Synthesis by F.G. Smith

Author:F.G. Smith [Smith, F.G.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3, mobi
Published: 2023-11-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

09:14, June 2nd, 2134

“You seem more excited for this call than I am.” Dawn said, straightening Kayden’s shirt as they sat together in the mess hall.

“I just want to make a good first impression in front of my girlfriend’s parents, that’s all.” Kayden said, running his hand nervously through his hair then trying to tame his quickly-growing beard.

Dawn stopped straightening his shirt, blushing slightly. She looked up at him, her yellow eyes locking with his. “What?” He asked.

“It’s just…that’s the first time you’ve called me your girlfriend, that’s all.” She replied.

“Not ready for that kind of title yet?” He said with a grimace. “I feel like calling you ‘my woman’ probably wouldn’t go over too well with your dad, but maybe-”

“No! Not at all. I like it. Let’s go with girlfriend.” She said with a broad smile. “Now relax, okay?”

Kayden took a deep breath. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, this wasn’t just about meeting his girlfriend’s parents. With Muradin’s success in fixing the shuttle looming, the council had agreed that they should start searching for colonists with needed skills to come back to Sanctuary. As much as Port Vega had already provided them a list of potential candidates, he was sure that having a doctor, former diplomat, and former police chief that he could trust would help the colony immensely.

He looked over at Dawn as she continued to smile at him. “You’re overthinking again. What’s on your mind?”

He shrugged. “A few months ago all I was thinking about was how I was going to make sure I could write my own destiny. Then I met you and we got stranded here. I agreed to help the colony because it would help me remove the neural link. Now…I’m genuinely invested in this colony’s success. I’m about to interview our first prospective colonists.”

“How does that make you feel?” She asked.

“Good.” He responded. “Really good. Taking on this leadership role here has really shown me that freedom is about more than just ‘doing whatever I want’. It’s about prioritizing.”

“What do you mean?”

“Choosing to be a leader here means I’m giving up the ability to just run away and do whatever I want, when I want. I have commitments, responsibilities that I need to handle. But it also gives me the ability to do things to make other people’s lives better – yours, your family’s, Selina’s. I think a big part of the reason I didn’t want to lead this colony is because I knew what I’d be giving up. Now I can see what I’m getting in return is worth a lot more to me.”

She leaned up and kissed him softly. As her pink lips met his, she gently placed one hand on the back of his neck and pulled him closer. He didn’t resist, giving into her softness and returning the kiss without reservation. Gradually, she pulled away and her eyes met his. “You say these things…acting all responsible and leader-like. It makes me fall for you, deeper every day.

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