After the warden received a phone call that the SPANA agents had arrived at Washington airport from Florida, he was no longer thrilled to hear from them. In fact, he tried to hide the sorrow within his deep voice.

"I'm glad to hear you have all arrived safely, Mr. Lewis. How was your flight?" Smith asked as he frowned. He knew if the phone call was on video conference mode, the head administrator wouldn't have been happy to see his scowl.

Even though Smith enjoyed planning his sneaky plan to get rid of the five inmates, he grew fond of them during their stay, and it wasn't easy for him to say goodbye.

However, the warden knew it was time to let them go, as he signed a contract that could not be broken. And a promise was a promise to the end!

The warden also had a hunch that the youths would be overjoyed being released, even though their precious times together delighted him. Smith knew his attitude towards them in the beginning was a bit standoffish and regretted it. However, that was his job. A warden was supposed to act tough like a sheriff or a police officer. Smith believed that in these professions, those who appear to be weak and are unable to deal with the pressures of the job, tend to be belittled and avoided. Thus, as the stress of his work became higher, it wasn't a wonder why his attitude changed over the years.

Geez, I need a day off!

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To prevent any chaos from happening, the warden asked the guards to follow his strict guidelines to do their work quickly and quietly, as he didn't want to mistakenly alert any other prisoners that the crew would be leaving soon. He did not want other inmates to become envious as they were not chosen for the space travels.

One by one, each inmate was uncuffed and released from their cells in pure silence. Now that the members of the crew knew that they wouldn't be bound by handcuffs again, the chance at freedom was on their minds; even if it would only be a short time before their troubles would begin again.

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Martina, Harley, Roman, Bonnie and Clyde were then asked to wait in the prison's lobby after they changed into their original clothes they wore once they arrived at the facility two months ago. This delighted Bonnie the most as she could no longer stand wearing the orange jumpsuit she wore. In fact, after she left the restroom, Bonnie came out dancing in her trench coat, dark sunglasses and the only tattered dress she had left.

As Bonnie placed the orange jumpsuit in the hamper, she glared at it before tossing it away.

"I never want to wear this ugly uniform again!"

Hearing her outburst, the laundry ladies snickered. They knew how it must be a disgrace as it was a normal routine to hear this from former inmates who were released before. Yet, the women could not do much as washing the putrid smell the attire gave. If their supervisor heard their constant chats, they would also be penalized.

Once Martina came out with the rock band shirt and blue jeans she had on before she left Frankie's condominium, she smiled. She agreed with Bonnie on how it felt to wear your own clothes again.

Feeling the threads and garments that defines your individuality makes you who you are. She closed her eyes as she touched her shirt.

And I'll always remember you Frankie!

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Gazing out the window of the prison lobby, Martina noticed a black limo parked outside with the letters SPANA written on the side. A wide grin formed upon her face as she patted Harley on the back. Anxious to have her girlfriend wake up from her short nap, Martina wanted to express how happy she was that the time to leave Iron Heights had finally arrived.

Excited, yet feeling butterflies in her stomach, Martina flexed her arms as she stood up from the seat.

I'm finally getting out of this dump!

Jumping up and down like a little girl, she patted down the rest of the crew who fell asleep on the couch as they awaited for her signal. As Bonnie awoke from her slumber, she couldn't help but make a sarcastic remark.

Rubbing her eyes Bonnie looked at the brunette who was full of glee. After stretching her arms and massaging her temples, she knew she had to get her thoughts off her chest.

"Well, aren't we a bloody ray of sunshine? What's got you all so jumpy, kangaroo?

Maybe one day I can understand why every time Bonnie opens her mouth, all we hear is snarky remarks. But that's her attitude, so I'll just live it be.

"They're here Bonnie! So, now we can leave!"

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Later, the crew were directed to go downstairs and were led into a room in order to meet Mr. Smith and the SPANA agents secretly. Located underground, the Safe Room was built with fortified doors and sound proof walls to protect any occupants from harm.The men explained that this was due to the fact that they didn't want the other prisoners to know where the inmates were meeting the visitors from the space agency.

Special treatment, my butt!

Knowing Marti's satirical marks by now, Harley high-fived her girlfriend.

"I know what you're thinking babe, knew Smith is up to something, but humor him for now. We'll be out of here as soon as possible."

And to this Martina nodded as she sighed.

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Once the crew sat down on the designated chairs that were situated inside, questions were being thrown at the warden as soon as he arrived.

"Mr. Smith, Isn't it a little too late for this secret?" asked Martina. "I'm sure by now other inmates have known how you have communicated with us!"

Jethro smiled. He knew he'd miss that girl the most as she always wanted to challenge him. Her outbursts were memorable.

"Yes, Miss Wade, to answer your question, it is possible that many of them already know about your space voyage, But I don't want them to meet the SPANA agents. I don't want to give them any hope that they would have a similar experience that we are giving you all."

Roman suddenly clapped after hearing this lecture causing his sister and Martina to stare at him.

What was that for? Are you suddenly siding with him, bro?" Harley faced him with a curious glare.

"No, but I'm trying to lighten the mood, things for us have been so glum."

Thus the siblings laughed and bumped each other playfully.

A knock at the door interrupted them, as a guard opened it.

Led by several agents, an old man entered and stood in front of the inmates. Having numerous wrinkles upon his face due to years of stress, and eyelids sagging with crow's feet, Martina wondered why this 'old grandpa' was even here. In her mind, this meeting shouldn't include an elderly person.

But once the gentleman spoke, Martina's open jaw closed as she was surprised by the old geezer.

"Hello, my name is Garreth Lewis, the head administrator of SPANA headquarters. I wanted to introduce myself before the courageous souls venture out into outer space. You might wonder why an old man like me got this job. Well, I shall share my story. Several years ago, I was a young astronaut who ventured out on a Mars mission. The voyage was rocky in the start as the rocket I was on, "The Odyssey", lost one of its parts as a dust storm occurred. The reason I am telling you this is because the five of you might be nervous once you enter our rocket. Please know the Apolloyon is safe and has been tested to withstand anything dangerous that you might encounter on your journey. I am here to tell you that if I made it through, I am sure you five can do the same."

Crossing her legs together, Martina placed her hand on her chin.

What a pep talk, Mr. Lewis. Anyone can see that you are not being truthful. You are just like the warden.

Garreth continued with his lecture, even though he hinted that someone in the front row wasn't listening.

" And to continue with what I was saying, this voyage is happening because we made an agreement with three scientists in Croxley Observatory. We will assist the five of you to seek out what you can find on the newly discovered planet. Our agency will provide you with a daily journal where one of you can write down your daily discoveries. Please pick your leader carefully. He or she must be one who is dedicated, head strong and willing to fight to keep you all safe from harm. You should communicate with each other at all times and we must warn you all to stay together. As the territory is still unknown, please expect foreign oddities to live there. Now,does anyone have any questions?"

"Will we be flying back to Florida, Sir?"

Martina had to open her mouth before the others as she was anxious to get this 'game' started

"I'm afraid not, Miss. We want to train the five of you as soon as possible."

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Once the lecture was over, the newly freed inmates followed Garreth Lewis to the spacious limo with his entourage.

Being the last one to enter the vehicle, Martina thought she saw someone familiar nearby. She excused herself for a moment to head towards this apparition to see if he was real and touched his face.

Walking towards him, Martina knew this wasn't the same person she saw at the liquor store. In fact, it was the suave man with a crew haircut that saved her from becoming homeless.

Frankie?

Are my eyes deceiving me again?

She wanted to run to him and hug him, but knew inquiring eyes were watching her every move. Instead she voiced her thoughts and hoped Frankie would someday understand them.

I can't do this, not when Harley is watching. But my heart still feels for you. I love and hate you at the same time. Do you know what I mean? I must still love boys deep down in my heart as I still have memories where I miss teasing you. But I'm with Harley now, my friend, and she's the one I will be with when we go up in space. I love her but the same way I did with you Frankie.

She blew him a kiss before she left for the limo.

Maybe this is for the best. Goodbye Frankie. Goodbye to you.

With tears in his eyes that he tried to hide, Frankie waved at the punk girl he used to agitate before she disappeared.

"I'll never forget you too, Marti. You're the only girl who played hard to get. I love you too!

And with that he made a shape of a heart with his hands in hopes that she and her friends would come down safely back to Earth soon.

But the music will stop until someone screams!