Aurora looked at the Earth as she touched down to the moon’s surface. She enjoyed the quietness of space, though it’d been a while since she flew far enough to not hear the cacophony of Earth’s various inhabitants without consciously managing her senses. She could almost feel herself beginning to relax. She’d surrender to the feeling if it wasn’t for the reason she was on the moon to begin with.

The small Puranite ship had appeared quickly from the darkness of space. If Aurora hadn’t been able to sense its energy approaching, it may have caught her off guard as it rounded about the moon, landing a few meters in front of her.

The ramp door that covered the ship’s rear unlatched and lowered slowly, revealing a tall, lean figure standing at the top of the doorway. Aurora felt a pit form in her stomach. She never found herself intimidated by other Puranites when she’d lived in her home world, but Vexx had always been the exception. Her red irises glowed through the darkness of space and the black sclerae that surrounded them only made them more haunting.

Vexx now stood only a few feet in front of Aurora, her eyes glimmered.

Good to see you, Ro’a. Vexx’s voice pierced Aurora’s mind like a blade. It’d been years since she’d had a telepathic voice in her head, and even longer since she’d heard her birth name. She only wished the first psychic connection she made after so long hadn’t been with Vexx, though she tried to not give it too much thought.

Likewise, Commander Vexx. She returned, drawing the best smile she could. Vexx raised a hand.

It’s Admiral now. Vexx smiled. I’ve climbed the ranks significantly since you’ve remained on Harth. She motioned her hand over her armor, which displayed several engravings.

It’s Earth. I’m sorry I couldn’t make the celebrations for your promotions. Aurora’s smile faded as she thought about what else she could be missing on Pura.

All is well. There weren’t many celebrations to attend. Vexx’s eyes drifted away from Aurora’s for a moment. She quickly snapped back to focus on her. The aftermath of the war has taken a large toll on Pura’s people. There has been little time for festivities of any sort. Vexx showed little emotion, but Aurora could see the tired look in her eye. Anyway, Vexx continued, how has your daughter’s training been? I imagine her power has grown immensely. She’s what? Fifteen now?

Eighteen, and yes, she’s only just beginning to display some of her abilities. Though she’s progressing much slower than expected. Aurora did her best to not sound concerned or disappointed in this. For a moment, she allowed her mind to wonder away from Vexx as thoughts of the last few months returned to her. Thoughts of her daughter, Aeliana, whose excitement and fascination when learning of her Puranite heritage had warmed her heart to no end. And thoughts of her cowardice when she elected not to tell the child of her inevitable departure from Earth.

Really? Vexx’s almost snake-like voice slid back into Aurora’s mind. Aurora shook herself.

I wish to request more time with her. This time in her development can be overwhelming, and I don’t think it’d be wise to-

I’m sorry, Ro’a, but you will have to leave her on Earth once you’re called to return to Pura. Vexx interrupted, her hand raised in front of her, an order to be silent and listen. You will have the rest of your designated time on Earth uninterrupted to train her to protect this planet. If you cannot do that, then she must be taught to keep her abilities restrained until your return. 

Aurora shook her head. I can’t leave her on her own like that. She doesn’t have anyone else to look after her.

Earth has plenty of guardians now, from what I hear. Surely one of them has the capabilities to at least supervise her in your absence. Vexx noted.

I’m her mother. Aurora retorted.

Vexx’s eyes glowed, a deeper red overtaking them as she glared at Aurora.

You were the one who requested to stay on earth. We gave you fifty human years to do what you needed to do. Nobody requested that you produce offspring. That is for you to deal with, not the empire. Vexx scolded. Her words struck Aurora’s mind like a hammer to her skull. Aurora resisted the urge to rub her temple. Is that understood, Ro’a? Vexx asked.

Aurora nodded.

Good, your transport will arrive in two human months. You must return with your escorts the week they arrive. Vexx turned away, approaching her ship. Please, do not make it more difficult than it must be, Ro’a. You’re a friend. Even if we haven’t always gotten along, I don’t want to see you go to trial for abandoning your post.

You won’t, Vexx. I would never abandon the empire. Aurora bowed.

Vexx stopped, her head lowered. Aurora felt something unfamiliar from Vexx’s telepathic connection. It felt gentler. 

I know it’s hard, and I’m sorry. The empire appreciates your sacrifice, Ro’a. It truly does. If there is anything I can do to assist you in your mission or your journey, please reach out.

Aurora’s brow rose, but before she could respond, Vexx had boarded her ship and their connection was severed.

Aurora’s chest felt heavy as she watched the Puranite ship lift off the surface of the moon and take off into space. It had been years since she’d last seen one, and it would be longer before Aeliana would be able to... no, she couldn’t let her thoughts explore that avenue. They’d never end.

The flight back to Earth was quick, only a few minutes, but it felt like ages before Aurora had reached orbit. She’d wanted to go straight home. However, this short rendezvous with Vexx was unfortunately not the last meeting she was to attend. The little earpiece she’d been wearing beeped twice as a male voice sounded through the static.

“P.E.T.R.A.C to Astro Woman, come in,” an agent on the other side of the earpiece said. Aurora held her finger against the little button on the outside of the earpiece.

“This is Astro Woman, I’m ready.” She spoke.

“Copy that, hold still, we’re ready to port you into facility number-” the agent’s voice cut out. Astro Woman could hear muffled voices before the mic was released and a familiar female voice spoke on the other end.

“Aurora, can you hear me?” Her wife’s voice, normally a source of calmness and comfort, caused her heart to drop at the sound of its distress.

“Leandra? What’s wrong, love?” Aurora asked.

“It’s Aeliana. She’s engaged a hostile. We believe it may be one of Skirmish’s androids.” Leandra spoke slowly, an attempt to remain firm, though it was audibly shaky to Aurora’s ear.

“Relax, my love. I’m in orbit. I should be able to reach her quickly.” 

“I just wish she would listen.” Leandra sighed.

“I know, but this is a natural part of her coming into her powers and rising into her place as a protector of her world. I’m sure she’s okay.” Aurora did her best to sound reassuring. Leandra just sighed.

“We need to make sure they don’t cause any extreme damage. The area evacuated before the fight broke out, but she hasn’t fought a villain on par with Skirmish before. She isn’t ready for that.” 

“Which can make this a good experience for her.” Aurora retorted. “Trust me, I’m sure that whatever is going on, Aeliana, is handling herself well. She’s a Puranite, and our daughter, after all.”