Thank you for reading my story. My English skills are not good, so please forgive me if any mistake. _()_

The nightfall. ORCA pontoon was a bright spot, striking in the stillness of the ocean. Jason took Jennifer to an empty table near the railing on the starboard side of the pontoon.

Jennifer took a deep breath of the sea fresh air: "It's good to have a cafeteria on the surface like this. On a clear day, the ocean view is definitely wonderful."

"You got a point. It was completed early last year. They said it needed a nice place for business travelers from the mainland. "Jason said as he glanced at the Menu on the table. "In comparison with the small room in the modules below, negotiating with a cup of coffee or funding request for an environmental project in a good lunch is more promising for sure. Orange juice please, thanks, Mark!"

"Your ORCA is so much better since my first visit."

"And apple juice as usual for this lady, maybe?" Jason suggested when Jennifer was still interested in observing the new space of cafeteria, with ocean-inspired design.

"Oh yes, thank you."

Jason went on:

"But I guess, that's just a sub reason. Even the most serious scientists need a place to relax for themself, and adult crews. While the Rec room is almost occupied by the kids."

"I see. A lot of kids are here. Dr. Bates said you came here when you were 14? And indignant with the whole world at that time!" Jennifer giggled. "What was the core reason for you to change your mind?"

"Well, seems that mom and you had a big talk, right?" He winked.

The core reason? The memory was still lively as if it just happened yesterday. It wasn't easy to remember about the memory, when every smallest piece of memory had the shape of Neri. And a lot of conversation somehow diverted to her. Jason thought he can live with it, but not always. Sometimes, he missed her badly. Looking at the dark and mysterious night sea, he unconsciously thinks about Sidney - one of the most bustling cities in Australia, at one of the most pressure times in his life.

It was a sunny day. The Earth was saved, but there was still a big mess, for everyone. Queen Shalamorn and her people had to deal with the Earth people, explaining why their intentions were very good at first, but the result was a mess like this, as well as overcoming the consequences on the Ocean Planet. The consequences of both the Queen's long absence and the terrible effects of the Red Virus. In fact, Ocean Planet suffered from the Red virus for a longer time than the earth suffered, their dependence on the sea environment was also much deeper. The Earth had to exert all its sources to recover the damage caused by Malakat and Shersheba as well as dealing with the people of the Ocean planet - those who - seem modest and honestly apologize, but they have both advanced technology and stronger weapons. Just see how the rebels melt the Arctic and Antarctic.

In fact, the number of people who knew about the people of the Ocean planet and their attacks was considerable. But when taking over ORCA, in order to prevent reinforcements from the mainland, Malakat isolated ORCA, disconnecting the entire contact system. So the real situation was only known by ORCA residents and some top authorities of the world. ORCA had to both repair all the superstructures and work at full capacity at the same time, to hold important meetings for both planets.

This was really a mess for all three sides, Ocean Planet, Earth, ORCA.

And Jason stuck between them.

Deep involving in the whole story, Jason and Brett usually met the politicians as witnesses. Long reports, required to be written independently. The brain hacking questions. And only a small mistake of timing information or words was enough to make trouble for the boys. They're also asked to provide information about the people of the Ocean Planet, basic information, and things like their purpose, their intentions. For these complex questions, the Bates family carefully decided that Jason was the one who gave the answer.

But some of the questions were too noisy.

"Hey, Jase! The scientists, even top politicians are as curious as any teenager about the aliens." Brett excitedly comment.

And although there was still a vigilance about the special relationship between Bates family and the people of the Ocean Planet, politicians also admitted to the boys' parents, they were deeply impressed by what 2 boys have handled.

"Absolutely excellent! You should be proud of your boys!"

Meanwhile, Jason still worked hard for ORCA. The urgent situation required the crews to make great efforts. Jason was happy to be back at his usual job, after a long time Mr. Danton complained because he took the day off too often.

But, one thing bothered him, he and Neri didn't have a lot of time for each other.

The short times of his visits was only enough for the endless discussion with Shalamorn to get the right moves. He knew well that they're in an important time for all, and Neri was a person who puts the people's sake before her own. But sometimes, he really missed their beach walks or the cozy talks next to the fire. Now, it seemed that he must share Neri to the whole world.