Harmony
Part 7
Mom (in pitch blackness)
Wake up, you two!
The lights come on, and we see Lydia and Tracy in separate beds in a dorm room. Tracy is rubbing her eyes tiredly. Lydia is reaching for her glasses.
Tracy
Mom, it's eight in the morning! It's summer!
Mom
We've got a long trip home, and you need your breakfast. Come on, I'll make some nice eggs.
Lydia
Eggs… Yum. Worth more than gold in my time…
The two get out of bed. Tracy puts her vest thing back on, while Lydia just pushes the button on her belt to change from pajamas to a purple jacket/jersy thing and pants.
Tracy
That's a nice look for you, Lydia.
Lydia (smiling)
Thanks.
Back in the cafeteria, everyone plus Ness is eating Mom's eggs. The cafeteria is otherwise empty, and the early morning sun is shining through.
Ness
Thanks, Mom, these are great.
Mom
Am I dropping you off at Threed, or are you doing that tellyport thing?
Ness
Well, I should probably get home pretty soon, so I was just going to teleport, yeah.
Mom
Then you better fill up. I'll go make some more eggs.
She leaves.
Picky (mouth full of food)
Hey, Lydia, what were those blueprints of on that thing you showed Porky?
Lydia
Oh, you mean the thing I told him was time machine schematics? That was actually a salon chair.
Picky
Heh.
Voice
Lydia, someone would like to meet you…
Lydia looks over. Her dad is standing near Jeff. His hair is short and of the same color. He also has eye-hiding glasses and a mustache.
Lydia's Dad
Lydia, dear… I think you dropped this.
He pulls out the Saturn doll. Lydia smiles, and then runs up for huggies.
Lydia
I can't believe you were in the clock tower this whole time…
Dad
I was shouting, but I guess my voice doesn't carry that well. I saw everything, though. Goodness, what
an exciting day it was…
Jeff
We talked long into the night. He's a very interesting person, your father.
Lydia
Are we going to go back home now?
Dad
Well… Um, perhaps I should sit.
Lydia
… Dad? What's going on?
Dad takes a seat and cuffs his hands. Lydia sits across from him.
Dad
So, Lydia, you made some friends…
Picky
Of course! We all like Lydia.
Kang
Though she can be a bit of a—
Picky slaps his hand on Kang's mouth and keeps it shut.
Dad
That's good… I know how hard it is for you to make friends.
Lydia
This world's different, Dad. People care more about each other, I guess.
Dad
Yes, well, then perhaps it won't hurt you as much when I say that we're going to be stuck here.
Everyone except Lydia
What?
Lydia
Stuck here? W-why?
Dad
We were flung out of the time machine when we were attacked. So it's floating around somewhere in the chronosphere. And also, the time-space continuum has likely been damaged in this era. Even if built another machine, it probably wouldn't work.
Jeff (now sitting)
So you're really stuck in this time? Would that change anything in your future?
Dad
Normally, the machine detects if we are changing anything significant about the future and forces us to return home, sometimes to pay fines for any accidents… But our machine isn't here, as you can see.
Picky
So people could just fling themselves out of their time machines in the time tunnel and do whatever
they wanted, then?
Dad
I… suppose, although that would be incredibly stupid. The two of us were very lucky. I doubt any knowledge we have can change such a distant future.
Lydia
What about project Harmony? Who's going to run that?
Tracy
Oh, right… What was that project, anyway?
Picky
Yeah, if you're stuck here anyway, why not tell us about it?
Dad
I was one of the heads of Harmony. We were scheduled to depart in a couple of days when I left with
Lydia. It was a project created to save mankind.
Lydia
Depart? This project was supposed to take us somewhere? I always thought that it was some sort of
thing that might revitalize the planet…
Picky
What do you mean depart? Was it like, a space ship or something?
Dad
… Our people were dying. We did not have the technology to travel to the stars. The other planets in
our solar system could not sustain us. We had to go somewhere else completely.
Tracy
… Where?
Page check: 3. If you needed more room, you can instead start this page with Picky's last line.
These panels are large, and this is probably the most important part of the whole story. Effort! Dad's dialogue should appear as narration instead, so use boxes. We begin at he familiar town of Summers. Only, nothing is left but rubble and massive sci-fi wrecking machines. All the buildings are gone, and the palm trees are all dead. Acidic water sprays the beach.
Narration
Almost a thousand years from now, the world as you know it will be gone. We became unable to sustain ourselves. Entire countries died off. Those that were left were so desperate for resources, that we began tearing down and salvaging old cities.
We see the streets of futuristic Fourside. Crowds, all gray and brown, line up for rations. Bright neon holo-panels advertise things like soda, saturn bots, and whatever else on the walls, but no one cares.
Narration
Eventually, there were only a few cities left. What was left of the population converged on these places.
In a smaller panel, we see a time machine.
Narration
As an escape, we could visit other times, all throughout history. We had perfected time travel. It was
easy and done often. But we could never stay.
We see the Earth from above, gray, brown, and dying. Satellites cover the orbit.
Narration
But eventually, humanity would cease to exist.
A solid black panel.
Narration
So… We decided to leave it all behind.
Page check: 4.
This page might be the most epic one of the entire comic.
We see the chronosphere, and a hint of something glowing a bright yellow in the corner.
Narration
The chronosphere is the place concealed in another dimension on this world, where time and space converge. Millions of tunnels connect to it, leading off into different times and places. But in the middle, there is something that eludes us.
Move over a bit to show a giant, spinning orb, glowing brightly and quiet beautiful.
Narration
In the middle of the chronosphere, there is a place we could not touch. It is theorized that inside of a
bright, beautiful sphere, is a place where time and space do not exist as they do anywhere else. Some
say that perhaps only darkness is within. But most think—believe that a paradise is inside of it.
Either way, we saw it as the place of refuge for humanity.
An even closer look at the sphere. Now, in a swirling vortex, there is actually a hint of Nowhere Island's shape, although it is in shadow.
Narration
Most astounding of all, we detected an immeasurable amount of energy inside. Perhaps enough to
destroy the entire world completely if it were somehow unleashed.
We see a massive white ship. It's a strange looking thing, very futuristic and clean. It looks a bit like a spaceship, but it can't fly. Stairs are leading up to it. It rests in the middle of the city, where a park used to be. A huge line is going up towards it.
Narration
I… was part of a project that could lead us there. I helped design a huge white ship, capable of
breaching the glowing field that protected the place most see as a paradise.
We close in on a section of the line. There's a shadow of a very tall person with a hat; Leder. In color, we see some familiar colors that stand out from the bleakness. A splash of red, and one of yellow…
Narration
We kept the project a secret, knowing that we could not take everyone with us.
Smaller panels now. Close in on the people with colors a bit more.
Narration
But… If Lydia and myself aren't there, it means we open up more space for someone else…
Finally, we see young Hinawa and Flint as children (11 or so). They look excited and are smiling. Behind Hinawa is her dad (Alec), his large beard brown. Behind Flint is his own dad, wearing the hat Flint will get later in life, which covers his eyes. Young Flint and Hinawa should look very cute. No dialogue/narration at all for this panel.
Page check: 5, duh.
Back at the present.
Dad
And that's what Harmony was. A ship that could save humanity. It would bring us to a place where
we could start over. The idea was that we wipe our memories and start clean, without all the
technology that eventually brought an end to our civilization.
Lydia
Dad… You really were on a project that could save humanity…
Dad
Yes…
Lydia
You're so awesome!
Kang
Still… That's really depressing. And there's not even anything we can do to prevent that future.
Dad
I honestly don't think that there is. But perhaps… You can now appreciate all that you have a little more.
Live life one day at a time. You know… Follow those kinds of sayings.
Jeff
This place you speak of… I wonder if it's where everything and everyone that got sucked into that
last time warp were sent to.
Dad
Perhaps. If that's the case, then I just hope that they don't cause too much damage to our plans.
Kang
Hm… Well, I had better get back to my parents. Man, are they going to chew me out…
Tracy
Bye, Kang.
Picky
Yeah, it's been fun. Let's hang out some time, okay?
Kang
Sure!
Lydia
… See you, Kang.
Kang
Oh, hey, I'm into older women, Lydia, so if you ever want to, you know, hook up… Just give me
a call!
Lydia
Oh, yeah, right! Get out of here before I barf!
Kang
Ha, as you request.
Kang disappears in a puff of smoke.
Kang
PSI Farewell!
Ness
Well… This has all certainly been interesting. I think I'll have one more batch of eggs, and then—
Ness' cell phone rings. He answers it.
Ness
Hello? Oh, Paula—
Paula (audible)
NESS! WHERE ARE YOU?! YOU NEED TO COME HOME!
Ness
Huh? What's going on?
We see Paula on the other end, clutching her stomach in the kitchen.
Paula
If you don't come home NOW, I'll hit you over the head with a frying pan!
Back at the cafeteria. Ness closes the phone.
Ness
Uh… yeah, I guess I better get going. See you, Jeff. Tracy. Oh, and Lydia, if you're looking for
a new place to live, I'd try Twoson. They have a lot of real estate opening up.
Ness gives Lydia's dad a business card.
Tracy
Ness, are you serious?!
Ness
What? I'm just trying to help! Can I help it if I'm good at this job?
Tracy
You're trying to sell them a house, after everything that just happened?
Ness just shrugs.
Ness
I should really get going, so—
Tracy
Ness, wait…
Tracy grabs his arm and comes in close.
Ness
What is it, Trace?
Tracy
These powers… PSI… Will I always be able to use them?
Ness
Probably. But you don't have to if you don't want to. Save them for a time when it really matters.
Tracy
Do you think another time will come like that?
Ness
Who knows. I never expected to have to use them again. Although… teleport does come in handy.
Speaking of which, i really have to go. You know how Paula can get. See you guys!
Picky
Bye, Ness-dude!
Ness smiles, and then teleports away.
Dad
Most amazing… I wonder if anyone in my time can use such powers.
Tracy
What are you two going to do now?
Dad
Lydia, would you like to stay in Fiveton a bit longer? We could help clean up this mess.
Lydia
Sure, Dad…
Jeff
That would be most generous.
Jeff looks at Lydia's dad.
Jeff
Hey, could you maybe visit some of my classes? My students would probably love to hear a lecture
or two from someone with your knowledge.
Dad
Yes… I suppose I could do that.
Lydia turns to Picky and Tracy.
Lydia
It's been really fun hanging out with you two. You're like, the two coolest people I know who are your
age.
Picky
What's that supposed to mean? Are we getting old?
Lydia
Anyway… Let's do something again together, okay? I haven't visited this era that much. Maybe you can
show me around a bit.
Tracy
Sure, Lydia. That sounds great.
One last shot of the four of them just looking at one another. Then, Mom comes out with plates full of breakfast.
Mom
Hey, where did everyone go?
Start new page here.
We see Mom, Tracy, and Picky getting back into the car. Each of them is waving to Lydia, Jeff, and Lydia's dad. There's a small crowd of cheering students saying dumb things. Follow with an overhead shot of the town, to show the damage that has been done. Then, back in the car, where Picky has taken his jacket off again.
Mom
You know, it's too bad you gave that nice broom back, Tracy. I could've used it around the house.
Picky
Yeah, and Jeff made me give the bazooka back. That thing was awesome.
Tracy
I don't about know you, Picky, but I'm going to spend the rest of the summer on the couch, in front of the TV…
Picky
Sounds like a plan.
We see Lydia and Lydia's dad.
Narration
That was the strangest summer vacation I had ever had… But at least I made some really cool friends.
Lydia and her dad are repairing the dumpster. Lydia has a green paint can and a brush in her teeth, while her dad has a torch and mask and has just finished patching the dumpster up. He looks proud of his work, too. Nearby, Captain Tough is lamenting over his busted cop car.
Captain
My poor… *sob* My poor cruiser! Look what they did to you!
Rodriguez
H-hey, Boss, we can get you a new one, you know.
Captain
You moron, that doesn't make it better! We fix this one!
Rodriguez
But, Boss! It's totally scrapped!
Captain
You get to work on it or I'll "totally scrap" you!
Narration
It was funny how I got my PSI abilities right when I need them most. But then again, so did Ness when
he set out to save the world.
We see Jeff and Lydia's dad giving a lecture. On the blackboard is a picture of a Mr. Saturn, with an equal sign next to it and a question mark on the other side. (Mr. Saturn = ?)
Narration
And even though so many bad things happened… It seems like we came through it all with
something new and grand in the end.
Two panels showing Kang giving the sword back his angry parents, and looking nervous about it with sweat coming off. In the panel over, they are both squeezing/hugging him tightly, and he's struggling to free himself. We see Ling peak out from her room, run out, and then tackle Kang to the ground.
Narration
Love is such a powerful thing… I'm beginning to think that it could conquer anything.
We see a hospital room with a blue-haired healer guy in the background. Paula is already dressed, but still in a wheel chair. Ness is one side, with Tracy on the other. In Paula's arms is a baby wrapped in a pink blanket (not a Sims 3 larva). Tracy is wiggling her finger in front of its face because she's mean.
Narration
… Love. It's nice that we live in a world where it exists so strongly.
Paula
Melody… this is your Aunt Tracy.
Tracy
(Aunt?! That makes me sound so old…)
Next page.
We see Onett from above, then zoom in on Ness' house. We go inside to see Picky and Tracy watching television, looking very lazy. Ancient hairy King is at the side of the couch. Then suddenly, there's a loud knock at the door. Picky and Tracy freak out a bit. In the next panel, Mom walks in front of them to answer the door.
Mom
My land, what an annoying knock! Who could it be?
Tracy and Picky look at one another.
Picky and Tracy
(What now?)
Mom
Oh, hi honey. Tracy, dad's home!
We look over at the door. Dad's face is obscured by Mom's head. Mom is looking back towards the couch.
Mom
He finally got home from his business trip!
Dad
And I forgot my darned keys again…
Tracy and Picky look relieved. Dad's dialogue floats above them.
Dad
I'm so excited! Where's Ness? Where's my new granddaughter?
Mom
Right upstairs, honey.
Dad
Good, good! So… how was Fiveton?
We see from behind Tracy and Picky. Dad has stepped in front of the TV, but his head is cut off.
Dad
So, Tracy, Picky, do you think you're going to apply to their university?
Back in front, where we see dad's shadow on the couch, Tracy and Picky look one more at each other. In the next panel, they look at Dad.
Tracy and Picky
Definitely!
Narration
Later…
For this whole-row panel, we see a dinner at Ness's house. Mom and Dad are at the same spots Picky's parents were in the first dinner scene way back. There's also Ness and Paula, who is holding Melody. But unlike dinner at the Minch's, the conversation is civilized and people are paying attention to Picky, who gets a full plate of food. Dad is reading the newspaper. On the next panel, Tracy is helping at doing the dishes with Mom.
Mom
I've got these, Tracy. Why don't take it easy this week?
Tracy
Well… if you say so, maybe I will.
Tracy leaves and goes out to the living room, where Ness is holding Melody on the couch with Paula.
Tracy
Hey, where'd Picky go?
Ness
Oh, I think he went outside a few minutes ago, Tracy.
Tracy heads on out. Picky is out on the road, hands in pockets, looking up at the stars.
Tracy
Picky? You okay?
Picky
Heh, yeah. Just watching the meteor shower.
Tracy
Oh, that's right… there was supposed to be a small one tonight, huh?
Next page.
Tracy comes over and looks up at the sky. We see them from behind, and a couple of shooting stars go by above.
Picky
Tonight feels like the one twelve years ago… All of what happened back then started when a meteor
fell, right on those hills.
Tracy
Yeah…
Picky
The same night our brothers went out. Yours saved the world. Mine tried to destroy it…
Tracy
…
Picky
My brother seemed to be someone who casted a shadow that I was always in. I could've chased
after him if I wanted, but I probably would've always been one step behind him.
Picky looks over at his house.
Picky
Funny… We've been neighbors since we were born. But our families are as different as can be.
I often wish that I had your family, Tracy.
My parents never cared about me. And even if Porky did once, it's all in the past now.
I can never go down the same path he did.
Tracy
You've had a hard life, Picky… But you could've followed your brother, and you didn't. And I think that
makes you stronger than you know.
Picky
You were all that kept me from going with him, Tracy… Even though I think I would've hated him, I
probably would've been someone important for the first time in my life.
Tracy
Picky…
Picky (smiling)
That's why I need you to keep being my friend, Trace.
Tracy (smiling)
Of course, Picky.
Picky
No matter what stupid things I might do. No matter how far apart we are.
Tracy holds Picky's hand and smiles. On the last panel, a row-wide one, we see the two from behind, still holding hands, watching the dust burn up in the atmosphere…
On the last page, we have a few panels that form a square. It should take up most of the page, but not all. Maybe a big black border or something. In the first panel, there is nothing but empty rock. In the next, the red time tear opens, dumping out Porky, animals, random people, and soldiers. In the last panel of this first row, we see the pile of confused living things and the time tear close. On the bottom row, a large panel finishes the story completely. Here, we see Porky from behind. Near him are a confused Marvin and Dr. Andonuts. And behind them is a mass of blue, green, white, and pink helmets. They're all on a large, barren rock. In the nearby distance is Nowhere island, with part of Tazmilly village just barely in sight on the left side. One word at the lower right: End.
The back cover of the story has the Harmony logo, and is solid white except for the blue carrier pigeon in the middle, the door knob next to it. A ribbon is tied to the pigeon's leg, and the letter is partially opened nearby It's a scroll of paper with the ends curled up. The part we can read says: "I found this new doorknob for our house, and…"