At Erranos' requisition, the Tarraxen High Command, their largest armada, serving as a moving base communicating with all other Tarraxen fleets had begun construction on the new station for the humans. All Tarraxen ships since departing Arntarra began life inside a Bo'rarn Tarsk. The largest of all Tarraxen builds, these construction carriers acted as moving dry-docks expanding the Tarraxen forces constantly whilst in transit. Upon finding desired materials, large probes were sent to harvest and return to their Bo'rarn Tarsk for refinement and construction. A Sarrat class ship could be completed in under two weeks, if all required materials were well stocked. The Bo'rarn Tarsk's were of an immense size, almost 490km in length and 130km in diameter they dwarfed all other Tarraxen ships. Having no sealed areas for occupants, the entire carriers were hollow like a perforated tube with thousands of entrances for probes and a large mouth-like opening at the front for birthing finished constructs. The original design concept was inspired by the first Scourge pod encountered over Arntarra. At the time of the station's commission, there were eleven Bo'rarn Tarsk's that made up the High Command Armada, along with thousands of other ships.

Erranos' description had left the human imagination wanting as they were ill prepared for the leviathan vessel that approached. Most were simply awestruck, whilst other merely swore under their breath or muttered nonsense in disbelief. Those that faced the front of the Bo'rarn Tarsk could see the silhouette of a structure within, as dozens of large and hundreds of smaller robotic arms, worked tirelessly on the construction. In escort were twenty Baroodas and sixty Sarrats, it was quite clear how significant the Bo'rarn Tarsks were as a part of the Armada, to lose even one would deal an immense setback to Tarraxen efforts. This fact further deepened the ever growing respect of the humans for their hosts.

Una made an announcement for those who weren't already gawking outside that the ship building their new home had arrived, and that construction was on schedule, due to finish in approximately two months time.

The Council met together on the bridge of their Lotar and Erranos advised that one of his kin had arrived within the escort. The Council was most intrigued about meeting another Tarraxen and were bordering on giddy as one of the escort Baroodas approached and docked with their Lotar matrix. True to Tarraxen style, what appeared before them was like any other drone, it entered through the air-lock and made its way to the bridge. The bridge doors opened and in stepped the newcomer.

Erranos moved towards the newcomer but said nothing, instead he turned back to the others. "Council of Alpha Colony, may I introduce Kor'tahn." The Council eagerly stood and bowed. Kor'tahn reciprocated.

"Hello," he spoke in an identical tone to Erranos. Felix felt as the entire council except for Gaia, had thought to themselves how confusing it would be to tell them apart and he snickered in his mind.

Una stepped forward extending her arm proudly, Kor'tahn followed suit and they shook hands. "I can't begin to thank you for this most generous of gifts," she explained.

"No need. Erranos has elaborated how the decision was mutually beneficial," replied Kor'tahn.

"Oh, well yes," Una uttered, "but still, I wish to convey our immense gratitude."

"Accepted." Walking past a dumbfounded and rather snubbed feeling Una, Kor'tahn positioned himself at the front of the bridge and without touching anything an image appeared filling the entire front portion of the bridge wall. They now had a probes-eye view of their station being constructed. All the internal systems were close to completion and the heavier portions of the hull were being fortified. Though Alpha Colony's insides would resemble Gaia Station, the outward appearance was completely different. Rather than a sphere, Alpha colony was comprised of three main superstructures. The central section, a fast curving spheroid was joined at top and bottom by identical octagonal pyramids stopping short of forming points. "Capacity for four million, with an average of 1.14 occupants per designated dwelling," Kor'tahn advised them.

Images began to cycle through giving a presentation of the innermost workings and facets of the station, Gaia, using data from her old station superimposed images over the new botanic garden sites as if they were decades old, lush, green and full of life. The images were powerfully moving. Finally one appeared showing a grassy knoll not unlike those Felix and Maddison would lay atop watching the simulated clouds roll by for endless hours. Felix felt a sharp pain in his chest and slowly sat himself down.

"Whoa hey everything alright there?" asked Lloyd has he noticed Felix wincing in pain.

Felix released a deep breath slowly, "yeah I'm alright, just old memories I guess." He smiled looking up attempting to mask his pain. Felix felt as though his new found abilities were interwoven so innately with his own emotions that he must try to remain positive and level-headed at all times. For there was no telling what damage he could do to the ship or those around him if by chance he lost control again.

Lloyd nodded, Eva also understood well. The delightfully realistic images were a wonderful thought to help the Earth-born be enthusiastic about the potential of their new home, but for the remnants of the Gaia-born, the images only stirred darkness in their hearts.

The botanic gardens however would remain empty, merely an allocated space for recreation and relaxation. Though the Tarrax were able to synthesise amino acids and other nutrient based compound they could not create organic life. With Gaia station lost and Earth now a molten sphere, all native flora and fauna were now extinct. The only life to have survived Earth were the humans, and the trillions of microbial passengers they each carried. The Council remained in discussion for hours, without plant stocks for hydroponics they could not grow food enough to feed their numbers. Despite all essential amino acids available to them by the Tarrax, complex protein strands or actual meat tissues were beyond their technological reach.

Kor'tahn did not understand why the council was concerned with such trivial things. Sustenance adequate in all required nutrients was already being fed to the humans and after Gaia's tinkering, the gruel now came in six flavours. Not having to acquire energy through consumption and digestion for thousands of years the Tarrax often forgot how much pleasure organic species took from ingesting their favoured foods. How all too often eating was as a way to appease the soul as much as it was to fuel the body. Hundreds of complaints had already found their way to the Council in regards to the underwhelming provisions on offer.

Finally it dawned on Felix, they did know of a location where they could gather samples for both the hydroponic gardens and the protein slabs. He burst from his chair having had his brilliant epiphany."Yes! Of course!"

"Yes what?" asked Una readjusting herself after almost falling off her chair from Felix's outburst.

"Hang on a sec Una," Felix pleaded with a hand up before turning to Kor'tahn. "Kor'tahn will the station be able to fold space as your ships do?"

"Yes," he answered.

"Excellent! Gaia station was always too big for Shroud travel," Felix thought aloud. Una was growing impatient, tapping her fingers faster and faster on her knee.

"Well?!" she finally snapped, "what's the good news?"

Felix smiled, as did Eva who had now figured out his plan. Lloyd remained at the edge of his seat for Felix's reply. "Una we made some friends out there, aside from the Tarrax."

Una's face shifted. "That wasn't in your report to Mr Mott," she barked clearly unimpressed.

Felix shrugged, "we were going to mention them after you let us in so to speak."

"I see," she huffed. "So, who or what are they exactly?"

"They are the Drusai, a nomadic, humanoid race that we encountered whilst searching for a new home, their planet is called Darsalae," explained Felix. "Erranos would you display an image of a Drusai please?" Erranos nodded and an image of Argai appeared. "Ah yes. This particular Drusai is Argai, the chieftain of the first tribe we encountered," continued Felix most cheerfully.

Una lent forward now completely intrigued, her eyes wide open. "Fascinating, and were they friendly?"

"Oh yes very," Felix boasted proudly. "Our expedition was cut short by mutiny and the Drusai fought along side us to retake our Titan from the mutineers." Felix felt as Una had a slight reservation upon hearing the word mutiny. Though she did well to keep it from display on her face, a seasoned politician at work.

"And you're certain there is food there safe for us?" Una asked.

"Definitely, we lived off the land for weeks and had catalogued dozens of edible plants and animals during our stay. Plus I'm certain the Drusai will teach us about others," concluded Felix.

"Very well then," agreed Una, "we will obviously need food to survive so we might as well borrow a cup of sugar from our neighbours." Her sentiment left Felix grinning from ear to ear.

Felix, Lloyd and Eva were ecstatic. Though they always thought they would end up back on Gaia station, they had hoped they would once again visit Darsalae. Gaia learned all she could about the Drusai from the Tarraxen data core when she was uploaded. In addition Maddison had spent many hours with Gaia as they travelled, sharing their epic tale from the mutiny and meeting new friends. Felix probed the bridge hoping to make sure no one was thinking poorly of their decision. All the Earth-born members of the council were slightly anxious though still optimistic, all except for Ruby, who seemed to now relish the new and exciting which was fast becoming a common occurrence.

As the days became weeks and so into months, the new station was fast approaching completion. With so much space, humanities population could double and still have unused areas. To ensure things ran smoothly for the moving in phase Gaia catalogued everyone and all quarters were to be assigned at random, save for those on the council who are all within a 100m or so. Having a ruling council would not be enough on it's own. There were roles to fulfil for everyone, many jobs would have to be allocated so the station could function and accommodate for so many occupants. Gaia asked for Una's input on developing a series of aptitude testing while they waited on construction to finalise. All persons were to name their most recent of occupations, along with all skills and qualifications earned.

Felix was qualified to perform the tasks of an M.D, but his skill set lent towards research and as a young boy he had dreamt of studying alien species from across the stars, leading him to first pursue genetics. Luckily Felix did not have to step up for a medical role as there were adequate doctors and other medical staff amongst those rescued. Provided there was no epidemic in the near future, the numbers would suffice. Aside from his role on the Council, Felix asked Gaia to put him down as a science teacher. With so few educators left in the humanity pool, Felix thought it best to contribute wherever possible. Felix also conceived plans for an advanced course that would cover Xenobiology. After all Felix was the first Xenobiologist in human history to actually study an alien life form and now, there was no one that could hold a candle to him or be even remotely as qualified. Although all his research was lost with the Hyperion, Felix still had detailed knowledge of many new organisms and hoped that when they visit the Drusai he would have an opportunity to catalogue more.

The Council met each day as their new home approached it's grand opening, tirelessly organising all the attributes of their new society dawning. The subject of a military force as a necessity was raised by Lloyd. He did not wish personally to enlist or serve after doing away with his previous commission but he certainly understood the need for strength in defence. Una did not personally see the need for Alpha Colony to have it's own military, her thoughts were reciprocated completely by the rest of the Council and they debated instead about forming a security force. Eva spoke up, elaborating how easily groups of dissension can form under the radar and in time grow large enough to pose a threat. With having to prevent mutiny as the worse-case scenario, Lloyd pointed out the obvious, simply not all people like each other. There will always be conflict on some scale and a security force would be vital to police the station and keep order under the command of the Council. Lloyd didn't care what they called it, as long as their was some kind of authoritative channel within the colony to keep order out of chaos.

Una already had a candidate in mind to lead such a force. "Eva how would you like the job?" She asked catching Eva off guard.

Eva looked unsure, "which job?" she asked genuinely confused, causing Una to chuckle.

"Why Chief of Security of course," Una proposed with a welcoming smile. Eva was speechless. "Gaia told me about your arduous training, I can't imagine anyone more capable."

Eva managed to blush then cleared her throat, "I accept." The remainder of the Council applauded and Eva was officially appointed as the Chief of Security for Alpha Colony. Her mind began to race as she considered all the possible scenarios she might encounter. She turned to Lloyd, "will you help me? Just until I can train some staff."

Lloyd pretended as though he were preoccupied, that he was deep in thought. "Hmm, I dunno," he paused a while before grasping Eva's hand. "Of course I'll help you. Why wouldn't I?"

Eva was again caught off guard, "well, you decided that you didn't want anything to do with a military life any more remember, you were talking about gardening?" The rest of the Council found this development fascinating and they tuned in to listen intently.

"No no, this is completely different. You're already my boss, so at least now we can work together and keep everyone safe," explained Lloyd with a cheesy grin as Felix burst out into a childish laugh.

Eva scowled at Lloyd, but decided to chastise him later in private. "Damn right I'm your boss!" She snapped back proudly.

Una cleared her throat reminding them they were still in a Council meeting, Lloyd and Eva then sat quietly giving Una their undivided attention. "Felix I hear you've signed up to help with teaching," stated Una without giving any indication to how she felt about it.

"Yes that's right," he confirmed cautiously narrowing his gaze.

"Seeing as you're a member of the Council, how would you feel about taking on an additional role?" enquired Una.

"What did you have in mind?" he responded as he smiled now knowing full well already.

"I wish to appoint you as the Minister of Education," Una declared proudly. "You are a man of science after all."

"Very well, I accept, thank you," Felix agreed. "Gaia are there many teachers left in our ranks?"

"170 I believe, not many I know but there were less than 10,000 children in the evacuation and other learned professional could adapt to educate I'd say. We will make do," she smiled.

"Agreed," assured Felix, "would you please draft me a list of names for all teachers and children and what they were covering beforehand?"

"Yes Dear," replied Gaia.

Una turned to Gaia, "on to further matters, We require a list of all those trained in any form of medicine please Gaia." Una spoke with confidence but her tone was softer when speaking with Gaia. She knew Gaia was completely artificial, in mind and body, but her outward appearance was so innocent it was often easy to forget what she was.

"Yes of course Dear," Gaia smiled, "who shall I give it to?"

Una looked around the table, "Zach will you organise our medical staff?"

"Happy to," Zachary beamed.

"Excellent. Well let's call it a day. Unless anyone has anything else to discuss?" Una asked the Council. Everyone shook their heads and Una went to stand stopping as she noticed Erranos walk over.

"I wish to address your Council," he stated.

"But of course," Una responded cheerfully. "Please," she insisted extending her arm.

"Thank you Una. I am certain you all know. Kor'tahn and I will be departing upon the completion of the station. To that end I wish to present you with a final gift," explained Erranos.

"More? You can't be serious," declared Felix. "You've already done so much."

"Dude! Wait until he says what it is first," joked Lloyd as he jabbed at Felix's side.

"What is it Erranos?" Eva asked politely before her head snapped sideways scowling at Lloyd.

"A Sarrat," answered Erranos. Felix and Lloyd's faces lit up, their mouths wide open. They held their collective breath as Erranos continued, "Alpha Colony will not be equipped to land or enter an atmosphere," he elaborated. Felix and Lloyd were bordering hysterical out of pure excitement. "A ship would negate this issue and allow for endeavours away from the station."

"That's fantastic!" declared Felix taking to his feet overjoyed.

"Hell yeah!" added Lloyd joining Felix standing.

"After a few modifications are complete the Sarrat should be ready in a few days and Gaia will be able to patch in remotely," explained Erranos.

"Thank you so much," Eva expressed with great joy. Felix and Lloyd nodded profusely before being able to vocalise their gratitude.

"Erranos how many crew will we be able to fit in it?" enquired Felix thinking about their upcoming venture to Darsalae.

"52 could live indefinitely on board the customised Sarrat. The cargo storage has already been increased significantly to accommodate for procurement," explained Erranos.

Felix was overcome with joy, "you never cease to amaze," he complimented whilst shaking his head slowly in disbelief.

With the Council meeting concluded, the members each set out on their assigned tasks to prepare for the mass migration onto the new station. Felix and Lloyd on the other hand went about gathering a crew to travel to Darsalae for procurement. Sadly there was only a handful of scientists on offer for the expedition and the bulk of the crew was made up of those excited by the prospect and whom had volunteered despite limited skills of interest for such an endeavour. There was no detail left out of the information put out to the ships for the draft. They intended to travel to an alien world and gather supplies that would come to feed them indefinitely. As Felix and the remaining crew from the Titans knew well, there would always be an element of danger present during such a mission, though this fact seemed more so to motivate and excite those that had volunteered.