Metroid: Mission Alpha

Episode 50: Life Goes On

Here we are...the final episode!

Samus and Alpha had done it. After many missions, adventures, and trials, things came down to the final battle: Samus versus Master Silhouite on Venine. With the help of the legendary Brilliance Suit, Samus had managed to overpower Master Silhouite. In his peril the former villain saw his faults and was convinced to change his ways. Now, Venine was finally at peace again.

With Alpha leading them, Samus and Michael rushed across the landscape. He stopped in an area containing a few bushes, where Eta lay; and there, next to her, were two tiny newborn Snacanids. Their eyes were shut and they did not yet have fangs or claws. Though they had very little fur, it was already clear that one was dark grey like Alpha and the other was medium grey and white like Eta. The little pups made tiny whimpering sounds as they nursed; Eta looked down at them lovingly and her forked but gentle tongue licked them affectionately.

Samus and Michael grinned, and the latter knelt beside the new mother. "Congratulations, Eta," he said, "One male and one female, two additions to your pack." Then he thought for a moment. "I have the perfect names for them. The last two letters of the Greek alphabet have been missing from the pack, so why don't we call your son Psi and your daughter Omega?" Alpha and Eta both wagged their tails in approval.

Samus looked down at the new life that lay beside Eta. She was witnessing the miracle of life, something she would not have seen if not for her efforts. If she had not tried so hard to protect Venine, Alpha and many other Snacanids would have died, and Psi and Omega would never have been born. What began as a mysterious life form reading on Lavolca had ended in success.

"You did it, Samus," Michael said, "Thanks to you, Venine will be peaceful once again."

"We all did it," Samus replied, "I couldn't have done it without your help." All the other Snacanids from Alpha's pack came near just then, yipping and rejoicing over Samus's success and their two new members. The proud parents looked at one another cheerfully.

Over the next few weeks, Samus and Michael returned to HQ but also spent much time at Venine. They visited frequently, even bringing Tim and Carol to see the new babies once. They watched Psi and Omega grow; the pups' eyes opened and their fur, fangs, and claws grew in. Soon they were able to walk, run, and play.

After those few weeks had passed, Samus and Michael were visiting again. They watched as Psi and Omega playfully chased each other around. Eventually they, along with Alpha and Eta, ran over to Samus. She scooped up the squirming pups, who licked her cheeks cheerfully. She chuckled. "Your children are lovely, Alpha and Eta," she said. The Snacanid parents licked her, too.

"They like you," Michael smiled. Samus gave him Psi and Omega, and Alpha and Eta went over to him, where the four creatures licked him. "And they like me too!" he chuckled.

Soon after, Psi and Omega looked at Samus, their tails wagging and their bodies jumping a little. "Ready to play, are you?" she asked. The pups turned and ran playfully. Little did they know what they were up against! Since they were not fully grown, they couldn't run as quickly as adult Snacanids, and this woman was an incredibly fast runner. When she chased after them, she was able to catch them easily.

"How about you, Alpha and Eta?" Samus asked the pups' parents, who had followed the chase. They turned and ran in the same way; over the rocky terrain the five of them went, with Psi and Omega scampering behind. Even though the adult Snacanids were swifter than the young ones, Samus was still able to catch up to them. Now the three of them rolled onto the ground beside where Michael stood, and the two young Snacanids caught up a moment later.

At that moment, a light caught Samus's eye. She stood up and looked over to find an unusual sight in the Canyon area: the sky was colorful and growing light! "A sunrise?"

"That's right," Michael replied, "Though it's usually night in the Canyon area, on a rare occurrence the sun will come out for 24 hours."

"It's beautiful," Samus remarked. For a few minutes she stood staring at the gorgeous display with her friends. The other Snacanids from Alpha's pack also came to view the sunrise. It was like a sign that no more danger would come to Venine. Then, a look of sadness showed in Samus's eyes as she looked down at Alpha. "Alpha…it's about time for us to go." Alpha tilted his head, soft red eyes fixed on his friend.

"Psi and Omega should grow up in their natural habitat, and they need their parents to be with them to raise them." Samus glanced over at the two pups, who were playing together. "Now that Venine is peaceful again, you and Eta should stay here in your true home. Besides, there is always work to do at HQ, and a new mission will surely come up for me soon. I know we enjoy one another's company but, I want to do what's best for you." Alpha looked sorrowful but he nodded, understanding.

Samus and Alpha looked up when they heard howling. In the shining light of the sunrise, the rest of Alpha's pack, including Eta, Psi, and Omega, howled in unison with their heads lifted to the sky. Samus looked to Michael for an explanation. "They're cheering for you and Alpha, Samus," he explained, "the heroic team that saved many lives."

Samus's blue eyes softened when she turned back to the Snacanids. The beautiful sunrise, the "cheering" of the Snacanids, the bittersweet goodbyes…all of it touched her heart. Dropping to her knees, she embraced Alpha and he leaned into her. "Alpha…you've been such a good ally for me. After all we've gone through together, we emerged victorious. I'm so glad that I met you and got to know you. We made a great team. I know you and Eta will do a wonderful job raising Psi and Omega now. Thank you for everything." With tears in both their eyes, Alpha licked Samus one last time.

Michael went over to Eta and petted her head. "Thank you for your help with my research, Eta. You did a wonderful job." Then he turned to Samus. "Ready to go?"

Samus nodded, let go of Alpha, and petted his head before standing up. Before Michael and she entered their ships, she said, "We'll visit again someday. Farewell, and good luck with everything." All the Snacanids yipped in response. Then Samus and Michael entered their ships and started them up. As the Gunship slowly drifted upward away from Venine, Samus ran to one window and looked down at the Snacanids, who watched her ship leave. Alpha ran in front of the others and looked up sadly. When Samus gazed down at him, she noticed that tears were running down her face.

In the days that followed, life went on at HQ and Samus reflected on her adventure. Alpha taught me something that no one else could have. He loved me for who I am with no regards to my past or my faults. He was someone who truly cared about me. He was more than just an ally; he was a friend. If we look for the good in others instead of focusing on their faults, life will be better for all. Even in the darkest times, we can find a light shining within. I'll miss you, Alpha, and I'll never forget you. We'll see each other again, I promise, but until then…see you next mission.

(Original story from September 2018)

Wow, I actually finished this series! I usually lose interest in series long before they're complete, so this is only the third one I've ever finished! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed Metroid: Mission Alpha. Thanks for reading! :)

The End