Flash looked around the cavernous underground landing strip, with its massive lid made of Martian ore, and a feeling of restlessness filled him.

“On second thought, Eva, I really have to be going. It’s obvious that things are going well here. I’ll just send a video feed to Ash and be on my way. You understand… The stars are calling me.”

“I envy you” Eva answered. But in a few months I’ll be heading back to Earth. Where are you going?”

“I’m heading to a little planet called Olo. I’ve been thinking about it for decades.”

“Olo…” Eva repeated with a far away look in her eyes. “It sounds magical.”

“It’s unique, Flash agreed, but isn’t every place?”

“I suppose.” she said, with a sigh. “The magic seems to wear off when you’re trapped under ground.”

Flash could feel it. An agitation. He had to move on.

Tell K.C. I couldn’t stay. He’s doing a great job here. Alpha Control is impressed with the development, and Colonel Lander really wanted to see it.

“You know this area is named after him, don’t you? This landing complex is built on the site of the original Lander Camp.”

With that, she pointed to a large sign overhead. ASH LANDER INTERPLANETARY TERMINAL.

And the mining operation is named for Krate Azimuth.

Flash smiled, happy that their early participation was recognized in this way.

“They’re pretty much rock stars here,” she said.

“They risked their lives to save me,” Flash mused, “they are real heroes.”

With that, Flash Meridian boarded the TNI2, and as the great roof glided open. He took off, a speck against the gaping window to the heavens. A homing device on his control panel sped him on a direct course for the mother ship which returned to full power as he approached it.

The TNI2 slowed and pivoted, then nestled itself into its mooring on the belly of the gleaming spaceship, and Flash was home.

The mothership had a comforting effect on Flash. He knew that everything he needed was right here, and that the Table of Elements stood by ready to supply him with any nourishment he may need. He felt happy as he emerged through the hatch from the TNI2 and heard the familiar clicking of the K.D. Head.

“How about a cup of coffee?” he asked the whirring orb with its ever changing yet static expressions.

“Certainly. There is an app for that.”

Flash noticed an alert message on the screen and opened it. An animated face appeared, and said “I am Chel-C, Barista to the Stars. What can I get for you today?”

“A nonfat Latte, please,” he said, realizing that this was only a piece of software. The human face seemed to suggest using proper protocol, and he enjoyed this new interface with the elements.