Conclusion

[Above Ground Park Dome, M9 on First Landing Surface Level]

The airtubes and high-rises glow blue and yellow against the starry black sky--all beyond the glossy plastiglass surrounding the park dome. Within the dome, the gathered crowds of Metrosphere citizens enjoy the scents of freshly cut grass, perfumed trees and crystalline brooks. An army of unseen critters chirp and hum from the safety of the park foliage, making up for the lifeless silence in the void beyond the dome.

Amid the swimming crowds, upon a stone stage, stand the six remaining team members--as rigid as soldiers at a ceremony.

Maxim Zek'et, standing firm despite his advanced age, activates the microphone on his best dress jacket and speaks to the crowd.

"Thank you for coming, ladies and gentlemen. And all of you watching on the trivid, I welcome you as well.

"Five years ago, I had a dream. I had a dream of shaping this lifeless moon into a living world. I could not have done this alone. This grand home that we call Metrosphere is the culmination of the efforts of everyone with us today, as well as many who are not.

"We have been through some very tough times, the worst being these past few days. But we have learned something. We have learned that no force in the Frontier--no matter how powerful--can take away this great home we have created. Metrosphere has not died. It stands as bright today as ever. We live in a land with a great future--filled with promise and prosperity. And today we stand proven, knowing now with certainty that we will. . .not. . .fail!

The crowd goes wild with a roar of cheers.

"First, let me publicly thank the heroes behind me who braved impossible odds to save that for which we have worked so hard. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you. . .

"Kare!

"Syzygy T'Prexdis Hrovat!

"Peter Tork!

"T'sk-T'sk Kd'Zr Brrsh T'Klkk!

"Taanik!

"And Urugg sur-Innesti.

"Especially, I want to take a moment to honor the one hero who couldn't be here tonight. William Slayne gave his life for this world, and his name shall always be hallowed on these grounds.

"To lead Metrosphere into its next phase, I have decided to come out of retirement and once more act as the general director. Dr. Loer An-Tehr, who has recently come to our world, has agreed to head an effort to preserve the natural beauty of this moon during our upcoming growth--and she shall be an integral part of our continued development.

"To my great joy, many of our friends who settled Lost Point are among us today. I personally welcome you, and I assure you that no effort shall be spared to restore you all to health and financial well-being. The legislature of Metrosphere has approved a program to offer you one of two possibilities: assisted re-integration into First Landing, or a handsome relocation package to the Frontier planet of your choice. Be assured that your days of hardship shall end with this day.

"We are going through a time of many changes, some good, some bad. I regret to inform you that, due to the volatility of recent events, the Streel Corporation has withdrawn its interest from Metrosphere. However, I was able to convince a number of smaller enterprises to join hands and set up shop here. We perhaps will not grow as quickly as we did under Streel's supervision, but the diversity of an open market should more than make up for anything we have lost.

"In addition, it is my pleasure to tell you that Metrosphere has just been accepted as an official Frontier planet, and shall henceforth have a strong UPF and Star Law presence. With the Frontier's assistance, we can ensure that our home is protected from further danger.

"In conjunction with our acceptance into the Frontier, the Frontier Council has voted to christen our star system with a new name. No longer shall this system be known merely as FS 12. From today, our star system shall officially be referred to as New Castle. An appropriate name for our fortification that could not be defeated!

"And so, my fellow citizens, it is with a glad spirit that I stand before you today, to begin our next journey into what you shall see to be a bright and prosperous future!"