The next chapter will be a time jump. So, it'll be one more chapter on the ship then they'll be in Outerra or landing. We'll see. I'm too tired to write this little part, just enjoy chapter eight!

Chapter Eight

I woke up the next morning to a knock at my door. I sat up in bed.

"Ova, open my front door." I said as I rubbed my eyes.

"Good morning Bella!" Alice said cheerfully.

"Ugh, morning," I said as I looked at her with one eye, "What time is it?"

"It's morning time! Time to wake up!"

"Why don't we have regular time? Like 7:00, or 9:00?"

"Because we're drifting through space and there's no definitive time yet. When we get to Outerra there will be though!"

I nodded, "Ugh, I cannot wait. I feel like it's way to early for us to be up."

"Nonsense," She said, "I'm starved, and I need breakfast. Now, you get your butt in the bathroom and get ready! The we're going to the spa!"

"Sounds good to me. I've got one more day before my re-training begins." I stretch.

"Exactly why we need to go have fun! I reserved us spots at the spa now come on!" She practically pushed me out of bed and to the bathroom.

After my shower, I walked out in a pastel yellow tunic. Alice was staring out the window at the passing stars.

"Ready?" She said as she turned.

When we walked out of the cabin, she linked arms with me again. We walked to the cafeteria where lines of people were already waiting. It was at this time I was thankful for the platinum pass.

Today I tried to equivalent of Outerrian's of French toast. It was a light pink color with dark yellow sauce covering it. I didn't hate it. Just a new flavor.

After breakfast, Alice and I went to the spa. We got facials, massages, our nails done… Wasn't my thing. I mean, the massage was nice, but everything else seemed like overkill.

"Do you want to go to the pool after this?" Alice asked.

"I was thinking about going to finishing another chapter in the book. That test will be coming up soon." I said.

"Boring!" She chirped, "The test isn't for a while, let's relax a little bit. When we get to Outerra we won't be able to relax like this."

I sighed, "Fine, okay, we can relax today, but, tomorrow, we need to get serious." I said.

Twenty-Eight Days Later

Alice and I headed to the auditorium to take the first test. I wasn't too nervous, I was semi okay with tests. But, Alice was nervous. I knew she was going to pass, we had spent every night studying together.

I placed my hand on her back when we sat, "You got this."

She smiled nervously, nodding her head.

We sat in the auditorium seats and unfolded the desk in front of us. When we walked in, one of the several ship workers hand handed us a round black device. This was a device to take the test on.

I placed the device carefully on the desk and pressed the center button. A pair of ear buds popped out of it. I placed them in my ears.

"The test will begin after I explain the process," The voice over the ear buds said, "The test is going to appear above to T.D. the test will only be visible to you and is uniquely designed so there is not cheating. Test questions will come up one at a time. To write an answer use the Stylus."

The stylus popped out of the T.D. I grabbed it and held it between my fingers.

"When you have finished with the test, please, return the T.D. and quietly exit the auditorium."

I waited while the T.D. brought up the first question.

Question One: When is Natura Ferias? How long is it? And why is it so important?

Natura Ferias begins when the Fourth and Second moon align with the First and Third sun, which happens once every year. It lasts for one full Outerrian week which is eight days. It is important because it is the time that Outerrian's thank the Goddess Moheia for all the nature she provides them with.

Question Two: Why did Outerrian's agree to the Treaty Agreement with Earth?

The Outerrian's population was dwindling and the remaining Outerrian's were becoming inbred. Humans were a compatible species.

Question Three: An Outerrian gives you a blue surrexerunt, what does this mean?

It means that the Outerrian has strong feelings and wishes to 'court,' you

Question Four: What do the different color surrexerunts mean?

Blue: Strong, romantic feelings Yellow: Friendship Purple: Thank you Red: Welcome Orange: Get Well Soon Black: Sorry for your loss Pink: Congratulations White: Coming of age celebration.

Question Five: When meeting someone knew, what is the Outerrian custom? And what does it signify?

Press foreheads together while holding one or both hands. This signifies an open mind and friendliness

It took me about an hour and a half to finish all the questioning. It wasn't too hard, everything in it was mainly review. If you read and focused on the book, this test was easy.

"Please wait a few moments while we grade your test."

I waited for the test to grade it.

"You only missed one question. Meaning you scored a 99% which is above the average needed for pass. Congratulations. Would you like to know which question you got wrong?"

I clicked yes.

Question Eighty-Seven: What yeah did Earth and Outerra make contact? – 2930

I rolled my eyes, of course I'd miss that one. Luckily, it wasn't so important. Before I got up, I patted Alice on the back and smiled at her. Silently wishing her good luck.

The ship was practically empty, aside from a few passengers. I waited for Alice in the large cafeteria, not wanting to eat until she arrived. I was looking through my air tablet, as I waited for her.

Another passenger sat across from me at the table. I turned off my tablet and smiled at him.

"So, how'd you do on the test?" He asked.

"99%. Missed one question."

"Wow, that's high. I took my test down on earth."

Ah, he must've been an off-duty pilot.

"Hmm, I bet it was easier to take it on earth."

He nodded, "Yeah, are you waiting for someone? The lunch line is very short now."

I held up my platinum card, "I got this. I usually don't wait to long."

He chuckled, "Nice. That must be nice."

"Don't you have a pilot's card?"

He shook his head, "I'm a pilot in training."

"Really?" I said with slight confusion, "This is a long trip to take for a trainee."

He shrugged, "I want to work on the cargo ships. So, I've got to learn how to manage these long flights."

"Oh okay, I see, you're not staying on Outerra."

He shook his head, "Nope. I'll be going back and forth between Earth and Outerra."

"What a lonely life," I chuckled.

He shrugged, "I was never one for people, so, this is the perfect job for me."

"Well, I'm very glad you've found your calling."

"What do you do?"

"I'm a nurse."

He made a confused face, "You're a nurse with a platinum card?"

"My dad had a ton of money saved up, plus, the ticket was like ninety percent off or so."

"Ah, okay," he said, "So, are you excited about your new life?"

I shrugged, "Yes and no. I'm more nervous than anything else."

"I would be nervous too. New life, no everything."

I smiled at him and nodded. I turned to the door when a flurry of people started walking in. I saw the top of Alice's head as she walked in. I waved my hand to signal her.

"Have a nice day," the young pilot said.

Alice sat beside me, looking tired.

"I think I'm going to need a day at the spa." She said, rubbing her forehead.

"How'd you do?"

"I got an 87%, so I passed."

"Good!" I said, patting her on the back, "That's awesome!"

She chuckled dryly, "Thanks."

"I say we celebrate, let's go to the restaurant, I think their serving American for lunch. Come on, we can get cocktails."

"That is the best thing ever. Let's go."