by JN Chaney
“You’re sure they’ll work?” asked Terry.
“Sophie is, which means Mei is, which means I am,” he said.
“Good,” said Terry. “Then it means I am, too.”
******
“Stay still,” said Mei, holding the inoculation to Lena’s arm. The good doctor had assured her that the medicine would allow her to breathe the air, but her fears were getting the best of her. “Take a second if you have to. Relax.”
Lena Sol nodded, trying to calm herself. “I’m ready,” she said, extending her arm.
Doctor Curie stuck the injector into Lena’s arm. She felt the sting, but it lasted only a moment. “There.”
Lena felt her heart racing. “How long until I can remove my mask?”
“Sophie will tell you,” said Curie. “Go sit over there and wait a bit.”
Lena did as she was told, resting on the ground as she waited. Would she really be able to breathe the atmosphere after this? The very idea of it seemed impossible.
“You okay?” asked Terry, walking over to her side.
“As soon as this is done, I will be,” she answered.
He joined her in the grass. “Don’t worry. Sophie said they did this to a few other people from Everlasting and it worked fine.”
“Of course,” said Lena. She knew what he said was true, but still, the anxiety persisted.
“Maybe you’re worried you’ll be like me,” said Terry, a bit of humor in his voice. “It’s scary, I know.”
“No,” she said, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. “This is what I want. It’s good.”
“It is,” he agreed.
She smiled, and felt herself relax a bit. “Thank you.”
Sophia Mitchell joined them a moment later, a digital pad in her hand. “Are you ready?” she asked.
“I am,” answered Lena.
“When you remove the mask, you may find it difficult to breathe for a few seconds, but don’t worry. That is normal. Your airways will open and promptly adjust.”
Lena nodded, then took her finger and hooked it behind the back of her mask. She looked at Sophia Mitchell for confirmation.
“Go ahead,” said the woman.
“You’ve got this,” Terry told her. He placed his hand on her knee. “And I’m here with you.”
“Okay,” she said, and removed the mask at once, accidentally dropping it.
She felt the thickness of the air as it entered her nose and mouth, tasting the bittersweet aroma. She gasped, unintentionally, and took the air in, nearly choking.
The air caught in her throat, stuck for a fraction of a moment, and then it all opened.
She gasped, suddenly, and breathed a deep breath, as though for the first time.
The gas filled her lungs, burning only a little, and then not at all. She coughed, licking her lips and wiping her eyes. “Oh!” she exclaimed.
Sophia Mitchell regarded her, tapping her pad. “Another successful transition. Congratulations.” She turned and went to her next patient, a young middle-aged man.
“Are you okay?” asked Terry.
“I…” Lena’s voice trailed as she inhaled the unfamiliar air which only moments ago could have killed her. “I think I am.”
He gave her a knowing smile. “How is it?”
She closed her eyes, breathing again. The air no longer tasted bitter, no longer smelled of poison. Now, it was different, almost sweet. How had it changed so quickly? “It feels…good,” she said, happily. “I don’t know why.”
“It’ll get better,” he told her. “The more time you’re in it, the more you live in it, it’ll get better.”
“Truly?” she asked.
“Wait and see for yourself,” he told her.
“I think that I shall,” she said, looking out across the crowd. “I think I would like that very much.”
******
Hux arrived in the late morning with a cloudless sky. The winds were strong on the journey to Everlasting’s shore, so he found his way faster than expected.
Terry was relieved at this, for he had missed his friend, and looked forward to see him again.
The wavemaster set his crew to helping where extra hands were needed. These were capable and strong sailors with a penchant for work, and a strength that only the sea could give.
“Where is Ludo?” asked Hux, after seeing the crowds of Everlastians. “What of Ysa? Has everyone survived?”
“The two of them are fine, but there were problems,” explained Terry, and he went on to tell him of Jinel’s sacrifice.
A long frown formed on the sailor’s face. “I’m sorry, my friend. She was a good warrior.”
“She was,” he repeated. “We’ve lost too many.”
“What of the cargo?” asked Hux.
“Leave it for now. We’ll figure out what to do with it later.”
They found Ludo a while later, giving instructions to several Everlastians. He was trying to explain how to build a fire, among other things. “Ah, Hux!” exclaimed the farmer, once had saw his friends approach.
Hux beat his chest and Ludo returned it. “Good to see you, kind Ludo.”
“You as well!”
“What are you doing over here?” asked Terry.
“Tora Ken is asking about fire, while little Jora Zur wishes to know about the local animals, and Sidda Mes says—”
“I want to know about the plants,” interjected a small girl. Her mask was off, which meant she’d already gone to see Mei and Sophie.
“Yes!” said Ludo, chuckling. He beat his chest. “Everyone has questions, so I am trying to give answers.”
“How is the farmer doing?” Hux asked the crowd.
“He’s very knowledgeable,” answered an older woman.
“Better than anyone else we’ve talked to,” said a man.
Ludo laughed. “They flatter me, these kind people.”
“I think, dear Ludo, you might have a talent for this,” remarked Hux.
“What’s that?” asked Ludo.
“He means teaching,” explained Terry. “I agree, too. You seem pretty good at it.”
The farmer laughed, waving them off. “You go too far, my friends, but thank you! I only wish to help.”
******
Mei and her team worked for days, almost nonstop, in an effort to inoculate every surviving Everlastian citizen. As expected, there were a small handful of complications, but no fatalities or serious damage, much to her relief.
By the twelfth day, they’d dispensed doses to nearly everyone. It had taken the entire sum of her team’s energy, including Zoe, Bartholomew, Sophie, Tabata, and the nearly three dozen personnel sent by Central to assist. Between everyone, including the Blacks and Hux’s crew, they found a way of getting the job done, however clumsily, and somehow it worked.
The Everlastians who had already been dosed also pitched in, offering their assistance. Mei was reserved to take it, but she had little choice. The decision turned out to be a good one, as many of the former citizens showed some aptitude for regulated tasks.
Later, when she could step away, allowing herself to delegate the bulk of her work to Sophie and the others, she found John and Terry and stepped away with them, heading quietly to the beach for a much-needed break.
They sat in the sand, staring out into the waves. John wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close to his chest, and gently rubbing her back. It calmed her, and she smiled.
They lingered there together for a while, enjoying the quiet moment as only old friends can.
Behind them, a mighty fire had grown, blazing further down the beach. Ludo’s doing, of course. They could hear his jolly laugh all the way down here.
“Should we join them?” asked Terry.
“Maybe in a bit,” answered Mei. “Let’s wait a bit.”
“I’m with the squirt here,” said John.
She punched him in the stomach. “Watch yourself, Giant.”
Terry laughed. “We can stay as long a
s you guys want.”
“Not that it matters,” said John.
“What’s that?” asked Mei.
“Well, when we’re done, we can all go home. No more of this craziness. Not for a while, anyway.”
“Oh, yes,” said Mei, relieved to hear it. “I could use a vacation.”
“Maybe we can spend some time in Central. It’s been a long time since we had a good night at the plaza.”
“Pepper Plaza? That’s right. There’s the café you like,” said Mei.
“Virgil’s Diner,” John reminded her. “They’ve got the best soy burgers in the city.”
Terry laughed. “Some things never change, I guess.”
Mei sunk into John’s arms. “Some things do.”
“Yeah,” said John, looking down at her with that innocent, but strong expression. Oh, how warm it made her feel to look into those eyes. How at home she felt, even on another world.
“I guess they do,” said Terry, smiling at them both.
“What about you?” asked John.
“Me?” asked Terry.
“You must be excited to go home after all this time. Oh, man, wait until you see what’s happened. We’re not even in the city anymore. There’s outposts all over the surface,” said John.
“That’s amazing,” said Terry.
“Plus, you’ll finally get to choose a last name,” added John. “You must have something good picked out by now.”
The notion surprised him. He hadn’t given a surname much consideration since he was marooned on this world. Now that he thought about it, he wasn’t even certain he wanted one. “Not really,” he finally answered. “But I’m open to suggestions.”
“How about Terry Finn?” asked John, chuckling. “We could be brothers.”
Mei shook her head. “John, that’s silly. He has to choose a name he likes. Something with meaning.”
“How did you choose yours?” asked Terry.
“I named myself after a scientist,” she explained. “Someone that inspired me.”
“Boring,” said John, faking a yawn.
Terry looked at him. “What about you?”
John grinned. “Huckleberry Finn is my favorite book.”
“Here we go,” said Mei.
“A book?” asked Terry, blinking. “Didn’t we read that at the Academy?”
John nodded. “Sure did. It was the best.”
“So, wait, does that mean you named yourself after—”
“A fictional character,” finished Mei, rolling her eyes. “Don’t get me started.”
“Ignore her, Terry. She’s just jealous, naming herself after some boring biologist.”
“Chemist and physicist, actually,” corrected Mei.
“Same thing,” said John.
“Still, those are both great names,” said Terry. He looked out into the ocean, staring at the flowing waves, quietly reflecting.
“What’s wrong, Terry?” asked Mei.
“It’s nothing important,” he said.
“Hey, come on,” she insisted, and sat up. “It’s been a while, but I can still tell when something’s bothering you. Tell me what it is.”
Terry twisted his lip. “It’s a lot to think about, that’s all.”
“What is?” asked John.
“Going home. Everything. I don’t know what to think or how to feel about it. It’s just—”
“You aren’t sure?” asked John. “But you’ve been marooned here for years. Don’t you wanna leave?”
“I used to. Believe me, I wanted to get back there more than anything. I hated it here. The animals, the forests, the lack of food, being totally alone, but—”
Ludo let a loud whoop loose, his voice echoing along the shore, and the whole crowd laughed around the fire. The massive farmer clapped his hands as Hux and the other sailors beat their chests.
Terry smiled at the sight. The farmer looked happier now than he had in months. It filled Terry with so much joy. “I guess what I mean is…I’m okay now.”
“It’s alright, Terry. We get it,” said Mei.
John looked at each of them, confused. “Hey, speak for yourself. What are you talking about?”
Mei smacked his knee. “He’s got friends here. Pay attention.”
“What about us? We’re your friends, too,” said John.
Terry raised his hands, defensively. “Hey, hey, I’m not saying I won’t come back. I just don’t know if I’m ready to leave yet.”
“What else would you do?” asked Mei.
“Hux offered me a post on his ship. I was thinking about getting out there. You know, seeing the world. There’s a lot more here than there is back home.”
“That’s true,” admitted John, sighing. “There’s not much else back on Earth except monsters and rocks, although we haven’t gone too far yet.”
“I’m sure that’ll change once Mei cures everyone,” said Terry.
“Not me,” she said, shaking her head. “That was all Sophie.”
“The girl’s got skills,” said John.
“She learns from the best,” said Mei, smiling.
They all laughed.
“You have to promise, if you do this adventuring thing or whatever it is, that you’ll come home and visit,” said John.
“I will,” said Terry.
“That’s right,” said Mei. “Don’t make us come find you again. It was hard enough the first time. I had to rip a hole in the universe, in case you two forgot.”
“You gonna keep bragging about that for the rest of our lives?” asked John.
“I just might,” warned Mei. “It was a pretty big deal.”
******
After days of celebration, Hux agreed to return to Tharosa with several Everlastians, including Lena Sol. Together, they would meet with the queen to open official trade discussions and request additional provisions and assistance in establishing a new village.
Ludo agreed to stay with the survivors, who seemed in desperate need of his help. He offered his guidance on fishing, hunting, and planting crops, new skills that the Everlastians would have to know if they hoped to survive this new world.
Additionally, the orinchalium cargo was left behind in order to help establish a new colony. The survivors would need the precious metal to forge weapons and housing. There were still several other automated Guardians patrolling the border, and they would need to be destroyed in time.
As for Terry, he would act as an ambassador of Earth, joining Hux and Lena on a journey overseas. It was decided that the show of unity between their three countries would go a long way in laying the future groundwork of a treaty. Terry was just happy to be at sea with his friends.
John and Mei watched from the shore as the boat set sail, waving. “Make sure you call us when you get there!” yelled John.
Terry smiled, returning the motion.
He clicked a small device in his palm, something John had given him to help them stay in touch. It was of Everlastian design and used the only remaining satellite in orbit to communicate directly with the Red Door. This way, John had said, they could remain in constant contact. Terry was happy to have it, because it meant his friends would never be more than a phone call away. It was the greatest gift he could have asked for. “John, do you hear me?” he asked, speaking into the device.
“Loud and clear,” responded his friend.
“Can you do me a favor whenever you get back to Central?” asked Terry.
“Sure thing. Whatcha need?”
“Get a message to my mother,” said Terry. “My sister, too, if you can. Tell them I’m okay. Tell them I’m happy.”
He could see John smile, far across the waves. “Of course I will. You got it.”
“One more thing,” said Terry. “If you don’t mind.”
“Anything,” said John.
“I decided on a name last night. I stayed up late thinking about it, but you’ll have to tell me if it’s any good. You want to hear it?”
“Oh
man, you know I do,” said John.
Terry took a long breath, surprised at how nervous he was. He’d never given himself a name before. “It’s Echols,” he finally said. “You think that’s okay?”
“After your mother?”
“That’s right,” he answered.
“I think it fits you,” said John. “Terry Echols.”
“Tell her for me, okay? Tell her I’m sorry I couldn’t come home yet, but I hope to see her again soon. Tell her this name is for her and everything she did for me.”
“I’m sure she’ll appreciate it,” said John.
“One last thing,” said Terry. “I want you to find Janice, my sister, and check up on her. See how she’s doing. You don’t have to tell her about me or anything. I just want to know if she’s okay.”
“I will, Terry,” said John. “You have my word. I promise you I will.”
The ship left the bay, slipping through the opening in the great wall and entering the sea. Terry watched until he could no longer see the beach, until the figures faded into a distant haze and all that was left was the sea. “Goodbye,” whispered Terry, but kept staring at the horizon.
“We’ll see them soon enough,” said the girl beside him.
He turned to look at Lena smiling at him in the Variant air. “I know we will,” he answered. A hard wind blew, tossing his long hair. He glanced down at the device in his hand. “They’re not so far away anymore.”
“No, they’re not,” she said, placing her fingers on his. “But the road ahead will be long. There is much to do.”
“Enough for a lifetime, I hope,” Terry Echols answered, looking out across the sea, toward the rising suns.
Lena Sol smiled. “Maybe even for two.”
EPILOGUE
The auditorium was silent as the professor concluded her lecture. The middle-aged woman, the most respected and prominent figure in all of Central, stared out across the nearly two hundred graduate students, each of whom looked on with fascination.
“There you have it,” she told them, flicking her nail as she glanced up at the holographic display—a transcript of an old journal entry. “The complete history of the Second Jolt and the early years of the subsequent Variant Expansion.”
“Thank you very much, Professor Curie,” said Professor Milton. “Does anyone have any questions? Please, students, it’s not every day that you have the chance to talk with such a prominent figure.”
