Even for the ones who were warriors at heart, it was a little dead. Paralyzed bodies were all over the streets of Omen. Victory was won at a high cost.
Most of the city was assembled at the launching bay because it was clear from all sides, and most of the city’s power was cut off to the surface. The people were shocked to see Starcutter coming down. It landed, with the people in awe because they had never seen a space ship other than Fire-Bird, and most hadn’t seen it up close.
Finally, its landing stairs came down as the door opened. Steve and Kimberley walked down the landing ramp.
“Glad you could make it,” said Maurice.
“Do you have to leave so soon?” said Markell. “We can learn so much about each other.”
“Well, not just yet. Listen, I want you people to use Fire-Bird wisely. It can travel faster than light and can take you pretty far. Remember what I said. Use it to take the rest of that antimatter into space and blow it up. That stuff is dangerous.”
“I will make it our first priority as soon as I can get a crew together. We have to train and rebuild,” said Markell.
Sometime later, as the Karpenters were all assembled to celebrate their victory, Terri came to Maurice to confront him.
“We’ve finished our mission. Now I want to return home.”
Maurice had almost forgotten. Then Brian shocked him, “I want to return to Earth too. We’ve been out in space all this time, and I, for one, think it’s too dangerous. I want my life back and I miss my family.”
Maurice was outvoted. The only way to get them back without a year of space travel was through the warps that Duhbe and Merek could create.
He thought, No one’s magic on the ship is strong enough to hold the warp open . . . except maybe Robert. Hmmm . . . What if Robert and Tasha’s magic worked together? That just might do it.
* * *
Tasha and Robert held Duhbe and Merek about ten feet apart from each other as the other Karpenters watched.
There was an electrical-like energy flowing between both carpets. The energy kept building up. You could feel the magic. Tasha recited her spell.
“Space, time, time, space, these two are ready to leave this place. Open up for what you’re worth and send these warriors back to Earth!” With that, a circle of energy appeared between both carpets.
It ripped through time and space. There was a tunnel of energy, and on the other side, they could see a park back on Earth. There was an old man sitting on a park bench.
“Wow,” Terri said, “that’s my grandfather. That’s Cherry Park. I can go home!”
She started walking toward the portal. Natalie and Linda stopped her and gave her a group hug. Then Brian walked to the portal.
Maurice had to have the last word, “Brian, you’re my best scientist . . . I . . . ”—he tried not to cry—“I’m gonna miss you.” He hugged him.
“I’m your top scientist now,” said Tony.
“No, this is the OG right here,” said Maurice. “When you get back, Terri, I want you to make sure Brian gets to his people. You got that?”
“I will, Captain,” Terri said with a salute.
Joseph and Linda both said to Brian, “Hava nagila hava.” And then Terri and Brian went through the portal. Everyone could tell it was about to close.
Maurice had taken the letters off their uniforms as the magic wore off, and Brian and Terri’s clothes changed instantly to what they were wearing when they both started their trip to space two years ago.
They were both happy to be going home. As the portal was closing, Maurice said to Robert, “Do you want to go back to Earth too?”
The portal closed. Robert went over to Maurice. “No.” He looked at Tasha. “My place is with the Karpenters. If it’s not too much trouble, I would be honored to serve with you.”
Dena chimed in, noticing Maurice had two letters, “Maurice, please make me a Karpenter too. I’ll do anything to leave this planet. I want to be with you, guys.”
Maurice looked at the magic letters. Then he gave Dena Brian’s letter, and to Robert, Maurice gave Terri’s letter. Their uniforms popped on instantly. They recited the Karpenter’s oath, then Maurice spoke.
“You two have proven yourselves to be more valuable than gold. I’m proud to have you serve with me.”
Dena kissed her uncle Markell goodbye. “Sorry, I can’t stay for the rebuilding, but this is the trip of a lifetime.”