FRACTURED EXPEDITION | CHAPTER 02

a short story by Danny van Eck

“Whatever happens next is out of our control.”

Shauni’s jaw tightened. Her next words came sharp. “I know that, Alex. That doesn’t mean I don’t worry about the potential end of our fucking planet.”

Alex sighed, settling down across from her, arms crossed. He chose his words carefully. “I didn’t mean it like that, hon. But what else can we do besides wait and hope that Meridian’s Rift Drive actually works? I mean—Kaon—we planned this expedition to keep our minds occupied.”

Shauni took a deep breath, steadying herself. When she spoke again, her tone was softer. “I went on this expedition for different reasons, Alex.”

He nodded, exhaling slowly. “I know, dear. I know.”

For a moment, his gaze drifted around the forest, searching for something—perhaps a distraction, or the right words. But his eyes inevitably found their way back to Shauni.

“I don’t know what to say,” he admitted, voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t even know what I should say. I’m just… I’m so sorry about—”

His sentence faltered, the weight of it catching in his throat. There were no words big enough to express his guilt.

___

Shauni shifted, rising to her feet before settling beside him. She reached for his hands, her touch soft but steady.

“I don’t blame you. I don’t regret choosing you. But I miss my family, and I mourn… who I was.”

Alex turned to her, catching the glimmer of unshed tears in her eyes. He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

“Thank you,” he murmured. “But I can’t help but feel guilty.”

Shauni’s fingers traced slow circles over his hands, grounding them both.

“Listen to me,” she said, voice firm yet tender. “Because for all we know, we won’t even be here tomorrow to be stupid about this.”

A soft chuckle passed between them, breaking the weight in the air—just for a moment.

“I will always love Valleteia. I will always honor the traditions I was taught, and I will always grieve the home I can never return to. But I am still Valleteian, no matter what they say.”

A tear slipped down her cheek, but her smile remained.

“Our children will be part Valleteian, and they will know our oceans, our history, our legends. My culture is mine, and no one can take that from me.”

She exhaled, her gaze steady. “And I don’t want to waste time worrying about the past—about what could have been or what should have happened differently. For all we know, Cyril's Comet could come crashing down from the sky in the next few hours, and I refuse to spend whatever time we have left dwelling on things I can’t change.”

She squeezed his hands. “Yes, I feel sad. And yes, this will hurt for as long as I live. But I still have a life to live.”

Alex smiled and gently squeezed her hand.

“Then let’s go live it.”

He moved his backpack forwards, adjusting the straps. “The excavation site is still half a day’s walk, but I’ve marked a beautiful spot to set up camp. It has an incredible view of the mountains and Luminis Passage. So, let’s drink some tea, grab a bite, and get on our way.”

Shauni nodded gratefully and began preparing the tea—just the way she liked it.

___

They walked for another two hours, their conversation drifting between the excavation site, the rumored statue, and the wildlife surrounding them.

The forest was dense, teeming with life. Deep greens and vibrant reds painted the landscape, uncharged crystals jutting from the earth like forgotten relics. The contrast of colors was mesmerizing, but nothing could have prepared them for the view that awaited at their campsite.

As they reached the clearing, Shauni’s eyes lit up.

She could see for miles—towering mountains dominating the horizon, their jagged peaks painted in gold by the sinking sun. Luminis Passage wove through the forest like a network of veins, its waters shimmering as if infused with light itself.

She exhaled, almost in awe. “When you grow up in one place for so long, it’s easy to forget how vast and varied the world really is. This is… stunning.”