Epilogue

Lucas was sitting at his desk, eating an apple, when the com buzzed.

"Lucas to the Captain's Quarters, stat," a voice crackled over the speaker.

He raised an eyebrow in confusion, but saved his work and headed out. He knocked and was given permission to enter. Waiting for him were the Captain, Dr. Westphalen and Sam.

"Lucas," the Captain began. "There's something we need to talk to you about."

"Oh? What's up?"

"It's about your fath…I mean, Lawrence. He's been arrested."

Lucas acted shocked. "Oh really? Why?"

"They've arrested him in relation to Ellie's murder. Seems that someone got the doctor to confess and implicate Lawrence, and then mailed that confession to all of the major media outlets. They aren't sure if he can be tried, given the lack of direct evidence to prove his involvement, but this arrest will completely destroy his reputation. He'll never work in the international community again."

"Hmm, Karma's a bitch," Lucas said with a smirk, taking a bite of his apple and walking out, leaving three stunned people in his wake.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Over the next few months, Jason and Lucas exchanged emails almost daily. Lucas was there to talk to him when his parents hit the roof over his decision to enlist. He was happy to get the first email from the academy in San Francisco to let him know that Jason had made it and was settling in. He also exchanged regular emails with Katherine and Patrick, Katherine never missing an opportunity to send him snacks and other things to share with his friends. Lucas watched the news reports about Lawrence with amused interest. He liked seeing him led around in handcuffs. The Captain had been right, his reputation was obliterated, just the goal that Lucas had been hoping to attain.

Watching one report, Lucas grinned evilly. "I hope you're enjoying that jail food Dad, it isn't the same as filet mignon I know, but a guy's gotta eat. You're getting what you deserve. I hope you suffer."

The months moved by quickly, and before he knew it Jason had completed his training at the academy. They'd moved him through quickly; he was done in 2 months. From the reports that the Captain had received, Jason had proven to be an exceptional student, a quick learner and extremely intelligent.

On his way to the mess for lunch, Lucas ran into the Captain in the hallway.

"Lucas, I just wanted to let you know that we're on our way to San Francisco to pick up some supplies. Jason will be coming aboard as well as another civilian crew member."

Lucas grinned. "I'll be glad to see Jason. Who is the civilian crew? Why is he coming aboard?"

"Not a he, a she. She's coming aboard to assist Dr. Levin. She's about your age, actually, a couple of years older I think."

"Another girl huh? Great," Lucas said with a smile.

"Hands to yourself Lucas, hands to yourself," the Captain replied as he walked away.

Lucas chuckled and went on to the mess for a sandwich.