Lestra stood at the bow of The Northern Star, peering out over the ocean. The rhythm of the wind and waves had a soothing effect on her as she watched the sunlight dance on the ocean.

Her thoughts were turned towards Tedra Nui, the home she had left some fifty years ago.

"I wonder how much has changed?" she thought. She thought of Tedra-Koro, the small island's one village, where she and her team had lived most of their lives, as Matoran and as Toa. She could see it as she remembered it; the stone buildings that wrapped around the island's bay, the two guard towers that stood guard at the harbor's mouth, the temple that stood above the village on the top of the island's mountain.

"Land ho!" came a call from up above. Lestra's heart jumped with excitement. She peered out over the ocean and smiled as a thin strip appeared on the horizon.

"Home," she said, "I'm finally home, but," her smile faded, "if only he were here to see it."

She sighed. "I can never forgive Onric for what he did," she thought, "but I have to accept that he's gone. Why can't I keep him off my mind?"

The suns were setting when the ship pulled into the harbor. The buildings glowed a dull orange as twilight engulfed the sky.

The three Toa Tedra left the boat and made their way down the dock. Lestra looked around at her home.

"It hasn't changed a bit," she thought, smiling to herself.

A shout came from down the largely empty street, and the Toa turned to see a figure running towards them. In the dim of evening, it was hard to tell who it was, but as he got closer, recognition dawned on the Toa.

"Tivari!" cried Lestra as she and Koth rushed to meet him.

Koth reached the Toa of Gravity first and caught him in an ash bear hug.

"You came back!" cried Tivari, as he returned the hug.

They released each other, and Tivari caught up Lestra. All three Toa were laughing aloud as Onric joined them. He smiled at his brother as he shook his hand.

"So," said Tivari, "how've you guys been?"

"Well," began Onric, "after we -"

"Before we get into any storytelling," interrupted Koth, "I say we go get something to eat. I could eat a Kikinalo right now."

"Sounds good to me," said Lestra. The four Toa made their way down the streets of Tedra-Koro and entered the Tedra Inn, run by an old Ba-Matoran named Dreni. Dreni was sitting behind his reception desk as he saw the Toa enter. A smile crossed his aged Rau.

"So the heroes have returned," he said. He gestured to the hallway where the inn's rooms were located. "Take Room 22 for the night," he said. "I suspect you four have a lot to catch up on and don't want anyone poking their masks into your little reunion. I'll bring you something to eat shortly."

"Thank you, Dreni," said Onric.

As they entered the room and were out of the gloom of the night, Lestra noticed something for the first time.

"Tivari," she exclaimed, "what happened to your arm?"

"There he is," said Redizic.

The four beings stood at the head of Wharf 14 where Jagrin had said their ship would be waiting.

"That's him?" asked Zorkek, a bit of bewilderment on his voice.

"Well, he's the only Steltian elite around," replied Cedrak.

The being they were referring to was carrying a pair of boxes onto his ship, though calling it a ship was a bit of an overstatement. Scarcely 40 feet long, its wooden siding showed a desperate need for new material. Its single mast sported an old sail whose edges were beginning to tatter.

And the captain himself was not any more promising. His armor was faded and, in places, rusty. One of eyes was dim, and he walked with a limp.

"Well, here's hoping," said Redizic, as he walked down the wharf. The others looked at each other and followed.

"Ahoy there," said Redizic as he approached the Steltian.

The being looked up. "What can I do for ye fine gentlemen?" he asked, a nautical twang on his voice.

"We're looking for a ship that can take us to Tedra Nui, and we were told you could help us," said Trell.

"Tedra Nui, eh?" the Steltian replied. "Well, it's a bit far outta the way. I'm bound for Metru Nui, ye see."

"Believe me," said Redizic, "I can make it worth your while." The Aquaton reached into his pack and removed a small bundle. He unwrapped it discreetly and showed the Steltian its contents.

"Mata Nui, bless me!" said the Steltian, surprise filling his face.

"So, do we have a deal?" asked Redizic, extending his hand.

"Consider it done, me friend," said the Steltian. "By the way, the name's Enguus."

"Redizic," said the Aquaton, "and this is Trell, Zorkek, and Cedrak. And the little guy on Cedrak's shoulder is Tahlis."

"Pleased to make yer acquaintance. Come on lads, help me load up the ship, and we'll be on our way."

"Which pile is yours?" asked Cedrak, looking around at the cargo stacked on the wharf.

"Everything from that post to the end of the dock," said Enguus, as he carried another pair of crates onto his ship.

"Somehow, I don't think this will all fit," said Zorkek, as he began rolling a wooden barrel down the dock.

"Hey, he's the captain," said Trell, "and he gives the orders."

"I just hope the boat doesn't sink in transit," said Cedrak. "That would be bad."

The others laughed as they began bringing boxes, crates, and all manner of cargo onto the ship. Enguus stayed aboard the boat and took it all below deck, but no matter how much they brought on, there always seemed to be more room. Finally, all the cargo was aboard.

"Alright lads, raise the gangplank, throw off the lines, and let's be on our way!" Enguus cried from the helm.

The Cedrak untied the ship and jumped aboard as Trell and Zorkek pulled up the wooden ramp. Redizic unfurled the sail and the ship turned to leave the harbor.

Once they were out in the open ocean, Enguus turned to the others and said, "Let me know when the harbor's outta sight."

Trell turned to Cedrak, a weary look in his eye. Cedrak nodded to his friend as he pulled out his bow and notched an arrow. The two of them walked to the ship's stern and watched the land pass by. Within a few minutes, the harbor's mouth had disappeared from view.

"The harbor's out of sight, Enguus," said Trell.

"Finally!" cried the Steltian. Cedrak whirled around, half expecting to see him pull out a weapon of some kind. However, the crimson being's attention was turned to the steering wheel in front of him. He grasped one spoke and pulled, and then another, which he turned. Finally, he grasped the center of the wheel and turned it. Immediately, Cedrak could hear the sound of machinery under the deck, and his bow fell to his side as he watched what was happening.

The sail rolled up all on its own and folded into the mast which then sunk beneath the deck. The steering wheel folded in on itself and then descended below the floor. A board rose up from the deck and flipped over, revealing a panel of buttons and switches. Finally, the ship's wooden exterior melted away as it changed from an old wooden sloop to a sleek metallic ship.

Enguus turned to his passengers and said, "My friends, welcome aboard the Silver Gate!"