The trip back to the Forge of Genesis was a grand affair. A whole fleet went with them this time, a mix of the Bastion Alliance's tough, battle-scarred warships and the Core's sleek, elegant crystal vessels.
It was the universe's most powerful and strangest-looking parade, a fleet of grizzled soldiers escorting a group of shiny, super-smart librarians.
They arrived at the Creation Storm, the wild, chaotic space that surrounded the Forge. But this time, the storm was different. It seemed to know they were coming. As the "Odyssey" approached, the storm parted, creating a calm, safe tunnel for the fleet to pass through.
"Well, that's new," Scarlett commented from the pilot's chair. "It's nice when reality itself rolls out the red carpet for you."
They entered the eye of the storm, and the Forge came into view. It was more beautiful than ever. The World-Tree, which had been just a seed when they left, was now a true wonder of the universe.
