Chapter 1

 

Chapter 1

 

            5 years Later

 

“What do you guys think?” said a boy. The boy was 6ft tall, had medium length slicked back black hair, brown eyes, a goof ball looking face, and looked to be about 16 years old.

“That looks good, Garrett.” Greg said. Greg is now 17 years old, 6ft 2inches, short white Mohawk, and weighed about 230lbs. with a some what masculine body.

“You really think so Greg?” Garrett asked.

“Yeah.” Greg answered.

“I think so, too.” Candice agreed. Candice is now 15 years old, 5ft 8inches, and long light brown hair.

“Thanks Candice.” Garrett said.

“But what does it say?” Candice asked.  

“Gratis.” Garrett answered.

 “What’s a Gratis?” Candice asked.

“It’s the name of the ship.” Garrett replied.  

“Garrett, you already named the ship without letting us know about it first?” someone asked.

Greg turned around and saw someone walking out of the ship.

“Hey buddy, how’s the engine coming?” Greg asked as Sam came out of the ship.

Sam is now 17 years old, 6ft 2inches, medium length messy copper hair, and weighed about 238lbs. with a kind of big body.

“It’s coming around.” Sam said as he wiped some oil off of his face.

“That’s not true. We’re still waiting for Matt and Sean to get back with that one part we sent them out for.” Amy said as she walked out of the ship with Josh.

Amy is now 18 years old, 6ft, long blonde hair, and a nice slim figured body.           

And Josh is now 18 years old, 6ft 3inches, buzzed brown hair, and weighed about 152lbs with a slender/athletic body.

“So, what’s taking them? They left about a half an hour ago?” Josh said.

“No need to fear. We are here.” Matt said as Sean and he both came out of the thicket carrying a box and a few bags.

Matt is now 18 years old, 5ft 10inches, short brown hair, weighed about 150lbs with an athletic/ masculine body, and a serious face.

Sean is now 17 years old, 5 ft 8inches, had a long black ponytail with a red tip at the very end and four big black spikes (held together at the bottom with rubber bands) in a row (on the top on his head) to form a Mohawk with red tips, and weighed  about 136lbs with an athletic body.

“What took you guys?” Sam asked.

“We stopped somewhere.” Matt said.

“Where did you guys stop this time?” Kirsten asked. Kirsten is now 16 years old, 5ft 8inches, and long brown hair.

“Somewhere, Kirsten.” Matt answered.

“Where did you guys stop at, Sean?” Amy asked.

“We stopped and got something to eat.” Sean said.

“You guys didn’t get the part?” Sam said.

“Yeah Sam, we did get the part. So don’t start to freak out.” Matt remarked.

“Well, next time tell me you got the part.” Sam said as he walked over to them.

“It’s about time we got something to eat. I’m hungry.” Bobby said as he came out of the ship. Bobby is now 17 years old, 6ft, messy dirty blonde hair, and weighed about 229lbs with a kind of big body.

“Bobby, you’re always hungry.” Matt quickly remarked.

“Ha. Ha. Very funny.” Bobby replied as he took a bite out of his burger.

“So Sam, what’s done?” Matt asked after swallowing a bite.

“Let’s see. The cockpit is fixed, there’s water running in the sinks shower and toilet, interior, exterior done, and the steering is good to go.” Sam answered.

“All that is left is putting in the final part for the engine. Then Greg has to flow the energy through the Gratis evenly. Because if he doesn’t then we go boom and that’s the end for us.” Amy explained.

“Then Greg…I pray you don’t screw up.” Garrett said with a smile.

“Hey, screw you Garrett.” Greg said as he finished his burger.

“I think we all don’t want you to screw up, Greg.” Josh added.

“Hey. Screw you too Josh.” Greg said as he wiped his hands together and got up.

“Alright let’s get this taken care of.” Sam said as he grabbed the part, turned on his flashlight headset, and disappeared into the darkness of the inside of the ship.

A few minutes went by then a flash of light came into view from within the ship.

Sam came out and said, “Alright Greg. You're up.”

“Ok.” Greg said as he walked in. After a few minutes Greg said sounding sure, “Ok, the wires are evenly matched. That’s good. Garrett, I’m going to need you to go and make sure all of the switches are switched off.”

“Ok.” Garrett said as he grabbed a flash light and headed towards the cockpit.

Greg, Matt, Sam, Bobby, Sean, Josh, Amy, Candice, and Kirsten all grabbed a flashlight and followed Greg into a small room.

“Someone tell me when he has done that.” Greg said.

“Ok.” Josh said.

“Good to go!” Garrett yelled.

“Ok. He did it.” Josh said as he came into the room.

“Alright, now hand me those gloves.” Greg said as he pointed to a pair of gloves. And lifted a part of the floor up revealing a case that said DANGER! Do Not Open Unless Refilling!!

“Please.” Candice said as she teased Greg.

“Please Candice! This isn’t going to be funny if I touch it bare handed.” Greg said sounding a little pissed.

“Sorry.” Candice said as she threw them at him.

“What’s that?” Kirsten asked as Greg put the gloves on and opened a handkerchief revealing a glowing light blue gem. No bigger than a teenagers fist.

“It’s an E.S.T.L.G.” Greg said as he picked it up. He looked at everyone and saw confused looks on them.

“An Energy Set Timed Link Gem…Ok, pretty much this is our power source.” Greg explained.

“Oh.” Everyone said understanding. Greg then put the E.S.T.L.G. in the case and closed it and closed the floor up.

“Garrett! Flip the engine switch on!” Greg yelled down the hall.

“Ok.” Garrett said as he flipped a switch.

They waited for a couple of seconds. There was complete silence.

“Are we dead?” Kirsten asked.

“Well if we are…then death sucks. Bobby, Greg, Sam, and Sean are still ugly.” Matt said with a smirk and chuckled.

“Shut up.” Greg, Bobby, Sam, and Sean said.

“I guess it was a du…” Sam began until he was interrupted by the sound of the engine and lights flickering on.

“Sorry guys. I accidentally flipped the front lights on.” Garrett said as he walked into the room.

“And you’re supposed to be flying this?” Candice said sounding a little worried.

Everyone started to laugh.

After they stopped laughing Matt said, “Okay. Now there are four things we have to do now. First, we go home and pack our things. Second, we rest up and get ready for tonight’s party. Third, after they give us our recognition we announce that we are leaving tomorrow. And fourth, after the party we load our things on the ship and then we go home and get a good night sleep. Because tomorrow morning ladies and gentlemen we are leaving.”

“Ok.” They all agreed then left.

  

                    -Later that night-

 

“Well, that about does it.” Sean said as he closed his final suitcase, flopped on the bed, and thought to himself, “(The last night here on Hylogen IV.)”

“I’m going to miss this place.” Sean said as he looked at the clock.

“I’ve got an hour before the party. I think I’ll go and see how Amy’s doing.” He said as he got up and left.

“Well, hello there Sean. I haven’t seen you for a while. What have you been up to?” Amy’s mom asked as Sean came up to the door.

“Not much. How are you?” Sean answered.

“I’m doing fine. I’m just getting ready for the party…Um is there something that I can help you with?” she asked.

“Uh yeah, is Amy home?” Sean asked.

“No, sorry…I think she went to go help set the party up.” She answered.

“Oh. Ok, thank you.” Sean said as he left.

“(I hope everything goes well tonight.)” Sean thought to himself as he walked down the street, looking up at the full moon and stars as they looked back down at him from the vast black ocean in the sky.

Then at the corner of his eye he snapped back into reality and saw a tall boy wearing a hooded cloak go behind an abandoned building.

“Hmm…night time…a mysterious person…abandoned building…this should be good.” Sean said as he hurried to follow the boy. He followed the man to the back of the building and stopped at the corner, so he wouldn’t be noticed.

Then out of nowhere a 3-D virtual screen popped up with a man wearing a hood, hiding his face.

“Report.” The holographic man said.

“No one knows a thing.” The mysterious boy said.

“(That voice. It sounds so familiar.)” Sean thought as he listened on.

“Good.” The holographic man said.

“Um…” the mysterious boy started.

“Yes? What is it?” the holographic man asked.

“Father, I was wondering…when will be the next time I see you. Mom and I have missed you so much.” The mysterious boy asked.

“(Father?)” Sean thought.

“Don’t worry. I am much closer than you think.” The holographic man answered.

“Really?” the mysterious boy said.

“Yes. Now I must go.” The holographic man said.

“Yes sir. Report finished.” The mysterious boy said as he saluted the man and watched the man disappeared.

“(I’ve got to get out of here.)” Sean said as he left before the boy knew he was there.

“Hey Matt.” Greg said as he walked up to Matt, wearing a button up Hawaiian shirt and a pair of shorts.

“Hey Greg.” Matt said as he took a sip from his soda, wearing a button up shirt sponsoring a beer on it.

“Have you seen what Bobby and Sam are where?” Greg asked with a smile on his face.

“No I haven’t. Why, what are they wearing?” Matt asked.

“Bobby’s wearing a black background button up shirt with white flames. And Sam has the same shirt but opposite colors.” Greg said.

“Hey guys.” Bobby said as Sam and he walked up to them.

“Hey.” Greg said with a smile, trying hard not to laugh.

“Nice shirts. Was there a buy one gay shirt and get the opposite free?” Matt remarked as he started laughing and Greg, right next to him, almost spitting up his drink.

“So Matt, how exactly are we going to announce what we are doing?” Sam asked.

“You’ll see when the time comes.” Matt said.

“Hey, here come the girls.” Matt said as he pointed them out.

“Hello ladies.” Bobby said.

“Hey Bobby.” They replied.

Greg noticed Amy looking around and then asked, “Who are you looking for? Sean?”

“No, I’m not looking for him?” Amy answered with a confused look.

“Well can you help us look for him? I haven’t seen him yet.” Greg asked.

“I’m sure he’ll show up soon.” Amy answered.

“What? That doesn’t sound anything like you Amy. Usually you’d be the one who asks for help to look for Sean.” Sam stated.

“Really, oh well.” Amy said as she continued to look around seeming distracted.

“Then who are you looking for?” Bobby asked.

“Ah, there he is! Over here!” Amy said while waving her arms to get someone’s attention.

“You found Sean?” Greg asked as they turned to see Josh coming towards them.

“No, I told you. I wasn’t looking for Sean.” Amy said.

“Hey.” Josh said as he got to them.

“What took you so long baby?” Amy asked as she leaned up and gave him a kiss.

“Uh…Are you two…?” Kirsten began to ask as she pointed at them, moving her finger back and forth.

“You guys didn’t know?” Amy asked.

“No. We didn’t.” Sam said.

“Does Sean know about this?” Matt asked.

“I think so.” Amy said thinking about it. Then looked at Josh and asked, “Doesn’t he?”

“I’m sure he does.” Josh said with a smile.

“And he’s ok with it?” Greg asked.

“Well, he’s going to have to be.” Josh replied.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Greg asked sounding a little defensive.

“Exactly what its sup…” Josh began to say until he was interrupted.

“Excuse me.” Someone said as he tried to get everyone’s attention.

“Hey. There’s Sean and Garrett.” Kirsten pointed out.

“Here we go.” Matt said as they walked towards Sean and Garrett.

“Hello there. I have an announcement to make. Now, we all know why we are here.” Peter began, “We are here to acknowledge those who have earned it. And since there was no academy here on Hylogen IV, I will be the one who will make them official…”

He stopped for everyone to stop applauding.

Then continued, “Now please step forward when you here your name. We’ll start with the Mechanics/Hacker field. These two have made their instructor very proud. At the age of 12 they made it to the advanced teachings. Please step forward, Samuel Wayside and Amy Cos.”

Sam and Amy both walked up to him. Sam, trying hard to keep a serious face without smiling, and Amy with a smile on her face.

They both received a certificate and walked to the side.

“Next is the Fortress Defender/Breaker field. This person has made it clear on what he really wants to do. He has tremendous skill, showing that he is prepared for his field. Step on up, Matt Alka.” Peter announced.

Matt walked up with a serious face. He then received his certificate and walked towards Sam and Amy.

Peter waited till the applauding stopped then continued again.

“Next is the Energy Freak Field. We don’t know anyone who knows about energy as much as this kid. He outsmarted his own teacher with the knowledge of energy. It gives me great pleasure to give this certificate to Gregory Baz.” Peter announced as Greg walked up, received his certificate, and walked towards Matt, Sam, and Amy. Peter waited for the applauding to stop.

He then continued.

“Next is the L.R.D. Field or Long Range Destruction Field. This person has a knack for guessing coordinates and getting them right. So Bobby Strife, can u please come forward.” Peter said. Bobby walked up while grinning.

He then received his certificate and walked towards Greg, Matt, Sam, and Amy. Peter again waited for the applauding to stop then continued.

“Next is the L.A.W.V. Field or the Land Air Water Vehicle Field. This person has worked hard to master the controls on all three of these. Even though he knows that they are not mechs he still tried his best to learn these saying that even nonmech pilots have a meaning. This certificate is gladly awarded to Garrett Wayside.” Peter said as Garrett quickly walked up to receive it.

He then turned to the crowd and bowed as they applauded. Then he walked over to Bobby, Greg, Matt, Sam, and Amy.

Again Peter waited for the applauding to stop. Then he continued.

“And the final field is the Blender/Shadow Stalker Scouter Field. These two have been taught all that they have needed to be taught. I have set goals for them and they have exceeded them. Higher then I would have wanted them. Please come on up Josh Zircon. And my son, Sean Pulse.” Peter said as he happily watched them make their way up to him and handed them their certificates.

After they got the certificates they fell in line with the others.

 “Now if I could have all the instructors to come forward?” Peter asked as the instructors came up with a box in their hands, “The instructors are now going to give you the recognition of being what you are.”

“Sam and Amy please step forward.” Mr. Wayside said, “You get a choice of two things. It’s either an armband with a wrench and a case full of mechanic tools indicating that you are a mechanic. Or an armband with a laptop burning and a laptop with hacker hardware and tools, indicating that you are a hacker.”

“I would like the Hacker status.” Amy said as she was handed the equipment and armband.

“And I guess that I will take the mechanic status.” Sam replied as he was handed the mechanic tools and armband.

“Matt please step forward.” Mr. Alka started, “You can choose from either the armband with a fortress on it and two wristbands indicating you are a Fortress Defender. Or an armband and two wristbands with a fortress burning on it indicating that you are a fortress Breaker.”

Matt stood there and thought about for four seconds and replied with, “I’ll go with the Fortress Breaker status.” Matt was handed the armband and the two wristbands.

“Greg please step forward.” Mr. Baz said, “You get these white and blue energy gloves, a case full of E.S.T.L.G., and an armband with a lightning bolt indicating that you are an Energy Freak.”

“Thank you.” Greg said with a smile on his face as he received them.

“You know the drill Bobby.” Mr. Strife said as Bobby stepped forward, “You get an armband with three missiles on it and this Coordinator Locker. You can put it on your forearm and whenever you need coordinates this will tell you your best choices.”

“Thank you sir.” Bobby said as he received this.

“Garrett step forward.” Mr. Suavit said, “You get three armbands with a picture of a land vehicle, Plane, and boat. And a helmet equipped with communication and targeting.”

“Thank you sir.” Garrett said as he received his gifts and fell back in line.

“Josh and Sean, You know the drill.” Peter said, “Now there are two different types of Scouters to choose from. One blends in with the crowd. We call that a Blender Scouter. The Blender Scouter gets an armband with a person standing out in the middle of a crowd and receives a pair of snowboarding looking goggles that have tracking, targeting, infrared, and zoom. And the other is someone who stays in the shadows. We call those Shadow Stalkers Scouters. And they receive and armband with a bush and a pair of red glowing eyes that are looking out of the bush and a pair of black swim looking like goggles that is equipped with the same as the other pair of goggles. Please choose wisely.”

They both stood there thinking.

Finally Josh said, “I’ll take the Blender Scouter status, sir.” Josh said as reached for them impatiently.

“And I’ll go with the Shadow Stalker Scouter status, sir.” Sean said as Peter handed him the stuff.

“Good choice.” Peter said as he handed it to him. Then turned around shouting, “And now that that’s over with. Let the party begin.”

                                   

           10 minutes later

 

 

          “So when are we going to announce our plan?” Greg asked as he looked at everyone.

“At the end of the party. For now let’s have some fun.” Matt said with a smile.

 Then Matt, Greg, Bobby, Sean, Sam, and Garrett walked over to a table filled with plates full of Deviled Eggs, carrots, crackers, dips, and drinks. When they made it to the table each of them grabbed a different soda.

“Here’s to all the fun times we have had here and to all of the fun we will have.” Greg said as he lifted his cup.

“To the fun times.” They said as they lifted their cups and took a sip.

“To the destruction and agony we’ll give our enemies.” Matt said as he lifted his cup.

“Destruction and agony of our enemies.” They said as they lifted their cups and sipped.

“To all the friends we’ll make.” Sam said as he lifted his cup.

“To the friends.” They said as they lifted their cups up and took a sip.

“To all the food we’ll eat.” Bobby said with a laugh as he lifted his cup.

“To the food.” They said as they laughed too as they lifted their cups up and took a sip.

“To the Gears, fights, love, hunger, and satisfaction of everything we do.” Garrett said as he lifted his cup.

Everyone confused on what to say looked at him with a puzzled look.

Then Greg stated, “What he said.”

“What he said,” the others repeated as they continued the process.

“Last one. Better make it good.” Matt said.

“Um…Here’s to the best years of our lives.” Sean said as he saw the look on everyone’s face and finished it with, “And to the girls that we meet.”

“To the girls.” They said as they finished off their drinks.

“Speaking of girls. It’s time to dance. Candice! It’s time to dance.” Greg shouted as he made his way looking for Candice, moving his body in a weird fashion.

Then everyone slowly dispersed from the group.

“Hey Sean.” A feminine voice said.

Sean, barely able to recognize the voice, turned around to look at a 5’7, beautiful baby blue eyed, medium length blonde hair girl, wearing a baby blue dress that went down to her knees and that brought out the color in her eyes and white tennis shoes, and said, “Oh hey Daisy.” 

“Congrats on your ranking.” Daisy said.

“Thanks.” Sean said.

“So...um…What are you doing after the party?” Daisy asked hesitantly.

“I don’t know. Why?” Sean asked.

“I don’t know. I just wanted to know if you wanted to hang out.” Daisy asked.

“Sure. Yeah. We haven’t hung out for what……seven years?” Sean said.

“Yeah it’s been a long time. I miss hanging out with you.” Daisy said with a smile.

“I miss hanging out with you too.” Sean said as a smile appeared on his face as well.

“Well, I’ll see you later?” Daisy asked.

“Yeah. I’ll see you later.” Sean said.

“See ya.” Daisy said as she smiled and walked away and muttered, “Yes” under her breathe.

         “Hey were you just talking to Daisy?” Garrett asked.

 “Yeah.” Sean answered.

“Well?” Garrett asked after a long pause.

“Well what?” Sean asked.

“What were you guys talking about?” Garrett asked anxious to hear.

“She congratulated me and wanted to know if I could hang out with her later.” Sean said.

“What did you say? Did you say yes? I mean come on, I would. I mean look at her. She’s a year younger than you. She has the most beautiful baby blue eyes, and short blonde hair.” Garrett started.

“Garrett.” Sean said trying to get his attention.

“She has a nice athletic body. Sure she’s a little shorter than you. What she’s 5’7 and you are?” Garrett continued.

“5’9, but Garrett.” Sean tried again.

“Did you say yes? Or did you say no? Is it because she’s Amy’s little sister?” Garrett asked.

“Garrett!” Sean said finally getting his attention.

“What?” Garrett asked.

“I said yes.” Sean said trying not to sound annoyed.

“Oh. Well I feel kind of embarrassed right now.” Garrett stated.

Sean waited a few seconds then asked as the thought popped into his head, “Do you like her?”

“Who Daisy?” Garrett asked, “Nah. I just felt like saying all of that. I don’t like her. I don’t even hang out with her.”

“Oh. Ok.” Sean said as he thought about it a little more.

“Hey guys.” Sam said as he put his hands on both of their shoulders, “The party is almost over.”

“Alright. Thanks Sam.” Sean said as they followed him through the crowd.

“Excuse me. If I could please have everyone’s attention for a few minutes.” Sean started as everyone stopped what they were doing, “We have an announcement to make.”

“We all have come to a major decision.” Sam continued.

“We are going to be leaving early tomorrow morning.” Greg stated.

“Before the sun comes up.” Matt finished.

“Wait! What?” the parents said at different times when they heard the words come out of their kids mouths.

“We are leaving so we can join the fight and defend our system.” Amy added.

“No, no, no. You’re not. Amy you’ve got your whole entire life ahead of you. You’re not going to do that. Please don’t go.” Amy’s mom persisted.

“That’s right Matt. You are not leaving.” Matt’s dad agreed.

“Hold on. People please wait a second.” Peter began, “I think it’s great that they want to follow in our footsteps.”

         “Oh, come on Peter. Don’t tell us that you are really going to let Sean go?” Matt’s dad said.

“And why not? I’ve taught him everything he needs to survive. And I think that you should let them all go too. Or have you not taught them all that you can teach?” Peter persuaded.

“That’s nonsense. I’ve taught Matt all that he needs to know.” Matt’s dad stated.

“Yeah. I’ve taught Sam and Amy everything they need to know on how to survive and to get the job done.” Sam’s dad said.

“Same with Bobby. I’ve taught him all that I know.” Bobby’s dad stated.

         “Then what’s stopping them? If you really thought that they were ready to get recognition tonight then they are ready to choose if they want to fight in this war to defend our system or not.” Peter finished.

There was along silence after that. Then like a domino effect the parents one by one said, “Alright. You’re right. They are ready.”

Except for Amy’s mom who said, “Please Amy. Don’t do this. Please don’t go….At least think about it.”

“Alright. I’ll think about it.” Amy said.

“Thank you.” Amy’s mom said.

         “Ok.” Matt began as he gathered the group around after the announcement, “Here’s the plan. Tonight we spend as much time as possible with our family and friends.”

“What time is it?” Greg asked.

“8:25.” Sam answered as he looked at his watch.

“At midnight we bring our things to the ship. Everyone got that?” Greg said.

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.

“Ok then see you guys later.” Matt said as the group dispersed.

         “Hey Sean.” Daisy shouted as she came jogging up to him.

“Yeah Daisy?” Sean asked.

“Are we still going to hang out?” Daisy asked.

“Yeah.” Sean answered.

“When?” She asked.

“Um…How about now?” Sean asked.

“Ok. That sounds good.” Daisy said with a smile.

“Where do you want to hang out at?” Sean asked.

“How about a place where we haven’t hung out at in over a few years?” Daisy asked.

“Ok.” Sean said as they both left.

         “Wow. I haven’t been here for a long time.” Sean said as he looked at his old hang out spot. It was an abandoned play ground.

“We used to go here all the time. Remember? You, me, my sister, and the others.” Daisy asked.

“Yeah. I remember.” Sean said as he started to climb up the spider-web like jungle gym. When he reached the top he sat down looked up at the stars and said, “You could always see the stars better here.”

“Yeah.” Daisy agreed as she made her way up and sat next him. Then as she turned her head to look at him she said, “Do you remember the last time we were here, looking up at the stars?”

Sean turned to look at her and replied with, “Not really. Come to think of it when was the last time we were here?”

“Seven years ago.” Daisy began, “Exactly seven years ago. All of us were looking at the stars. We were having a great time and that’s when Matt and Greg both suggested leaving the planet.”

“(Oh yeah. It was Matt’s and Greg’s idea to leave wasn’t it?)” Sean thought as he tried to remember what happened that night.

         “(It was a dark and slightly cold night. The only light visible were the sparkles of the stars staring down on the planet and both the white and blue moons that surrounded the planet. It was around midnight.

Greg and Candice were lying down on the grass looking up. Matt and Erika were lying down on the bottom of the slide looking up. Garrett was on the tire swing looking up. Amy, Josh, Daisy, Sam, and I were all lying down on the spider-web like jungle gym looking up. We were all looking up at the same thing.

The glittering stars of the night sky.)” Sean thought, “(And now all I see is a once abandoned playground abandoned again.)” Sean thought as he looked at the deserted playground.

“(You know what I’ve always wondered?” Matt asked.

“What?” Bobby asked as he continued to stare at the stars.

“What it’s like beyond our world?” Greg guessed.

“Yeah.” Matt said shocked that he got it right.

“It’s one of those things that we’ll never know.” Daisy replied.

“Not unless…” Sean started hesitantly to say.

“Unless what?” Greg asked as he sat up to look at him.

“Nothing.” Sean said.

“No, don’t do that. I hate it when you do that.” Greg said as he sat up and looked at him, “You’ve got to finish what you say.”

“Yeah man, finish what you were going to say.” Matt insisted.

“Fine…Unless if we find a ship, fix it up to the way we want it, and get military recognition.” Sean answered as he looked back up at the stars.

“Then what are we waiting for?” Matt asked as he prompted himself up.

“And how exactly are we going to be able to do that?” Sam asked as he sat up looking at everyone.

“Most of our fathers were ranked in the military. So…Why not have them train us to be what they were?” Matt suggested.

“Ok.” Greg said.

“I don’t know. I like it here on Hylogen IV.” Daisy said.

“Yeah, but wouldn’t it be nice to see other planets?” Bobby asked as he thought about it.

“No. We should stay here.” Daisy insisted.

“How about this? Those who want to stay can stay. And those that want to go should go.” Greg suggested.

“Alright, those that want to go raise your hand.” Matt said as he raised his followed by Greg, Sam, Sean, Garrett, Josh, Amy, and Candice.

“Well then I guess I will go and find some friends that want to stay here.” Daisy said as she and Erika got up and left them.)” Sean remembered.

         “Hey Daisy?” Sean asked.

“Yeah?” Daisy said.

“Why did you leave that night? No one said that you had to leave and find new friends.” Sean asked.

“I don’t know.” Daisy replied as she turned her head to look away from Sean.

“I’m sure everyone would lik…” Sean began to say.

“Oh, no!” Daisy said as she got up, “I’ve got to get going.”

“Where are you going?” Sean asked.

“I told one of my friends that I’d be at a certain place at a certain time. And I’m almost late. I’m sorry.” Daisy said as she made her way down the gym.

“It’s ok.” Sean said as he watched her take off not saying anything else.

“Ok.” Sean said as he lay back down, looked up at the stars again, lifted his arm to check his watch, and said, “11:30. I’ve got half an hour left.” He then relaxed as he let his mind drift off with the stars.

“How much stuff needs to be loaded?” Greg asked.

“We’re just waiting on the food and the drinks that Garrett is getting and Amy, Josh, and Sean’s stuff.” Sam said as he walked out of the ship.

“I’m back.” Garrett yelled as he appeared out of the thicket with a big box in his arms followed by Josh and Amy with boxes in their arms too.

          “Alright, follow me and I’ll show you where to put it.” Sam said as they walked in.

Greg looked at them and as he followed said, “Hey Josh, Amy? Where’s your stuff?”

“Oh….About that.” Amy said as she hesitated. They sat the boxes down in the kitchen.

And before Amy could finish Josh put his arm around Amy’s shoulder and said, “Amy and I have decided to stay here.”

“What?” Greg said sounding shocked.

“What the hell!” Matt said annoyed as he walked through the side door.

“We agreed that we all were going to do this.” Garrett said.

“Yeah and we were going to stick with it.” Bobby added.

“Huh?” Sam said as he looked past everyone, blinked and walked to the hallway to look for him to find nothing.

“What’s wrong Sam?” Greg asked as everyone looked at him as he walked back in.

“Hmmm…Oh nothing. I thought I saw Sean, but I guess I was just seeing things.” Sam said.

“I’ll be back.” Bobby said as he made his way out of the kitchen.

“Where are you going?” Matt asked.

“I’m going to go claim a bed and put my stuff on it.” Bobby said as he picked up his bag and disappeared from the group.

“So tell me. Why are you staying?” Greg asked.

“Because…” Amy began.

         “Now let’s see. Which one shall I take? Hmm…Now Josh and Amy aren’t going, Sean hasn’t been here yet, and there are three extra beds. So there are six beds to choose from. Alright… Now which one is it going to be? One, two, three, four, five…Wait. I thought there was suppose to be six. But there are five. So, whose stuff is this?” Bobby wondered as he opened the bag, “Oh…”

“So where the heck is Sean?” Sam asked as they sat there.

“I don’t know. But he was supposed to be here about thirty-eight minutes ago.” Matt said as he looked at his watch.

“Hey don’t worry about Sean.” Bobby said as he walked into the room, “Let’s go home and get some sleep.”

“What do you mean?” Sam asked.

“He’s already been here.” Bobby said.

“What? I didn’t see him.” Greg said sounding confused.

“Yeah I know. But his stuff is on one of the beds.” Bobby said.

“Man. I wish I knew that sooner.” Matt said as he yawned. Then got up and said while he stretched, “See you guys in seven hours.”

“See you later.” The others said as they all left the ship.

        

“Where am I?” Sean asked as looked around his dark surroundings.

There was only one light and that light was over him, like a spot light.

“Ring around the roses…” a very young feminine voice began.

“Hello.” Sean said as he tried to find the voice.

“Pockets full of posies…” another young feminine voice said.

“Is anyone there?” Sean asked as he shouted.

“Ashes, ashes. We all fall down.” A group of voices finished. Then repeated, “Ring around the roses. Pockets full of posies.”

“Who’s singing that?” Sean asked.

Then a group of young girls appeared around him holding hands circling him and finish as he fell to his back violently, “Ashes, ashes. We all fall down.”

Then continued to circle around him as they repeat the rhyme over and over.

“Sean.” The air whispered.

Sean, on the ground not able to move or speak, saw an outline of a figure in the shadows.

“Sean.” The figure repeated as the girls continued their fun, “You better wise up. You better get tougher. Or we will take over.” The figure said.

“(That voice. It sounds so familiar.)” Sean thought.

“Ring around the roses. Pockets full of posies. Ashes, ashes, we all fall down.” The girls repeated, “Ring around the roses. Pockets full of posies. Ashes, ashes. We all burn down!” The girls finished as they disappeared and flames took their place.

Sean, still not able to move or speak, looked at the figure. But to his surprise there were three others staring deeply and coldly into his eyes.

Then began to laugh as Sean started to freak out. “(It can’t be. There’s no possible way…It’s….It’s…)”