TIME : 2:45 P.M.
PLACE : Still inside the Control Room
It was finally over. The reinforcements from M.W.G.D. arrived and quickly wiped out what was left of Kobie's army. Vloon and the others decided to stay inside the control room until the battle was over. This time, they dumped the surviving guard outside to make sure he didn't pull any more surprises.
"The battle is over!" X called out to them. "You can come out now."
Shawn opened the door and an ordinary looking dog rushed in.
"He came up to me shortly after I landed," X explained. "When the diamond was destroyed he must have returned to his normal size and color."
Vloon walked up to the dog and started petting him.
"What's going to happen to me?" he asked.
"He was the one who helped rescue me," defended Shawn.
"After what you did for the Earth, I'm sure we can work something out," X assured him. "We can relocate you on a planet of your choice so the Ruler won't be able to find you."
"I'd like to go to Triax," stated Vloon.
"I'm sure that can be arranged," replied X.
"There's still one problem left unsolved," Lisa began. "How are we going to get back to Earth."
"I'd like to talk to you about that," X said urgently. "When your ship was destroyed, the people of Earth mistakenly assumed you were dead. It will be hard for you to explain why you are still alive. Even if they do believe you there our other things to consider. The Ruler, Kobie's boss, is much more powerful than Kobie ever was. When he finds out what you have done, he will want revenge. He could destroy the entire planet just to destroy the four of you."
"It is better for you to remain hidden. If you agree to work for M.W.G.D., I will start you out at the rank of Lieutenant. There are thousands of inhabited worlds in this galaxy with technological advances beyond your imagination. If you join us, you can see all of it."
Peter, Hank, Linda, and Lisa thought about what X was offering them. It didn't take long for them to decide.
"I'd like to join the Milky Way Galaxy Defense," smiled Peter. "I've never been outside my own solar system."
"So would I," agreed Hank. "If the Ruler's anything like Kobie we can't have him terrorizing the galaxy."
"He's worse," Shawn remarked.
"Things were rather boring an Earth anyway," admitted Linda. "I'd be glad to join M.W.G.D.."
All eyes turned toward Lisa. Lisa thought about her status back on Earth. She was a millionaire. Someone other people looked up to. If she joined M.W.G.D. she'd be a nobody, a token Earthling from a relatively primitive planet. Then she remembered the bomb and how her love of material things almost got her killed. Maybe she needed to get away from it all and start over again. While she was trying to decide she suddenly realized that she could have the best of both worlds.
"I'll join M.W.G.D. on one condition," declared Lisa. "that you take us to Earth last time to collect our belongings."
"It's against my better judgement," X confessed. "but I'll do it."
"My turn to ask you for a favor," requested Shawn. "I'd like to hold a funeral service for Gary."
"You'd better hold it right now," X told him. "As soon as we leave the Earth-like atmosphere will disappear and Mars will return to normal.
Peter helped Shawn dig a small grave which would be Gary's final resting place. The grave was in the shape of a cross.
"Gary Smith wasn't perfect!" Shawn said on Gary's behalf. "He had a bad temper and didn't like working in a large group. He was gullible allowing Kobie to use him against us, but he was a true friend, loyal to the end. He gave his life so we could save the Earth."
The others comforted Shawn as he walked away from the grave.
"At least I won't be alone," sighed Shawn.
TIME : 6:00 P.M. (18:00)
PLACE : Lisa's mansion in Hawaii
X kept his promise and brought Peter, Hank, Linda, and Lisa to Lisa's mansion where they could pick up their belongings. Her servants were surprised to see Lisa return safe and sound. Her death was still being reported in newspapers all over the world.
Lisa told them her story and asked them to keep it a secret. If the word leaked out, the Ruler might come and attack them.
The servants helped them gather their belongings as quickly as possible. Lisa had always treated them well and they were more than happy to do one last service for her.
When everything was packed and on the ship, Peter, Hank, Linda, and Lisa took one last look at the grass and trees and flowers. They would miss Earth, but there were many other worlds to see with places just as beautiful.
"Why didn't Shawn come with us?" wondered Peter.
"Deep space is his home now," X replied. "He left Earth in the year 2001. The Earth he knew has long since disappeared."
"Which world will we visit first?" inquired Lisa.
"I was planning to go to M.W.G.D. Headquarters," X replied. "It's a mobile space station with people and cultures from all over the galaxy inside. It is going to be your new home and since it's mobile we can stop by other worlds and visit them."
The five of them left the solar system on their way to reunite with Shawn at M.W.G.D. Headquarters. They knew that their adventures were only beginning.
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