Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone! I hate to say this, but the chapter after this is the final one already! Can't believe it. There were times I wasn't sure how to fill in the gaps with details of the case, and as I posted the chapters along, I wasn't even sure exactly how they were going to figure everything out! But God gave me ideas and inspiration, and thankfully as I have already posted, they solved the case!

I'm sorry that I have to bring this story to a close soon, but I have another DM/STFBEYE crossover in mind that I want to write. BUT, if you want me to post it soon, you're gonna have to pray for me, for God to give me ideas and inspiration quickly because right now I only have a summary and a small idea of what I want to do, and not much to get the story started with. I could probably suffice a beginning for a first chapter, but after that? I need more depth to put into it. So, keep your fingers crossed. I know what the title and main gist is going to be, but those in-betweens are what makes it difficult especially when writer's block pops up.


"It's been so nice being able to visit this grand, luxurious place we only hear about and see pictures of," Lucy remarked wistfully, "but I have to be honest, it'll be great to be back home!"

"Yeah. To drive our own cars, sleep in our own beds..." Tara added.

"Get back to normal." Sue finished with a smile. Lucy and Tara nodded. They would miss their new, good friends tremendously, yet there was still no place like home. Plus, Sue really hoped that being back in the bullpen and in the familiar, safe environment would help cure or at least relieve Lucy a bit from the post traumatic stress disorder she was experiencing. She already felt that Lucy was going to be ancy on the plane, but she hoped Lucy would be back to normal once they were home again. But Sue also had to admit, she felt a twinge of sadness today.

Levi jumped up to alert Sue to something. She looked down at him then at Tara and Lucy. Lucy pointed to the hotel room door and Tara answered it. "Hey," She greeted Bobby.

"Hey, morning." Bobby said as he came in. "Well, you girls all ready?"

"I believe so!" Lucy exclaimed with satisfaction.

"Here, let me take your bags." Bobby offered, grabbing several suitcases.

"Aw, Bobby, you don't have to do that." Sue said.

"Eh," Bobby waved her off, smiling.

"Here, let me give you a hand." Tara said and grabbed a few also.

"You're a lady, you shouldn't be carrying that." Bobby said as they walked out.

"Friends help each other." Tara smiled as they headed down the hall.

"It'll be good to be home, won't it?" Lucy asked, with her arms around Sue.

"Yes, it will." Sue agreed. "At least we're leaving with happier prospects than when we first arrived."

"Yes!" Lucy nodded. "Couldn't agree more."

"I'm so glad we're both okay." Sue sighed.

"Me too." Lucy smiled sadly and the two best friends embraced each other warmly. Jack walked in at just that moment, then stopped abruptly. He was happy to see the two friends safe together, and in his sight. They'd all been through a great deal on this case, and he contentedly granted them this quiet moment of togetherness. Levi jumped up and joined their hug. Both girls laughed and stroked him then Lucy's eyes lit up when she saw Jack. "Oh, hi!" She greeted excitedly.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to barge in." Jack apologized.

"Aw, that's okay." Lucy said and eyed Sue. Sue just smiled nervously and bit her lip. "You know, maybe I should go make sure Myles isn't running the packing operation." Lucy said too casually, backing away toward the door. "For all we know, he's parading around like a parade marshal. Guess I better go restrain him a bit. I know: right, like that's gonna happen!" She threw her arms up in resignation, then smiled evilly at Sue then scurried out of sight. Sue and Jack were left alone, minus Levi. Jack stepped over to her.

"So, uh..." He rubbed his nose. "You all ready to go?"

"Yep." Sue nodded. "Dr. Sloan's been a good friend. I'm gonna miss him."

"Yeah, we all will." Jack replied. His eyes were thoughtfully sad as he gazed at Sue.

"But I promised him to keep in touch." Sue spoke up quickly.

"Yeah." Jack sighed. "You haven't forgotten anything, right?"

"I don't think so." Sue shook her head. "Do you, Levi?" Levi just panted. "I think we're all set." Sue said.

"Good. Shall we go?" Jack asked.

"Sure." Sue smiled, and they walked out together.


"Morning, Steve." Mark smiled as Steve walked into the kitchen to the smell of warm pancakes.

"Eh," Steve nodded with a grunt in return.

"Beautiful day, isn't it?" Mark cocked his head.

"I suppose." Steve muttered, not really wanting to take in the beauty of the day.

"You hungry?"

"No thanks. I don't feel like eating." Steve shook his head and looked out the window at the ocean.

"It's today, isn't it?" Mark said quietly. "She's going back today." Steve's frown only increased.

"Nothing was gonna come of it, Dad. I mean, she already has a guy she's been seeing." Steve said defensively. "We kept things friendly and casual..."

"But you wish she was staying." Mark finished for him. "And she's a very bright, attractive girl."

"I think I'll go for a run. The plane doesn't leave until 10:30." Steve sighed and went back downstairs to change into his jogging clothes. Mark smiled sadly after his son.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder." He shook his head wistfully. But, he also felt a bit sad. Today they would be saying goodbye to their new friends.


The team came to Community General to say goodbye to Delores, Jessie, Amanda, Norman, and Susan. "Hey, my shift doesn't start till eleven today." Jessie interjected. "We don't say a proper goodbye here. We'll say it at the airport."

"If that's what you wish." Tara said.

"Me too." Amanda insisted.

"It was good meeting you all." Susan smiled with a wave before heading back to her rounds. "Maybe next time you're here, Agent Manning could come to BBQ Bob's again and serenade us with a little Love Me Tender."

"I'm afraid for now Elvis is leaving the building." Bobby grinned.

"Doesn't matter." Susan said smugly. "I got his autograph!" Then she left. Lucy and Delores actually started tearing up as they hugged each other. Then Sue hugged her too.

"Well, bye, Sweeties. It's been fun." Delores sighed with a big smile.

"Yes, it has." Lucy squinted.

"Well, see ya around, Mr. Briggs." Bobby said with a hearty handshake.

"Agent Manning." Norman said formally. "Thank you, sirs, for ridding this city of that monster. Los Angeles owes you a great deal of gratitude."

"All part of the job." Jack smiled.

"At least now the victims' families can get the justice they deserve for their loved ones." Dimitrius commented.

"Exactly." Norman nodded. "Well, I must go. Goodbye."

"I'll walk you out." Delores said.

"I think Levi's gonna miss this place." Sue remarked as they stepped out of the lounge.

"It kind of grows on you." Lucy said. The entire team except Myles and Dimitrius was out in the hall walking toward the elevators. They didn't know that a certain white-haired doctor was gliding out of his office toward them...on roller skates again! He saw where he was headed, and tried to slow down but he was already skidding too rapidly.

"Whoa, whoa! Whoa! Look out!" Mark yelled in warning.

Several nurses backed away with laughter with uttering of, "Not again," "Here comes Dr. Speedy," "He's at it again!"

"Uh, Jack?" Bobby nudged his friend in the back. "I think we'd better..." Jack looked behind him and his eyes widened.

"Oh, boy!" Jack gulped. Lucy, Tara, and Delores looked up just in time and backed away. Levi jumped up and shoved Sue into the wall.

"Levi! What..." Sue began confused then gaped as she saw Mark slide passed them in a blur. "Is that..." She started to ask.

"Yep." Jessie finished.

"Who else?" Tara shrugged with a grin.

Dimitrius was standing against the wall, waiting for Myles. Myles was just stepping out of the lounge when there was a yelp of, "Look out!" But he was too late. Myles looked up just in time when...BAM! He landed in a heap on the floor...again! And who was lying on top of him in a tangle again but…

"Dr. Sloan." Myles grumbled. Mark bit his lip sheepishly and gulped.

"Uh, hi?" He grinned nervously.

"Dad," a familiar voice spoke above their heads. Steve stood erect over them with his arms crossed over his chest, smirking. "I thought we talked about this." Steve scolded jokingly while everyone else laughed.


"Oh, I see what your little game is, Doctor." Myles muttered, glaring at Mark. "You run your patients down then admit them to the hospital. Is that how you can afford your luxurious home?" Lucy smacked his shoulder.

"Now, that wasn't very nice." She growled. Amanda roughly set the ice pack on his leg, without a towel, so the ice cold would sting his exposed skin.

"Oohf!" Myles drew in a breath. "Hey."

"Look, Agent Leland, I'm very sorry." Mark shook his head smiling. "I had no intention of causing you all this trouble." Myles pursed his lips.

"Well, if that's your version, Doctor, you stick to it." He remarked.

"I, uh, hate to break up the fun," Steve cleared his throat, "but we should really get going. The chief wanted to have a word with you, Jack before you board your plane."

"Oh, all right." Jack nodded. Everyone shuffled out. When they reached the main entrance, they gave Delores one last goodbye and Bobby kissed her cheek.

"Come here, baby. Give me a little sugar." She smiled and knelt down to Levi's level. Sue nodded and Levi trotted over to the nurse, licking her face. Then he offered his paw, making her laugh. "Aww, I sure am gonna miss you."

"We'll miss you too." Sue said.

"Well, you've got my number and email." Lucy said.

"Yes, thank you." Delores stood up. "Bye. Bye, Levi." Levi panted and walked away with the team.


"You wanted to see us, Chief Masters?" Jack asked as he entered the captain's office with Steve, Sue, Bobby, Dimitrius, and Mark.

"Yes, Agent Hudson." Masters replied. He was standing behind Captain Newman's chair, which Newman was sitting in.

"So, you are leaving us today?" Newman asked with his hands folded and his glasses perched on his nose.

"Yes, sir. We are." Dimitrius replied.

"Agent Hudson, we would like to thank you again for all your help, and intelligent investigating in the apprehension of Jeffrey White." Masters said. "You helped us be able to put away a ruthless killer."

"Glad we could be of service." Bobby said seriously.

"And thank you especially for your full cooperation on the case." Newman added. "It made the job for us much more manageable."

"You're welcome." Sue said. "For us too. We were glad we were able to work together so effectively."

"Thank you again for all your help."

"You're more than welcome, Captain." Jack said. "But we certainly couldn't have done it without Dr. Sloan." He smiled. "If it wasn't for his brilliant deductive reasoning, we might never have been able to track White down." Mark grinned sheepishly and Steve smiled proudly at him.

"Yes, so I've heard." Newman sighed. Bobby squinted suspiciously at him.

"Miss Thomas, we're sorry for all the danger you and your friend were put through regarding this case." Masters said. "But we're glad you both are safe now."

"Me too!" Sue agreed, wide-eyed. "Thank you for helping find us."

"That's our job." Masters said formally, but with a slight smile. "Well, the least we can do is make sure you all catch your plane on time."

"That's okay, Chief," Mark waved him. "We'll be glad to drive them to the airport."

"Well, even so, Dr. Sloan, it'll be our pleasure to give you an escort." Masters remarked.

"Thanks." Dimitrius smiled. They shook hands with Newman then headed out to wait for Masters.

Right before they all walked to their vehicles, Mark cleared his throat loudly, demanding everyone's attention. "Hey, Jack?" He asked.

"Yes?" Jack perked his eyes up curiously. Steve, Amanda, and Jessie all stared at Mark suspiciously, he had that mischievous twinkle in his eye.

"If my car starts shooting sparks on the way to the airport, will you come to our rescue?" Mark smiled widely. Bobby and all the others snickered loudly. Jack's eyes widened as the reality hit him. They knew! Jack winced and smiled in embarrassment.

"So, you know about that, huh?" He asked sheepishly.

"Know about what?" Jessie asked eagerly.

"Are we missing something here?" Amanda asked suspiciously.

"So you don't deny it?" Steve teased his new good friend. Jack shook his head. "So, you wanna tell us all what drove you to dump a car in the Potomac?"

"You what?" Jessie gaped.

"I couldn't help it." Jack answered. "There were sparks shooting all over me."

"Uh-huh. A likely story." Steve grinned evilly. "I'm not buying it."

"Our source tells us there's more to what happened than that." Mark added.

"Yeah, go ahead and spill it, Sparky." Myles chimed in. "Go ahead. Tell them how you called it under the wrong frequency and every law enforcement agency in the city heard you." Jack covered his face while Steve and Mark laughed heartily along with Sue, Lucy, D, Tara, Bobby, Myles, and Amanda. Jessie was laughing so hard he couldn't breathe. Levi barked, not wanting to be left out.

"If my memory serves me correctly, he said, "I am on fire. There are sparks everywhere. I'm dumping it in the Potomac'!" Dimitrius chuckled. Jack couldn't remember his face turning so red in years.

"Aw, well, there's no need to feel bad," Steve spoke up, putting his arm around Jack, "at least you lived to tell about it...Sparky."

"One question: who told you guys?" Jack asked. They just grinned at each other but didn't say a word. Jack did, however with his highly trained FBI observant eyes, pick up on a subtle A-okay sign exchanged between Mark and...Sue! Jack squinted at Sue who just shrugged innocently. "All right, all right. Well, the cat's out of the bag. What can I do?" Jack sighed.

"We'll just have to warn all the auto body shops around the country to be on the lookout any time Agent Sparky is in town." Amanda teased with her arms crossed. Jack rolled his eyes. Just then, as Chief Masters and Cheryl emerged out of the station, screeching tires could be heard. The team backed up against the cars as a sky blue car sped into the parking lot and shockingly came to a perfect halt in one of the parking spots.

"Whew!" Bobby whistled.

"Man, I hope that's a cop." Lucy said in a concerned voice. "Because if not, they just did a stupid thing tearing into a police parking lot!" Steve just sighed. Two tall women emerged from the vehicle, one with short light hair and the driver with shoulder length, sleek, jet dark hair. They met Cheryl and Chief Masters as they headed for the door.

"I don't pay you to wear out the rubber within a week, Lucas." Masters gazed blankly at the dark-haired woman.

"Well, what's a police car without battle scars to show for it?" The woman shrugged.

"See if you can get it through to her." Cheryl looked at the other woman.

"I've tried that for years." The short-haired woman said, shaking her head. "It's not like I've gotten very far." Then they approached Jack and his team.

"Let's get out of here!" Myles gasped, pulling on Dimitrius's arm. "The barracuda is on the trail."

"Hey, now. Wait a minute." Dimitrius teased. "I think this is someone Sue and Lucy should meet."

"Sue, Lucy, this is Detective Amy Devlin and Detective Taylor Lucas of the LAPD. They're in the vice department." Steve introduced them.

"Nice to meet you." Sue smiled, signing as she said it. They both looked curiously at her.

"Devlin, Lucas? This is Lucy Dotson, and Agent Sue Thomas. They both work for the FBI, DC office." Steve said.

"Yeah, we met some of you before didn't we?" Amy asked.

"How could I forget?" Bobby answered.

"Yeah, the guys told us a lot about you." Lucy said.

"So, you're the two gals that the White lunatic held up, huh?" Taylor asked, wide-eyed. "Well, it's good to see you both looking so good."

"Thank you. We think so too." Lucy smiled.

"Hey, aren't you the one who's deaf and can read lips?" Amy asked Sue.

"Mmm-hmm. This is Levi." Sue said. "He's my hearing dog."

"Hi, fella." Taylor smiled and knelt down, ruffling his fur. Levi panted, offering his paw. "Aren't you just the cutest thing ever? Too bad the rest of the guys around here don't take after you." She stood up, eying Steve and the agents with a teasing look.

"Well, it was really nice to meet you." Lucy said. "But I'm afraid we have to go. We have a plane to catch."

"Too bad." Amy smiled. "Well, have a safe trip."

"Thanks." Tara smiled.

"How do you say, 'see you later', in sign language?" Taylor asked. Sue raised two fingers up near her eyebrow then lowered her hand, pointing her index finger. Amy and Taylor repeated it. "Well, see you later." They smiled then left.

"What are you so scared about, Myles?" Amanda teased. "They look pretty harmless to me." Mark, Amanda, Jessie, and now the FBI guys all knew how bizarre and unpredictable Detective Lucas could be.

"That's the dangerous thing about female cops." Myles gulped.

"I'm afraid I have to agree with you on this one." Jessie nodded. Myles looked down at the little doctor with a wry smile.


The drive to the airport happened too quickly. Too soon they were inside making arrangements. "Well, I need to get back." Chief Masters announced. "Agent Hudson? Thank you."

"Sure." Jack nodded. "Any time."

"Only next time, we'll see to it that you don't go running around as a hit man." Masters joked.

"Right!" Jack grinned with a cringe. After saying good-bye to the rest of them, Masters and Cheryl both left.

"Now, remember, Jack," Jessie said, "don't go back on the streets too soon. And be sure to follow up with your personal physician when you get home."

"Don't worry about me." Jack shook his head.

"We're serious," Mark said firmly.

"I know. And thanks." Jack said.

"Well, looks like our luggage is all intact." Lucy stated as she appeared with Bobby and Tara.

"Well, if it gets left behind, we'll be happy to send it back." Amanda said.

"Hey, now don't forget now!" Jessie announced, looking at Lucy. "I'm still gonna invent a brand new dish at BBQ Bob's and dedicate it to you." Lucy smiled.

"Thanks, little fella." She said.

"Just when were you gonna discuss it with me?" Steve asked Jessie. Jessie ignored him.

"Well, our flight leaves in about 10 minutes." Dimitrius said. "They'll be calling us anytime."

"You've got our numbers and emails," Amanda said.

"Yep." Tara smiled. "If we can ever help you guys out again, give us a call."

"You too."

"Hey, Doc? And uh, Steve? If you ever decide to quit what you do here and move up in the world, you can always get a recommendation at the bureau." Bobby smiled.

"Oh, thanks." Mark shook his head. "But I think I'll stick with what I know." The overhead intercom announced that their flight would be taking off within seven minutes. Mark's face dropped a little, as did everyone else's.

"Well, I guess this is where we say good-bye." Sue sighed heavily.

"I guess." Dimitrius said and shook their hands. "Dr. Sloan? Thanks for all your help. Made a huge difference for everybody."

"Oh, happy to help." Mark smiled. "Agent Leland, I hope I didn't bang you up too much."

"Next time, I won't be so cordial about it." Myles said sarcastically. "If your name had been Howie Fines, I would've taken my gun and shot you."

"That was cordial?" Amanda asked lowly to Jessie, but everyone heard it and agreed.

"Well, Sloan? You ever decide to visit us big boys, you come to the shooting range with us and I'll teach you how to really shoot." Myles said to Steve.

"I'll, uh, keep your offer in mind." Steve said back. Amanda shared a hug with Sue, Tara, and Lucy.

"It's gonna be pretty dull without you all here." Amanda said.

"Oh, I don't know." Lucy cocked her head. "What with these three gentlemen always getting themselves into trouble? You keep in touch and tell us all about it. Keep things from getting dull around the FBI."

"Oh, I can't believe that." Jessie said. Then the girls gave each other a real hug.

"Hey, keep me informed about the scoop on Sue and Jack, okay?" Amanda whispered to Lucy who smirked, but Sue had read her lips and bit her lip. Lucy nodded.

"What'd she say?" Tara leaned in toward Sue. Sue cleared her throat.

"Gonna miss you, girl." Lucy said.

"You too." Amanda said.

"Hey, what about me?" Jessie asked with a pout. Lucy rolled her eyes and gave him a hug. Tara gave him a friendly nudge. Sue gave him a brief hug.

"And Levi says he's gonna miss you too." She smiled. "You come to DC and I'll let you take him for a run in the park."

"Thanks!" Jessie exclaimed. "Aw, I'm gonna miss you too, Buddy. Here you go." He reached into his pocket and slipped the dog a cookie. Levi licked his face after eating the delicacy, then Amanda also knelt down to mush over him one more time.

"Jack? It's been good working with you." Steve smiled, shaking Jack's hand.

"Me too." Jack replied. "Maybe we'll see you again, only under more pleasant circumstances."

"Let's hope so. You guys are good. You're the best."

"Thanks. You're pretty savvy yourself."

"It's true. You guys are the best." Steve said firmly.

"Well, it's just like your chief said when we first arrived," Jack answered, "this isn't about us: it's about the victims and their families and getting them justice."

"Right." Steve agreed, smiling. "And looks like together we accomplished that."

"You, uh, try to keep an eye on him and keep him in line." Bobby spoke to Jessie, tilting his head toward Steve who rolled his eyes.

"Oh, I'll try." Jessie smirked.

"And, thanks for taking care of my hand. You keep those ribs going!" Bobby commanded Jessie. "I'd hate to see good grub like that go to waste."

"No worries." Jessie said cheerily. "BBQ Bob's is a timeless legend."

"Kind of like Dr. Sloan, eh?" Jack grinned.

"But, really. You're not so bad, short stuff." Bobby smiled at Jessie.

"Hey." Jessie moaned.

"Steve, gonna miss ya, mate." Bobby said, firmly taking his hand in his bandaged one.

"Yeah, don't believe I'll forget you in a big hurry either." Steve teased, and Bobby tightened his squeeze on his hand. Both men grunted, showing their teeth, trying to outdo each other in their short arm wrestle.

"Boys, if you break each other's arms, you're gonna miss your flight, Bobby." Mark chuckled. Both guys just let go.

"Don't forget, Doc." Bobby said, "You ever change your mind, the offer at the bureau still stands!" Mark just laughed. The overhead intercom announced that their flight was five minutes away from leaving.

"Mark, we'll see you around, I'm sure." Jack said.

"It'll give me a chance to do some follow up work and see how you're doing." Mark smiled, then he leaned in toward him and whispered. "Take good care of her, Jack." Jack's eyes widened but he slowly nodded.

"Thanks." He whispered back. "I will."

"I...I don't know what to say." Steve gulped as he struggled to say good-bye to Tara.

"You're good at what you do." Tara spoke up. "It was fun. Err...not that catching a vicious killer is fun, but...I enjoyed spending time with you, working with you." Steve smiled sadly. "Look, you're a great guy. Really." Tara said sympathetically. "You're smart, funny...handsome." Steve blushed. "You're thoughtful. Maybe some day the right girl will come along. And when she does, if you need a recommendation, you can count on me! I'd be happy to vouch for you."

"Thanks." Steve hung his head. How he wished he could have met Tara first, before that Stanley Abbott guy had. Why was it that guys like Stanley Abbott ended up the lucky ones, and Steve Sloan? Well, he always ended up on the unlucky list. Tara reached out and gave him a warm hug. Steve bit his lip and returned it.

"I'll miss you." Tara smiled wryly. Steve hoped he didn't look as wretched as he felt.

"Yeah, I'll miss you too." He whispered, then lightly kissed her cheek. Levi walked over to him as Tara gently broke away and walked away. Levi touched Steve's leg with his paw. Steve stared down at him and rubbed his head. "Thanks, bud." He whispered.

"If you ever work with Adam Kinsey again, will you tell him Amanda Bentley says, 'hello, it's great to meet you,' and have him write down an autograph for me?" Amanda begged.

"Why?" Myles asked rudely. The girls ignored him.

"Sure." Tara and Lucy answered.

"I'm glad we got to become friends." Sue said to Mark.

"Oh, me too. You're an amazing young lady. I hope you know that." Mark said.

"Thank you. You're one remarkable man." Sue replied.

"Thanks." Then he spoke to her silently, letting her read his lips. "Remember that sometimes, the transparent words in the eyes need to be spoken."

"I will." Sue whispered. She glanced back at her friends. Jack raised his eyebrows to signal her it was time to go. Mark and Sue gazed warmly at each other then shared a fond embrace. Levi stood up and joined them.

"Oh, don't worry! I won't forget you, Levi!" Mark chuckled. "You watch over Sue, okay?" Levi barked happily. "And, see if you can keep an eye on Jack, will you?" Levi panted.

Sue signed, 'see ya later', which Mark returned. "Well...good-bye." Sue said almost tearfully.

"Good-bye, Sue." Mark answered.

"Steve?" Sue asked softly, coming up to him.

"Oh," He turned to face her. "Hey."

"Thank you for everything you did, you're a good friend." Sue touched his shoulder.

"Oh, well...sure. Any time. That's what I'm here for." Steve smiled. "You guys keep us informed, okay?"

"Don't worry. Your dad and I exchanged emails." Sue laughed. "Hope it's not too long before we see you again."

"Right." Steve grinned. He hesitated, but briefly kissed her cheek. "Well, have a safe flight."

"Thanks." Sue smiled warmly.

"Thanks for all your help." Jack said again.

"You too." Mark answered.

"Lt. Sloan?" Lucy perked up at Steve and heartily shook his hand. "Good job." She said.

"Thank you. I think so too." Steve said sarcastically. Lucy rolled her eyes.

"And, thanks for helping rescue me." Lucy whispered.

"No problem." Steve smiled.

It was difficult for the team to walk away, but they couldn't miss their flight. They all waved endlessly to each other till Jack and his band of agents were out of sight. They all watched outside the window, hoping to see a last glimpse of their new but sealed friends before they were gone. "Who would've thought that such a grisly case could bring such great people together?" Amanda asked wistfully.

"Who indeed?" Mark added.

"Sure am gonna miss them." Jessie said.

A couple minutes later, they saw their friends in the distance, boarding the plane. Mark, Steve, Jessie, and Amanda waved toward them though they were too faraway to notice. Soon, the plane was taking off. Everyone was sad, and even shed a few tears to see Jack, Sue, Levi, Lucy, Tara, Bobby, Dimitrius, and even Myles depart, but they had given each other contact info and had every intention of keeping those promises.

They waved as the plane began departure on the runway. Just when the plane lifted its feet off the ground, a noisy crowd behind the foursome gathered together. Amanda glanced behind them to see what all the commotion was about. She gasped. "Oh my gosh!" She exclaimed with her hands covering her mouth.

"What is it?" Jessie asked turning his head.

"Do you know who that is?!" Amanda blurted out. "It's him! It's Adam Kinsey! That's him! That's Adam Kinsey!"

"Who is Adam Kinsey?" Jessie asked.

"JESSIE! Adam Kinsey in Final Flight?! You know, the 'I don't follow the rules, I make them' line guy?"

"Oh! That guy. No way!" Jessie's jaw dropped. Sure enough, a glamorous blonde-haired guy-though his hair was not neatly combed-was swamped by press agents and several bug-eyed on lookers. He smiled wistfully as he tried to answer their questions. "Wow." Jessie remarked.

"I'm gonna try to get his autograph!" Amanda jumped excitedly. "Wait till I tell Lucy before she even gets back home!" Jessie shook his head and gazed back out the window.

"So long, guys. Have fun and come back soon." He said wistfully.

Steve didn't pay any attention whatsoever to the noise behind him or who it was. His eyes were on the plane and the passengers it was carrying. Mark also gazed after it. The people on that aircraft had become quite dear to him, even though they'd only known each other for a short while. It took special kinds of people to do that, and Sue and Jack along with their friends were those kinds of people. "You're gonna miss her, son." Mark said sympathetically, standing next to Steve.

"I'll live." Steve muttered. In his heart, he knew Tara would never become his girl, but she was one he wouldn't forget too soon. He wished things could've be different, but he would still the have good memories of a woman who was genuine and amazing, and also the time he got to spend working with her. "But...yeah, I'm gonna miss her."


Sue and the team found their preferred seats in the class they had been given and made themselves comfortable. "Ahh, home! There's no place on earth like it." Myles said dramatically as he reared his head back on his seat. Soon the plane was in gear and they were on their way. As it zoomed down the runway, Sue looked out the window, gazing at what she could see of the airport building, and though they were too far away to see her, she waved one last goodbye to her new, dear friends. A few stray tears streamed down from her eyes. She and the others would miss them.

"This was a trip I'll never forget." Lucy stated to Bobby. "It was full of intrigue, mystery, adventure, and lots of danger. Oh, I can't wait to sleep back in my own bed!"

"You know, you can learn a lot from a man like Dr. Sloan." Bobby said. "He's inspired me to try some new endeavors. And I have every full intention of keeping up the chatter with Steve as we go on with our lives."

"So do I." Lucy said.

"I don't think he's gonna forgive you for the male torture you put him through though." Bobby eyed her teasingly. Lucy just smirked.

"You're already using your computer?" Dimitrius asked Tara.

"I'm letting Stanley know that I am on my way back home, and that my adventure was more exciting than his assignment." Tara said casually.

"I'll just bet it was." Dimitrius looked away, snickering.

"It was quite a trip, huh, Levi?" Sue looked down at Levi. He panted as she caressed his head. They were both glad to be together, safely on their way home after their terrible separation and nearly losing each other forever. "Yeah, I'm glad to be with you too." Jack lightly touched her shoulder. She looked up at him.

"Coffee?" He offered. He was holding a steaming Styrofoam cup of it in his hand.

"No, thanks. I'm good." Sue responded, smiling. Jack smiled back.

"Seat taken?"

"No." Sue shook her head. Jack sat down next to her and sipped his hot beverage. "It'll be nice to be back, won't it?"

"Yes." Sue nodded. "Very much."

"They're really nice people, aren't they?"

"Yeah, they are. Gonna miss them."

"Me too." Jack sighed. "But I don't think it's the last we'll ever hear from them! I've just got a feeling." Sue giggled at his exclamation. Though they'd only known Mark, Steve, and the others for a short while, they had become dear friends. It took special kinds of people to do that, and the Sloans with their friends were that kind of people.

"Is it wishful thinking or is this an instinctive recurring feeling?"

"Mph, I guess a little bit of both." Jack chuckled. Sue laughed and pet Levi. Jack gazed at her thoughtfully till she looked up at him again.

"What?" She asked curiously.

"I just wanted you to know..." Jack said slowly. "I'm glad you're okay." Sue smiled warmly at him and her eyes felt hot with approaching tears. Jack had always been kind with his comfort when he was trying to encourage her, but there was something almost different about it this time. Sue couldn't exactly describe it, but there was definitely a different manner and feel in it that Sue could strongly sense. Was...was that his way of trying to say...that he actually loved her?

Instead of saying, 'I know' like she usually did, Sue answered with a sweet, "Thank you." She leaned back in her chair with a fond, faraway look. Jack slightly hesitated, but only slightly, then slowly reached out his arm and wrapped it around her shoulder. Normally, Sue would've stared at him wide-eyed in awkward silence, but...not this time. This time, she just settled back in her seat, perfectly relaxed. They were all going home, safely...and together!