And now, a story from Shirash’s past…

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Shirash stood stiffly against the wall rocking impatiently. She waited in front of her father’s meeting room. Its great, metal doors were closed and a tough looking Chaimian guarded it. Shirash was supposed to have audience with D today, but of course, things had changed. Furdy was her elder brother by five years…half-brother, and seemed always to be up to mischief. From rumors, Shirash had learned that he had stolen a ship and fled the station. I say let him go… He’s been nothing but trouble. Why does Father even bother? Furdy’s just as a bad as his mother…

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Shirash smiled as she imagined Furdy flying his stolen ship into a star. A small chuckle escaped her throat. The sound of chubby footsteps came down the hall. Shirash turned to see Golden Mushmo plodding along rather dejectedly. He was her younger brother by five years…half-brother. He was an odd-looking boy, but the only one whom everyone seemed to like. Shirash of course loved her mother’s children… The others not so much…

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Mushmo stopped in front of her and looked up into her face with tear filled eyes. He reached out with chubby arms and hugged her tight, “Oh Shirash! Did you hear about Furdy?”

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Shirash was sixteen, and much taller than Mushmo. She patted the shroom on the dome. “Is that why you are crying? Mushmo…crying for one such as Furdy is a waste.”

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Mushmo looked up in confusion, “But Furdy…he’ll be all alone. What about his family? He needs us…”

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Shirash exhaled in frustration. He doesn’t get it…

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The doors to D’s office opened, and the Chaimian guard stepped to the side. D swept by, patting the fellow on the back. His eyes met Shirash, and she smiled. D’s gaze suddenly turned to Mushmo. His eyes brightened. “Son! There you are… Why are you crying?”

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Mushmo ran to his father and embraced him. Shirash balled her fists in anger, but contained herself. I’m not sure which of you is more inconvenient…

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At last, D turned to Shirash and held out his hand. “This way dear. I have something to show you.”

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Shirash brightened and searched D’s eyes for the same sparkle she had seen earlier. D quickly turned and ushered her into his office. Shirash’s mother Telshana was there. She smiled at her daughter and gave her a warning glance. Something big was coming.

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D plopped in his chair and spun around several times before coming to a stop. “Shirash… I saw your test scores…”

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Shirash felt her chest constrict. She wanted to look to her mother, but held her father’s gaze.

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D continued, “They are incredible!”

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Shirash felt a smile come to her face.

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“So good in fact that I have a job for you. Will you help your father out?”

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Shirash fought off tears as she nodded, “Yes! Yes of course!”

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D smiled and played with his eye patch. “Good! You will help me build my empire. I know you can do it.”

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Shirash beamed with pride. She could feel the same coming from her mother. “I won’t let you down!”

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-End