Epilogue
The machine was back in its cave in Uganda. That had seemed the right place for now, while they decided what, if anything, they should do with it.
Part of her—the reckless part which would always be integral to who she was—really wanted to go exploring time, to see dinosaurs, visit ancient Rome, the wild west. The other part, the more mature part—ugh—knew that it was too dangerous.
She could go back and change some seemingly minor incident and the whole of reality could be remade forever.
She could come back and find all her friends had never been born.
She wouldn’t risk it. For now. But who knew what the future would bring?
They’d been here for a month—all of the Kindred together.
She could sense them like a buzz in the background.
The Krellians had left the planet, but were staying close for now, negotiating with various governments, while trying to decide whether they could find a home on this planet.
They still didn’t know if they were safe from the Bhaxians.
Or the humans. She hoped they would stay.
The world would be a more interesting place with a few aliens around.
Sam had grown strong and tanned under the Ugandan sun. He was swimming in the pool now, then floating on his back, while she and Kane watched from the bank.
“He’s happy,” she said. That made everything worthwhile.
He’d come around to the news of his death remarkably well. This new Sam had no memory of that painful event, though he’d been in her mind and seen what had happened. He’d been saddened rather than angry. But that was Sam.
“I know.” Kane took her hand. “How about you? Are you happy?”
She didn’t answer straight away. Instead, she looked inside herself.
Something was missing. Something that had been a constant companion for so long.
Guilt. Self-hatred. They were gone. And inside herself was a deep well of strength and yes.
..she almost didn’t recognize it. It was so new and shiny.
Happiness. She leaned her head on his shoulder. “Yes, I’m happy. Thank you.”
“Me too.”
“But it’s more than that. For the first time in my life, I feel at peace.
” This was time out. There was nothing to do, nowhere they needed to go right now.
Nobody was trying to kill her. It was a new experience.
“Sounds boring, doesn’t it? But it’s sort of nice.
The absence of danger. The likelihood of a future. Weird.”
“I doubt it will last. So, let’s enjoy it while we can.”
He was right. Out there was a whole world and they’d saved it.
That meant it was their responsibility. Soon they would decide how to move forward, how to reveal themselves to the rest of humanity.
But for now, they were here, Sam was alive, and Kane was at her side.
She’d never imagined that love could change her so completely.
He must have caught the thought because he turned his head and gave her a slow, drugging kiss.
“Ugh,” said a voice close by, and she glanced up as Sam came out of the water.
He plonked himself down on the sand beside her.
“You once said you would never, ever fall in love. That love was for idiots,” he said.
“It’s like I went to sleep, and everything’s gone weird. My sister morphed into a real girl.”
She snorted. But she knew he liked Kane, so she ignored the comment.
Besides, he was right. It was weird. She’d grown up so much in the years since Sam had died.
He had a lot of catching up to do. At least now he would have the chance.
And she had no doubt that one day he would fall in love as well.
The future stretched out ahead of her, all bright and beautiful.
And maybe one day they would actually get that world with no more lies.
The End
Hope you enjoyed Unstoppable.
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