Chapter 73: Eight Years Later

From its orbit, Venom was a giant ball of green. Many once looked at its hue and thought of poison – of death. Indeed, that was hence how the planet got its name. And thanks to the damage wrought from the Lylat Wars, that was how it got its reputation.

A part of Falco held his breath as he steered his ship into the atmosphere. It was foolish, he knew. Katt teased him whenever she caught him doing it. But a part of him still felt the urge. He'd simply gotten better at hiding it.

"Something the matter, blue?" Katt smirked from the co-pilot's seat.

Falco exhaled, determined to save face. "Just thought someone broke wind a second ago."

Katt's brow rose. "Really? I didn't notice anything."

"Wasn't me," said a voice from behind Falco.

"Whoever smelt it, dealt it," another laughed.

"Shut your yaps," Falco scolded, now wishing he picked a better excuse. Fortunately for him, a beeping radio called for his attention. His finger hovered over the receive button. "Okay, seriously. No talking. I need to take this."

"This is Radio Officer Atkin of Cycotox Spaceport Control, calling inbound starship. Please identify yourself."

"This is Captain Falco Lombardi of the Albatross. We're a civilian shuttle with special invitation from President Bowman."

A minute passed before the tower responded. "Copy that, captain. We have your records here. You are cleared for priority descent. Please follow the flight path being transferred to your nav system and proceed to the landing strip immediately."

Katt pressed a few buttons upon the controls in front of her. "Flight path received. Downloading now."

The data fed into the ship's autopilot. Falco sat back and watched it lower them into Venom's skies. They soon breached white clouds and found themselves above a vast, green land. Young voices behind Falco gasped aloud at what could be seen through the windows. Mountains covered in vibrant trees; sprawling canyons lined with wind turbines; and farmlands surrounding a shining city. Even Falco felt awed. This wasn't the Venom that he waged war upon 20 years ago.

Had that much time really passed? 'Fuck, I'm old,' Falco huffed.

The Albatross veered around above a port on the city's fringe. Falco guided her into a gentle slope onto the tarmac. A small hangar awaited them, and a ground team with it to receive them. Officers in Venomian military fatigues – the new ones coloured a pale grey – approached them. Falco tried to keep his feathers flat at he stepped out from the ship unarmed. He ought to be used to this by now.

A pigeon and a leopard scrambled after him without a care. One 14 years old; the other 12. Both boys. Kat climbed out last with a smile on her face. She took in a deep breath and exhaled in delight. "Fresh air at last."

It still bewildered Falco that Venom's air could ever be called fresh, and indeed it was. If he closed his eyes, the hangar smelled no different to any he encountered on Corneria. The only hint of toxic gas came from the fuel tanks upwind. He felt compelled to enjoy a breath himself.

A pair of soldiers escorted Falco's group through customs whilst the rest screened their ship. Minutes later, on the other side of the arrivals gate, two men in suits approached them. Falco would've smiled if he could've. He almost forgot about the hours of flying that made his eyes and joints ache.

"Peppy! Dash! Who'd have thought you'd greet us here?" he chirped.

"Well, we could hardly let you land on the same strip as a diplomat and then make you catch a cab," Peppy grinned with more wrinkles than Falco remembered. He opened his arms and crushed him in a bear hug.

"Easy, Pep. Don't break your back on me," Falco joked.

"It's good to see you both again," Katt said, hugging Dash. "It's been so long."

"It has," Dash chuckled. He then looked at the kids. "So, these are your boys?"

Falco ruffled the pigeon's head. "Yeah. These are them. This one's Keith, and the fuzzball's Noah."

Dash nodded. "I'm sorry it's taken me this long to meet them." He held out his hand to Keith. "It's a pleasure. I'm Dash."

The kid stared at Dash's palm like he didn't know what to do with it. Falco nudged his back. "Don't worry. He's an old buddy. Just shake the damned thing." His son finally did so, albeit with a grip as loose as a snitch's tongue. At least Noah was quicker and more confident about it.

They left the terminal to find a limousine waiting for them. Falco became as excited as the kids as they climbed inside. He overheard the chauffeur listening to the radio. A few key words caught Falco's attention.

"Former Cornerian army general, Cornelius Pepper, will be released from prison later this week on early parole. Mr Pepper received a 15-year sentence in 2238 for perjury as well as his part in the Catalyst disaster conspiracy. His public confession in 2237 unveiled one of the greatest injustices in Corneria's history, resulting in the conviction of 12 other former military and government officials.

"A parole board considered Pepper's good behaviour while serving when they granted him early release last month. He will be the third person released from prison in relation to the conspiracy. Before him, former officers Miranda Wolfe and Terry Diggle walked free in 2242 after completing lighter sentences for their lesser involvement. Others however, including former defence minister, Hamish Pittsburgh, continue to serve life sentences.

"Mr Pepper's family has told reporters that he is grateful for the parole board's decision. However, he still intends to dedicate his final years towards making amends for his crimes. He did not elaborate on his future plans though; only stating that he wished to spend the next few weeks alongside loved ones."

Peppy smiled as Falco recounted the announcement to him.

Soon, the limo raced down the highway. The car was top-of-the-line luxury, offering enough space for Falco to stretch out as much as he wanted. Next to him, Katt enjoyed a soda from the built-in cooler. As did the kids, who became enraptured by the strange city architecture left over from Venom's former age. Cycotox skyscrapers featured more archways and angles than Corneria City's did.

"So, congratulations on the new office, Mr President," Falco chuckled to Dash.

"Thanks. I can't believe it's already been three months," Dash replied in kind. "Honestly, I'm still shocked I even got the job. I don't know how I'd manage it without Peppy helping me all the time."

"Don't sell yourself short," Peppy interjected. "It's an elected office, and the people voted for you. And you're doing a fine job so far."

"I should say," Katt agreed. "Head of an entire planet, and you're only in your 30s? You must inspire a lot of confidence in people to manage that."

Dash began to blush. "I guess."

Falco rested his hands behind his head. "Props to you for taking the job in the first place. Leading a planet sounds like a lot of work. I've got my hands full just dealing with those two."

Dash followed his gesture towards the boys. "Yes… About them… So, what got you guys to adopt?"

Falco shrugged. "Eh, you know. Katt and I are at that stage in life, and we can't have kids the usual way."

"We did think about IVF from a donor, but it was getting a bit late for me when the urge struck," Katt said. "Instead, Falco and I decided we could do more good if we took in a child who needed a home."

"We started with Keith. Figured we'd work better with an older kid than a young one. That went well enough for a year, so we went back and adopted Noah too."

"And how is life at home with them?" Peppy asked.

"The boys now take after Falco," Katt answered. Her tone did not paint that in a positive light. Peppy howled with laughter.

Falco bristled. "I'll have you know that I am a very good role model!"

"Your first attempt to bond with Keith was to teach him how to shoot an airsoft rifle."

"And now I take him and his brother to play at the range once a month! I'm a good dad!"

"Sure, you are," Katt rolled her eyes. "Which is why they also never clean up after themselves or do their homework when they're supposed to."

"How are they with curfews?" Peppy asked.

"Terrible!" Katt threw her hands up. Both Peppy and Dash cackled.

The 'Crap on Falco's Parenting Skills' session went on for much of the remaining drive. Eventually, the limo pulled up at a grand-looking building that bordered on being a mansion. The President's Estate, Peppy called it. Theatrics aside, it was an impressive place. Falco actually cared to wipe his feet at the front door. Before he stepped inside though, Katt caught his arm. She then leaned close to his ear.

"For what it's worth," she murmured sweetly, "despite everything I said in the car, I do think you are a good dad when it counts."

His ego healed enough to chuckle. "I know."

"I'd just like it if you taught the boys to not leave their clothes on the bathroom floor all the time." Then, before Falco could reply, she slipped into the house like a fleeting breeze. He resigned himself to sigh. Yeah… he had some room to improve there, he figured…

Falco caught up to them in the parlour. The room was full of more familiar faces. Raucous greetings received him. Slippy got up to hug Falco first, soon followed by his wife, Amanda. Their four kids played with toys on the plush rug with a six-year-old rabbit girl.

"Keeping well, Slip?" Falco greeted.

"You know it," his friend answered, feeling a little rounder than Falco last remembered.

Lucy then approached, who Falco also embraced. "How are you going?" he asked her.

"Well enough. Nothing much as changed," Lucy replied, barely keeping the sigh from her voice.

Katt frowned with concern. "Husband couldn't make it?"

"Nate is still caring for his mother. She's still unwell." Lucy lowered her voice as she glanced at her daughter. "I'm sorry, Falco. But until he comes home, I don't know when I'll be able to return to work."

"It's fine," Falco replied. "You need to look after Rebecca. I get it. Don't worry about us right now."

"If there's anything we can do to help, let us know," Katt offered.

Lucy gave a grateful smile. "Thank you."

They all agreed to set the topic aside for the moment. It had been a long time since the old gang all got together, and they ought to be in better spirits for it. One of Dash's servants – honest to God servants! – rolled a trolley into the room, carrying light refreshments. The kids all dived straight into the chips and sweets. Falco snatched what he could before accepting an aromatic black coffee. He could tell the high quality just from the scent.

"Jeez, Dash. If this is the kind of fancy living your job gets, you should hire us as your personal bodyguards."

"Do I hear you saying that you want to work for an old subordinate?" Dash enquired over a cup of tea.

"Hey, I'll swallow my pride for a butler." To his credit, the butler didn't so much as twitch in response. Falco could definitely work with a guy like that.

"Maybe he can teach your kids how to clean up after themselves," Katt quipped. The whole room 'oohed' at the same time, devolving into childish laughter.

"Just show me where to sign," Falco retorted casually.

The conversation moved on from there, leaping between topics quickly and aimlessly, throwing japes around on occasion. It reminded Falco of the old days when they all flew together aboard the Great Fox. That was the whole point of this gathering. Once a year, they made their best efforts to catch up and reminisce. Bonds like theirs shouldn't be left to fade away. Not after everything they'd been through as a team. At least, that was simply Falco's reason. It was nice just to see how his friends were faring these days.

"Say, Falco?" Peppy caught his attention. "By any chance, have you been in contact with Fox lately?"

"We took a job in Balven about four months ago. Reached out to Cerinia while we were out there," Falco answered. "Why?"

"We've got some good news," Slippy replied. "Dash and I have worked out a way to upgrade Lylat's subspace communication. If we can get the Balven System on board, we could contact Cerinia without having to travel that way first."

Lucy gaped. "Which means we could call Fox anytime we want, right?"

Slippy nodded. "Mind you, we're still far off from rolling the idea out. But Space Dynamics ran a few tests already, and the results are promising."

"I've offered for Venom to sponsor a pilot program," Dash added. "I hope to get other planets more interested in forming an alliance with us. This technology might compel them to give the new Venom a chance."

"Of course, Corneria will surely try their damned hardest to do it first once they hear," Peppy said with a light chuckle.

Falco sniffed. "You've become a couple of real politicians, haven't you?" Dash and Peppy both shrugged. New governments with no active wars seemed to have done little to curb rivalries between the two worlds.

"I'll be glad if we can get a direct line to Fox soon," Lucy remarked wistfully. "I wasn't able to go with the team at the time. I feel like it's been ages since we last talked." Falco couldn't help feeling guilty about that.

Peppy nodded. His face fell. "Yes. I don't think I've spoken to him more than twice since he went back to Cerinia with Krystal. I've just been so busy here."

"Me neither. Hence why I've been working so hard to fix that," Slippy said.

It was a good thing to do, Falco thought. Everyone would benefit from that. "Have you thought of any way to travel to Cerinia's surface yet?" he asked.

Slippy frowned and rubbed his scalp. "Not yet. I'm still trying to figure out how to keep a shuttle stable inside the planet's dust storms without electronics. Not everyone has Fox's flying skill, after all. It's a tough problem, but I'll keep working on it." Falco shrugged, understanding. You couldn't have everything, it seemed.

This talk got everyone else interested in Falco and Katt's last voyage to the Balven System. They all demanded news about how Fox was doing on Cerinia. Falco's spirit burned brighter as he shared the story. Talking about Fox then sparked tales of when he still led the team and the adventures that they had together. Everyone suddenly lifted into a better mood.

It was funny, Falco thought. Even after all this time apart, Fox was still as dear in their hearts today as he was when he left them. Their bond with him had not changed at all, and Falco hoped that it never would.


A sweet wind rolled across the plain. Blades of grass danced in its caress, rustling like crashing waves. No beast or man could be seen in any direction. Only the gentle slopes of the hills.

Perfect conditions, Fox thought.

"Clear to fire," he called. A nearby woman's voice followed in equal volume.

"Firing in three… two… one!"

At her command, a loud bang cracked through their protective earwear. A burst of light flashed forward. It struck its target head-on. Sparks and debris plumed into the air. A rush surged through Fox's veins. When the dust cleared, a rectangular, metal plate stood askew atop a small crater; blackened and smouldering.

"Hold!" Fox ordered. He and two companions stepped out from behind the safety barrier. They approached the target.

Fox whistled at the sight of it up close. Compared to the last few trials, this plate held together much better. Its centre was warped and melted, but the surrounding metal looked more or less in its original shape. "I think this is the best one today," he remarked.

"It looks like it," Vixy agreed. She scribbled into a notebook. "Randorn, how are the enchantments?"

The old, blue fox squinted closely beneath the scorch marks. He placed a hand over them, not quite touching the hot metal, causing a tapestry of soft, violet markings to glow. "The mana we stored was completely depleted. However, the runes are still mostly intact. I reckon I could charge this to take another shot. A less powerful one, mind you."

Vixy nodded appreciatively. She scribbled further into her book. "It seems like Alloy #5 is both sturdy and highly compatible with magic. That's exactly what we're looking for."

Fox grunted less favourably though. "It's good, but it's not exactly what we want. A shield made like this still won't withstand a full energy blast from an Aparoid."

"No. But it is still progress," his mother replied.

He supposed so. Fox turned to look at the mana cannon that projected the blast. Three Cerinians in lab coats tended to the large, metal barrel. It was the most advanced weapon built by Cerinian hands as far as Fox was aware; based on the same concept as a railgun. With further development, he hoped it could destroy an Aparoid command unit in a single strike.

Fortunately, there were no more Aparoids left to test it on. Not on Cerinia or anywhere else in the galaxy. Falco's team made sure of that. But even so, the Cerinians prepared themselves just in case. Too many territories were wiped out the last time for them to risk another such disaster.

Vixy soon reset the experiment. They tested another two shields of the same material to confirm their findings were accurate, then three more sets of different shields to judge their durability. None of the other metals performed nearly as well as Alloy #5. A clear favourite stood out today. Vixy certainly thought so as she finally snapped her notebook shut.

"I believe that will be enough for now. I'll discuss our findings with the metalworkers and think about our next steps." She turned to her assistants. "Please clear the site and return to the laboratory."

"Yes, Guildmaster," they replied before setting off to coordinate a larger team of labourers.

Fox then winced from the strain of a headache he'd been ignoring for a short while. He couldn't put it off any longer. "If I'm not needed here, I'm going to head straight home."

"I'll join you then," Vixy said, cramming several items into a rucksack. "Randy, love?"

Randorn met her gaze with a smile. "I need to check on the land first. Make sure we haven't disrupted any mana flows. I then have a few matters to attend to at the shrine."

"Then I'll see you tonight," Vixy replied, standing on her toes to kiss his lips. Fox, behind her, tried not to squirm at the sight. He still wasn't used to it.

Instead, he turned toward his personal haret, Tricky. He petted the animal's cheek, earning a pleased grunt. He then checked Tricky's saddle and made certain that it was secure. At Vixy's leisure, Fox helped her up before climbing in front of her. They rode away from the tents and equipment, following the constant pull upon Fox's mind. It would lead them home.

"Thank you for coming out with us today, son."

"I'm happy to," Fox smiled. "If it's for the good of the city, I'll always make time."

"You know I don't mean it as Captain of the Guard. It's nice to be able to spend time with you, Fox."

Fox nodded. "Yeah. I know. I'm glad to spend time with you too, Mom."

"Until, of course, I start showing affection towards my mate," Vixy chuckled. "I noticed you look away a moment ago."

"Can we not?" Fox groaned.

"It's been five years, Fox. I'd have thought you'd be used to it by now."

"I know, Mom!" He took a breath. "Look… It's fine. You deserve to be happy, especially after how long Dad's been gone."

"Then what's the issue?"

He began to writhe. "I just wish you picked someone other than Krystal's uncle, is all."

"Is that a problem for you?" Vixy asked in a calm but precarious tone.

"Not like that! I swear! I'm not saying you can't date Randorn." Fox sighed. "It's just my ehn, okay? I see the world the way Krystal does too, so when I see you and Randorn acting that way, it crosses some wires and makes me feel like it's something that it isn't. I can't help it."

Vixy patted his shoulder gently. "I'm sorry that it makes you uncomfortable. I'll try to keep things between Randy and me discreet around you if that helps."

"You don't have to do that," he said, wishing he hadn't spoken at all.

"You're my son, and I love you. Your feelings are important to me too."

"Now you're making me feel guilty."

"I'm not trying to."

"Well, you are!"

"Then what would you like me to do?"

"I…! Ack!" Fox could've pulled his fur out. He gave in with an aggravated sigh. "Just... do whatever you want. Forget I said anything."

"If you're sure then," Vixy replied softly. "I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable again."

"You're not…! I…!" Fox groaned and shook his head. Family. There's no one like them. Krystal laughed in her corner of his mind. Her presence was becoming much clearer again.

Time to switch topics. "Your experiments," he stated firmly. "The guild is making leaps and bounds with them, right?"

"Yes. I'm quite proud of everyone's efforts."

"How far do you think Kezamat is from being like Papetoon or Corneria? You know, with things like TV and such?"

"That's hard to answer," Vixy admitted. "I'm hardly an engineer, so I can't say for certain. If Cerinians start building televisions, they may have to figure out how themselves."

"So, probably not in our lifetimes?"

"Maybe not. But I can't be certain. I do think that if Cerinians keep pushing their curiosity though, they'll one day find a way to build the technology that we're used to. A lot of alien species have the same ideas when they develop. It's just the how and designs that vary from planet to planet."

Yes, Fox supposed that was true. Older tech across Lylat used to look vastly different between worlds until space travel became commonplace. "Do you think Cerinia will ever build starships? Proper ones that can fly in and out whenever?"

Vixy sighed, knowing exactly why he asked. "I hope so. Kezamat has built rockets before, so it's possible. We'd just have to navigate through the arethansphere both ways safely. I think magic might be the key to that. That's why I've spent my time studying how it works with Randorn."

"If you think you can find a way, then I believe in you," Fox looked back with a smile. If not, he imagined that someone else would; though it would be nice to see their old friends again one more time in their lives.

They soon arrived at Kezamat's outer wall. Young guard recruits saluted to Fox at the gate. He praised for them to keep up the good work. After advising their supervisor to expect the researchers' return later, Fox led Tricky down the road to home.

Around them, Kezamat bustled with cheerful, vibrant life. Cerinians worked their trades, ran their errands, and played alongside the road, each with smiles upon their faces. It had been that way for years now, and Fox would ensure it stayed that way for many more years to come. That was his duty now.

He followed familiar streets and stopped Tricky in front of his home. Fox smiled upon it. The house gained a few extensions and a new coat of paint since he first returned to it with Krystal and Vixy after saving the world. Beautiful flowers grew where his ehn was blessed in the garden. Their private patch of paradise. It never failed to put Fox into a better mood.

"I'm home!" he called as he stepped inside.

"Dad! Gran!" the first of two kits jumped up from the table. Fox braced himself for the double tackle to his front.

"Hey, Dad? Can we train a bit before dinner?" Marcus, his eldest son, asked earnestly.

Fox smiled. "Slow down, champ. I just got back. Give me a chance to settle Tricky in first, then I'll meet you out back in 15 minutes. Okay?"

Marcus's curly head bounced almost faster than his toes. "Okay! I'll get the spears ready." He then took off in a blue-furred blur.

Fox's second-born, still beside him, held up a small bowl in her hands. "Look, Daddy! I made jajamak paste all by myself!"

His grin grew. "That's wonderful, Ruby. I'll be sure to ask for your help the next time I feel tired." He patted his daughter between her fennec-sized ears, causing her proud smile to grow twice in size.

"That might be sooner than you think. Marcus has been waiting all day for you both to practice together," Krystal giggled from the table.

"Best not keep him waiting much longer then," Fox replied. He knelt to kiss his wife and their youngest daughter, Lyla, nestled upon Krystal's lap.

Fox then glanced across the table, seeing it littered with mortars, pestles, and other herbalist tools. Bitter and sweet scents mingled from all the plant matter sitting dried and boiled in various bowls. "The kids had a lot of fun today," he remarked.

"They're getting better at not making a mess in the process. Except for this little one right here," Krystal grinned, pinching one of Lyla's chubby cheeks. The toddler was busy suckling away at a fistful of green stems. Fox could only laugh. It was a good thing that they only let their children use safe plants when making remedies.

"Mommy? Can I go play with Sara?" Ruby said after hugging Vixy.

Krystal considered the request. "Alright. But don't go far. And be back before the sun sets. Remember that we have family coming over for dinner tonight." Ruby beamed before shooting out the door with her thanks.

"Would you like a hand cleaning up, Krystal?" Vixy offered.

"That would be wonderful, thank you."

"And I'd better tend to Tricky before Marcus gets impatient," Fox said. Silently, he added to Krystal: "And later, I'll help with dinner."

"I'll see you then," she replied lovingly.

Returning to their stable alongside the house, Fox greeted Tricky and filled the haret's feed and water troughs, rubbing him down as thanks for a good day's work. Next, he ventured into the backyard, where Marcus was already practicing drills with a padded spear. Fox could see his form improving. Marcus's tail seemed to wag at his father's thoughts once he sensed his arrival. They ran through their routine over the next hour, finishing with a light spar. Of course, Fox didn't go too easy on his boy.

Night then rose, and the house became full of noise and cheer. Their family surrounded a lovingly prepared feast. As Fox helped Lyla eat, he looked across the table and smiled at all the faces that were now part of his life. Vixy and Randorn, sharing little jokes together alongside bites of food; Nomar and Thalse, both relieved to let down the burdens of Kezamat's chief for one night; Sabre, his wife, and their twin boys; Fox's own three children, his prides and joy…

Then, finally, beside him, Fox looked to Krystal. The woman who meant the world to him. The one who saved his life and made it ever better since that day. The one he promised his heart and soul to forever more, knowing well that she gave the same in return. All it took was one look between them to reaffirm that promise.

Atop the fireplace, Fox then glanced at the set of photographs. Each frame contained the face of his friends from Star Fox. Far apart physically, but always close to heart and mind. Fox still missed them sometimes, though he learned to accept that sadness and hold onto the joy that their occasional radio calls gave him. He found peace with his circumstances.

A lifetime ago, if Fox were asked where he wanted to be most of all, he'd have said the Great Fox with his team without hesitation. Nowadays, as he revelled in the love and presence of the people around him, he'd never want to be anywhere else than where he sat right now.

After all, everything he ever needed was right here with him.


Kivir; moath; gor caps; nesserrute; zul leaves. Nothing but a few bundles of each. With a knife in hand, Thene carefully harvested the bounty. It all went into the basket at her side.

Satisfied that she had collected enough, Thene rose from the garden. A warn, tiny bundle of weight shifted against her shoulders. Thene touched the dreams of her infant daughter swathed to her back. Shapeless and peaceful. A gentle smile crept upon Thene's lips.

A passing gaze showed her the town below her home – a ruined place on the long, arduous road towards resurrection. Survivors of the Aparoids' conquest, brought together by only a miracle, had worked night and day to feed life back into this emptied husk of land. The previous inhabitants were no more. Very few knew much about who they'd been and how they once thrived. What they left behind became their successors' haven, one of reason and tenacity. In years to come, it would one day belong to Thene's daughter and others of her age. Until then, she would cultivate the land for that purpose.

Thene retrieved her basket and made to depart. On her way, her eyes fell again to another sight that drew her. A multicoloured ensemble of flowers swayed in the light breeze. A sullen sigh fled Thene's chest; not for the flowers but rather what laid beneath them. She paused to lament over the resting place of her beloved Simon's body.

She soon left the garden and walked into the white-walled building beside it. Flasks, jars, and various equipment lined shelves and cabinets in an orderly fashion. Tables and stools were polished, cleared, and cleaned of everything but the most stubborn stains. Thene instantly felt new life fill her veins. This laboratory, a proper one built for purpose, brought her peace like nothing else ever could.

Well, almost nothing. At the end of the room, a lone fox worked with his back to her. A silver head with sharp ears focused entirely on what laid before him. His bushy tail hung limp beneath a white lab coat. Thene's smile grew as she approached.

She set her basket upon the bench at his side. The tod's ears twitched as he finally took notice. Thene looped her arms tenderly around his torso, feeling the man's heartbeat as she overlapped her mind with his. An ocean of thoughts; as deep and broad as she could imagine; intriguingly ancient and young at the same time.

"I'm all done with the herbs," she told her other half.

"So, I see," he replied, his voice different but unmistakable. He turned in Thene's arms and kissed her. She never settled on anything less than passionate.

Her mate pulled away and brushed her cheek. His gaze then shifted to the kit resting behind her. Gently, he touched their little one's crown. "She sleeps soundly," he observed. "You would think that this world had never been in peril a few years ago."

"And she always will if we have anything to say about it," Thene replied with promise.

Her beloved nodded. "Yes. Her happiness is our responsibility. More than anything else." He became deep in thought. "Thene?"

"Yes, Simon?"

"Thank you. For all these years we've shared together. It's through you that my life has found new meaning. Our work… Our child… It's given me hope beyond myself that I never could have imagined."

Her heart fluttered, and her soul flew. "It's been you as well who's given me joy. I hope for it to always be like this."

Their brows touched and thoughts harmonised. Thene watched Simon gaze into the future, beyond their family and the home they continue to build. He saw past generations to a time when Cerinia would become free of its own prison and rise into the galactic superpower it was destined to become.

But for that end, Cerinia needed caretakers; visionaries to guide the masses. This world needed someone to lift civilisation from its mere present state. It needed someone who could transcend the limitations of life and age. It needed someone with the genius and means to transfer their mind and soul from one body to an empty Cerinian vessel. It needed someone with a loyal partner equally driven to undertake such a grand and arduous campaign, spanning centuries into millennia.

Doctor Thene Andross smiled as Simon dreamed of their empire, of standing with him as her emperor and she as his empress. Together, they and their children would take Cerinia as it was and mould it into a form perfect for its untapped potential. Their world would never again be shaken by foreign adversaries. It would be great. It would be powerful. And they would shepherd this world under their careful watch until they realised their shared dream…

No matter how many lifetimes it took them.


Final notes and acknowledgements

Thank you so much for reading Marooned. I hope that you enjoyed it as much as I did writing. The many positive reviews this story has received gave me much delight over the past few years.

I would like to thank USEChairman for beta reading all 73 chapters of this story. Reviewing another person's work and providing frank, constructive feedback for 3 years is no small feat, especially while juggling life's commitments and working on your own original stories. USEChairman has been a phenomenal friend and peer this whole time, and I will always be grateful for their magnificent contributions and insights. I encourage you keep an eye out for their content across this and other platforms.

As stated previously, I will now continue to publish work on Archive Of Our Own exclusively. I'm already drafting a couple of new stories, so head on over and subscribe to my profile.

I wish you all the best with your own endeavours.