Turnon squeezes my hand lovingly as we watch Earth grow bigger and bigger from the observation deck. He’s still wounded, wrapped in bandages and walking with crutches, but he’s alive.

Alive and doing well.

Both of us have been through hell these past few days. It’s hard to believe it’s finally over. I thought I lost him, not once, but twice… to be able to arrive back on Earth, safe and sound, and with his baby inside of me even, is truly a blessing.

He places one hand on my stomach and smiles.

I couldn’t be happier. We’re going to be a little happy family, all three of us together.

“That’s my home,” I say, pointing at the blue-green globe. “My neck of the woods.”

“Our home,” he corrects me. “Our family’s home.”

“You’re absolutely right.”

“Do they know we’re coming?”

“Yeah. At least, I hope so!”

I press a button on the intercom.

“Donovan, please tell me Earth knows we’re coming?”

“Of course,” he replies. “I’m not an idiot!”

Turnon grins. Someone disagrees!

“I already debriefed the Federation, and they have a welcome committee waiting. Don’t worry and enjoy the ride.”

Earth gets bigger and bigger. I can make out continents, countries, and then cities, buildings! New Atlanta looms up large in front of us, the center of a sprawling metropolis.

“Wow,” Turnon says.

I squeeze his hand. After living on a deserted world his entire life, he’s in for quite a shock.

Life on Earth will take some getting used to for him. First of all, the fact that walking around with nothing but a piece of cloth around your waist is a no-go was hard for him to understand! With his help I took apart the Nezdek uniforms and sewed new outfits for us. Turnon hasn’t gotten used to his yet — he keeps complaining about a lack of room down below.

With his size, it’s a justifiable complaint.

I told him that as long as we’re in the house, he can wear as little as he likes. This cheered him right up — and I have a naked, seven foot tall alien warrior to look forward to.

The familiar sights of my city come into view, and I’m filled with a sense of belonging. I’m really back home. This is really happening. I can’t wait to show Turnon the house I grew up in, or the block where I used to play, my school… and perhaps our child’s school.

We make our way to the boarding ramp as Donovan gently lowers the ship. When we’ve touched down on Earth, the metal ramp slides down.

Outside, to my surprise, there are thousands — no, tens of thousands of people waiting for us. Banners with “Welcome Home” on them are hung up between skyscrapers, there is confetti, there is music, there is so much of everything it is completely overwhelming.

Donovan walks past us, strutting confidently.

“Told you I briefed them?” He winks. “How often in your life do you get a ticker tape parade, huh?”

He waves to the crowd and basks in their attention, taking all of the credit.

Captain Ferguson will never change.

“What a crowd,” Turnon says. “What chaos! What buildings!”

As far as the eye can see there are skyscrapers, and the sky is filled with cars whizzing past.

“Welcome to the urban jungle,” I say.

Soldiers enter the ship to our left and right, and moments later they come back out carrying the pods with the sleeping girls in them. We decided not to wake them — I think its best doctors do that, in a safe, stable environment. I’d hate to traumatize them by waking them up myself on an alien vessel. Those girls have no idea what they’ve been through.

Turnon stands next to me on the exit ramp. I can sense he’s wary.

“It’s okay,” I say. “It’s a lot to take in. Don’t worry. We have time. We have all the time in the world.”

“AVA!”

A familiar voice rises from the crowd — Sarah! She bursts forth, running towards me! She looks radiant, her belly as round as ball.

“Oh my god, Sarah!”

I fling my arms around my best friend and hug her tightly.

“I’m still in time for the birth!”

“I know!” she screams. “Oh, I was so worried!”

With relief comes tears, and within moments we’re crying together, jumping up and down.

“I have something to tell you — I’m pregnant, too. Keep it a secret though!”

“What?! And who is the lucky man?”

“That’d be me,” Turnon growls. “I take it you’re Sarah?”

Sarah gives me a cheeky smile. “Nice to meet you, Turnon! So, a Zoran, huh? How original,” she laughs.

“Hush,” I say, my cheeks turning crimson.

A blue Zoran steps forwards out of the crowd and walks up to my mate.

“Welcome to Earth, brother. I’m Kazim. Welcome home.”

“Thank you,” Turnon says.

“I’ve heard of your bravery and strength. I can assure you every Zoran on this planet is proud to call you a brother.”

Turnon shrugs. “I did what had to be done.”

“Spoken like a true warrior,” Kazim smirks. “Come, there’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

Another Zoran steps forth. This one is an elderly, purple-skinned gentleman, arm in arm with a grey-haired woman. They both look distinguished and regal, dressed in the finest robes, and very familiar…

“Son?”

Turnon’s face turns blank with shock.

“F-father?” he stammers. “Mother?”

The couple — Koryn and Kelly — nod.

They fall into each others arms, and I can’t contain my tears. They’re streaming down my face as I watch my mate hug his parents for the first time. Donovan sure debriefed the Federation thoroughly — I had no idea they’d be here!

I scan the crowd for my own parents, and I spot them in the distance. They aren’t the types to be the center of attention, and it feels like all the eyes of the world are on us right now, but I wave them over and hug them tightly.

We’re all back together now.

One big, happy family.