A stone flew through the air and splashed in the small stream that was trickling down from higher up in the hills. Tyran watched the ripples spread out disappear in the water. He picked up another stone and threw it in.
"Hey there," said Kira as he approached Tyran.
Tyran looked up and forced a small smile as his friend came and sat along side him.
"How you holding up?"
"As well as can be expected...," replied Tyran, as he threw another stone.
"How's Karissa now?"
"She's gone back to the ship. I didn't see any need for her to be here, and she needs some time alone."
"Benton and I think we can lock the gate onto specific coordinates," said Kira. "I just need to be able to make sure I can send us that far back in time."
"I... I can't believe the Captain's dead, Kira."
"You have to remember that he died trying to save the galaxy. That could have easily been you or me in his position. Anyway, we're only a few steps away from ending this threat. Let's be thankful for that. Anyway, I need to get back to the gate. I just wanted to come up and see how you were doing. Are you going to be okay?"
"Yeah, fine," replied Tyran, forcing another smile.
"Okay, I'll see you later. We'll let you know when there's some more progress on the gate."
"Thanks."
As Kira walked back into the complex, Tyran stood up and began walking along the stream. The field was a mess, with debris from the tanks and fighters. Dead bodies still littered the field, monkeys and pirates. Medical teams from the *Ronin* were beginning to dispose of the bodies, directed by Dr. Hancock. Security teams were emerging from the forests, with pirates held at gunpoint with their arms in the air. He walked on through the mess until he'd reached the top of a nearby hill.
It was now well into the evening and the sun was beginning to set. Tyran felt someone touching his shoulders and he turned around to meet his wife. She took him in a hug and then they turned and watched the sun set, happy they were both still alive.