Part 18 "I think I might stay." Tess confessed the next morning as they made their weary way to the spaceship. Their entourage of aliens followed. "Really?" they all asked surprised. "There is really nothing left for me on earth. And I like it here." She persisted. "Come back and visit." Isabel said instantly. They knew it was where she needed to be. At least until she got over Nessido. "Do any of you realize that Valenti has been in the ship the whole time?" Michael spoke up. They all laughed but broke into a run to check on him. "It's ok sheriff. We're going back to earth now." They assured him. "It's over. We won?" He lifted his head up. "Yes we won you big scaredy cat." Isabel sighed. Max turned to their people. "Who wants the honor of flying us back to earth?" He asked. They all began shrieking with excitement. But somewhere in the back there was someone important. Or so their figured because the crowd parted and an alien walked through. "Great heroes of our planet." She started. "I would like the honor to take you back to your planet. I am your aunt Max and Isabel." She bowed and they quickly ushered her up. Michael scanned the crowd. "Do not be sad Michael dear. ‘She said. And the crowd parted again. "Here is your cousin." Michael grinned happily. Finally someone who was related to him. "Goodbye everyone! We will miss you all. Whatever we can do for you in the future we will be happy to do." Max called to the masses. "It is us who owe you. If ever your people are in trouble call us!" They chorused. "Come we must head home. Lord knows what our parents are thinking." Liz headed into the ship. They all gave final waves as their pilots took charge. "Sit back and relax young ones. You have earned your rest." And they slept. Max and Liz in each other's arms. Michael and Maria in each other's arms and even Spike and Buffy against each other. It was night when they landed. Which was good for Spike. They said goodbye to their friends and started walking across the desert. It was warm but breezy and they all exclaimed over the adventures of the previous 24 hours. Even Valenti felt bolder once he was back on his home planet. "So you gonna get rid of that human bloke." Spike asked Buffy as they walked. "I never liked him." Buffy rolled her eyes. "Well I'm not gonna let fate or destiny get in my way anymore." "Good for you." He nodded approvingly. ************************************************************************************ Alex was waiting on Max and Isabel's front steps when the cars pulled up. They had stopped at the Centrum to pick them up. "Where have you all been?" He yelped running up to the cars. "To the moon and back." Maria joked. "Seriously?" He looked at them. They nodded. After all they had many battle bruises to show for it. "We have saved the home planet." Max said proudly. "All in a day's work." Michael added. "A day? Try a week." Alex said still grumbling. Most likely because he missed the adventure. "A week? Isabel squeaked. They burst into laughter and couldn't stop. Maybe it was because they were so tired or relieved but they were happy to be back. Because it is not everyday that one is called to save a Planet, Far, Far Away...