Echoes

Epilogue

"Attention, passengers," the flight attendant announced, "we are making our final descent. Please raise your tray tables and bring your seats to a full, upright position."

From high above, Hope watched the rolling emerald hills and criss-crossed patches of farmland with delight and amazement. Even before the aircraft arrived, Hope felt a deep, spiritual sense of homecoming and belonging.

With a squeak of rubber on tarmac, and a soft rumble that jostled the plane, Aer Lingus flight 108 landed in Dublin, Ireland.

Hope tapped out a text to Claudia. "I made it safe and sound... Finally. But next year, you're coming with me."

She grabbed her carry-on and filed off the jet with the sea of passengers, ready for adventure.
* * *
Forsephore watched the monitors with a wide grin as Aitnynedee cheered. "I knew we'd make it eventually," Aitnynedee said.

With a sheaf of homework in hand, an Echo in a pantsuit and blazer stepped up beside Forsephore. "You think she's really going to do it?"

Forsephore laughed and hugged O'Waighty. "She's finished with her degree, and half her hours as a student teacher. Yeah, I think she's going to complete the program and find a good classroom to call her own."

O'Waighty smiled and rested a hand on Forsephore's shoulder. "Couldn't have done it without you."

"Likewise."

"Phaw," O'Waighty said. "I didn't do a damned thing. You did all the work."

"You did exactly what I needed," Forsephore said, clasping O'Waighty's shoulder. "You reminded me of what I already knew, deep down."

"Chief Forsephore," a voice interrupted. This version of Hope carried a video camera in one hand and held a microphone in the other. "You've orchestrated so much to get to this point. What's the inside scoop? Who's the next Echo that will sit on the dais of the Alphas?"

Forsephore took a deep breath and surveyed the crowd. The array of Echoes gathered in the Hub represented so many Ideals, Vocations, Passions, and Purposes. The prospect of making such a decision seemed daunting, overwhelming. And Forsephore almost gave in to the temptation.

Then a realization struck her, and she glowed with welcome joy.

"I don't know," she said, giving the reporter a relieved smile. "Let's see what the Prime decides."