For the next hour, the individuals converse over the past ten years and their plans to solve the water crisis. They then rest for the next day’s journey as night begins to fall. In the early morning hours, they cross the field where the weeping dogs lie about sleeping and maneuver expertly in the dark using Gole’s night vision. The trip back to Thee’s house takes eight days, with Gutu’s handicap not slowing the group in the least as he hobbles along at a surprisingly fast pace. The trip back passes peacefully.

The travelers arrive safely at Thee’s house to find a giant blue flower-looking pad with black polka dots painted onto the white center sitting in front of Thee’s home. Thee is crouched over, adding another polka dot to the center, but he looks up as the explorers approach.

“Hello! I see you’ve found Gutu. I never got the doub girl’s name, unfortunately.” He greets as he straightens up and Teemu slides off Gutu’s back,

“I am Teemu Nitu. You must be Thee.”

“Yes, I’m Thee Lawe.” Thee says and Gole snorts.

Trouse glares at Gole, who says nothing and Trouse asks,

“So, is that the flying thing we’ll be using?”

“Yes, it is! We’re ready to fly over the ocean right now and return to Nearth!” Thee replies enthusiastically as he pulls a lever out of the middle of the flower’s center and the petals fold in to create blades.

Gole warily watches the blades as she steps onto the platform and Teemu helps Gutu board as well.

“How is this supposed to fly?” Gole scoffs as she looks around at the platform, but Poole ignores her,

“I, for one, cannot wait to return to Nearth.” He says as he slides off Gole’s back onto the platform.

Gutu situates himself on the other side of the platform from Poole and Teemu sits beside him. Wordlessly, Thee pulls up on the lever and the platform lifts off of the ground.

“We should reach Nearth in about twelve hours, according to my calculations. In the meantime, rest up, and we’ll discuss how to solve this water problem.” Thee states as he presses the lever forward.

The platform whirs off in a straight line, headed for Nearth, and Trouse closes his eyes. The feeling of the cold wind blowing gently over his face lulls him to sleep.