The Last Immortal : Book One of Seeds of a Fallen Empire

by Anne Spackman

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  Eiron decided if you had to be locked up in a spaceship for eternity, Selesta was the only way to go. As a licensed spaceship engineer, he appreciated the ship more than others might have. He especially enjoyed the hundreds of botanical gardens and the Seynorynaelian lyra forest the best; the engine room was even more interesting.

  Alessia said little when they got there; Eiron guessed that this had little to do with him and so took a great deal less time than he would have liked admiring it. No doubt past circumstances surrounding it brought back unpleasant memories for her.

  When they reached the crew’s quarters, Alessia led him to an unoccupied room furnished for his use. Then she withdrew and left him on his own. Although he still wasn’t very tired, he decided to retire so that when the children rose, he could tell them the stories he had promised with enough spirit to do them justice.

  Not that he liked all children, but these were growing on him, he admitted to himself. Besides, someone had to set them straight about things. Life wasn’t all about holographic illusions.

  Suddenly, as he drifted into that blissful state the moment before you fall asleep, knowing only the contentment of lying still and the anticipation of dreams, the cold computer terminal on the wall interrupted the quiet with a voice that wished to know when to sound the morning call.

  In his dreams, he was sure he recognized that voice. What did it keep telling him? Why was it trying so hard to make him want to leave?