Chris was never alone without Maria and Shadow. They talked to each other all the time about their lives, and what they planned to do in the future. Chris remembered a brief conversation with Maria while Shadow went to talk with Gerald.
"I had always wanted to see Earth. My grandfather tells me about it, and he says I can't go because of my condition."
She looked a little disheartened, then looked at Chris intently, a determined flame in her eyes.
"But me and Shadow will go there. I will get better, and we'll make friends with all the people there."
Chris took Maria's hand, and murmured seriously, "You will go to Earth someday Maria…I promise."
Chris looked back out into the stars, thinking over his decision. He will save Maria, he wasn't changing his mind about that, but he didn't know when the tragedy will occur.
Shadow…I don't know if you could really help me right now, but I need a clue. A hint. A plan. Anything…
A little tremor flew up his back, almost as if a breeze on the beach brushed against his bare skin. He looked at his ring again. The jewel was sparkling a soft blue light in the darkened hallways. Chris felt dizzy, and slowly sunk to the floor…
When he came to, he saw Shadow and Maria holding hands, and running in the ARK's hallways. They didn't even notice him. He saw Maria push Shadow into the capsule, saw her about to pull the lever, saw the man aiming his gun…
He woke up with a gasp, and felt his heart sinking when he heard alarms, and Gerald's voice yelling that there were intruders.
GUN was here.