Olo was beautiful. The air was warm. The people were friendly and gracious. He had learned so much by coming here, but this was not his home yet.
He longed for something familiar, and so he thanked the Ololians for their gift. It didn’t take long for Flash to say goodbye to those who had gathered. They had been so kind and welcoming, and had become like family.
They would have loved for him to stay with them on Olo, but they understood that this was not his home yet.
Perhaps he would return one day.
Flash looked again at the shining yellow craft, and for the first time, noticed that Lem was in the copilot‘s seat.
The instruction manual is in the book, Skip said.
Flash looked around the crystal plain one last time, and breathed deeply of the delicious Ololian air. He hugged the king and queen, and wihout regret, he boarded the yellow pod.
Goodbye, he said as he closed the hatch. The engine made no sound as he lifted off. The crowd below grew smaller and smaller, while the kaleidoscopic terrain spread out below him.
The colorful mountain peaks glowed, and Flash was filled with feelings of sadness and hope, knowing that among them were his daughter and grandson.
He questioned whether he was doing the right thing. Lem looked at him with a knowing expression.
What am I doing? he asked.
Going home.
Flash turned the ship once again and took one last look at the cobalt plateau. He could barely make out the castle on the mountain, and could no longer see the structures, the whale, the TNI2 or the Ololians on the plain.
He wiped a tear from his eye, and they soon reached the edge of the atmosphere.
The intense hues looked like a painting from this altitude, riddled with hidden figures and cryptic messages that could only be seen from high above.
The new ship had all of the features of the TNI2, plus many more, and so it was drawn to the mother ship, which recognized it and welcomed it by illuminating the docking bay lights. A message appeared on the computer screen, accompanied by a digital voice that said, Arriving at destination.
The Ololian pod nestled perfectly in the bay, and was secured to the mother ship. Finally. Flash was home. After a series of tones and vibrations, he was given the OK to open the hatch. He floated through it. The ship came to life after being dormant during his absence. It felt familiar, yet strangely quiet without his daughter.
Lights glowed and flickered on the control panel, but the cabin was mostly dark. He hovered there for a while, taking in the familiar environment. It was small, but cozy, and it offered Flash everything he needed. Sometimes, it felt a little too small, causing him to feel cramped and discontented. On more than one occasion, he had considered finding a new home.
Now, he felt strongly that this is where he belonged. Here, he was Flash Meridian! Not just some house guest, or stranger trying to fit in. Here, he could be himself again.