Taylor focused on the last few days in Canberra. It was clearly a stretch on her part considering it was only her second day here. Still, it felt so long. She had never stepped foot outside Brockton Bay apart from the time when she visited the nature camp. But now, she was in a totally different country. A totally different continent.

Ever since the Simurgh had been repelled, she had thrown herself into the search and rescue efforts, as well as reconstruction work. Telekinesis proved to be incredibly useful for clearing rubble and aiding in rebuilding structures. Her clone was working alongside Panacea and Othala, assisting with the injured and the cleanup.

She was taking a brief break, catching her breath, when she noticed a group of military personnel approaching her. They were dressed in their formal uniforms, and they carried themselves with an air of respect. The leader, a tall man with a neatly trimmed beard, stepped forward and greeted her with a nod.

"Miss Hebert, I presume?" he said, extending a hand. Around her, the other workers and capes gawked curiously at them.

Taylor shook it, a bit taken aback by the formality. What did the Australian army even wanted from her? "Yes, that's me. How can I help you?"

"We wanted to personally thank you for your efforts here in Canberra," he began. "I'm Colonel Stevens, and this is Lieutenant Harris and Sergeant Hemsworth. We've been sent by the Australian government to convey their gratitude."

Taylor smiled, feeling a bit overwhelmed. Wow, even the Government wanted to thank her. But then again, it was easily understood. "Thank you. I'm just doing what I can."

"Well, it's not just what you're doing," Lieutenant Harris chimed in. "It's how much you're doing. Your telekinesis has been a game-changer for us. You've saved lives and made the recovery process so much faster."

Sergeant Hemsworth nodded in agreement. "And your clone working with Panacea has been a tremendous help as well. The government's very appreciative of your contributions."

Colonel Stevens continued, "The Australian government would like to officially recognize your efforts. They've asked us to inform you that they'd like to award you for your heroism and assistance."

Taylor felt her cheeks heat up with a mix of pride and embarrassment. An award directly from the Australian government. Wow! She thought inwardly. "Wow, that's... I don't know what to say. Thank you."

"You've earned it," Colonel Stevens said warmly. "If there's anything you need, any support or resources, don't hesitate to let us know."

"Actually," Taylor said, thinking quickly, "more equipment for the cleanup efforts would be really helpful. We're making progress, but there's still a lot to do."

Lieutenant Harris made a note. "We'll see what we can do. Expect some additional supplies and manpower within the next few hours."

"Thank you," Taylor repeated, feeling a sense of relief. "That'll make a huge difference." It was the Simurgh. She didn't do much collateral damage normally. However. She had done it extremely well yesterday. She had crushed buildings and very much caused many damages to the infrastructure.

Colonel Stevens nodded. "We're also arranging for a ceremony in your honor. It won't be anything too grand, given the circumstances, but we want to ensure you're recognized."

Taylor nodded, still a bit stunned by the offer. "I appreciate that. Really, I do. But right now, I think the best way I can help is by continuing to work."

"And we won't keep you from it any longer," Stevens said with a calm smile. "Just know that your efforts haven't gone unnoticed."

Taylor nodded and they took their leave silently. As the military personnel walked away, she couldn't help but feel a surge of motivation. She looked around at the damaged city, the people working tirelessly to rebuild. This was the city she had saved. The city she had been helping to rebuild.

'Yes. Deep down it felt good to be a hero.'

She took a deep breath, rolled up her sleeves, and got back to work.

Taylor had just finished lifting another pile of debris when she spotted Miss Militia walking towards her. She paused, wiping the sweat from her brow, and gave a small wave. It was odd though. When she used her powers in a fight, she was never tired. But the work which she was doing, it made her feel tired for some strange reason. Maybe, because it was active mental stress on her part. Whatever it was, the shit was absolutely wonky. Powers were weird for sure.

"Hey, Miss Militia," Taylor greeted, a hint of exhaustion in her voice. "How's it going?" She excitedly greeted the other hero.

"Taylor," Miss Militia replied warmly. "How are you holding up?"

Taylor shrugged. "I'm managing. There's still somethings do, but we're making progress."

Miss Militia nodded appreciatively. "You've been doing an incredible job. I heard about the recognition from the Australian government. That's quite an honor."

Taylor smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, it's a bit overwhelming, to be honest. I just want to help out."

"And you are," Miss Militia assured her. "But make sure you take care of yourself too. We're scheduled to return by the evening. The higher-ups want to debrief and get everyone back home."

Taylor nodded thoughtfully. "The military personnel mentioned the award ceremony. They want me to stay until then. Maybe I should talk to Legend about it. He might be able to help with the scheduling."

"Good idea," Miss Militia agreed. "Legend can definitely sort that out. He has a lot of sway in these matters."

Taylor's eyes widened suddenly. Talking with Legend suddenly reminded her about the other thing too. "Oh, I need to call my dad! I haven't had a chance to update him on everything. Maybe Legend can help me get a cell phone or something. I don't have mine with me."

Miss Militia chuckled from behind her scarf. "I think that can be arranged. Let's head over to the main tent. Legend should be there, and we can sort everything out."

"Thanks, Miss Militia," Taylor said, genuinely grateful. "I appreciate it."

As they walked towards the main tent, Taylor couldn't help but feel a mix of exhaustion and anticipation. She had been through so much, and there was still more to do, but having support from her fellow heroes made it a bit easier to bear. Especially from Miss Militia. She still remembered collecting cards about her in her childhood. To think that the Heroine she had admired was fighting side by side to her made her quite happy.

Upon reaching the tent, they found Legend speaking with a group of heroes. He looked up as they approached, a smile spreading across his face as he dispersed the other groups.

"Taylor, Miss Militia," Legend greeted them with a smile on his face. "How can I help you both?"

"Hey, Legend," Taylor said, a bit nervously. "I wanted to talk to you about the award ceremony. The Australian government wants me to stay until it's over, but we're scheduled to leave this evening."

Legend nodded, blinking at her for a moment. He closed his mouth understanding the dilemma. "I see. Congratulations on that, Taylor. We can make arrangements for you to stay a bit longer. I'll coordinate with the officials here."

"Thank you," Taylor said with a relieved smile. "Also, I need to call my dad. I don't have my phone with me. Is there any way you can help me with that?"

"Of course," Legend replied, pulling out a cell phone from his pocket. "You can use mine. Go ahead and call him."

Taylor took the phone gratefully and dialed her father's number. As it rang, she glanced around the tent, feeling a sense of comfort from the familiar faces around her. She was part of something bigger now. Granted it was just Miss Militia, Legend and her only. Legend was here with her. The fucking head of the entire Protectorate.

After a few rings, she finally heard his familiar voice.

"Hello?"

"Dad, it's me," Taylor said excitedly, a smile spreading across her face as she heard his relieved voice. It made her feel guilty a little, but she couldn't help but be giddy talking with him.

"Taylor!" Danny's voice was filled with relief. "Are you okay? I've been worried sick!"

"I'm fine, Dad," Taylor assured him. "I'm in Australia, helping out with the aftermath of the Simurgh attack."

"I saw the news," Danny said, his voice trembling slightly. "They said you played a huge role in repelling her. You blasted her our. I'm so proud of you, Taylor."

"Thanks, Dad," Taylor replied, her throat tightening with emotion a little. That single sentence alone made her day. How long she had waited to hear it! "It's been tough, but I just want to help as much as I can."

"I can't believe it," Danny continued. "My little girl, a hero. You've always been amazing, but this... this is something else."

Taylor chuckled softly. "It's a bit overwhelming, to be honest. The Australian government wants to give me an award for my efforts here."

"That's incredible," Danny said, his pride evident even from the other side. "You deserve it, Taylor. You've worked so hard and gone through so much. I'm just glad you're safe."

"Yeah," Taylor said, nodding even though he couldn't see her. "It's been a lot, but I've had help. The other heroes have been great."

"That's good to hear," Danny said. His voice trying to be as sure it could. "When are you coming home?"

"Well, that's the thing," Taylor explained. "I was supposed to return with the others this evening, but because of the award ceremony, I might have to stay a bit longer. Legend is helping me sort it out."

"Take your time," Danny said suddenly from the other side. "We'll be here when you get back. Just make sure you rest and take care of yourself, okay?"

"I will, Dad," Taylor promised. "I miss you."

"I miss you too, kiddo," Danny said softly from the other side. "Stay safe, and call me when you know more about your plans."

"I will," Taylor said, her voice filled with warmth. "Love you, Dad."

"Love you too, Taylor," Danny replied finally from the other side.

She ended the call and handed the phone back to Legend, who smiled kindly at her.

"Everything okay?" he asked with a knowing look.

"Yeah," Taylor said, nodding. "He's just relieved I'm safe. Thank you for letting me call him."

"Of course," Legend said with the same easy going smile which was enough to make a woman's heart flutter. It was clearly a shame that he was gay. "Family is important. Now, let's get you sorted with the arrangements for the ceremony. I shall order Prism to help you. Infact go and tell her. Tell it's my order."

Taylor nodded excitedly. She now had to search for this 'Prism' hero. Maybe, it was a man. Legend was gay afterall. She walked towards the tent's exit alongside Miss Militia. Perhaps, she could help about locating this Prism guy. Taylor thought excitedly.

Taylor walked back to the makeshift medical tent, her thoughts still buzzing from the conversation with Legend. Apparently Prism was busy but she would come around an hour later. Taylor had no choice but to wait for her till then. As she entered, she spotted her clone working diligently alongside Panacea, helping to heal the injured. Apparently, when word spread that Panacea had arrived, even people with injuries older than the Endbringer battle had arrived to get a shot at healing. It was quite odd and selfish on their part. However, Taylor couldn't begrudge them. For her, it was a selfish move. For others, it was a gamble which had the opportunity to change their lives back.

"Hey," Taylor called out, catching the attention of her clone who had shot a blue light ray from her index finger to the man with the amputated arm. She watched curiously as the man's armed formed infront of their eyes. All it took was two seconds, before a new arm was there in the left hand stump of the man. The man was practically teary eyed as he tried to feel the hand and ordered it.

The clone looked up and smiled, walking over, leaving the man to the other nurses who immediately started helping him. "Welcome back, Mother. How did it go?"

"It went well. Also don't call me Mother." Taylor said instantly, nodding a little at her clone. "Listen, I need you to go home. Dad's been worried, and it would help if you could reassure him. Also, can you help out at the restaurant? Create food, keep things running smoothly."

The clone's expression turned serious as she nodded. "Of course. I'll do as you bid."

Taylor felt a strange mix of relief and unease. It was still odd giving orders to a version of herself. "Thanks. And, um, try to keep a low profile. Don't do anything too flashy."

The clone smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, I've got this."

Panacea, who had been observing the exchange from the other patient bed, raised an eyebrow as she left the old woman with Arthritis. "You know, it's a little creepy watching you give orders to... yourself."

Othala nodded in agreement too. She was simply sitting at an empty bed. There were not many people who were there in the tent, Taylor realised. "Yeah, it's like a scene out of a sci-fi movie. But honestly, it's impressive. Have you considered joining a team with that kind of power? We could use someone like you in the Empire."

Taylor gave Othala a measured look. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm not interested in joining any group like that. I need to stay neutral, focus on helping people." Seriously. An offer. That too at this moment.

Othala shrugged, clearly unfazed by the whole thing. "Fair enough. But if you ever change your mind, the offer stands. We could do a lot of good together."

Taylor resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Thanks, but I'm fine where I am."

Panacea snorted, shaking her head at Othala. "I can't believe you just tried to recruit her. You realize who you're talking to, right?"

Othala smirked. "Just making sure all options are considered. Never hurts to ask." She winked at Panacea from behind her mask which only made Panacea scowl a little.

Taylor sighed, turning her attention back to her clone. "Just... be careful, okay? And tell Dad I'm fine and I'll be back as soon as I can."

The clone nodded, her expression softening. "I will. Take care, Mother."

With that, the clone simply stood silently, waiting for further orders. Panacea shook her head again, a bemused smile on her face now as she looked at subservient clone and its master. "You've got your hands full, don't you?"

"Tell me about it," Taylor muttered. "But if it helps keep things under control, it's worth it."

Othala gave her a thoughtful look. "You know, your powers are more than just impressive. They're unique. Don't let anyone take advantage of that."

"I won't," Taylor said firmly. "I know what I can do, and I'm going to use it to help as many people as possible." It was the sole reason, she wasn't joining either the Protectorate or the gangs. She needed to be the perfect balance between the two to be the hope of common people.