Voyage: Journey to Earth

Chapter 16: Hope

As the humpback gets closer to Earth, the crew begin to discuss among themselves. They all are looking forward to finally arrive at Earth, capital of the United galactic republic and home world of the humans. Some of the crew have family back on Earth while others are just glad to hand over the tech. Elsewhere, Jack searches for Sierra since her shift had ended an hour ago. Jack asks Xel if they know where Sierra is. Xel tells him that Sierra should be in her room in the housing area. Jack thanks Xel and leaves the medbay to head towards the housing area. Jack looks at each door before finding a door with Sierras name. He approaches her room and knocks on the door. Sierra opens the door and is surprised to see Jack.

"Jack! What brings you here?" Sierra asks, shock to see Jack visiting her.

"I came here to hang with you. We haven't had a simple chat in years." Says Jack.

As Jack enters Sierras room, he sees how well kept the room is. The room has enough space for relaxation, washing, and cooking. Its also designed to accommodate aquarians, designed with the atmosphere of Hydrus in mind. To Sierra, its like being on the aquarian home world. Jack sits on a nearest chair as Sierra sits beside him.

"I can"t believe we'll finally be back on Earth. I've lost track of how long we've been away from our home." Says Sierra.

"Yeah. It also doesn't help that I have been "dead" the whole time." Jack says as he chuckles with Sierra.

"Sierra. Do you remember when we were young and how we would just watch the stars in the night sky?" Asks Jack.

"Everyday. We always dreamed of one day we would explore the stars, to see the farthest reaches of the galaxy." Says Sierra, nostalgic by Jacks question.

"And now we're here. In a cetus class spaceship, seeing the galaxy itself!" Jack says with excitement.

"Yeah. I just wished it under different circumstances." Sierra says, remembering the conflict.

"You're right. But hey! When this is over, we can explore the galaxy without worrying about some intergalactic conflict." Jack says with hope in his voice.

Sierra smiles from the hope coming from Jack. Sierra hands Jack the tech and tells him to give it to Captain Farron. Jack takes the tech and hugs Sierra before leaving to deliver the tech.

In the captains quarters, Farron watches the stars knowing that the humpback is getting closer to Earth. Just as Farron is about to take a sip of his coffee, Jack barges into his office without Farron knowing. Farron jolts with shock resulting in him spilling his coffee on his suit. Jack apologizes for surprising the Captain. Farron asks why Jack was in a hurry to see him and Jack simply responds by handing the tech over to the Captain.

"We know that humanity is backsliding and there's not much we can do. Luckily, I've told Sierra and Xel about the plan. If things go south, I'd want to ensure the tech doesn't fall into the wrong hands." Says Jack.

"I understand your concern Mr. Rider. But I'm glad you discussed the plan with your friends. I've already told most of the crew and gave them a choice. To stay with the humpback or return to their families. I won't force them to favor one choice over the other." Farron says as he removes his stained suit for a clean one.

"You already know my choice Captain." Jack says with confidence in his voice.

"I know. I'd recommend you contact your family. Let them know you're alive. This may be the last time they'll get to hear your voice." Says Farron.

"I will Captain. It the least I could do." Says Jack before leaving.

With the humpback getting closer to Earth, soon the fate of the galaxy will be in the hands of its crew. Will darkness consume the galaxy or will the stars of hope shine brighter than any sun?