Distant Hope

CHAPTER 25 - TREQUAN NEBULA

The journey to the Trequan nebula had gone smoothly from Sirenson with no sign of pursuit by the Iquan. Once they arrived at the nebula a planet was discovered inside the nebula and a settlement had been established.

The planet was a paradise full of green vegetation its water needs provided by vast underground streams. Yet it also had a flaw. The nebula routinely whipped up severe electrical storms making it difficult for anyone to get on or away from the planet.

A settlement had been established near to a four mile long lake and prefabricated shelters where built and over thirty thousand people had settled.

Lisa had been made governor of the colony and she established her home close to the lake shore and it reminded her of Sirenson. Quickly she settled into a routine of sailing and helping to build the colony.

She looked across from her office and recently the colony had been called Oset from an old Meon dialect meaning hope. She wondered about John and word had reached her that he was on his way.

Yet apart of her also was worried that at some point the Iquan or her allies would come after them but she knew that though they had ships and weapons she wasn't sure if she was strong enough to repel an invading force.

"Lisa" a distant voice shouted and Lisa looked to see William walking towards him.

In his hand was a prickly looking object "We've found loads of these all around here."

Lisa looked intrigued "What is it?"

William continued "We think its some kind of spiny pear."

Lisa tasted it and it was sweet "That's good."

She looked to William "This planet is a haven. We have discovered so much."

William continued indicating that he had not finished with his surprises.

"What is it?"

William "We've found ruins."

Lisa looked intrigued "Ruins?"

William looked to her "Whilst mapping the planet we discovered a series of ruins about five hundred miles from here."

He showed Lisa the scans.

Lisa looked intrigued but was wary knowing that they could be booby trapped "We'll investigate but be careful."

William nodded "I understand."

As she was looking at the scans of ancient ruins her communicator pipped "We've got incoming ships they appear to be Captain Smiths fleet."