Standing in the central courtyard of what was to become the Capitol city of the Ephyra Colony, Sarah Hastor looked up at Elevator Number Two, with a lump in her throat. She'd seen in a hundred times, and a hundred times the effect was the same. It was just a sight that would never become commonplace for her. The Main city, as yet un-named, was taking shape. She looked around, feeling a since of satisfaction, if only for a moment.
She thought of the strange Bajoran on Ossimer Station. What on Earth was he talking about, she wondered. My real father indeed. Dad....was a successful investment broker on Ceti Tau. He had met her mother there and after a whirlwind romance where married. But Sarah came late in life. Her mother Jessica Hastor, traveled quite a bit, planet to planet doing research for Vorian Academies. But, twenty some years ago they decided to have a family, if late in life.
Her mother was in fact working on Trivas, just a hop skip and jump away. Sarah had begged her to come for a visit, but no amount of pleading would pry her from her work.
A voice came up behind her. "Hey girl. Don't you ever quit?"
She turned to see Freddy Mathers, her contemporary working on City number 2.
"I'll take a break when you do. Those poor colonists. I'm sure they are anxious to make planet fall."
Freddy looked around. "It' won't be long now. The first of the colonist are arriving tomorrow. Nicole Branson herself will be making a speech tomorrow from that balcony over there."
Sarah looked over her shoulder, technicians were already placing audio equipment.
"I sure could use another week."
Freddy smiled. "Well, word come down from the office. You and I are ordered...Ordered mind you to take two days off."
She looked at him like he was crazy. "Now?"
"Yes now. Before we burn our selves out and we're not good for anyone."
Suddenly the stress of the last month was pressing down on her shoulders. "Well..two days huh." she really did want to see Mom. "Think I could get a passage to Trivas?"
The lanky young man grinned as he pulled out a pass card for the Starfire. "Already taken care of. The boss knew your Mom was in the neighborhood." handing the pass card over to her.
"How? .....How would the company know where my Mom is?"
"Hey. You going to make a fuss....Or are you going to see Mom?"
She nodded. "You're right...Don't look a gift horse in the mouth."
He looked at her quizzically, "What is a horse?"
***
From across the courtyard Jaran and Nala watched. When they saw Sarah start to the Space Elevator Nala made a sound.
"What is it you expect to gain from all this?"she asked.
Jaran turned and started for the still incomplete space port. "I want to meet Mom."
Off:
A post by Commander Dayor Jaran
Senior Research Administrator of the Bajoran Temple Vor-Huar
Clandestine operative of the Bajoran Intelligence Service
Previously Marcus Dinn
