Epilogue:

Somewhere in Texas, 2 minutes and 53 seconds after Metallo's nuclear detonation:

"Incoming final coordinates of targets expected landing. Approach the target within safety distance: Execute. Execute known protocols to verify targets physical and mental condition."

A ball of fire was ripping the skies, powerful, destructive, and unstoppable and as it hit the ground the blast shook the ground, leaving a hole in the ground. The ground shook, destroying everything in matter of dozens of meters.

"Targets physical condition indicates kryptonite poisoning, several internal injuries and subjected to intense radiation due to a nuclear detonation. Action required: Immediate medical intervention to assure the targets survival."

The dust and the smoke were covering the air, to a point where it was hard to breath: this was the scenario from where he woke up. He coughed several times and tried to get up but his body wasn't responding to his wishes: he felt he had a huge weight which prevented him from getting up and his while body was in pain. Nevertheless, he insisted and eventually he got up but immediately he fell: he was too dizzy to stand up however he didn't give up. That's when the questions began popping in his brain.

"How did I get here?"

"Where Am I?"

"Why do I feel so much pain?"

And the most important question of all…

"Who Am I?"

He was confused, lost, perplexed, tired and bruised.

"Targets mental condition: both body language and neuro-scan indicates severe trauma. The target is oblivious of his current location, unaware of his identity, indicative of memory loss. Action required: ideal situation for capturing the target and initiate its re-education."

Although the questions couldn't be answered the moment, he knew he couldn't get any answers by standing there: he needed to get out of there. Once again he tried to get up and this time he didn't' fell at first. He was able to take a few steps forward but eventually he fell again: he didn't give up and crawled until he saw someone, standing in front of him.

A man, in mid forties, wearing a black suit and tie, was looking at him, with a sly smile.

"I've waiting years for this, Kal-El…ever since my arrival to this place, to this Earth, during the second wave. It is time for a new beginning for you: you shall reborn as a one true kryptonian. Welcome home Kal-El." – The man declared.

And the two men disappeared in thin air leaving no trace behind.

The end

Here it is, the end of Skirmish: again, it's not a happy ending but the story is far from over. It continues with "RENAISSANCE".

"RENAISSANCE" is the sequel for Skirmish and it will be the final chapter of the trilogy which began with Dragon Eye.