Michael stood their silent, until he squeaked out again, “Maria?” “You got it Spaceboy!” “What the hell are you doing here? How did you get here? And have you gone psychotic?” “Well, it seems that this stupid war isn’t going very far, I got a little impatient waiting for you and then I thought about it and decided that this would never end without a woman’s touch. You know the old saying, if you want something done, then you have to do it yourself,” Maria grinned. She knew that Michael wasn’t happy with her, but she wasn’t going to let that affect her now. Michael looked at everyone as they stared at him. He turned and asked out loud, “You all knew about this and didn’t tell me?” He grabbed Maria’s arm and dragged her into another room while about 250 eyes watched him. Max followed him in, as did General Cullers and Colonel Ortin. “Maria, you are crazy, you could get killed!” “Well, I know that, duh, it is after all a war. But, I am not the one who should be worried about getting killed. You should really practice your maneuvering skills.” “Maria, how did you learn all of that so quickly?” Max asked. “Because it is her destiny,” a voice from the door said. “Dad? Did you know about this?” Max asked his father who was coming into the room. “Yes son, I did. I did a little bit of research when it was requested of me and found out that Michael’s destiny would play a large role in the end of our war. When this girl came to me, I knew that she was the one.” “But, how did you get here?” Max asked. “Well, Isabel left the orb in her car, I pressed a couple of buttons while playing around with it and before I knew it, the thing was going crazy on me. A couple of minutes later, poof, I was here on this planet in some strange kind of room.” “Our arrival chambers,” Max stated. “I guess, but when I arrived, the people there knew that I was from earth, obviously and asked me why I was here. At the time I didn’t know what I was doing there, but then I just kind of felt directed. A name popped into my mind, how I knew it I don’t know, but it was Lemark. I asked the people there and they took me to him. And then from there, he helped me figure out what was going on.” “It is by the guidance of the stars that she is here today. You should be rejoicing for her arrival, because it means an end to the war is soon.” General Lemark motioned for everyone to leave the room so Michael could talk to Maria. Michael stood there staring at Maria. He was furious for her putting herself in danger, but was happy to see her. “Michael, I know that you are mad, but . . .” Maria was cut off by Michael before she could even speak. “Damn right, I’m mad! Maria, you can be killed at a moment’s notice. You shouldn’t have messed with the orb in the first place.” “Michael, you heard the man, this is my destiny. I never got in the way of your destiny, now let me follow mine.” “But Maria, half of your destiny is to be with me! That’s not possible if you are dead!” “Half of my destiny is also to end this war! If I am meant to be with you, then it will happen.” “I don’t trust destiny, it already lead me wrong once.” Maria walked over to Michael and wrapped her arms around him. “That’s because you were following the wrong one. I have never felt so sure in my whole entire life, as I am now. I am sure that I am supposed to be here. I am sure that I am supposed to be with you. And I am sure that I have to help fight this war.” The couple stood there in silence just holding on to each other. Their peace was broken moments later, however, when Col Ortin ran into the room. “I’m sorry Col Guerin, but we need to have an emergency meeting.  There have been more complications with Elizabeth.” “Liz?” Maria gasped. “I’ll explain on the way to the conference room, come on.” Michael pulled Maria after him. He ran to the room, but never let go of Maria. He kept her close to him. TBC

Part 6