Epilogue – Rest and recuperation
The following weekens were not easy ones. The Sunbuster kept station with the Cry Havoc until it reached Talzenadar IV space once more and stayed there while they regained their own strength and healed their wounded.
With Talannah's help, Harrigan managed to secure a garrison and enforcement contract with the planetary governor – and didn't even have to throw anyone through any doors to do so, much to a grinning Shor's disappointment. He and Ryalla had struck up a firm and close friendship after the hell of the Serakaa IV rescue mission that only seemed likely to get closer as time went on. Lazarus was also relacing in his reticence in becoming more friendly to non-humans – especially Koronna. While he was still not entirely at ease around those outside his species, he knew Koronna had risked a lot for him and also her for her, which started a slow but deepening relationship and trust between them.
Captain Zarithak and Councillor Shuljek, in thanks for Harrigan's efforts in giving purpose to their movement once again, allowed any of their people who wished to stay with the Irregulars to do so. Sergeant Leurik was not quite so happy when two of his own troops, including his only combat medic, also decided to stay – but reluctantly decided not to reprimand them and to stand by their decisions to do so.
"Irregular's strength now stands at almost sixty" a weary Harrigan told Talannah one day "We still need to lay low, bide our time, build up our currency reserves, and test out our new recruits – we especially need to find a way to get the others to trust Rulok's guys. They'll be very useful – once everyone else knows they can be trusted".
"We will find something" Talannah soothed, feeding him more rations as she always did when an episode of potential boost addiction threatened to manifest "I doubt our lives will be entirely peaceful ones". "That's what we're here for and paid for" Harrigan told her, lifting her onto his lap before smiling again and adding "Harrigan's Heroes – champions of the Territories, and the Hierarchy's number one headache!" before nodding off to sleep.