Page 48 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol 2
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-mouthingFelone 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!”
