Katieran Prime 4 - Kiljorn Prime Read Free Page A

Katieran Nation, which has authorized me to offer you political asylum.” She gave Cassie a warm smile.
    Cassie looked confused. “Political asylum? What does that mean?”
    “You will be offered safe passage to Katiera. You and your baby will be given living quarters, just like the other refugees, and you will have the best medical care.” Lindsey waited while the young woman processed what was happening.
    Lindsey looked at both Dr. Morris and Medic JadEN as she asked them to stand witness. Then she asked Cassie, “Do you accept the offer of political asylum from the Katieran Nation?”
    “I accept,” Cassie said with a tearful voice.
     
     

 
    Chapter Three
     
    Lindsey sat with her family in the small, silver, spherical shaped shuttle. The smaller shuttles were used to transport people from the planet to the awaiting transport ships that orbited Earth. There was no jarring or shaking at lift-off. The shuttle just slowly and gently floated up toward the heavens.
    She watched the whole process in awe with her family looking at the viewing screens. Viewing screens were used in place of windows that displayed digital images from outside the shuttle. She felt guilty for dragging her ailing father and little eight-year-old sister into space with her. What was she thinking? This was crazy. She was really in space. Like an astronaut.
    “Are you okay, Dad?” She leaned over to peer into her father’s face.
    “I’m fine, Lindsey girl. Whatever their doctors gave me sure is working. I haven’t felt this good in years.”
    “Medics, Dad, they’re called Medics. I’m glad you’re feeling better. You look much better,” and he did. There was color returning to his deathly pale cheeks. He was able to hold down his lunch, which was a relief. Maybe he would be able to make this long trip without any mishaps.
    It had been heartbreaking watching her strong father deteriorate right before her eyes. Leo Carreli was only fifty-eight years old—too young to have suffered through cancer. He had to raise his two little girls himself when their mother ran off. He dated a few women through the years, but he had never remarried.
    “I can’t believe we’re in space. Never thought it would be possible,” her father commented as he stared out the viewing screen.
    Her little eight-year-old sister Lisa pouted, “I thought I would be closer to the stars. They are still too far away.”
    The Katieran shuttle pilot laughed, “Are you hoping to catch a star, little one?”
    Her sister giggled. It was heartwarming to hear her sister’s laughter again. There hadn’t been much to laugh about the last few years in her family.
    Lindsey found it fascinating the Katierans were fantastic with children, at least with Lisa. She worried her sister would be spoiled rotten by the time they reached Katiera.
    “What is Katiera like?” Lisa asked the pilot.
    “The City of Katiera is sometimes referred to as the Golden City. It is called that because when our two suns set in the evening, there is a golden glow that covers the buildings, the land, and the waters,” the pilot answered her.
    “I can’t wait!” Lisa would have jumped up and down if she was not strapped down in her seat. Lindsey and her father exchanged a knowing look.
    “Will you have a lot of work to do on the Transport Ship?” her father asked.
    “I will have a few meetings with the EWG representatives. But most of my work will have to wait until I reach Katiera. So I will actually get to spend a lot of time with you and Lisa. There are Katieran Culture Classes we can take together that will help teach us about Katiera.”
    “I have to tell you, I was really worried when you first told me you took a position working for a bunch of aliens. But our lives have benefited greatly from it.” He reached over and squeezed her hand. “Thank you.”
    “Dad, you’re the one I should thank. For taking such good care of Lisa and me. It couldn’t have been easy.”
    “No, not