Free A New Divide (Science Fiction) by Nathaniel Sanders

told your lady admiral many times, but you have forged an alliance whether you accept us or not. We will always be ready to assist you in any endeavors you decide to partake in."
                  Mark smiled as he made his way towards the command center with General Wright but the general moved towards me in his chair as Mark passed by him.
                 
    "Oh. Hey, Collin!"
                  Wright approached me and reached into his pocket.
                  "I may never get another chance to do this." He pulled out a set of first edition gravball cards and handed a pen to me. I smiled at the irony of this gesture, for the first time in a long while I felt a great comfort in my heart. "Could you do me the honor, Mr. Iceman? The greatest player the Rayden Comets have ever seen."
                  "Of course, Zach."
                  I signed the cards and handed them back to Zach. We felt a mutual relief between us. Even though Arcoh had not been captured on this day, at least that little moment gave me the closure I needed to try and put it behind me. "Our people will be happy to know that you're alive, Collin."
                  "Give them my regards, General."
                  "I shall, and hey, if you ever feel like going back to gravball we could sure use you. This will always be your home, Collin, and you know we will always treat you like family."
                  I was tempted by his offer, and to tell the truth, I probably would have happily considered it, had I not been so curious to travel to Remora. I felt a strange sense of wonder in myself and in these Remorans, so I declined his offer.
                  "In due time I might take you up on that, General, but for now I need time away from all that has happened here." We stood in silence for a minute basking in the moment of closure I felt we had both gained, and then Zachary saluted me.
                  "Long live Rayden!"
                  A single tear streamed down my face as I repeated his gesture and spoke from my heart.
                  "Long live Rayden. And never forget—some things are always worth fighting for."
                  "Wise words from a great man. Good luck, Mr. King."

CHAPTER 5 - ALL WE LEAVE BEHIND
     
     
                  Finally, the calm I had been waiting for had arrived. I never thought it would happen. My state of misery and despair had finally come to the end, thanks to the good will of the Remoran Protectorate, and their Good Commander.
                  Although I had finally attained some piece of mind away from the indescribable horrors of Salaran captivity, I couldn't help but think about what I had learned about myself—and the trouble I would have adjusting to an entirely new life.
                  I became angry just thinking about it, always so angry at everything. I knew nothing of the world outside my walls. It was only until they burned to ashes that I would see just how ignorant I truly was.
                 
    I rubbed my neck as I sat in the bed within the Alexandria's infirmary wing. The doctor scrolled through his holographic display upon his band and constantly shot glances at me, which annoyed the hell out of me.
                  "Hey, Doc, I know I'm pretty, but I need to leave."
                  The doctor cracked a smiled and continued to scroll through his medical reports.
                  "Things to do?"
                  I looked down and sighed. "Time to think."
                  "There will be plenty of time for that, Mr. King. We need to discuss something."
                  "Okay. What?"
                  "Aren't you curious as to how your leg is no longer broken?"
                  "I figured you guys—"