# The Arks
The newly acquired ship, which they named the Adas, was parked outside their home. The two went back, later that day, to the city to get their sand runner. Inside the house, Dan rested on the couch as Dar sat in a chair. Dan began to talk and say, "So I checked the Star Map and saw that an Ark landed on Eroura."
"It just landed? The Eroura natives won't have any need for its capabilities. They persue a more natural life. The Ark is probably untouched." Dar said.
"Exactly. And since we have this new ship here we could travel there, grab the core, and start."
"I'll go add the coordinates to the Space Map. Give me a few minutes." Dar said as he went to the Star Map.
Dar piloted the Adas out through Earth's atmosphere as Dan selected the coordinates from the Space Map. Eroura was only about an hour away with hyperdrive as Dar punched the ship into hyperspace. Dan was so impressed by the ship. It had sleeping quarters, an armory, a medical station, a conference room, a storage bay, and a restroom. Dan sat in the seat at the Space Map and swiveled the chair to face Dar and said, "I've only heard stories about Eroura. I've never been there."
"The natives, Serenicas, are very fond of Humans. Humans have protected their planet and sustained the planet from anything harmful for a long time. Humans are very much welcomed there. Other species, like myself, not so much unless accompanied by a Human."
"You don't seem to worried about it?"
"I'm not. I am accompanied by you. I've longed to see Eroura, and Crestian, for their beauty. Stories of Eroura have said that the planet itself is a living being. All the connections of the species go through the Jawi, or the Great Spirit."
"Like their God?"
"Yes, only they have proof that their God exists."
"Interesting. The nati-, Serenicas, would welcome us then?"
"Yes. You would be treated like a chief."
"Sounds good. Real good." Dan said as he eased back into his seat.
The ship appeared in front of Eroura and the two were mesmerized by the glow of the planet. Colors danced on the surface with epic explosions of random bursts. Yellow danced on purple while blue played with green and others popped. Dar brought the Adas through the planet's atmosphere as he eased it into a small clearing. He lowered the landing gear and lowered the ship to the moist surface. Dan walked out first and took a breath of the fresh, damp, Eroura air. Dar walked up next to him and said, "Through the forest lays the Ark. We must be wary though. The predators of Eroura are far more menacing than the ones that inhabit Earth."
"Let's just get to the Ark. We'll deal with whatever comes along the way." Dan said.
They walked on through the forest that was filled with animals and plants, each giving off a spectacle of color. Dan walked passed a flower bush, that he accidentally bumped into, and it burst into different colors of green, blue, yellow, red, and orange. Dan was in awe of the beauty of the untouched world. Dar said, "We must continue on." as he walked past Dan who followed.
As they continued to walk they heard a low growl that sounded like a panther's warning roar. A massive mountain lion like animal appeared from behind a wall of dimly lit shrubs. Dan and Dar drew their weapons as the creature paced around them menacingly, circling them. "Uhhh, good kitty?" Dan said. The creature let out a powerful roar before it began to charge towards the two. "Shit!" Dan yelled out as he began firing his two pistols. Dar fired his staff as well. The creature jumped wildly before it did one last jump as Dan rolled out of the way as the creature fell lifeless. Dan got up and noticed an arrow piercing from the back of the creature's lower skull. Dan looked around the bright forest as a young, petite, female walked out of, much of Dan's age. She was pretty with long brown hair and bronzed skin with some white war paint on her arms and legs. She wore tan loin cloth with some jewelry and carried a bow and arrow and blow gun on her waist. Dar whispered to Dan, "Serenica." The girl walked up to Dan, bow in hand, and said, "You are Human?" Dan was silent for a moment before he said, "Um, yes. Yes, I'm from Earth."
"Oh, this is very good! I have never met a Human before as I have always wanted to travel to Earth. I have heard so many stories of the planet." she said.
"Uh, yeah. Um, your-"
"Yes, I am a Serenica. My name is Breena. I am the daughter of our tribe's chief." she said. Dan and Dar stood stunned before Dan said, "The chief's daughter?"
"Yes. Why, is this not good?"
"No, I mean. This is awesome actually. I'm just a little stunned that the daughter of a chief would be out here alone." Dan said. Breena smiled.
"We know how to protect ourselves as we do live here. So, why are you here?" Breena asked.
"We're looking for an Ark that fell around here." Dar said.
"I know of what you speak. It fell only yesterday. I can take you there but you must return with me to my tribe's camp after. My father will be most pleased to see you." Breena said, turning to Dan.
"Sure, we'll be honored."
"Now, lets go. I will lead you."
They continued to walk past large trees, epic water falls, and hanging vines when they came across the ark.
"Do you know which Ark this is?" Dan asked Dar.
"No, I do not." Dar responded.
Dan continued onward, followed by Breena, as he eased into the open hull of the ark. Inside, the ark was badly damaged. The moist air damaged wires and anything electrical. They walked quickly around corners before coming across the core. Dar did the same as he did before when he found the stabilizing button. Dan reached in and felt around, feeling the same lapping sensation as before. Breena stood in awe when Dan felt the core. He pulled it out and held in his hand a white metallic card. Dar walked up and said, "Is that the core?"
"Yes, it is. I don't no what type though. We won't know until we get back to Earth." Dan said as looked around. "In the meantime, scrounge up anything useful."
Dan and Dar stripped the ark of any weapons and material that was necessary and brought it back to their ship. Once they were done, Breena said, "Now lets go. The tribe would love to see you."
Breena led the two through the forest; passing lakes, rivers, and creeks when they came upon a large tree. Many Serenica warriors stood around the outside and looked on at the sight of Dan. Many inside, too, looked on. Breena grabbed Dan's arm and pulled him forward. She led him inside the tree where a wooden like throne sat with an elderly man sitting in it. He had long white hair and wrinkles. He was flanked on either side by two warriors holding spears. Breena walked up and knelt before him. He nodded and she stood up. Breena said, "Father, I have brought you a traveling Human and his companion. They came to our planet in search of an Ark. I assisted them and brought them back here." The old man rose and said, "Good my child. It has been a long time since I have seen a Human. I am Chief Waseelee, leader of the Forest tribe here on Eroura." Dan extended his arm and said, "Pleased to meet you chief. We were here for a quick pick up of the-"
"Why have you come for the Ark?" Chief Waseelee asked.
"Well, um, we needed the core."
"For what?"
"The core contains powerful, dangerous, energy. If the pirates from Andromeda got it then they would use it for domination. We look to use it for liberation." Dan explained.
"You seek for liberty?"
"Yes." Dar answered.
"Liberation. The galaxies are in turmoil because of the war from the Earthlings and Forjakians. Earth, however, has protected us prior to their fall. If you use the power for good, what do you plan to do?"
"We plan to start something. Something to liberate the planets and cities from those pirates, starting with Earth." Dan said.
"That is good. I am sure that you will find many people with your views. You will have no trouble assembling noble warriors. As a token of my gratitude, Eroura is home to you now. You will always be welcomed here, Dan, but on one condition." Chief Waseelee said.
"Sure, what?"
"My daughter has always wanted to travel, especially to Earth but we, as Serenicas, have no access to starships. I would ask you to bring her along and show her the worlds." Chief Waseelee said. Breena eyes widen in excitement. Dan noticed and said, "It would be an honor, sir."
"Very well. Tonight we feast in your honor. Tomorrow you may leave."
Later that day, Dar sat and talked with other Serenicas about his home world and what it was like. Breena lured Dan away and brought him out to the river where they stood. She said, "Our world is very important to us. Humans have always sought to protect it and for that we are in their debt."
"The war completely destroyed most of the planets. Earth and Forjak suffered the most. What you expect of Earth, I don't know."
Breena turned to him and said, "When I was little, I've always wanted to travel there. Now that it is less appealing I want to help it."
"Then you can help cause I look to help all the worlds." Dan said looking at her. She smiled and looked away as she said, "Do you have a mate?"
"A mate? No, I don't." Dan answered. Breena quickly looked back at him before saying, "Why not?"
"I just haven't found the right one."
"What is the right one?"
"Someone I can have fun with, someone who is kind, caring, friendly." Dan said. Breena again smiled and said, "You may not have to look for long. The one for you could be standing right in front of you."
A voice called from the distance, calling for the two to return for the feast. Breena brushed passed Dan as he stood stunned by her statement. He stood for a moment more before following.