Ashelin stood alone at the window, dressed in one of her best uniforms. The weather was bright today, reflecting the overall positive mood now flowing through the city, and there was an optimistic cheer in the air from the crowd of excited citizens gathered on the streets below. Yet here she stood, looking down upon the city she ruled just as she had done on the first day of the war, and here she stood again on what would be the last.

It had all been decided: today the enemy would be destroyed. The bombing fleet was now fully prepped and ready to go, and very soon, Ashelin would be leading it to the enemy city to carry out its terrible purpose. That was why everyone was so happy. All these people had gathered outside Freedom HQ to witness the departure of the great fleet, and to hear the announcement of their impending victory, their freedom.

But Ashelin's feelings could not be more different. She let out a deep, defeated sigh, and her breath misted the glass inches from her face. These last few weeks had been unnecessarily difficult, complicated and stressful for her, and she was not pleased with the outcome taking place today. She had not wanted it to come to this, and she had done everything in her energy and power to prevent it, preferring to end the war without the need for total annihilation. But with the bombing fleet finally nearing completion, and the enemy attacks seemingly stopping altogether, the city council had been calling for a decisive victory that would eliminate the enemy threat for good, now that they had a means to achieve one. They did not see the point of Ashelin's ongoing desire for a diplomatic solution when all previous attempts had failed and they could end the war right now, striking while their enemy seemingly was at their most vulnerable.

And so two days ago, driven by their growing impatience and their lust for revenge, they had seized the moment and called for an official vote on the matter. The result was overwhelmingly against Ashelin's favour, and she had been forced, unwillingly, to accede, lest the government divide itself any further. She felt thwarted, not by the enemy, but by her own people.

The door opened behind her, and Torn entered, followed closely by Jak with Daxter riding on his shoulder. Ashelin knew it was them without even having to turn around. They would be flying out with the fleet as well. They would all end this together.

"The soldiers are all ready to go, Ashelin," Torn announced. "They're waiting for us to join them and then we can set off. You ready?"

Ashelin stood up straight and turned to face her comrades. "Yeah, I'm ready," she said tersely.

They each saw the hard and exasperated look that she wore, and it was a look they had come to know well. She had been in a vexed and harried mood for days, aggravated by the council who continued to dog her, urging her to make use of the powerful fleet now at their disposal. Ever since she gave in to their persistence, she had gone about her preparations in Freedom Headquarters in a prickly and volatile state that made others fearful to approach her. If anyone ever managed to engage her in conversation, they received little more than a few brusque words. Today she looked no better.

"This isn't how I wanted this to end, though," she added.

"I know," said Torn understandingly. "But we've got to do this."

He knew what Ashelin was feeling, because he was feeling it too. Just like her, he had also faced strong pressure from the council, for he had always sided with Ashelin's decisions no matter what, right from day one. On top of this, many still held him somehow responsible, even now at the end of it all, for starting this whole war in the first place. It was a feeling that still followed him wherever he went like the scent of smoke. As much as this was against his own wishes too, he hoped that their mission today would at last provide some closure for him, for he had lost a lot of confidence among the council.

Jak had not been a part of as many of these important meetings, so he had not experienced the strain that Ashelin and Torn had been put through, but he had been there at first contact alongside Torn, and understood what could have been. "So we're really doing this then?" he asked cautiously, as Daxter fidgeted on his shoulder. "We're really going out there to wipe them out?"

"I'm afraid so," answered Ashelin. "The council won't accept any other alternative now. They won't be satisfied unless our enemy's gone for good."

Jak took a moment to seriously think about the consequences of what they were about to do. A whole nation of people would die today. Even though he had been personally responsible for the deaths of many of their soldiers already, battling brilliantly in the defence of Haven City, to hear that they would be annihilated entirely had an unexpectedly remorseful effect on him. This was no ordinary mission like the ones he was used to, and these enemies were not mindless Metal Heads, but other people.

"But what about that spy we captured?" he asked hopefully. "Didn't you manage to get anything out of him?"

"No," Ashelin replied with a sad shake of her head, for this was what pained her the most about all this. "He's refusing to help us."

Jak, who had not seen this spy since his encounter in the pub, was surprised. "Really? What happened?"

"I've paid him a few visits since the arrest," Ashelin explained, "Tried to get him to open up and work with us, showing him that I want to help save his people. Thought I was getting somewhere too, but slowly. He's been more stubborn and untrusting than I was expecting, and I didn't want to press him before he was ready. I finally got him talking a few visits ago, and Torn and I went to see him again just this morning, one last time, hoping that the council's decision to destroy his homeland might finally be the catalyst to make him act. But…" She sighed again, regretfully. "…it didn't go well. He isn't budging."

"But doesn't he want to save his own people?"

"I gave him that chance… but he didn't take it. It seems he doesn't want anything to do with anyone anymore. He still doesn't trust us, and I don't think he ever will now."

Torn sympathised with her silently, for he had been present at every one of those interrogations as well, witnessing Ashelin's steady and carefully built-up progress… and how it had all shattered to pieces just a few short hours ago.

"Jeez, what's up with these guys?" Daxter said carelessly, interrupting everyone's contemplations. "Do they want to lose?"

Ashelin tried to shrug aside Daxter's display of casual indifference, knowing that he clearly did not understand the complexity of the dilemma. "It's a real shame," she said wistfully instead. "He was the only one who could have stopped this now. He could have made all the difference. I just know that if I'd had just a little more time, I could have got through to him. But the council thought otherwise, didn't have the same patience." She exhaled heavily, and her breath tasted bitter. "Man, I hate politics."

There was a heavy moment's silence. Ashelin still thought about that spy, and was critical of herself. Was she responsible for this failure to gain his trust? Had she said the right things? Had she done enough?

"What's going to happen to him now then?" Jak asked, looking troubled and speculative.

"I really don't know," Ashelin answered. "For now, we're keeping him here in his prison room, and we'll try and decide on something when we get back from this. But the fact of the matter is he hasn't told us anything about his homeland, his people, or himself. Not even his own name. We're flying blind into this. We don't know what to expect when we get there."

She spoke conflictedly. She did not want to be the conquering warlord that her father had strived to be, but there was no other choice now; all alternatives had been exhausted. She had to protect her city in whatever way she could, and if this was what it took, then she would do it, regretful though it may be. They were at war, and the objective of any war was to survive and win. The soldier in her knew that.

"That's why it's so important that we're ready for anything," Torn added in response to her last comment.

He knew this especially, for he had closely monitored the fleet as it gained strength. Even though it was definitely the largest air force ever assembled in Haven's history, he knew that size did not always guarantee a victory, especially against a technologically superior foe; strategy and intelligence were more important. He was not comfortable about flying over there without such detailed information, so he had taken extra precautions to ensure their fleet was at its best, while still leaving a large enough garrison behind to safeguard the city while they were gone.

"We've got just enough men left to get this done," he explained. "As long as nothing goes seriously wrong, that is..."

"Bah, it doesn't matter!" said Daxter suddenly, bursting in with his usual cockiness. "With Jak on our side, we can't possibly lose! Right, partner?" he said slyly, digging his elbow into the side of Jak's head, to which Jak said nothing. "And then we'll finally be able to kick back and celebrate the end of all this. I've got a big party planned, you know, and you're all invited!"

The ottsel was the only one in the room feeling bright, yet he seemed not to fully realise this. Once again he completely failed to grasp the weight of the situation.

But Ashelin looked at him very seriously, in no mood to tolerate any of his foolishness today. "A lot of people have already died needlessly because of this war, Daxter," she said darkly. "Us and them. And even more are going to die today. But this could have all been prevented. This whole war's been such a waste. If we win this... we won't have much to celebrate."

Daxter gulped. He had never thought about it like that, and it was enough to quell him into a contagious silence that soon spread throughout the room. Nobody spoke for about a minute as they each individually processed their tragic situation. Their apprehension had reached its peak, and the only sound was the expectant noise from the crowd outside.

Eventually, Ashelin turned around to face the window, straightening the collar on her uniform. "Alright, let's get this over with," she said.

She took a brave breath, then pushed open the windows and stepped out onto the balcony, into the warm afternoon air. Jak and Torn followed, but hung back by the opening, out of sight of the people below, and giving Ashelin the full platform to herself.

A great cheer arose at her appearance to the masses, a cheer that she knew she did not deserve. She looked down upon her vast audience, and there was not a single empty space on the streets to be seen; they were absolutely packed with people all waving and shouting. A few adventurous individuals had even climbed the fountain in the centre square to get a better look, and were soaking wet as a result.

Look at them, Ashelin thought to herself. They're excited for this. They don't realise what it's taken to get us here, or what could have been had things gone another way. But they don't need to know.

Though she now had an open platform, there was no point in venting her grievances to the citizenry. What kind of leader would she be if she did such a thing? She needed to maintain her image as a strong and confident leader that would bring them peace, just as she had promised them at the start of all this. But as brave as she was, even she was feeling apprehensive on this day.

Then she looked up briefly into the sky. It was a great risk having so many people so tightly packed together on the open streets like this. If the enemy suddenly decided to attack at this very moment, then the victory would be theirs, not Haven's. Luckily, her speech would not take too long, for she had carefully thought through every word that she would say.

She raised one hand, and the cheering gradually died down into an excited murmur.

"People of Haven City," she began, and her amplified voice reflected off the surrounding buildings. "We are no strangers to war. After all, we have been fighting to survive for as long as we can remember. There has always been an enemy clawing at our walls, and we have known precious few times of peace."

This part of the speech was easy, for she did not have to make anything up. It was all true, and as she spoke, the people below listened obediently.

"We have been driven long and hard to defend ourselves from this constant onslaught," she continued. "For many months now, we have been hounded by a new and powerful enemy, trapped within our own walls as they have rained down fire upon us. We are all tired, we have suffered much, and lost many. This war has left scars on us that will be felt for years to come..."

The crowd was respectfully silent now.

"But we have endured," Ashelin said more rousingly, and her sense of power was growing stronger with every word. "We have fought and defended ourselves with a bravery and determination that would make Mar proud."

The crowd swelled with patriotism, and behind her, Torn, Jak and Daxter all nodded with assent.

"We have lasted this long," she proclaimed, now feeling the energy and passion that her words inspired, "And we are not about to let ourselves fall now! We have been through dark and difficult times, but we have always survived. No matter what we face, we will always stand firm against those who seek to destroy us! And today is no different!"

The crowd cheered more fully now, and the shiver of fearlessness and resolve could be felt even up here on the balcony.

"Our homes may be in ruins and our numbers may have dwindled, but I give you my word as the governor of this city that we shall rise again and prosper, just as we have always done and always will!"

The roar grew stronger, and Ashelin felt bold and empowered, no longer hesitant or afraid.

"Fear no more for your safety, people of Haven!" she announced loudly, her arms held high, "For today, this long war ends! Today, we shall have victory and the peace that we deserve! Today, we shall earn our Freedom!"

The loudest roar yet tore through the city, and at its climax, the great fleet of Haven emerged over the city wall for all to see. And it was immense, casting a great shadow over the streets. Line after line of shining Hellcat cruisers loomed overhead, each three assigned to a heavily laden bomber. Even Ashelin was feeling proud now, and her speech had gone very well; she had focussed on emphasising the strength and survival of Haven rather than the regretful destruction of their enemy, and it seemed she had got away with it. In fact it was surprisingly easy to allow her own personal frustrations to colour her words.

She remained on the balcony for half a minute more, watching as the fleet organised itself into formation between the city and the mountains, where they waited for her to join. With one last salute to her people, she then turned back into the building. Torn, Jak and even Daxter were all applauding her in admiration.

"Great speech," said Jak.

"You said the right things," added Torn.

Daxter could find nothing to say, which was rare for him.

"Thanks," said Ashelin simply, and for the first time anyone could remember in a long while, she smiled. But it lasted only a moment, before her face returned to its steely determination. Now there was a mission to be done, and she was back to being all business.

"Come on now," she then said. "The rest of the fleet's waiting for us. Let's head down to the hangar and join them."

They descended together in the lift right down to the bottom floor, and they stepped out into the now largely empty hangar. They each had a personal cruiser waiting for them, and they all climbed aboard and got their engines humming.

But before they all set off, Ashelin took one more moment. "This is really it," she said from her seat in the cockpit. "Our last mission."

Both Jak and Torn looked up from the buttons they were pressing on their dashboards. "Let's hope it really is our last," said Torn. "I'm done with all this work."

"I think I need a break too," added Jak.

"It's been hard on all of us," said Ashelin tiredly, uniting their thoughts. "But once we take off, there's no turning back."

There was another short moment's silence as they processed the situation.

"One last thing, guys," Ashelin said. "If there are any survivors after our bombing run, I want to do whatever I can to help them."

The weight of what they were about to do descended upon the group once more. Now they were sitting in their cruisers, it felt more painfully real than ever. But then the mood was suddenly broken by Daxter.

"Hey, are we there yet?" he asked impatiently, and Jak shot him an annoyed look for again not taking this seriously enough.

"Alright, there's nothing more to say," said Ashelin at last, engaging her lifters. "Let's just go."

Her vehicle began to rise up towards the opening in the ceiling, and Torn followed after her, and then Jak, until they were outside in the sky above the city. The crowds cheered loudly again when they saw their cruisers take flight. Daxter was unable to stop himself from taking immediate advantage of this moment, and stood up in his seat to wave out of the cockpit window. But whether anyone could see him clearly from the ground was unlikely.

They formed up together at the head of their fleet's formation, Ashelin taking lead position with Torn to her left and Jak to her right. Then they turned to face the mountain range. Ashelin pressed a few buttons on her control panel, and the coordinates of their destination flashed up onscreen, revealing the path to their enemy's homeland. Then she spoke into her radio, sending a message back to the control room of Freedom HQ. "Control, this is Ashelin. We're in formation and we're setting off now."

"Roger that," said a voice from the city. "May Mar's fortune be with you, governor."

"Thank you," replied Ashelin, before flicking a switch that redirected her signal. "OK fleet," she announced, and her voice was heard throughout all the cockpits behind her, "Here we go. Stay in formation and follow my lead."

She gave the order and flew onwards slowly, and like a great migration, the fleet followed, dragging their might across the sky. It was an impressive sight to behold, and an even more impressive feeling to be leading it. Back in the city, the people waved and cheered one last time as they disappeared over the mountains, seeing them off as impending heroes.

And so off they went, into the unknown, and heading towards their destiny.

As the sea of mountains passed by beneath them, Daxter was settling himself down into the second seat of Jak's cruiser, getting comfortable for the long journey. "How long till we get there, then?" he asked.

"A few hours at least, Dax," said Jak, checking the readings from his onboard computer. "We've got a long way to go yet."

Daxter made a funny little bored noise. "Ah, whatever. Just tell me when the action starts." With that, he slumped down even more lazily and closed his eyes for a doze.

Once Jak was sure he was staying in formation, he took a quick glance at his friend. "Better put your seatbelt on, Dax," he warned him.

"Nah," Daxter replied with a nonchalant wave of his hand, knowing it would only hinder his ability to relax. "It'll all be fine. This mission'll be a breeze."

Jak was a little concerned but said nothing. Hopefully this would be a smooth ride without major difficulties, and they had some way to go before they expected any combat anyway.

Once the mountains were behind them, the leading cruisers descended as one to a slightly lower altitude, and the convoy following them copied their fluid motion perfectly, cresting the mountains like a wave. Before them now lay the barren wilderness that stretched on for miles to the grey ocean. Torn was immediately reminded of the last time he had journeyed out here, back on that fateful day when this whole war had begun.

"The open road…" he said, looking out at the world unfolding ahead of him.

The others looked forwards as well, taking in the desolate and uninviting scenery. But in the distance the beginnings of an early sunset were starting to form, thick white clouds absorbing the sunbeams. It made Ashelin feel calm but still melancholic about how this day would end. This would be Haven City's last great mission, for afterwards there would be no more known enemies to fight, no more battles to be won, and no more compromises. Or so she could hope. After this, she aimed to concentrate on making Haven great and prosperous again, and this made her feel optimistic, knowing that something good would come out of this terrible day.

The children of Mar were finally going to be free.