It's official. I'm going to author hell. But, after more than a year away, I think I've finally matured enough to produce some good writing and a solid plot-I might be able to do this poor series justice. Let's hope I'm right.

The transmission was static, and Isaac's heart dropped sickeningly. He thought he would pass out for a moment, having gotten his hopes up only to crush them down. But eventually it petered out until he was able to hear her voice, and she sounded wary, as though she'd gotten plenty of calls from people she didn't know. "Who is this?"

Isaac chuckled, unable to hide the relief that was drowning him. "What, no caller ID?"

Something crashed on the other end and Ellie gasped loudly. "Isaac – I – holy shit! I thought you were dead!"

"Are you disappointed I'm not?"

"Shut up, you, you – oh my God... I can't believe it, you made it..." She broke off and he inhaled deeply, letting his cheeks puff out as he blew out air. He could hear that familiar lump in her throat, and was glad to hear that she hadn't softened up as she eventually coughed past it and kept talking. "Shit, that's the second one I've broken..."

"I guess I owe you a new one."

She chuckled and he knew that all of his memories of her could never do the sound justice. "So, uh, where are you? Are you okay? Where's Carver?"

"Hanging around in space. I'm fine, and–"

"I'm here, it's all good," Carver broke in roughly. "Thanks for remembering me."

Isaac scowled at him, although it never reached his eyes, relieved as he was. "Yeah. Ellie, where are you? We have to come find you – there are some things we've figured out."

"Same here," she responded. "Well, don't panic, but I'm actually at EarthGov headquarters–"

He didn't give her a chance to explain herself as his blood rose.

"What?" he thundered. "Why? Ellie, you know we can't trust them. I mean, Carver and Norton were okay," he hastily added as Carver glared at him, "but that doesn't mean everybody else can be trusted. Those people captured me and forced me into a coma for two years as I built their goddamn Marker. They used me. How do we know they've changed?"

"How do you know they haven't changed?" Ellie challenged him. Isaac could practically feel her glaring at him. "Maybe they've started thinking differently. Look, Isaac, I love you, but not everyone is out to get you. Sometimes it seems that you still don't understand that."

He sighed deeply, realizing she was right. In the past, that was what had driven them apart – his deep mistrust of everyone, manufactured from years of shady deals and treachery. But he would have to learn to trust some people if humanity was to be saved.

Damn, he really hated being wrong.

"... Okay. I'm sorry." He glanced up at Carver, who had some irritating smirk on his face, and rolled his eyes. "Right. We're on our way, then. Just send us the coordinates."

"Will do," Ellie murmured. Sure enough, his wrist monitor lit up with a new message. Isaac immediately sent it to the ship's computer, allowing it to calculate the route. He felt better as he thought about returning home, to Earth, people that might not kill him on sight for once.

"Can you do us a favor, Ellie?" Carver added.

"Sure… What, exactly?"

"Tell them that we're coming. EarthGov, I mean. I don't figure they'll be too glad to have us arrive unannounced. If I know them, they'll need time to pick their jaws up off the floor and start making plans."

Isaac grinned. "Smart move."

Ellie laughed, and just the sound filled Isaac with warmth. "That's fine. I'll tell them."

"Good. Now let's get going. We'll see you soon, Ellie."

Isaac moved to end the transmission, but Ellie said, "Wait! Just – promise me you'll be careful, okay? I don't want to lose you again. Not—not after the first two times." Her voice was very soft.

He smiled again, determined to come home in one piece. "I promise, Ellie. Everything will be okay."

"Okay. See you soon."

He wanted to keep talking as long as possible, just to hear her voice, but he knew they had to go. Surprisingly, Carver didn't say anything to him, but when Isaac looked over, he saw him gazing sadly down at his picture of Damara and Dylan.

Heart in his throat, Isaac turned back to his controls. While he had an almost certain chance of reuniting with Ellie, Carver couldn't see his family again until he died. And if he didn't want to give up until humanity could be saved, who knew how long it would take?

Isaac gripped the wheel tightly. If their new mission was a success, Carver would finally have some closure. His family's deaths could be avenged, and he might finally have some peace of mind.

He desperately wanted to give him that much, at least. The man deserved it.

Short chapter. More will come.