All characters, events, and places are of the author's imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence. Prologue Earth, 2765 "Daddy?" Bali asked softly. The deeper they went into her daddy’s laboratory the more nervous she became. It was dim down here, sterile. The concrete blocks were unpainted, and there was an odd smell, something that set her short hairs on end. Something was very wrong. Rudriv Itara smiled and patted her hand. His white hair fluffed in that adorable way it had and his cheeks were ruddy with health. "Do not be frightened, my child. I promised to show you something wonderful, and so I shall. You’re a very lucky girl." They stopped before a heavy wooden door and glanced through the tiny bars on top. Whatever he saw made him smile. His smile warmed her, for Bali knew her daddy loved her. Hadn’t he always taken good care of her?
