Epilogue

"Hi," Nick said awkwardly. "Feel okay?"

"Is that thing out of my head?" Susan asked.

"Yup. You had us worried for a while there. You were out for three days."

"Where's your father?"

Nick shrugged. "After the operation was finished, there was suddenly a flash of bright light, and the next thing we knew he was gone. And not a moment too soon; Prime Jennings arrived at the scene."

"What'd he say?"

"Ril filled him in. He was rather surprised at first, but he soon acquitted you of all charges of illegally commandeering a hovercar, and helping a felon break out of jail. 'Extraordinary circumstances', he said."

"And the probe?"

Nick smiled. "Gone. Vapourized. We dropped it into a trash disposal unit. I think the next time we see it, it'll be in the form of recycled food."

"Then I suppose it's for the best." Susan blinked back tears. Then she gave up on that, and suddenly and fiercely hugged Nick.

Nick was startled. "Now what?"

"Nothing. Just...... thank you. For being here."

Nick noticed the other members of Alpha group standing in the medbay doorway. "Don't just stand there," he whispered fiercely to them. "Do something!"

Nar turned to Ril. "So, what do you think?"

Ril shrugged, hiding a smile. "I think it's a private conversation."

"I think so too."

With that, Alpha group stepped out of sight.

Nick was nonplused. "Guys? Guys!"

There was no response.

"Guys! Hey, this isn't funny! Guys?"