Episode Three: Meant to Live
Holland climbed down and walked over to the rescue party.
"Holland!" smiled Renton, running over and embracing him.
"It's been a while, Renton," he chuckled, holding back a tear, "Glad to see you're safe."
"Thanks to you," he nodded, waving Eureka over, "And I did like you said; I brought her back."
Eureka hugged Holland tightly, "Thank you for rescuing us."
"I promised to protect you both, remember?" he reminded, "And I intend to keep my word."
"Isn't she pretty?" beamed Maeter as she and her sibling gathered around.
"I'll say," Matthieu grinned, walking over, "Those threads were made for her."
"The wings are a nice touch," smiled Holland, "I admit she's grown into a fine young woman."
Eureka just blushed.
Meanwhile, Dominic met Anemone at the typeB303. She wore civilian clothes.
"Things went well, I take it?" he asked after exchanging a kiss.
"More or less," she shrugged, "Just gotta get use to piloting in civilian attire; Holland's orders. It was odd, though, feeling TheEND but not being with him. I don't like it; but he was happy to be near me."
"We'll get him back," assured Dominic, "You'll see. Come on, let's say hi."
"Anemone!" waved Eureka, running over, as the lovers joined them.
"Not sure this makes us even, but it's a start," she smiled as they embraced.
"You don't owe us a thing," she assured, "I'm just happy to see you doing so well."
"Largely thanks to you," Anemone nodded, "I love the new look; green and blue are so your colors."
"As I yours; and thank you," smiled Eureka.
"Hey, you got an entire crew waiting," reminded Dominic, "Best not keep them waiting."
Renton and Eureka agreed. The group made their way to the commons, where a teary-eyed Talho quickly embraced the two simultaneously; Moondoggie, Ken-Goh, Woz, and Jobs were the only crew not in attendance.
"Oh how I've missed you so," she cried, "You almost gave me gray hairs worrying."
"We've missed you as well," assured Eureka, "So, the children tell me you've had your baby."
"Indeed," beamed Holland as Gidget handed Vernon to him, "Meet Vernon Renton Novak."
Renton blushed. Vernon took one look at the couple and began to giggle and clap.
"He looks just like you, Holland," laughed Renton as the child reached for his hair.
"And causes just as much trouble," Talho sighed, drying her eyes, "But I can live with that."
"He's gotten bigger, too!" added Linck.
"As have you," she winked.
He grinned big and hugged her, "I missed you, Talho."
"I've missed you three as well," smiled Talho as Maeter and Maurice also joined in.
The crew gathered about the room with the Thurston's in the center. Axel stood near the back with Dominic and Anemone. Stoner was quick to get photos of the couple as they greeted everyone.
"So when did you grow wings?" asked Gidget.
"They first appeared while we were exploring Earth," explained Eureka.
"It was very scary," recounted Maeter, "Mama was really sick for a long time!"
"So I see Greg's hypothesis about your evolution was correct," concluded Dr. Mischa.
"Can you fly with 'em?" inquired Matthieu.
"Sadly, no," sighed Eureka, "But I can move them and use them to glide."
"Mama can also make them glow!" boasted Linck.
The crew was amazed as she demonstrated their abilities.
"So is that a 'third-eye' you have?" noted Hap.
"I think so," answered Eureka, "Axel called it a-ah… umm-"
"Ājñā Chakra," finished Anemone, "Referring to the Vodarac belief of internal spiritual energy flow."
"I think Norb proved the 'belief' part," reminded Stoner, "Then again, he was a special case."
"Speaking of special, just what were you two up to all this time?" questioned Hilda.
The room went silent.
"Well, umm… w-were- getting to know each other better," stuttered Renton, blushing, "And- preparing for our new mission, as it were; yeah."
"Mission?" challenged Hap skeptically.
"Nirvash said we were to be examples of how Coralians and humans could coexist," recounted Eureka, "And that when this happened, they would come back."
"Is that why the scub coral has become dormant and decreased in mass?" surmised Dr Mischa.
"I think so," Renton shrugged, "They said some would leave this world to give human time to mature."
"Well, that does explain a lot," noted Stoner, "Then again, where did they all go; a parallel universe?"
"Not sure," he admitted, "Though I think it was in part to alleviate the 'limit of questions' issue."
"That makes sense; this new data should keep Greg very busy for a while," smirked Dr. Mischa.
"So what will you lovebirds do now?" asked Anemone.
"For the moment, spend time with our children," answered Renton, "And the rest of our family."
"In that case, it's about time we got home coming party started!" grinned Matthieu.
The crew cheered as he cranked up the music and lights on his turntable system. Food and drink were in abundance as everyone took turns catching up with the couple. After a while, Moondoggie and Woz finally arrived.
"Brother Doggie!" waved Renton as the two met and embraced.
"How's it hangin', kid?" he chuckled.
"No worse for wear," he smiled, "So what's new?"
"Officially lead pilot since Talho's been on maternity leave," Moondoggie grinned, "Don't think she'll get it back, either. Been improving my lifting skills and trying to keep on Gidget's good side."
"Nice; how are things going between you two?" inquired Renton.
"We're finally official, believe it or not," smiled Gidget, kissing Moondoggie's cheek.
"Very awesome," he beamed.
"Hey Renton, Doggie!" called Hap, who sat with the others, "You gotta come here this!"
The three joined them as Matthieu recounted his story to Eureka, "So there we were, delimited by antibody Coralians. They completely filled the sky. It's six hours to your position but you don't have that long. The kids are tryin' desperately to contact you over the com but no dice. By now, Renton's gone back to work on the Nirvash, which you'll recall was totally thrashed. Attacks keep comin' from all sides and soon our A.T.A.s are gone. Gekko is holding her own we we're in serious trouble. Wham! A massive hit takes half our engines! Now all hope seems lost. Then boom! We get this second massive explosion and start getting trapar readings from inside the Gekko! We're all like, 'W.T.F.!?'. Finally, we get a fix on what hit us: turns out it's the Nirvash in this crazy new white and green form; totally outta left field! Don't ask me how but Gidget and Woz get Holland patched through. He asks Renton what the hell's goin' on; and Renton, in his wisdom, replies with the utmost conviction, 'The Altima Drive is responding to me'. … Yeah, no shit, Captain Obvious! Just the biggest understatement- like ever!"
The whole crew erupted in laughter.
Renton turned beat-red, "What? It was the only thing I could think of."
"And that's why we love you," snickered Talho, giving him a hug.
Erueka giggled, quite bemused, but give him a reassuring smile.
"So after this 'revelation' Renton, for his credit, annihilates every single anti-body Coralian for like two clicks," continued Matthieu, "Nirvash apparently had this new chest cannon that just totally vaporizes everything! After that, he races off to rescue his dream girl; and does it in like thirty seconds! Poor Stoner here laments that Renton never fit in a frame then bang, now he's too big; but like Ken-Goh said, our 'lovebirds' couldn't stay in the nest forever, right? It was a total mood killer."
"Holland was none too happy about it, either," Woz smirked.
"What? He coulda least warned us first," he rebuffed, rolling his eyes, "It was so very Renton."
"Ah, Holland; the eternal optimists," grinned Anemone.
Most of the crew snickered.
"Okay, so then that tree-thing starts crumblin'," finished Matthieu, "We're all totally shitting a brink until Gonzy explains it's the Second Summer of Love and they're leaving us 'til the time was right- or somethin'. We all look at him like, 'Seriously?' Then he finally lets us see his eyes; turns out, he's a Coralian, too! I knew that crazy ol' coot was somethin' else! Then he up and disappears on us as large chunks of scub coral do, too. The rest of the day was spent figurin' out the damage Renton caused; like- the massive hole in the Gekko: Renton; that new debris ring around the planet: Renton; all those new world maps created: Renton; the trapar disruptions: Renton; and then, of course, there's the moon..."
Renton turned bright red as everyone eyed him.
Eureka kissed his cheek, "I think it's a very romantic gesture."
"Still not sure how it happened," he nervously grinned.
Everyone gave him the evil eye.
"What? It's not like I planned it," defended Renton, "It just kinda- happened."
"Yes: 'Oops! Giant Moon Laser Graffiti of Love; Fire!'" teased Matthieu.
Most of the group snickered.
"Guess not all girls can be so lucky," assured Talho with a wink, squeezing Holland's hand.
"So, where do you two wanna settle down?" asked Hilda, "Once things quiet down."
"We're not sure yet," admitted Renton, "For now with Gekkostate. We wanna do our part for this new confederation. Plus it will help keep our promise to Nirvash."
"You've done more than enough for humanity," nodded Holland, "We can't ask for more. Once this matter with Marcus is resolved, we'll help you build a new home and life; wherever you wish."
"But it's not about that," explained Eureka, "We were tasked being examples of what could humans and Coralians could achieve. We can't fulfill that by hiding from the world."
"Though we'd like that very much, it's just not realistic," added Renton, "We can't let our friends... our family take on the burdens of this world alone, especially when much of it hinges on our relationship."
"And that's exactly why you two shouldn't be on the front lines," countered Holland.
"Well, what about your family?" he rebuffed, "How do you justify putting Talho and Vernon in danger when they are just as important to you? The same reasons you give to risk them are the same for us!"
Holland was dumbfounded and broadsided, unable to formulate a retort.
"We made that decision when we left the S.O.F.," answered Talho, taking Holland's hand, "I know Holland's tried his best to keep us safe, but I made a promise to stand by his side; and I've done just that. It's because of Vernon, and all children, that we continue this fight, so they don't have to; and we accepted this risk when I first conceived. You two, however, were drug into this mess through no fault of your own, especially Eureka. Your lives shouldn't be tainted anymore by our generation's mistakes."
"But that's exactly why we've chosen to stay," explained Renton, "While we were away together, we rediscovered, among other things, responsibility; to family, to friends, to those who have trusted us to spread their message of coexistence. We may not have Nirvash, but we can still make a difference; and like Matthieu said, I'm to blame for a lot of this so those burdens fall on me alone."
"So many have already done so much for me," added Eureka, "I've been really blessed, especially since I knew nothing of this world or myself, but I relied too much on others, on all of you, and now I must give something back. Maurice, Linck, and Maeter deserve that same world as Vernon; and they already know that means sacrifices. All they ask for is our love. What type of parents would we be if we did not try? Innocent blood still stains my hands, but running away is no longer an option."
Holland looked to Talho and sighed, "I'd forgotten just how much they matured. Maybe Anemone was right about the gray hairs."
She giggled.
"If mama and papa gotta fight, then I'll fight, too!" rallied Linck, standing up.
"Me, too!" seconded Maeter.
"As a family," agreed Maurice.
The crew looked towards Holland, who shook his head and sighed, "Looks like I'm outnumbered; which still leaves the question: where are you five gonna stay?"
The Thurston's all grinned.
"Well, Eureka's old room is a bit small for all five," remarked Hap, "Not to mention it's already taken."
"By whom?" Eureka asked.
Moondoggie pointed to Dominic and Anemone, who nervously waved and smiled.
"What about that empty room across from yours?" Hilda suggested, looking to Holland.
"That would work," agreed Talho, "Sadly, with Renton added to the mix, any room on the Gekko will be a bit crowded."
"I won't mind," smiled Eureka, leading against Renton.
Renton turned slightly red.
"Played hero to the whole planet and he still gets bashful over his own girl," laughed Dominic.
"You're no better," Anemone smirked, wrapping her arms around him.
Dominic tried not to blush; to no avail. The crew chuckled.
"And now we know why the Nirvash-class pilots are both female," Matthieu teased.
"Damn straight," agreed Hilda, "For once I can agree with you."
"Well, I think it's time for bed," remarked Axel, watching his great-grandchildren yawn, "Or at least time to get them into bed."
"But I-I'm not sleepy," protested Linck, as he yawned again.
"Yeah, we wanna stay!" agreed Maeter, rubbing her eyes.
"It's been a long day," explained Talho, "Plus we'll have plenty of time to catch up tomorrow; okay?"
The two sleepily nodded. Maurice did not object. Renton and Eureka agreed and stood up.
"We'll be here when you two get back," assured Matthieu as he stretched.
With prompting from Holland, Moondoggie and Gidget tagged along, following the Thurston's out.
"Ya know, bed might be a good idea," remarked Stoner, "Plus those two need some space to readjust."
"Yeah, and we'll have a lot to deal with come the morning," agreed Hap.
Holland and Talho looked at each other and nodded. Meanwhile, the family arrived at their new room, which was similar in size to Holland's, but empty. Moondoggie and Gidget acquired several cots and bedding and helped assemble them. While Renton and Eureka put their children to bed, Axel was shown his guest room down the hall. Moondoggie and Gidget were walking back when two separate groups suddenly abducted them. After a quick orientation, they were released. Following their instructions, they waited patiently for Renton and Eureka to emerge.
"Hey, Renton; umm- Holland wants to speak with you real quick," informed Moondoggie.
"What about?" he inquired.
"Beats me," he shrugged, "I'm just the messenger."
"Should I come, too?" asked Eureka.
"Oh; no, umm- because Talho said she had something- to show you as well," smiled Gidget.
"Oh, of course," she acknowledged, "Where is she?"
"With Dr. Mischa; I'll umm- take you to her now," she nodded to Moondogie, who winked back.
"Guess I'll see you in a bit," Renton chuckled nervously, kissing Eureka on the cheek.
They were quickly separated. After rounds opposite corners, the two were abducted and blindfolded.
"Okay, take it off," ordered Talho after securing a dark room, lit by a single ceiling light.
"It's girl-talk time; I think," announced Gidget, with Anemone, Dr. Mischa, and Hilda joining them.
"Time to spill the beans," smiled Hilda deviously, "What really went on between you two?"
Eureka looked quite puzzled as she sat on a stool, and stumbled to formulate her thoughts.
"Don't worry, Eureka, there's no need to fret," Dr. Mischa assured her, "You can confide in us."
"I'm afraid I'm unsure what you're asking," she replied sincerely.
"Don't lie; we know something happened between you two," Talho grinned, "Something… special?"
Eureka blinked and stared, her confusion only deepening.
"It's really quite simple," explained Anemone, leaning over her, "Did you and Renton- make love?"