Imagine Person A is drafted into the army, after a period of four years, Person A stops communicating back and disappears, then shows up years later on Person B's doorstep, who has been waiting for them this whole time

She ran her fingers steadily over the words. It had been years since they had trembled in the same action.

Words. Three simple words. 'Missing in Action.'

No words had held such power over her in the past. No words had clenched at her heart in such a way. No words had cut into her soul as these did. At least, no written words.

"Drafted? You've been drafted?"

"It isn't my choice, Helena. The war with North Korea isn't going as well as anyone expected, and we need troops."

She moved her fingers slightly. More words. 'Captain Myka Bering.'

"I'm an officer, Helena; I'll be slightly safer than the young boys they are pulling in."

She folded the paper carefully. The folds were ready to rip at any moment, but Helena would not let it happen. Her last communication regarding Myka.

She stood up, and carefully put the paper back in its place on her desk. She ran a finger over the solitary frame on the desk.

She couldn't help but glance at the picture. Myka in her Dress Blues, sitting in front of an American flag.

A smaller picture had been tucked in the corner over the glass. Helena clinging to Myka, dressed in her ACUs, in an airport.

"I will be back before you know it. Time couldn't keep us apart; do you really think some crazy dictator will?"

She walked through the B&B, to the kitchen. Everything had changed in the past nine years.

Claudia had officially become the Warehouse Caretaker. New agents had come and gone. Artie had practically retired. Jinks had taken over his job. Pete had come back from the war with intense PTSD. Myka had not come back at all.

"They aren't sure when we will able to come home."

"It has already been almost a year, darling."

"And from rumors I've heard, it may be another year."

She pulled out the kettle, and started to heat some water for tea.

The war had caught the United States by surprise; in the middle of downsizing their military, and the North Koreans being better equipped and better skilled than expected. They had been forced to not only institute the draft, but include females.

It had completely changed the style of warfare. It had become a mix of tactics used in the Middle East, and those used in the first Korean War.

Troops were kept on ground for over a year, then were given the shortest R&R leave possible.

"It's only two weeks, darling."

"It's better than nothing, Helena."

The water finished, and she poured it into her mug with the tea bag. Two knocks filled the house. Helena jumped, splashing water onto her hand. A curse slipped from her lips.

She ran her hand under some cool water, and wrapped it in a clean towel.

She turned to the hallway and froze. Her mind turned to the last time someone had knocked twice.

"I'm sorry, ma'am."

"They will find her, Helena."

She forced the memories away. There was no way this could be that bad.

She walked to the door, paused to take a breath, and opened it.

"Myka?"

"I love you, Helena. I promise, I will come home."

I don't own them.