September 3, UC 1587 | ???, Planet ???, Capital City ???, Drikon's Family Home
"Astinia? Which book do you want me to read for you tonight?"
"Mmm... Mommy! You've already read all the books. Is there a new one you can read to me?" I pout as I truly am bored and want something new.
"Looks like you're in luck today as I have a surprise for you."
Gasping, I open my eyes wide in excitement, with arms raised as high as I can go, "Yes! What's the book, Mommy?"
"Awww and now half the surprise is ruined"
"Ahhhh I mean, what's the surprise?" Trying hard to look cute and innocent while grabbing her arms and doing mini jumps.
"Alright. Alright." Laughing, she gets up from the bed and returns with a new book. Once she sat down, she pats her lap beckoning me to sit on her lap.
I then lean back against her with all my attention on the book that was on my lap. A hardcover book with silvery letters that sparkle in the dark. I glide my fingers to feel the texture of the words. Each letter is more fascinating than the last.
"Ahem." My attention is broken from the noise.
The book is called 'Strength is Might' by Jadis Reginald, the recorded history after the Golden Age. A story that many have forgotten thanks to our many years of peace."
"What's this Golden Age?" With a confusing gaze at the unfamiliar words.
"It's a time when resources and habitable planets were plentiful. With the advancement of society, they started to explore outside their solar system. Because of the United Nations, scientists have banded together to study how to go faster than light by including the use of 'Alien' technology they found on Pluto."
"Alien's BAD!" Even though I never saw any Aliens. There was still a feeling of fear that I couldn't shake away.
"Astinia, we shouldn't judge that all aliens are bad. Just like humans, there are good and bad humans. There..." she cuts off.
I was already contemplating what she said. In my introspection I ignored the subtle beeping sounds. I was so engrossed in trying to understand what she meant that I didn't realize she already stopped talking.
"Honey. I'll be home in two months as my deployment has ended. Say hi to the kids and tell them I'll be coming home soon."
Annika was ecstatic to hear that her husband could come home soon though it was a shame the message was too short. Annika pouted a little.
It's been almost five years since Haylock's deployment. Annika can finally be at peace knowing he's coming home soon.
"Mommy, I think I understand what you mean."
Annika understands that her son is clever. Yet she still couldn't come to terms with that uncanny height of intelligence he portrays. Annika sighs in her mind.
"I'm so proud of you," she kisses my forehead lightly.
"Hehe," I giggle.
"So where was I?"
"Alien!"
"Ah yes, so with the help of alien technology, scientists reverse-engineered a few components after many failed attempts and sleepless nights. With those few components, scientist's creativity, and many long years of trial and error, we got what is now known as..."
"SLAP!" I laugh.
"Even though we call it SLAP now. The very first iteration was called the HyperDrive,"
"I think SLAP is better."
Smiling, "Yes, I think so too."
"So, with the introduction of the HyperDrive, only the rich and powerful could acquire these new Hyper Drives that can go beyond their solar system to uncharted territories that no one has visited before. Adventurous and risk-tolerant explorers decided to brave this new frontier by having these influential and rich people sponsor them. During the many years of exploration, the explorers discovered never-before-seen exotics. Yet as much as finding new exotics was an astonishing discovery, this wasn't their goal for being hired. They were on a mission to find habitable planets, which they thought was futile after many years of exploring until a few explorer's luck turned around. What they found were four habitable worlds in one year."
"These four planets were just the beginning of what is now called 'The Golden Age,'" speaking softly after noticing the sleeping Astinia.
Annika gives a soft kiss on Astinia's forehead once he is tucked in. Then slowly closes the door with worry in her eyes and fear in her heart.
The feeling that peace is only an illusion and the beat of the drums is nearing ever so closer.