The Journey Home by A K Lambert

Author:A K Lambert [Lambert, A K]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: A K Lambert

Tao and Mao, Grace’s mother and father, arrived. Mao hugged her daughter for the umpteenth time since she had returned fit and well.

‘Mother,’ Grace said warmly, ‘you’re going to break me in two if you don’t stop.’

‘I don’t care,’ said a beaming Mao. ‘I’ll do it again.’ She pulled her daughter tight to the delight and laughter of all.

They sat and talked more about the battle with the Zerot on Earth, and after one of the Humb came shuffling past them, they chatted some more about the Schumberlay and ascension, a subject that enthralled the boys and girls from Earth. Ventar and Grace answered the best they could. Finally, they talked about the war on Preenasette, and what might happen next.

‘We’ll talk about that tonight,’ said Ventar. ‘So for now, I suggest we go back and rest up for a while. I still have to find the rest of my Life Team. They’re here somewhere.’ As they stood up, Ken shuddered and felt unsteady on his feet for a few moments.

‘Are you okay?’ asked Grace, steadying him.

‘What was that?’ asked Ken, shaking his head. ‘Yes, I feel fine now. Just a funny turn. First time on an alien planet, you know.’

On the walk back, they drifted into two groups: Grace, Ventar, Jon, and Krankel up front and the other four lagging. Mandy was itching to speak to Ken and Anna.

‘So you decided not to take the brain upgrade from the Schumberlay, then?’

‘When it came to the crunch,’ answered Ken, ‘I couldn’t do it. I chickened out, I suppose.’

‘I’m glad he did,’ Anna said. ‘The idea of increased mental capacity seems fine, but what of the side effects? Would it change how I feel about people?’

‘And, what if I changed into Nigel?’ said Ken. ‘What would I do then?’ He threw his arms into the air in mock horror.

Nigel smiled.

‘See,’ Ken accused, pointing at him. ‘He’s not even reacting to my insults anymore.’

‘I think the parts of the brain that deal with humour have activated,’ said Nigel smiling, ‘I now recognise your humour for what it is… bad!’

The others laughed at Ken having been bested by Nigel for probably the first time.

‘I don’t think I’m going to like the new Nigel,’ said a deflated Ken.

Anna prodded him. ‘Snap out of it. They did touch us and give us a gift of some sorts. What? We don’t know.’

‘They did that to Jon and me,’ Mandy exclaimed. ‘What’s that all about?’

Anna turned to a pensive looking Nigel. ‘How are you feeling now?’ she asked. ‘After the upgrade, that is. Any mind-blowing discoveries?’

‘No, not at all – Ken’s bad jokes aside,’ he replied. ‘All I’ve noticed is that I know the answers to things from university that I didn’t before. And, of course, the fact that Grace and Ventar have started to talk to me in my mind, and me to them. I’ve just told them about your bad joke,’ he added at Ken.

Ken looked even more dejected.

‘Not really,’ Nigel kidded, laughing.

Ken perked up, assuming his self-appointed role of group leader.

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