They swept her through the colony center and for the first time since landing, she could actually breathe.
“Daax has been wonderful.” Aida bounced on her toes, energy radiating from every movement. “He’s showing me the whole engineering complex tomorrow. The tech here is fascinating… completely different approach to atmospheric processors than Earth uses.”
Of course Daax was wonderful.
“Kaael took me through the hydroponics facility.” Finley’s nervousness from the transport had been replaced by scientific excitement. “They’re growing latharian crops alongside native plants. The genetic modifications they’ve made to adapt wheat to the soil composition?—”
“Thayn’s been so patient.” Autumn smiled. “He’s explained their medical practices, introduced me to everyone at the clinic.”
They all had stories. Good stories. Stories about hosts who actually wanted them. Who made an effort. Juni’s smile held through sheer will.
The other women guided her through the colony center. Past the communal dining hall where Autumn said everyone gathered for evening meals.
“They have a market here.” Anja gestured to the open area where vendors had set up stalls. “Every third day, the agricultural communities bring in produce and goods.”
A Latharian man looked up from arranging what looked like root vegetables. His amber eyes fixed on Juni.
“You’re the one assigned to Goraath.”
Not a question. She straightened her spine.
“I am.”
His weathered face creased into something that might have been sympathy. “Long way out there.”
“It’s beautiful.” She made her voice bright and confident. The same voice she’d used to smooth over executive tantrums and client complaints. “The mountains are stunning.”
“Mmm.” He studied her for a long moment, then selected one of the vegetables… purple-skinned, about the size of her fist. “Take this. Slice thin, pan-fry with oil. Goraath forgets to eat vegetables if someone doesn’t make him.”
He pressed it into her hands before she could refuse.
“Thank you.”
More vendors called them over as word spread.Another Latharian, old enough to be a grandfather, pressed a small cake into her hands. “For sweetness in your new home.”
A younger male offered her a scarf woven from local fiber. “The winds are harsh in the northern territory.”
Each gift came with looks… measuring, curious, but also kind so she didn’t mind. It was nice to feel accepted.
“Juniper Sutton.”
She turned to find the colony leader approaching. Kaalden was tall even for a Latharian. Behind him, there were three other Latharians who had to be council members based on their bearing and the official-looking badges on their jackets.
“Colony Leader.” She inclined her head, not sure of the correct greeting protocol.
“We did not have a chance for a proper welcome yesterday.” His Terran was heavily accented but clear. “The colony council wishes to acknowledge your arrival and express our gratitude for your participation in the program.”
“Thank you for having me.”
“The Midwinter Celebration is in three days.” Another latharian, younger than Kaalden but with the same type of authoritative presence, stepped forward. “It is our most significant cultural celebration. The longest night of our year, when communities gather to share warmth and light against the darkness.”
Her heart leaped. A celebration. A real celebration with people and warmth and light.
“It sounds wonderful.”
“All are welcome.” Kaalden’s gaze moved past her, searching through the crowds. “Even those who live far from the center. There will be food, music, dancing, and the lighting of the eternal flame that burns until spring returns.”
Music. Dancing. Community.
