Chapter 21- Uninvited guests
"A whole invasion sir!"
"Of course Jacobson. We can't let the federation army have the earth all to themselves. We have to strike back."
"But they're already on our tail! If we fire it now we'll be in hot water for sure!"
"I'm the commander of this ship! We must follow Dewey's plans to the end of time if we have to! We can't let the coralian race destroy humanity!"
"But sir!"
"Quiet lieutenant! I make the orders here! Oratorio number eight fire!"
"Well how is Maurice doing Nadia?"
"Hey Holland. He seems to be doing ok. I got him walking on a walker with Avriana and Talho's help. He seems to be holding up just fine."
"Thanks for the help you've given him. It's really been a blessing."
"It's part of my job Holland, so don't worry about it."
"True enough."
"So are we taking off then?"
"Yeah. We will be shortly."
"Ok. I'll get Maurice ready to go then."
"Sounds good. See you in a bit."
"Julia, it's Gidget. You're wanted on the bridge."
"Be right there Gidget. Are we ready to head out?"
"Yes we are."
"Ok, thanks. I'll be right there in a few minutes."
"Copy that."
"Oh, no more fun?" Steve chuckled as the two got dressed.
"Now sweetie, you know I'd love to continue what we're doing, but duty calls."
"All right, you win this round."
"I'll be back for round two later." she said seductively.
"Can't wait hon."
"Easy Maurice, one step at a time." said Talho softly. "Don't push yourself"
"I won't. My arms are getting tired though."
"Ok. Avriana, bring his wheelchair up."
"Right behind you sweetie." she replied as she brought the chair up behind him.
"Thanks." he said as he sat down. "It felt good to walk again though."
"Well you're off to an excellent start Maurice. Keep it up."
"Thanks Talho."
"Sure. Now you two had better go get strapped in. We'll be taking off in a little bit."
"Ok Talho." Avriana said as Talho walked away. "Let's go get ourselves strapped in."
"Lead the way."
"You're flying today Doggie?" Julia asked as she reached the bridge. "I thought Maeter usually took first shift?"
"She didn't want to today, so me and Talho took over. We don't mind though."
"Well ok then. We all set to go?"
"Ready and able." Hap replied with a thumbs up. "All readings normal. Security checks complete and all crew are on board."
"Ok, let's get going. GekkoState, prepare for launch!"
"AAAAAHHHHH! Nobody told me we were leaving!" Sarah yelled as she rolled out of her bed. "What's wrong with these people!"
"Sarah, you alright!" Maeter asked as they leveled off.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Come in."
"Are you sure?" Maeter giggled as she walked in. "You look a little mad to me."
"Wouldn't you be too if you got woken up like this?"
"I was once. We did a trajectory flight while I was snoozing in our room, and Woz turned on the antigravity controls after we left the atmosphere. I ended up from being on my bed to being on the floor in one split second."
"Ouch, that had to hurt."
"Believe me, it did. You got it easy, trust me."
"Sounds like it…did everyone eat already?"
"Yeah. Why, you hungry?"
"If I wasn't I wouldn't be asking, now would I?"
"Well if you're going to be that way, I'm leaving."
"Wait! Sorry, I guess I still have some things to work on."
"No kidding. You best realize something Sarah. I don't put up with attitudes like yours, so I suggest you cool it before I get into you myself."
"Strong just like your mother is huh?"
"You bet I am. Now, do you want to eat or what?"
"Yeah…"
"Well get up then! I'm hungry too!"
"HOLLAND! GET TO THE BRIDGE QUICK!" Talho yelled over the intercom an hour later after they had left.
"On my way!" he replied from their room.
"I can't believe this." Julia said with her jaw dropped to the floor. "I didn't think it was possible again."
"Well it is, that's the bad part. Who would've thought they'd shoot their way down here though."
"Talk about a bad surprise, that's for sure."
"No kidding. Hey, Holland!"
"What's the big emergency?" he asked as he rushed down the stairs.
"Look at this!"
"What the hell!" was all he could yell as soon as he saw Woz's computer screen.
"That's what I said, believe me."
"But how? I thought the NRA had no way of getting down here!"
"That's what I thought too!" Julia chimed in with a concerned tone. "But apparently they're up to their old tricks again. I have Woz going over all the calculations right now. We should be ready to go in the map room in a few minutes."
"Alright then. Let's head up there and see what we're dealing with. Doggie, keep your eyes open for any rebels. Gidget, page everyone and have them get the LFO's ready. Looks like we're in for the fight of our lives again."
"What do you mean there are rebel forces in the area!" Jurgens yelled. "It's impossible!"
"That's what we thought sir!"
"This had better be a joke communications officer!"
"I wish it was sir." said Karen, who was now Jurgens new second in command. "But so far all of our data proves correct. They have infiltrated earth."
"Dammit! We need to find the Gekko right away! They may have left where they're at, so leave all lines of communication open! Johnson, make sure you keep us out of the rebels radar!"
"Sir!"
"What is it communications officer?"
"A Communication sir!"
"From who?"
"The federation fleet!"
"What!"
"So how many ships did they bring down with them?"
"Well Talho, from the figures that Woz gave us, apparently it's six thousand ships with numerous KLF's aboard each one." Julia replied. "And that's not even the tip of the iceberg."
"It's not?"
"No. apparently the federation fleet is right behind them, about ten thousand strong from the last calculations."
"So we're not alone then."
"Not by a long shot."
"Where did they come in at?" Hap asked.
"Right here, somewhere above the pacific ocean."
"So they didn't attack the control cluster?"
"Not at the moment no. They may just be trying to claim earth as their own."
"Dammit." Holland said grudgingly. "They just can't leave well enough alone can they?"
"I'm afraid not. Now, with the earth as covered by forests and trees as it is, there's now plenty of places for them to hide."
"Giving them plenty of time to set camp and get their defenses online."
"Correct."
"So we've been basically forced into another war, haven't we?" Steve asked.
"Looks that way."
"Well, I guess we have no choice then. We'll have to find a spot to land ourselves and set up camp and a base ourselves."
"Not by ourselves." Holland replied. "That'd put us at a major disadvantage. We'll have to join up with the rest of the NFA forces and get a plan from there. Julia, where are they now?"
"All over the place unfortunately trying to chase the rebels forces down. But they can't really do much unless they fire first."
"It figures. Alright, I want everyone on alert mode. We'll have Gidget begin communications and see who we can link up with. Have the Nirvash, Venturion, 606, and 808 go on standby. I'll do the same with the 909. Everyone else, you know what to do."
"Roger that."
"Admiral Benson, sir!"
"Good to see you General, I just wish it was under better circumstances."
"Yeah, no kidding. What's our status right now?"
"At this point in time we're not sure. The rebel forces came in before we had a chance to react to them. We didn't find out about it from intelligence until it was too late."
"So they built another one of those right from under our noses!"
"I'm afraid so General."
"Dammit!"
"Any word from the GekkoState?"
"Negative. We're still trying to find them."
"I see. I'm sure the rebel forces have already started finding places to land and hide. I suggest we do the same."
"Not until we link up with the GekkoState. We're not leaving them behind."
"Alright then. Get your communications officer on that right away. Try the long range frequencies if you have to. Just make sure you find them."
"Roger that Admiral. We'll let you know when we do."
"Good. See that you do. We'll fly by your side until contact is confirmed."
"Ok. Thank you sir."
"Matthieu, make sure all of your weapons are fully loaded!"
"Ok Honey!"
"Anemone, is the Venturion all set to go?"
"Roger! All batteries are fully charged! Weapons on standby. We can launch anytime!"
"Good. Nirvash, what's your status?"
"Same here Hilda." Eureka replied. "We're all set."
"Alright then. I want everyone on alert mode. Be prepared to take off at a moments notice! Anemone, I want you to make sure Avriana and Maurice stay back. We don't want them involved in something like this right now."
"Ok Hilda."
"Good. Dominic, how do things look right now?"
"So far everything has been buzzing. There's more traffic on the airwaves than I can keep up with. It's mass chaos out there."
"Perfect. That just makes things worse. Holland, what do we do next?"
"We wait."
"For what!"
"We don't make a move until they do. So far they haven't shown any hostility other than shooting their way down here. So until an actual shot is fired, we remain on standby."
"What do we do until then?"
"Like I said, we wait."
"Captain!"
"What is it communication officer?"
"I just got a transmission from the Artimus. They've located the Gekko!"
"Excellent! Where are they?"
"About six hours from our position sir! They're heading west towards us!"
"Excellent work officer. Pilot, turn this thing around! Set our course for the Gekko!"
"Yes sir!"
"Communications officer! Send a transmission back to the Artimus! Tell them to contact the Gekko and let them know we're on our way! We rendevous in six hours or less!"
"Roger that!"
Meanwhile on the bridge of the ship, Tensions between the crew members was high as they frantically tried to scan the skies and all their radio frequencies for any sign of rebel activity. Talho sat in the captains seat, her gut turning, almost knowing right at that moment that the tables had been turned on them.
"Talho!"
"What's the matter Gidget?"
"We've got a communication coming from a federation battleship!"
"Who is it?"
"It's the Artimus!"
"Hmm…the Artimus…Oh yes, I know them. They're part of the thirty second airborne battleship brigade. Patch them through."
"Ok."
"GekkoState, this is federation battleship Artimus, Captain Jackson Smith reporting. Do you copy?"
"Artimus, this is the GekkoState, we read you."
"T-Talho Yuki? From intelligence?"
"How do you know me?"
"We used to work together side by side until I got promoted."
"Oh, ok, I remember you now. But this isn't exactly the time to reminiscing."
"Of course. I have a message for you from the Izumo. They are headed in your direction. They along with the Xavier should meet up with you sometime within the next several hours."
"Copy that. What's your location?"
"Not sure. We don't have a bearing on this land yet."
"I see. We're going to send you a set of coordinates. We know where there's an old military base. We'll land back there. You may join us if you'd like. When we arrive, we will wait for the Izumo and the Xavier to show up. When they do, we can all get together, create a plan, and go from there."
"Roger that. We just received your coordinates. We'll see you there."
"Alright. Gekko out."
"Artimus out."
"You used to know him?" Gidget asked curiously after the radio went quiet.
"Yeah, I did, but I don't want to get into that right now."
"Oh, ok."
"Anything else on the airwaves right now?"
"No. Things have been crazy, so I can't get a bearing on anything. It's really confusing out there right now."
"Sounds like it. Woz, anything on the radar yet?"
"Not yet, but I'm not liking this."
"Why? What's wrong?"
"I'm not sure, but I have a bad feeling about this."
"I think we all do Woz. Alright, everyone listen up! I want you all to go on patrol mode! Gidget, have the 808 and 606 go out on a scouting mission. Keep the Venturion, Nirvash, and 909 on standby. I want everyone else to hang on tight. I think we're going to be in for a wild ride."
"What about the Newhope?" Hap asked, a worried tone on his voice.
"Don't worry about them Hap. We're not letting them go out. Maurice is in no condition to be out there. I'm sure your daughter feels the same way."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. I just had to ask."
"Don't worry about it Hap. Ken-goh, remove the safety locks from the weapons. Be prepared for any enemy fire."
"Roger that."
"Alright, let the fight for earth begin."
A little bit later on in the hangar, Hilda and Matthieu were getting ready to head out on their orders to scout the skies for any rebel resistance. As they did their preflight checks, Justin was trying to convince Hilda to let him go out with them, which Hilda, as protective of the kids as she was, wouldn't have any part of.
"Let me go out there with you!"
"NO Justin!"
"But I want to help!"
"Listen bud," Hilda said with a warm smile as she put a hand on his shoulder, "I admire your wanting to help, but you have no idea of how to fight out there. Me and Matthieu have it covered. You just stay here and help keep an eye on the little ones."
"But I want to! I…want to…protect Maeter. I promised her that I would."
"That's my son." Hilda said sofly as she hugged him. "Wanting to protect the one he loves."
"I'm…your…son?"
"Is that ok?"
"Yeah it is…mom."
"Thanks bud." Hilda replied as tears began to fall from her eyes. "You just made me the happiest mother in the world."
"I guess so." Justin laughed lightly. "I'm happy you took me in."
"I'm happy we did too. But you had better go stay by Maeter's side. I'm sure she's looking for you right now."
"But…I still want to go with you."
"I know you do bud, but maybe when you have some more LFO training. We'll figure that out when we return home, ok?"
"Promise?"
"Sure, you have my word."
"Ok. Just be careful out there, mom."
"We will. Better get going, ok?"
"Alright." and as the two gave each other one more quick gentle hug before heading off in their separate directions, Matthieu just sat in his 606 and smiled. "Well, looks like I have a family after all." He thought to himself as he got prepared to take off. "I guess having a kid around isn't so bad after all."
"Renton!"
"Eureka, what's wrong hon?"
"Did you hear what happened?" she asked with fear in her eyes.
"Yeah, I did. Looks like we're in it for the long haul again."
"But…why?" she asked as tears began to form in her eyes. "I…don't want to fight anymore…"
"Neither do I love, but we knew this might have been a possibility when we entered this mission. Looks like that possibility is a reality now."
"Yeah, I guess…"
"Eureka, you know what we have to do now. There's nothing we can do about it. It's part of our job now. You knew that when we registered with the NFA."
"I know dear."
"Listen, I'm going to go spend some time with Felicity and Timothy to calm down for a bit. Want to join me?"
"They're our kids, why wouldn't I?" she giggled lightly. "You should know better than that."
"Of course, I should've known." he chuckled. "Come on hon, I think it's time we spent some family time with our younger ones."
"Okay."
"Hilda 808, ready for launch!" Hilda said as she got the 808 locked onto the catapault. "Matthieu, you ready?"
"Ready honey!"
"Alright! 808 launching now!" and with sparks and and the squealing of tires, the 808 shot off the catapault and into the morning skies. The 606 soon followed in pursuit close behind, never letting his wife out of his sites. "Gekko, this is the 808. Well be splitting off shortly. Be sure to keep the other LFO's on standby if we need them."
"This is the Gekko, roger that." Talho replied over the radio. "Watch your backs out there. We don't know what the rebel forces have up their sleeves yet."
"Can do. 808 out. Let's go Matthieu!"
"Right behind you honey!"
"Hey Dominic, anything yet from the federation fleet?" Holland asked as he walked into the meeting room. "We're flying by the seat of our pants here."
"I wish I had something, but unfortunately I don't. Things have been, well, it's hard to explain really."
"Don't worry, I get it. Basically we're in one big soupy mess right?"
"Pretty much. I haven't heard if the rebel forces have set up bases of operation or not, so that's all up in the air also."
"Perfect. Bring up the map will you?"
"Sure."
"Thanks. Ok, do we have the location that they came in with identified yet?"
"Yeah, over here." Dominic then moved the map to a location over the pacific ocean. "They fired the oratorio over what is called the Hawaiin Islands. They didn't land there though since the federation was in close pursuit. But as soon as they got in, all the ships spread out and split off, leaving the federation in mass confusion as to where they were going. So now it's a manhunt to find them, stop their operations, and hopefully take them into custody without further incident."
"But we already know how that's going to end up."
"Yeah. Right into another bloody war."
"Dammit." was all Holland could mutter to himself as he and Dominic continued studying the map, trying to plot their next move and how they could avoid this situation. But as Dominic watched him, he knew from the bottom of his gut that they were once again, no matter what they did, in for the fight of their lives.
"808, this is the 606. So far my sector is clear."
"606, roger that. No sign of rebel activity from my sector either. I've seen a few of their battleships, but they didn't react when they saw me. It makes me wonder what they're up to."
"Same here. Can I ask you something?"
"Sure. What's up?"
"Are you really going to take Justin in as our son?"
"Yes I am Matthieu. I knew there was something about him when we first met him. I love that kid more than anything."
"Well if you feel that way, I guess it unanimous. Besides, I get along with him pretty well myself."
"That you do. MATTHIEU, WATCH OUT!"
"Dammit!" was all Hilda heard over the radio before a sudden explosion rocked the cockpit of the 808. "MATTHIEU! NOOOO!"
"I'm right here honey!" he yelled back to her. Hilda then breathed a sigh of relief as Matthieu came out of the plume of smoke. But she noticed right away the 606 was badly damaged. "Matthieu, are you ok!"
"I'm fine, but I can't fight. My right arm got damaged severly. We have to get back before they fire again."
"Roger that! Gekko, this is the 808! Do you copy!"
"808, this is the Gekko, what's wrong?" Julia replied concerned.
"The 606 was just hit by enemy fire! He's severly damaged but still able to fly. I'll try to back him but, but scatter the other LFO's right away!"
"Roger that! Hurry back! Gidget, scramble the 909 and Nirvash! Have them get out there right away!"
"Right!"
"Holland, what's going on!" Renton asked as he, Eureka, and Holland were running towards the hangar. "We aren't under attack or anything."
"The 606 and 808 came under surprise enemy fire. We have to go back them up in case the rebels decide to attack again."
"So it's begun then." Eureka replied as they reached the hangar door and ran down the stairs.
"Looks that way Eureka. Ok, load up and let's go!"
"Roger that!"
"Matthiue, can you make it back?"
"My battery power is getting low! I think they short circuited something when they got me. I may have a fifty fifty chance of getting this thing home."
"Well shut off everything you don't need! Try to conserve power!"
"Alright!"
"808! 808! This is the Nirvash! Do you copy!"
"Nirvash, this is the 808! I've got you on the radar!"
"What's your status?"
"I'm fine, but the 606 is badly damaged and is losing power quickly! He may not make it!"
"We'll be there shortly! The 909 is right beside us to back you up!"
"Copy that! Thanks Eureka. 606, did you hear that?"
"I heard them Hilda. Thanks."
"Good. Just hang tight."
"Holland, rebel KLF's just came up on the radar!" Renton yelled several minutes later. "They're on our left side heading towards us at a fast pace! Contact in two minutes!"
"Thanks Renton, I see them! Just race on ahead and recover the 606! Have Hilda join up with me afterwards! I'll try to hold them back for the time being!"
"Roger! Ok Eureka, let's go hon."
"Right!"
"808!"
"Nirvash!"
"Are you guys alright?"
"We're fine Eureka. 606 is about ready to shut down!"
"Right! We'll carry him back! Holland needs backup! He should be in battle with several rebel KLF's as we speak!"
"Ok, thanks. Matthieu, watch over our son when you get back!"
"Will do!"
"SON!" Eureka and Renton yelled in shock over the radio.
"I'll explain later you two!" said Hilda. "Just go!"
"Right! Let's go Matthieu!" Renton yelled as the two put the Nirvash's arm around the 606 and took off. "Hilda, we'll try to get back as soon as we can!"
"Thanks guys! Now get going before they find you!"
"Okay!"
"Dammit, I can't get rid of these guys!" Holland said to himself as he turned the 909 to avoid another volley of missles. "They just can't leave things alone, can they!"
"909!"
"808! Where are you! Hurry up and get these guys off me!"
"With pleasure!" she yelled as she fired off multipule laser shots from her cannon. "Take this you rebel scumbags!"
"Venturion heading out!" Anemone yelled just as they flew off the catapult in a shower of sparks. "Just make sure you keep the Newhope inside!"
"Roger that, we will!" Julia yelled. "Just keep them backed up out there!"
"Right! Let's go Dominic!"
"Alright! I'm with you all the way hon!"
"Nirvash is returning with the 606!" Gidget yelled. "Heading is six zero seven five!"
"Thanks Gidget!" Julia replied. "Open the landing ramp! Doggie, match our course! Ken-goh, as soon as they're aboard, open fire! Try to take out as many as possible without hitting our ships!"
"Roger that!"
"Confirmed recovery of the 606 and Nirvash! Now closing the main hatch!"
"Alright then! FIRE!"
"Precurser waves! 909, watch out!"
"Dammit! There's no time!" Holland yelled back as he attempted to streak upwards through the immense crowd of rebel KLF's. "I'm not going to make it! Have…to…break through somehow!"
"Not the CFS Holland! Are you insane!"
"If I have to cut my way through, I will! Just get out of here!"
"Like hell I will…" Hilda said to herself as she shot down another KLF unit. "If you're going to protect your family, then so am I."
"Anemone, watch out for that laser fire!"
"OK!" She then pulled hard to the right as the laser fire from the gekko flew past them, almost knicking the left side of Venturion as the G-forces pulled them hard into their seats. "Let's add to that party! Firing lasers now!"
"More laser fire! What in the hell is going on around here!" Hilda yelled. "Wait, that's the…VENTURION!"
"Couldn't let you have all the fun!" Dominic replied over the radio. "Now let's get these guys out of here!"
"Right behind you! Let's finish them off while we can!"
"Ken-goh, can we get any more shots off?"
"Negative! If I try to fire any more, we may hit one of our LFO's!"
"Dammit! Can we give them any more back up at all?"
"All we have left is unit twenty five and the Nirvash! We need them here in case the ship needs to be covered!"
"But we have the shields!"
"Right…but…"
"I don't care what you think! Get them out there now!"
"909, two on your six!"
"I see them 808! Try to take out the second one! I'll try to out manuever and take out the first!"
"Roger that! Ok you rebel punks, let's see what you're made of." Hilda turned the 808 hard left, pulling in behind the two KLF's that were tailing Holland. "Ok…now let's try to line you guys up, shall we?"
"Hilda, hurry up! I can't shake these two!"
"Hang on! Just get ready to dive!"
"What!"
"I'm going to try to get these two to line up! When I do, dive when I yell fire!"
"Ok! I'm trusting you on this!"
"Alright! Ok…Come on you two…just a little bit more…there we go…and FIRE!" and with a burst of pink laser fire, Hilda took out the two rebel KLF's in one shot as Holland quickly dove down to avoid the fire and debris.
"Thanks Hilda!"
"No problem! Two left, but it looks like they're leaving the area!"
"Roger that! Venturion, how many did you get?"
"About three dad!" Anemone chimed in over the video com. "That was intense though. We haven't had a battle like that in a while."
"No we haven't. Gekko, this is the 909. Remaining KLF units have retreated and left the area. We're headed home now."
"909, this is the Gekko, roger that. Good timing. We were about ready to launch the Nirvash and unit twenty five for you guys."
"Well we got them, so put them on standby. We'll be back shortly."
"Can do. See you soon."
"Thanks Julia. Ok guys, let's go home."
"Right!"
"Man, what a day." Julia sighed as she sat back down in the captains seat. "Who would've thought they'd attack first?"
"It was definitely a surprise." Hap replied. "There was no warning of that attack nor was there anything on the radar."
"They were probably out of radar range."
"Yeah, most likely. Whew, that wore me out."
"You aren't the only one." she giggled. "You aren't the one carrying a baby inside you."
"That is true. Alright, everyone start damage checks. Renton, Dominic, and Steve can check on damage to the LFO's when they get back. Everyone else begin their security checks. Make sure nothing else happened."
"Roger that!"
"Man, that was insane." Justin said to himself as he watched the LFO's return from his bedroom window. "I didn't think this ship had that much firepower."
"Now you know."
"Oh, hey Avriana."
"That's how we fight to protect the things we love around here. We hate doing it, but in the end, it's all we've got."
"Understandable. I just can't believe the power this ship has. Those lasers are amazing."
"Plus you got a little glimpse of how the LFO's react in battle."
"No kidding there. Talk about intense. Why weren't you guys out there?"
"With an injured boyfriend who can barely walk at the moment? I think not. I knew I wanted to go out myself, but I knew better. I almost had to restrain Maurice, but he understood in the end also that he wasn't fit to go out there."
"Persistent, isn't he?"
"He's gotten some of my qualities, yes."
"That's a scary thought."
"HEY!"
"Just kidding!" he laughed as she threw his pillow at him. "Man, we haven't joked around like this in a while."
"No we haven't. I…do kind of miss it."
"So do I Avriana, believe me. Listen, just because we're in different families doesn't mean I don't love you like a sister. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here."
"Well Maeter had a bigger part in that than I did."
"You were still there non the less Avriana." he said with a warm smile. "Now look at me. I'm experiencing a whole new world with you guys. To me, this was only a dream, something that I never thought I'd ever see in my lifetime. But now it's come true, and I couldn't ask for anything more now that I've experienced it."
"Justin…"
"Thanks…sis," he replied softly as he took her into a gentle hug. "for everything."
"Oh Justin…you big softy." Avriana said gently, tears filling her eyes as she hugged him back. "You know it's not nice to make girls cry…" and as the two stood there and held each other, Nadia stood outside in the hallway at the side of his bedroom doorway out of view, tears also flowing from her eyes. "Oh Justin, I'm so sorry." she thought silently to herself. "I never should've given up on you so fast."
"Matthiue!" Hilda yelled as she ran up and kissed him. "Are you ok?"
"I'm fine honey. But the 606 is a lot worse than I thought."
"What to you mean?"
"From what I can tell," Renton chimed in as he looked at it. "the explosion melted where the arm connects to the body. It's going to take a while to get it back into shape and a new arm installed."
"Plus finding out what short circuited."
"That too. What ever it was, it definitely killed your batteries. Looks like the 606 is going to be grounded for a while until we get him fixed."
"At least he's safe," Hilda replied. "that's all that matters to me, and our son."
"Speaking of that, did you two decide that on your own?" Eureka asked as she climbed out of the Nirvash after it's final checks.
"Well, it just kind of happened Eureka. There's just something about him that made me decide that."
"What did he say?"
"He called me mom if that's what you're wondering."
"That's wonderful Hilda. I wish you the best of luck."
"Thanks Eureka. Hey Renton, how long do you think it'll take to fix the 606?"
"Not sure Hilda. Hard telling. We won't know anything else more until we get landed again and get this thing into humanoid mode. I can take a better look at it then."
"Ok. Come on down then. There's nothing else we can do here. It's about lunchtime, so I think we should all go eat and calm down a bit."
"Alright. Anemone, Dominic, you guys done with your final checks?"
"Yes we are." Dominic replied. "All set to go."
"Ok. Come on, it's lunch time."
"Sounds good to me. How about you Anemone?"
"I'm starved. Let's go."
"One step at a time Maurice. Nice and easy now." Talho said gently as she helped guide Maurice in circles in the lounge.
"Ok. But why the lounge?"
"It'll be easier for you plus if you fall you have someplace soft to land."
"What, you won't catch me?" he chuckled.
"Very funny Maurice. Now concentrate."
"Sorry."
"It's alright."
"How's the physical therapy going?" Holland asked as he walked into the lounge. "Hey, looking good there Maurice."
"Thanks Holland. It's tough though."
"You'll make it, don't worry."
"I know."
"Good. Talho, you're needed in the meeting room for debriefing on the battle."
"Ok. Can you keep working with him?"
"Sure, I've got it covered."
"Thanks. Just make sure you keep at it Maurice."
"I will Talho." he replied with a smile.
"Ok. See you soon." she said with a quick kiss to his forehead. "You're doing great."
"Thanks Talho."
"Ok, where did she leave you off at?" Holland asked after she left the room.
"She was just guiding me along in circles to get my legs back up to full strength."
"Are you working with the walker ok?"
"So far so good."
"Ok. Let's keep it up then, ok?"
"Sure."
"Hey Sarah."
"Oh, hey Eureka. Did everything go ok out there?"
"We're all fine. The 606 is damaged, but that's it."
"Whew, that's a relief. I've never been in or seen a battle up close like that before, so it was a little scary."
"Just part of what we do Sarah. Were the kids ok with you?"
"Yeah, they're all just fine. I just got done feeding Timothy and Angel. They're in their playpens playing with their toys. The twins and Felicity are playing games and Stephen fell asleep."
"Good job Sarah."
"Thanks Eureka." Sarah replied blushing. "That's…the first time you ever said that to me."
"You're welcome." Eureka said with a warm smile. "Just make sure you keep it up, ok?"
"I will. I promise."
"Good. Listen, you hungry?"
"A little. Why?"
"Want me to bring you something since I'm going to lunch?"
"Could you?"
"Sure. Be back in a bit."
"Ok. Hey…Eureka?"
"Yes Sarah?"
"Do…you think…we'll ever be friends again?" Sarah asked nervously as the fear of her next answer filled her eyes. Eureka just looked at her warmly and said "I think we can someday, yes."
"Really?" she replied as the fear turned to excitement. "You'd really do that for me?"
"You still have a long ways to go Sarah, but like Renton always tells me, anything is possible if you put enough heart and effort into it. I have faith that you can do that."
"You do?"
"Mhm. I always have Sarah. But when you kidnapped him, I almost lost that faith in you. But in my heart, I knew you could be helped, so I never lost it. If Renton doesn't give up on his friends, then I won't either, ok?"
"E-Eureka…T-thank you so much."
"Sure. I'm going to lunch now. See you in a few minutes, ok?"
"Ok." and after Eureka left, Sarah sat back down as tears started pouring from her eyes as the happiness that she thought she had lost came back into her heart. And as she sat in Anemone's room and cried, she made a promise to herself that she would never take that dark path in her life again. This time, she was going to make a difference in not only her life, but in those of others as well.
"Linck, lunchtime bro." said Maeter as she walked into his room. "Uhh…Linck?"
"Oh, hey Maeter. Ok, I'm coming."
"Still thinking about her?"
"No! I'm not! Really! I was just…uhh…playing games on the computer!"
"Right…" she giggled. "Come on, you can think of Sophie as we eat."
"I was not thinking about her!"
"Were too!" she laughed as they walked out. "It's all over your face."
"Shut up…"
"Oh come on Linck, it's totally cool that you have someone you like. Don't be so afraid that you're going to hide it. That's pretty much impossible."
"Yeah…I guess."
"Listen little bro, it's alright. We'll be home soon enough, ok? You can tell her how you feel then."
"Ok."
"Good. Now cheer up. We have something to be happy about today."
"What's that?"
"Maurice is walking again."
"He is? That's really cool!"
"Yeah it is. We're all happy about it. Now let's go eat, ok?"
"OK!"
"Want to stop now Maurice?" Holland asked as he and Maurice kept walking around the lounge.
"No…I want…to go eat with the others."
"Ok kiddo. I'll get your wheelchair."
"No…I…want…to try to walk there."
"You sure?"
"Yeah."
"Ok…I just don't want you to push yourself too hard."
"I'm not. I'm finally getting the hang of this thing. Let me try, alright?"
"Sure. I'll be right besides you with your chair if you need it, ok?"
"Ok. Thanks Holland."
"No problem. Now let's go surprise them."
"Dig in everyone." Anemone said as she was cleaning up the kitchen. "There's enough for everyone."
"Good job sis." Renton replied. "Looks great."
"And smells great." said Maeter.
"Thanks guys." Anemone giggled. "Oh my god…"
"What's the matter Aunt Anemone?" Anemone just smiled and said "Look in the doorway." and when everyone did, there stood Maurice with his walker, Holland standing behind him proudly with a hand on one of his shoulders. "Hi guys, what's for lunch?" Maurice said with a smile.
"Maurice…" Avriana said as tears once again filled her eyes. "Y-you're walking."
"Yeah, I am sweetie. Thanks to everyone helping me out, I'll be up and about from here on out."
"That's wonderful darling." she replied as she got up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Just don't push yourself too hard."
"I won't, I promise. Now what's for lunch? I'm hungry."
"Anemone made some Chinese for lunch. A little change of pace I guess."
"Sounds good to me. I'm starving."
"I'll help you sit down." said Holland. "Let's go bud."
"Ok Holland."
"Well, it was a rough start to the day, but looks like the afternoon is going to be wonderful." Dominic said with a boast of confidence in his voice. "We finally have Maurice back on his feet."
"But we still have long road ahead of us hon." Anemone replied. "But we'll make it through though. We always do."
"That we do love."
"So what's on the agenda for the rest of the day?" Talho asked.
"Well, for one, we keep Maurice going on his physical therapy." Naida replied. "Which means you have to keep using your walker buddy."
"I know." Maurice chuckled.
"Plus we have to see what we can do for the 606." said Renton. "The sooner we get it fixed, the better."
"I get the kids next." Anemone replied. "So I'll have my hands full."
"Sarah will be helping me in the medical room." Nadia said as she dived into another mouthful of beef and rice. "So we'll be busy there."
"I'm up for my piloting shift." said Maeter.
"And I have to go through all the reports with Holland." said Talho. "So it looks like we all have our hands full today."
"Well let's get to it then. We don't have a moment to lose right now." said Holland. "The longer we wait, the more the earth may be in danger. That's one fact that I plan on averting, no matter what it takes. Those rebels will pay for what they've done, of that I can promise."