Chapter 7
The next day on board Drastan Command Ship
“Why are you going back down there again?” Liam asked in frustration, sitting across from his father in his Devlon’s private command room.
“I want to evaluate how much work needs to be done in the next district myself. It will give me a better idea how much longer our presence will be needed.”
“Father, we can’t fix the entire planet; it would take several lifetimes.”
“I know, but I don’t want to leave until I feel the humans can rebuild on their own. Has Maggie come around to the idea of living on Drasta?”
Liam ran a hand through his thick hair. “Not yet. She and Rachel both don’t want to leave their parents or friends behind. Her father is a high ranking dome leader.”
“You, your brothers, and your cousin must remind your mates of what Drasta has to offer not only for them, but for their children: fresh air, being able to run and play aboveground under the sun. They’ll be able to look up at the sky at night and see the stars again.”
“I’ve told Maggie all of that before, father.”
“Then maybe you should show her.”
“What do you mean?”
“Show her some videos of Drasta, let her see the beauty of our world.”
“I’ll do that. Now, about you going back to the tunnels…”
“I’m going, and that’s final. I leave command of the ship in your hands.”
“Father, the high chancellor is sending someone here in two weeks to check on the fleet and our relations with the humans.”
“I should be gone for only a few days. Then I’ll be at Rachel’s baby party. I’ll have plenty of time to meet with the high chancellor’s representative.”
“I still don’t know why it needs to be you going.”
Devlon stood and walked over to one of the portals looking out into space. “I don’t know if you can understand this, but I feel...useless, sitting up here. You and your brothers have families, so of course you should be here with them. I guess I’ve been feeling more and more restless. I need to be doing something.”
“Spend more time with your granddaughter and grandson.”
Devlon smiled. “I love Milly and Thomas and appreciate every moment I have with them.”
“But you need more?”
“Yes. I’m missing something in my life... Purpose of some sort.”
“Your purpose has always been serving in Drastan’s fleet. You’re a great commander.”
For some reason, it bothered him that all he would be known for was serving as commander. “I should be more than that.”
Liam walked over to him and placed his hand on Devlon’s shoulder. “You’re a great father and grandfather.”
“I appreciate that, son, but both of us know I wasn’t really there for you or your brothers. Your mother did everything, and when she died, your aunt was there to help raise you. Even when I was there for you, I really didn’t do much. I look at you with Missy and I’m amazed how much better a father you are than I was.”
“You tried…”
“It wasn’t enough. I could’ve done more. You three boys deserved more from me.”
“You’ve done the best you could. We hold no hard feelings about things.”
“I appreciate that. I’m determined to do right by my grandchildren, but I want to make a difference somehow with this world.”
