"Apparitions"
Time: Twenty-five cycles after Fractures
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Part Ten: Survival The Hard Way
After what felt like an arn, Chiana, Stark and I had calmed down enough to get to know my parents again. Only Mattis looked like he was less than comfortable with the reunion.
(I was also wondering where the little boy that showed up in my near-death experience was. I didn't know how to bring the subject up: "So, Mom, Dad, is my brother around here somewhere?")
Dad seemed to be in good health, but was showing his age a little more than Mom. His brown hair had gone almost completely gray and his hairline seemed to have receded a little. "So when we came out of the wormhole, we were rolling like a snowball down a hill. After some creative rewiring, I managed to get Aeryn some control. It took time, but we managed to make it here."
"You were lucky you came out of the wormhole hear a habitable planet," Stark said in a tightly controlled voice. "The goddess was most definitely watching over you."
"Either that or Zhaan is still looking out for us." Mom smiled, but her eyes continued to linger on Mattis. "The landing was not the best I've ever performed."
"Considering the condition the module was in, it was probably a miracle you got down at all," Chiana said. "You could have easily lost it entering the atmosphere."
"We almost did, a couple of times. Fortunately, the trees were there to break our fall." Mom brushed hair away from her face and I caught sight of a fine scar near her hairline. I swallowed and decided not to mention it.
Dad must have noticed my discomfort. "Aeryn had been injured in the landing. Nothing serious, but I didn't know that at the time. While she recovered, I worked on repairing the module."
"And you did it with only the equipment on the module?" Even though I expected it, I couldn't help but be impressed with Dad's resourcefulness.
Dad shrugged. "Yeah, well, I used to watch MacGuyver." I didn't bother asking about it; just another one of Dad's cultural references from Earth."
Mattis cleared his throat and spoke in a tightly controlled voice. "If you managed to get the module flight-worthy again, sir, why weren't you and Officer Sun onboard when it launched?"
I looked at him out of the corner of my eye. I hadn't heard be this formal with anyone since his first days on Moya. Was he that unsettled by finding my parents alive?"
Mom frowned and her eyes went to me. "There was damage to the life support system that we were unable to repair with what we had on the module. So we scavenged parts from life support to repair the flight systems."
Mattis nodded slowly. "Logical. Most of the systems on the module were fried, so we missed your repair work. Of course, I'm unfamiliar with the module's systems, so I wouldn't have known what to look for."
Mom leaned forward slightly. "What did you say your name was?"
Mattis shifted position on his chair. "Mattis Bohr, Peacekeeper Technician, Beralis Company."
"And how did you come to be on Moya?"
Mattis's eyes lowered and he seemed reluctant to answer. "I was assigned to a transport vessel. We were on our back to our command carrier after delivering supplies to a Gammak base when the ship developed problems with its power plant. Despite our best efforts, it got increasingly worse until we had to abandon ship. The locator beacon on my life pod malfunctioned, so the carrier was unable to find me. I was on the verge of death when Moya found me."
"Well, Moya didn't so much find his pod as she ran into it." Chiana sounded amused. "One day, about three cycles ago, we were just cruising along, then bang! There he was. He's been with us ever since."
Mom nodded slowly. She exchanged a look with Dad and smiled. "So, you certainly took your time getting to us."
There was suspicion growing in the back of my mind, but I pushed it aside for now. "Actually, from what we've been able to determine, the module lost power after you launched it. It's been drifting for ten cycles. Crais and Talyn were passing through the sector and found it. They brought it to Moya, where Mattis has been trying to get it up and running again. We would have been here sooner, but the rest of the universe got in our way."
"What do you mean?"
I glanced at Chiana and Stark before continuing. "Well, it looks like the Peacekeepers are working on wormholes again." Both Mom and Dad looked shocked. "Apparently, they're at the point of actually opening wormholes, though they're unstable enough to kill the pilots of the test craft."
Dad sighed in resignation. "Guess High Command changed their minds about wormholes."
"Apparently so," Mom said. "So, what do you know?"
"Not a whole lot. We did perform a preliminary recon into their Gammak base on a planet called Bia'thera, but we ran into some problems."
"They ran into some old friends, too," Stark said. "They found Furlow working with the Peacekeepers, along with at least one Pathfinder."
"Furlow? Damn, she's got more lives than a black cat. And the Pathfinders?" Dad shook his head. "They're just coming out of the woodwork, aren't they."
"Do you know how far they've gotten with their research?"
"No. Like I said, we ran into problems. The Pathfinder came in as we were taking Furlow out of her workshop. I was hit by a couple of quills that he shot off. Mattis got us back to Moya, but it was touch and go for a little while. Fortunately, we found a great medic after Jool and D'Argo left."
"They left Moya? When did that happen?"
"About three cycles ago, after.after Rygel was killed." I looked down at the floor and off to the side. "After I failed to protect him." I felt Mattis's hand on my shoulder, but tears still welled up in my eyes. Looking up again, I told Mom and Dad about the day Rygel was killed.
When I finished, we sat in uncomfortable silence. "You did what you could, Vanessa," Chiana said quietly.
"Except that is wasn't enough. Still." I wiped my eyes and forced a smile onto my face. "So, Mom, Dad, are you happy here or do you want to come back to Moya?"
Both of them were staring at me, looking like concerned parents. After a microt, they turned to each other. "What do you think, Aeryn? Had enough of Gillian's Island?"
"I was ready to leave nine cycles ago." Mom was still watching me, as if waiting for me to completely collapse.
"Music to my ears. Let's go say goodbye to a few people, then we'll go." Dad stood and started for the door. Before stepping out, he looked back at me and smiled.
Chiana tapped Stark on the shoulder and nodded toward the door. "We'll wait for you at the transport pod."
Mattis stood and adjusted his coat. "I'll join you." As he followed them out, Mattis smiled at me. If he wanted it to be reassuring, he failed.
"So, are you and Mattis a couple?"
"Yes. We got together not long after he arrived on Moya. He's a good man, loyal, dependable. Plus, we now have a trained tech, which comes in handy when we have to work on Moya's systems." I looked around again and frowned. "I have one question for you, Mom. Is there a young boy, about five cycles old, that you haven't told me about?"
Mom shook her head slowly. "No. Why?" Her eyebrows knitted together as she thought.
"Well, I had a dream after I was hit by the Pathfinder's quills. I think I was pretty much near death, so I can't be sure if I should take this seriously or not. I was walking through Moya and came across a young boy. He said he was another child of John and Aeryn."
"Really? That's interesting, because a few nights ago, I dreamed about a young boy as well, but he said he was related to you."
"Me? He said he was my son? Mattis and I haven't talked about having children yet. Maybe someday, but."
My comm buzzed, and Pilot sounded anxious. "Vanessa! I'm sorry to interrupt your reunion, but we may have a problem. Moya's sensors are detecting another Leviathan coming out of starburst."
"Is it Talyn?"
"No, it's not. The other Leviathan is coming into orbit with.wait, they seem to be launching.Prowlers! It's a Peacekeeper transport!"
"How the frell.? How did they find us? You're not picking up any signals, are you?"
"Nothing. I estimate the Prowlers will reach you in a few microts. Tashina is launching now. The Leviathan is now launching a pair of Marauders. One is descending for the surface, the other is on approach for Moya."
"Damn, this just keeps getting better. All right. Execute evasive maneuvers as best you can. Moya's faster than the Marauder, so you should be able to stay ahead of them. We'll stay with the pod. Tell Tashina that now is not the time for dramatic entrances."
There was a click then Tashina's voice. "I heard that, Vanessa. I'll be right down."
Mom looked grim as she followed me out of the abode.
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We were almost back to the transport pod when the Prowler's arrived.
The six of them made one pass over us before they came back to start their strafing runs. The trees came apart around us as Mom and I dove for the ground. "They were probably ordered to keep us pinned down until the Marauder gets here," she said as we got back up.
"Wonderful." I climbed to my feet and looked toward the pod. Dad, Mattis, Chiana and Stark were using it for cover, but none of them were trying to prep it for launch. Logical; the Prowlers would make short work of the slow and not very maneuverable pod. The Marauder would certainly chew it up and spit it out again. "Come on, Tashina! No time for sightseeing!"
"Who's Tashina," Mom asked as we tried to find cover.
"One of our crew. She's an Ilanic, with some military training. At least, she acts like she's had some training. She can fly the Prowler at least as well as I can." I looked toward the pod. Mattis and Dad were watching us, concern obvious on their faces. Chiana was running up the ramp.
A shadow passed over us. A quick glance showed it to be the Marauder. It was coming down on the far side of the pod, looking like a brick dropping out of the sky. Mattis waved Dad and Stark toward us, drew his pistol and took position at the base of the ramp.
I tapped my comm. "Mattis, don't do anything too stupid. If I remember correctly, there's only five commandos onboard the Marauder."
"True," he answered, "but they're the best of the best. Ask your mother."
Mom nodded. "Their success is measured in body count."
"Neither of you are improving my outlook, you know."
Dad and Stark dove for us as the Prowlers performed another strafing run. "Just like old times, Aeryn."
Mom sighed. "If there was one thing I didn't miss, it was people shooting at us."
"Oh come on, Aeryn. Where's that Peacekeeper enthusiasm? Fun, excitement and really wild times." Both Mom and I turned toward him, the looks on our faces enough to convince him we didn't agree with him. "Okay, be that way."
More running footsteps attracted my attention. Mattis and Chiana, each holding a pair of pulse rifles, dropped next to us. As he handed me a rifle, Mattis said, "I think I spotted our Prowler coming in from the east."
Something overhead exploded. Looking up, I saw one of the attackers coming apart. "Yeah, there she is."
The hatch on the side of the Marauder opened up and the five commandos came out. None of them seemed to be wearing armor. (Crazy, or just believing their own reputations?) They formed up quickly and started for us, their rifles up and firing.
Another Prowler exploded as Tashina's voice came from our comms. "Are these the best pilots the Peacekeepers have? This is too easy."
Dad blinked. "Six to one odds and she thinks it's easy? Relative of yours, Aeryn?"
"That's Tashina," Mattis said as he ducked behind a tree for cover. "She'd consider three hundred to one odds an easy fight. Pilot, what's your status?"
Instead of Pilot's voice, it was Crais that answered. "Pilot and Moya are safe, Mattis. Talyn has destroyed the Marauder that was pursuing them. What is your status?"
Dad sighed loudly. "Oh man, Crais, I never thought I'd be glad you hear your voice again."
"Crichton? If you've survived, then."
"We're both find, Crais," Mom said. "However, we do have a problem with five commandos."
"Four commandos," I said as one of the attackers went down. "If you don't have anything else attracting your attention, I think Tashina could use some help."
"Understood."
The battle didn't last much longer. Tashina complained a bit, but she accepted Talyn's help in disposing of the other four Prowlers. And even though they proved to be tougher, the commandos from the Marauder didn't last much longer. Whoever was in command of the other Leviathan must have thought discretion the better part of valor and starbursted away.
"How did you know we were going to be attacked, Crais," I asked as I prepped the transport pod.
"During our surveillance of Bia'thera, Talyn intercepted the order from the Gammak base to the Leviathan. Once they starbursted away, Talyn left on an intercept vector. Everything is secure on the surface?"
I glanced at the back of the compartment. Mom, Dad, Chiana and Stark were having an animated conversation. "We're fine, Crais. Once Mattis gets through frelling with the Marauder, we'll take off. Why don't you and Talyn head back to Bia'thera?"
"As you will. I'll rendezvous with you in the outer system. Aeryn, Crichton, I look forward to seeing you again." The comm went silent.
"Man," Dad said, "did my boy Crais mellow or what?"
Mattis climbed into the pod, closed the hatch and sat next to me. "Everything all right?"
"Fine. I'm just feeling a little uncomfortable around your parents. That's all."
"Are you sure?" I brought the engines on line and lifted off.
"I'm sure. I'll get better. Oh, by the way, hang on to this." As he handed me a small device, Mattis switched on a secondary screen and brought up an image of the Marauder.
It looked like a small control unit, with several indicators and an isolated button. "Why, thank you, Mattis. I don't know what to say."
"Just don't touch that button." A smile began to creep onto his face.
"You mean this button?" I pressed it. On the screen, the Marauder exploded. "Oh my. Isn't that just too bad."
"Tragic, really." His smile grew slightly as he leaned back in his seat.
I looked at him then glanced back at Mom and Dad. Suddenly, things just didn't seem so bad.
Too bad I knew the feeling wouldn't last.
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TO BE CONTINUED
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Part Ten: Survival The Hard Way
After what felt like an arn, Chiana, Stark and I had calmed down enough to get to know my parents again. Only Mattis looked like he was less than comfortable with the reunion.
(I was also wondering where the little boy that showed up in my near-death experience was. I didn't know how to bring the subject up: "So, Mom, Dad, is my brother around here somewhere?")
Dad seemed to be in good health, but was showing his age a little more than Mom. His brown hair had gone almost completely gray and his hairline seemed to have receded a little. "So when we came out of the wormhole, we were rolling like a snowball down a hill. After some creative rewiring, I managed to get Aeryn some control. It took time, but we managed to make it here."
"You were lucky you came out of the wormhole hear a habitable planet," Stark said in a tightly controlled voice. "The goddess was most definitely watching over you."
"Either that or Zhaan is still looking out for us." Mom smiled, but her eyes continued to linger on Mattis. "The landing was not the best I've ever performed."
"Considering the condition the module was in, it was probably a miracle you got down at all," Chiana said. "You could have easily lost it entering the atmosphere."
"We almost did, a couple of times. Fortunately, the trees were there to break our fall." Mom brushed hair away from her face and I caught sight of a fine scar near her hairline. I swallowed and decided not to mention it.
Dad must have noticed my discomfort. "Aeryn had been injured in the landing. Nothing serious, but I didn't know that at the time. While she recovered, I worked on repairing the module."
"And you did it with only the equipment on the module?" Even though I expected it, I couldn't help but be impressed with Dad's resourcefulness.
Dad shrugged. "Yeah, well, I used to watch MacGuyver." I didn't bother asking about it; just another one of Dad's cultural references from Earth."
Mattis cleared his throat and spoke in a tightly controlled voice. "If you managed to get the module flight-worthy again, sir, why weren't you and Officer Sun onboard when it launched?"
I looked at him out of the corner of my eye. I hadn't heard be this formal with anyone since his first days on Moya. Was he that unsettled by finding my parents alive?"
Mom frowned and her eyes went to me. "There was damage to the life support system that we were unable to repair with what we had on the module. So we scavenged parts from life support to repair the flight systems."
Mattis nodded slowly. "Logical. Most of the systems on the module were fried, so we missed your repair work. Of course, I'm unfamiliar with the module's systems, so I wouldn't have known what to look for."
Mom leaned forward slightly. "What did you say your name was?"
Mattis shifted position on his chair. "Mattis Bohr, Peacekeeper Technician, Beralis Company."
"And how did you come to be on Moya?"
Mattis's eyes lowered and he seemed reluctant to answer. "I was assigned to a transport vessel. We were on our back to our command carrier after delivering supplies to a Gammak base when the ship developed problems with its power plant. Despite our best efforts, it got increasingly worse until we had to abandon ship. The locator beacon on my life pod malfunctioned, so the carrier was unable to find me. I was on the verge of death when Moya found me."
"Well, Moya didn't so much find his pod as she ran into it." Chiana sounded amused. "One day, about three cycles ago, we were just cruising along, then bang! There he was. He's been with us ever since."
Mom nodded slowly. She exchanged a look with Dad and smiled. "So, you certainly took your time getting to us."
There was suspicion growing in the back of my mind, but I pushed it aside for now. "Actually, from what we've been able to determine, the module lost power after you launched it. It's been drifting for ten cycles. Crais and Talyn were passing through the sector and found it. They brought it to Moya, where Mattis has been trying to get it up and running again. We would have been here sooner, but the rest of the universe got in our way."
"What do you mean?"
I glanced at Chiana and Stark before continuing. "Well, it looks like the Peacekeepers are working on wormholes again." Both Mom and Dad looked shocked. "Apparently, they're at the point of actually opening wormholes, though they're unstable enough to kill the pilots of the test craft."
Dad sighed in resignation. "Guess High Command changed their minds about wormholes."
"Apparently so," Mom said. "So, what do you know?"
"Not a whole lot. We did perform a preliminary recon into their Gammak base on a planet called Bia'thera, but we ran into some problems."
"They ran into some old friends, too," Stark said. "They found Furlow working with the Peacekeepers, along with at least one Pathfinder."
"Furlow? Damn, she's got more lives than a black cat. And the Pathfinders?" Dad shook his head. "They're just coming out of the woodwork, aren't they."
"Do you know how far they've gotten with their research?"
"No. Like I said, we ran into problems. The Pathfinder came in as we were taking Furlow out of her workshop. I was hit by a couple of quills that he shot off. Mattis got us back to Moya, but it was touch and go for a little while. Fortunately, we found a great medic after Jool and D'Argo left."
"They left Moya? When did that happen?"
"About three cycles ago, after.after Rygel was killed." I looked down at the floor and off to the side. "After I failed to protect him." I felt Mattis's hand on my shoulder, but tears still welled up in my eyes. Looking up again, I told Mom and Dad about the day Rygel was killed.
When I finished, we sat in uncomfortable silence. "You did what you could, Vanessa," Chiana said quietly.
"Except that is wasn't enough. Still." I wiped my eyes and forced a smile onto my face. "So, Mom, Dad, are you happy here or do you want to come back to Moya?"
Both of them were staring at me, looking like concerned parents. After a microt, they turned to each other. "What do you think, Aeryn? Had enough of Gillian's Island?"
"I was ready to leave nine cycles ago." Mom was still watching me, as if waiting for me to completely collapse.
"Music to my ears. Let's go say goodbye to a few people, then we'll go." Dad stood and started for the door. Before stepping out, he looked back at me and smiled.
Chiana tapped Stark on the shoulder and nodded toward the door. "We'll wait for you at the transport pod."
Mattis stood and adjusted his coat. "I'll join you." As he followed them out, Mattis smiled at me. If he wanted it to be reassuring, he failed.
"So, are you and Mattis a couple?"
"Yes. We got together not long after he arrived on Moya. He's a good man, loyal, dependable. Plus, we now have a trained tech, which comes in handy when we have to work on Moya's systems." I looked around again and frowned. "I have one question for you, Mom. Is there a young boy, about five cycles old, that you haven't told me about?"
Mom shook her head slowly. "No. Why?" Her eyebrows knitted together as she thought.
"Well, I had a dream after I was hit by the Pathfinder's quills. I think I was pretty much near death, so I can't be sure if I should take this seriously or not. I was walking through Moya and came across a young boy. He said he was another child of John and Aeryn."
"Really? That's interesting, because a few nights ago, I dreamed about a young boy as well, but he said he was related to you."
"Me? He said he was my son? Mattis and I haven't talked about having children yet. Maybe someday, but."
My comm buzzed, and Pilot sounded anxious. "Vanessa! I'm sorry to interrupt your reunion, but we may have a problem. Moya's sensors are detecting another Leviathan coming out of starburst."
"Is it Talyn?"
"No, it's not. The other Leviathan is coming into orbit with.wait, they seem to be launching.Prowlers! It's a Peacekeeper transport!"
"How the frell.? How did they find us? You're not picking up any signals, are you?"
"Nothing. I estimate the Prowlers will reach you in a few microts. Tashina is launching now. The Leviathan is now launching a pair of Marauders. One is descending for the surface, the other is on approach for Moya."
"Damn, this just keeps getting better. All right. Execute evasive maneuvers as best you can. Moya's faster than the Marauder, so you should be able to stay ahead of them. We'll stay with the pod. Tell Tashina that now is not the time for dramatic entrances."
There was a click then Tashina's voice. "I heard that, Vanessa. I'll be right down."
Mom looked grim as she followed me out of the abode.
---------------------------------------
We were almost back to the transport pod when the Prowler's arrived.
The six of them made one pass over us before they came back to start their strafing runs. The trees came apart around us as Mom and I dove for the ground. "They were probably ordered to keep us pinned down until the Marauder gets here," she said as we got back up.
"Wonderful." I climbed to my feet and looked toward the pod. Dad, Mattis, Chiana and Stark were using it for cover, but none of them were trying to prep it for launch. Logical; the Prowlers would make short work of the slow and not very maneuverable pod. The Marauder would certainly chew it up and spit it out again. "Come on, Tashina! No time for sightseeing!"
"Who's Tashina," Mom asked as we tried to find cover.
"One of our crew. She's an Ilanic, with some military training. At least, she acts like she's had some training. She can fly the Prowler at least as well as I can." I looked toward the pod. Mattis and Dad were watching us, concern obvious on their faces. Chiana was running up the ramp.
A shadow passed over us. A quick glance showed it to be the Marauder. It was coming down on the far side of the pod, looking like a brick dropping out of the sky. Mattis waved Dad and Stark toward us, drew his pistol and took position at the base of the ramp.
I tapped my comm. "Mattis, don't do anything too stupid. If I remember correctly, there's only five commandos onboard the Marauder."
"True," he answered, "but they're the best of the best. Ask your mother."
Mom nodded. "Their success is measured in body count."
"Neither of you are improving my outlook, you know."
Dad and Stark dove for us as the Prowlers performed another strafing run. "Just like old times, Aeryn."
Mom sighed. "If there was one thing I didn't miss, it was people shooting at us."
"Oh come on, Aeryn. Where's that Peacekeeper enthusiasm? Fun, excitement and really wild times." Both Mom and I turned toward him, the looks on our faces enough to convince him we didn't agree with him. "Okay, be that way."
More running footsteps attracted my attention. Mattis and Chiana, each holding a pair of pulse rifles, dropped next to us. As he handed me a rifle, Mattis said, "I think I spotted our Prowler coming in from the east."
Something overhead exploded. Looking up, I saw one of the attackers coming apart. "Yeah, there she is."
The hatch on the side of the Marauder opened up and the five commandos came out. None of them seemed to be wearing armor. (Crazy, or just believing their own reputations?) They formed up quickly and started for us, their rifles up and firing.
Another Prowler exploded as Tashina's voice came from our comms. "Are these the best pilots the Peacekeepers have? This is too easy."
Dad blinked. "Six to one odds and she thinks it's easy? Relative of yours, Aeryn?"
"That's Tashina," Mattis said as he ducked behind a tree for cover. "She'd consider three hundred to one odds an easy fight. Pilot, what's your status?"
Instead of Pilot's voice, it was Crais that answered. "Pilot and Moya are safe, Mattis. Talyn has destroyed the Marauder that was pursuing them. What is your status?"
Dad sighed loudly. "Oh man, Crais, I never thought I'd be glad you hear your voice again."
"Crichton? If you've survived, then."
"We're both find, Crais," Mom said. "However, we do have a problem with five commandos."
"Four commandos," I said as one of the attackers went down. "If you don't have anything else attracting your attention, I think Tashina could use some help."
"Understood."
The battle didn't last much longer. Tashina complained a bit, but she accepted Talyn's help in disposing of the other four Prowlers. And even though they proved to be tougher, the commandos from the Marauder didn't last much longer. Whoever was in command of the other Leviathan must have thought discretion the better part of valor and starbursted away.
"How did you know we were going to be attacked, Crais," I asked as I prepped the transport pod.
"During our surveillance of Bia'thera, Talyn intercepted the order from the Gammak base to the Leviathan. Once they starbursted away, Talyn left on an intercept vector. Everything is secure on the surface?"
I glanced at the back of the compartment. Mom, Dad, Chiana and Stark were having an animated conversation. "We're fine, Crais. Once Mattis gets through frelling with the Marauder, we'll take off. Why don't you and Talyn head back to Bia'thera?"
"As you will. I'll rendezvous with you in the outer system. Aeryn, Crichton, I look forward to seeing you again." The comm went silent.
"Man," Dad said, "did my boy Crais mellow or what?"
Mattis climbed into the pod, closed the hatch and sat next to me. "Everything all right?"
"Fine. I'm just feeling a little uncomfortable around your parents. That's all."
"Are you sure?" I brought the engines on line and lifted off.
"I'm sure. I'll get better. Oh, by the way, hang on to this." As he handed me a small device, Mattis switched on a secondary screen and brought up an image of the Marauder.
It looked like a small control unit, with several indicators and an isolated button. "Why, thank you, Mattis. I don't know what to say."
"Just don't touch that button." A smile began to creep onto his face.
"You mean this button?" I pressed it. On the screen, the Marauder exploded. "Oh my. Isn't that just too bad."
"Tragic, really." His smile grew slightly as he leaned back in his seat.
I looked at him then glanced back at Mom and Dad. Suddenly, things just didn't seem so bad.
Too bad I knew the feeling wouldn't last.
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TO BE CONTINUED
