''I never managed to say it but..Thank you very much for the help I dont know what would happen if i was left there on that planet alone''' Juniper says as he continues walking with him. He is a bit nervous but he feels safe because in contrast to Garlans size he gives off a friendly atmosphere.
They start walking towards the main office where they are met by an older man wearing a blue uniform and holding a holographic clipboard,he looks at them briefly before nodding in approval.
''Greetings, I am Lieutenant Merti and I will be taking you to Marshal Maynard, please follow me.''
Garlan waves for Juniper to follow Merti before turning back to his work.
Merti leads Juniper through corridors until they reach an elevator which takes them up to the fifth floor.
''We are here.'' Merti says as he opens the door and lets Juniper enter the room and backs out. It is spacious with a large table in the middle surrounded by various chairs. The walls are covered in holo-projectors, screens, and other things Juniper has never seen before.
At the other end of the room stands a man wearing a black uniform with blue highlights, he turns around to face Juniper.
Juniper starts to fiddle with his hands out of nervousness, he knows that this person has a high level of authority here.
''Greetings, I am Marshal Maynard. You can call me Maynard. Welcome aboard the Sirocco.''
Sirocco? Is that the name of the ship we are on?
Juniper bows respectfully ''Marshal, sorry for keeping you waiting.''
Maynard strokes his beard with a chuckle ''It's no trouble, no need to be so polite, i have grandsons your age. Have a seat.''
Juniper proceeds forward and sits directly in front with his two hands placed on his knees sitting upright looking at Maynard like a good student.
Maynard releases some maternal love towards this young boy who doesn't seem to know where to put his hands and feet. Smiling with slight crows-feet around his eyes he pours him a glass of water and asks Juniper what he remembers from ending up on that planet.
''I remember...'' Juniper starts to speak, but stops himself mid sentence. He is not sure how much is too much to tell.
Maynard interrupts him with a smile ''You don't need to worry about telling me everything from the start, I want to hear your story as it is now. It won't take long.''
Juniper looks at him for a moment and decides to share all he knows. It may be for the best.
Maybe this old man is one of the few who can help him get home.
***
When he finishes, Maynard ponders for a while before speaking. ''I see...'' He says at last.
''That was quite an ordeal you had to go through. But there are things you don't mention. Things that could help us out here. You say you were a Nine-tailed fox not a normal Fox, is that correct?'
Juniper nods
''That Shrine has some history behind it like all ruins, they are remnants of civilisations that came before. I looked further into the place you appeared from documents i've been handed about the planet Lysti'ret in the Mabrist System, there were statues situated there that resembled foxes with multiple tails that were taken from the original site they were excavated and placed in the museum of history at the capital star.''
Maynard took a breather and told Juniper the conclusion he reached after reading his file.
''We don't know much about the shrine or its inhabitants, if any lived inside. The only thing we know is that the main building was destroyed by an earthquake many years ago and the plants reclaimed the land over time. However you could find more information in the Capital..''
The two men share a look, then Juniper continues.
''So you're saying that I should go to Capital star and look for clues?''
''Yes, but first things first. We need to get you to get you set up with an identity and send you to the Capital star. Merti can take you back to your quarters now, and tomorrow morning we will discuss further in detail. For now, enjoy the rest of your evening. You look exhausted''
Juniper nods at the old man and follows Merti down the corridor back to the room.
Merti tells him to make himself at home and someone will come back in the morning to pick him up.
He takes a shower and puts on fresh clothes before rubbing his face into the pillow falling into a deep sleep.