The device Nick had ntally dubbed the "Moderator" was finished the day after the wedding, and they launched it into an orbit unlikely to collide with anything else. Petra programd it to harass trolls and liars, but it would gradually grow less effective without her ongoing analysis in support. Humanity would figure out that it was possible to fool the thing, more likely sooner than later, but this was the best they could do.
Of the fourteen humans who had co aboard the New Hope since it reached Earth, one had died; Maggie and Father Mangiano were staying aboard; and the other eleven boarded a shuttle for transport to the quarantine zone in Australia. Nick had no idea how long the governnts would keep them cooped up, since Sana was giving them a clean bill of health already, but he couldn't bla them for their caution.
When the shuttle was boarding, Brian gave Nick and Maggie long hugs. "I'm glad you two finally got together, and I envy you your grand adventure." He grinned. "Be sure to write, or whatever it is they do up there." Nick laughed, recognizing the line. "You gotta admit, it fits," Brian insisted.
"I knew those movies would co in handy soday."
"I just thought they were a ans to an end," Maggie said, with a aningful glance at Nick. "But they turned out to be a lot of fun, too."
"Science fiction is preparation for the future," Nick declared pompously.
"Little did we know that 'the future' would arrive this soon."
"Good luck, Brian, with everything. We'll try to stop by to visit, but it's a long haul from Ooafa..."
"I know, I know. You two just...take care of each other."
"We will," Maggie said with a grin. "I got it in writing."
"That you did. I'm happy for both of you. Now, try not to conquer any more planets for a little while, huh?"
"I'll try to hold him to one a year," Maggie promised.
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"Thank you, Empress Margaret, it is much appreciated. Your restraint is overwhelming."
Nick grinned at the exchange, then sighed. "There are going to be twenty of us humans leaving on the New Hope. I'm going to be worried about accidentally stranding soone sowhere the whole ti."
"They are grown-ass adults, you know," Brian chided. "Sure, you're their Emperor, but—"
"Don't stretch that joke too far, please," Nick answered with a wince.
"My point is, don't be such a worrywart. Enjoy your honeymoon, at the very least. You're going on one hell of a cruise."
"Oh, I'll enjoy it, all right," Nick said with a smug grin.
"I'll bet you will." Brian stopped, and fidgeted. "I don't know what else to say..." He took a deep breath. "May the Force be with you."
Nick nodded. "I have been, and ever shall be, your friend."
"Live long, and prosper." Brian choked up.
Nick seized him in another crushing hug for a mont. "Goodbye, old friend." They let go and nodded to each other.
"Take care, Brian," Maggie said, then raised her voice. "Hey, Jillian! Take care of Brian for us, will you? He's a little dorky, but he ans well."
"Thanks," Brian grumbled quietly.
"I'll see what I can do," the blond called back with a grin. "Earth to Brian! You're gonna miss your bus!"
"Coming!"
"You're welco," Maggie told him with a wink. "Enjoy Earth for us. Don't ever take it for granted. Now, go. Your future awaits." She gave him a little push, and Brian headed for the shuttle.
Nick called after him, "So long, and thanks for all the fish!" Brian nodded and tossed him a salute with a smile.
Nick took a shaky breath as the shuttle hatch closed, loneliness washing over him already. "I don't know if I could have done this without you," he confessed.
"You'll never have to find out, husband." She squeezed his hand hard. They watched the shuttle leave the bay, heading for Australia. "I've got an idea for sothing that might help, though."
"Oh, yeah? , too." He eyed his wife's body happily. She grinned and smacked his arm lightly.
"Besides that. In addition to that, rather. I'll show you later."
"Yeah? I'll look forward to it, then."
Petra piped up, "Is that the—?"
"Secret, Petra!" Maggie cut her off. "Don't tell him yet."
"Okay, Maggie. Hey, Nick! I've got a secret!" the AI announced proudly.
You've got all the secrets, Petra, Nick thought privately. "Well, do a good job keeping it from until it's ti, please."
"Okay, Nick!"
Maggie took a step towards the passageway, then paused when he didn't follow. "Nick?"
"The first shuttle of emigres is arriving any second now."
"Then they'll dock with the quarantine area, not here," Maggie reminded him.
"Oh, right."
"Dumbass," Maggie said affectionately as they started walking.
"Not quite as dumb any more."
"I'm still smarter."
"That you are, my love. That you are."
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