Scott, age 7

"Come on, boys! We've got to pack up and get in the air soon!" Scott and Alex groaned but began to put their bags and camping equipment on the plane as Chris secured everything. Katherine got on the plane and stood still for a moment.

"Mama? Are you ok?" Scott asked.

"I'm fine, baby. Just a few too many days of sleeping on the ground."

"I liked it," Alex told her. Katherine gave him an indulgent smile.

"Just like your daddy." Alex beamed and went to help Chris with the straps.

"Are you feeling sick?" Scott asked. Katherine bent down and kissed his forehead.

"You're so sweet to be concerned about me, Scott. But I promise I'm ok."

"Did you have fun?"

"I enjoyed watching you three have fun."

"That means no," Chris told his oldest. "But we appreciated Mommy coming with us, anyways, right boys?"

"Yeah!" Alex cheered. Chris looked at his wife and winked.

"Scott, come help me make sure we got everything and that the fire is completely out."

"Yes sir." Chris put a hand on his son's head and led him out.

"Mama's sick." Chris frowned.

"I'll make sure she sees a doctor as soon as we get home."

"When do you have to leave next?"

"I have another week," he said with a sad smile as they looked over their campsite.

"Oh."

"But I'll be home for Thanksgiving all the way through Easter. That'll be fun, right?"

"I guess. That'll be another year of missed Little League." Chris sighed and crouched down so that he could look into Scott's eyes.

"You know how much I'd prefer to be home, Scott. But in order to keep getting paid by the Air Force for retirement, I have to serve a certain amount of years. I'm almost there, and then I'll be able to fly for Grandpa and be home a lot more."

"It's fine."

"You know I miss you boys," Chris said as he ran a hand down Scott's cheek.

"But it's not enough. We're not enough."

"Scott, you and Alex are my everything. I'm doing what I do for you two. I'm sorry that you can't understand it right now-"

"Don't tell me I'll understand when I'm older!" Scott said, stomping the ground. "I'm seven, Dad! I'm almost a grown up!" Chris felt his lips tugging at the corners.

"You still have some time before then. But I need this little attitude gone, son, or you'll be in a bit of trouble that I'd prefer to avoid after such a nice vacation."

"Nice for you," Scott pouted. Chris sighed and swatted Scott.

"Do I have your attention now?" he asked as Scott covered his butt.

"Yes sir."

"This attitude is over. I have a week left at home, and I'd much prefer my happy Scott over this. Please, son."

"I don't want you to go."

"I'll just be gone for a few months. And you know you can call me now. I'm a major. That comes with a few more perks."

"It's not the same, Daddy." Chris sighed and hugged Scott to him.

"I know, baby. I'm doing the best I can here to provide for you and Alex and Mom. I just need a little slack."

"I'm sorry."

"Water under the bridge. Now let's get ready to go home, hm? I don't know about you, but I'm feeling McDonald's for dinner." Chris smiled as Scott's eyes lit up.

"Really?!"

"Really. But we have to get home by dinner to do that. So. You ready, my future co-pilot?"

"Yes sir!" Chris chuckled and the two boarded the plane.

"Alex is strapped in," Katherine told him from the co-pilot's chair.

"Thank you, love." He quickly helped make sure Scott was secure before going to the cockpit and starting the plane. He checked the levels and the fuel before putting on his radio. "Everyone ready?"

"Yes!"

"Yes sir!"

"Let's get home." Chris got the plane going and into the air. They hadn't been flying long when he frowned at the smokey smell.

"What is that?"

"Must be a forest fire or something," he told Katherine.

"DADDY!"

"What Scott?"

"FIRE!" Chris turned and saw flames and then the monitors started beeping and going crazy.

"Chris?" Katherine asked as she stood up. He swallowed.

"We're going to be fine. Dad's going to be pissed I lost the plane. Kat, get the parachutes from the back while I try to keep us steady, ok?" Katherine nodded and went to the back. She hurried back to the cockpit.

"There are only two. The kids'." Chris closed his eyes and put the plane on autopilot.

"Then we get them to safety."

"Mommy?" Alex said, terrified.

"We're going to be ok," she told him, trying to block her tears. She unbuckled him before strapping the parachute to him.

"Daddy, what's going on?"

"The plane is going down," Chris carefully told Scott as he strapped the other parachute to him. "You protect your brother, Scott, do you hear me?"

"Yes sir."

"Good boy. Land, find someone, and call Grandma. Ok?"

"I'm scared." Chris looked into his son's eyes.

"I am, too, Scott. But sometimes, being scared means you're about to do something brave. And I need you to be brave. Alex needs you to be brave." Scott nodded as tears leaked from his eyes.

"I'll keep him safe, Daddy. I promise." Chris nodded and kissed his head. Katherine and Alex joined them and the family embraced for the final time.

"I love you boys. You two have been my everything."

"Scott, you take care of your brother."

"I will, Mama. We'll be safe."

"Remember, when you start falling from the plane, you count to three and then pull the cord. Alex, do you understand?"

"I can count, Daddy."

"I'll tell him when," Scott promised. Chris nodded. He picked them both up and took them to the door before opening it, watching as it broke off in the air.

"I love you, Scott. I love you, Alex," he said before tossing them out of the plane. He counted to three and saw Scott's parachute open with Alex's opening shortly after- and then they both caught on fire. He felt his heart shatter. He knew that there was no way his small children could survive the flames of the parachutes and the falling that would occur. He held Katherine to him as tears streamed down both of their faces. He kissed her, knowing he'd never get the chance again.

"I love you," she told him.

"And I love you. Thank you for making these last ten years the best of my life." He gripped her to him, expecting to feel the explosion once the fire hit the fuel tank- and then the heat was gone. Chris looked up and around. People with strange designs around their eyes were staring at him.

"Oh God," Katherine whispered beside him.

"Welcome, humans, to the Shi'ar Empire."