"This is Lieutenant William Collins, coming to you from the Pegasus Galaxy. After a very exuberant and clear response from the other members of this base, Dr. Elizabeth Weir has encouraged all of us to record messages to our families and friends. Dad, I know you worry about me, but I want you to know we're doing well here! I've made the coolest friends and gotten to know a lot of people. You'd be proud, Pop…"
The morning on Atlantis had dawned early; Elizabeth sat in her office looking over the mission reports when Rodney stepped into her office. "Good morning," he greeted her.
"Hey, come on in."
"Lieutenant Andrews just left for MG4-689…Collins has also descended upon the science department," he grinned.
"You're not avoiding this are you Rodney?" Elizabeth asked as her favorite scientist took a seat from across her. "You seemed excited about the idea of sending another information burst."
"Oh I am, it's just…" he shrugged.
"Are you afraid Jeannie may not want to see it?"
"Yeah, I guess that's probably it. Honestly Liz, everyone I care about is here…"
"I know how you feel," she replied, smiling softly.
"Are you going to record a message?"
"Yes…I thought I'd send one to my brother…You could send one to Sam; thank her for helping you," grinned Elizabeth.
"She'd really think I was crazy then," joked Rodney.
"Maybe, but I think you'll be surprised. Tell her what you've learned in the past few months. Tell Jeannie you still love her," Elizabeth said softly.
"Maybe I will," he replied softly.
"Hey…how about lunch later today?" Elizabeth asked.
"Sounds great," Rodney replied as he headed out of her office.
Elizabeth smiled as she watched him head off, there was something about Rodney, but even more, there was something about their relationship. They had grown much closer in the past several months. Although she had always cared for him, she had slowly fallen for him over the past two and a half years. He had a way of driving everyone to the brink of both their sanity and their ability to work. He expected everyone to do their best and nothing less, because he never gave less than his best.
"What should I say?" Doctor Carson Beckett asked as he looked at the camera.
"Whatever you want, it's kinda documentary/message home to our folks. So feel free to be open, they'll be separated… Let's start with what you do here on Atlantis," grinned Collins.
"Ah…okay, well I'm the chief Medical officer, or CMO. I…I'm the head doctor…" he shrugged.
"Tell us what you like about being here?"
"Like about it…The people I suppose," Carson agreed. "Aye, definitely the people, we're strong people here…we try desperately to care about one another…that's one thing I've learned being on this base, ye get to know everyone…I see just about everyone, if not for regular exams, then for other minor injuries."
"Great. Do you mind if I speak with your staff and some of the patients?" Collins' asked.
"Not at all, just don't get in the way," Carson instructed.
"Thanks Doc!" called Collins as he smiled at the retreating back. "This is our infirmary, where we get our scrapes, bumps, bruises, and more serious injuries taken care of by the best of the best. And speaking of which, here's one of our newest crew members! Dr. Pileggi!" Collins greeted.
The blonde woman smiled at the younger military officer, "Hi Collins," she grinned. He was a cute kid; only twenty-two and full of life.
"Hi Doc, I'm…ah making a documentary thing for our families back home…Obviously we can't tell them a whole lot…but well Stargate Command is gonna see it too!" he grinned.
"Oh, well in that case, Hi! I'm Becky Pileggi! Will is right, I just recently came here to Atlantis, probably about three weeks ago…Actually, the very first day I was here I met Will," she grinned as she watched the blush rush across the handsome younger man's face.
"Oh good, I see you're introducing my favorite youngin'," Carson said grinning as he patted Becky on the back. "She's my finest and youngest doctor," grinned Carson as he waved to the camera.
"Carson!" Rodney yelled as he rushed into the infirmary, holding a screaming Lauryn in his arms as he held her foot tightly with one hand.
"Ah, you can meet another one of our finest members of Atlantis," Carson reached out and took the screaming baby, "This is our youngest member of the Atlantis team, Lauryn." The baby sniffled a few times then reached out to touch the camera in Will's hands, causing all the adults to chuckle softly.
"This is our Chief of Science, Doctor Rodney McKay," Collins introduced as he pointed the camera at Rodney.
"Ah, thanks Will. Could you get the camera out of my face? Carson, Lauryn cut her foot," Rodney pointed out.
"Aye, I can see that Rodney. Come here lass." Carson moved away from Will; followed closely by Rodney.
"We'll see more of Dr. McKay, later," grinned Will as he looked into the camera.
"As you can see we've always got something going on here on Atlantis," grinned Becky as she looked into the camera.
"Becky, could you please come help me!" called Carson.
"Sorry, that's my cue," she waved goodbye to both the camera and Will then headed to help Carson with Lauryn.
Carson smiled as Lauryn continued to fight against her father and uncle. "There, there lass, if ye hold still I can fix this up for ye in no time," Carson whispered as he tried to catch her foot; however when he touched the alcohol swab to the bottom of her heel the baby let out another scream.
"Shh, it's okay baby," whispered Rodney.
"What was she doin'?" asked Carson as he looked at her foot.
"Walking…I dropped a glass last night, I thought I got all the glass up, apparently I was wrong," Rodney sighed.
"Don't worry 'bout it lad, if she hadn't found it you would have. It isn't your fault. Becky could you find some milk or chocolate for this wee one," Carson asked.
"Sure thing, Doctor." Smiling, Becky waved to the baby before heading off to complete her task.
Carson sighed as Lauryn continued to get away from both Rodney and Carson. She twisted in her father's arms, fighting the pain in her foot and her daddy's strong grip, "Shh, its okay, daddy's got you," he whispered pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"Okay, okay, Uncle Carson is done cleaning, now he just has to wrap it. You're okay," he whispered gently, trying to soothe the child. Big blue eyes looked at him, filled with thick tears, others still cascading down her cheeks. He reached out and gently wiped away the tears "See, I'm not so bad, am I," he whispered as he held out his arms to the girl.
She instantly went went to him, allowing Carson to cuddle her for a moment. She whimpered slightly as she complied with everything else he said and allowed Becky, who had returned, to finish fixing her foot.
After she was all finished she craned her head to look at her Uncle Carson, "See that wasn't too terrible. Keep her off that foot for about a week. She may not like that, but it'll help. If it hurts, just give her some baby aspirin, she'll be right as rain in no time." Carson pressed a kiss to the baby's head and handed her back to Rodney.
"Thank you," Rodney replied smiling as he took his daughter back into his arms. She instantly clung to him.
Carson smiled, he had watched a huge difference in Rodney. When they had first found her nearly a year ago, Carson was fairly sure Rodney would have freaked if this had happened then. Now however, he was used to having her around and when things did happen to her, he was aware that he couldn't always protect his child.
"Any time lad," Carson smiled as Rodney stood and headed out the door with his precious cargo in arm, which was already starting to avidly babble to him.
"There's my beautiful girl," Elizabeth smiled as she lifted Lauryn into her arms. She frowned at the sight of the baby's foot, "What happened?"
"She stepped on a sliver of glass a little while ago. Needless to say she had a little visit to our resident doctor," grinned Rodney as he sat down at the table.
"You poor thing." Elizabeth smiled as she pressed a kiss to the girl's head.
"That girl is spoiled rotten," Carson stated as he joined the table, sitting down beside his two best friends.
"What are you talking about? You spoil her more than I do," Rodney pointed.
"I do not!" Carson tried to defend himself.
"Of course ye do, who was the one who insisted we give her a birthday part fit for a princess?" Rodney stated.
"Say hi guys!" came Collins' voice as he pointed the camera at the three friends and the baby.
"I think I've shown up on this thing at least ten times now," commented Carson as he waved to the camera.
"Will, are you actually filming anything factual? Because there's a lot more to what we do here…than just listening to these two argue," Elizabeth spoke firmly, but held a deep smile on her face.
"Uh…I filmed a little with the science department. Dr. Zelenka decided to show off some of his work, but not much before someone mentioned it was classified. Oh…and I got some from the infirmary…but they also…stopped me," he whispered.
"Well, you're doing a fine job William. I'm sure of it," Carson affirmed with a smile.
"You could take it on a mission," offered Rodney.
"How is that not classified, but your projects are?" Carson raised an eye brow.
"It was just an offer. Besides the SGC is going to see this long before our families, there's no reason why they shouldn't know what we do on a day to day basis."
"Actually that's not such a bad idea. I mean, we report to them our findings, it's not like we're going to film something huge, and we don't have to keep everything we film. We can always delete it if it reveals too much information," Elizabeth smiled.
"Really? That would be cool!" Will exclaimed.
"I don't see why not. Lieutenant Andrews will be returning in a couple hours to decide if there's any further reason to return to the planet. If they decide there is, you're more than welcome to go."
"Is…is there anything exciting to do?" questioned Will.
"Does it matter?" questioned Rodney, trying to hide his grin.
"Rod, be nice," Carson spouted.
"I suppose not…" whispered Will.
"Don't worry Will, I'll even go with you," Rodney offered.
"Really?" Will smiled.
"Sure, why not? You can finally get that interview, maybe I can even get John to sit down and focus long enough to talk to you too," grinned Rodney.
"UNSCHEDULED OFF WORLD ACTIVATION!" the yell came over the intercom system as the sirens started going off.
"Let's go!" ordered Elizabeth as she stood up.
They made their way to the gate room as fast as they could, and Zelenka looked up at them from his control system. "What's going on?" Elizabeth questioned as she handed Lauryn off to Rodney.
"It's AR-5…Lieutenant Andrews' team…"
"Dr. Weir! We're under an ambush! They've taken Peters out…Daniels is badly injured…We can't maintain our position, please send reinforcements!" came Andrews' plea.
"Elizabeth…" John ran up the stairs from the gate room, followed closely by Major Lorne.
"Lorne, John have your teams ready in ten minutes and no less. Carson take whatever you can, one other doctor, and a nurse. Make sure they know how to use guns!" Elizabeth directed, then turned to Will, "Sorry Collins, not today."
"Ma'am…" Collins began as everyone else hurried off to get ready for the rescue mission.
"Collins…" began Elizabeth.
"Please, I want to help…"
"I said 'no' Collins. I'm sorry, this isn't your battle…not today. Take Lauryn to the play room…"
"Yes ma'am," he whispered.
"I'm sorry Will, but someone could get hurt, and I'm already sending people into a situation I know very little about…"
"I understand," whispered Collins.
"Dr. McKay!" Collins walked into the prep room looking at the scientist.
"Collins," began Rodney.
"Just take the camera, if you get a chance…Just incase, please?"
"Fine. Get out of here, we've gotta go!" Rodney stated as he took the small video camera.
Ten minutes later Lorne's team, Sheppard's, Doctor Beckett, Becky Pileggi, and Nurse DeSantos were prepared to leave. Elizabeth looked at them, their faces filled with determination. "Be safe," she called, unsure what else to say.
"Let's go! Major Lorne you take out sixes, I'll take lead with Ronan; Teyla and Rodney, take our sides. We're not scientist or doctors right now guys, we're soldiers!"
Without a look back they then stepped through the gate into absolute chaos. Thefirst thng John noticed was Wraith everywhere. "Andrews!" yelled John as he spotted the Lieutenant running towards them, the man was covered in blood.
"We're losing our hold sir…We've tried….they came out of nowhere!"
"That's okay son. Are you up to taking Doctor Beckett to Daniels?"
"Yes!" the man replied.
"Good. Doctor Beckett, you and your team take Teyla go find Daniels, get him secured and stable. Do not wait for us if you don't have to. Once stable, get him and Andrews the hell off this planet. Lorne take south of the gate with two of your men, Ronan you take north, Rodney and I will head east. Spread out, but keep your hold and don't get close enough for them to touch you!"
With nods all around; they quickly spread out. Rodney ran with John to one area, his P90 close to his side as he and John began to fire. "Where the hell did they come from?" asked Rodney as he continued to fire upon several of the Wraith that were coming towards them.
"I don't know, but let's hope this is it!" John returned.
"Colonel Sheppard, I'm with Daniels. It looks pretty bad, I'm not sure we can continue to hold them off!" cried Carson as he looked down at Daniels.
"Just do your best, Doc!" called John in return.
"Right, lad." Carson removed the shirt from the gapping wound in Daniel's stomach. He had seen worse, but he also knew that people could die from much less. "This is gonna hurt, son. Becky, I need more pressure to stop the bleeding!"
"Yes, sir!" Becky quickly handed it over.
Carson nodded a thanks as he looked over at Teyla and DeSantos, "How's Andrews?"
"Coming along sir, he's got a pretty nasty head wound, serious concussion, it's a miracle he's made it this long!" called DeSantos.
"Aye, I agree, I can't get Daniels stable! I need to start an IV!" called Carson.
"Colonel, I think it would be wise to call in more back up!" Carson called over his radio.
"This is Major Lorne! I'll do it, we're closest to the gate!" called the Major.
"I've got a problem here! John's been taken out!" screamed Rodney over his radio. He looked over to his brother as he got up, and ran over to the form of his collapsed brother.
"John!" he cried out as he shook his brother, but the gun wound to John's chest was what worried Rodney the most. "Carson?" cried Rodney, "I really need help!"
"This is Teyla! Both Dr. Beckett and Pileggi have been hit!" she cried frantically.
Rodney looked up at the approaching Wraith. Grabbing his brother's P90 he started pulling the trigger. "I need back up!" he yelled.
"We need to fall back to the gate!" Lorne's voice crackled over the radio.
"I can't…." Rodney hissed in pain as a shot grazed his arm. "I've taken fire!" he screamed. He gripped his arm, a Wraith stepped towards him. "Help!" cried Rodney.
Suddenly the wraith went down, a single gun shot in the middle of his head; Rodney turned and saw Ronan standing over him and John. "Let's go McKay!" Ronan cried.
Rodney shook in fear and nodded as he grabbed his brother's arm. Ronan followed suit and grabbed John's legs. "Are you all right?" Ronan managed to ask.
"No…" mumbled Rodney.
"What happened?" Collins asked from where he stood looking at the massive amount of Medical crew and military personnel.
"They lost their foothold. Now isn't a good time, Collins," whispered Elizabeth as she watched from above, knowing that if she went down there she would only be in the way.
Everyone watched the flurry of activity as the gate room was turned into the medical facility to stabilize everyone. Elizabeth sighed as she met Teyla's stare. The dark doe brown eyes were filled with tears of doubt, fear, and sadness.
Elizabeth moved into her office, collapsing in her chair no more than twenty minutes later. Face in her hands, she felt the tears starting to over flow. "Liz…" came the soft whisper.
She looked up to see Rodney standing there, his arm heavily wrapped in a sling. Tears stained his red cheeks, still covered in blood; whether his own or John's she wasn't sure. "Shouldn't you be in the infirmary?"
"Yeah…they, uh…they did a triage…Wrapped me up real quick and told me to come back in two hours…They're having a pretty rough time…uh…I just wanted to see how you were doing…"
"I…how many?" she whispered.
"Five are dead, three badly injured, the rest of us have fairly minor injuries. Few got away with no injuries…" he whispered.
"I…I…" she shook her head in remorse.
"Get me names so we can contact the families….Get them to me tomorrow," she whispered softly.
"It shouldn't have happened," whimpered Rodney. Elizabeth nodded as she stood up and moved to him. "They aren't even soldiers, just doctors…and scientists," he whispered.
"Shh, I know," Elizabeth whispered gently as she pulled Rodney into a hug.
The two friends clung to one another, searching for hope through the obvious pain that filled their hearts. "He wasn't supposed to protect us…He was a healer…" anguished Rodney.
"I know, I know." Elizabeth felt her gates open as she joined Rodney in the tears. Five were dead, three more could easily follow, and even Rodney hadn't walked away unscathed.
"What do we do now?" whispered Rodney.
"I don't know, I wish I did. We fight for them, since they can't do it themselves," replied Elizabeth as she gently rubbed his back. "Did they already stitch you up?"
"No…they mentioned butterfly stitches," sighed Rodney.
"All right, sit down on my couch, I've got a first aid kit. I'll fix you up," she whispered.
He watched her move, as if in slow motion, as she unwrapped his arm and swabbed it was some alcohol. Sighing she placed two butterfly stitches on the large gash. "How's the pain?" she asked softly.
"Sucks…but they were busy," he hissed.
Elizabeth knew it had to be really bad if Rodney admitted it, and if he was willing to push it aside. She nodded and wrapped it up again, tucking his arm back in the sling they had given him. "You'll need to have them look at it, but you can at least wait a little longer now," she whispered.
"What if John dies?" Rodney stuttered. "What'll I do?"
"Survive Rodney, that's all I can give you. Survive…we've got to stay strong for them."
"I've never been so scared for him in all my life."
"I know. Let's get you something to eat, and maybe go talk to JJ, before he finds out."
"Sounds like a good idea. I could use some coffee," he whispered.
"No Rodney, no coffee, you need real food. Coffee doesn't count," she said gently taking his hand, putting aside her own fears and taking care of him, feeling like she had to do something about all of this.
"This is Collins. Today…is a bad day…We, uh…we've lost five very important people on this base…Along with three others who are seriously injured…We don't know what's going to happen .but we thought you should know. My original goal with this tape was to show you all the things we do here on Atlantis, but at this point, I'd like to make it more than that. This is a video tribute to those we lost today…to Atlantis' heroes. Just for the record…we all chose this song together…We thought it fit us well…" Collins smiled sadly for a moment in the camera before turning it off.
Rodney slipped into the infirmary and looked at the two men laying on the beds beside one another, swathed in blankets and bandages, their faces pale like the sheets covering their bodies.
He felt tears filling his eyes as he looked at his two closest friends. "You," he shook his head, he didn't know what to do; it wasn't supposed to happen like this. This wasn't how they were meant to die, not like this, not now.
He took another step forward; he hadn't come to visit in the past two days: it hurt too much to see them lying there, dying. It wasn't fair. He reached out and touched the hand of his best friend. "You're a doctor…you aren't meant to die like this," he whispered softly.
"Rodney…" came the soft voice.
Rodney turned to see Laura Cadman standing there, tears trailing down her cheeks. He had never seen her cry, or crack under pressure. She had been one of the last few to come to the planet, just in time to watch them cart Carson over to the gate, covered in his own blood.
"They said he…the next few hours will be the factor," she whispered softly.
"Yeah, I heard…but he's still here Laura," whispered Rodney, squeezing her hand.
"I…How's John?" she asked softly.
"He's still in a coma; DeSantos said she doesn't know when he'll wake up. Probably whenever the damage has a chance to heal itself."
"I never thought I'd be the one deal with this fear. I always thought it would be Carson who'd have to wait for me to return from some mission or another."
"Yeah,none of us our safe," he whispered in response.
"Collins is making a memorial tape for us, and the SGC, family members of the dead. Elizabeth said she was going to have a memorial service tomorrow…"
"I heard. I told Collins I'd give him his interview."
"Did you tell him about Becky?" she whispered. "They had been friends, not close, but Laura had enjoyed Becky's company.
"Yeah, I thought he'd like to know from someone who was there…"
"I've lost a lot of friends, but this is so much harder," whispered Cadman.
"Yeah…it is…"
Daniel looked over at Vala and smiled softly as he popped the tape in. They all sat down together in the room, most of the SGC had heard about what had happened on Atlantis. So when they had received the tape, they all decided to put aside their daily activities and watch what was sure to be a very powerful video.
"Ready?" whispered Daniel looking at his friends.
"Yeah," Sam's replied standing by the doorway. This all hit too close to home for a few of them who could still recall Janet's death three years ago.
Daniel nodded and pushed the play on the control, then turned his eyes to the black screen.
"Strength does not come from physical capacity.
It comes from an Indomitable Will."
"Welcome to Atlantis! I'm Collins, and this is our world. Not everything on this tape has security clearance, and some of it is pretty scary. But to understand why some have died…we feel you have the right to know what's going on."
"This is our Mess," Collins introduced as he moved around and caught various members waving to the camera. "And these are our intrepid leaders; Doctor Rodney McKay, Doctor Carson Beckett, and Doctor Elizabeth Weir. And the cute little girl is our favorite member of the Atlantis expedition, Lauryn McKay."
When the dark wood fell before me
And all the paths were overgrown
When the priests of pride say there is no other way
I tilled the sorrows of stone
"The day started out normal for us…Lieutenant Andrews took his team of four through the gate early on Thursday the 25th. It was a simple mission to say the least," Collins explained, "But it became so much more."
I did not believe because I could not see
Though you came to me in the night
When the dawn seemed forever lost
You showed me your love in the light of the stars
"I sent them because I've come to learn one thing here on Atlantis: we're resourceful. If I had known we would have lost so many people…I still would have sent them. Here on Atlantis we fight for more than just selfish purpose, we fight for each other. Even if I hadn't sent them, they would have gone on their own. I would like to extend an apology, as well as my condolences, to the families of those who have died…They died doing something they loved…for people they loved. They saved the lives of many more, they have not died in vane," Elizabeth said softly nodding, her eyes red from tears.
Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me
"You don't know how important someone is until you've lost them…Doctor Pileggi was new to our family, but she made just as much an impact as those of us who have been here since the beginning. She deserves nothing more and nothing less than the honor of a true soldier. I was with her when she died, I watched her fight until the very end to save Lieutenant Daniels, and she wouldn't have died without knowing he was going to be all right. Thanks to her, we were able to keep one of our finest and youngest Lieutenants here on Atlantis," Teyla spoke firmly as she gave her thoughts.
Then the mountain rose before me
By the deep well of desire
From the fountain of forgiveness
Beyond the ice and fire
"After the deaths of Lieutenant Franklin Andrews, Sergeant Kevin Peters, Doctor Rebecca Pileggi, and Doctor Sean Anderson; Elizabeth Weir spoke to me about the possibility of giving a small speech on behalf of them…You don't know how hard it is to find the words. I wasn't nearly as close to many of them as I could have been…but still…We lost some very valuable skills and personalities in their deaths. Deaths that weigh heavily on all of our minds. These individuals all came in the past several months from Earth, with various levels of skills, but they were all more than worthy of being here, if not taking some of our jobs. Yet, even though only arriving so soon, they were like family among us, we were all heavily affected by their loss."
"I can't even begin to imagine how the families are feeling…I nearly lost my brother in this attack…I can only hope that it's understood the work they were doing here was far beyond your wildest dreams. These people took everything they did to the next level, they always gave forth their best and then some. They were strong and more than capable of being here. They didn't die in vein, they died protecting and saving their country, this city and their friends…we owe them…so much more than we can give them," Rodney finished as he looked down at the people standing in the gate room below.
The camera scanned the faces of those sitting there. Among them included Doctor Carson Beckett sitting in a wheelchair, holding Lieutenant Cadman's hand in his. Colonel John Sheppard by his side with Teyla standing next to him. Behind them stood Colonel Caldwell and Dr. Weir. There wasn't a dry face among the hundreds standing around the gate room to support and show their respect to those who had died.
Cast your eyes on the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the dark night seems endless
Please remember me
"I love Atlantis, this has become my home," grinned Becky as she looked into the camera.
"Are you glad to be here, working with everyone?" Collins asked from where he stood behind the camera.
"Are you kidding me, giddy would be one word I could use. These people are amazing. I feel like Doctor Beckett has become an older brother to me. He's spent the past month showing me everything there is to see here! I love this place…Don't get me wrong, I miss my family, but I'm really glad I came," Becky replied smiling at the camera.
"Thanks Becky," Collins smiled at her, it was obvious he had a small attraction to her.
Though we share this humble path, alone
How fragile is the heart
Oh give these clay feet wings to fly
To touch the face of the stars
"It's a bond unlike anything I've ever seen. The people here are tough, but we're tougher together. I've never seen any group of people pull together in times of need…Some of the relationships we've made here, we've constructed. We're doing important work, but more than that, we're a family," Lieutenant Andrews said smiling.
Breathe life into this feeble heart
Lift this mortal veil of fear
Take these crumbled hopes, etched with tears
We'll rise above these earthly cares
Elizabeth looked down at John and smiled as he slowly stood from his wheelchair. Gripping his stomach wearily, he took in hand the wreath she held and together they marched towards the Stargate. "Cast your eyes on the ocean," spoke Elizabeth as she and John reached out and placed the wreath into the gate.
"Cast your soul to the sea," whispered John as they stood, along with everyone else, at attention; all the military saluting the dead as the wreath slipped through the event horizon.
"When the dark night seems endless," Rodney spoke up as he came to stand beside Carson.
"Please remember me," Laura spoke as she brought her hand down slowly, along with everyone else. They watched, tears falling down their faces as they bid a final farewell to their dear friends.
"Please remember me," finished Collins from behind the camera.
The video closed with several pictures of the members of Atlantis, showing that time, consideration, and love was put into the video.
Daniel sighed as he turned off the tape and glanced up to offer Sam a sympathizing look. "I think we should make copies and send them to the families…They deserve that much," he whispered.
"I'll speak with the President," she whispered, wiping loose tears from her cheeks.
"May they rest in peace," Mitchell whispered from where he sat. His comment was followed by nods all around.