The return trip was much like the last, and the gondola ride was possibly more surreal since they could see more of the colony from the inside. The travel speed was very relaxed and soothing, but still faster than walking, and they reached the wall of the colony before they were ready to stop taking in the sights.

Miranda was particularly disappointed to see the city go, and Natalie had to stop her from leaning out of the boat.

“If you like it so much you can return tomorrow night,” she hissed, “Don’t rock the gondola.”

Miranda quickly leaned back into the boat and began examining the surrounding wildlife instead. She seemed excited, but not nearly so much as Jonathan, who looked at every leaf, branch, and weed like it was a personal present meant for him.

It was definitely bizarre, but Howard had to admit that the nature here was beautiful. He didn’t have a strange obsession like Jonathan did, but he felt he would not mind relaxing in the nature here. Howard was only slightly bothered that this alien planet already felt more like home to him than Earth ever had.

They made it back to the shuttle and bid the guides goodbye before heading inside, however it was clear that the natives remained nearby.

“Is it safe to talk?” James asked Sanders.

“It is,” Sanders affirmed.

“I think we should move to the colony,” Howard suggested, “It seemed like a peaceful place, and before we can survive on our own we need to know how this world works.”

James nodded in agreement but still looked a bit on edge. “I agree with Howard, but I can’t be the only one who found that place to be too peaceful and beautiful.”

“Did you want to run wild?” Jonathan asked with a maniac smile, “I could help.”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“That is not what I meant,” James instantly corrected, “Places like that always make me feel that there is a dark shadow looming beneath the peaceful surface. The more beautiful it seems, the more darkness it is hiding.”

“That seems a bit melodramatic, but that place puts me on edge too,” Natalie said, “What kind of strict laws are in place to maintain that peace. How do we know that there isn’t some form of mind control going on there? Telepathy and mind control are often only a few steps away from each other.”

“Natalie, that was more dramatic than James,” Miranda said.

“What about you, Selina?” Sanders asked.

“I think it is beautiful, but too good to be true,” she answered.

“Exactly what I was thinking,” Leon agreed, “As a seasoned con artist I feel like we have only seen exactly what they want us to see. However, I also agree with Howard. Trap or not, we don’t have much choice if we want to learn the rules here.”

“There is one alternative,” Sanders brought up, “Since it is my fault all of you are here I could erase what happened. I could send you back home as if this mission never happened and you would forget everything.”

“If the deal never happened, wouldn’t that take us right back to jail?” Miranda asked.

Sanders hesitated. “It would.”

“And I would never have been announced dead,” Selina muttered, “but without remembering this, I would probably jump on the next crazy adventure and end up in a similar situation with no one to offer a redo.”

“Can we decide this later?” Howard asked, “If the natives really do have a dark side like James said, then we may all want to return.”

“Fair enough,” Sanders agreed, “I will keep the option out there until you have enough information to make an official decision.”

“Thank you,” Howard said.

“I was going to refuse anyway,” James replied, “Unless this is a world that belongs in a horror film I would much prefer it here than behind bars for the rest of my life without even memories to keep with me. That condition is unnegotiable, right?”

“It is,” Sanders agreed.

“I don’t think any of us are ready to give up our chance for a fresh start,” Leon said, “and I don’t know how much Jonathan liked the mental hospital he was in but he looks like he wouldn’t leave if you paid him and offered him any life he wanted back on Earth.”

“True,” Jonathan nodded with a smile, “Not only does this get my scientist blood flowing, I can’t wait to see how we change and how we change them.”

“That is another thing to consider,” Jonathan agreed, “We will impact the societies of this world whether we like it or not. There will be people who will thank us for it and others who will hate us.”

“That is how fame works,” Selina said with a bitter smile, but brightened, “I wonder just how their entertainment culture developed.”

“That will be something we have to research,” Natalie said, “I have another point to make before we get ready to move to the colony. Did anyone else notice how the Sage was the only one with light hair?”

“Light hair, huh,” Leon said, then looked at Miranda and Selina, “If that is the case we might have some extra challenges. Sanders will be fine with all his alien magic stuff, but if our hair causes a ruckus…”

Miranda pulled at one of her curly bright orange locks. “I wonder how hard it is to dye hair here.”