Hi everyone!

Well, I'm back! Surprised at how long it's taken to write this chapter!

The story may be progressing at a reasonably slow pace. But I promise it will pick up as time goes one.

With that, let's jump in.

Hope you enjoy!

The piercing racket of my alarm began to pelt my ear drums. Pulling the duvet over my head, I slowly reached out a hand and let it crawl along my bedside table, where I eventually found my phone. Once I knew I'd located the device, there followed a short sequence of jabs until I pressed the snooze button. Finally, peace was restored to my room. My comatose state meant that I didn't even make the effort to glance at my clock. So before long, I'd fallen back to sleep.

As I slept, I began to feel lucid after I'd re-entered the dream state. The dream wasn't a memorable one. My body at ease with my mind lost in a world of fantasy. It was likely to be the most relaxing time of my day. However, even with my awareness weakened, I began to take notice of a gentle shudder from my left shoulder. It was like an irritable twitch that I couldn't ignore. As the dream continued, I tried to put the nuisance out of my mind. Eventually, though, something else interrupted my subconscious fixation. A soft voice penetrating my dream.

"Sam? Are you awake? Your alarm went off . . ."

At that moment, my memory recalled the events of last night. Risking a little discomfort, I forced my eyes open. I was lying with my back facing away from the bedroom door, giving me a view of the window. The daylight was trying keenly to pry through any cracks in the curtains.

All of a sudden, I felt my shoulder shake again. Only this time, I detected the presence of what seemed to be a hand on my upper arm.

"Sam?"

Quick as a flash, I turned over in my bed. The hand withdrew the second there was any sign of movement from me. I jumped lightly in surprise when I turned over. Only to see Riyo standing next to my bed, greeting me with an amiable expression, yet seemed to possess a hint of apprehensiveness at the same time.

"Riyo!" I said. "You scared me! Is everything alright?"

"Quite alright, thank you, Sam. Though, I'm still a little sleepy. My slumber was much heavier than I'd thought possible after how I felt last night!"

I slowly began to sit myself up. "Good to hear you got some rest. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, very peacefully. I felt a little restless to start with. But I managed to get a few hours in."

"Good. Hey, what's the time?" I groaned, turning to read my bedside clock.

The display showed 9:57.

"Blimey O'Riley! I've slept in!" I exclaimed, shifting to the edge of my bed and placing my feet on the floor. "I hope I've not kept you waiting ages for me to get up!" I said, looking up at Riyo.

"Oh, no, not at all," she replied. "Only that I remember you mentioned what time you wanted to be up. And, well, I thought you'd want to follow your decision. We ought to make the most of the time we have. What with everything that's going on outside . . ."

"Are the police still there?"

"Afraid so. Though I think it best you took a look for yourself!"

I stood up from my bed, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes as a few of my bones cracked. After I'd opened my eyes again, I noticed Riyo walking over to the window. I also observed that she was still wearing the clothes I'd given her last night.

Following her to the window, I took hold of the curtains and pulled them apart. I was a little startled by the sight outside to say the least. The number of police that arrived last night was minuscule compared to the amount that was on the scene this morning. Furthermore, a few groups of men walking around in camouflaged uniforms caught my attention. It looked as though the authorities had decided to involve the army after all! The only fortunate factor I could take into account was that there was currently no sign of television cameras or journalists documenting whatever it was the media might assume was going on.

"Dear god! Looks as though they're bringing out the big guns . . . there's loads of them! Though I suppose they haven't got to worry too much about attracting attention. This place is too rural," I said.

Glancing upwards, I saw that the sun was trying its best to pierce through a scattered cluster of clouds. "Still, at least the weather's brightening up a bit if you want to look on the bright side!"

I turned around. "I reckon we'll have to keep things quiet today, Riyo. Be on our guard. I don't suppose it should be a problem if the police decide to come back. We know we can cope with their presence. But the last thing we need are any soldiers sniffing around the house. Those guys tend to have a sixth sense!"

"What do you think we should do then, Sam?"

Walking away from the window, I crossed the room to the door. "I don't know about you, but if I'm to spend the day taking a gamble of freedom or imprisonment, I'm not doing anything without a cup of tea first! You thirsty?"

My remark prompted a chuckle from Riyo. "If you say so. I think I'm with you on that," she replied.

Before we left the room, however, something important occurred to me. I didn't know how I'd forgotten to mention it. I quickly stopped in front of Riyo.

"I've just remembered. It'd probably be a good idea to keep your camouflage activated while we're downstairs. After all, you only crashed outside my house. We'd be taking a risk without it. Someone might see you."

"Don't worry. I'd already thought about that," she replied calmly whilst manoeuvring her way past me. I followed her out as she began to descend the stairs. Pressing her watch, she activated her camouflage about halfway down.

Once we reached the kitchen, I wasted no time brewing tea for us both. As I set the kettle to boil, a sharp pain in the back of my head reminded me of my fall last night. Although, the memory had already begun to feel distant. Hissing through my teeth, I placed a hand on the injury and began to rub.

Riyo had already sat herself at the kitchen table. Yet didn't fail to observe my discomfort. I heard her chair screech as she stood up. After I'd turned around, I saw her making her way towards me, likely wishing to check if I was alright. "Oh dear, is it still causing you a lot of pain? Are you dizzy?"

I held a hand up to stop her before she could begin to fuss over me again. "I'm okay, honestly Riyo. You needn't worry. It's much better than last night. I'm exactly expecting it to be a quick heal anyway!"

She frowned. "But you don't know what effects it may still have on you. Perhaps I should take a quick look . . ."

"Please, don't worry about me. I'd know if something was up. If it makes you feel any better, I'll make sure to tell you if I start to feel weird, okay."

"But, Sam . . ."

"Riyo, please. I'll be fine!"

Likely not wanting to debate over the situation, Riyo returned to her seat reluctantly. "Alright, if you're sure that's what you'd prefer, Sam."

I began to deduce that something was troubling her besides my stubbornness. Perhaps I was being too curious. Taking into account that I'd already seen her to be a fairly delicate soul, I couldn't help myself.

"Hey, Riyo, never mind about me. Is everything alright with you? You seem a little, how can I say this, distant . . . I know that sounds like a daft question after everything you've been through. I just wanted to check."

My question seemed to take her by surprise. Her head lifted sharply to look at me. It was clear she was trying to put on a brave face. Nevertheless, a few subtle signals told a different story.

"I . . . think I'm okay. What would make you assume otherwise?"

I knew I would have to choose my words carefully as the conversation progressed.

"Well, it's only that since we came down something seems to be bothering you. I'm aware I've only just met you so I shouldn't have an opinion. It's only you seem a little quiet . . . more so than last night."

I could see that she was debating whether or not to continue down a defensive route. This left me fearing a possible argument between us. Fortunately, though, she did no such thing. Instead, she decided to confess.

"I admit I feel a little embarrassed to bring this up again if I'm to be completely honest, Sam. But the truth is that I was thinking of apologising for my performance last night . . ."

I was completely taken aback by this answer. "Apologise? What for?"

"I let myself into your home uninvited. Scared you, causing you to hurt yourself. And then you had to sit there and listen to me pouring out all my emotions to you as an intruder. I can't help but feel ever so guilty!"

Realising that we were about to delve back into a familiarly sombre subject. One in which I had already attempted to assure Riyo needn't be brought up again. I waved a hand to cut her off.

"Riyo, please, we've already been over this. I'm sure this whole situation probably feels as weird to you as it does to me! Though if I was to be honest, one couldn't blame you for venting your pain. It's only natural for a person with a conscience I guess! Besides, I'm pretty sure that we both weren't in the best state of mind last night! So I wouldn't even give it a second thought!"

Immediately, I noticed her sadness transform into that warm and now recognisable smile. Given that I'd only met her last night, I felt certain I was already growing somewhat fond of it!

"I appreciate your understanding, Sam. But the feeling remains. I wish it needn't have ever come to this. Me ending up having to take abrupt refuge in your home and all that . . ."

I crossed my arms and sighed. "Well, all I'll say is that we best not waste any time. While also doing everything we can to avoid the authorities discovering you!"

Once I'd finished making our drinks, I placed the cups on the table and joined Riyo. I sat myself down next to her. There lingered a slightly awkward silence for a moment as we both took the first sips of our drinks.

"So, where do you reckon we should take things from here?" I finally asked.

Placing her cup back down, Riyo's eyes met with mine. A light blush emerged on her cheeks. "I . . . I'm not entirely sure, Sam. Last night everything just seemed to go so fast. I don't think I've yet had enough time to process this situation. I suppose my main priority should be to try and get my faulty distress transmitter operational. I need to get back to Pantora or Coruscant as soon as possible! Not to imply this is a bad planet. It seems beautiful! Only my duty as a politician comes first. And the faster I can get home the more lives could be saved! Yet, there is a part of me that fears my ship might have taken me too far out of range for the transmitter to be of any adequate use. I'll only know for certain when help finally arrives!"

As I listened, my mind was running over all the possibilities I feared the near future could hold in store for this girl.

"Well, I guess it's at least worth a try!" I said. "Although, if you don't mind me asking, I'm curious. How are you with the more technical side of devices?"

"To be honest with you, Sam, my skill is minimum. But I can't imagine the transmitter will be an overly complex design compared to all the technology I've come across in my life. I think it'll be a case of taking my time to avoid making the situation any more complicated!"

"You're probably right. Although I have to admit, I haven't got much to offer except some of my dad's old tools that have been lying around ever since he passed. He was a bit of a car nut. So, I'm sure we won't have a problem finding a few useful items."

"Anything you can provide at all would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Sam!" Riyo smiled.

A few seconds passed before I noticed that she appeared somewhat confused. "Um, Sam, excuse me for asking. I don't want to sound too ignorant. But, I'm going to assume that cars here on Earth won't exactly compare to what I'm used to seeing on Coruscant?"

"In what way would they differ?"

"Do they hover?"

Chuckling in surprise, I shook my head. "Not exactly. Humanity hasn't quite advanced to that stage yet! The cars we travel around in stay close to the ground and move on four wheels! And I think it'll stay that way for a while! That probably makes us sound so primitive to you!"

Riyo looked down shyly. "Well . . . I . . . maybe just a little . . . haven't you at least discovered hyperspace travel? That's kind of the basic method of transportation across my galaxy . . ."

"Well, not exactly," I said. "We've managed to come up with hovering fighter jets. But hyperspace? I think that's the number one secret Earth would love to discover the answer to!"

"I mean no offence, Sam. But frankly, it astounds me how underdeveloped this whole planet sounds! No outer contact with other civilisations. No similarities whatsoever to the technology I've seen in Skyriver! Is there any particular reason Earth hasn't yet reached these stages of advancement?"

"Hey, we do alright!" I exclaimed. "Bear in mind, Riyo, the universe is a big place! There's an incomprehensible number of galaxies out there. You can't expect us to all be evolving at the same pace. Be a bizarre concept don't you think?"

"I suppose you're right," she mumbled, taking another sip of her tea. "I apologise if I came across as condescending for a moment. I guess you can't blame me for feeling a little out of place. The little of what I've seen of your planet so far is unlike any place I've ever visited before. I take it there's a lot for me to learn?"

"Plenty!" I replied. "But don't worry, Riyo, we'll soon get there. From what you've already told me about your home, I can't say I blame you for asking questions! Don't be afraid to ask anything else in the future."

"I appreciate that, Sam. Thank you for your understanding."

I decided then would be a suitable moment to change the subject. It was too early for me to handle being somewhat interrogated by my alien guest. Glancing up at the kitchen clock, I saw it read half past ten. And it was by a suitable coincidence once I'd read the time that a loud growl emitted from somewhere in the room. Looking over at Riyo, I saw she'd placed her hand on her stomach.

I couldn't help but grin when her cheeks began to gently flush. Her hunger had given itself away.

"Excuse me," she spoke softly.

"Hungry by any chance?" I asked.

"A little, perhaps. Come to think of it. I don't think I've eaten anything for coming up two days now!"

"Nearly two days! Blimey, we'd better see if we can do something about that then!" I replied.

I proceeded to run through a few different breakfast options for Riyo. In truth, I was a little apprehensive about giving her the food here on Earth. Who knew how her body may react to the potential exposure of the harmless types of bacteria that were present in what I knew as everyday foods? Yet I couldn't let her starve. So, it would likely be an unavoidable gamble we'd have to take.

I ended up discussing my concern with Riyo. However, that topic soon ended with her brushing off the matter. She said if she were to survive on Earth then she'd have no other choice. In her view, any food I could spare to offer would be taken with gratitude. Surely enough, despite my reluctance, I saw no other option but to agree to her wishes.

Returning to the matter of her hunger. I decided it would be better to give her a decent portion of food. I didn't want it to appear that I was being ungenerous.

The breakfast choice we ultimately settled on was sausages, scrambled eggs, and toast. When presenting the idea to Riyo, she claimed she had no idea what any of those foods were. Nevertheless, she appeared happy and wished to give it a try.

I concurred. Then, set about preparing the meal. Though I had to say so myself, I knew I wasn't too bad of a cook. Living in a rural part of the country meant I'd acquired a lot of spare time at home. This offered me the chance to practice while also learning a few tricks from my mum.

Whilst I was frying the food, the atmosphere in the kitchen seemed to go quiet for a short while. Riyo appeared lost in thought. Both hands held her cup as she stared distantly into the corner of the room. Naturally, I couldn't help but feel concerned, yet remained silent.

Fortunately, cooking breakfast didn't take too long. And once I'd finally finished serving I placed our plates on the table and again sat down next to Riyo.

"Thank you. This looks delicious!" she said.

"No problem," I replied before the pair of us began to tuck in.

Riyo didn't surprise me as she ate quite fast. However, no words had yet come from her. She seemed distracted. I had to find out what was troubling her.

"Thinking about home?" I asked. Snapping her out of her trance.

Riyo looked down at the table before turning her gaze over to me. Her eyes indicated nothing but withheld anguish. "Yes, there's no point in denying it. Excuse me if I'm coming across as reserved, Sam. Only that I couldn't help but take notice of how peaceful your planet seems. Where you live. There's hardly a sound to distract you. Even now, as I sit here I can almost hear my heartbeat. And yet, it doesn't seem fair. Me sitting here in a place of peace, while everything that my home stands for is being turned into rubble as I speak! Everything that's happened in a little under two days seems too unbelievable for me to comprehend!"

I felt compassion for this poor girl. Though it didn't seem she was readying for another breakdown, it was obvious and understandable that the only thing on her mind was the war raging back on her planet. For all the destruction Earth had seen in its history. Even the examples of war I was currently seeing right now. The thought of the fight back on Pantora sickened me.

"I promise you. We'll get you off this planet," I said.

To be honest, I wasn't exactly sure what I was saying. Especially to an alien that I knew I shouldn't already trust the way I did. Yet, just this once, I decided to let my mouth speak faster than my brain. So I carried on.

"I'll try and give you all the help you need to fix the beacon."

I continued by pointing to the door at the side of the kitchen. "My dad left behind an old workbench in the garage you can use. Might need a little tidying up in there, but it should do the job. One good thing is that it should keep you hidden if the police do decide to pay another visit. You'd have all the space you'd need to work on the device."

"That sounds perfect, Sam. Thank you. You know. I'm aware I probably don't come across as such, but I can be a pretty practical girl when the time requires it."

"I'll take your word on that!" I grinned which earned a small smile in return from the downcast Chuchi.

I didn't know quite where to take the conversation next. The moment seemed appropriate to try and change the subject. Try and lead Riyo's mind away from its distressed state.

"You know, Riyo. If the chances are that we are going to end up living under the same roof for a little while, then I guess it would only be right that we get to know each other a bit better."

Riyo raised an eyebrow. "How do you mean exactly?"

"I don't know, maybe we just . . . tell each other a bit more about ourselves . . . break the ice, if you know what I mean?"

"So you're saying we pretend we're out on a date?" Riyo quipped unexpectedly. Her face had shifted subtly from anxious to mischievous.

As soon as she made that remark, I felt the temperature in my face skyrocket. My face glowing a shade of crimson, I tried to muster a diplomatic response.

"NO! No . . . I, um . . ."

Before I could stammer any further gibberish, I was interrupted by something which only worsened my embarassement. Chuchi, giggling. As my performance unfolded, her hand was covering her face as she tried to stifle her amusement.

"Please. Forgive me, Sam. I couldn't resist. There was too good an opportunity there! I didn't mean to embarrass you, I promise."

"What? . . . But you . . . I . . ."

I jumped a little when, without warning, Riyo placed a hand on my shoulder, rubbing it softly. Her face appeared almost sheepish and apologetic. Yet, still present were the foundations of the mirth she'd failed to restrain.

"Deep breaths now, Sam. It was only a little tease. I'm sorry. I didn't realise you'd get yourself so flustered! I'm aware this probably doesn't seem like the most appropriate time for jokes. In many ways, that's one of the first things you ought to know about me. Something not many do in fact! I may maintain a highly professional position as a Galactic Senator. But that doesn't mean I lack a sense of humour!"

"An unpredictable one at that!" I said.

"Maybe a little!"

Riyo smiled as she removed her hand from my shoulder. "Okay, tell you what, Sam. To make up for the joke, I'll go first. It's only fair, I guess. What did you want to ask? Go ahead. I'm an open book!"

This caught me off guard a little. I didn't know where to begin. Sitting and having breakfast with an alien. Would anyone else know how to start?

"I . . . I'm not entirely sure what to ask. I don't want to ask a question too big or too small. You know what I mean?" I said nervously.

Her face amiably neutral, Riyo shook her head. "I wouldn't have thought there'd be any concern about that. I'd assume the list to be endless! Given that you say you've never seen someone like me before. But there's no need to be shy. I promise I won't criticise anything you say, Sam. Please, ask away. Just say the first thing that comes to mind."

"Alright. I suppose nearly everyone on Earth would be interested to learn about life on another planet. So what's Pantora like? If that's not too sensitive a question given the circumstances?"

I noticed a few faint cracks pierce Riyo's neutral demeanour. For a moment, I feared I'd struck a sensitive nerve. As if the question had triggered a million traumatic flashbacks in her mind. Nevertheless, Riyo managed to hold herself together when she finally answered.

"It's okay, Sam. I don't mind talking about my home. In answer to your question. There are cities and villages spread around like on Earth. Although, the marshland can appear infinite when you try travelling away from civilisation. I live in the capital. Known simply as Pantoran City. It's a vast and dynamic place. Can feel overcrowded sometimes. Yet it's still my home and birthplace. So my inexplicable love for it is understandable."

Riyo continued for a couple of minutes telling me about life on Pantora and how he'd gotten into politics in the first place. I know we talked about Pantora briefly last night. But when she went into more detail I had to admit it sounded like an extraordinary place! The way she described the city surrounded by marshland also reminded me somewhat of the cluster of skyscrapers in Dubai.

I was transfixed while listening to her story. Everything she had been through during the Clone Wars. The Republic's battle for peace across the galaxy was gradually growing weary. The Separatists relentless acts of cruelty against innocent lives. And how she'd attempted to contribute towards the fight for victory in any way possible. Additionally, telling me of the close friends she'd made throughout the war. The existential contemplation of many alien species was mind-boggling to me! Yet while I let her speak, I couldn't help but take notice of one person that she often referred back to. A Jedi girl named Ahsoka Tano.

"You and Ahsoka sound close," I said.

"Yes, indeed. She's one of my best friends. There are few individuals I trust as much as I do her. A friend I could always rely on during a crisis! But I haven't seen her for a little while. The last time we met was when she was helping me rescue the daughters of our government's chairman. They were kidnapped by the Trade Federation so that Pantora could be pressured into allying with the Separatists. I believe it was after that short-lived stand-off that the Separatists began forming their plans to attack my planet."

"Wow . . . tough times!" I muttered.

"Unfortunately so!"

All of a sudden, Riyo's eyes closed. Raising a hand she began to slowly rub her temple. "You know, Sam, it wouldn't have mattered to me what planet I'd ended up being stranded on. If Ahsoka were here with me right now, I would have so much more hope! She's always had a natural talent for finding her way out of any danger. No matter how high the odds are stacked against her! Whereas me on my own . . . what use am I? Nothing but a helpless politician!"

My eyebrows furrowed. "Don't speak about yourself in such a way, Riyo. Don't forget you've already survived an ambush and crash landing! So I'd say you've done pretty well on your own so far! And I know it's not going to be like hearing any reassurances from Ahsoka. But I'll still do whatever I can to help you get home."

Riyo's hand lowered from her temple. Her frustration gradually turned into a gentle smile. "You know, Sam, I think you and Ahsoka would get on well!" she said before going back to her breakfast. "You both share that determined attitude that I've come to associate so closely with her!"

I wasn't sure whether or not to feel complimented by her words. Reaching behind my neck, I began to rub sheepishly. "It would've been good to meet her, Riyo. I'll say that at least. Although, I wouldn't go comparing me with her in any way. Not after everything you've told me she's achieved!"

Riyo appeared surprised by my maintained modesty. "Now you're not being fair on yourself, Sam. I've met many people in my life. Made many friends. I'm sure it would be perfectly understandable that I might compare a few characteristics of those friends when I take notice?"

"Well . . . that being . . . if you . . . um . . . consider us . . ."

"Friends?" Riyo interrupted.

Instead of adding to my nervous stammer, I just nodded my head.

Riyo leant forward and interlocked her fingers. "I realise we may have only known each other a night. But if you take into account everything that has already happened. You offering me a roof over my head. Me tending to your head injury. If that doesn't qualify us as friends, Sam. Then, honestly, I don't know what would! Don't you agree?"

This response took me by surprise. I didn't expect Riyo to be so certain about a developing friendship.

"I guess so, Riyo. Yes. However, to tell you the truth. I'd probably say I'm the lucky one!"

"Oh, in what way?"

"I'm going to assume that not all aliens are as nice as you seem! Come to think of it, any sort of life form from outer space could have ended up outside my house last night. What if they'd arrived with the sole objective of taking over the planet? Humanity wouldn't know how to handle the situation! We'd run around flailing our arms in panic! It'd look ridiculous!" I said, a smirk creeping onto my face.

"Now I believe you're going out of your way to try and make me blush!" Riyo responded with a soft giggle. All while her shyness forced her to evade eye contact.

"I wouldn't dream of it! I'm glad it ended up being you, Riyo!"

"Oh, shush!" she chuckled, lightly shoving my arm.

Both of us shared a short laugh. I couldn't help but observe during that light-hearted moment that it felt as though the pair of us had already shared a friendship for a long time. Neither of us was suspicious of one another. And I was convinced that by now there must be a certain degree of trust between us. Yet that still felt like a rather unbelievable consideration. Given that I was in the presence of an alien!

By now, Riyo had finished breakfast. Though she remained seated, arms crossed. And before she'd even uttered a word I think I could have a pretty good guess as to what she was going to say.

"Anyway. Where were we? I've told you a fair bit about myself. I suppose now it's your go to return the favour, Sam?"

"I can do. Though, I'm not going to lie. My life has probably been about as exciting as watching paint dry in comparison to yours!" I said.

"I won't judge Sam. I'd be fascinated to hear about how you go about your life on this planet!"

"If you're sure . . ."

"Positively! Now, come on. Fire away! Don't be shy . . ."

"Okay. Well, here goes nothing. I was born near here over in Hereford. I've lived in this house my entire life! The only life I've ever known! It might seem a little rural and basic, but that's kind of what I love about it. I remember how happy my parents were when I was little. My dad was a great guy. There was always the sound of laughter whenever he was around. We never had a dull moment at home. The atmosphere was always warm. When I was small and naïve, I believed it would last forever! Though, of course, as you may have heard last night. It wasn't to last!"

The empathy immediately seemed to begin radiating from Riyo. I could tell she felt uneasy about hearing what I had to say next.

"Yes, I heard you talking to those officers last night. You weren't very old were you?"

"Six," I replied. My delivery a little more direct than intended.

A barrage of traumatic memories then came flooding back to cloud my brain's focus. My face began to feel tight as I tried to restrain the tears forming in the corners of my eyes. I didn't want to get emotional in front of Riyo.

However, as soon as I began to lose focus on the conversation, something extraordinary nearly caused me to leap from my skin. Upon seeing my struggle, Riyo reached her hand over and placed it on top of mine. Her thumb lightly rubbed the back of my hand.

"I'm sorry I made you recall such terrible memories, Sam. Come on, now. Deep breaths! We can stop if you'd like?"

"It's okay, Riyo," I said. "I think I've withheld everything for so long that it's desperate to come out! It'll probably do me good to talk about it!"

Riyo, too, began to look conflicted. "I understand. If you're sure that's what you'd prefer. I understand we may not have known each other long. But I want you to know that you never need to hide any pain from me, Sam. I'm here to lend you a friendly ear!"

"Thank you, Riyo," I said, managing to keep my distress at bay for the time being. "You're too kind!"

"You're welcome. It's like you said. We'll have to get to know one another if I am to stay here for whatever length of time it takes for help to arrive."

"Absolutely," I said. "Though perhaps I ought to move on . . . I don't want to depress you any further!"

"Don't say that. You're doing nothing of the sort! Please, if you wish to, carry on. I'd be interested to hear from where you left off," Riyo answered, patting my hand before retracting hers from mine.

"Okay. Um, moving on from there. There's only so much more to say. The cancer claimed him within months of diagnosis. And as the years passed, my mum and I learnt to cope with the grief in all sorts of different ways. The most effective probably being humour! Eventually, I think there came a time when we began to enjoy life again. I passed through education with okay results. Yet, I'd never had a direct vision of what I wanted to do with my life. So I ended up joining the army reserves after I left school . . ."

"You were in the army?" Riyo said with surprise. Her eyes widened.

"You seem surprised?" I chuckled while raising an eyebrow. "Lots of people who leave school lacking a clear ambition usually turn to military service. And I'm aware I may not be in the best shape at the moment. I'll give you that. But I promise you that as time went on I was deemed one of the most elite reserves in the Rifles regiment. Was posted in a few different countries. Got involved in a few battles as well. I was only discharged last year. Had to stand down after I got shot in the leg."

"Got shot!"

"Yeah. Completely shattered the bone! Left me bedridden for nine weeks. When I could finally walk again, I wasn't able to perform to the required standard to remain as a soldier. So they sent me home. Much to my mum's relief! Since then, I've been doing shop work to earn a basic income. I could go on for ages. For now, though, that's my life in a nutshell!"

"Would you go back to that life if you had the chance?"

This question took a moment of reflection. Though, it didn't take me long to nod in confirmation. "Yes, I would. If my leg didn't keep giving way whenever I attempt to run on it for too long. Yeah, I'd be straight back on the front line!"

Noticing then that I, too, without realising had finished my breakfast. I stood up and collected our plates. It took me by surprise when Riyo got up from her seat as well and offered to help tidy up. An offer to which I accepted.

"You know Riyo, we've got plenty of time to kill today. What say I show you where you can work? Then, if you wanted, we could go through a few things that'll help you get accustomed to life on this planet? Might help you feel more at home here . . ."

Placing our plates in the sink, Riyo looked up at me and smiled. "Yes. I'd like that a lot Sam. Sounds like a good plan!"

Well, that's another chapter over and done with!

I'll try not to take too long for the next update. Work and life in general is holding me up with writing!

By the way, thank you for the reviews that have been posted. I'm glad you're enjoying this story! It's what encourages me to continue!

Until next time!

Cheerio!