Abby wrapped the bandage around his wrist, the wound was healing fine but she still wanted to be careful about infection. Things on Earth tended to go downhill very quickly.

Someone outside called for the doctor's help. She patted his knee,

''I'll be right back, don't move.''

before leaving the medical tent, a knowing smile on her lips.


''I thought you were dead...''

He closed his eyes, letting the voice echo in him, filling him with too many feelings he didn't understand. He bent his head down, almost scared of turning around, scared that it was nothing but a product of his tired mind. A hand rested on his forearm, only inches away from the white material covering what could have, what should have, killed him. Another went on his cheek, her thumb gently stroking his skin. The warmth that spread through him made him smile, the familiar touch bringing up sweet childhood memories. He opened his eyes, only to meet brown, identical ones.

''Mom ?''

The sound of his voice must have had the same effect her had on him, as she broke down in tears, raw emotions taking control of her body. For once, he initiated the hug, pulling her into a strong embrace. It hurt. It hurt him to see her like this, sobbing on his shoulder, so much that he had to hold back his own tears from spilling out.

Vera hold on to her son, never wanting to let him go out of her reach.

''I thought I had lost you...''

Her voice was muffled by the new wet fabric of his shirt, but she still went ont, struggling to get the sentence out of her mind. She waited until she had calmed down and her breathing was back under control before uttering a few words that made Marcus's heart sink.

''We found Alpha station but you were already gone... no word from you, nothing...nothing but a faint hope that... God, Marcus, I gave up ! I gave up, I'm sorry... I'm so sorry...''

He moved slightly, resting his chin on the top of head head, only half listening to the endless excuses, useless to his eyes. He knew there was nothing he could say to make her feel better, comforting people was not something he was very good at. So he waited, holding her, being here for her.

They stayed like this for a few more minutes, now silent but happy to enjoy a rare moment of peace.


He finally spotted Abby on her way to her whole story with Finn Collins and the attack was a total fiasco and he guessed she needed time for herself to sort out her thoughts. They all did. Still, he needed to talk to her. He and Vera had parted ways a few moments before, she understood that although he wasn't the official leader he still had responsibilities to take care of. And his favorite one was currently sitting on her cot by his side.

They had been talking for a little while when Marcus moved closer to her, shoulders touching.

''Thank you.''

She looked up from the cup in her hands.

''For my mom. Thank you. It was...''

He laughed somewhat sheepishly.

''… wet. It was wet. She cried a lot.''

He looked down at his feet, not knowing what to add. A long silence followed, neither of them spoke, lost in thoughts.

''She was worried about you. I was.''

Her voice startled him. He swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry, at loss for words.

''You can't stop a mother from worrying about her child, no matter how old. She will always be scared for you as soon as you walk away, no matter how able you are to defend yourself. She will always care about you, no matter how far you may be.''

It didn't go as he thought it would. What was supposed to be a joyful thank you becam a tearful talk. Yet, there was still a point that needed to be made.

''Parents aren't the only ones to worry, to be scared, or to care. Don't forget it, Abby. No matter the age, no matter the abilities, no matter the distance.''

He locked his eyes with hers, voice steady.

''No matter if the child is a son or a daughter, an adult or a teen.''

He let his words hit the mark, let them sink in and was graced by a small, hesitant smile. He grinned in return, his mood lifted, then leaned forward and pecked Abby on the cheek.

''Thank you.''