Because it was in the middle of the night and everyone had been through a trying day, J'orda allowed them to stay in Atlantis for the night. The next morning, he accompanied them to the large doorway leading to the ship holding area.
"Words cannot express my gratitude. You have saved my life twice and revealed a conspiracy that could have spelled the end of Atlantis. Perhaps we are coming to the end of the time where we need to be distrustful of all humans. You are closer than ever before to being ready for us to finally reveal our presence," Jorda commented the the large group, but especially to the Quests.
"We are honored that you feel that way, J'orda," replied Dr. Quest as he began to reach for his translator. Everyone but those used by the Quests had been collected already, as J'orda wanted to speak with them one more time. "I suppose you'll want these back."
J'orda lowered his voice a little, "Keep them, as friends of the Akierans. Perhaps we will meet again one day."
Everyone smiled as Dr. Quest responded, "Yes, hopefully we shall."
At that, everyone from both crews said their goodbyes and continued into the room. Eventually, they arrived at and began boarding the vessel Quest Team had arrived in. Before she walked up the gangplank, Jessie asked the Akieran in charge of the group escorting them, "What will happen to the others, the humans who tried to take over?"
J'orda's response was marked with regret. "Unfortunately, it would be far too dangerous to allow them to leave. Unlike you, they cannot be trusted with knowledge of our city and therefore can never go free."
Jessie nodded and continued on. Finally, everyone had boarded the now-crowded ship and waved to their new friends, before preparing to be beamed to the surface. They waved their goodbyes as one of the Akierans spoke into a communicator, saying they were ready for transport. The familiar beam of blinding light started up again. Everyone was prepared this time, however,. Before they knew it, they awoke onboard the ship, which was just outside the Sargasso Sea. They were finally back.
As scientists, sailors, and Quest Team awoke, they took their stations. The Captain of their ship ordered, "Helmsman, set course for Bermuda. We're going home."
Jonny walked into the room that had held the scientific equipment, Bandit following close behind. "I can't believe we actually found the lost city of Atlantis," he commented.
Hadji, who was nearby, replied, "Yes. And it is unfortunate that it must stay lost."
"You heard what J'orda said," Jessie added, "We're getting close to the time when they'll finally stop hiding."
Dr. Quest considered this and commented, "That will be a truly remarkable day for mankind."
A/N: Thanks for staying with this story to the end. This was a fun fanfic to write and I hope everyone enjoyed it.