"Where's Philip?" Amy asked. "It's not like him to just disappear without saying something."
"I wish Leo was more like that," said Piper. "He's always orbing out saying something about another charge or seeing the Elders or something equally as vague."
"Very funny," said Leo. "I always tell you what I can and you know it. Philip went to make our report to the Elders. He said he'd be back as soon as he could."
"Marcus," said Piper, "about those files on us that the government has."
"The government doesn't have any files," interjected Amy. "Only Marcus and a few of his most trusted people know about you."
"They don't?" asked Paige.
"No," said Marcus, putting some folders on the table. "Amy suggested you when things started to get out of hand. Everything we have on you is in those folders. They're yours. Do with them what you want. As far as the federal government is concerned, you don't exist. At least as far as I know, they don't know you exist. At least not as the Charmed Ones."
Amy put her arm around Marcus.
"If they did know," said Amy, "they'd want to exploit us as weapons for national security or something. My husband has a very personal reason for wanting to prevent anything like that from happening."
"Good," said Piper, picking up the folders. "I just don't want any federal agents showing up at our door looking for our help."
"They won't hear about you from us," said Marcus. "My report to my superiors will show we handled this without any outside help. You won't even be mentioned."
"Good," said Paige.
"What will you do now?" asked Leo.
"This complex will be shut down," said Marcus. "It's over sixty years old. We have a new state-of-the-art facility that's nearly complete in Nevada. We'll move everything there and then the elevator shaft here will be filled in with concrete. When they're finished, no one will ever be able to tell this place exists."
"The nuclear device has already been removed," said Amy. "That way there won't be any chance of an accident."
"Now," said Marcus, "I have one last favor to ask. Piper, our information indicates you used to be a chef."
"That was a long time ago," said Piper.
"Well," said Marcus, "our cook has graciously agreed to turn the kitchen over to you. There are about forty-five people still in the complex right now. I was wondering if you'd like to become a chef one more time? Our cook has offered to assist you and he assures me he has all the ingredients you'll need to make whatever you want."
"I think I'd like that," said Piper. "It's been a long time since I was able to be a real chef."
"Great," said Marcus. "The kitchen is yours for as long as you need it."
Amy escorted Piper to the kitchen. As Piper turned to leave, Leo kissed her, and then pulled the folders from her hands.
"You know," he said, "I know of a nice little incinerator I've been meaning to visit for a while. Thought I'd just take a short trip and see if it's still working."
Leo orbed our of the complex as everyone went to the kitchen to help Piper prepare dinner
The End
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