Thousands of light-years ahead, in the Andromeda galaxy, the time travelers finally reached their destination, the planet Life. All the communication channels were willing to warn the population of the success of the mission and that Mirov would never disturb their well-being again. For this reason, the inhabitants were in a party mood to welcome the heroes. Queen Isadora and Counselor Kenan went to the dock at the central base, in the town of Perfectio, to receive them. A celebration awaited them, with many tributes, due to the bravery of everyone. Merko, Nicholas, Zara and the rest of the winners of the dreaded battle against Mirov paraded through the city, cheered by the people.

After arriving at the royal palace, Merko decided to personally report the result of the mission to Queen Isadora and Counselor Kenan. He made his way to the throne room, along with Nicholas and Zara. The young man, this time, was in his human form, just like the others. The captain explained everything that happened to the ruler, who was very grateful to everybody.

Before counselor Kenan said something, the queen said:

"Once again, I want to thank you, Nicholas. You saved my life when I was a child, and now you freed us all from the claws of a madman like Mirov." She looked at Merko and Zara. "I am also grateful to you, Merko, a renowned hero of our planet. Upon learning of our problems, you promptly came from Earth to risk your life for us. Thank you, captain!" He shook his head in a sign of thanks.

The monarch held Zara's hand. "Darling, you are an example of someone who fights for her family and her people. You show the women's strength to solve any kind of problem, both in profession and in life."

Kenan then said:

"Later, we'll hold a ceremony where we'll personally thank all those who participated in this mission, because you managed to prevent the destiny of humanity from being changed. We are the real proof of this, in this exact moment, being alive."

Next, a great banquet was served for them. But during such celebration, Nicholas and Zara couldn't feel at ease. The anguish for seeing their daughter and family members pressed their breasts, and they couldn't hide the nervousness. They asked Merko once more to leave as soon as possible.

Merko, then, explained to the queen that they needed to return to planet Earth, because they needed to see their family again, the homesickness was great. Queen Isadora granted them permission to leave. As she already knew about their lives among humans, she understood the reasons for so much anxiety to go back. While the ship was being prepared, Zara and the captain went to see again the relatives and friends who remained there.

The monarch and counselor Kenan knew Merko's and Zara's place was alongside the people they loved, on planet Earth. In the depths of her heart, the queen approved of Merko and Zara's stay along with Nicholas and his family. The only thing that kept them from assuming this on planet Life was that old law that forbade the relationship between them and the humans.

And why not change that? Therefore, before they left, the queen called them into her presence once more.

"I need you to listen to what I have to say."

"We're ready to serve you, Your Majesty!" Merko analyzed her with his argute ears.

What could have happened that made her so anxious? The couple beside him also kept their senses alert to the queen's words.

"As you know, it isn't permitted by our laws that the planet Life people marry or have children with the humans of the past. This law was created to avoid problems in the various monitoring missions of our ancestors on planet Earth. This way, the future wouldn't be modified. But we also know that you, Merko and Zara, are the most prudent people I know."

At that moment, Kenan grumbled, clearing his throat.

"Of course, along with Counselor Kenan."

Everyone smiled.

"So, I grant royal forgiveness to both of you, even though you have violated this law, and authorize you to live happily on Earth, next to those you love, because love is universal. The good you have done to mankind could never be rewarded and this is the least I could do."

Merko, Zara and Nicholas thanked the gesture, full of happiness.

Finally, the battle cruiser Star Hunter was ready to take off, after a quick and efficient maintenance done by the engineers and robots from the base's hangar. The three of them knew that they were bidding farewell once again to their own, without any plans to return. They would miss all their friends.

Sivoc, Crom, Tibor, Drako and the rest of the crew went to say goodbye to the travelers, who would finally go home. Zara's eyes were watery, as were Nicholas'. It wasn't easy to have the heart split between two planets, but they had to make their choices.

"My friend Merko, I'll never forget the adventures we've lived together", Sivoc said, giving him a hug.

"One day I'll return. I confess that, despite being happy on planet Earth, a part of me always feels like coming back. When you need me, just let me know and I'll always be ready to help you."

"Don't worry, friend. I think we'll be able to live up to the expectations. Congratulations for your son. I've already lost count of how many times he has saved us with his courage and genial ideas", Sivoc continued, feeling sad, knowing that he wouldn't be able to see them again anytime soon.

"I thank you, commander. The ideas came from everyone, I just contributed to the group. We are a team! I really enjoyed meeting you guys, and even at home, I'm going to look in the direction of Andromeda, and I'll remember you all", Nicholas knew he had real friends there.

"Thank you, Nick, for fighting with us and helping us save our planet. When you need us, just get in touch. Drako's always connected." Tibor shook Nicholas' hand. "Did you see how I learned the greetings from the Terrans?" He commented before giving the young man a hug.

They both smiled, saying goodbye. Colonel Fizard approached Merko and said:

"Commander, I would like to congratulate you on the success of the mission. When you reach the blue planet, look for the spy, Dargan. Use the communication signal from your ship and his equipment will recognize it. Tell him what happened and give him this ring. Dargan will know then that it was I who ordered his return to planet Life. The ring will transmit a holographic message, which I recorded, informing about Mirov's death and the change of plans. Give him a scout ship that's in the ship Star Hunter's hangar. It's prepared to travel back to Planet Life." The captain nodded, understanding all the instructions. "Thanks for making me see the truth and give me another chance. I am now a better man and live happy next to my wife and children."

"Fizard, from the beginning I knew you were a good man. There's always a better path in life waiting for us. The choice must be made individually. You have chosen the right path after many mistakes, now you're happy with your family. Enjoy your life, my friend."

A commotion mood filled the air. However, to Zara remained only the satisfaction. She was content to go back to Earth and finally see her daughter again. But she was still worried because she felt something strange, she knew they needed to go back quickly.

From the base, Queen Isadora with tears in her eyes, Kenan and all their friends waved them goodbye. This was the last sight they saw from within Star Hunter spacecraft, before taking off toward the hyperspace.

"Zara, you don't have to be anxious. We'll go home and take care of our daughter."

"I'm sensing that Helen's in danger. There's something warning me..."

"Mirov and his henchmen died in the earthly past. There's no reason to worry, my dear."

"Nick, don't forget the team of alien capture agents. They're dangerous and Helen's learning to use her powers. We need to stay close to her and teach her, especially, to be anonymous and invisible. Any supernatural manifestation among humans could be fatal. She's only a child and needs protection."

Merko came near them and entered the conversation:

"I agree with you too, Zara. We need to get back as fast as we can. I've already asked Z8 to give us the maximum speed in the trans warp for the return trip. I want to protect my granddaughter, Lorena, and Sophia; any risk to Helen will be dangerous to them as well. This mission to the Earth's past was of extreme necessity, and if we didn't make it, the future of humanity would be compromised. Now let's get back to the normalcy of our lives."

"I think like you. Let's have a good trip", concluded Nicholas, excited with their return home.

Zara just stared out of the command bridge's hatch. She looked at the stars, while in her mind the only image she saw was Helen smiling. That dream she had had a few days ago had made her worried about her daughter. The sense of imminent danger wouldn't leave her anytime soon.

Nicholas, with his peculiar optimism, only thought about getting home and seeing his family again. In his mind, Mirov's death had put an end to the problems. But was he right?

The captain missed Lorena a lot and wanted to see his wife with her golden curls. He missed her sweet voice all the time. He also wanted to see his granddaughter, the sweet Helen, who liked to go on Sunday walks with him at the park near where they lived. Soon, he would be in the company of his family.

"Coordinates one, zero, nine, eight. Commander Merko, we're leaving the Andromeda galaxy", Z8's female voice reported.

It was time for them to be home again.