The next day, while the Paketa learned to ski, the Strono family went down the slopes too. Although Alex could ski already he wasn't as experienced as his parents, so he stayed with his grandfather and both took their time. Irena stayed in the rustic cottage as she didn't like racing downhill on snow covered mountains.

The wooden building was a two story tall but relatively small house standing at the edge of a ski resort, adjacent to the town of Kitzbühel. It had a tiled stove with that the family could heat the place and all of the rooms were designed as if they were a century old, which they probably were. The whole house was inherited by Harald from his late aunt. A very charming woman who was a long time family friend of his parents, as she never had kids of her own she left all her possessions to her beloved godson.

-Earth's orbit, I.F. fleet's main ship-

While the Stronos were having fun and developing themselves the federation's representative for earth, Balluo'nok, was in a heated discussion with his research teams.

"What do you mean some five year old earthling connected his Force core both to the cardiovascular and nervous system at the same time? How is this possible and why am I only learning about this now? You said this already happened two years ago! Is it too much to ask to be informed about such important news!" bellowed the infuriated Vallod'ok.

His hair stood on end as if electricity was coursing throughout his body and his normally round big eyes looked oval, the shape in which they were narrowed.

"We are sorry but as it seems his teacher glossed over the significance of this achievement for reasons we aren't aware of as of now. The way she described it the student insisted on connecting both systems which resulted in his talent becoming mediocre. Thereafter she felt guilty and decided to tutor him privately, helping him restore some of his lost potential. The teachers of the following years also described him as exceptional but nothing too special." one of the scientists tried to explain.

Followed by one of his colleagues, "We could only discover the truth after one of his classmates bragged about how his group of friends were all universe wide prodigies. A teacher who overheard that statement looked into it and noticed the irregularities, afterwards reporting his findings to one of us."

Listening to the reasons for this failure Balluo'nok calmed down somewhat and queried, "So…. who is this teacher and what are the names of those universe wide prodigies? I want all the details!"

As the researchers were describing Alex, Kathia Natpiea and the rest of the individuals in question, including their known abilities, Balluo'nok's face contorted.

'How can such a ridiculous thing be possible? Those four could already be considered founding families' descendants but that Alexander Strono is completely nonsensical. Such a potential was never seen before. Either he is the god of luck himself or the most compatible person towards Force in the whole universe.'

"I want to talk to that teacher ASAP! Take one of the ships if you have to but I want to see her by the end of tomorrow! And request a meeting with that Alexander Strono too. Politely though, we don't want to frighten them. A talent such as his should be sponsored not hidden!" ordered the fleet commander and walked towards his room.

The whole ship was gigantic, at least half the size of earth's moon. Therefore walking from one end to the other was made easy by using floating steps. One just had to step onto one of these thin metal disks and it would then connect to the UC's AI, just a thought away from going to one's destination.

Once at his quarters Balluo'nok took a seat on the floating chair next to his holo monitor. The room looked totally futuristic with even the bed staying afloat. One of the reasons the alien commander stayed on the ship was the convinces it offered. Everything was automated, self cleaning and self cooking. He didn't have to waste any of his time on such mundane things and could either focus on his job, his Force training or the pleasures of life. Which he did right now as he took a long hearty puff from the canagar he bought on his last visit to earth.

Narcotics of all kinds were highly sought after in this universe, especially since as a master Force manipulator one could negate most of the negative effects and just let the euphoria of the kick hit you. While there already were some forms of weed, poppies and acid, drugs such as cocaine or crystal meth were rather rare, because of these reasons earth legalized all sorts of substances making their economy rise.

'Ah… What a wonderful strain! Weed is and always will be my favorite. Earths' is even better than most I have tried so far. I will have to get some plants for myself.' thought Balluo'nok, savoring the fruity taste of Strawberry Kush.

While their superior was indulging himself in the pleasures of ganja the scientists were busy ordering their own underlings to find the lying Paketan teacher. Locating her was easy since as a foreigner to earth her UC constantly broadcasted her whereabouts in case she was searched for criminal activity, at least during the twenty year grace period. Afterwards earth would be required to pay for such services.

Discovering that the Paketa was on a vacation with the Stronos none of the researchers knew what course of action to take best.

"Let's decide who has to bite the bullet and tell the commander with drawing straws!" one of the white coated Vallod'oks remarked.

No one wanted to be the bearer of bad news so they agreed, hoping one of the others would have to shoulder the burden.

"Argh, damnit! It's always me! I hate it, next time we will decide some other way!" complained a rather tiny scientist.

"Sure we can do that but first tell commander Balluo'nok about the situation."

While mumbling all kinds of insults under his breath the disheartened extraterrestrial made his way towards the nearest com and called the commander. He blurted everything out in a quick, almost incomprehensible, stream of words, while drenching his lab coat in sweat.

"Why does everything have to be so damn complicated? Well, whatever just call Natpiea over the UC and order her to come see me after she comes back from her vacation. If she has such a close relationship with the Stronos it would be unwise to just snatch her away right in front of their eyes. We should aim for an amiable first interaction after all!" Mellowed by his weed, the commander was much less aggravated by the news than the small scientist expected, that he forgot to respond and just stared dumbly at the holo screen of the ship's com.

"If there isn't anything else I'm going to hang up now. Balluo'nok over and out!" continued the pot head after waiting for two minutes, too spaced out to notice the stunned look of his subordinate.

'I will have to tell the others about this. We just have to catch the right time for the commander to get high and then tell him bad news! This is a revolution! No more popped ear drums and bleeding ears! No more spit flying into our faces or fear gripping our hearts while waiting for him to pick up!'

Elated the alien researcher practically danced back to his colleagues revealing his discovery, delighting each and everyone of them.

"Oh and by the way, he said we should just call the teacher and not take her away as planned. Maintaining a good image in front of the Stronos is more important, said the commander." added he after remembering why he even called his boss.

Therefore on the second day of her holidays Mrs. Natpiea received a call request from the I.F.'s research department asking her for a meeting at the start of march. Unsuspecting she accepted the appointment, wondering about the reason for such a sudden meet up.