Rowan stood at the head of a line made up of every member of Fox Squad, including two new faces. At the very end of the line, past Gerrit and Carter, stood Adlai Fletcher and Wren Solberg, both wearing brand new dress uniforms, like everyone else present. Across the aisle from them stoof Ocelot Squad, also with new members, four, in their case. Cade, Tess and two of Fletcher and Solberg's fellow trainees, Cadets Coleman and Walker. The packaged deal. And, behind them, were the rest of the crew of the Horizon.

The Horizon itself was being rebuilt, just beyond them, on a platform in the bay. That was why they were all there; the Horizon was being rechristened. They had all been fully pardoned for rescuing the people taken from the School, and for coming to the rescue at the Hub.

What was more, Rowan, Ripple and Stark had both been officially promoted, and every member of every squad that had fought on Hosk received a commendation and a medal. And there were more ceremonies to come.

Colonel Knightley stood at a podium, facing the assembled Rangers, and she wasn't alone. At each of her shoulders stood Colonel Schwartz, and, surprise of surprise, Dr. Beech. The old man leaned on a cane, his shrewd gaze taking in everything around him. He looked well and truly alive, such a departure from when Rowan had first seen him.

With him, their eyes wide and excited, were his two scientist friends, the pair that had worked with him in that hellish lab. It turned out their names were Hale and Wells, the irony of which wasn't lost on Rowan–or anyone else, for that matter. The two scientists had been mercilessly teased since they'd met everyone. But it was all good-natured.

Colonel Knightley raised a hand for quiet, and a hush fell over the people assembled in Rangers' Square. "Ladies and gentlemen," she said, her low, melodic voice echoing in the sudden silence. Rowan could hear the flags flapping in the wind, it was so quiet.

"We stand here today to honor an act of bravery and heroism that saved this city, this organization, and our values," Colonel Knightley went on. "These people standing before you deserve to be called no less than heroes for what they dared to do.

"A month ago today, a facility of ours was attacked, and the crew of the IRC Horizon was dispatched to investigate. Over the course of their mission, one crew member, Lieutenant Rowan, gave up her freedom to save her fellows. It was thought–erroneously–that to recover her would be a waste of manpower that was needed elsewhere, and so the order was given for the Horizon and its crew to cease and desist, and to return immediately to this very location.

"But, in an act of courage, the crew chose to disobey this direct order, and a select team put together by Captain Falk and Sergeant Ellis was dispatched from the ship to gather information. Within hours, they had learned that Lieutenant Rowan was not the only prisoner being kept in a secret prison by the terrorist organization the Red Night.

"In secret, the crew of the Horizon mounted a daring attack on this prison, freeing hundreds of people and allowing for Lieutenant Rowan and other Rangers who had been held there to pass on vital information to us."

A well-placed elbow to her ribs made Rowan glance furtively around, coming face to face with Levi, who whispered, "So they're calling it 'a daring attack' now, huh? Funny, when we did it it was treason."

Rowan had to work very, very hard not to let out a snort of amusement, and ducked her head until her urge to smile had passed. "Shut up, asshole," she whispered, fighting so hard to keep a straight face. Somewhere nearby giggled, then covered it with a coughing fit, and soon the people nearby were fighting to stay sober, and the interruption grew into something rather loud and obtrusive, which culminated in Colonel Knightley having to pause her speech to roll her eyes and wait for everyone to quiet down.

Falk even leaned over, and hissed, "Alright, everyone. Calm the fuck down!"

And, of course, that led to even more muffled giggles, and more reprimands from various other superior officers, and, over all, it took at least a minute for order to be restored, at which point various important people were looking uncomfortable and annoyed.

Colonel Knightley let out a bit of a sigh and began again. "As I was saying, they managed to retrieve the surviving prisoners, and then learned that our own facility, right here, was under attack. By now, the Horizon had been declared to have gone rogue, and a hunt was underway for it and its crew. Yet, fully knowing they could wind up in prison, the crew of the Horizon came to our aid anyway, overcoming impossible odds with traitors at our midsts, and saved the day.

"That is why, right here, today, we are gathered to celebrate this ship's crew, and the ship's own history, in rechristening the IRC Horizon. It's new name: the IRC Rogue, in honor of the actions of her crew! Ladies and gentlemen, the IRC Rogue and her crew!"

A massive roar rose from the gathered spectators, and Rowan and the rest of the crew all saluted in sync as fireworks exploded against the sunset-streaked sky and confetti rained down on them. Several spotlights swung around to focus on the ship, and, standing in front of it, the dramatic silhouette of its crew. Two hundred and fifty people: one hundred and thirty Rangers, one hundred marines, and approximately twenty army cadets and their trainer, officially on permanent assignment to the Rogue.

Colonel Schwartz stepped up to the podium and cleared his throat. "There's more," he said gruffly. "We feel it is only right to acknowledge the individuals who have proved their heroism over the course of this campaign. We have selected six people to receive special commendations for all that they have done, for the Rangers and for the Colonial Network.

"So, without further ado, the names and ranks of these six heroes:" Colonel Schwartz announced. "First, Commander Evander Stark!" The roar that went up from the crew of the Rogue, as it was now called, swallowed up everything, for a moment, and Rowan couldn't resist letting a little squeal escape.

"Lieutenant Levi Reid," Colonel Schwartz went on, and, again, the cheers were thunderous. "Officer Gerrit Lim!" Again, a massive roar, and it went on. "Officer Tess Kincaid!" Yup, Tess definitely deserved that. She had, after all, been the only Ranger to escape capture or death in the raid on the School.

"Sergeant Ripple Ellis!" Of course, because without the team Ripple had put together, no one would have had the information they needed to take down the Red Night, once and for all. Her capture of Callum Day, one of the original Red Night members, had given them access to all the old man's knowledge, which he had been happy to give up, in the end.

Now, everyone waited with bated breath for the last name to be announced, and, truthfully, Rowan couldn't even formulate a theory on who it would be. There were so many people who had proved their heroism, and deserved the recognition that...

Colonel Schwartz announced, "Lieutenant Eli Rowan!" and Rowan froze, stunned. What she had done didn't compare to what the rest of the crew had. In fact, she had caused so many problems she was surprised she hadn't been court martialed.

"And, ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our ceremony," Colonel Schwartz finished. "Thank you all so much for attending this evening, and have a wonderful night!"

And, just like that, it was over. The whole operation, the stress of the last few weeks–god, had it only been days since they'd all gone out drinking?–it was all over, and everything was resolved. The Hub was nearly completely repaired, and so was the Rogue. Everything was coming together like the pieces of a puzzle finally slotting into place.

Rowan couldn't help wondering how long it could possibly last.

***

Rowan lay in bed, her legs tangled up with Keely's. They're reunion had been... 'odd' was possibly the most fitting word. There had been excitement, yes, but tinged with the knowledge that the time had come for them to make a decision as to what they were.

They were headed towards being more than friends, but Rowan knew she didn't want anything serious yet, especially now that Cailee was in her care. The little girl had to be the center of her world, now. Cailee deserved that much, and more. Rowan was finding, quite quickly, that she would do anything for her, and she didn't know how Keely would fit into that.

Because if Rowan decided that they're relationship couldn't be serious, but that they should still be... something, that would mean she would lose Keely's friendship, and Rowan didn't make friends easily enough to even consider that.

Which meant that they're relationship, such that it was, was destined for the platonic, not the sexual or the romantic. And Rowan wished that what they had didn't have to change, but that wish was completely worthless, because it had to, for better or for worse.

Keely stirred in Rowan's arms, and, wanting to prolong the inevitable, Rowan made herself speak first. "Can I make you breakfast?"

Keely smiled sleepily. "You made me dinner last night," she pointed out. "It doesn't seem fair that you keep cooking for me."

Rowan gave a liquid shrug. "I like to cook," she said. "Gingerbread pancakes?"

Keely moaned a bit. "Fuck, you're spoiling me," she muttered. "Do you even need to ask? I'm pretty sure you already know my answer."

Rowan slipped out of bed and, on her way to gather the ingredients she'd need, she flicked on the tea kettle. The conversation she needed to have would be a thousand times harder without caffeine first. With a deep sigh she pulled out a big mixing bowl.

As she began to make the pancake batter, Rowan felt a moment of icy panic, for no reason she could name. For that second, she thought she felt an iron manicle brush up against the side of the mixing bowl, like her hands were still in cuffs, and she rubbed absently at her wrist. It had been easy to distance herself from everything that they had done to her at the ceremony, yesterday. The air had practically tasted of celebration, and she'd known exactly where she was.

But, in her tiny loft, with sleep still dogging her, a sense of claustrophobia and fear had set in. Taking a deep, heavy breath, she shook her head to clear it and busied herself with cracking eggs and measuring everything out. Then, while she let the eggs and milk come up to room temperature and waited for the butter to melt, she lay out several strips of bacon on a cookie sheet that she'd lined with aluminum foil to keep the bacon grease from dripping, and drizzled the meat with maple syrup. Giving herself no time to think, she popped the tray into the oven and went back to the batter.

By then, the kettle was boiling, and Keely padded over, barefoot, and poured two mugs of tea. Her soft footsteps slipped up behind Rowan, and, hesitantly, Keely asked, "Are you okay?"

Rowan nearly spilled the milk she was pouring into the bowl. Yeah, that was probably all the answer Keely needed. So Rowan decided honesty was her best course of action. "When it's... quiet, like this, I guess my mind just runs away with me, and I start... remembering things. Remembering what happened."

Keely wrapped her arms around Rowan's waist. "That does tend to be the way the mind works," she pointed out. "Anything you want to talk about?"

Rowan checked the bacon, and, deciding that it was far enough along, started the pancakes. "Not really," she said. "I feel like if I talk about it, I won't be able to let it go. I mean, I know that's bullshit, and that, really, talking about it makes it easier, but... I guess I'm not ready."

Keely leaned over and kissed her ear. "I get it," she said softly. For a moment, they just stood there as Rowan waited to flip the pancakes, Keely's arms wrapped around her. Finally, Keely bestirred herself. "Anything I can do to help?"

Rowan glanced around her tiny flat. "You could always set the table, but you don't have to if you don't want to."

Keely chuckled, an oddly sensual sound that almost, almost, made Rowan want more than what they were. Almost. "I wouldn't have offered if I didn't want to help," Keely said, her eyes shining with amusement. "Now, I think I know my way around the kitchen by now, but I might need some advice."

They spent the next few minutes getting everything in order, and finally Rowan carried the plates of bacon and pancakes over to the table. Keely was already sitting down, her eyes on the steaming platters of food. Rowan slid into her own seat across from her, setting the food down in the middle of the table.

"Looks good," Keely said, although it wasn't as enthusiastic as Rowan had expected. It was like a pall had fallen over them, like they both knew exactly what was coming. Keely served herself, and then Rowan, in silence.

They ate, talking occasionally about the mundane, but mostly in quiet, like they were soaking in the feeling of each other's presence, like they were trying to remember everything about each other. Rowan found herself practically chronicling every detail about Keely, the way she ate, the way she toyed with her hair when she was deep in thought, the way her eyes always smiled, even when her mouth was still, even when she was upset.

They had cleaned their plates, and Rowan was considering seconds, when Keely spoke up. "Rowan? I'm not sure we should... keep doing... whatever this is."

Absurdly, even though she knew this was the final nail in the coffin of their relationship, Rowan's heart gave a relieved flip. So, she wasn't the only one who knew the reality they were living in. "I agree... but, well, I'd like to know your reasons."

Keely gave a languid shrug. "Now, you have Cailee to worry about, and I know she's being kept in a foster home until next week, but you still won't have time for any kind of relationship. Trust me, I have siblings. I know. Kids take up all your time and attention." There was a long pause filled with hesitancy, like Keely wasn't sure whether to go on. Rowan stayed silent; she agreed with Keely's reasoning, so far. "Also..." Keely took a breath before continuing. "I want something more, something... permanent, long-term, and I know you. You aren't ready for that."

Rowan decided to say her bit, now. "And, well, I would suggest staying as we are, but... that's not an option, because I know that, eventually, whatever we have will be corrupted by the uncertainty, and, well, I don't want to lose your friendship, K."

Keely pushed her chair back and stood. Her eyes lost their smile as she came around the table and wrapped Rowan up in a massive hug. "You won't," she said confidently.

"Oh, good," Rowan said weakly. She wasn't quite sure what the etiquette for this conversation was, even though... "Because I'm still friends with all my exes–and I mean properly friends, not 'oh, let's still be friends' friends, that you never see again. I would hate to break that streak, now."

Keely chuckled. "I can't imagine you staying friends with an ex," she said, and even though her laugh was shaky, Rowan knew they were still friends. "You're too abrasive."

"Don't laugh," Rowan said, laughing herself. "Look at me and Holden. We used to... well, 'date' would be too generous. 'Fuck' is more accurately. And now I'm his C.O. We're definitely still friends."

Keely snorted. "Charming," she said flatly. "Who else?"

Rowan gave a lopsided grin. "Slater," she said. "That one was more like 'dating,' but our dates usually consisted of going to the shooting range, or rock climbing, or free diving. We were both going through 'numb' phases, where neither of us was feeling much, and we both hated ourselves, so we became adrenaline junkies. We were... angry. So angry. And we took it out on each other. We were always bickering, and challenging each other. Sometimes, I think that if we hadn't ended it, one of us might have wound up dead from some stupid dare or another."

"Sounds like a wonderful, completely healthy relationship," Keely said sarcastically.

"Oh, completely," Rowan answered with a snort. "But nobody but Slater appreciates the beauty of a gun like I do."

"Not even Ripple or Levi?" Keely asked, and she sounded genuinely curious.

"Ripple is quite attached to her knives," Rowan explained. "And Levi's big on hand-to-hand. He's tall, so he can get away with it. And, before you ask, Stark's also a hand-to-hand guy. But that's probably because he's fucking massive."

Keely snorted, and Rowan wondered if Keely had picked up that habit from her; Rowan herself had caught it from Stark. "What about your new cadet? Fletcher, right?"

Rowan thought about it. Adlai was proving to be a very good shot, and she clearly liked sharpshooting. "I guess we'll find out," Rowan said simply. She didn't have a better answer yet. Only time would tell.