Chapter Twelve
After a tour of the Phoenix (which they knew well from the simulator training) everyone but Sapphire ended up in the rec room. They all tried different games designed to take advantage of the weightless environment.
The missing member of the BFFL was, of course, on the science deck.
Using the telescope they showed her the comet close up. It was still pretty far away, but would be arriving in just twenty-eight days if they failed.
Finally joining the others they called home and checked in with their parents. In addition Sapphire called Jade.
"Boy, I'm jealous!" said the green-eyed troll with a smile, "I'm the one into astronomy, and you're the one up there with the space telescope!"
Sapphire laughed. "Next time we'll send you. I promise!"
"Take care, Saph," said Jade, suddenly serious.
"I will. See you soon," was the answer.
After the personal calls the Troll News Network had an interview with them. They insisted Shale get in on it as well. They tried to be reassuring, and told the audience to pay attention to the civil authorities and stay safe, just in case.
BFFL BFFL BFFL
On Ogre Island a familiar set of eyes was also watching the interview- Rhodochrosite the Ogre Mage. He had snuck back to the island after the failed attempt to take the magic from Trollhiti and kept a low profile. Keeping up with events was important to his plans, so he had all the modern communications equipment installed in his home. Many ogres did not like technology, but that would change after the Troll Nation fell.
Without his guidance the unrest among the ogre population had died out and relations with the Troll Nation had returned to normal. This was a setback, and he had found that many ogres were no longer interested in following him. He would have to try something else.
He had heard the rumors about a shooting star bringing disaster, but had dismissed them as superstitious nonsense. Now he knew better. And his surprise at who was going to try and stop it was strong. He glared at the TV as the five troll-girls were interviewed.
"So, these are the ones who defeated me, and they are the new Ancients. I wish I had known that before, I would have been better prepared," he thought. "But how did they find out?"
But before he could pursue that line of thought the plan for stopping the comet was explained and he listened closely.
"I will not interfere," he decided. He would wait until the Ancient's plan had been executed. If it failed he had time to go to his other home on the Mainland. Ogre Island would be in the zone of destruction, but he wasn't going to help others prepare. They had betrayed him and they could suffer the consequences, if any.
BFFL BFFL BFFL
The next day Shale led the way to the Phoenix. The preparations for its journey were long since completed; air, water and food for much longer than needed were stowed aboard, systems checked and rechecked, software upgraded where possible. The two spell beads had been secured, and one attached to the rocket that would carry it to the final position.
The departure was being broadcast over most of the TV channels across the world.
Shale led the way in and immediately went to the control console. Sitting down she flipped switches and powered up systems.
"Control, this is the Phoenix checking in," she said into the wireless headset.
"You're loud and clear, Phoenix," was the answer.
"I'm starting system checks, and we'll probably be ready to leave in about an hour," she said.
"Roger that, Phoenix, we're standing by," said Control.
The pilot turned her attention to a monitor showing system status.
Behind her, the rest of the crew came in and claimed the seats they had chosen before. They were wearing the space suits that would be their only clothes until they got back. The backpack was hung off the back of the chair, the helmet on a hook for that purpose above it.
"This looks just like the one we trained in," observed Topaz, looking around.
"Well, duh," Ruby rolled her eyes, "That's the idea."
Topaz shot her an angry look. "I know that! I was making a joke!"
"Okay, sorry," said Ruby.
"Let's not start out a trip where we'll be in each other's company for fifteen days by arguing," said Amethyst.
"Yeah, that would make the trip really fun," deadpanned Onyx.
Sapphire rolled her eyes at her friend's antics and went forward, looking out the port from behind Shale. The stars were bright, and the inner moon was at a three-quarter phase near the planet's horizon. Comet Trollzawa-Trollberger was above it, tail streaming to one side. A comet's tail is material blown off the nucleus by the sun, and always points away from it.
"You okay?" asked Shale, glancing up at the blue-haired girl.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I still can't believe we're doing this," she answered.
"What, saving the world again?" Shale smirked, "You know, if I had known you five would turn out to be Ancients, I'd have been nicer to you back in school."
"Back then, we didn't know either," said Sapphire. "I don't think we ever really thought about it."
Shale sat back. "Funny how life works. Mica conned you into upgrading his skoot by pretending to be interested in you. But you didn't let him get away with it." She smiled and looked up at Sapphire. "Me either."
"That part wasn't planned," was the answer, "It was his bad driving that ran him into the crowd, picked you up, and you both end up crashing into that taco stand."
Shale nodded. "And now look at us. It's five years later. Mica's dead and I'm piloting the five of you across space to a comet. Who'd have expected that?"
"No one," answered Sapphire, "The Ancients always told us that life was full of surprises." She looked out the port again. "When you look back, you can see the steps that led us here, but this was never a goal."
"Mmmm... actually, it kinda is..." said Shale, thoughtfully. "I always wanted to be a pilot, and you five were destined to be the new Ancients. That comet brought us back together. We wouldn't be here if we weren't what we are."
"I guess that's true," nodded Sapphire. "And you know, now that we've found each other again, we're going to stay in touch."
Shale smiled, a flush across her dark skin. "Thanks. Any time you need a pilot, you let me know." She looked at the comet.
"Phoenix, can I get a status check?" came the voice of Control over the radio, and Shale became all business.
"Ah, roger, control," she answered, "Internal systems are go, cargo stowed and crew aboard. The propulsion systems are having the final diagnostic. Estimate ten minutes."
"Thank you, Phoenix, Control standing by," came the voice over the speaker.
As Sapphire continued to stand by Shale, the other four kept themselves occupied. Ruby was on her phone, talking to Rock, while Onyx listened to tunes. Topaz was checking fashion updates and Amethyst talked to her mom.
"Better take your seat," Shale said to Sapphire. Then louder, "Okay, guys, we're ready to go!"
"About time," muttered Ruby, who had just finished talking to her long-time boyfriend.
"Control, this is the Phoenix, I'm releasing the mooring lines," Shale said.
"Roger that, Phoenix, and I know I speak for the entire world when I say, good luck!" was the answer.
"Thanks, control," she replied, "And I know I speak for the Ancients when I say we'll do our best!"
She got no objections from the girls behind her.
The Phoenix left the docking area and spent an hour moving away from the station. Through the port they watched as the comet lined up directly ahead of them.
"Turning on the propulsion system, stand by," Shale called to them. She flipped several switches.
Nothing seemed to happen for a moment, then they felt a slight push against them. The curve of the planet below moved out of sight, leaving the moon and the comet surrounded by stars.
"we're under way," announced Shale, "Arrival at the comet in five days."