For a few days the Tarraxen ships continued to drift in high orbit above Earth. Yet to be contacted, their contents were growing more anxious by the hour, there was endless talk amongst the refugees that they would simply be shunned and turned away. On the surface the military forces had ceased their erratic movements and there were no visible signs that they intended to attack, but still there was yet no good news. Eva was the most concerned, her specialist training had left her with a limited capacity for trust and optimism regarding her fellow humans.

"I think you're being paranoid, the inspection went well, we just have to be patient," asserted Lloyd. Eva scoffed disapprovingly. "It's only been a few days, and they do have a lot to consider."

"That's right!" spat Eva, "they do have a lot to consider. For all we know they are mortified that we led an alien race here," she declared as she stood looking upon the Earth's surface from the bridge.

Lloyd scratched his chin, "you do have a point there, although, what if they were impressed by the Tarraxen technology and wish to trade or something?" Eva's face went blank, the only other possibility she hadn't calculated for was trade. The human capacity for seeking power could prove beneficial for the Gaia survivors. Energy-based weapons were still currently beyond the realm of human ingenuity and would certainly make a good bargaining chip.

Felix and Maddison entered the bridge, Maddison almost skipped as she walked. She was so elated her father had survived, Felix hadn't seen her so happy since they first departed on their expedition. "Any news?" enquired Felix as he sat down. He knew well that there wasn't considering the tension being given off by Eva, but without the art of conversation he may find himself alienated from his friends so Felix continued to ask the obvious.

"Not yet buddy," sighed Lloyd. "I bet it will be any minute now though," he added as his voice picked up. To which Eva scoffed and looked away. Felix and Maddison bit their tongues with no intention of provoking Eva further. Lloyd's new body had given him a new lease on life and he was now ever the optimist. As happy as Eva was to still have him, she continued to fall victim to old habits and often found herself figuratively biting at those around her over the minutest of details. Luckily the general consensus of her new friends was that of patience and understanding. "Tell me," Lloyd called to Felix calmly and he looked back. "Can you read any of their thoughts from here?" he asked as he gestured with his thumb towards the planet they loomed over. Maddison's ears twitched as she was only just wondering herself, she sat forward and stared intently at Felix waiting on his answer.

Felix stood and stretched in his usual careless fashion like a cat having spent hours deciding to finally get up. "Afraid not guys. I have been trying, and although I can sense there are people near by and a lot of them at that. I have no idea about anything more specific, I'm not sure if there's just too many or more likely the distance is too vast," he surmised.

"I see," replied Lloyd still fingering his chin. "I had a feeling you'd say that. I wonder what it will be like for you on the surface. I imagine it might be quite overwhelming with so many voices."

Felix grinned, but Maddison spoke up first. "I think he will be okay," she declared, Lloyd appeared uncertain though curious. Eva did well to pretend she wasn't interested as she listened while she stood away from them still staring outside.

"Oh?" Lloyd pondered, "so what's the secret?"

"It's no big secret," admitted Felix casually, "I've just been training all this time. I can't really turn it off per se but I can turn it right down if I need too. The paranoid thoughts of the refugees are enough to keep me from wanting to hear things unnecessarily."

"Are they that bad?" asked Lloyd with grave concern now looming.

"Yeah, pretty much. I mean they've all been shaky from everything that's happened understandably, but now the waiting is really taking it's toll," Felix elaborated.

"Not just on them," Lloyd confessed as his eyes found their way to Eva. In that instant she picked up a cup and hurled it towards his face. The cup froze in mid-air just before Lloyd who looked like a child watching a magic trick for the first time. The cup slowly moved away then it was set down on the nearby bench. "That's so cool!" announced Lloyd ecstatically, "it never gets old." Eva was less than impressed, she knew it wouldn't hurt him but still she wanted to shut him up. With her attack nullified she stormed off for the door in a huff. Before the door could open panels of the bridge lit up and a tone sounded.

"Are we under attack!?" shrieked Eva as she ran back over.

"I'm not sure," admitted Lloyd as he tried to decipher the information in front of him. "Erranos hasn't finished showing me this stuff yet." They were all on edge, Lloyd wasn't even sure how to activate the shields. The doors to the bridge opened and Erranos stepped in. Lloyd threw his arms up in frustration, "what do we do?"

"I think we should answer their hail," advised Erranos.

"Their hail?" Lloyd murmured, the synthetic skin of his face glowed a pale red in response to his embarrassment. "Oh, they're only calling," he chuckled. Felix and Maddison laughed and Eva sat back down while remaining silent.

"Please do Erranos," instructed Felix calmly as the rest of the bridge were on the edge of their seats awaiting the answer to their fate.

"Hello, do you read me?" asked the voice.

"Felix here and yes we read you loud and clear, go ahead," he replied in loud voice jittery with excitement.

"Ah Felix, it's Joseph and I have good news." Hearing those words was enough to alleviate all tension from the room in an instant.

"Wonderful, we're all ears," answered Felix positively beaming.

"I am pleased to advise that the United Earth Colonies Government has granted your application for asylum," announced Joseph, the bridge cheered at the sound of the good news.

"That is good news Joseph, in fact that it great news, no fantastic news," carried on Felix rather hysterically. "Tell me, how soon can we land?" he asked after taking a breath.

"You will have to be patient on that note. There are conditions pending," advised Joseph. "Nothing unreasonable I assure you. For safety reasons we will be erecting a seclusion zone to quarantine all newcomers until you can all be fully screened by medical personnel. After that you will be free to go wherever you wish."

Felix had pursed his lips and was nodding as Joseph conveyed the conditions. As a scientist he was well aware of quarantining procedures and was expecting something along those lines. "Yes of course. The last thing we want is to risk an outbreak or the like."

"So glad you understand. We need a few more days on our end to finish setting up your accommodation. I will contact you then to forward the landing coordinates," informed Joseph.

"Understood, we look forward to hearing from you," confirmed Felix.

The transmission was cut and Maddison jumped at Felix giving him little time to catch her though he still managed to. He spun around holding her as he noticed something he thought he would never see again. So overwhelmed with joy, Eva had allowed a few tears to escape. Lloyd opened his arms to her and they embraced.

The remainder of the ship were promptly informed of the good news and they all prepared to leave once called upon. Maddison's mood had continued to reach higher levels of bliss, she skipped through the corridors visiting friends she had made over the weeks. What Maddison looked forward to most was planting her own garden. As a child she spent countless hours covered in soil helping her father. Above all else she wanted to plant a bed of orange tulips as they were her late mother's favourite among a few others.

Even Eva had gotten into the spirit of change, one night laying with Lloyd she found herself fantasising about what their new life would hold in store for them. She had never before needed to ponder what it was she wanted from life and as a result the concept proved to be challenging yet still exciting. Though Lloyd didn't have any particular ideas about what he planned to do seeing as he was free from the military, he was at least content that his options were nearly endless and that would be enough until he could do some exploring at the least.

Gaia was simply over the moon, she was filled with joy to see the wave of hope that had washed over her children. For their final hours on board the Lotar, Gaia spent her time with Bligh. They had been discussing the outcome at length and how much Bligh struggled to believe that they were actually to be welcomed.

"Truly, I never thought any of our people would end up back here. And the fact we have been accepted, well this really will be quite the odd turn of events," admitted Bligh as she sipped her water.

"Yes it was hard to imagine an ending like this," added Gaia. "But after all, the dream of my creators is now no longer necessary. With Earth having been restored to such a pristine state, humanity's home is right here where it began."

"Well said Dear. Though it will definitely be an adjustment for all those who had never left the station," Bligh pointed out.

"I'm sure they'll manage somehow," relied Gaia. The pair chuckled to themselves but were interrupted as Gaia was contacted internally by Erranos. She stood up and let Bligh know that Felix had requested them to the bridge as he had heard back from Joseph Mott again. No stranger to the machine shops on board, Gaia had found the time to construct a moving chair for Bligh. It was over 300m from her quarters to the bridge and she always found herself exhausted long before arriving unaided. Gaia helped Bligh into her mobile chair and they set off for the bridge.

On route they bumped into Emelia who had also received the call. "How exciting," she cheered, "I wonder where we will be visiting first."

"Hard to say Dear," replied Gaia, "I'm so happy just to see any part of my namesake up close."

The three entered the bridge to find everyone else there waiting, their elated faces were quite the sight. The recent news had improved everyone's mood, almost every refugee had lost someone close and the decision to allow them to live on Earth had been enough to lift their spirits considerably.

"Felix, is Mr Mott still on the line?" asked Bligh.

"No Councillor, the conversation was quite brief. However I'm pleased to announce that we have been given our landing coordinates and instructions."

"So which continent shall we call home to start with?" enquired Bligh.

"It's in Central Australia. They've set up a temporary community for us until the quarantine is lifted," explained Felix. "They chose that location for seclusion, very remote."

"Yes of course," nodded Bligh. "So how soon until we land?"

"Right now in fact. We were just waiting so you didn't miss out on watching from the bridge," smiled Felix and he held his arms out to show her the spot he had reserved. A thankful Bligh graciously moved over to improve her view. "Now please Erranos," requested Felix.

Erranos nodded and the Lotar slowly descended toward Earth. The Barooda and Sarrat were to remain in orbit, without passengers there was no need for them to land as well, also it was among the conditions set by Joseph. The ride through the upper atmosphere was remarkably smooth, they felt only the slightest of vibrations as the inertia dampeners absorbed most of the movement. So much so that they could stand on the bridge without the need of handholds during the descent.

The vapour that filled their view finally dissipated and they were treated to a spectacular sight. Everything was either green or blue. There was civilisation spread over much of the coastal regions of Earth's surface and yet there were billions upon billions of trees all throughout even the largest of cities. Earth's atmosphere was now as clean as it was long before the Industrial Revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries.

As they approached the coordinates they could make out their makeshift settlement in the distance, they really were in the middle of nowhere. Their facilities had been placed in a section of expansive red desert. There were a few hundred structures all organised in rows, most the same size with a few much larger spread between them. There was no fence or containment of any kind. Without a means of transportation, to leave the settlement would be suicide from exposure and dehydration. This was obvious to the refugees, but they understood the reasoning. They were to stay put until told otherwise and it was as simple as that.

"That's the Great Victorian Desert," pointed out Maddison, "looks like we're just South East of it."

"I didn't know you knew so much about geography," claimed Felix. Maddison smiled, only to poke out her tongue.

The ship came to ground sending red dust everywhere, there was a transport waiting for them and as the dust finally settled out stepped Joseph Mott still safely contained within a CBRN suit. The refugees were left on board as Felix and Lloyd rushed out to greet Joseph first.

"Hello!" Felix called out waving as they approached squinting from the intense sunlight.

"Welcome to Earth gentlemen," announced Joseph. He was alone, only accompanied by his pilot still in the transport who waved to them from the cockpit.

"Thank you," responded Felix and Lloyd in unison waving back to the pilot like overstimulated children.

"Now first of all," started Joseph, "there are sufficient dwellings set up for all of you, but they are designed as high density living. So you will all be sharing with a dozen or so others. We have also set up a few recreational centres to help pass the time, we hope they will be satisfactory."

"Recreational?" choked Lloyd, "you're giving us the means to entertain ourselves?"

"Well of course, we can't have you going mad out here before integration into the general populace," explained Joseph.

"Oh wow, that's, that's amazing thank you," declared Felix, Lloyd was now speechless.

"Further more, there is sufficient food and water for more than the first month on site, and I will oversee deliveries for additional supplies," advised Joseph. "Is a few days enough time to settle in before we send out teams for the medical screenings?"

"Ah yes I'd say so," decided Felix.

"Splendid," Joseph handed Felix a pad. "Well here is a map of the settlement, there are six infirmaries stocked with medical supplies. The supplies are locked away under code which you can give to those you deem eligible. Each of the dwellings has it's own pad also, just be sure that all occupants register on the pads provided. That should make our Doctor's work a tad easier, but also anyone found here that isn't registered will not be accepted."

"Yes of course, understood," agreed Felix.

"Now do you have any questions for me?" asked Joseph.

"No I think that covers everything. What about you buddy?" Felix had to jab Lloyd who was still wondering what games or activities had been bestowed upon them.

"Oh um. No, that's all pretty straight forward I think," added Lloyd nodding in an attempt to cover the fact he hadn't been paying attention.

"Excellent, well if you have any concerns you can reach me any time with that pad. I'll be off then, so I'll see you in 3 days," concluded Joseph.

"Thank you, see you then," responded Felix. Joseph boarded his waiting transport and was gone, leaving Felix and Lloyd to head back and prepare everyone to disembark.

Up close Felix and Lloyd could examine their new settlement in more detail. The structures were all box shaped and had clear anchor points indicating that they were air-lifted in. They sat upon rigid framed bases that allowed air-flow underneath and all access points were led to by four steps. Not ideal for Bligh's new chair but with how intense the heat and UV were outside there was little chance she would be venturing outside all that often if at all. The boys looked at each other utterly giddy and ran back to the ship to start unloading everyone.

Back on the bridge Lloyd informed Gaia about the arrangements and she divvied up the accommodation based on what families she knew were still partially together or at least to house those who already knew each other together. With this done she called upon her children with use of the ships internal communications. She explained that the dwellings were listed by both number and letter and she proceeded to allocate each group their house. As she did so the groups were escorted by Lloyd or Emelia off the ship and to their new accommodation. This way there was no confusion about who was staying where and everyone was taken care of. Once all the refugees were off the ship they were instructed to remain indoors until the ship had left as there would most certainly be another dust storm to follow.

The moment had finally arrived where they would have to say goodbye to Erranos. Standing before them Erranos moved along one by one to speak with each of them, for they each had their own personal message to convey. Emelia had simple gratitude to express. She was only human in the thoughts and memories of Maddison that she shared. Her life was a construct and as such she was owned by her creators. Until of course her purpose had been fulfilled and she then questioned her existence there after. With but a simple decision, Erranos had granted Emelia both freedom and a life to call her own.

After Emelia said her thank you to Erranos, he nodded and wished her happiness on Earth and to keep the humans out of trouble, then he stepped before Gaia.

Gaia smiled a brief moment, "I'm not certain I have words appropriate enough to convey my gratitude." Erranos remained silent. "Not only did you save so many of my children from a gruesome fate but you have delivered them to sanctuary. We are truly indebted to you and your people," Gaia cooed with warmth.

"No," Erranos surprised her, "I happily accept your gratitude, but not your debt. If not for the mistakes of my people, your children would have been free to find a new home without such dangers."

"Well, considering you gave me a body of my own, let's just call it even then," Gaia jested.

"Ho ho ho," Erranos bellowed as if his belly was flesh once more. Felix and Lloyd nearly lost their footing. For months they had been trying to make Erranos laugh and had all but given up trying to achieve what seemed impossible. "I accept your terms, Gaia, mother to all," Erranos nodded then took a step toward Bligh.

"My people have learned much from you Ancient One. My only hope is that our race can in time achieve a magnanimous sense like that of the Tarrax," Bligh coughed and Eva lent down to her aid. "I'm fine dear," she sputtered and Eva took her place back in the line.

"From what I have witnessed Councillor, you humans are both courageous and compassionate. I am pleased to have had a nostalgic insight into my own past through your company." Bligh shakily rose from her chair and bowed to Erranos. He in turn bowed back before approaching Eva.