Chapter 21.
– The preparations are going great. We could make the trip possible in a week – John was telling them.
Orion and Arabella sat in front of the screen, happily watching John and the rest of the NASA team.
– Buttt... there's one problem – John continued disappointedly.
– What kind of problem? – Orion snapped out of his daydream and quickly asked.
– Unfortunately, the trip still isn't very safe for you. You might not even survive it.
– Why wouldn't we survive? – Arabella jumped into the conversation.
– Because here on Earth, we have a lot more oxygen to breathe. It helps us survive. In space, there's much less oxygen—it's like a vacuum. We couldn't survive without equipment, but for you, it's enough because your bodies are structured differently than ours. Thanks to numerous space missions in our history, we have the gear that helps us survive. But for you, this is the first time doing something like this. We don't know how your bodies, used to much lower oxygen levels, will handle entering a planet that has it in abundance. We suspect it will negatively affect you. We think you won't survive because your lungs can't handle it.
– What about the equipment that would help us survive, just like it helps you in space? – Orion asked.
– That equipment would act like an antidote. We'd have to create something that works opposite to ours, which is more difficult and requires more work. To do that, we'd need to analyze your bodies, which means it could only happen on our planet. We have the devices and equipment for analysis here. The development would also take time. We can't risk leaving you on Earth longer than a week.
– Could you come to us and perform the analysis there? – Orion continued.
– That's not feasible because we have many specialized devices we can't transport on a rocket.
– Then we could come to you and stay while the analysis is done, and immediately return once it's finished? – Arabella suggested.
– That's not safe either. Coming to our planet, the sudden large amount of oxygen could kill you instantly.
There was a brief pause as both sides took time to think.
– We will make the trip regardless, no matter the cost! – Orion answered decisively, after consulting with Arabella.
– Are you really sure you want to make this trip?
– Absolutely sure! We have nothing to lose.
– If you don't survive, your body analysis will help us find a solution. That solution will connect Earth and space in the future, allowing other species to travel safely – Arabella said.
– Then it's as you say. We'll continue preparations. You'll receive final instructions in the coming days.
– Alright – Arabella replied.
– Will you come to get us? – Orion asked.
– We will meet you, but another team will come to pick you up.
– Okay.
***
Arabella and Orion were finishing their final preparations for the trip to Earth. They only needed to send some data related to the planet Syrinx, so NASA could use it for their Space Museum. As they carefully typed and edited the document with the data, the doorbell rang. Orion immediately left his room and went to the entrance door. He was surprised because he rarely ever had visitors. Due to his closed-off and cold nature, as well as his arrogant attitude, creatures seldom came to see him. Curious, he opened the door and found before him a short, elderly female creature. His heart stopped. He immediately looked into those well-known almond-shaped brown eyes, filled with warmth and love. Finally, after so many years spent waiting and hoping, he was standing in front of his mother. Her face was covered with numerous wrinkles, shaped by all those years of suffering and pain. It had lost its glow but had not lost its beauty and cheerfulness. That was how he had always remembered her. She had preserved it despite the many worries and hardships that had followed her. She had always been strong. Seeing him, she curled her thin lips into that motherly smile, full of love and warmth. Dimples appeared on her rosy cheeks and illuminated his being and soul with the warmest light.
– Orion, my son – he heard her clear voice again, calling him her son just like long ago, and he immediately felt a longing in his heart.
– Mother! – he hugged her tightly.
Now he was much taller than his mother. When he was a child, her embrace was his protector and comfort. And every time when his father was in front of them abusing them. In his embrace, she felt that now he was her protector. Her tears soaked his shirt.
– How did you grow up so fast – she said crying, with a deep nostalgia behind those words.
– I did, mom. Now I'm your big son who can fully protect you – he barely spoke, feeling his eyes sting a little.
– Come in, mother, this is my home – he invited her inside.
Orion sat opposite his mother while she was still wiping her tears. When she finally composed herself, she spoke with a warm voice:
– How are you, son?
– I'm great, mom, don't worry! How are you?
– I'm fine.
– I'm glad to hear that. I hope you have recovered from everything that happened to you?
– I did... but you've already grown up. Unfortunately, I missed important parts of your childhood.
– That's okay, mom, I understand you.
– How did you handle it all?
– Well, I managed somehow. I'm strong.
– You can't be strong with him.
– I somehow got through it with him. Have you heard he's in prison now?
– No. Why?
– They finally uncovered all his murders.
– How?
– I'll tell you later. How do you feel after hearing this?
– Fine, but it feels wrong to feel this way because he was still my husband.
– He wasn't your husband. Not at all. He was a monster and not the kind you deserve.
– But... – hesitation could be heard in her voice.
– No buts. Now you're safe and he's probably locked away forever in those cells. I doubt they'll ever release such a criminal again – he said.
The conversation was interrupted by Arabella's arrival. She was somewhat surprised by the unexpected visit. She greeted the unfamiliar elderly woman, then stopped, looking at Orion. His mother was watching her with a smile.
– Mom, this is Arabella. Arabella, this is my mother Matilda.
– Mom! Oh, my respects. I'm Arabella, pleased to meet you – she extended her hand, surprised.
– Mom, she's my girlfriend! – Orion said decisively.
– Girlfriend? – she asked, surprised.
– Yes, girlfriend! – he said proudly.
– I didn't know you grew up like that – she teased him.
They both just smiled at her.
– So, how did you two meet?
– By me stealing her rule – Orion proudly replied.
– Shut up! – Arabella shyly nudged him with her elbow.
– We bumped into each other and since then everything started. Even his stealing of my position – Arabella added, smiling.
– Mom, how did you even find me? – he asked curiously.
– I searched for you for a long time. I wasn't up to date on the news from these two planets.
– Where did you live?
– On a faraway planet, Zouly. I was completely alone there, constantly running from the past. Then suddenly, everything broke inside me. I gathered courage to face it. I decided to find you. I suffered because I left you with that abuser. I went to Scylla and took the risk to face your father again. After a long search, they told me you were on the planet Syrinx. When I arrived here, I stopped every creature and asked for you – Orion's mother said.
– Did you go to our house?
– No, I didn't want to see him, even though I was ready to face him.
– He was probably already in prison by then.
– I don't know. How did the separation happen?
– Because seven years ago, a war happened between the inhabitants of Syrinx and us. They lost. We, as the winners, got ownership rights over their planet. Our people decided that young ones should come live here so we could become independent and progress – Arabella explained, as the doorbell rang again at Orion's door.
– Who could it be now? – he asked, surprised.
– You go check – she said.
– Orrr... Orriiionne I... – an unknown creature appeared at his door.
It was probably another resident of Syrinx. When he opened the door, the creature seemed scared, hysterical, and confused. He was small and his seemingly weak body was trembling constantly.
– What's wrong? – he asked him.
– I... I...
– What?
– I sss... I saw how she sss... the ho... hole started approaching us – the creature barely stammered.
– Where? – he asked, shocked, and Arabella immediately appeared at the door.
– Hole? – she interjected.
– Where is it? – Orion continued again.
– Follow me – the creature said.
They obeyed and immediately followed him.
– What do we do now? – Arabella asked.
– I don't know. Wait – Orion replied, watching the line of newly formed holes ahead of them.
While watching, something unexpected happened. Before their eyes, several holes merged into one larger hole. They were certain this was the end. There was no way out or help. It had advanced so well that it was slowly approaching the planet's core.
– We will call a meeting! – Orion said decisively, after a long moment of thought.
***
Three days passed. The creatures had caused even greater chaos on the planet. Ren and Rin's rocket was supposed to arrive. It was agreed to send it ahead of schedule. Chaos reigned. It was not yet decided who would go to the planet Cyno. But they managed to solve that as well, considering the creatures were mass migrating.
The arrival of NASA's rocket became complicated. The team sent it towards their planet. It managed to enter space, but its approach was painfully slow. Arabella and Orion were busy saving the population. They waited in the square for Ren and Rin's rocket. The creatures were restless. They paced in place, constantly looking towards space, hoping for its imminent arrival. Among the crowd, sitting on a bench, was Orion's mother. They were also searching for a solution for her. Approaching her, he asked:
– How will you manage, Mom? This planet is about to disappear.
– I will find some rocket and travel to the planet where I used to live. Don't worry, son – she answered him gently, then squeezed his hand to comfort him.
– Mom, there's a chance our journey won't end well – Orion said hesitantly.
– Why? – Orion's mother asked, worried.
– Because we will be the first to go to planet Earth, where the living conditions are completely different from ours.
– Then why did you even agree to it?
– Because it's our great desire! – they answered in unison.
The communication device with the NASA team beeped.
– The rocket will arrive soon. I wrote to them to try to land here near the planetarium – Orion said.
Suddenly, Ren and Rin's rocket appeared.
– Come on, let's go to the others, the rocket for them is coming! – Arabella shouted.
They headed towards the others. The rocket from planet Cyno landed. Its doors opened, and out came Ren and Rin. Their faces lit up seeing Orion and Arabella in the crowd. They approached and greeted them.
– We're glad to see you again! – they both said simultaneously.
– We are too, though the reason isn't a good one – Orion replied.
– True, but at least we got the chance to work with you and help – Rin said.
– I'm extremely grateful for your help – Orion responded.
– We hope to satisfy your population. Upon arrival, we will provide them with adequate accommodation and essential needs.
– I have no doubt about that. Thank you very much!
– It's the least we could do. We believe this will end well and that you will all survive – Ren said.
The creatures were extremely impatient. They began boarding.
– Attention everyone! – Ren and Rin addressed the creatures they were taking to their planet.
They gave instructions on how to enter the rocket. The doors opened. Boarding started. Upon entering, they said goodbye to Orion and Arabella.
– We have two seats still free – Rin informed them.
– Impossible! We had twenty creatures, just as you said – Orion added.
– Then someone is missing – Ren concluded.
Waiting for the creatures, they saw another rocket arriving. It landed next to Ren and Rin's. It was the NASA rocket. Orion and Arabella approached it. Ren and Rin also approached it, surprised. The doors started opening. Orion and Arabella were very excited and nervous. This would be their first meeting with humans. They had always wanted to see them live and communicate with them. Everyone eagerly awaited their exit from the rocket.
Four people appeared at the door. They wore suits with dark visors covering their faces. Their skin color and appearance could not be seen. They moved strangely in those suits. They managed to approach and then introduced themselves:
– I am Alex, and these are Jake, Alan, and Arron – they shook hands and introduced themselves.
– As you already know, we are from the NASA team, and our task is to transport you to our headquarters on Earth – Alex explained, while they watched him curiously.
His voice sounded much stranger than John's. They began to wonder if these humans actually looked like John, Kevin, and Paul, or if they were different.
– Okay. Once we send off the rocket to yours, we could leave – Orion said.
– I think it's time to go. We waited long enough, and no one showed up – Rin suggested.
– Then let's go – Rin said. They all headed towards her while the NASA team waited by their rocket.
While walking, they noticed a ruptured hole. Arabella exclaimed in shock:
– Where did that hole come from?!
– What is that?! – Ren and Rin both turned around, shocked, then looked down in front of Orion's feet.
– Now it's progressing and spreading even faster. There might be a central hole inside the planet that caused all this – Orion informed them.
– Then let's hurry! – Ren said.
Upon reaching the rocket, he checked the count again. He emphasized there were still two seats free.
– What do we do now? Everyone has dispersed – Arabella asked.
– I don't know – Orion answered.
– Your mother is in the park! Let's go get her...
They quickly ran to her and informed her of the current situation. She protested, wanting to stay with them, but they eventually convinced her.
– My mother will come with you – Orion informed them.
– Okay. We still have one seat left. We haven't been able to find anyone else – Rin said.
– Orion, are you sure you don't want to come with us? – his mother asked him.
– I'm sure, Mom! I want to stay with Arabella. We've been through too much to give up now.
He hugged her tightly. He promised that as soon as the opportunity arose, he would come to the planet Cyno. Time was running out...
The rocket took off. They waved at each other until Orion's mother disappeared behind the rocket's doors.
Goodbyes hurt when the story isn't finished, and the book is closed. He had long closed his family book. His mother was part of his being, and he held no grudges against her. Together with Arabella, she was his unfinished story.
After Ren and Rin's rocket departed, the NASA team approached them.
– I think it's time for us to go now. Just push the doors from outside. I'll be waiting for you inside with the rest of the team – Jake said.
– Alright – Orion replied.
Jake entered, and the two of them stepped out of the rocket and went down to the doors to push them.
The full Moon appeared in their sight and immediately caught their attention. More than ever, it shone with a moonlight that was defiant and enchanting. It appeared as a kind of salvation. Arabella became completely absorbed, lost in its beauty.
– Come on, Arabella, push! – he ordered.
With all their strength, they started pushing. The doors became immovable. They heard the sound of a strong collapse. Reflexively, they turned around and saw how the huge hole was getting closer to them. Now, behind it, the planet Syrinx completely disappeared. It swallowed it with its power and erased it from the map of the universe.
– Faster! Push harder! – came the voice from the rocket.
They obeyed the order and pushed harder, but it was unsuccessful. The hole was creating star dust. It was approaching them destructively. The defiant moonlight grew stronger. It tried to offer them some kind of help. They continued pushing the doors with the strength they had left. But the doors did not move. Finally, when they were at the peak of their strength, the doors lifted... But it was already too late... As the planet disappeared, the rocket briefly hovered in the space atmosphere. When the doors connected with it, the rocket took off.
They were left alone on what was now an even smaller part of the planet. Everything around them turned into stardust. It hovered above them. Orion took Arabella's hands in both of his. For the last time, he looked into her purple eyes. And Arabella did not take her eyes off his dark ones.
– Tsuki ga kirei desu ne? (The moon is beautiful, isn't it?) – she said to him, as the moonlight danced above them.
Orion pulled her tightly into a hug, while the stardust slowly started to rise along their bodies.
– Shin demo ii wa! (I can happily die)!
Saying this, they turned into stardust, along with the remaining part of planet Syrinx...
Those two worlds exploded into stardust and mixed with the cosmos. Now, a huge amount of stardust wanders through it. The wandering will stop again, the moment when it creates new paths for them, completely different from the previous ones. But strong enough to once again connect them with the threads of fate...
TO BE CONTINUED...