A\N: Here it is... the last chapter. Didn't think I would even finish it. But I just want to say Thank You to everyone who read and left constructive reviews. It really helped.
Now on to the... final chapter
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REACH
Located on one of the many mountain peaks that overlooked UNSC Headquarters, stood a rather modest pillar and held a eternal flame.
It was a monument that was unknown by most, but held a significant meaning to the United Nations Space Command and specifically, the Spartan Corps. Even though the UNSC and the recently established civilian government never confirmed the Death of a Spartan, they still recognized and Honored those who stood with Humanity during it's darkest hour.
The Pillar itself, made out of Back Marble, held the "Names" of a the Spartan's who were "Missing in Action". Most of whom were listed during the Covenant War, but there were those who fell after that conflict ended.
Today, another name would be added to the Pillar for the Eternal Flame to watch over. A pair of UNSC Soldiers marched up to the Pillar, both of whom were dressed in their Honor Guard uniforms and carrying a small data crystal that carried the latest name to join the Eternal watch.
"LOGAN-111! FOREVER ON DUTY, FOREVER ON WATCH! BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!"
One of the soldiers announced to the non-existent crowds that had assembled, before slipping the crystal into the monument. For a brief moment, the image of a Spartan helmet flashed within the eternal flame before vanishing. signalling that Logan's name had been successfully added to the Monument and would forever be enshrined.
A small gesture of Gratitude, for a Spartan who had made the ultimate sacrifice to save others. But unknown to all within the UNSC, a new life had begun for the fallen soldier...
{ { { { { § } } } } }
Several Months Later...
It is funny how one's life could drastically change in an instant, very funny indeed.
One minute you are living life, believing that you had everyone figured out for your future. Only for that life to throw you a curve ball you have no choice but to adapt too.
For Logan... he had the unfortunate honor of having to deal with this reality multiple times. As he had gone from believing that he might command a Destroyer or even a Frigate one day, to becoming a living weapon to hunt down the enemies of Humanity. Yet life still was not done with him and ultimately threw him a third curve ball. One that now saw him living in a lake side house on an alternate version of Earth.
After Death Phantom was defeated, Serenity and the Senshi did attempt to discover just who or what had brought Logan into their reality. Sending probes to scan the area where both Logan and the Siege Merciless had been discovered all those months ago. But despite their best efforts, it seemed that the mystery behind the Super Soldier's arrival would remain unsolved. But that would not be the case...
"His name was Lord Gedion Slocol of the Court of Mercury." Sailor Pluto explained, as the Senshi of Time met with the Royal Couple to discuss what she found. "Back during the time of Queen Serenity, Gedion was one of the more brilliant minds in the kingdom... but he was also one of the more... eccentric."
"What do you mean?" Endymion asked, as both he and his wife listened closely.
"Like I said before, he possessed a brilliant mind. As expect of all scientist originating from Mercury. But he had some very... creative ideas." Pluto explained, trying her best to not speak ill of the long dead inventor.
"Gedion believed that not only alternate realities existed, but he could openings into these realities as well."
"But don't you already do that?" Neo-Queen Serenity asked curiously, still trying to process what she has been told.
Pluto just shrugged before she replied, "No... my duty is to protect time and space from those who wanted to abuse the Doors of Time for their benefit. But Gedion saw it as a means to learn more about the universe, as well as study any other civilizations that might be discovered in the process."
"That... doesn't not make much sense." Endymion quipped, unable to understand the late scientist's logic.
"You were not the only one to think that way." Pluto replied. "He was heavily ostracized by his colleagues as a result. Then one day, he just disappeared. There were plans to search for him but... the Beryl Attacked and..."
"Understood." Endymion said grimly. "But what does this have to do will Logan's appearance?"
"Prior to Gedion's disappearance, their were rumors that he had set up a secret laboratory within the asteroid belt. Though no one had ever found it and Logan's ship first appeared within the Asteroid belt."
"So there is a possibility that Gedion was successful?" Serenity asked, shocked that the possiblity that a member of the old Moon Kingdom was the reason for Logan's arrival.
Pluto just shrugged before she replied, "Like I said, he was a brilliant individual. But it seems that his lab was destroyed when the Merciless arrived. Scans show a massive debris field that suggest that a massive asteroid had recently broken up."
"So basically, both Logan and the Siege Merciless are trapped in our universe forever?" the King asked. "Isn't there anyway you could open a portal back to his universe?"
"Even if I could, it would be too risky." The Senshi of time replied, shaking her head.
"So Logan is trapped with no way to get home?" Serenity stated, a small frown forming on her face. 'Then maybe we can give him a new home here!"
"Your Majesty?"
"Logan's arrival may have been an accident, but we can't deny that his arrival was also a blessing." Serenity stated, as she got up from her seat and walked towards the Senshi of time. "Who knows what would have happened if he had not helped us? The least we can do is help him adjust to his new living situation."
"Are you sure that he would accept our help?" Pluto asked her queen/friend. "From what I have been told from the other girls, Logan seems to rather..."
"Odd?" Serenity replied with a smirk. "Cause I remember meeting a Senshi who was similar. More focused on her role as the Senshi of Time, than she was with living her life and making friends."
Pluto blushed a little bit in embarrassment, as she did not like being reminded of just how awkward she was when she first tried living a normal life in pre-Crystal Tokyo. Those who didn't know her, saw Setsuna as cold and aloof when they first met her, but she soon settled into her civilian life with the Outers and had a family of her own. All of which may not have been possible, if not for the support of her "Princess" and the other Senshi/friends.
"Logan might struggle a bit, but we should be there to help him along. After all, it is the least we could do."
Eventually, Serenity and Endymion told the super soldier about what they had learned and that they would not be able to return him to his universe. But to their surprise, Logan didn't seem phased by the news. In fact, he seemed rather indifferent about being trapped with no way to go home.
"Honestly, there are worst places to be trapped."
The Spartan told them during their meeting. It was also during said meeting that Serenity told them that he was more than welcomed to stay within the palace if he chooses. But Logan declined and opted to remain on the Siege Merciless, as he felt more comfortable on board the massive warship.
The Royals understood his reasoning and respected his decision. Though they would give him a place on Earth to hide his vessel from unwanted onlookers.
As a result, a remote lake in what had once been called "Alaska" was selected to hide the Siege Merciless. As it was deep enough to submerge the massive warship and far away from anyone who might potentially find it. As far as the population knew, the ship had left Earth and Serenity and her court were more than happy to promote this narrative.
However, a House now existed on the shores of this remote lake, along with a windmill and a landing pad for VTOL aircraft. Something which wasn't uncommon for that region of the world, but it did serve a purpose. Even if Logan chose to live in isolation, he was not completely cut off from the world.
Serenity and her Senshi did contact Logan on the regular to see how he was adjusting to his new living situation. Though he would never admit it, the Spartan still enjoyed these talks and every so often, he would fly back to Crystal Tokyo to meet with the Senshi. Specifically Sailor Mercury, who suggested seeking therapy to help him cope with his new reality.
As for the Siege Merciless itself, it sat quietly submerged within the fresh water lake. All the while Hannah and the Engineers continued to conduct routine maintenance on the vessel. Just in case it were ever to be needed again, though Serenity hoped that would not happen for a very long time.
"You you want some company?" a voice suddenly interrupted from his deep thoughts, just as Serenity and Endymion walked up beside him and watched both the Senshi and their families enjoy themselves at the lake shore.
"Yea, why not." Logan replied, as he took another sip of his bourbon. Ever since moving to is new "Home", Logan had gotten into the habit of not wearing his armor when he was not inside the Siege Merciless. Hew now wore a grey Tee-Shirt and cargo pants for when ever he was on the surface, like he was right now.
Serenity remained silent for a moment, before she replied "I'm sorry that we were not able to return you home, Logan."
"You don't have to apologize for that." Logan replied, still looking out over the lake. "I told you that already."
"I know, but still." Serenity commented, as she could see Chibiusa running away as Rei's daughter chased her with a water gun. "How have you been holding up?"
"I'm alright. Truth be told, I always wanted to retire to a lake side home." he said with a chuckle. "Though I don't expect to be doing so in another universe."
"Just remember, you don't have to be alone." Endymion spoke up. "I know what's it like to feel as if there is no one around. But I can assure you that you have people who are willing to be there if you ever need support."
"I already get that during Miss Mizuno's therapy sessions." Logan replied, "But thank you for the offer."
"You know, you don't have to stay up here and brood." Serenity joked. "You could come down and join us."
"Nah, I'm good up here. If you have not noticed, I am not much of a social person."
"Understood, but the offer still stands." Serenity replied, before both herself and her Husband made their way towards the beach.
"You know, it would not kill you to be more social and join them." Hannah quipped, as her holographic avatar appeared along side him. One of the features which came with the home, were numerous holo-projectors what were fitted throughout the structure. Projectors that were much more advanced that what was used on the Siege Merciless, thus allowing Hannah to act as the home's "Resident" when needed.
"I know, but I think best to let them enjoy themselves." Logan replied, before taking another sip of his drink. "Besides, I've never really considered myself to be a outgoing person. Even before I joined the U.N.S.C., so this is nothing new for me."
"Oh, so you are a introvert?"
"Basically." Logan replied, just as the sent of cooked meat hit his nostrils. Sure enough, a certain Amazoness and Asteroid Senshi was standing behind him. Her blue eyes peering up at him with childlike wonder, as she held a plate with a large burger on it.
"Mister Space man, Makoto-sensei asked Palla Palla to give you this." Palla Palla said cheerfully, as she held up the plate.
"Um.. thank you." Logan replied, before taking the meal. Palla Palla just just smiles, before she ran back to rejoin her group on the beach
"Heh, Space Man." Logan chuckled to himself, before taking a bite out of the burger and retaking his position.
"I wonder what life is going to be like now?"
~ THE END ~
