by Jaime Mera
Battle screens showed the progress of the legions’ movements, and starship concentrations over heavy populated areas. “You might want to ask the Argonians if they can help the telepaths, so this thing can go faster.” Estabon said as he stood by Alejandro’s empty chair.
Alejandro hesitant to sit, looked at Brenda. “Ms. Weatherly, would you like to take a seat?”
Estabon smiled as Brenda sat in the Captain’s chair. Alejandro proudly moving to the communication’s station. “Hiro, can you please get with the Argonians for support?”
Brenda had been in the bridge before, but not in the Captain’s chair. It was such a contrasting perspective being able to see all consoles and screens an equal distant all around. The slight elevation of the chair above the rest of the chairs and consoles made it feel like she was on top of the world.
“I thought you were used to being in the center of things.” Estabon held her hand caressing it with his thumb.
She placed her other hand on top of his, but kept looking around at all of the things being executed. “I don’t know why but this chair makes everything seem so different.”
“Don’t let it go to your head darling.” Estabon chuckled.
“Oh no, it’s not that.” She paused in thought. “What’s going to happen to everyone now that the war is over and there’s one united Earth?”
“The Soldiers that want to return home, have a family or start a family will be able to do so. But I’m sure there will be many people that would want to travel into space or help the rest of the world to achieve some level of comfort in their communities.” Estabon looked at the screens now displaying unit and demographic data.
Brenda turned her head towards him. He was always handsome and strong to her, but now she could see a great burden lifted off him as if in relaxation from a long marathon. “I assume we have a schedule a mile long.”
Estabon turned to face her and leaned on the chair’s arm. “Before we exchange vows, you have to meet my mom and brother.”
Brenda smiled. “What about my family?”
“Oh, they’re all being gathered as we speak for a really big party.”
“Do we have time for a party?” Brenda smirked.
“Now, we have plenty of time for a party, and more.” He leaned into her and lightly kissed her.
“So where is this party going to be?”
“Maryland of course.”
Brenda sighed with concern. “You’re going to bring your mom all that way for a party?”
“You forget, it was my first home when I entered the US, and my mom always wanted to revisit, but couldn’t, so sooner is better than later.” Estabon replied as he changed his attention to the Captain’s arm chair console, bringing up a communications array. “Oh, look, Skype is available. You want to talk to the family, before we head to the surface?”
Brenda’s eyes widen. “Really? Sure.”
Estabon laughed as she just wanted to show off to her sisters, being seen in a Captain’s chair of a starship.
AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Texas
Joshua turned towards Jenny and hugged her. “I’m afraid it’s time to go. I will always keep you in my thoughts.”
Jenny’s dread caught her lungs by surprise. She forced herself to breathe and reply. “What am I supposed to do by myself now?”
“Jenny, Jenny. You’re not by yourself. The Councilmembers will have fifteen year terms, and a new member will be chosen every three years. You will be a councilmember within a decade, and the first to be a country representative afterwards. You have money in your bank account. Go see your aunt, both of you will help each other until you turn eighteen. Follow your heart and live a wonderful life.” Joshua kissed the top of her head as she didn’t want to let go of him.
Tears ran down her cheeks for the fifth time as Joshua’s body faded into thin air. She turned in all directions drying her face after she realized he was nowhere to be seen. She looked at the faces near her, but no one seemed to have witnessed Joshua’s existence or her sadden mood. The loneliness she felt quickly went away as she focused on Joshua’s words.
She opened her backpack, finding several thousand dollars and a new working cell phone. She quickly opened the phone and browsed through it. She smiled seeing what hoped would be on the phone. She grabbed several bills, and stuffed them in her pant pocket. Taking the phone and placing it in her front pocket, she swung the pack on her back. She looked towards the exit signs and walked down the row, inserting her earphones, playing her new favorite playlist.
One month later, Washington, D.C.
An Argonian transport stretched above the Potomac River, south of the Lincoln memorial. Its cylindrical gray one-thousand meter long design was rounded off at the ends. It hovered above the water and land making it seem like it was preparing to fly off, but had been there for the past two days, processing and taking in select volunteers to travel into space. It was one of many transports around the world, but here it was one that made history for all attendees. An amassed conglomeration of many races and beings covered the open grounds and buildings from the river to the capital building. The streets of Washington D.C. were full of people with designated open traffic patterns. A scheduled declaration by the Earth Federation and Argonian empire was designed to announce the agreed commitment by many races in support of Earth’s future.
A large semi-circular platform was erected east of the Washington monument, facing the museums on either side of the long walk towards Capitol Hill. Many large screens throughout the area were setup and minimal security was present. Stargazer sat in the VIP front row of chairs on the platform. His new black SIA dress suit fitted well, even though he preferred good jeans and cotton shirt. Rat Bastard sat to his left and Spot to his right. Stargazer watched across the platform to another four rows of chairs where EFL and the Eternal Champions sat, alone with the Argonian entourage and most of the Galactic Guardians. Everyone wore normal attire, revealing their true identities. “That guy still gives me the creeps.” Rat Bastard whispered across his seat to his group.
“You know he can hear you.” Spot replied.
“What? Really?” Rat stared at Cyer to see any confirming indication to the statement.
“More than half the platform can probably hear you.” Stargazer added.
“Ah man, now I can’t fart.”
Stargazer’s lips curled as he saw Hellfire laugh from across the platform, hearing him also strain to muffle himself.
Eduardo Ramirez, the other four Councilmembers, and their families sat at the center back of the vanilla carpeted platform. President Dyer sat to the far right of the group, representing the United States, being the host nation.
Preliminary speeches started the event by President Dyer, then King Etron also known as John Goodman, member of the Eternal Champions. The presence of the superhumans was enough security for all the people there, but was more due to the telepathic and precognition powers that John and Susan possessed. Not to mention the Argonian security protocols reinforced by the South American security units among the population.
“It’s amazing how there are so many super beings here, and yet we were needed to save the day.” Ghost mentally told the group to include Io, both sitting behind Stargazer.
“I’m not so sure we were needed.” Stargazer replied.
“You mean we came here to watch the show?” Master asked as if he already had the answer. The teenager looked over Spot to get a facial glimpse of Stargazer.
“No, we came here because we chose to save lives.” Stargazer said, scrutinizing Cyer. “Ghost, can you ask Cyer, how he got here?”
“What good is that going to do us?” Spot said in the mental conference.
“Maybe he took an Uber.” Rat Bastard chuckled.
“He said Arbitrator sent him here.” Ghost answered the question.
“I know you guys want to go back to Arlos, but honestly, I like it here.” Master stated.
Rat Bastard leaned forward on his seat, loo
king down towards the teenager. “You really like it here?”
“I like everyone back on the farm. Besides you guys, the only family I have is here.” Master looked back at his best friend.
“What are you going to do Io?” Ghost asked.
“I’m not sure. Earthlings will not always fully accept my brothers and sisters. I am thinking of going to space and find a place the Argonians can point out with some of my sisters and brothers to inhabit.” Io replied.
“You have a girlfriend.” Master smirked out loud.
Io turned his head towards the teenager, then towards Ghost with a confused stare.
“I didn’t say a word, and I didn’t know until now.” Ghost blurted.
“Don’t sweat it Io, the little guy’s a genius.” Rat Bastard smiled.
Stargazer’s amusement increased as the speech by Eduardo was now starting. “Okay, Ghost after the event, see if you can ask Cassandra to send you and Spot back to Arlos.”
“So you’re staying here with us?” Master asked.
“America has always been my home, I think I can travel into space later if I get bored.”
There was a silent moment as the group considered the future plans and the separation of the friendship that grew in an unforgettable situation over the last seven months.
Their attention went to Eduardo as applause took on added intensity. Eduardo stood as the past two speakers without a podium. A headset and mic was his platform as he thanked many people for their accomplishments in the union of the planet and future space saga. The speech lasted for thirty minutes addressing the process of how citizens of Earth would work to change their way of living to prosper without destroying the environment and fellow person.
“On another note. My brother, Estabon and his fiancée, Brenda Weatherly will soon be married not far from here. They have asked me not to make it a big deal, but it is. They waited for each other for almost three decades to be able to finally be together. If they deserve a big wedding, they do. So the invitations will be increased by several thousand.” Eduardo smiled back glancing at the couple holding hands with wide grins. Both extended families sitting next to them, also joyfully smiling with approval.
“And on my last note, the first wave of people leaving Earth will be at the end of this gathering, but of course we have many restaurants and bars waiting for use to fill them afterwards. And we will toast to you for a wonderful and safe journey.” Eduardo turned to the transport to the southwest and waved. “I know there are many unanswered questions about the future, but like I said, it’s up to you to make it a future worth living. Now that we’re united, thank you world for supporting and loving one another.” Eduardo called everyone on the platform to stand and mingle with one another.
Stargazer walked around, but his first encounter was in front of Cyer. “Thank you for not destroying my home.”
Cyer’s smile took him by surprise. “Stargazer, you should have known I was never your enemy. I was created as a weapon, and if it wasn’t for Quatris or Cassandra I probably would have killed you. No malice intended.”
Stargazer smiled, not knowing how to reply to that. “ Well maybe I should be thanking Quatris for you not destroying my home.
“Maybe.” Cyer’s grin was genuine.
“You’re welcome.” Quatris stepped in. “But don’t worry Steve. The family and I will be going into space for a while. I think Earth is safe enough with these young superhumans. Even Creator is leaving, so as far as I know, you might be the top dog very soon.”
“Great, that’s all I need.” Stargazer sighed having been forced into being in charge too many times.
“So, I heard my name being used.” Richard and John ‘King Etron’ moved next to the trio.
Stargazer looked at Richard in his true identity, his Elven ears and black eye balls distinguishing himself as Creator. “It’s been an honor to know all of you.”
“The honor’s mine. But I just heard something interesting, which John has pointed out to me.” Richard grabbed Stargazer’s arm. “You’ve met Randolph Maximilian, right?” Quatris and Cyer leaving the group to their discussion.
Steve looked at him with a strange look. “Of course I know him; you were there when we met in the conference room of SIA headquarters.”
“I know, I was just checking. But I would like for him to do the honor.” Richard and John stepped to the side as Randolph stood a few paces from him.
“I don’t know why it never crossed my mind until a month ago, but there’s something you should know.” Randolph moved towards him with an extended hand. “I was there when Gina told me you saved her life. She made me promise her I would not stop looking for you and tell you how much she appreciated you, maybe even loved you. I know she can’t come back to life, but she passed on her memory of you to select people. I’m one of them, and I’m glad to say, there is someone else who wishes to meet you.”
Steve’s attention was so attuned to Max that the woman coming out of the crowd was like a ghost from the past. The blonde hair, facial structure and eyes were blaringly recognizable as Gina, but at the same time it wasn’t her.
Max turned to the young woman. “Steve, may I introduce you to Riva Asher.” Her blue knee high dress was open on the top revealing her shoulders and simple silver chain around her neck.
“Steve Messer. I never really thought I would meet the man my mother told me so many times about.” Riva’s voice vibrated into Steve’s ears.
“You sound and look so much like your mother.” Steve’s stunned reply confirmed that fact, holding her hand in a natural shake.
Riva stared into his blue eyes as if fan struck, ignoring their prolonged hand contact.
Richard smiled, knowing John’s insight into the future was at least this time accurate. “Thank you Max.” He said shaking both Max’s and John’s hands before leading them away.
Steve and Riva finally broke out of their gazes, to find themselves alone in a large crowd. They looked back at each other amused with laughter. “Well it seems I have no choice but to ask you out on a date.”
Riva smiled. “A date I hope you’ll keep this time.”
“Well the only way to guarantee it, is to start right now.” Steve continued to hold her hand and began to lead her off the platform as she happily consented.
All conversations were silenced by the announcement of the Argonian transport’s lift off. The ion engines hummed while cheers erupted from the audience. The spacecraft slowly and elegantly slid into the sky and disappeared in the distance. “How is it in space?” Riva asked. “I heard you were in another galaxy.”
Steve turned to her. “Yes, I and my friends were in the Andromeda galaxy for about five months.”
“I’ll like to meet them, before we go on the date, if you don’t mind.”
“Yes, of course. “Steve looked for anyone in the group, but before he could scan the area, Rat Bastard and Master stood next to them.
“Hi Ms. Asher, I’m Gus, one of those friends, and this is another friend, Ben.” Rat Bastard swooped down and shook her free hand.
Riva gladly greeted them as Steve noticed the other three already near them and approaching.
“Riva, these three are the rest of the group.” Steve said as Ghost and Spot’s demeanors were mildly stressed.
“Io, Aaron, and Albert, this is Riva Asher.” Steve said for Riva’s sake, knowing they all overheard his encounter with Riva.
“Those damn paper walls.” Spot said, as Master and Rat laughed.
Everyone greeted Riva, but before further conversations ensued, Steve looked at Ghost. “What happened?”
“Cassandra’s going to teleport us to her when we ask her to.” Albert replied.
“Oh, so how long are you going to stick around?” Steve softly said looking at his two friends.
“We’ll say our goodbyes to everyone concerned, before we leave.” Spot replied, not wanting to prolong their impending departure.
Steve noticed behind the men.
“Well you can start with Lee and those guys.”
Aaron and Albert turned around with Lee and Diana approaching. “It’s too bad we didn’t spend more time to have a barbeque.” Lee said as he stood in front of Albert.
“I don’t know, I might have had a flashback and put the grill into the ground.” Albert half smirked.
“Hey, Aaron. It was an adventure, but I have a feeling you’ll see more to come.” Steve grabbed Spot’s arm, shaking his hand.
Aaron hugged Steve. “I might drop in now and then on both of you, so make sure you have a guestroom always ready.” Spot’s friendly smile was accepted by both of them.
Steve watched Albert say his goodbye to Mathew’s entire group. “How does everyone know to be here?”
“The walls.” Was Master’s reply as he passed them and greeted Cindy as she too was with Lee, and her husband, Glenn Seber.”
Steve and Riva waited patiently, Riva analyzing Steve’s composure and how he treated his friends. There was a pride in her eyes as he looked at her. Without a word, they held hands and moved near Albert.
Albert’s hair had grown down to his shoulders, never having a chance to see a barber in the past three months. Hair strands draped over his face as he moved them aside. “I guess this is it. You have been a great friend Steve. Maybe we can stay in touch and somehow see each other later.”
“If you don’t piss her off, she just might let you.” Steve blared a wide grin.
Albert looked at Riva in a paused trance and smile. “You two will be a great couple. I’m glad everything will work out.”
Steve hugged Albert. “I’m going to miss you guys.”
Albert turned to Io. “You take care of yourself my friend.”
Io initially said nothing and moved in for a hug. “Thank you for being human.” He smiled.