Thanks for your patience. School's now officially back in session, so I only see this as being pushed back another notch on the priority scale, but I have no plans of stopping. Thanks for the reviews again. Here goes the final chapter of episode three. Longest...episode...ever.

Episode 03 – Stressed

CHAPTER 4

Running with a brown package in his hands, Bridge rounded the corner of the white corridor and hurried into the rec room. Skidding onto the carpet with his knees, The Blue Delta Officer shredded the tan paper off. He smiled like a kid on Christmas day, or Hanukkah rather.

"It's here!" he declared excitedly.

"What's here?"

Syd entered the room, no longer in her SPD duds but in her favorite civilian wear instead -- tight white caprice and a tight pink polo. She set the sack of dirty laundry down and joined Bridge by the television set.

"Whatcha got there, Bridgy?" Syd asked taking a seat beside him.

"You are looking at the proud owner of an X-Box 360!" Bridge answered already untying the cords.

"Wow. Talk about ancient."

"Ancient? That's box still rocks. This was cutting edge when I was one!"

Syd rolled her eyes. "EBay?"

"Yup. I got it for $25 plus it came with two controllers and NBA 2K6. What a steal! Wanna play?"

"No holograms? No body heat detection? One word, two syllables: boring. Besides, I'm on my way out. Just wanted to say bye."

"Oh? Where are you going?" Bridge asked still focusing on the X-Box setup.

"Dr. Felix said I need to take a day off to recoup from earlier, so I'm going to recoup at home."

"Back in Orange County? That's a drive. You be safe and rest."

"Will do," Syd said getting up from the sofa. "Have fun with your nerd box."

"Oh I will."

Syd gave her best friend a hug from the back and peck on the cheek and left.

The all-black Mercedes A-Class Hatchback was a graduation gift from her parents, which she helped pick. The car was a road vehicle -- Syd was never interested in a flight model, despite the growing popularity. Feel the road was her motto/response from anyone who challenged her decision. Plus, the size of the compact was very apt for her smaller stature. The span of time after high school and the present seemed so much more than two years, but protecting the world from total annihilation will do that to a girl.

Interstate traffic wasn't too bad at mid-afternoon. New Tech City was located precisely north of what would be considered "Southern California", making the trip back home a little inconvenient but well worth the drive. An hour or so later, her O.C. estate was now only minutes away. Rounding the mountain-side road, Syd's eyes shifted to the glimmering sea water where the sun was making its graceful retreat. A delighted smile formed on Pink's lips.

There it was -- the Drew Estate -- 1125 Pacifica Drive. The beach town manor sat on several acres, the bulk of the land serving as a giant backyard for a miniature ranch, barn, and a screened Olympic-sized swimming pool. Entering the access code, the twin brass gates parted for Syd to proceed up the chalk-white driveway. She parked in front of the four-car garage and stepped out the small Mercedes. Her eyes took in the massive two story estate and smiled. As immodest Syd could be about her status, it was her infrequent visits home that made her realize how truly blessed she was.

The manor's front doors opened. An older gentleman in khakis and a tucked light-pink polo stood smiling.

"Daddy!" Syd squealed running to her father.

"Princess," Mr. Drew said embracing his child. "We were getting worried."

"I'm fine. I took the scenic route. We have to go to the beach some time and watch the sunset, daddy."

"We sure will, princess. How are you feeling?"

"Still achy, but I'll pull through," Syd said giving him a reassuring smile.

"Like always. Come in," Sydney's father said leading them inside. "Your mother's waiting for you on the lanai."

Boom was not one to usually pass up meals, but at 6:30 in the evening he found him alone back in his lab. Both Kat and his project team noticed his melancholy state but he refused to speak on it. What Jack was asking of him was crazy, something unheard of.

"Build a morpher from scratch?" Boom muttered to himself the question of the day.

Pulling a stool up to the counter, he sat and pulled over a jar of M&Ms. He unscrewed the cover and dumped a good handful of the chocolate treats onto the counter top.

"I couldn't get my jetpack to work last year, much less build a morpher!" Boom said slumping his head as his fingers worked to sort the candies by color.

A couple minutes passed before Boom got all the green and red M&Ms in two separate groups -- he pushed the other colors aside.

"It's not like I really don't know what it takes to build a morpher. I--I mean Omega did help me with the wiring."

Boom pulled a green M&M forward.

"But then again -- if anyone found out -- I could get fired on the spot."

Boom quickly reached for a red M&M and placed it next to the green one.

"But I said I'd think about it. Oh dear God, why did I say I'd think about it? I should of said no! ... Because I said I would do anything for Jack. That's why. And my word is my honor!"

Boom snatched another green piece and brought it by the first one.

"Even if it worked out, when would I build it? I'm here most of the day. Every thing I do here is logged in the system. I'd be busted in no time!"

Boom pulled another red candy forward.

"But I did build that radio receiver in my own time, the one that caught future distress signals. Why can't I build some dumb morpher then? Gosh I'm selfish! Two greens!"

The project manager used two fingers to pull forward a pair of the green-colored M&Ms.

"And the B-Squad are up against some powerful new enemies. ... They'd need help."

Another green M&M joined the yes pile.

"But Shadow is here when they need him."

Boom pulled a third red M&M to its respective pile. Maybe this system was a waste of time -- Boom knew what his response was from the moment Jack asked. Maybe this little game was a way to ease his conscious about going behind the rules and doing something so daring, so dangerous, so --

"Against SPD policy," Boom said to himself pushing the green and red pieces away.

The idea did excite the awkward lab rat. Maybe Cruger would be okay with it, but maybe he wouldn't. He still couldn't believe what Jack told him about Cruger's rejection of his request to be reinstated into B-Squad. Boom always knew Sky would be a great Red Delta Officer, but after last year, he was convinced SPD Earth would never see a more courageous leader than Jack Landors.

Boom's eyes shifted to the red and green M&Ms he pushed away. Not that this silly charade was necessary, but it was clear and obvious what his decision would be. With a confirming nod, Boom stood up from his stool and approached a padlocked cabinet against the wall. He retrieved the appropriate key from the many jangling at his waist side and inserted the chromed piece into the hole.

Removing the lock and key, Boom set them inside and opened the cabinet doors. A small tin box marked SPD sat on one of the many shelves right at eye level. The box stared back at him, the contents inside sealing both his and Jack's fate over the matter.

"I'm in..."

The weather of this particular December evening was unforgiving. Weather reports were nowhere accurate to what New Tech would face. At a chilling and unheard of 31º, Sky Tate was appropriately dressed. A heavy SPD jacket helped keep the officer warm as he strolled up the hilly sidewalk. His gloved hands were pocketed in the all black coat that bore the signature dog head badge logo on the left breast.

From where he walked, Sky could see that the lights of the church were on. He knew Tim would be there and was glad for it. He wanted someone outside of SPD to lend him an ear about his nightmares, his fears. Sharing too much with his teammates was one of those fears, the fear of getting close, letting someone in to his life. He had almost done so with Syd, but backed down from the opportunity. How Sky wished to say what was on his mind, but that invisible barrier wouldn't allow it.

Seeing Tim wasn't an attempt to crutch or hide his problems under a religious belief system. Sky already told himself this. He genuinely felt he could tell Tim his issues and possibly receive sound advice.

There it was -- New Faith Tabernacle. This old place held memories from Sky's childhood. As he stared at the ajar front doors, ghosts of people past seemed to appear out of nowhere. He could see the people he grew up with, the kids he played with on the streets, the other boys from little league, A family of three stood at the front entrance that Sky recognized immediately as his own. There was Kyle Tate dressed in a black suit with a white dress shirt and a solid silk red tie. His right hand was coupled with Amy Tate, Sky's mother. She was a gorgeous woman on her own merit without the aid of any noticeable make up. Her long dirty blonde hair was flowing down to the small of her back. In Amy's other hand was a small eight year old, Schuyler Tate. The little navy blue suit bothered the boy as he reached within the coat to put a stop to the crazy itch beneath his arm.

The ghosts disappeared, all but the Tates. Kyle stepped away from Amy and Sky without looking back as he proceeded to where the adult Sky stood. Sky and the phantom memory made direct eye contact. The long, cold stare sent a chill up Sky's spine. Kyle Tate communicated disappointment through the icy stare down.

Sky's lips trembled as he closed his eyes and pushed the words out.

"You're not real..."

The ghost memory of Kyle Tate vanished into the cold night air. Sky looked back to the steps where his younger self and his mother stood. They, too, were gone. A brush of chilling wind blew through Sky's blonde tips as he watched the vacant courtyard from the sidewalk. Everything inside him -- the guilt, the responsibility, the burden -- it was too much to deal with. He couldn't go on with this. His feet turned to leave when--

"Sky?"

The Delta Officer turned around to see Peter standing at the front doors. The tall thin man crossed his arms for warmth though the long tan coat was snuggly fastened to his body.

"Sky, it's freezing. What are you doing out?" Peter asked with a projected voice so Sky may hear from where he stood.

He had to answer, unwillingly so.

"I came to see Tim. Is he in?" Sky asked the associate minister.

"Of course. Come in before you catch your death out there," Peter said with a bemused chuckle. "Come right in..."

Sky stalked forward like a child called in by an elder and extended his hand.

"How are you tonight, sir?" he asked the older man.

"Quite well. Please -- feel welcomed," Peter said pushing a door open with his hand, the other directing the officer inside.

Unexpectedly, the smile on Peter's face was somewhat unsettling. Sky looked away not to stare and dismissed the silly thought as he entered the church. The door creaked shut behind him with a gentle click. How dark the foyer was Sky noticed immediately. Dozens of candles stood about, all lit. Red candles, blue candles, yellow and pink. Tall and short, there were candles everywhere that led to the sanctuary that sat behind a second set of doors. The undisturbed quiet was deafening as Sky stood just looking at the sea of baby flames.

"Peter?" Sky asked turning around.

The man was gone.

"Where'd he go?" Sky asked beneath his breath.

That breath produced a cloud of air. The place was freezing! It was no warmer inside than it was outside. He repocketed his hands into the SPD jacket and walked forward a couple more feet. Step by step, the light impact of his feet on the old dusty tile echoed above into the space of the vaulted ceiling.

We summon you, we summon you...

Sky's ears went up. The whisper whooshed by his ears like a gentle brush of some distant conversation. He hadn't imagined it, had he? Sky wasn't convinced as his ears focused.

Come to us, come to us...

It was real -- someone was speaking. It was coming from behind those tall white doors where the sanctuary stood. Sky cautiously approached those slightly ajar doors and peaked inside. There were more candles and they were gathered at the altar. Gently pushing the door, Sky stepped inside and took a better look at the place he once visited as a child. The towering ceilings, the stain-glass windows, the old wooden pews -- everything was the same, everything was cold and dark.

Have your way, my master, have your way...

Sky came inside and stood center of the aisle. His eyes stared ahead at a crouched figure at the altar. The man was cradling back and forth whispering undoubtedly to his god Sky surmised. 'Should I interrupt' he asked himself. The repetitive chanting ceased. For a moment, an eerie uncomfortable silence filled the wide sanctuary. Sky watched the crouched man wide-eyed waiting for him to move or say something.

"SKY."

The officer yelped and spun around into a fighting position. There stood Peter with a cup of a steaming beverage, which had partly spilt over the back of his hand from Sky's jump. The heat didn't seem to irritate his old skin surprisingly.

"I'm so sorry, sir," Sky said retrieving a cloth from his jacket.

"It's okay, Sky. I shouldn't have snuck up on you like that," Peter said shaking off the brown liquid from his hand. "I made you some hot chocolate. Thought it'd warm you up."

The crouched figure at the altar stood and watched Peter and Sky interact. His cold unnatural eyes briefly tinted red and returned to normal just before the officer turned around.

"Tim, sorry, I -- I didn't mean to cause any trouble," Sky said offering his free hand to shake.

"It's quite alright, Sky. You're no trouble at all," Tim said flashing a brief but reassuring smile.

"If you're busy, I can come back at a later time."

"No, no. Don't be silly. Anytime's a good time. Let's go to my office, shall we?"

Sky nodded. "That'd be good."

"If you'll excuse us, Peter," Tim said leading Sky away.

Delta Red gave the man a nod of gratitude for the hot chocolate and followed Tim out of the sanctuary. Peter and his congenial grin went to the altar where the candles were and knelt down beside them. Puckering his lips, he blew each flame out one by one. The shutting doors echoed throughout the sanctuary and left the auditorium quiet as it was before. With one last candle wick still aflame, Peter lifted his eyes over to the doorway then back to the flame, his welcoming grin slowly melting away into a wicked, arrogant expression.

"Tate, you're making this way too easy. Your days with SPD are numbered and your allegiance to the Neo Troobians will be Nero's."

Peter blew out the last candle and headed out the doors.

Peace, happiness, order -- the dreadful scene ate at Nero's nerves every second. Sitting idly in his chambers, the disguised emperor consumed himself with the intricate web he's woven -- his revenge. This wasn't how it was suppose to be. The well-calculated plans, the money spent on top generals -- he ended up another statistic with the other losers who attempted to over throw SPD Earth. The only attempt at resurrecting any chance of victory was a time portal to another dimension, a rip in the sensitive fabric of space with unforeseen consequences for anyone who dares to enter through.

Nero was a war lord, not a theory scientist or a master of space travel dynamics. That's what Uniga was for. The other two were pure brawn, disposable help in other words. As much as he hated to admit it, Nero needed help. He depended on Uniga's smarts, a female. The only explanation the war vixen could give for the time portal was intervention from what is referred to as a parallel timeline -- exact copies of their own world and consequences of choices up until a certain point in time, something that would create an entirely different path enabling the alternate world to hold its own existence or another branch on the tree called the universe.

Investigating the rare opportunity, Uniga intercepted a radio distress signal to Space Patrol Delta. They knew everything -- Morgana, Gruumm, Devastation -- SPD of 2025 was to fall and fall hard. The Troobians would finally have their long sought victory, or so it seemed that way for all but 48 hours. SPD, along with a force from the future, rewrote history. Another channel in the infinite lineup of possible outcomes or timelines came into existence, a world that could be accessed with superior technology, a technology that Nero did not have.

In theory, the Neo Troobian Master General could summon an infinite amount of soldiers from these worlds, but the obstacles that stood in the way and the questions that demanded answers that could not be given -- the odds were devastatingly against him. Having the portal remain open at Uniga's hand was all he had to work with. It would have to do.

Rising from the cold stone slab, Commander Nero stepped off the throne and proceeded to the balcony ahead. His crimson robe dragged behind him and collected the dusty soot layering the deserted fortress floor. Options for a hideout were severely limited after SPD had thwarted his attempt to revive the Troobian's efforts to claim Earth. He barely escaped containment. All he had was a crumbling castle on the moon that sat in ruins. The throne room chair was marked with a large metallic Z', as were many of the walls and halls of the dilapidated base. Whoever occupied this place last, the strench of failure still reaked in the air.

Nero occupied the top floor alone. His help remained on lower levels where he commanded them to stay until summoned. From time to time, the chittering and anxious battle cries of his subjects could be heard echoing throughout the castle hallways. Like hungry dogs they waited for their release. Aside from Uniga and the others, his foot soldiers were his only defense. His dark powers could only sustain their life force for so long and the energy cloak that hid him from SPD scanners. His three generals had better made some progress before his next visit, or his provisions for setbacks would be enacted ... and they wouldn't be pretty.

"And that makes one thousand ... give or take a few hundred."

Syd gave the horse's mane one last stroke before placing down the brush. She patted the large animal's nose and gathered up all its grooming products into the big wicker basket laying at the horse's hooves. The day was perfect Syd thought as she reflected over her activities from the last 24 hours. At times, she wondered what'd it be like to become a civilian again. Having joined SPD as a high school freshman, she never had the full experience of leading a regular teenage girl's life out in the world. Then there was the singing career, training for the Olympics, being a world champion swordswoman, and modeling. Sydney Drew was living anything but a regular teen girl's life. She was far from ordinary.

Leaving the barn, Syd placed the basket full of grooming products into its proper receptacle. The cool December air brushed her hair across her mouth and the cowboy hat off her head. Syd thought about how much she loved this time of year. Christmas time was looming and all the festivities that go along with it. Even with this brief time out, she still didn't get any gift shopping done. She was okay with it. Spending time with her family, pets, and old friends was what she needed most -- and the mud bath and time in the tanning booth of course.

"Oh no!" Syd whined looking at her watch.

Her eyes looked up the orangey-blue sky and saw the setting sun gradually pulling back. The one thing she wanted most on her day off was to watch the sun set from the beach. Riding and brushing down Daisy took most of her late afternoon up. By the time Syd could get cleaned up and out the house, it'd be dark.

"You know what they say, Daisy," Syd said looking back at her champion horse, "You can't see it all in a day."

Naying, Daisy lifted her head as if agreeing and trotted back into the den of her stall. Syd turned around and yelped. The sudden appearance of Sky had startled her. Half-smiling from her reaction, he handed back the hat that flew off her head just moments earlier.

"Oh my gawd," Syd said composing herself. "Don't sneak up on a girl like that. ... I was ready to go mid-evil on you."

"We wouldn't want that," Sky said repocketing his hands into his red Split hoodie.

His eyes surveyed Syd's white and pink checkered flannel shirt and blue jeans.

"Aren't you cold?" he asked.

"Nah. This is perfect weather. ... Wait a sec. What are you doing here?"

"Now you notice," Sky chuckled to himself.

"Is everything okay back at the Academy?" Syd asked fretful at the thought.

"Of course everything's okay. Relax."

The wind picked up and was a little harsher this time. Syd held her arms and tried not to look cold. Sky wasn't buying.

"Here. Take my jacket," he said taking down the zipper.

"No no," Syd said putting up her hand. "I'm fine. Really."

"It's just my jacket. I'll be fine."

"But then you'd be cold."

"And you aren't?" Sky asked with his jacket already off.

He handed Syd the hoodie, which she reluctantly accepted.

"Thanks," she said slipping the article on, its longer size obviously not for her height.

Sky smiled in amusement at the odd combination of a cowboy hat, the oversized red jacket, jeans, and tall black boots.

"Go ahead and laugh, Sky. I'm a walking fashion four-way accident."

"Actually," he said still fighting back the urge to laugh. "It looks good."

"You don't think I look -- bummy?"

"Bummy? It's not your usual look ... but it works. It's kinda... kinda ..."

"Yes?"

"...Cute."

Though used to taking compliments and often seeking them, Syd wasn't prepared for that particular one.

"That was probably the nicest thing you've said about me," Syd said playfully punching Sky's arm.

"Well ... um ... yeah."

Syd moved away from the subject, seeing Sky was struggling in the semi-awkwardness of the moment.

"So what does bring you out here?" she asked.

"Honestly? You inspired me to take a breather, too," Sky answered.

"So you crashed your SWAT Flyer?"

"No. I'm sure however if I kept at the pace I was going, I'd be headed toward the funny farm -- or barn," Sky said acknowledging the stable behind them.

Syd half-laughed, half-snorted. She realized how it sounded and laughed harder, as did Sky.

"That was so not my fault. The cold made me cough and laugh at the same time," Syd explained.

"Yeah, sure."

Syd looked back to the house that sat a good acre away from the mini-ranch. She could see her mother waving her in for supper.

"You can join us if you want. I'm sure my parents would love to have you."

"I know. They invited me when I came in to see you," Sky said hugging his arms for warmth. "I'd like that."

Syd looked away again, but to the sky this time. The sunset still had a good half-hour to forty five minutes to go and the beach was less than a ten minute drive.

"On second thought..." Syd began.

The short drive found Sky and Syd walking up the sands leading to the ocean. Syd laughed and hopped around joyously as a flock of seagulls flew away from their meeting spot in fear of the approaching humans. Smiling, Sky stood and watched the petite girl's peculiar behavior as she finished chasing the birds away.

"They weren't bothering you, bully," Sky said coming to join Syd.

Syd's smile weakened when she turned her attention to the ocean ahead. The orange sun was a few shades paler than before. The waves continued to break at the shoreline, perhaps the only sound being made outside in this backyard paradise. Sky read Syd's eyes. She was thinking deeply about something.

"What if this was the last sunset ever?" Syd asked not taking her eyes off the miraculous star.

Sky, taken back by the somber inquiry, asked for clarification.

"What do you mean?" he queried.

"I mean exactly what I asked. What if tomorrow ... it all ended?"

"Syd, come on. Nothing's ending tomorrow."

"Well how do you know?"

Sky shook his head. "What's this really about?"

Syd shrugged, not even sure herself. Perhaps the recent surfacing of threats to New Tech City was subconsciously eating at her brain and she never bothered to deal with them.

"I guess what I'm saying is we take things like sunsets for granted. From sun up to sun down we're on duty and even then we're on call in case some 30-story tall goon decides to take a stroll downtown and play doll house with the Bank of America building."

"True. ... but as long as B-Squad is around, there's nothing to worry about, right?"

Syd looked at Sky and considered his response. She shook her head.

"So you're not scared?" she asked her leader.

"Well ... no. I'm concerned, yeah, but I think we'll be fine."

Syd didn't look convinced. She took a seat in the sand and motioned for Sky to join her. He sat and brought his knees up close to his body like Syd.

"If I recall correctly, you were scared about your leadership role," Syd reminded.

"I'm horrified. ... But it doesn't mean I'm going to fail. I only fail if I don't try. And if I do, then I try again."

"Wow. Did you visit a shrink or something before you came here?"

Sky laughed. "No. I talked with a friend of mine. He gave me some good advice."

"Oh. Jack?"

"No. ... Would you believe a minister?"

"I guess so? Wouldn't think you would see one. ... Why can't you just tell me your problems? Or Z or Bridge?"

Sky didn't want to deal with that question. He thought about it a lot since seeing Tim. He tried to convince himself it was unprofessional to share matters like these with people at work, but Syd wasn't people at work anymore. She was a friend, like Z and Bridge -- family even. Maybe he should start treating them like such he thought. Syd wasn't looking away until she got her answer.

"According to Tim, I'm afraid."

"Bingo. I could have told you that," Syd said smacking his shoulder.

Sky sighed and looked back to the nearly-departed sun. "He says I'm afraid to let people in."

"Could have told you that, too. ... So what are you going to do about it?"

"Uh ... let people in -- I guess."

Syd, not satisfied with his answer, scooted in front of Sky and pushed down his legs to be flat against the sand. She moved into his lap area and pulled his arms around her.

"Uhh," Sky said nervously laughing. "What are you doing?"

"This is me helping you let people in your life," Syd explained. "I'm symbolically demonstrating that if you open yourself up, you can draw people in that care about you."

"I see."

"So is it working?" Syd asked looking back with a playful smile.

"I don't know? Let's find out!"

Sky moved his hands inside the hoodie he lent Syd and began to frantically tickle her belly. Screaming in a fit of laughter, Syd tried to break free from Sky's embrace, but he wasn't letting up. He rolled with her across the sand as she tried in vain to loosen his grip.

"So not fair!" Syd said gasping for air between laughs.

"Therapy's tough, ain't it?" Sky asked rolling on top of her.

He pinned her arms down right after he claimed her cowboy hat as his trophy. They continued laughing for what felt like forever, but in reality only lasted seconds, the seconds Sky drove an hour and ten minutes to have.

"You know you didn't have to come all the way out here to come talk to me," Syd said panting between words.

"I know. ... But aren't you glad I did?"

Syd thought over it for a moment, only to make Sky wait for a reply.

"Well?" he asked.

"It's a perfect end to a perfect day."

"Oh what a scripted response!" Sky said letting up on Syd.

Syd ceased the opportunity for revenge and pushed Sky onto his back. She straddled his sides and pinned his arms down like he had done hers.

"Be careful how you answer, cowboy," Syd said in a mock temptress voice.

Sky's initial response was to laugh at her silliness, but he hadn't. This was a dangerous position for them to be in he suddenly realized. But the moment was there staring him in the face perhaps the one and only opportunity to explore an uncalculated path.

"What if this was the last sunset ever?" Syd asked not taking her eyes off the miraculous star.

Sky, taken back by the somber inquiry, asked for clarification.

"What do you mean?" he queried.

"I mean exactly what I asked. What if tomorrow ... it all ended?"

"Syd, come on. Nothing's ending tomorrow."

"Well how do you know?"

Sky's eyes came out the echoing sediments Syd had previously spoken. He found both their eyes staring into each others' now.

"What if this was the last sunset?" he asked her.

Sydney grinned and leaned in to Sky's face.

"Then I'd say you better kiss me before we're doomed."

"Alright ... but this would change everything. You do know that, right?"

Syd lowered her lips and press them against Sky's. She pulled back just enough to see into his eyes.

"I know," Sydney answered.

"And you know it's strictly against SPD handbook page 121, section 4, line b."

"I know. And I don't care."

"Neither do I."

Pleased with his answer, Syd leaned her head down and reconnected their lips. Maybe tomorrow would be their last, maybe not. But the battle that laid ahead would change SPD and their world – forever.