Technology is progression. But it can also make for a dangerous adventure. For a chute to expand a kilometer to collect two humans, is a big deal. It is a tough creation; a difficult maneuvering and a very risky idea. But, if it is the smartest way of bringing Jim and Ellie back without losing anyone else, this is it.
15th December was the date of the flight. Landon, Callie and Robert begged Barn to let them onto the ship. To be able to be the ones that brought their friends back. To redeem themselves; of sorts. But a No is a No for Barn. He sat down with them and explained how it will become difficult. Emotions play a large part in not being able to perform logically. And this was a chance he was not going to take.
So, the alternative was: plan a welcome home party, pray for their safe rescue and arrival. Just hope for the best to happen. Party planning was Callie’s forte. A choicest bar, the best ornaments right in time for them to arrive on Christmas, and the best caterers. The safety manual and preparations on the ship were scanned, tested and fool-proofed by Landon. No stone unturned for Jim & Ellie to come back. Robert sat in the church all day. He wept for forgiveness and prayed and prayed and prayed; for their safe return. So that he could hug them, apologies to them and hope for their forgiveness.
So, the day was here. A bright sunny, cold and shivering morning. The ship was to reach them in 5 days’ time. Unmanned, remote-controlled once it nears Cyphon, only and only controlled by Barn himself. The old man wanted his newest children back. And nothing and no one was going to get in the way of it. A loud thud, and a swift burst of light and off went GF22 into the air; charged up to rescue the sweethearts.
Oh the sweethearts. How were they doing? Pretty good, from the looks of it. Plants galore, love all around and easy air kept Jim and Ellie happy and absolutely into each other. Days and nights; embracing each other, feeding each other, loving each other. After all, they had nothing else to do.
“I wonder if they will ever send a rescue ship to us; will we want to go back?”, wondered Jim, at the breakfast spot. “Well, I guess it would just be a matter of time. But, I would love to go back. To be able to show everyone what we have, and what we share now. I want to marry you, Jim!”, she chimed. Little did they know, a surprise was about to hit them.
A few nights later, they heard a loud bang. Terrified of what could be out there, Ellie clutched Jim’s arms. But one had to check if safety was being threatened. So Jim put his clothes on, and ran out with caution. Within a minute there was a loud screaming from him “Ellie! Ellie! You need to come out here now! We’ve been found!”
She huddled out in the wind and saw that a massive tube was reaching the ground. They recognized the ship of course. The logo, the familiarity of the design; of home. They looked for any important belongings they had and decided to get ready for their rescue.
Ellie grabbed the camera, the film that they had to yet develop as well as a little keepsake of the planet. A small rock she had found while they went hiking one of the days, safely stored in a glass container. So onward they went toward where the tube was to end.
The tube was created like a funnel. At the end were two space suits for Jim and Ellie, so that they could get into the tube and wear them for safety and health. The space suits were connected to the ship’s door by an electronic suction tube. Once strapped into their suits, Jim and Ellie were pulled slowly into the ship. A sigh of relief. Not from Jim or Ellie; from Barn back at home. Monitoring the process, leading it.
A speaker chimed in on the ship. “How’s it going, kids?”
“Oh Barn! We missed you. You came back for us!”, said Ellie happily. After all, home is home. And how much ever peace one may get once they are alone; people are all they want at the end of it. “Yes, Ellie. Of course, we did. It did take a little while, but we worked on getting you out, as soon as we got back!”, responded Barn, “there’s a party waiting for you. Time to come back home!”
A few days later, back on Earth. “I’ll admit the traffic is bad and there is too much going on around, but man, I missed home!”, sighed Jim happily. An easiness took them over, when they knew they were going to be back home in time for the holidays!
Welcomed with longing arms of Callie, Robert and Landon and Barn’s happy eyes, Jim and Ellie were happy to be back. Their families were happy to have them back. Praying for months, for their safe return has paid off. Time is always important, peace is important, but we always forget; people are what make our world. We can never escape them for too long!
Written By Anisha Masand
Week 49, December ’20
