifties now, but he carries himself with the same quiet strength he always has.
“Gnuffgnuff!”Wingo chirps, bouncing with excitement.
“Hey, Wingo! How’ve you been?” Akifumi replies warmly.
“Welcome to MyFaS,” I say, smiling.
“I’m counting on you to show me all the big changes in this terraforming project,” he says with a wink. “That’s the official reason I’m here, remember?”
“Of course,” I reply with a knowing smile. “We’ll get you set up with everything you need to make your visit to this forgotten world look official. But let’s wait for the sun to rise. How about a hot drink while we wait?”
I lead Akifumi through the complex, pointing out a few updates as we go. He settles in at the composite counter while I heat some water. I reach for a jar of dried biloa herbs to steep.
“Forget the lavash,” he interrupts, grinning as he pulls out an opaque container. “I’ve got coffee. The real stuff.”
I burst out laughing. Of course he does. Akifumi’s obsession with coffee beans is legendary—no matter the planet. The berry exists in various forms across different worlds, but since it has no nutritional value, it’s not widely cultivated. Still, if you know where to look, you can find it.
I can’t judge him for his little addiction to the dark brew. I’m just as hooked on cocoa beans. Now that Ileana’s discovered the joys of chocolate, I’ll definitely need to keep my supply stocked.
“What about the girl?” Akifumi asks, his tone casual but curious.
“She’s still asleep,” I reply.
I don’t feel like explaining to my mentor that Ileana’s still asleep because I kept her up part of the night. Some things are better left unsaid.
“Wingo,” I say as I start prepping the coffee Akifumi brought, “show him to the guest room so he can drop off his things.”
A few minutes later, the rich aroma of coffee fills the room. I pour two cups and head toward the left wing of the complex. Akifumi’s already made himself at home—his bag’s resting on the console in his room—and he lights up when he sees the mugs in my hands.
“I added a little sweet syrup from one of the local plants,” I say, handing him a cup. “Figured you’d want it sweet.”
He takes a sip and nods in approval. “It’s perfect.”
The back wall of the room opens onto a view of the lake, still wrapped in the soft light of early morning. It’s peaceful—one of the best spots in the complex.
“Let’s sit out here,” I suggest. “We can talk in private without waking Ileana.”
I lead Akifumi outside just as the first light of dawn begins to wash away the last shadows of night. The air is crisp, and the sky is painted in soft hues of violet and gold. I let out a deep breath, taking it all in.
“I love MyFaS,” I say quietly. “It just… feels safe.”
We walk a few steps toward the lake, the surface still and glassy in the morning calm. Wingo’s already disappeared—probably off to enjoy the new day in his own way.
“I’ve got a fake ID bracelet for the girl,” Akifumi says, pulling a small device from his coat. “It’s valid across the entire Confederation. Her new name is Elena, and the ID number is clean. No one will ever connect her to the murder charges. From now on, she’s free.”
