“My dream for Destima is to develop a sanctuary, an exclusive paradise for those who reside here and the lucky few who visit. As the moon of Lunkai, the capital of Prince Zirene's star system, and the base of the Aldawi elite, Destima will be protected from foreign aggression and piracy. We will create a safe place to live and thrive as individuals on this newly developed moon.
"I’m not saying this will be an easy task to tackle. I have no illusions about the scale of the challenge we are taking on. However, I believe that with hard work and dedication, we can make this a place we will be proud to call home. A place where no citizen will be afraid to be different. A place where we can live in peace, without fear of the future. Somewhere to settle and see your families grow.
“I’m sure everyone has been affected by the changes that I’ve decreed since my arrival and has seen the structures built on the island almost overnight. I have a plan. A plan to build this moon into something extraordinary—a source of joy and inspiration to all. I want to show the universe that no matter what species you are, or how unique you may be, we are always capable of coming together under the same ideals as we pursue the promise of a better future.
“I’ve designed this island to be our main hub among the triad islands. My goal is to build two separate districts—the North, which will remain our residential district, and the South, which will become the entertainment district. By creating two distinct districts, any visitors will be confined to one location, while allowing you, the citizens of Destima, free reign on the island. As many of you know, the lower parts of the island house many new structures. These buildings will provide vital services you deserve—the moon’s main hospital, a research center, a galactic academy, the Circuli population’s hatchery, and all of the security and government offices. All your necessary services are organized in one place to make it easier to meet your needs.
“I know the Circuli crew on the Destiny was prepared to build a home on an undeveloped planet. Instead, by mating their princes, I brought you here. I was told there were many researchers aboard, along with scholars from a variety of backgrounds. I would like to thank you for cooperating with your princes and onboarding at the job closest to your respective field of study. For all the warriors, active and retired, I would like to thank you for taking on the agricultural or fishing jobs until your service is needed once more. This may not have been your original plan when you embarked upon your journey five years ago, but I hope it becomes a positive surprise. May the Stars bless the nestqueens as we hope for the beginnings of a first-generation born here.
“To all the demi-humans: I’m sorry for taking so long to address you since my arrival. To be honest, I needed time. Time to adjust to everything that has been thrown at me. Time to recover from my pregnancy and enjoy being a new mother. And time to figure out what to say to people like me—products of the Yaarkins’ experimentations. For a while, I thought I was the only survivor. Only when Prince Zirene gifted me Destima did I learn there were more like me, rescued and housed in one location.
“I know I moved you into one of the twelve resident buildings without much notice, but I hope the improvements that we’ve made to the island you call home are worth the trouble. From the high-speed tram system that runs along the island to the new fishing docks and improved spaceport to the newly built social hubs. I wanted to give you all everything that you’ve missed—that we have missed.
“I studied the layout of the Destiny and its spaceport, along with other successful island communities and designed Destima based on those blueprints. My goal is to strengthen our foundations first. Once the island grows accustomed to all the changes, we will open to the Aldawi brethren from our sister island. Ultimately, my dream is to transform Destima into an exclusive resort-like moon, where only those invited may visit. I’m asking everyone to stay open-minded throughout the process.
“As an exclusive resort-like planet, we can allow artists the freedom to sell and perform without judgment and celebrate their talents. Culinary masters can serve their special delicacies, exposing our citizens to new cultures. And our researchers can freely study without having to separate from their loved ones, for all operations will be located on one island.
“Prince Zirene has offered to extend his protection from the Academy Island to all the triad islands to help me make my vision. Destima’s citizens may rest easy knowing that this moon is a safe place to settle and build a family. This won’t be an easy journey, but now that I’ve shared my dreams for this moon, I hope you will support my vision. I dream of a safe place where differences are celebrated, and citizens are free to study and work as they wish—not because they have no choice. All I ask of you is to bear with me—with us—while we continue to face any challenges that arise. Whatever changes we make to this island are for the better.”
I inhaled deeply, trying to catch my breath as I licked my lips. The weight of over a hundred thousand eyes transfixing upon me was crippling, but I refused to crumble in front of mere strangers while they formed first impressions of me.
“The building you’re standing in,” I shot a glance and
