I’m having the most wonderful dream. I’m flying through the air in Davor’s arms, my head resting against his naked chest. His heartbeat soothes me right down to the deepest possible level.

We’re flanked by Anshi on either side, with a pack of Luba running their hearts out down below.

And then I feel a pull.

“Come back to me, Leah.”

I glance up. Davor is looking at me with a pleading look in his baby blue eyes.

“Come back.”

I wake up with a gasp.

It takes me a few seconds to get my bearings, but then my mate’s wonderful scent pulls me fully into reality.

I realize that some dreams do come true. I’m resting on his chest, and my fingers accidentally brush against his bandages. Instantly, I’m fully awake.

Is he hurt?!

I try to rise, but his strong hands keep me down.

“Sleep,” he mumbles.

“How can I?!”

His eyes are pried open. “What time is it?”

“Who cares, are you okay?”

He chuckles. “I am fine, my love. I’m perfect.” He kisses my forehead gently.

“What about your chest? I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I want nothing more than to feel you resting on top of me,” he says. “Nothing more.”

He wraps his big arms around me and holds me tightly. I can’t argue with that! I allow myself to drift back to sleep, content and happy.

The Galactic Aid Corps has landed on Garna. It has never been busier here! They have set up a massive camp, where all the aid workers and sick animals are being treated. The Federation is on their way to transport all of the SINTRA soldiers back to Earth, to face trial for their crimes.

SINTRA has put out a statement as well, denying all involvement. They say that this was all the work of a ‘rogue group’, that their work was ‘unsanctioned’ by the top brass, and that it was ‘unfortunate’.

That’s it.

No compensation, no apology. No nothing.

I remember what the general said, about ‘The Council’. It makes me shiver. There’s definitely something rotten there…

However, that’s a problem for future me (and for the Federation’s Police). Right now, I’m expected on board of the GAC flagship, which is hovering above Garna.

And I’m terrified.

In fact, I’m more nervous than when we faced the general!

Davor squeezes my hand as we land on their flagship.

“Don’t worry,” he says.

Easier said than done.

My parents are right behind us — they wouldn’t miss this for the world.

We enter the bridge, and everyone snaps to attention. My eyes land on Commander Charles Tucker, and my heart skips a beat.

He’s nothing short of a GAC-legend, the most accomplished xenozoologist in the known universe!

“Leah Booker,” he say. “It is an honor to finally meet you.”

“P-please,” I stammer. “I’m no one. I’m just the local Luba lover. I’m, uhm, yeah.”

I’m so flustered that I’m rambling.

“You are much, much more than that, if my reports are to be believed. You single handedly saved Garna!”

“I didn’t do it alone,” I protest. “And SINTRA was only here because of me, so really I’m the cau—”

Davor nudges me. “Take the compliment,” he whispers.

Right.

“Thank you,” I say instead.

Commander Tucker nods. “For you efforts, we would like to offer you the position of overseer on Garna. We are honored to have someone with your heart and your dedication in our ranks.”

My eyes turn wide. My dream job, offered to me on a plate. I turn to Davor, and my mind is made up on the spot.

“I’m sorry,” I say, “but I can’t accept.”

I turn to my parents.

“I haven’t had a chance to talk to you about this, but I feel like I must return to New Exon with Davor. We are Chosen, and it feels like we still have a part to play. If there’s more people like us out there, they might need our help, like Theros and Anaya were able to help us.”

My father nods. “We understand, honey. You are destined to be together, a blind man can see that!”

Commander Tucker clears his throat. “As a GAC-man I’m sorry to see you leave our company, but know that you are always welcome. Now, as a human, I completely understand that you need to follow your heart. I wish you all the best.”

He pins a shiny gold medal onto my chest. “A reminder,” he says. “Garna, and the Galactic Aid Corps, thank you.”

The little green dot I have always called home shrinks by the second as our shuttle gathers speed. The GAC have graciously offered us a free shuttle, so that we may travel back to New Exon safely.

Davor has set it to auto-pilot as he joins me at the window.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

“It certainly is,” I say with tears rolling down my cheeks.

He wipes them away. “We will visit often,” he says. “Whenever you want.”

“I know, I know. I’m still going to miss it.”

Before leaving we spent a wonderful weekend with my parents, but all things come to an end. We are staring a new life on New Exon.

He kisses my neck, and when Garna has disappears from view, he leads me back to our chambers.

Now we have all the time in the world…