Chapter 44

Following a recent top story, scientists are still baffled by last week’s explosion within Mars’ orbit. The world’s foremost meteorologists believe it may be responsible for the severe weather patterns that have occurred all over the globe since the event. The television played in the background. Norm, Lucy, Weird, Alaris, and Nan sifted through old photo albums, preparing a story to announce Dylan’s death.

“I can’t believe it’s been a week,” Norm said, tossing a pretzel back in the bowl.

“You’ve got to eat, Norm,” Lucy said, taking his hand. “You’ve barely eaten since-”

“He gave everything for us.” Norm dropped his head in his hands. “I just miss him.”

“We all do, Norm,” Alaris said, wearing pajamas instead of her armor, rolled her wheelchair to him, and took his other hand. “You both succeeded and I know he’d be happy to know that.” Norm nodded, holding back his tears.

Make a wish! In local news, a shooting star, or meteor, as they are commonly known, was spotted flying over the Pascack Valley reservoir early this morning. Officials could not locate the sight of impact. However, authorities have been notified and residents have begun a search of their own for a piece of the fallen space rock.

“A meteor?” Nan said, setting more snacks on the table. “Strange.”

“That is strange,” Alaris listened closely. “But with all the fallout from the explosion-” A knock at the door.

“I hope it’s the handyman to fix the window. He was supposed to be here -” Nan opened the door. “hours ago. Hmm.”

“Come in, please.” A familiar voice said from below before a slightly smaller Beetlebee waltzed into the house.

“Beetlebee!” Nan’s eyes flashed. “Beetlebee! Where’s-”

“Hi, Nan,” Dylan slumped against the house, clearly exhausted.

Nan’s eyes filled with tears. “Dylan! It’s Dylan!” She threw her arms around his neck. “You’re alive! Thank God! I prayed and prayed and… you’re soaking wet.”

“I know we crashed in the reservoir in Woodcliff La—KE!” Norm plowed into Dylan, bear hugging him into the air.

“You’re alive! You’re alive! I can’t believe you did it! And you’re here!” Norm spun Dylan around before they hit the wall. “You did it, dude!”

“Hey, Norm.” Dylan returned the hug. “We did it.” The two embraced, feeding off their good energies as the others quickly gathered to see Dylan.

Norm released him and hugged him again. “I can’t tell you how good I feel right now. I’m just… really hungry.”

“What else is new?” Dylan laughed, peeling himself out of his arms.

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“Dylan!” Lucy planted a kiss on his cheek. “I can't believe you… and Norm… I mean, thank you. You guys and Weird, you saved me and everyone. And don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me. I promise.” She drew an X over her heart.

“Thanks Lucy.” Dylan paused, sensing something different about Lucy, more than just another trusted friend, a tingling.

“Yo, D-Max!” Weird dropped a hand from his crutches and hugged Dylan. “Thanks for saving the world, bro.”

“Weird! I can’t tell you how much you helped us. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

“It was the best thing ever for me, even if I had to lie and tell my parents I took too much of my muscle spasm meds, went crazy and trashed my dad’s car. And the cemetery. Anyway, the world got Weird!”

“Wait, what happened?” Dylan asked, clearly feeling out of the loop.

“We’ll fill you in later, bro.” They fist bumped and smiled as Alaris rolled up. The two heroes paused to study and perhaps admire each other, if for only a second.

“Hi, Mom” Dylan launched into her, hugging her soft curls into his cheek, enjoying a Déjà vu.

“Dylan.” For the first time, she enjoyed a hug that did not have to end today. “Hello, my baby. You did it! You saved everything.” Alaris hugged her child as long and as hard as she dared. “Can we go to the park this week, if you’re up to it?” Alaris smiled, dreaming of her perfect days she was forced to leave behind.

Dylan hugged her again. Their eyes twined in a moment they had both waited a lifetime for. “I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do.”

Later, they had a family style dinner, complete with homemade lemon meringue and blueberry pies for dessert. And Norm, of course, got his appetite back. After Nan excused herself to bed, and Lucy and Weird reluctantly headed home, Dylan, Norm, Alaris and Beetlebee sat on the front porch, a group of honeybees dancing playfully around them.

“So, Mom, after the park, what do you want to do?”

“As much as we can,” she smiled somberly.

“We have all the time in the world,” Dylan paused, “don’t we?”

“With the Luminary gone, I must reconvene with my fellow Praesidium. The Galaxis is in disarray. There are still those within it who crave power and will leap at the chance to take it. As always, my love, we must make a sacrifice.”

“Seriously?” Dylan sighed. “I get it, but I don’t have to like it. Let’s have fun while you’re here.”

“Exactly. The Lemurians have the capability to communicate with Centauri, so we will talk whenever we can. For now, I have some healing to do and no ship to return in, so we still have time.”

“Cool,” Dylan replied when the television suddenly clicked on in the living room. “What was that? Nan’s asleep.”

“Dylan? Dylan?” Adama’s voice boomed through the TV.

“Adama!” Dylan plowed through the screen door into the living room. Adama’s smile stretched across the screen. “How are you in my TV?”

“Greetings, Scion. It is good to see you. The TV, yes… our science is… quite advanced. I believe congratulations are in order.”

“Thanks, Adama.”

“Also, I owe you an apology, Dylan.”

“For what?”

“I doubted you because of your inexperience, your youth. In the end, it was your ability to truly become one with all… that saved us all.” Adama nodded. “I shouldn’t have doubted you. We are not alone.”

“We are all one.” Dylan shrugged humbly. “Thank you.”

Adama paused, his eyes drifting to the side. “I don’t have to be telepathic to sense your next question so, here is- oh.”

Ra’Nelle quietly slipped into the screen with her impish smile. “Hello, grandson.”

“Ra’Nelle! I can’t wait to see you again. I want to come see you and-”

“Soon, little one. We have a lot to catch up on. Until then-.” She blew Dylan a kiss before stepping off screen and Zalee came into view.

“Hello, Dylan,” she said behind a coy smile, blushing herself for once. “I wish I was there.”

“Hi. Me too!” Dylan exhaled. “When can I see you? I really can’t wait.”

Zalee grinned with anticipation. “Adama said Max visited Ra’Nelle quite often.”

“Chevro can take me anytime. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

“Good. I have some things I want to share with you.” She held a baby owl up to the screen. “The Menehune and the animals all wish to see you again, as well. Then I can teach you how to communicate fully, like this.” She nuzzled the tiny bird as it hooted playfully.

“What did he say?”

“He said…,” Zalee giggled, her amber eyes penetrating Dylan to his soul, “don’t tickle the owl.”