The seven days passed in a blur of anticipation and preparation for Alex.
It took a few days for Mira to get over seeing her mother in what was probably the first time in a very long time, but she seemed to be back to normal when Alex saw her again.
Alex, despite his attempts to stay detached from the political intricacies of the Federation, couldn't help but notice the subtle tension in the air as the rest of the expedition fleet trickled in from across the galaxy. It was as if the people had finally started to get their act together and put aside any thoughts of dissent or revolution against the Federation.
But of course there would always be troublemakers, and a few ships from the anti-federation forces had already tried to sneak their way in once or twice.
The Jewel's docks grew increasingly crowded with starships of every class and size, from sleek reconnaissance vessels to hulking dreadnoughts.
