Declan stepped through the grand doors of the Vanyork family estate, his gaze sweeping across the opulent surroundings. The scent of polished wood and the soft echo of his footsteps on the marble floors filled the air as he made his way toward the lounge where his younger siblings, Nora and Conner, awaited.

  Nora, her lustrous brunette locks framing her face, looked up from her book, while Conner, with a hint of nervousness, glanced at Declan, unsure of what to expect. They were still in the early stages of building a relationship, having spent much of their lives apart.

  “Hey, you two, Let's have that talk I promised you” he waved the two over and headed for the dining room further down into the mansion’s halls, Declan sat and loosened his clothing presenting a calm and collective self-image. Nora offered a small smile, appreciating the effort Declan was making to create a sense of normalcy amidst their extraordinary circumstances.

  "Drilla is a remarkable city," Declan continued, his tone filled with a mix of excitement and reassurance. "Nora, you may have some faint memories of this place, but it's been a while. And Conner, I know this is all new to you. But we're here now, and it's time to embrace this opportunity."

  Nora nodded; her curiosity piqued. "What's the plan, Declan? How do we begin?"

  Declan's smile grew as he settled his back and shoulders into the chair, eager to guide his siblings through this new chapter of their lives. "First things first, we'll focus on establishing a sense of normalcy. Enrolling you two in school will be a crucial step for both of you." Conner's eyes widened with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. "School? What form of school is taught here on Drilla", his eyes wandering to a portrait of a Mix-breaded Drakorian next to who he believed to be would be an ancestor.

  Declan gave the boy a reassuring nod as they locked eyes, “You will be fine, though Drakorians are here they are but a part of what makes Gliese special”. Nora patted her brother’s shoulder and spoke to him "We'll support you every step of the way, with Sentinel training the Caelians and the Taurians have balanced out the militant needs of the populace.” Declan looked at her with a quizzical brow, she looked back and shrugged “I’ve been researching this place since we landed” Declan said nothing but just nodded his head.

  Nora leaned forward, her expression earnestly. "And what about our future plans, Declan? What do you envision for us?"

  Declan's gaze softened as he looked at his siblings, recognizing the importance of their individual aspirations. “Your futures are your own, I am but the catalyst to keep you safe and without worry, be what you want as your older brother I owe you that much” Nora was taken aback by this and was a bit stunned for words. Conner just looked on lost in his own thoughts, Declan spied the time and rose to his feet it was time to get some rest.

  “It’s time for me to get some rest, You guys should continue to rest I will see you when I get back home but for now, I’ll be resting on the second floor, you should get some sleep yourself” he flocked off heading for the stairs leaving the siblings to their own musings.

  …

  -Connecting: by on standby in 3…2…1 “Connection secured”

  “Lieutenant Vanyork how goes things” Declan sat at the edge of the bed peering down at the hollow that connected him to M.I the Marine intelligence a very feared organization that runs through Confed space, The man looking back at him from the hollow was Commander Lewis Apatasha, a close confidant and surrogate grandfather figure. Commander Apatasha, an esteemed veteran and the Commander of Marine Intelligence, was known for his sharp mind and unwavering loyalty to the confederacy…

  “As of a few weeks ago I’m no longer a Lt so forgive me if I don’t sound chipper, but how are you Commander Apatasha” The man on the other end of the connection paid the slight no mind “Lieutenant I am doing just fine my boy just fine, I hope you’ve settled in good on Drilla”, Declan's eyes met Commander Apatasha's, their expressions a blend of respect and familiarity. They had shared countless conversations and moments of guidance over the years, forming a bond that transcended the lines of family.

  "Now that you're back on Drilla, Declan, what are your plans?" Commander Apatasha asked, his voice laced with genuine curiosity and a hint of anticipation. "How do you envision your role in shaping the future of the shattered Vanyork legacy?"

  Declan leaned back, his thoughts drifting to the weight of responsibility that now rested upon his shoulders. "My priority is to solidify our presence here on Drilla, to establish a strong foundation for our family and our ventures. But I also see this as an opportunity to contribute to the betterment of the galaxy as it ever expands under Confederation rule, beyond just the Vanyork name."

  Commander Apatasha nodded approvingly; his keen eyes focused on Declan's every word. "And how can Marine Intelligence assist you in this endeavor? We've seen firsthand the potential you possess, your days as a Marine Sergeant a testament to it, and the dedication and resourcefulness that runs in your blood."

  Declan's gaze met Commander Apatasha's with a sense of gratitude and determination. "I believe we can strike a quid pro quo deal, Commander. Your expertise and the resources of Marine Intelligence can provide invaluable assistance in our endeavors. In return, we will offer our support, intelligence, and influence to further the goals of the Marine Corps and ensure the security of the galaxy."

  A knowing smile curled at the corners of Commander Apatasha’s lips. "A symbiotic alliance, then. The Vanyork's remanence intertwined with the strength and precision of Marine Intelligence. It is a proposition that I find both intriguing and promising."

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  The room fell into a brief silence as both men contemplated the magnitude of their agreement. The weight of their words held the potential to shape the course of their future endeavors and solidify their influence in the galaxy.

  "As we move forward, Declan," Commander Apatasha spoke, his voice steady and filled with wisdom, "remember that true leadership requires the ability to navigate the shadows, to adapt and strategize in the face of uncertainty. Together, we will forge a path that honors us both and ensures a brighter future for the ones we care for.

  Declan nodded at that and with a wave cut the line, A wave of exhaustion washed over him it was time to call it a day.

  …

  The morning red light washed over the continent of Drilaten waking its occupancies and shadowing the lurkers of the night, Conner found himself standing at the back of the estate gazing out at the rising red dwarf. Being the son of the Vanyorks came with many perks but an equal amount of pressure, His life on Mars was the type most people called the high life and if his friends saw it now, he wondered how they would view him.

  “I wonder what big brother would think of me” He clenched his fist in frustration at the thought “I'm Weak,” he said in a soft whisper as he stared at the sun anger in his eyes. It took him a few breaths, but he calm himself down this had been a regular occurrence since even before the funeral and he has been hiding it from his sister, He’s been feeling an overwhelming amount of rage and anger but nowhere to direct it, With the sleepless nights and nightmares who could blame him.

  On the third floor of the building Nora stood behind the curtain gazing down at her little brother watching over him, “Sleeps eluding us both it seems my little brother” She saw him shaking and fist balled in frustration and wish she could rush to his side and comfort him but that would just make him retreat into his shell. With a sigh, she stepped back and pulled the curtain heading for her bed to try once again.

  ….

  Declan sat in the back of the hover vehicle that Delacroix had issued him it seems the fleet of cars that had once been so eye-catching was gone. The sights of Drilla’s rising sun in the morning were calm and awfully serene he enjoyed it, compared to the planets he’s been on this ranked somewhere in the middle of that list, but this was different somehow this just felt like he had roots at reached out to him, with a sigh and a swift motion of his hand he pulled up his datapad and went over the things he had to do.

  He swiped away each number as a foundational plan began to develop in his mind.

  The ride to the bank began to settle in and so did his nerves “It was time to get to work”. The car settled on top of the Galactic bank hovercraft hangers and its doors slide open, Declan wasted no time in stepping out and adjusting his suit “Getting used to wearing suits is going to be a new challenge huh?” he smiled to himself feeling of missing his uniform washed over him gently.

  The double glass doors with the words Drilaten Galactic Bank in transparent white lettering split open and he crossed the threshold with ease, The inside followed the norm and modern trends of the Sol system and he scoffed at that. “Hundreds of years and thousands of planets and a few different species and that showed us we weren’t the only ones in the galaxy, but the human colonies and mixed planets haven’t shed the influence of the Home system” He shook his head at that and stepped into the elevator.

  It didn’t take him long to find himself standing in front of the receptionist desk on this branch manager. Declan stood before the receptionist's desk, the polished surface gleaming under the soft glow of the reception area. A male Caelian receptionist with sharp features and an air of authority regarded him with a mix of skepticism and annoyance, The Caelians were a humanoid species with avian characteristics, including feathered wings and keen eyesight. They are known for their graceful aerial maneuvers and exceptional navigational skills.

  "I'm sorry, sir, but you can't simply walk in without an appointment," the receptionist asserted, his tone edged with defiance. "We have protocols to follow, even for someone claiming to be a Vanyork."

  Declan's eyes narrowed, his voice carrying a calm yet commanding presence. "I assure you; my business here holds great importance. Notify the branch manager immediately. I have urgent matters to discuss."

  The receptionist hesitated for a moment, sensing the weight behind Declan's words. Reluctantly, he reached for his communicator, dialing the branch manager's extension. As he waited, his eyes darted back and forth between Declan and the device in his hand, a flicker of realization and respect creeping into his gaze.

  "Sir," the receptionist finally spoke, his voice tinged with newfound deference, "the branch manager will see you right away. Please proceed to her office down the hall and the door in the middle. Declan nodded, acknowledging the receptionist's compliance. He maintained his composed demeanor as he passed through the reception area, the eyes of other bank employees subtly turning their attention to him, as he walked down the hall the interaction a moment ago reminded him that the name Vanyork holds no sway in the eyes of the common man.

  Declan stepped up to the door and it swung open as he approached it closer, revealing a young-looking Caelian woman but he was skeptical at her age seeing as Caelians age extremely slowly. "Mr. Vanyork, please come in," the branch manager greeted him, her voice laced with a mixture of deference and curiosity.

  Declan settled into a chair, his posture radiating authority. "It’s a pleasure to meet you miss…” He pause considering he didn’t know her name and gazed at her, she smiled at him “He seems to have manners to him, I can attribute that to his days in the core I guess”. She leaned back into her chair and introduced herself “I am Rieh Renalya, what can we do for you today?" Declan pulled his pad from his jacket and began “I require your assistance in several financial matters, investments, and acquisitions”.

  The branch manager leaned forward, her eyes brightening with anticipation. "We would be honored to serve you, but as I’m sure you’re aware that the Galactic bank does not issue credit chits to just anyone”. Declan raised a brow at that statement “She thinks I’m here for a credit line, Ha”. He waved her off which heightened the tension in the room, the manager's feathers visibly shook and straighten. “I’m not here for credit, I intend to deposit a large amount of GC into this branch I have no need for credit” Rieh’s face relaxed, and she tapped on her console pulling up a few hollow screens with rolling information.

  “You have an account under your name and the Name of your family’ Which account will be taking your deposit sir” Rieh’s professionalism came back to her she reprimanded herself for being too lax at the beginning of this meeting. Declan nodded at that “I’m sending 6 Galactic Credits from my military account to my family account that will be managing the business and an addition 3 million credits to my personal Galactic Account, so please let me know when you ready.”

  Rieh swallowed at that and her eye drifted to Declan’s face and observe his suit ‘A Vanyork with this much money is an interesting thing to see, She had been around a long time and seen them basically leave Gliese for the home planet but to see them back here was something else altogether, “Ready” She voiced, and Declan nodded in response in moments the transactions where complete.

  “Is there anything else I could help you with” Rieh through the bone out there on reflex; a line that was mostly turned down by those who had no need for it. Declan smirked “Indeed Miss Renalya, Seeing as Van Holding Ltd has been transferred to my branch relatives, I’m in need of a new Company and transferring all assets under the family name under the new company if you don’t mind”.