Epilogue

Bullets rained down from above, peppering the floor and nearly hitting him and Mairin…

Several ropes were thrown through the entrance above, more enemy soldiers descending into the room. Larson's heart throbbed and twisted in his chest, overwhelming him with distress and hysteria. There was no way Faith and Damon were still alive, and if they did not leave now, they'd die too. He dashed after Collins and Vogel, shouting after them.

"Get to the jumpers now!"

He glanced over his shoulder once more, and saw a figure in white standing over the pile of debris. The enemy soldiers landed nearby, and were engulfed in white light. Shots rang in his direction and he continued on, finding his group huddled in a puddlejumper. He leapt into the chair and grabbed the controls, activating the ship. He hit the control for the roof, causing the dock to tremble, but it failed to open. He ejected the pods and sent two drones blasting through, hurtling the puddlejumper after.

His hands shook as he operated the controls, his mind flooded with grief…

"Larson. Larson."

The soldier snapped his head sideways, staring at Andrew Stuart vacantly. They were both dressed in their USAF service uniforms and standing diligently on the porch of Mark Albin, Faith's uncle. They had arrived back on Earth the day before, and the first priority had been this visit. The front door opened, revealing a tall balding man with dark hair. He smiled widely and embraced Andrew, before stepping back, his face doubtful.

"How—why are you here?" he murmured.

Andrew lowered his head, gripping his hat tightly. "Uncle, we need to talk."

Ten minutes later, the soldiers were settled on chairs across from Mark Albin, his wife Sandra, and mother Mildred. Larson placed a necklace on the table before them, his eyes watery.

"Dr. Faith Stuart has been announced MIA, presumed dead."

The End.

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A/N: Okay this was reaaally short, but I felt it was necessary for wrapping up this segment of the story. As I said before, watch out for the sequel. Not all is what it seems!

Yes the Stuarts' family knows about Atlantis, they have security clearance.