The illustrations Cosimia had seen of Terra looked like mere children's drawings compared to the true splendor of the planet. Brilliant varieties of blues and greens swirled together in a glass-like orb, giving it an otherworldly feel. Terra seemed to have a halo of white-blue. Cosimia couldn't peel herself away from the glass. The senator chuckled fondly at their awestruck expressions.

"She's a beaut, that one. Even after living there for almost 60 years, the sight still astounds me," he rested a pudgy elbow on the glass table, leaning on it. All the words died in her mouth. Words didn't seem like enough to describe this hidden gemstone of a world. Solis was brighter here, more insistent. Cosimia squinted against the golden light.

"Is Solis always this close?"

"Oh yes. Here almost every day, that one. Gets a bit annoying after some time, I will say." Cosimia couldn't bring herself to imagine what that would be like. To feel the warmth, always there, never gone. Maybe she could move to Terra after saving Saturnus. Cosimia swept those thoughts out of her mind.

Don't ruin the moment.

The senator noticed her wondering expression and softened. "I bet you ladies don't get to see much of Solis where you come from, eh?" Cosimia shook her head.

"Approaching unknown atmosphere," the monotone voice echoed through the silent chamber. The senator cursed and ran to the cockpit, surprisingly agile for a middle-aged man.

"I forgot to tell you about the atmosphere. This might be a wee bit uncomfortable if you aren't used to heat." Dominica snapped up, ram-rod straight. Her contrasting blue and orange eyes burned holes into the man's back.

"How uncomfortable?" Dominica growled, but before she could get to the senator she clutched her head and stumbled back, gasping slightly. Her expression of anger rippled to fear and panic. Airlia ran to her aid, holding Dominica up. Cosimia felt her anger bubble as she glared at the man.

"What did you do?" she seethed, debating whether to lunge at the portly man or help Dominica.

The senator remained calm, much to Cosimia's infuriation. "My dear, I did remind you that entering the atmosphere wouldn't be pleasant. This is your first time." Before she could respond, painful waves of heat threatened to knock Cosimia down, stifling and thick. She fell to the floor, eagerly gulping in the cool, clean air. But soon even that was gone, covered by the smothering blankets of heat. Even the senator was sweating, heaving slightly.

"Almost there," he huffed out through measured breathing. The Lady Vortex rattled, so hard that Cosimia couldn't even see her two fingers in front of her. Digging her nails into the slivers of crevices in the metal floor of the ship, Cosimia squeezed her eyes shut so hard they began to ache. It will be over soon. It would. It had to. As if the Dea had heard her prayers, the heat receded, making way for the cool air once again. It flooded her lungs, sweet and relieving. Dominica stood, looking like a raged boven.

"You," she growled before leaping at the man. Nova held her back and she jerked and twisted, attempting to break from Nova's vice-like grip.

"It's no use, Domi. He did say. We're here." Airlia said, before sending a warning look at the man. Senator Alderidge relaxed a little more, sweeping his arms out wide to the sprawl of cities below.

"Couldn't have said it better myself, love. Welcome to Terra." Cosimia couldn't stop gaping-again-at the architectural marvels beneath. They were tall, smooth, impossibly shiny.

"Is this your town?" Freda asked, turning away from the window for a brief second.

"This is my hometown. The Newer Yorkston Region."

Freda's face grimaced in a scowl. "Well it must not be known for its beauty."

"This city is a well-oiled machine. Quite contemporary for Terra, if you believe it. From your awestruck expressions I assume Zorias is much different," he replied.

"It's a town of many faces. Zorias is different to each," Cosimia said loftily, without taking her gaze off the blur of steely gray beneath her feet. The structures towered to the sky, tall enough to pierce the fluffy clouds. It was quite odd, this place. Boring. Gray cities, plain people, and white clouds. The only color was the stunningly blue sky.

"I've never been past Mars. Would be nice, however," he said with a sigh. Oralie moved to tell him about their plan but shut her mouth at their panicked expressions. A particularly tall tower made the senator smile.

"Well then, we're home. Touch down here, Oralie," he pointed out. Knitting her brows in laser focus, Oralie slowly brought the ship down. Cosimia clutched the table, bracing herself from the impact. With a rumbling thud, they were grounded, and Cosimia moistened in relief. No more fears of falling out of the sky. Two guards armed in clunky black material sprinted towards them, equally ugly weapons high in the air.

"Senator, friendlies?" the one with bright, flame colored hair nodded sharply towards Cosimia and her patrol.

"Friendlies, soldiers. Weapons down," he said, gently but surprisingly firmly. Over the past hours, Cosimia hadn't felt intimidated once by the man. But she could now see how he held so much power in his palm. The other guard, a small one with a dark buzzcut, eyed them sharply. Nova sent him an equally cutting response.

The tower was large, spiraling upwards. It seemed to be made entirely of darkened glass, thick and gleaming.

"This is my home." Senator Alderidge declared grandly, spinning once. Cosimia was impressed, but had seen better on Saturnus. Her planet would always be the best of all in her eyes.

"Quite plain, I must say," she commented.

"Well, with looks like yours I'm not surprised. Right this way, love. Mrs. Alderidge will fix you right up before the council meeting." He set off at a brisk pace, a few feet ahead of them. But he still caught the glances of doubt that the patrol passed to one another.

"If Saturnus has made an effort to come all the way to Terra, it will be for something important. As you most likely know, the planets try not to mingle with one another. Which one of you is the leader?" Cosimia raised her chin, silent. He nodded at her and continued through the hallways, each just as dangerously beautiful as the last.

"Cosimia, is it?" she nodded again. "The meeting is in three hours. And I suggest you be punctual. There's only so much this face can charm." With a wink, the man gestured to a small servant who scurried off, leaving Cosimia and her friends to follow.

The tower was an endless labyrinth and Cosimia was shocked that the maid could navigate so effortlessly through it. She led them to a more private sector, less populated. Bowing low to the ground, avoiding their gazes, she showed them to a large pair of oak doors.

"This will be your rooms, madames."

"All of us?"

"The rooms connect to one another with a door. You will have access to separate bathing chambers, closets, and balconies."

"Thank you." With a flick of her hand, the girl was gone.

The rooms were quite nice, clearly designed for the purpose of letting light in. It came in from all directions, painting every inch of the room in a glow. Solis hadn't fully arisen, but it was already casting a beautiful light over the Newer Yorkston Region. Her friends let themselves into their room, until Cosimia was left to explore by herself. A large clock hung on the wall but Cosimia couldn't understand it. On Saturnus, they used the solstice calendar, reverting to the old ways of being rather than using newer technologies. But those technologies were ones that Terra specialized in. Pressing a button on the device, the time-telling machine switched to the system of moons, used on Plutonem.

Ah. You can switch it.

Pressing the button continuously until it reached the solstice calendar system, Cosimia counted the time she had. Not much, but bathing wouldn't take that long and she already knew what she was going to say. Which gave her surplus time to explore. She opened the door to the bathing chambers, which was equally as clean and barren as the rest of the tower. White tile with veins of black covered the floor, with a silver claw-footed tub filled with water that was already steaming. The steam curled into the air then dissipated. A fluffy towel in a granite gray shade waited on a neat tray, resting next to two bottles. One was labeled 'shampoo' and the other, 'conditioner'. Cosimia frowned. She had never heard of these cosmetics on Saturnus. But she did know what soap was, so she peeled her dirtied clothes off and sank into the water, the heat pulling at her tight aches. She sank deeper into the seemingly depthless pool. The water pulled her down until only her face was dry, raised to the dim lighting of the ceiling. Maybe she could save exploring for a more prudent time.

Sitting up a bit straighter, Cosimia gathered some of the clear, gel-like substance and rubbed it over her skin. It was cool and broke immediately, dissolving into clear bubbles. She didn't know this type of soap but it seemed to be effectively cleaning the grime off her skin. Soon, the once crystalline water was now a deep brown and Cosimia got up, fighting against the longing to sink back into the soothing pool. But she pulled herself out, gathering the towel around her waist and slipping on the matching robe. The material was soft against her raw skin, red from rubbing away the dirt. Tying the robe around her loosely, she walked out, leaving wet footsteps behind. The plush carpet soaked the water and Cosimia glanced at the solstice calendar; she had taken 60 minutes from the bath meaning she had 120 remaining.

"We haven't had any visitors from Saturnus in a long time."

Cosimia whirled around to see a handsome young man about her age standing near the door, holding a pile of crisply folded clothes, in varying shades of blue and white. The boy barely flinched, as if he had seen loosely clothed women normally. She yanked the robe around her so tight she could've suffocated, but Cosimia didn't care. Anger steamed from her like the water in the bathing tub. She stormed up to the young man and gave him a loud slap, the resounding crack satisfying. He yelped and dropped the clothes, holding a hand up to his tender cheek.
"How dare you," Cosimia hissed, standing over him with rage. He held his hands up, raising his brows.

"I didn't know you were... indecent. I swear," he vowed, but his words only enraged Cosimia more. Was everybody in Terra this disrespectful? Cosimia wanted to punch him senseless but held back. This man had an outfit not of a servant, but someone with high rank. The boy took his chance and slid away from her, brushing away dust from his clean suit.

"Who are you?" Cosimia seethed, never taking her gaze away from the man. He was obviously well raised, in a wealthy household. Dark brown hair, similar to Senator Alderidge. Evergreen eyes flecked with a surprisingly warm brown. Golden skin that reminded Cosimia of Solis.

"Grant Alderidge, at your service, m'lady," Cosimia ground her teeth together, hard. "My father asked me to deliver this to you. I presume it's what you are wearing to the meeting."

"You assumed correct," she managed to bite out. Snatching her now rumpled clothes off the floor, Cosimia glared at him. "You may leave now."

"Also, I'm your escort to the meeting," he had the gall to wink at her as he opened the door. "Jusqu'à plus tard, mademoiselle. Until later." Grant slipped out leaving Cosimia to steam in her own fury. Cosimia unraveled the clothes, admiring the clean elegance of the set. It was a white blouse, linen, with loose blue pants that accented her hair sharply. Slipping into the soft clothing, Cosimia eyed herself in the mirror, giddiness overcoming her. She was going to a world council meeting: her, the good-for nothing Nedias girl that had no talents whatsoever. Now, she was an important figure in a world meeting, her opinions valued. At least, she hoped they were. Cosimia scowled as the smirking face of Grant Alderidge flashed through her mind. But as soon as it came, it was gone. Good riddance.

A swift knock signaled Cosimia's dread. Irritation mounting, Cosimia swept the door open, seeing Grant standing on the other side.

"So you weren't kidding when you said you were going to be my escort," she commented with disdain as she stepped out of her room.

"Of course not. My father must've assumed that we would make quite an impact."

"Or he needed someone to walk me up."

"Yes, or that," he held his arm out and Cosimia glided past him, ignoring him with a secret smile.

"Cosimia Nedias, isn't it?"

"Yes." He caught up to her easily, in long strides. His suit was much more eloquent than the one he had on previously. It was a dark navy, contrasting the brilliant blue of Terra's waters.

"I've always wanted to visit Saturnus," he thought aloud.

"Really? You seem to be the type that likes to stay in their sprawling mansion, content in bathing in golden coins." Grant laughed, a pleasant sound. Just look like his father, large and booming.

"I'll take that as a compliment." Cosimia was surprised for a moment at how easily the words flowed from her mouth, how easy it was to converse with somebody she had met just hours ago.

"Are you coming to the meeting as well?" Cosimia asked. He nodded, the light of Solis highlighting his sharp contours.

"I am preparing to take my father's place. I go for training, to get myself ready. Slightly like your trials." Grant noted, with a smile.

Cosimia was taken aback. "You know of our customs?"

"There isn't much to do here other than the same few things. The outside world is a new world, and a new world is one that needs to be explored." Cosimia felt her heartbeat in her ears. Here was this pompous man, nothing but a self-obsessed jerk, sharing her same thoughts. Could she possibly tell him about the Unbalance?

No, her mind urged. Do not deal trust out so easily, Cosimia.

They navigated through the empty halls, in comfortable silence.

"Do you intrude on women's rooms often?" Cosimia wondered.

"Do I give that impression?" Grant grinned, flashing his blinding teeth. Cosimia had no doubt that with one well-aimed smile, Grant could make waves of people-women especially- fall to their feet. But Cosimia wouldn't bend, especially not to the likes of men.

"Ah, I was waiting for that."

"For what?"

"The symptoms of the typical male human being. Cocky, overconfident, waste of space."

"Hey now, where did you get those ideas? Because I can assure you they are not true. Well, for the most of us," Grant said, tilting his head at her. A lock of chocolate brown hair fell and bounced against his forehead, and Cosimia tore her gaze away from his face. She swore under her breath. She couldn't focus on Grant Alderidge when she had a world council to convince.

"The Minerva Elite don't need men to defend them. Hence, they are a physical waste of space. Other than for reproduction purposes, males are unneeded." Grant hummed, unconvinced. They stopped in front of similar oak doors, just as large and foreboding as the others. Pictures and symbols were engraved onto the surface of the wood and Cosimia studied them, curious.

"Well, I think I'll be able to convince you otherwise later on," he conceded, nodding at a pair of guards, dressed in similar black rough material. That must be their uniform, overlooking how uncomfortable and clumsy they looked. But Terra was a different world, literally.

Senator Alderidge smiled at Cosimia then shifted his gaze to his son. Cosimia didn't miss how his smile widened at the sight of his son. Terra was a strange world indeed. On Saturnus, love was a distant concept, especially between families. Grant nodded sharply at his father, then turned back to Cosimia.

"Come. I'll introduce you to the others," he said seriously, his swagger gone and replaced by a professional mask.

In turn, Cosimia was introduced to each of the council members, overwhelmed by the names and corresponding countries. She would just have to memorize them later. The last councilman looked at Cosimia with keen eyes, in a way that made her skin crawl and itch.

"Councillor Deidres, this is Cosimia Nedias, representative from Saturn." Grant announced, all fake smiles and pleasantries. But Cosimia could feel his fingers dig into her forearm, his whole body coiling tensely like a serpent. The man was large and even Solis retreated to the safety of the clouds. Cosimia looked up at him, studying the man. He was middle-aged, with a face lined by wrinkles of stress. But despite his grandfatherly appearance, Cosimia could see the coldness in his steel gray eyes.

¨Ms. Nedias, a pleasure to meet you. I haven't met a Saturnus native before. An honor,¨ his voice was raspy, sounding like sandpaper against birch bark. Cosimia donned a smile, playing the part of the excited spokesperson.

¨I could say the same thing, Councilor Deidres. I am delighted to make your acquaintance,¨ she replied airily.

A man dressed in similar shades to the councilor whispered in the large man's ear. Turning back to them, Councilor Deidres frowned slightly.

¨I hope to see you at the ball, Ms. Nedias," with a low bow, Deidres retreated and Grant let out a breath.

¨I would stay away from him, Cosimia,¨ Grant said, watching the councilor's retreating form. She wrenched her arm from his grasp, but she could still feel the ghost of his fingers on her arm.

¨I think I can handle myself, Mr. Alderidge,¨ she snapped. ¨I am not an amateur in defense.¨

Grant smirked, worry leaving his face. ¨I'm sure you aren't,¨ he said in a patronizing tone. It stoked Cosimia's ire.

I would love to slam my fist into your perfect face.

Before Cosimia could reply Senator Alderidge cleared his throat, silencing all conversation from the room.

¨Take your seats, councilors.¨ Chairs scraped in a twangy song as each councilor sat in their respective seats. Councilor Deidres was seated a few seats away from Senator Alderidge, with two empty seats in the middle of the two men. Cosimia felt her confidence soar as Grant led her to the two empty seats, right next to the senator. He quickly took the seat next to Councilor Deidres and left Cosimia seated next to Senator Alderidge. Once again her anger flared, hot and stifling. Who did this boy think he was? Cosimia could feel the Deam Gloria searing into her leg, rising in heat with her anger. She knew for a fact she could handle Councilor Deidres. It was men like him that Cosimia yearned to fight.

Battling the urge to pinch Grant, Cosimia looked to Senator Alderidge as he began to talk.

¨We have a visitor today, my friends. Cosimia Nedias, of Saturnus. She has come to discuss with us something of utmost importance.¨ Senator Alderidge gestured to Cosimia, who stood. ¨The room is yours, Cosimia.¨

Sweeping her gaze across the sea of unfamiliar faces, Cosimia drew in a breath.

¨I do not know much about Terra customs, but on Saturnus we were educated about protecting our planet. We did not know much about outer planet events. But recently, something that will impact all of us has been brought to my attention. The Unbalance." Cosimia's voice was sure and strong. Whispers rippled through the crowd, too swift for Cosimia to understand.

¨I have taken to doing research on the Unbalance and have discovered that it is approaching, and will be here in just a few years. We must prepare."

A small statured woman with dark, rich skin and black hair the color of onyx stood up.

¨Ms. Nedias, with all respect, the Unbalance has not occured for decades. How do we know it is even something to worry about?¨

¨Councilor Renor, is it not?¨ the woman nodded. ¨A valid concern. However, I have extensive research to back up my claim. I am more than happy to show it to you."

The rest of the council seemed to agree without comment, nodding their silent respect towards Cosimia.

This wasn't as hard as I thought.

As if he could read her thoughts, Councilor Deidres stood up, the chair creaking as he did.

"Cosimia Nedias, how do we know you aren't lying in an effort for Terra to give it's technological support to you?"

His eyes bore into hers, hinting that he had no shame and hesitation in asking the question. Honestly, Cosimia was surprised that nobody had commented on the possibility.

"You don't. But it will be not just your loss, but your whole planet's loss if you are facing it alone. I am not insinuating anything, but I will go along with this without your help or not." Cosimia replied, almost giddily. Councilor Deidres held her daring gaze for a moment but relented, sinking back into his seat. Grant hid a smile by looking into his lap. Senator Alderidge clapped his hands together once, commanding attention.

"Meeting adjourned. I wish you godspeed back to your countries."

Cosimia sank against the textured wood of the door in the safety of the room. Cosimia didn't know how the senator was able to attend and manage every council meeting and still retain his boundless energy. It was safe to assume that not every meeting was as short as this one. Solis has begun to hide behind the city's jagged, blocky skyline, casting shadows of colors all over the darkening sky. Cosimia rested her head on her fist and looked out, the chill sending warm jolts up and down her spine. Terra was beautiful, no doubt, but in her eyes Saturnus would be the most beautiful of them all. A fierce longing washed over her. She would do just about anything to protect her home, the city which had truly mothered her from birth. Even though she was probably on the top of the wanted list, she hoped the Dea could help Saturnus see that all of this, everything she was going to suffer through, was all for her planet. Not for herself.

The adjoining door connected her room to her friends burst, opening so fast it almost came off its hinges.

Her mob of friends pushed to get inside her room, voices overlapping each other.

"How was it?" Airlia managed to gasp out as soon as she pushed herself through the tight doorway.

"Success. At least, I think so," she thought as she recounted the brief conversation. Freda fell back on the bed, stretching her limbs as far as they could go.

"Do you know how amazing this place is? I went to the mess hall, and they had this wonderful creation called a hamburger. It's buttery and tasty and I thought my mouth was going to explode!" Freda squealed. "Can we, like, not leave?"

Cosimia looked outside again. It would be so easy to stay here, saying that this could be their base, make this their home. It would fit. But she knew there was no way that she would ever let that happen. Freda knew it too, from the knowing smile on her face. Nova, Dominica, and Isadora were more reserved about Terra, more interested in the meeting.

"Who looks like an enemy?" Dominica asked, always on the alert.

"Councilor Deidres. From Russina. He hasn't done anything yet, but Grant warned me about him."

Oralie's lips curved up. "First name basis, huh?"

"Do not start." Cosimia's voice was disinterested, cold unattachment. Oralie shrugged in response. But she was unconvinced.

"How long are we going to be here, Cosi?" Isadora gestured to her bejeweled bedroom. "We can't stay here," she said, sending a reminding look at Freda.

"I don't know. But not long. That's all I can say," Cosimia said, shrugging. Terra hadn't completely pledged their loyalty, and Cosimia could leave until they did.

Freda got off the bed and started to undo Cosimia's elegant updo, letting her electric blue hair free from the tight hairstyle.

"Well, we'll know by tomorrow. For the rest of today, we are going to relax. No buts." Freda said stubbornly, tugging Cosimia's arm. With her friends nods of assent, Cosimia allowed herself to let go from all her thoughts and doubts, to disconnect. It couldn't hurt to do so every once in a while.