Maria is happy to hear that the negotiations between King Sao-Reyne and the IP Security Forces go well and the IP Forces begin their retreat from Fhetat space.
The entire conflict has taught her something; spending time with the Earthlings has made her eager to return to her home planet. Growing up on Druont wasn’t nearly as difficult as one might imagine, she was young when she left Earth, and though she missed her mother at first, the feelings eventually faded thanks to time and the chemicals that her adoptive father used on her to ease the transition to life on an alien planet; these chemicals were responsible for her mind-control abilities. But since she first went to receive the ship of Representative Eakran when she was stationed on Oin all those months ago, she has met Alia, Giovanni, and Darker who quickly became a very close friend to her. She’d also met Kevin, Ivan, Clay, and Desperation once the forces fighting with the Fhetat managed to break the IP’s hold on them. Being around Earthlings made her ache for home and she wondered if her mother still lived in the same house in the mountains of North Carolina.
Immediately after the war ends, Maria goes to the Fhetat to celebrate with Whadgaf, the Queen Ravileth, Kal, Eakran, and the Kings. The other Earthlings are there as well and eventually the woman Alia arrives. Everyone, even those who don’t know who she is, are happy to see her and something about her presence seems to complete the celebration.
When they are alone, Alia hugs her.
“I did what you said,” Maria says.”I stayed alive.”
“I knew you would. I should tell you about Darker, I know the two of you got close after you met out here.” Alia has a lot of sympathy in her eyes as she says this. “Darker is gone. He’s dead.”
“I thought he couldn’t die?” Maria says angrily and it is obvious that she is hurt. “How is that even possible?”
“He chose it for himself,” Alia says. “He found a way to leave his body. It’s still on Eel, but his soul is gone.”
Maria nods. It’s what he wanted. Living forever seems like a gift until you have it.
“I guess we all got our happy endings,” Maria says with tears streaming her face.
Alia puts an arm around her.
“It’ll be alright. Where are we going after this?” Alia asks, trying to lift the mood.
“Druont. Eakran and I are eager to see our world. And then I want to go back to Earth. I’m ready for that.”
Alia smiles at her and Maria is content. It is never easy to lose someone, but it is always good to know that there is someone there who cares when you need them.
“I’m so glad this is all done,” Maria says with a sigh looking out over the levity of the large room of castle Cras-myne in S16 of the Fhetat.
They sit shoulder to shoulder. Both very happy to be alive and well.
PRL Serials 