The Way It Is

finding - part 2

"But you are right. Syndicate would not have known​ that. It has never been documented or even spoken aloud outside the Orikai sanctuaries."

"So who added my info to this security system?"

"I honestly have no idea, Zea."

"What if it's a trap? Or something neither one of us wants or needs to see?"

"What if Zea?"

"You aren't helping." I pace back and forth in the small tunnel in front of the door. I can't say why but this does not feel right. I am missing something important.

"OK, fill me in on everything you know about me."

"Now!" Britt's incredulous and sounds a little annoyed at my timing.

He's right. My timing sucks. I really need to stop running from shit.

"Yes, now. My information is programmed into some high-tech security software on a planet that I am pretty sure never had this kind of tech in its history. Not to mention that I didn't even know this planet existed until eight years ago."

"Fine. I will tell you what I know. Unfortunately, it probably isn't enough. Are you sure you are ready? You aren't going to like it." Something in his face makes my stomach drop. But no more running.

"Just tell me, Britt. We are wasting time. I need to know the facts."

He nods and takes a deep breath, bracing himself, eyes hardening. He looks like he's about to tackle a very unpleasant chore. This can't be good.

"Your mother was Ariakna, Queen of the Krog's. Your father, the Magnificent King Kalnerog Krognar."

"Wait. How is that possible? Weren't they the ones who sent their people through the black hole to discover this new Universe?"

"Yes."

"That is impossible, Britt. I am sure you have heard the story every year as a child in the temples. My mother and sister recited it to me, even though I was never allowed in temples on The Day of Promise, being considered an outsider."

I try to keep the resentment out of my voice. But it is hard.

"That was well over five thousand and six hundred Universal years ago. Even if a Krog's life span is between nine to twelve hundred Universal years, how the stars could I be the offspring of the King and Queen who sent their people through the black hole?"

"I don't claim to understand it entirely, but this is how the Orikai explained it to me. When they realized their Universe was dying, the Zu'Lar and Krog's finally came some kind of truce after millenniums of war. They came together to find a way to save their people. Most planets had died or been destroyed as their Universe slowly deteriorated. Only a few planets remained with inhabitants, and they were either Krog or Zu'Lar, being the oldest and strongest of the Universe's species.

"While collaborating resources and information, the young Princess Ariatha, your oldest sister, fell in love with the oldest son of the Zu'Lar Emperor. Even though it was not liked by either parents, they agreed to let them bond for the sake of uniting the people. Knowing they would have to find a way to convince their people to go through the black hole together, helping each other, it seemed like the perfect solution.

"Everything seemed to be going as planned, but then on the day of The Great Journey, the ship carrying your mother and father took a hit from debris being pulled into the black hole. It took out half their ship. Luckily your parents were temporarily safe, locked in the ship's bridge with what crew was left.