Sloan was fast understanding the reason why Octnavin disliked Murry and Keltrix. Gag. They were way too sweet. He could get a toothache.
Sloan pulled up all his texts to both Lindsay and Elijah. He read a few messages about how terrible the reception was on the tropical island. As he started to scroll, he spotted a picture. Supposedly, Sloan sent the picture to Elijah and then uploaded the image to a few social media sites. The photo was of him and Octnavin in his human suit on the beach. It was a hundred percent fake, but Octnavin's eyes looked real. The green sparkle was exactly like he remembered. Sloan took a screenshot.
The rumble of an engine had him looking up to the vast ocean landscape. A huge yacht was moving full speed toward them. Waves made the platform bounce and again Sloan was sick to his stomach. When the massive boat got close, the yacht slowed and then anchored right off the platform. A rope ladder was dropped.
"See you later, Sloan." Murry grinned. "It was nice to meet you."
Keltrix held the ladder still. "Be well."
"You too." Sloan started to climb. "Bye, Murry. Thanks for the help."
When Sloan reached the top of the ladder, a small brunette stood on the polished wood deck of the ship. He pulled himself next to her trying not to vomit.
"Hi." She chirped as she took his backpack off his shoulders. "I'm Amy. Nice to meet you, Sloan." She began to walk, and Sloan followed taking deep calming breaths. Maybe the dizziness and feeling sick was a side effect to no longer sharing Octnavin's mind. Or... maybe he was seasick. He'd never been on a yacht.
"I can take that." He reached for his bag. He had to get it together.
"I'm here to help." Amy smiled back at him but kept up her clipped pace. She didn't give him his shit back. "Here is the ticket information for your flights." She handed him a large black wallet instead. "That has all your identifications and I have another bag for you in your room." Finally she stopped and then entered a large spacious bedroom. Amy set his backpack down on a king-sized bed. She gestured to a piece of rolling luggage. "I'm so sorry that all your luggage and IDs were stolen. I think I got everything you requested." A leather jacket was spread out on the comforter next to a paper bag. "I know you must be tired. All that living at the bottom of the sea always tires out JP. So, I will let you rest, and I will have someone bring you dinner. You request steak and the chief is preparing you a fine cut. When we get to shore, I'll notify you."
Before Sloan could say yes or no or goodbye, Amy was gone. He stood alone in the room. Being on Earth was like a dream. He didn't know why the alien world with Octnavin by his side now seemed more real than living here. He walked to the bed and opened the paper sack. Inside was a small yellow note. 'I owe you' was the only thing written on the paper.
Sloan dug out a t-shirt. He unfolded the garment.
Forever Tuesday was in bold lettering on the front. He held up the shirt and then cradled the top to his chest. Octnavin owed him nothing. Giving up his shirt was the least of what he would have done to save the ruler's life. Sloan looked down at the fabric and black marks caught his attention. He turned the garment over. All the members of the band signed the shirt with a black sharpie.
Sloan sat on the bed dizzy again. His emotions threatened to take over. He curled on his side hugging the shirt and fell asleep.