Liam and Serena were not the only ones moving that day…
Elsewhere on Falva Star there was a large compound. Sleek, modern buildings made from glass and steel covered a large area. Outside there were multiple platforms connected with the buildings through long gateways.
On one of the platforms stood a massive spaceship. It was big enough to comfortably transport five thousand people together with a lot of luggage. The spaceship had the form of a big whale and was thus also called known as a Space Whale. Some people also compared it to old-school blimps. It was painted in blue and wore the symbols of multiple companies. At its rear end were massive thrusters which showed the characteristic sparkle of starlight energy.
The Space Whale overshadowed its surroundings. Even without moving it was an impressive sight due to its sheer size. There were multiple gates at its flank which were connected to gateways. Thousands of people got off the Space Whale wearing hopeful expressions on their faces, looking forward to their new life on Falva Star. Such a scene could be observed every few months as Falva Star's population slowly increased.
A pair of indifferent eyes followed the new arrivals from a window a few floors above. There was a spacious lounge, luxurious and comfortable. Only the most distinguished people could afford to come here. But for some it was a matter of course to rest in this lounge before travelling. For example, employees of the Colville family. Or even the family members themselves.
As the governor's grandson and member of the Colville family, Brayan took these accommodations for granted. He even looked down on travelling with a Space Whale. Who would enjoy being cramped in a spaceship with so many others, sometimes for months? Brayan certainly wouldn't. Thus, he was glad that the family sent their own spaceship.
Brayan turned his eyes away and looked towards a somewhat inconspicuous spaceship standing a bit further away in a fenced-off area. It was coated in a brown-red colour, emitting a regal air. Despite being much smaller than the Space Whale, its luxurious appearance gave it a presence not less than the massive Space Whale.
This was only one of the family's many spaceships. Being able to privately own a spaceship capable of traversing the entire federation was a sign of immense wealth. It was incomprehensible to normal people. The price for a spaceship like this began with at least thirty million credits and there was no upper limit. But Brayan was still annoyed that the family sent one of their smaller ships to get him. As he was already forced to move, he should at least be able to do so with some dignity.
Brayan shook his head inwardly but didn't show his emotions on his face. He took his eyes away and turned around. There were multiple men and women in seats sitting in the lounge not far away, all of them allies – or rather bootlickers – of his father.
Brayan's eyes stopped on the two people standing right behind his back. They were a tall man in a suit with gelled black hair and a pair of glasses in front of his stern eyes. The other was a slightly smaller woman wearing a surprisingly simple white dress. Her smooth black hair was tied to a bun. Although she now had some wrinkles around her eyes one could still tell that the woman had been a great beauty in her youth. The pair were of course Brayan's parents Owen and Keira Colville.
Keira had a small handkerchief in her hand, wiping a few tears from her eyes as she noticed Brayan turn around. She spoke with a quivering voice:
"Son, be strong! I will plead with the elders so you can come back. Also, your grandfather! I won't stop pestering him before he uses all his means to get you back. I… I…"
"Ok, honey.", interrupted Owen. "There is no need to worry. Dad already used his connections to get a good position for Brayan. He will be enrolled in a special program for players, overseen by the army. Honestly, this can be a chance for you, Brayan.
See if you can make valuable connections in the central star system. Learn from the players there. Get to know the young Raghoff. If you manage to integrate yourself there, it will be more valuable than staying on a small planet like Falva Star.
On top of that it is always an advantage if you have served in the army. Even if you weren't involved in exploration. All the influential people will have a good impression of you if you can prove that you served before."
Brayan looked at his father and took a deep breath. He nodded slowly.
"I understand, dad!"
"Good!"
Brayan knew it was finally time for him to go. He stepped forward and tightly hugged his mother. Keira pressed her son against her chest, unwilling to let go. Eventually Brayan managed to wiggle out of the embrace. He nodded one last time at his parents before turning towards the right.
There, in a door leading out of the lounge stood two men in red and brown uniforms. They were employees of the Colville family and part of the spaceship's five-man crew. They had been sent to escort Brayan towards the spaceship. Brayan knew that he had no choice. He followed the two men through the VIP part of the spaceport and entered the spaceship.
Owen and Keira watched with very different emotions as the spaceship's thrusters activated. A few moments later the red ship rose. The air itself was shaking when the ship suddenly sped up and disappeared between the stars. At that moment, Brayan Colville had left Falva Star for the distant central star system.
When Silva returned home that night she was quickly informed by her father. Immediately she felt a stone fall from her heart. With Brayan gone, there was one less person interfering with her work in Colville Constructions. Now she was the only one left in the younger generation of the family who was part of the family's businesses. Perhaps this was her chance to really stand out and vie for the position of future family leader.
Silva was in a good mood and quickly shared the information with her friends. For a while gloating messages were exchanged.
Meanwhile Liam and Serena were checking out their new apartment. Cynthia, Dominic and Kel were there as well, showing the siblings everything they had discovered so far. After all, the apartments were using the same technology although they had a different layout.
When Silva's message arrived Cynthia, Dominic and Kel were just about to leave but now the group of friends couldn't help but joke around for a bit longer. Thus, even more time passed. When Laim noticed that Serena was so tired she could barely open her eyes anymore he finally called it a day. Their friends left and the siblings were alone in their new apartment.
Since they were two people Liam and Serena naturally had one of the biggest apartments. It had two bedrooms, a spacious living room, bathroom, and a kitchen, which was rather small as the guild would usually provide food cooked by a chef for everyone living in the guild house.
Liam allowed Serena to choose her bedroom before bringing her to bed. After Serena lied down the siblings talked for a bit in low voices until Serena finally drifted into dreamland. Liam smiled as he quietly left the room. He had noticed that Serena was somewhat nervous in the new environment. It was good that she spent all her energy this evening or she would have had trouble sleeping.
After bringing his sister to bed, Liam also didn't stay up much longer. He welcomed the soft embrace of the new bed, which was certainly much more comfortable than sleeping on a mattress on the floor.
When Liam woke up the next day he began unpacking his things. Only an hour later did Serena come out of her room in cute white pyjamas.
"Morning! How was the first night in your new bed?"
"Hmm, morning. Good, good."
Liam chuckled noticing his sister's tiny eyes and deep eyebags. Serena strolled over to the refrigerator and pulled the door open only to let out a quiet 'oh'. She closed the door and turned towards her brother.
"Liam, our fridge is empty…"
"I know. Don't worry, there should be something to eat in the common area. Cy said yesterday that she prefers to eat there."
"Oh right. So… when can we eat? I'm hungry."
"Why don't you wash yourself and change your clothes and I will unpack for a bit? Afterwards we can go to eat something."
"Well… okay."
With a protesting tummy Serena listened to her brother. A while later she came out of the bathroom with new clothes. Serena was just about to urge Liam when a bell rang through their apartment. Serena perked up and opened the door. Cy's familiar voice sounded through the room:
"Serena! Morning! Is your brother up already? Do you want to have breakfast together?"
"Yes! Perfect timing! I'm so hungry."