Epilogue: Happily Ever Interrupted

Seven Years Later

"Dazerius dear, stop playing with your guns and sit at the table, breakfast is almost ready!"

The hustle and bustle of the small room might have seemed cramped from an outsiders perspective, yet to it's four inhabitants it was cozy.

The small kitchen was filled with the sound of bacon sizzling in the pan, along with onions and peppers. There was the clink of metal against metal as a young woman placed forks and knives on the small table. She wore baggy plaid pajama pants that hung loosely around her hips, and a comfortable black camisole.

She was about twenty-five, pretty, with dark brown hair hanging lazily about her face. She turned from the table and slid her arms around the waist of the man at the stove. He wore standard Coalition combat pants, and had a revolver strapped to his right thigh.

"Hey baby," He spoke tenderly, caressing her arm with his free hand, "You want to get those two in here? It's about ready."

"Sure thing love." Camilla turned from Veritas and shouted into the other room, "Alright Daze, get in here! You too Robby!"

"Yes mom!" Robby retorted playfully as Dazerius rushed into the room and straight into Camilla's arms.

The child was three years old, and had really started talking.

"Momma! Me and Wobby played Geaws! We shot the Indies, but then I got shot and she had to rescue me wif her fost aid kit!"

"Really? Well isn't that fun!" She flashed a smile towards Robin. "Good thing your Aunt is the greatest medic in the Cog army!"

"Pfft!" A dismissive laugh sounded from where Robin had taken her seat. She wore the traditional medic uniform, with pants covered by a kind of tunic that culminated in a skirt, apron hybrid that helped when things got bloody. At her side was a snub pistol in holster, while her medical bag was propped in the corner.

"How is that going anyway?" Veritas looked over from the stove, where he had started scrambling eggs, "You've been gone for, what, three weeks?"

"Almost! Either way its been too long!" Robin took a sip from her coffee, "It's been going good though. The people are nice, though of course there are always some dumb apples."

"How's basic been?"

"Tough, but I come from strong stock," Robin's comment almost made Camilla choke on her coffee, "Hey, for your information I made it to the final four in a sparring tournament, so you can just shut your mouth!"

"But that was against other medics right?" Veritas inquired.

"Yes, but..."

"Doesn't count!" Veritas interrupted. He laughed as Robin growled, jumping up to give him a punch in the arm.

There was a sudden rumble that knocked Robin off her feet and sent a few dishes crashing to the floor, yet it stopped almost instantly.

"What the hell?" Veritas cocked his head and listened.

"An earthquake?" Cami asked as Robin ran to the window.

"There's nothing out..."

Suddenly the rumbling started again, stronger than before, and this time, it didn't let up.

"Get under the table!" Veritas yelled as he tossed the burning hot skillet into the living room. Camilla had grabbed Daze and was already under, while Robin was just slipping under, hugging Daze from the other side. Veritas pressed himself down, enveloping them all in his strong body.

Everything shook as plates crashed about them, pans fell from their places, and pictures dislodged from the wall.

"What's going on!" Robin shouted as the rumbling continued.

"No idea!" Veritas yelled. Suddenly, a staccato popping began from outside. He locked eyes with Robin.

"Is that..." They both said together.

Screams began abruptly from outside the apartment as the rumbling died away, giving way to the sounds of gunfire mixed with the screaming of men and women, along with strange roars and growls.

Veritas rushed to the window and looked out. The sight that met his eyes completely shocked and bewildered him.

"Holy fu..."

"Not around Daze dear."

Veritas turned and faced them, while drawing his revolver with one fluid motion.

"Get dressed, and make sure you grab the emergency bag, as well as your rifle."

"What is it..."

"Now!" Veritas backed away from the door as Cami hurried up the stairs. He reached into the front closet and pulled a shotgun from the top shelf. He levered the action and sent a round into the chamber

"Robin, get Daze dressed." Veritas pointed back toward his son's room, "Then grab your satchel, we're going to need it."

Veritas watched the door, finger hovering over the shotgun's trigger. Whatever was out there, it most certainly was not friendly. He quickly grabbed a large bookshelf and pulled it to the door, then reinforced it with the couch.

There was a creak from the steps, and Veritas looked up.

Cami was standing there, hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a white, short skirted dress over a pair of heavy duty cargo pants. She also wore a black sports bra and tank top underneath the dress. On her back was a backpack, loaded with food and some ammunition, while she wore the same look of determination on her face that he'd seen in the barn, those many years ago.

Veritas knew today would turn out alright.

Behind her she was dragging his armor, as well as his shirt and StretchTite mesh, as well as another pack. Banging about her knees was a red, black, and grey checkered Lancer, attached to a single point sling. The matching ammo belt was strapped loosely about her waist.

"You know, there are some days I'm absolutely stunned by my luck." Veritas spoke quietly admiring his wife as he took the armor and pack from her.

"I wouldn't count this as one of them." She looked up into his eyes as she helped him pull on the heavy armor. "Honey...what are those things outside?"

Veritas could see the fear and uncertainty in her eyes, yet he could also see the hope, the trust that she placed in her man.

"I don't know," Veritas pulled her close. If there was one thing he did know, it was that he wouldn't let her down. "But we'll make it through. I promise."