Metroid: Mission Alpha

Episode 18: Never Alone

After a long battle against an evil creature, Samus and Alpha had restored peace to the planet Noctre. Now, they returned to HQ to tell the others what had happened and receive their next mission.

When Samus, Alpha, and the two Etecoons and two Dachoras came inside HQ, Michael, Tim, Carol, and Eta came over to them. "Samus! Alpha!" Tim said, "We were worried about you! We lost track of you while you were in Noctre's atmosphere. Apparently we can't get any readings from Noctre."

"Where did those Etecoons and Dachoras come from?" Michael asked, noticing the creatures.

"We found them captured in the Noctran Research Center," Samus replied, "and we freed them."

"You're hurt!" Carol exclaimed, "What happened?"

"It's a long story," Samus answered, "but I'll tell you all about it."

Everyone went to the medical room, where Carol examined Samus and Alpha's injuries. Samus told everyone about how Alpha and she had been captured by Dusk and Twilight, escaped with the Etecoons and Dachoras, and battled Subject 10. "That was quite an adventure," Michael said, "I had no idea such things were happening on Noctre. The distress signal must have been sent by the Noctran settlements because of the strange happenings."

"I'm just relieved that you two are all right," Carol said, "The good news is that all of your injuries are minor, and all you need is a little rest." She took out some medicine and put it on the scratch on Samus's left arm. "Fortunately, this scratch on your arm only scraped the skin and did not go through. This medicine will relieve the pain and help it to heal faster."

"I'm lucky Subject 10 wasn't on target there, or things would have been much worse," Samus said, "Thanks for your help, Carol. You're a lifesaver!"

"I do my best," Carol smiled.

Soon after, Samus and Alpha were in the main room with Michael and Eta, and the Etecoons and Dachoras. "I think Alpha and I should rest tonight," Samus said, "and tomorrow we'll return the Etecoons and Dachoras to Planet Zebes, if that's all right."

"Of course," Michael agreed, "The Eternal Orbs have all been put back where they belong, so Eterna and Noctre are peaceful again. You're all caught up, so this would be the best time."

"All right, then. Let's go, Alpha," Samus replied, and Alpha followed her out of the building, with the Etecoons and Dachoras. That evening the six of them rested in the Gunship, and in the morning they set off for Planet Zebes.

Samus recognized Planet Zebes the moment she saw it. Since Alpha and she had had time to recover and felt more rested, they were ready to move on. So she landed the Gunship in a wooded area of Planet Zebes. Everyone looked at the scenery after exiting the Gunship. The forest was filled with lush, exotic greenery, and colorful petals drifted slowly from the trees. It was beautiful and quiet, with only soft sounds coming from some native creatures; it was still night here. "This is the forest of the area of Planet Zebes known as Brinstar," Samus said, "This is where the Etecoons and Dachoras live."

Happy to be back in their home, the Etecoons and Dachoras ran off to find their friends. Samus and Alpha stayed behind; Samus wanted to stay a bit longer on the planet where she had once lived. She slowly walked ahead through the area, her mind reminiscing the planet's history, while Alpha followed. Soon they stopped in a spot where a lone tree sat, and a large rock was next to a pond. Samus noticed how beautiful the moonlight was, as it illuminated the dark night and reflected on the water's surface. Gazing at this scenery, she sat upon the rock, and Alpha sat beside her.

"Planet Zebes…it holds so many memories," Samus said softly. Alpha looked into her blue eyes, seeing a sense of sadness in them. "Alpha, I think it's time I tell you about my past. This planet is where I was raised for most of my childhood. It was once peaceful, but then evil creatures took over. Because of my efforts, peace has returned, but now it's more of a quiet stillness."

Faint concern in his red eyes, Alpha listened intently to what Samus had to say…he cared. "I was born in a space colony and first lived there with my parents," Samus began, "but I remember very little of the place, except for one tragic incident. When I was still very young, evil beings called space pirates and their leader, Ridley, attacked the colony. My parents protected me, but they did not survive the attack; nor did anyone else I knew. I was the only survivor."

"It was the Chozo race who found me alive in the ruins of my colony. They brought me to their settlement on Zebes and took me in as one of their own. I was infused with Chozo blood, which improved my physical abilities. I was cared for, raised, and trained by my new family. When I was ready, they built the Power Suit for me so I could defend the galaxy, as they believed I was destined to do."

"Once I had become an adult, I joined the Galactic Federation and became a bounty hunter to fight the space pirates. But, my first mission was on this very planet, where the space pirates had attacked. I found the Chozo settlement in ruins and no sign of any inhabitants. Just like my first family, my second family had been destroyed, and by the same culprits."

"So, I was sent on more missions afterward, traveling again to Zebes and to other planets, facing the space pirates, the Metroids, and other enemies, meeting-and losing-new allies. I narrowly escaped death countless times and watched as many of my friends sacrificed themselves so I might live. After one mission, I had trouble with the Galactic Federation, so I soon left them and joined the Interspace Federation."

Samus took a deep breath. "So, that's my story, Alpha. I just thought I should let you know about it while we're here." Alpha did not like seeing Samus sad. Affectionately, he nuzzled her cheek. She smiled and looked at him. "You know what? I've had three families throughout my life-first, my real parents, second, the Chozo…"

Alpha looked at Samus with a curious expression. "Alpha, you and everyone else at the Interspace Federation…you're my third family. You're my friends. You care about me no matter what happens, no matter what I've been through. With all of you around, it's as if my previous friends and families are still here with me. So…thank you for being there." Samus embraced Alpha, who smiled.

Just then, there was a chattering sound nearby. Samus and Alpha looked up to see a group of Etecoons and Dachoras running over to them, the Etecoons jumping up and down joyfully. Knowing this must be their way of saying thank you, Samus said, "You're welcome. We're glad we could help you reunite with your friends." The Etecoons and Dachoras looked back as they walked away, returning home. "Farewell," Samus said, watching alongside Alpha.

"Mission accomplished," Samus told Alpha, "Ready to go?" Alpha nodded. Both of them looked up at the sky, seeing that the sun was now rising. Its colorful beauty brightened the darkness of the night. Just like the sun brightens the darkest night, we all can find the brightest of lights even in the darkest of days, Samus thought, her smile widening, As long as Alpha and all my friends are on my side, I am never alone. Then Alpha and she headed back to the Gunship.

Once inside the ship, Samus moved it away from Planet Zebes. She looked at the familiar planet one more time while Alpha watched it grow more distant. "The Etecoons and Dachoras have been successfully returned," Samus told Michael through the CM, "Any new missions we should carry out?"

"It looks like your next destination should be Lavolca again. I'm picking up some more strange energy readings there."

"Going there now," Samus replied. Knowing that she truly was never alone, she set off toward the next adventure.

(Original story from April 2017)