Kyle's Journal:

Declan strode on to the observation deck as I took one last look. The planet Zira was getting closer and larger outside the view screen.

"The minister asked me to tell you that he'll be holding a wake soon. Something about closure. You comin'?"

I turned to him. "I'll be there. You?"

Declan shook his head. "Nah, I mean, what's the point?"

"You're angry." I could feel it roll off him in waves; and by his hunched shoulders and fists clenched inside his jean pockets.

"A God who lets Earth be destroyed is not my kind of God at all."

I just nod in understanding but veer away from thoughts I knew Amanda would have had countered him with. I started making calculations instead. "It will take a couple of weeks before the ark comes into orbit around Zira. We should make a few preparations and set up drill schedules."

"Good. Like there isn't enough to do already." He sounded like he was tired of all the jobs that needed to be done but I knew he'd rather keep busy. "Jackie wants to go to the service," he suddenly blurted.

"Let me guess, she wants you to be there for her." I grinned.

"Yeah, lucky guess," he shook his head and a look of panic shone in his eyes. "What do I do?"

"Ah, suck it up and sit with her for moral support?"

He snorted. "That's what I thought you'd say. Some help you are."

"You read my mind," I mocked.

He laughed. "I only know of one person who can read minds."

Since he spoke of minds, my mind couldn't help hone in on the whereabouts of Jessi. She was in the chapel, or rather the large eating galley being used as a makeshift chapel. I could see her headed towards it. She paused as she felt my connection.

Jessi telepathed, "Coming?"

I telephated back, "Be right there," while out loud to Declan I continued. "The service is about to start. Thanks for letting me know about it."

Declan shrugged. "I'm just your messenger boy, glad to be of service." Then he grimaced. "Want to sit with Jackie and me?"

"Sure."

We left the observation deck and as I walked down the corridor I was instantly greeted with passengers, not just bombarding me with questions, but oohing and aahing over the fact on how grateful they were to me for saving them. Declan moved in front of me in a protective manner. He'd been my right hand man since Foss died. Another close friend I had to mourn. So many, so many dead.

Chapter 4 – Announcement of World End

Kyle's bedroom. Amanda is over, visiting. Nicole, Jessi and Lori are out shopping while Josh is at work. Steven is over at UW with his T.A., Mark. It had been a heavy exam week.

KYLE (stares at Amanda is shocked surprise): Your mom sold your house?

AMANDA: You know how financially we were struggling.

KYLE: Yes, but where will you live?

AMANDA (takes a deep breath): New York.

KYLE: You're moving to New York. (He said it as a statement unable to believe Amanda and her mother were leaving). You'll be back, right?

AMANDA: My mom was able to get me back in the conservatory there. (She looks away). She took a really good job offer she couldn't pass up. I really don't want to go but -

KYLE: You're still afraid, even though Cassidy is no longer a threat. He's gone and so are the old board members of Latnok.

AMANDA: My mom's afraid too. (She glances away as if she were afraid too). She just wants me, us, safe. She was really freaked when I was held at gunpoint. (Then she looks straight at him). The moment I finish at the conservatory, I'm going to transfer back here to either UW or NU. I want to come back, to you.

KYLE: You'll miss graduation.

AMANDA: I know.

KYLE: How long will you be in New York?

AMANDA: Just over a year.

He looks down, dejected.

She steps closer, takes his hand and raises it to her chest, near her heart.

AMANDA: I love you, and I want – I want you, (she places his hand over her breast).

KYLE (catches on to her intention, feeling it): Amanda, we can't, the risk of you getting pregnant...

AMANDA: I don't mean all the way, but to give us something to remember, and to look forward to when I come back? I want you to be my first.

KYLE (lays his forehead on hers as his breath quickens): I want you to be my first also.

She smiles then releases his hand and starts unbuttoning her shirt.

Kyle keeps to his room when the family returns home and listens to Amanda play one last time for him. He agrees to store her piano in Steven's garage while she's away. His heart is heavy but the memory of what they shared makes a bittersweet smile crease his lips. After having a brief taste of her, like Josh, he wants more. He doesn't think he can wait a year.

All too soon graduation comes and goes. Every day he contacts Amanda by video links and texts. The only thing keeping him occupied daily is his new job at Latnok. Both he and Jessi are now members and are on the new board. Some of the new board consist of Mark, Jackie and Nate.

Cut to Latnok where Kyle introduces Jessi to everyone. He notices Nate's reaction to her in particular. Small tell-tale signs of a rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms and dilated pupils that tells him Nate is head over heels in awe of her. (It was a feeling he picked up before when he confronted Nate as he obtained Sarah's ring from Cassidy's safe). Unfortunately, Nate acts like he doesn't like her or want her here.

NATE (blustering tone): Hey, just because you two big brains are now on the board doesn't mean you have the experience to be here. (He nods to the others). Most of us have been here two to four years, ever since we started university. That makes us more qualified than you, (but he stares at Kyle).

KYLE: I know, that's why, I, (he glances over at Jessi), and Jessi, will need all of you to teach us the ropes. We catch on fast.

He picks up Jessi's feeling of nervousness when her only response is to give a slight nod. The need she has of proving herself again is at the forefront of her mind.

NATE (sneers): I'm sure you will, but don't think you can take over.

MARK: Nate, Kyle's here to help us. (He smiles and nods at Jessi). And Jessi, too. We need them.

Jessi likes Mark's acceptance of having her here and that feeling grows when Jackie chimes in.

JACKIE: I agree. Kyle has already helps me discover how certain tones and frequency patterns can help plant growth. If Jessi is just as smart as he is, (she smiles at Jessi), and I'm sure she is, they both will be a huge asset. And I don't mean business-wise.

NATE (grunts): We'll see, we'll see, (but his glare is directed more at Kyle).

His tone of disbelief and discouragement though affects Jessi's hard won confidence and makes her self-doubt that she can be one of them, overshadowing the acceptance she just felt with Mark and Jackie.

Kyle glares back and shakes his head at Nate.

Nate stands up and leaves the room, but not before Kyle picks up on his thoughts.

NATE (thinks): Fool, Idiot. Great way to make a first impression on her. Who cares about Kyle? Look at her, sitting so straight and nervous and beautiful (then Kyle stops listening in as Nate continues to catalogue and compliment on her every feature and expression, his thoughts clearly enamoured and centering on Jessi).

JACKIE (sighs and leans over towards Jessi): Ignore him, we usually do.

MARK: He's a hot head, too full of himself. In fact, you'll find that most of us greats here at Latnok have all kinds of quirks.

JESSI (finally speaks up): Like what?

MARK: Ah…

JACKIE (smiles at him): Go on, Mark. Do tell.

MARK (sheepish): Maybe it's best if you get to know us first?

After the meeting, Kyle notices Nate avoiding Jessi and once again picks up on his one thought.

NATE (thinking): Keep it cool, keep it cool

A thought which makes Kyle wince. His coolness is coming across as total avoidance. A fact Jessi misinterprets.

JESSI: They all seem nice, except for Nate. I don't think he likes me.

KYLE: He does, (reassures her).

JESSI: He hasn't looked me straight in the eye even once. He glances at me as if I were a speck of dirt. (Then she pauses, eyes widen before she leans closer to Kyle and whispers), you read his mind? (For how else can he know for sure that Nate likes her?)

KYLE: Ah… (hating and not wanting to lie).

JESSI: Tell me, (she demands).

KYLE: Yes.

JESSI (grows impatient when he doesn't say more): And?

KYLE: It's private.

JESSI But it was about me.

KYLE: Just know he likes you but he's nervous. Hence his aloofness.

JESSI: Really? (She looks at Nate with new interest). What's he thinking now?

This after Nate glances up and notices her watching him whereby he scowls, glaring once again at Kyle rather than at her.

KYLE: I don't know, I'm not listening in and not going to, either.

JESSI (throws him a disgruntled look): You are a downer Doug-police like Josh and Lori said you were.

KYLE: I know what they say about me. Sorry if my principals of not wanting to invade someone's privacy irk you, and them.

JESSI: Fine, keep your principals. I'll find out for myself, (then boldly heads over to Nate's station).

KYLE (beneath his breath): That will make his day, (which Jessi hears).

JESSI (telepaths and taunts back): And I'm sure your principals won't let you listen in on what I'll be saying to him, either.

He tosses her a disgruntled feeling that lets her know she is right. What he does see and not hear is her charming her way into having Nate respond to her. Soon they are engrossed in their own private conversation.

JACKIE (comes up to him): I'm glad Nate's wised up. I was afraid he'd scare her off.

KYLE (smiles at her): Me too. I'm sure they'll get along fine.

JACKIE (frowns): He's still pretty hostile and nasty to you, though.

KYLE (shrugs): It doesn't bother me. I think it's all bluff.

JACKIE: Mmm. He does like to think he's smarter than the rest of us. Must gall/vex him to know he's no longer the smartest one here.

KYLE: Did he do something to offend you?

JACKIE (laughs easily): I sound that way don't I? No, he didn't. Just sometimes his high and mighty attitude needs adjusting. We're used to him, but he can be off-putting to newcomers, though.

KYLE: I noticed.

JACKIE (tilts her head inquisitively): So, any quirks about you we should know about?

KYLE: I sleep in a bathtub, (then mentally kicks himself), you didn't mean literally, did you?

She laughs.

KYLE: My social skills in small talk took a back seat while all I learned all my life were facts and figures, (he skirts around the real truth about himself).

JACKIE: That's why you seem so shy, you're just taking in all our talk and analyzing.

KYLE: You noticed. You're very intuitive.

JACKIE: That's my quirk, along with talking to and singing to my plants. (Then it dawns on her). That's why tone patterns work! My voice. Why didn't I realize that before?

KYLE: Sometimes we know instinctively before we know it in our head.

JACKIE (looks at him with new respect): You've experienced that yourself.

KYLE (nods): I have.

JACKIE: Well, thanks.

Her far off look indicates, without him having to mentally cue in, that new thoughts are spinning inside her head. She walks off without saying anything more. Until she gets half say to her desk then twirls about and comes back to him.

JACKIE: Sorry, I'm shirking my social skills. I didn't mean to just walk off. You'll love it here and will fit right in. Both you and Jessi.

Kyle smiles at her as she pats his arm before heading back to her desk and her laptop.

Cut to Amanda in New York with her mom. Amanda arrives in their small studio apartment, tired from a long day at the conservatory. The studio is all they can afford. New York is so expensive and this was the closest to the conservatory.

She sees her mom in the corridor type kitchen cooking dinner. On the other side of the sink counter is a table and two chairs. The other side has a couch and chair with a small alcove with a double bed and night-stand. When she first entered the apartment the bath room is on her left and a storage closet on her right.

AMANDA: Smells good. I'm famished.

CAROL: Have a seat and I'll bring it over.

AMANDA: Thanks, mom.

CAROL: Lots of homework.

AMANDA (groans as she sits down, placing her backpack on the floor beside her): As usual. I just wish I could have a piano here instead of having to practice at the conservatory.

CAROL (sounding defensive): Well, I don't have the money to buy a piano. And besides it won't fit this place.

AMANDA (quietly): I know, mom. I appreciate all what you've done for me.

CAROL (sighs then brings over two platefuls of food): I'm sorry; it's a touchy subject.

AMANDA (tilt upward of her lips): I understand.

CAROL (gives a rueful smile): Well, eat up. (She sets one of the plates of food in front of Amanda).

AMANDA: Mmm, my favourite, noodle casserole.

They smile then start eating.

AMANDA: Mom?

CAROL: Yes, dear?

AMANDA: How are we really for cash?

CAROL: Why? What do you need?

AMANDA: I have everything I need, (but they both knew that is a lie when Amanda avoids direct eye contact, what she needed and wanted is Kyle). Since that job fell through and wasn't what you thought it would be, we've just been living off the remainder of our savings, haven't we?

CAROL (picks at her food): I don't want you to worry.

AMANDA: How bad is it? I need to know, mom. I'll only worry more.

CAROL: Well, you shouldn't, that's my job.

AMANDA: We're in this together.

CAROL: The landlord was over, demanding rent.

AMANDA: We can't afford rent now?

CAROL: It's just this month.

AMANDA: And next month?

CAROL: I'm sure I'll find work, soon.

AMANDA (this time she's picking at her food): Mom?

CAROL: Why am I suddenly fearful of what you're going to say next?

AMANDA: Because you know me?

CAROL: Ah-huh.

AMANDA: Let's move back to Seattle.

CAROL: And what about the conservatory? Which by the way, is paid to term.

AMANDA: Which will do no good if we have to live on the street.

CAROL: It won't come to that. (She shoves her plate away from her).

AMANDA: Mom, (stares at the plate then at her mom), how much food is left?

CAROL (bites her lip, unwilling to say but Amanda doesn't back off): Oh, very well. One week's worth of food left.

AMANDA: So no food and no place to live if you can't find a job this week.

CAROL (heaves a teary-eyed sigh): Yes.

Amanda places a hand over her mom's hand.

AMANDA: Let's ask the conservatory for the rest of the money and use it for a flight back to Seattle.

CAROL: Then what? Then we really will be on the street!

AMANDA (bites her lip): You're not going to like what I'm about to suggest.

CAROL: Oh, no, (guessing what she has in mind), oh, no, I'm not taking charity, not from Kyle.

AMANDA: Or his mom? I'm sure they'll let us stay with them, (her mother is about to interrupt when she rushes on), until you find a job and then an apartment. Just until then.

CAROL: And what if it's months?

AMANDA (counters back): What's the alternative?

CAROL (dejection sets in): I feel like a failure.

AMANDA (caresses her hand): You're not, we've just fallen on hard times.

CAROL: We moved here to avoid danger and have better times.

AMANDA (takes her hand away): Mom, I have to tell you something.

CAROL (looks alarmed): What? You're pregnant?

AMANDA: Mom! No!

CAROL: Oh, sorry, I thought you and Kyle had, well, never mind.

AMANDA: Almost, I didn't let it go that far.

Her mom opens and closes her mouth.

AMANDA: But that's not what I was going to talk to you about. It was about yesterday. I was almost mugged. If I hadn't stuck out a foot to trip him, he would have assaulted me.

CAROL: Why didn't you say something? Did you report it?

AMANDA: Yes, I did and gave a description to the police officer but that was it. Funny, I feel more in danger here then I did back in Seattle.

CAROL: You were held at gunpoint!

AMANDA: But Kyle was there. I felt safe with him. Yes, I was afraid but I knew it was going to be all right because he was there.

CAROL: That doesn't make sense.

AMANDA: It does to me.

Suddenly they both jump as someone bangs on their apartment door.

CAROL: Stay here.

AMANDA: No way, two is better than one.

Carol lets her follow her to the door.

CAROL (calls out): Who is it?

MAN's VOICE (on other side of door): Open up!

CAROL: I'm calling the police!

MAN's VOICE: It's your landlord.

CAROL (opens the door a crack with her foot blocking as the chain on the frame was broken): You really should put a peephole in. I told you, I would have the money for you later in the week. I need to go to the bank tomorrow.

LANDLORD (glares through the opening): Don't you watch the news?

CAROL: The TV's broken.

LANDLORD: Then pay your rent!

CAROL: What's on the news? A special on harassing landlords?

AMANDA (to herself): Go, mom.

LANDLORD: The world's coming to an end!

CAROL: I'm sure it seems like it if you don't get paid by your tenants.

LANDLORD: Don't you even have a radio?

CAROL: I have a cell phone.

LANDLORD: Well, turn it on. The president is making an announcement. I want my money, lady. I'll be back tomorrow.

CAROL: Fine.

She shuts the door and locks it. At least the one lock isn't broken but it was hardly security. Anyone could kick it off it's hinges.

CAROL: Let's see what he's fussing about.

But her mom doesn't get her cell.

AMANDA: Mom?

CAROL: Do you have your cell on you, mine's charging.

AMANDA (eyes her mom when she avoids her gaze): You cancelled your cell?

CAROL: Just temporary. There's the pay phone in the hallway. It's ancient but at least it works.

Amanda pulls out her cell from her backpack and turns it on, searching for a presidential newscast. What they both hear shocks them both.

PRESIDENT's VOICE (coming from cell phone): The observatory in South Africa has discovered a star and it's revolving planet heading toward Earth. Although some scientists belief it will bypass the Earth, there are some who believe it won't. They believe it will directly collide with Earth.

PRESIDENT's VOICE (continues): Now, this could be a hoax and again it might not be. But because the stars will pass so close to Earth there will be definite repercussions on the Earth's tide as it comes within Earth's gravitational pull. Weather patterns will be severe. So, what the government's around the world will plan is two-fold. First, emergency centers will be placed throughout main cities. People living near the water are requested to move and evacuate within the year. There will be accommodations made for them. It won't be much but it will ensure their safety. Second, if the doomsayer's are correct, it won't matter what we do, the world will end. I don't believe it will but will be in touch with experts to analyze the situation and come up with ideas on how to prevent or save this star from colliding into Earth.

PRESIDENT's VOICE (cautioning): Remember, the world will continue as usual. Prices on everything will freeze. They will not go up until this crisis has passed. No one will be allowed to hoard. There will however be a curfew. Riots will not be tolerated. Please, I ask for everyone to keep calm, you will hear a lot of wails of end times and of sceptics rebuking those who fear the worst. I'm just telling you the facts. The facts at the moment is a star the astronomers have named Bellus, and it's planet Zira, are heading into our solar system in what seems to be at this time, very close to Earth, almost a direct path. I will keep you, the nation, informed. That is all.

Amanda and Carol look at each other in fear then hug.

AMANDA: Mom?

CAROL: Yes?

AMANDA: Let's go home.

CAROL: I'll get the remaining money from the conservatory and book the next flight out.

Amanda nods.

Cut back to the Trager house as the family is sitting in the living room, hearing the president speak.

LORI: That can't be true, can it? (She looks over at Kyle for confirmation).

JOSH: Can you sense it coming?

KYLE (gives him a look that says "Seriously, Josh?"): No. (Then glances at Lori). I've never studied astronomy.

JOSH: But you could and then know if what they said was true.

KYLE: Most likely. One of the Latnok centers has a telescope. I'll get in touch with them.

Jessi gets a call from Nate. They had started dating a few weeks after they both joined Latnok.

JESSI (speaks into her cell): I heard.

NATE's voice: Already? How could you, I just got the call.

JESSI: What call? I meant the news on TV.

NATE's voice: Oh, that. No, I heard the news too, but I think some of those astronomers exaggerated. Come on, the world ending? Not gonna happen.

JESSI: You know that for a fact?

NATE's voice: Well, most likely. The president just called us, Latnok. He wants all the brightest and smartest, aka, us, to work on the problem. Forget everything else but work on solutions in saving the world.

JESSI (glances over at Kyle): We're on our way.

KYLE (whispers to himself): Amanda. (Then he quickly sends her an email which she quickly responds back then he smiles at his parents). She's coming home.

NICOLE: That's great!

KYLE: Except, one small problem.

NICOLE: What's that?

KYLE: They'll need a place to live, temporarily until Mrs. Bloom finds work here.

He looks past her into the dining room.

Nicole and Steven turn to look too then at each other.

STEVEN: What are you thinking?

KYLE: I could make the dining room into a makeshift bedroom for them. Put up a wall and door and then just a chain over the swinging door that leads into the kitchen for privacy. (His look at them is one of entreating hope).

NICOLE (to Steven): What do you think?

STEVEN (sighs): To have Carol here under our roof, 24/7?

NICOLE: I know, it'll be tough but how can we say no?

STEVEN: Easy, no. (But then he looks at Kyle who on hearing him suddenly looks downcast). Okay, not so easy. (He heaves a sigh). What about you, Lori, Josh?

LORI: I'm okay.

JOSH: Great, more females hogging the bathroom.

NICOLE: Josh.

JOSH: Fine, fine. (Then he starts thinking). Andy! I gotta go call her!

He runs from the room and up to his bedroom.

Then he glances over at Jessi.

JESSI: You want my opinion?

STEVEN: You live here now, too.

JESSI: Amanda here 24/7? (She shudders but then catches Kyle's glance). I guess I can put up with her. Lori put up with me.

LORI: Still do, (but her smile takes any sting out of it).

STEVEN: Okay then. (He smiles and nods to Nicole and Lori then glances over at Kyle). What will you need?

Kyle writes down a list of supplies, wood, drywall and specific dimensions for a door.

STEVEN: I'll get them while you find out what the president wants.

KYLE: Thank you, Steven, Nicole.

Then he and Jessi leave for Latnok. From there, all the members and several university professors expert in astronomy, science, engineering, and other various fields, are bused to a private airstrip. They are then flown to Washington, D.C., NASA headquarters where the President will speak with them all. Worse case scenario, he wants to know how to stop and prevent this catastrophe from happening.

As Kyle and Jessi study the findings taken by the telescope and the pictures an astronomer downloaded, they find that his calculations were correct. Two worlds will collide!