章節 5: Escape

Reclining on the lavish bed of his upscale quarters within the soaring spaceship that traverses the cosmic expanse, Zane Orion commands attention with his attractive appearance. At 26 years old, he possesses a handsome countenance framed by tousled blonde locks and piercing dark green eyes that seem to hold the mysteries of the universe.

Zane's focus is on the 3D display emanating from his hologlyph. With practiced ease, he navigates through the intricate data and reports, immersing himself in the relentless demands of his role. As the seventh grandson of the Orion family, Zane is inexorably tied to the vast technological empire known as Nebulalink.

Nebulalink stands as a titan in the realm of technology, renowned for its groundbreaking advancements in intercoms and hologlyphs. While there exist other companies in the industry, Nebulalink shines as one of the foremost leaders, boasting unparalleled innovation and influence.

The wealth of the Orion family is staggering, measured in the elusive currency of zillions of merits. The true extent of their fortune remains a closely guarded secret, with their assets divided into the main company, typically passed down to direct descendants, and numerous branch companies for diverse ventures and enterprises.

At the top of this colossal enterprise is Zane's grandfather, Benjamin Orion. Despite being 84 years, Benjamin remains a formidable figure, his sharp mind, visionary and ruthless leadership guiding Nebulalink towards continued success. In an era where human lifespans have been extended to the remarkable age of 130s, Benjamin still has enough time as the company's head.

Zane's recent brush with danger looms fresh in his mind. Just hours ago, his flying car was under went a sudden loss of control. This caused him to seek some peace of mind away from the bustling city of Neo Novus.

The Orion family, with its intricate web of relationships and complexities, has not been immune to turmoil. What once numbered 16 grandsons has dwindled to 9, with "accidents" claiming the lives of several family members.

Born from the third son of Benjamin, his father had little desire for the burdens of succession. However, fate intervened when a tragic "accident" befell Zane's parents during a seemingly routine outing. At the tender age of nine, Zane found himself thrust into the main Orion mansion, where he has since navigated the treacherous waters of familial politics with unwavering determination.

Today, Zane stands as one the strong contenders in the succession race.

As I gaze out of the expansive window of my luxurious space ship, I'm mesmerized by the interplay of beams of light dancing across the vast expanse of space. Each streak of light tells a story of its own, weaving through the cosmic tapestry as my ship hurtles towards a secluded resort on an isolated planet. It's a journey I've been eagerly anticipating, a much-needed escape from the relentless demands of my responsibilities.

With a sigh, I glance down at the hologlyph hovering in front of me, its vibrant display a constant reminder of the never-ending stream of tasks and communications that occupy my days. With a decisive gesture, I switch it off, craving a respite from the ceaseless barrage of information and demands for my attention.

Standing up from my chair, I stretch my limbs, relishing the opportunity to finally loosen the knots of tension that have formed from hours of sitting in front of screens and navigating the complexities of interstellar bureaucracy. But as I extend my arms, a sharp pang of pain shoots through my abdomen, a stark reminder of the harrowing ordeal I faced just hours earlier.

It had been a routine journey in my flying car, a brief jaunt to the spaceport before embarking on my voyage to the resort. Yet, in the blink of an eye, everything had changed. A 'malfunction' in the navigation system had sent the car veering off course, hurtling towards the void of space with terrifying speed. In those heart-stopping moments, I had braced myself for the worst, steeling against the inevitable impact that never came.

Now, as I reflect on the narrow escape, I'm overcome with a sense of gratitude mingled with disbelief. I should be counting my blessings that I emerged from the ordeal with nothing more than sore ribs, instead of in a body bag.

Soon, a dark blue and black planet comes into view from my window. It's Aurelia—a planet known for its unique combination of blue sands and black rocks, a stark but beautiful contrast that makes it truly unforgettable. Aurelia is one of those rare inhabitable planets that end with "-ia," a detail that had piqued my interest the moment I discovered the presence of a resort here. It seemed like the perfect place to escape Novus, ensuring that no one would find me.

I had taken a discreet transport company to get here, one known for its ability to fly under the radar, catering to those who needed privacy and confidentiality. The journey had been smooth, and now, after 30 minutes, I found myself standing at the entrance of a large dome, the main gateway to the resort.

The line moved steadily as guests waited to be sterilized, a necessary precaution on a resort on a planet like Aurelia to maintain its pristine environment and not carry some weird bacteria that would have everyone killed.

As I stood there, I glanced up at the sky. Three moons hung in the expanse, casting a serene glow over the landscape. Their presence was both comforting and mesmerizing, a reminder that I was far away from the chaos I had left behind.

Despite the wait, a sense of relief washed over me. I was already feeling happier, the weight of my old life lifting with each passing moment. The anticipation of living relaxed in this tranquil, secluded paradise was exhilarating.

Eventually, it's my turn. I step forward, and a soft blue light washes over me, sterilizing both me and my two large bags. The process is quick but thorough. Afterward, my bags are taken to another section where they undergo a more intense sterilization process under a deeper blue light.

Once the procedures are complete, a staff member escorts me inside. I am led to the VIP suite, which exceeds my expectations in every way. The suite is stunningly beautiful and luxurious, far more than I had anticipated from a resort on such a remote planet.

I take in my surroundings, noting the tasteful decor and high-end amenities. One of the most pleasant surprises is the private pool shared with only one other suite, sparing me the need to mingle at the communal pool. This added layer of privacy is exactly what I need.

Feeling a sense of relief and excitement, I begin to settle in. I've prepaid for several weeks of my stay here, uncertain of how long I will remain. For now, though, I am content to enjoy the tranquility and opulence of this unexpected sanctuary.