THE STAR TRAVELER CREW STAYED FOR A FEW months, helping Peter, but it wasn't too long before EASA contacted them to discuss another mission.
"With our primary mission being completed, we weren't sure if we would get another assignment, sir," Captain Mitchell replied, surprised.
"You all have shown great enthusiasm for exploring great mysteries. The Intergalactic Bible you all have found contains an extensive star chart in its programing. It hints at alien cultures and wonders we have yet to see. EASA has decided that we would like to send a team out to further explore the vast span of creation—but, of course, if you'd rather not."
The crew members each looked at one another. So much had changed since they had first accepted their mission, a great deal of that change was due to their involvement. They, too, had been changed by and through their experiences. Returning to a 'normal life' seemed out of the question.
"We would gladly take up this mission of exploration," Dr. Smith replied, voicing the feelings of the crew.
"So, all of you are in agreement? Good, if you could—send any reports to Mr. Ernesto. He is the head of the new department we have established to compile your much-anticipated findings.
"We will sir," Captain Mitchell replied. And the coordinator signed off.
The crew stopped by Peter McClain's office before they set out on their new mission. He bid them good luck, and then, as the crew was about to leave his office, Peter called back to Laurie.
"Yes Sir?" Laurie replied, turning.
"I was curious; do you have any idea about what you'd like to do as you get older?"
Why do adults always ask that question? Laurie gave some thought to Peter's question, at first thinking that she would probably live out her life like most of the ECOPs did-- on Exandra.
However as she thought about Exandra and all the creatures she had met, she felt the answer come to her and fill her mind with all that still needed to be done.
"I think I would like to be a wandering peacekeeper- a missionary," Laurie replied with a slight smile.
Mr. and Dr. Kingston looked at each other and then back to their daughter in surprise.
Peter considered her answer, his face unreadable.
"Somehow I knew you might say that. Here. I want you to take this," Peter replied as he brought a package to her.
Laurie opened the package to discover a pouch that was designed to clip unto her utility belt. Inside the pouch was a WORD Reader.
"It is the prototype you created for us. I thought you should have it," Peter explained with a smile.
Laurie smiled and thanked Peter, who waved as the crew left his office.
*
Under Peter McClain, DataTech Inc. would go on to spread the Intergalactic Bible, free to the public.
*
Jean McClain still had the intense urge to delve into the scientific mysteries of the universe. She decided to go back to her research hermitages, tracking and studying comets.
*
As the Star Traveler crew set out on their new mission, and next adventure, Laurie smiled wondering where the Lord and his Word would lead her next.
The End