I raise the issue over coffee. "I opened the ship and found a symbol. I think I need to put the crystal in water to activate it."
Mom tenses. She's making breakfast and is facing away from me. I know she hates talking about my ship. She's worried that I'll leave and never come back. Trying to relax, she brings the plates over and sits at the table. "What do you think will happen?"
"I don't know, but I found a symbol with the crystal over a wavy line. I think I should follow my hunch. It might be my only chance."
She picks at her food, not really eating it. "I hope you will be careful."
"I will Mom. I think I might take it far away in case it explodes or something. I was thinking up in the Arctic. I shouldn't have to worry about much damage up there."
She nods her head and changes the subject. "How's Lois?"
"She's fine. She's obsessed with learning about the Blue Streak and hasn't noticed my existence since he showed up."
Mom smiles. "That's a shame. She's so close to the source and doesn't even know it."
We continue discussing the actions of the Blue Streak over breakfast and I finally feel like I have a purpose in the world.