Angie Musical tones filled the air of the huge auditorium as we stepped onto the platform. I turned to look firstly at Stephen, resplendent beside me in his robes, then at John, Elizabeth, Gabkhan, Kohlarn and Susan who stood behind us. They smiled in turn as I caught their eye.

(May your senses be enlightened and your dreams be fulfilled.) Sent the council member closest to me as he offered a container of Tralmark. I accepted it eagerly and drank deeply of the sweet liquid before passing it on to Stephen.

The council spoke in unison to the assembly.

"We are here today to honour the services of the Manyarnern Premier to the Galactic Federation. Her recent actions during the confrontation with the Valcrumny has resulted in their complete surrender and agreement to our terms for Federation entry. The brave actions of her joining partner and friends is also acknowledged."

They stepped forward and placed garlands of foliage around our necks. The feelings of elation from the thousands of federation citizens gathered in the hall filled my mind.

(In gratitude to the One, for her services to the universe, we also offer her a place as President of this council. Her wisdom shall guide us all.)

This took me completely by surprise. I had been told in advance that they would offer me some kind of reward for my actions, but the presidency! There had not been a figure head to lead the Federation in generations. This move was totally out of character for this overly bureaucratic democracy which made all of it's decisions by committee and referendum.

My mouth opened but I had no idea how to respond.

(What do we do now?) Pathed Stephen. (You know I will support you in any decision you make, but I thought that we were going back home not staying here to play God to half the civilised universe.)

(What do I do? They expect me to accept, how can I let them down?)

Kohlarn cut into our conversation. (Well, well, that's a turn around. Only two months ago they were refusing to help us because you chose to live on a closed world.)

This was the solution I needed. (Thank you my darling boy.) I replied. (You've just given me the most wonderful idea.)

I took a few steps forward and addressed them with as much reverence as I could manage. (I am deeply honoured by your offer of the Federation Presidency but feel that my path is not yet placed to accept the position. Instead I have an alternative proposal to put to the One Mind.)

A murmur went around the hall and I felt the others moving uneasily as they wondered just what I was about to say.

(As you know many humans from the planet Earth have helped me in my struggle against the Valcrumny menace. Their courage should also be recognised here today.) The council members nodded in agreement with my comments and I continued.

(Their planet has now become my home and I feel that it's strategic presence within the Federation will be a great asset to us all. Therefore I ask that my reward be granted as a simple request. Open up this world once again so that The Tomorrow People may flourish, remove the chemical inhibitors from the atmosphere and grant the planet Earth first level admission to the Galactic Federation.)

Their stony faces told me that I had over stepped the mark with this unusual request. They stood in total silence as they deliberated telepathically. It felt like an eternity before they began to respond.

(Angerianaasusilicana, Premier of Manyarner. We acknowledge your superior power as the One and understand that you have greater insight into the future of us all here today than we can understand. There fore we accept your belief that this planet called Earth is vital to the future of our community and grant it first level entry affective immediately.

There is one condition though, upon which we grant entry to such a technologically backward race. We will only move forward to level two admission when a group of human beings travel out into space under their own volition and come to stand before us in this chamber. Do you accept this condition of entry?)

(With joy in my heart I accept on behalf of the people of the planet Earth, your conditions of entry into the Galactic Federation.)

We all bowed and said simultaneously. (Thank you.) Then turned to quickly leave the audience chamber before they changed their minds.

Once out side we hugged each other jubilantly. It was unbelievable that they had actually accepted my suggestion. All that I had hoped for was a short recess to consider how to turn down the presidency without offending them.

John and Stephen were like exuberant school boys and carried me aloft as we made our way down to the restaurant for a celebratory meal.

After we had regained consciousness the others helped massage life back into our stiff limbs. I realised that it would take many days of cocooning to fully rejuvenate our tissues which had suffered badly from the lack of oxygen for so long. Susan and Gabkhan had particularly pallid expressions and extensive damage to many internal organs. Despite this their minds were clear and their will was strong, they seemed to have gained a great deal of enlightenment from their close link to me as I carried their spirit, I can not think of a better way to describe it, along through the very fabric of the Valcrumny ship and eventually into the computer systems of the shuttle.

The experiences of the last few days had also taught me much about how to handle the extensive powers at my command and it took very little effort to call the Kalinar to our position using telekinesis. When the ship arrived Stephen carried me inside and laid me in one of the sleeping compartments. John and Elizabeth tended the others while Kohlarn re-programmed the biotronic unit.

Stephen had said very little since the summoning of the light and the destruction of the advancing Valcrumny. I looked deep into his eyes and saw how overawed he was by the events. Ignoring the pain I reached out to take his hand in mine. "You did good today." I said.

"Did I kill all those creatures? How could I do that?"

"It wasn't you who killed it was me." He looked puzzled so I continued to explain. "I had complete control of your body and placed your true self, your personality, into mine. I then used my own shape changing abilities to change your genetic make up. As I don't have the prime inhibition I was able to kill the Valcrumny. I knew that none of you would be able to kill, even to save yourselves, and that there was just one opportunity to save you all. "

"But I could see everything that happened. It was the most amazing thing I've ever experienced."

"I cannot fully explain, but it was a matter of survival. I had to use you that way to save all of us from certain death. Your inability to kill is an instinct, a fundamental part of your nature. Commendable as it is I sometimes wonder how The Tomorrow People can survive in such a hostile universe. My people, unlike many other Federation species, never developed that particular gene. We brought peace to our world through centuries of harmonising on a deep unconscious level."

John came over to stand beside where I lay. He handed Stephen a glass of water. "Here drink this, you look like you need it."

Stephen obliged but did not remove his gaze from me. John pulled up two seats and they both sat down.

"Don't try to explain what happened, that can wait until we all get some rest." He said putting his hand on Stephen's shoulder. "I think that I speak for all of us when I say welcome back, it was lonely out there without you."

I smiled at him and felt Stephen's grasp tighten around my hand. He was finding it difficult to accept his earlier actions. "Stephen, why don't you lay down and cocoon with me?" I suggested.

"Can I? Will it be okay?" His voice had a child like quality full of innocence and apprehension, he suddenly seemed very young. I nodded and he climbed onto the bed beside me. John stood to go but I beckoned him back.

"Thank you John, for holding things together." I said. "There is no one better qualified to lead the Tomorrow People."

A gentle purple glow surrounded us and we fell into a replenishing trance as the Kalinar sped across Hyperspace towards home.

The Stations dinning area was full at this time of day especially as so many federation citizens were attending the ceremony in the great hall.

We took the moving walkway up to the third level and found a table large enough for us all to sit around comfortably. Carol, Kenny, Tyso, Tricia, her husband and all the other Tomorrow People were already waiting for us to join them. Andranovich and Lara had been granted special leave as well and arrived shortly after us.

A Manyarnern girl swaggered over to take our order. She wore an all in one jump suit which fitted the curves of her body like a second skin and rippled with colours as she spoke.

(Premier.) She began, bowing slightly. (What would you and your guests like to eat?) After a while she had entered our orders into her key pad and the food materialised in front of us. All this time Kohlarn sat opposite me with a distant look on his face.

(What would you like me to get for you?) She said for the second time impatience growing in her thoughts.

When he still failed to respond Gabkhan turned and looked at him. "I think he's lost it at last, somebody give him a nudge to bring him back to his senses."

Susan willingly slapped her brother around the face. "Calling Kohlarn, is any body in there?" She teased.

The waitress having received no response walked away from us to serve the next table. Kohlarn's eyes were transfixed on her legs as she passed.

(I think he's got it bad.) Pathed Elizabeth.

(What!) He responded at last. (What are you all staring at me like that for?)

That was the last time we saw Kohlarn for many months. He chose not to return to Earth with us but took a job as a musician, this being his special talent, in the same restaurant, just to be with the girl. It was not long before they developed a deep rapport. It was nice to know that the last of my sons had found his future joining partner. Even if he did not realise it yet.

"I'd like to propose a toast." Said John standing and raising his glass. We all followed suit. "To the planet Earth an Open World at last."

"The Planet Earth." We said in unison.

"And, to all the future Tomorrow People who will shortly join us." Added Elizabeth.

10th April 2065

"Come on Angie, it's nearly started!"

That's Emily my great grand daughter, the first born of Gabkhan's son.

"I'm almost finished keep a seat for me on the sofa."

Emily is a remarkably pretty girl, the subtle red tint to her eyes complements her long mane of strawberry blond locks perfectly. This third generation of Manyarnern and Human mix has produced some surprising genetic variations throughout the family. Emily is just turned fourteen Earth years, her growth rate reflects her human ancestry rather than her alien genes, she finds this particularly difficult to cope with as her peers have inherited the accelerated maturation rates. Despite this difference I have noticed, of late, the rapport beginning to develop between her and Philip from the school.

There are many hundreds of telepaths living in the area now. We no longer hide our abilities and the local people have accepted us quite openly. Elizabeth retired forty years ago and passed the reigns of the Jameson Academy over to Ami.

(Angie; John and Liz would be very upset if you miss this, can't you finish that later?)

(Okay Stephen I'm coming. I'll just save my last entry.)

Walking into the lounge I could see them all there. Stephen patted the empty seat on the couch between himself and Emily and I walked over to squash down between them. The stereovision monitor above the fire place was already tuned into the news station.

"These were the scenes yesterday upon the return of the pioneering crew." Said the announcer. "Shortly, we will be able to bring you an exclusive interview with our brave boys and girls but first let us show the vid-cam footage recorded one month ago at the alien space station."

The announcers image was replaced by one showing the inside of the chamber of the Federation Council. The group of human astronauts stepped forward and faced the council members. Their commanding officer spoke in a clear resonant voice.

"I am Captain Jonathan Phillips of the star ship Enterprise." He began.

(Funny how that name was chosen by popular public demand.) Thought Elizabeth from across the room.

I turned and smiled. (Eddy and Judith must be very proud of him. He's done a fine job.) Her thoughts drifted into my mind and we shared the joy she felt at her grandson's accomplishments. Stephen nudged me to be quiet and pointed back at the view screen.

"We have journeyed here from the planet Earth to seek second level entry to the Galactic Federation." He said. "We believe that our presence here today constitutes the conditions laid down by you sixty five years ago and ask that our entry be accepted."

The councils representatives came closer to each member of the crew and offered them a container of Tralmark.

(I hope he doesn't show that it's familiar to him.) I pathed.

"May your senses be enlightened and your dreams be fulfilled."

Jonathan's reaction was perfect, he looked just uncertain enough to convince even me that this ceremony was unfamiliar to him. The council member motioned for him to drink and he hesitantly lifted the container up to his lips.

After handing back the beakers the astronauts looked at one another while they waited for a further response from the aliens. Eventually their telepathic deliberations were complete and they spoke in unison as they addressed the whole auditorium.

"The Council of the Galactic Federation of Planets, grant second level entry to this planet Earth and all of the technological and economic privileges that accompany such membership. Welcome."

The screen image dissolved to show the studio announcer. "Well folks that was a month ago, Captain Phillips and his crew have just now been released from quarantine and are expected to hold a press conference in the next few minutes. We here at station 102 will bring that historic interview to you, our viewers, after these messages." TIM automatically muted the sound as the advertisements appeared on the screen.

"I think that this calls for a celebration." Said John as a large pitcher of Tralmark followed by ten glasses floated into the room.

We linked minds as we toasted the success of the voyage, and became aware Jonathan's thoughts joining us from the makeshift T.V studio at Cape Canaveral Space Centre.

(Boy! it's good to feel you all around me again.) He sent (Oh, and before I forget, the Federation council sent me with a message for the Manyarnern Premier. Now that your task is complete on Earth would you consider taking up their offer of the Presidency?) He sensed my increased tension. (Angie, I know that you like it there but the Federation is in a bit of a diplomatic mess at the moment, they really could do with your help to get things back in order. Anyway there is no hurry for you to respond just agree to think it over.)

I looked at Stephen sitting beside me and he shrugged. (It wouldn't do any harm to consider the offer, would it?)

Thankfully the stereo-screen's sound returned and we were once again engrossed by images of the returning crew as they took their seats around a conference table. The early questions, asked by the eager throng of assembled journalists, were mainly about their feelings at having met alien races for the first time. Following this each crew member was given the opportunity to send a personal message to their loved ones back home. At last it came to Jonathan's turn to speak.

"I have a special thank you to make today." He said turning to the camera and simultaneously sending us his thoughts. "To the founder of Jameson Industries and inventor of the Hyperlight Drive. A big thank you from all my men, we would not have been able to realise this dream without your ingenuity and foresight."

This was followed by a barrage of questions about the mission which he fielded with his usual air of confidence. After half an hour they were ushered away for a more official debriefing.

The picture went blank and our small group began to disband. I looked at Stephen, an elderly man now, nearly a hundred years old. The grey hair at his temples and wrinkled skin did not seem to really suit him. As usual he sensed my unshielded thoughts.

(I'll make a bargain with you, if you consider taking up the presidency I'll agree to take regeneration therapy.)

(Really? You won't complain again about how unnatural it is for a man of your age to look like a teenager again?)

(No. I promise, I will go through the full cryo-electric treatment as long as you supervise it.)

At this proposal I gave a huge sigh of relief. When I had first put forward the idea of regeneration to him, over thirty years ago now, he had been dead set against it, but of late I had caught him studying himself in the mirror and comparing his wizened form to my own sprightly figure. John and Elizabeth had had their treatments back in their sixties and had tried at length to convince him to do the same. But his stubborn streak had won through, until now.

Although my healing skills were comprehensive and could ward off disease, his internal organs were beginning to show the strain of old age. Any day he could suffer a major stroke or heart attack just like any other human of his age. The thought of spending the next two hundred years without him had really scared me. Now, at last, we would be able to make the most of the time we had together.

(Let's go outside for a swim.) I pulled him to his feet and we embraced, then lifting up from the rug we floated towards the open patio doors.

We were still kissing as we slipped below the warm water of the loch...