Epilogue: after LA

Los Angeles

The guns fell silent as the last alien ship was destroyed and the final grotesque invader eliminated. The battle for Los Angeles was over. In the aftermath, tanks and AFV's scoured Terminal Island and the surrounding area while attack helicopters roared up and down the coast area around Santa Monika looking for signs of any more resistance.

There was none.

The alien reinforcements had been knocked from the sky. Pieces of broken ships littered the ground around the greater Los Angeles area. Already scientists from NASA and members of the NSA poured over what lay on the ground. Trucks were standing by and already a number of pieces had been moved away to labs. Though a seemingly routine undertaking it signaled a significant statement: the invaders who had been on the ground for over a year had been stopped.

There were no prisoners though, the material remnants of the vicious invader. Any attempt to get the infantry caste aliens to surrender had been met with dogged resistance or in many cases the Squids had opted for suicide. Now all that remained were the corpses and their abandoned vehicles.

Those service personnel of the US military that had fought so hard for so long had an opportunity to collect their breath before the daunting task of cleaning up and rebuilding LA began.

"Hellova fight Ron," General McConville declared as he and the area commander toured the aftermath of the fight on Terminal Island.

"It was a tough one but the troops did well," Daily replied, involuntarily wincing every time they passed a burned out human vehicle or body that had not yet been recovered. He'd given orders that everyone was to be accounted for, no matter what. The African American senior officer knew he would have a lot of nightmares over this.

"Any idea how long me and the boys will be here?" McConville asked Daily, catching the vacant stare starting to form so wanting to distract him.

"Well, for sure until we know there's no more threat," the officer responded, snapping out of it since there was still a task at hand, "though I suspect that's finished. But we'll also keep you around until things are stabilized in the city and the police can take over. That could take a while," he declared looking back over his shoulder at the broken city across the bay.

"We're not going anywhere," McConville stated. "We can stay as long as you need us."

The pair returned from their tour and rejoined the command group at the forward operating area's headquarters. While most of the officers were talking loudly and sharing stories of the recent events one sat off by herself not becoming involved in the talks of bravado. Captain Blatchford had a notebook computer on her lap and was tapping away rapidly on the keys.

Noticing General Daily and the commander of the 101st Airborne approach she stopped, closed the lid, adjusting her glasses. "So, find anything interesting?" the Reserve officer with a hint of sarcasm.

Daily chuckled and shook his head at the cheeky reporter. "No, just seeing things for myself. I…I had to…for closure," he confessed.

"I understand," Blatchford answered with a voice suddenly empathetic and nodding her head in understanding. "It's going to take some time to process all this."

"That's for sure. So, Christie, if anyone thinks this is over, they've got another thing coming," Daily declared, suddenly becoming serious. "The Squids are still out there somewhere and we need to be ready if they decide to come back. I could use a good staff intelligence officer permanently what do you think?"

"Thanks for the offer sir but I'd like to get back to doing some writing," the reporter's brow furrowed showing the offer not only caught her off guard but intrigued her, "maybe try to remember what a normal life looks like."

"I bet you got a few good stories to write," McConville interjected.

Blatchford snorted. "Yea, a few." Turning to General Daily, her eyes glowed, "But if you need me, I'll be there."

The United Nations, New York City

The United Nations were finally able to meet after hostilities ended to chart a course for the world's future following the desperate war they'd fought. In the green room behind the platform of the main council chamber a group of military officers waited to be called out for the gathering of a special sitting of the General Assembly of the UN that had been called to not only review the war but share with the world the course of action for the future. So as the group waited to be called for their part of the presentation they watched CNN on a large flat screen TV. A special report on the aftermath of the war was going on and despite the venue none wanted to miss it.

In an unprecedented move CNN anchors Piers Morgan, Soeldad O'Brien and Wolf Blitzer had combined their skills to bring this recap of the situation in the United States and around the world.

After preliminary comments viewers were given an update on the world situation. The initial report focused on the tough-fought but total victory which was old news. But then they began to report on, and assess, some of the big changes in the new world order that seemed to be coming out of the war. China had suffered attacks second in intensity only to the US and had been on the brink of collapse. Without hope, Japan and South Korea voluntarily came to their aid throwing aside historical differences for the good of the region saving the day in the end. The Chinese' sense of honor drove them to a new relationship and stability in region. Interspersed video clips showed smiling delegations from each country shaking hands in a gesture of friendship. Rippling out from that, North Korea had then been forced to change their ways by their ally who no longer was willing to prop up the vicious regime. Surprisingly, the isolationist nation did a miraculous change, welcoming the new way of thinking. Another clip showed the beginning of dismantling of the DMZ between the North and South.

In the Middle East attacks from Muslim terrorists taking advantage of chaos of the alien invasion so revolted the people they rose up and threw off groups like Al Qaeda. Images of leaders who had previously been supported and hidden by oil-rich nations now being led off to prison or execution showed optimism for the volatile region and the rest of the world.

Perhaps some good had come out of the horror of this invasion as people finally began to realize we are all in this together so set aside historic animosity and ego for the common good of mankind. After so much darkness the rays of hope broke through the clouds.

Overall, the United States' sharing of knowledge and lessons-learned during the conflict had been acknowledged as being critical to the salvation of many nations which changed long-standing hostile attitudes towards the US in the world. This brought the opportunity for a new level of co-operation and development that many were excited about. Though the world had won the destruction and loss of life around the world had been huge. The need to rebuild would require the efforts and contributions of all the nations. It seemed as if people were finally ready to give it and work together.

The three anchors then shifted from the world report to a synopsis and recap of what had happened in the United States. The actions on the West Coast were shared with an almost breathless sense of awe by the seasoned reporters. It was a greater story then any author could have come up with, how outnumbered and outgunned the beleaguered human defenders had won the day. Names like Santos, Blatchford, Adukwu, Ritchie, Lockett and Imlay and numerous others joined that of Nantz becoming household names synonymous with bravery and sacrifice. On the East Coast, the one MAC gun that had been deployed had been enough to save New York and the troops in that area that'd in the end possessed more then enough for the small alien contingent.

The anchors switched to a correspondent on Wall Street who reported that with the aliens gone the clean up and rebuilding of the attacked cities was already beginning. Some were predicting it would create another economic boom. The stock market had reopened and already showed the optimism of the future.

The rapid-fire program then shifted to NASA headquarters in Washington where another reporter had been informed the space agency and the NSA was beginning to study the alien technology with plans to reverse engineer it. Already a critical discovery had been made in space travel courtesy of a grounded alien capital ship. The director of NASA then came on to report that if the aliens, or any others like it, returned in the future, man would be ready for them and given time, could go out into space and get them.

From Washington the focus shifted to Terminal Island LA and an update on the heroes of the defense and those who had taken part in destroying the alien shield generator. It was announced that Air Force Tech Sergeant Elena Santos had been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for sacrificing her life to blow up the device. Gunnery Sergeant Mike Nantz had been awarded a Navy Cross to go with the CMH he'd still not received. The report added he was to receive it at a special ceremony at the White House in two weeks. Other members of the team had all been awarded a Defense Distinguished Service Medal. A curious and intriguing story was also reported about a Navy Corpsman named Jibril Adukwu who had single-handed rescued a downed Navy pilot during the defense of the bridges to Terminal Island. The selfless act of courage had brought him recognition across the nation which went along with an announcement of him being award the Navy Cross. Finally, the 2nd Battalion of the 5th Marines had been awarded a Presidential Citation not only for their bridge defense but actions throughout the campaign.

The broadcast flipped to the Pentagon where one of the members of the Joint Chief's of Staff was announcing to a packed gallery the issuing of an Alien Defense Campaign Medal to all who had participated in the war against the invaders. The usually reserved reporters broke into applause at the worthy recognition. Yes, many things were changing.

"Sorry, but we're going to interrupt the press conference at the Pentagon," Piers Morgan broke in on the reporter at the Pentagon, "to take you live to the United Nations Headquarters in New York where the Secretary General of the UN is about to address not only the delegates but the world. We switch you there now…."

Ban Ki-moon stepped before the podium and seemed uncharacteristically nervous. People watching began to wonder if he had some bad news to share or the weight of all that had gone on finally overwhelmed him. Adjusting his glasses he turned and faced the television cameras and the assembly. "Ladies and gentlemen not only of the United Nations but also of the world watching now," he began in excellent English though tinged with a Korean accent, "I am pleased to announce the cessation of hostilies around the world with our alien invaders. No longer is there any direct threat from them. We have suffered for well over a year under attack without provocation while our attempts to dialogue with these invaders went unanswered or answered by brazen attack. It was only through the unprecedented co-operation of the nations of the world we were able to overcome this. We have learned a valuable lesson in the importance of working together I trust we will never forget. The cost in human lives has been extreme and the economic impact staggering. But we are resilient and we will rise up from the ashes. We still stand!"

A polite round of applause was given for the statement everyone already knew. The never before seen co-operation especially among the most powerful nations was already the talk of the world giving rise to the hope for the dawn of a new era, good coming out of tragedy. That was not why the people were tuning in.

Secretary-General Moon finished his preamble and got to the point. "Though the co-operation we enjoyed has brought change we also must be aware now that we are not alone in the universe. We have been attacked without warning and may be again. Therefore, I am pleased to announce that steps are being taken to address any future threat from space. By unanimous approval of the Security Council I am pleased to announce the formation of our newest division, the United Nations Space Corp. The UNSC will be funded equally by the nations of the Security Council and will act as our military arm for future space endeavors. We have all realized the responsibility does not belong to any one nation to bear so all will be working together on this. At this time I am also honored to announce its first commander, a man who showed his meddle in the recent campaign in the Los Angeles Theatre of Operations. Please welcome General Ronald Daily of the United States Marine Corp."

The assembly responded with thunderous applause as the delegates broke into a spontaneous standing ovation. General Daily walked confidently towards the podium, a look of resolution on his face to accept the charge.

The White House, Washington DC

Mike fidgeted in his dress blues, feeling uncomfortable. The fall day had been perfect for the outdoor event, sunny with a nip in the air but he'd always been more at ease in his combats then the dress uniform. The attention he'd been receiving in the iconic uniform made him even more so. Across from where he and the others from his company stood at ease there had to be at least a hundred video cameras and another hundred photographers in the press gallery.

Remember, the people need heroes, Michele had reminded him so he stopped fidgeting.

Mike stole a glance down at the shining gold wedding ring on his finger then lifted his eyes to scan the crowd. He saw Michele sitting in the front row of the VIP area looking beautiful in a tailored navy blue dress. The look on her face as she stared at him melted his heart: unbridled love. Sitting beside her, holding her hand was Hector who looked handsome in the suit he didn't want to wear but doing it for the occasion. The paperwork for adoption was already going through. Soon they'd be together as a family legally.

Father Alexander had married them and Mike could see the priest sitting in the gallery with a peaceful look on his face. The couple had met with him for a brief session of pre-marital counseling and would continue to do so. Mike was determined they would make it and what had happened in his previous marriage wouldn't. Both wanted to experience the same thing: the joy of the two becoming one flesh in more then the physical. Besides, the couple had Hector to look after and neither was going to let him down.

The priest had introduced them to a tough-looking Military Police officer named Gwen Langois who he'd told them was instrumental in rescuing Hector from his scheming aunt. Michele and Mike owed her a debt they couldn't repay. The Cajun brushed it off but the couple could see she'd been moved by the experience. The soldier had told them she was going to be leaving the Army to join the reforming LAPD so she could more directly help kids especially in need. The police department was getting a great asset.

The newly married couple had discussed what to do with Hector's name and had decided to leave it as it was in tribute to the boy's heroic father. They would allow him the option to change it or keep the status quo when he was of age and could decide on his own. They knew what a gift they were receiving in the new son but didn't need to deny his heritage to show it. The couple was determined he'd keep his identity and they'd build off of it. Besides, they were excited about building their own family. Mike's eyes twinkled as he thought about the pleasant process to get there as he listened to a senior senator of Congress begin to speak following the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"How much longer is this going to go on?" Lockett declared to his friends under his breath as the politician droned on and on. The newly promoted Sergeant turned his head slightly to talk to the other survivors of the attack on the shield generator.

Lockett, Harris, Imlay and Ortega had all been brought with Mike to the White House to receive their medals along with their battalion commander LCol Ritchie and their platoon commander, the recently promoted Captain Gordon. Each of the men in turn had been promoted. Ortega had been elevated to Corporal, Harris and Imlay to Sergeant. Right now though Imlay was wrestling with the offer he'd received of promotion to officer for the leadership he'd shown. Though tempted by the offer he also felt bad Lockett hadn't been given the same opportunity. The handsome African American had laughed at his friend's sentimentality and told him to do it since they needed good officers.

Kevin Harris kept looking at his wife out of the corner of his eye. The bespectacled Marine had finally been able to marry Cherise. His bride sat beside Hector in the VIP gallery looking stunning in a form-fitting white dress.

Now Corporal Ortega caught the look and chuckled at the star-crossed lover. "Your wife is fine Mano. Too bad Cherise didn't have a sister."

"Yea, but she does have a cousin," Harris reported in a low voice.

"Bro!" the Mexican Marine beamed and the others couldn't help but chuckle causing a sharp look from the Marine Sergeant-Major at the end of the line who had been escorting them.

The foursome of friends did their best to stifle their laughter but couldn't. The elation of the moment, being alive, and now being celebrities was a bit much to take. Though the Sergeant-Major chided them no one else in the assembled group thought the lesser of the men. Their stories were legendary. Everyone knew they'd been to Hell and back so allowed them some frivolity.

The preliminary speeches ended and finally it was time for the President to present the medals. They went out in order of precedent and finally there was only Mike's. The seasoned warrior felt a sudden surge of panic at the attention as every camera focused on him as the President walked up to him. Mike looked to Michele who beamed. The President could sense the unease of the warrior so with a twinkle in his eye gave him a wink which set Mike at ease. The President took first the Navy Cross then the Congressional Medal of Honor and pinned them on Mike's dress uniform. Then in a surprising breech of protocol the Commander-in-Chief stepped back and snapped off a salute at Mike. Stunned at the gesture he automatically returned it. The crowd gasped at the gesture then broke into applause.

It had been prearranged that Mike would says some words of acceptance so he followed the President to a microphone set up in front of the gallery. He stepped up, gulped and took a deep breath. He saw Father Alexander give him a thumbs up and he spoke. "Mr. President, members of Congress, ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for the honor bestowed on me this day and the recognition you've given me. I've said before I was not worthy of this honor but I appreciate it. I accept this on behalf of all the Marines in E Company of the 2nd Battalion 5th Marines who didn't make it and didn't get the chance to be recognized for their sacrifice. They are the heroes today, the ones who are not with us. I also accept this on behalf of Second Lieutenant William Martinez who if not for his sacrifice I or most of the men before you would not be here. He is the true hero today and one that should be remembered. I accept this in his honor."

Mike then abruptly stopped speaking as his voice choked and in a moment not on the script he suddenly walked towards the gallery to where Michele sat. Beside her, holding his wife's hand, was Kathy Martinez and her baby. As reporters scrambled to get into position and Public Affairs Officers whispered frantically to slow down, Mike removed his Congressional Medal of Honor and pinned it on the baby boy. Starting to cry Mike declared, "This should have gone to him. This is from a grateful nation and a grateful man. Thank you." Kathy was weeping by this point. The emotional woman stood up and hugged Mike. They held onto each other for a few moments then with still tear-stained eyes Mike marched back to the line ramrod straight, did an about face and stood with the others.

That moment would be replayed for years to come and would define the war effort in many ways.

With great dignity the President moved from the line of Marines towards a podium with the Seal of Office on it. For a moment he too seemed overwhelmed by the situation and had to stop to wipe tears from his eyes. He paused again as his advisors cringed and the cameras continued to roll. The President of the United in that moment knew this was not about politics. Taking the leather bound folder sitting on the podium which contained his speech he closed it and instead talked to the gathered group and by extension the people of the United States from the heart. "I have been deeply moved today in a way I haven't in many years. We all know about the courage of those assembled before us and we've heard already about what they've done. But it's time for us to move beyond the observation of these and thousands of other heroes of this war and start to live by the things they stand for. Its time for us to put away false heroes and look to those who selflessly give of themselves willingly for a cause greater then themselves. President Kennedy once said 'ask not what your nation can do for you but what you can do for your nation' and I echo those words today. I am ashamed that it's taken a war of this magnitude to remind me of that need and I want to change. My fellow Americans, I want us as a nation to finally put partisan divisions aside for the good of the country. For my colleagues in Washington, let us forget politics and become statesmen once more like those who built this great land working for the good of it. We have the examples of those who gave so much of themselves. They demand the same thing from their leaders. There once was a dream that our forefathers had, of a strong, free, proud and honorable America. I've allowed this dream to slip away. We've all allowed the land to slip from us. As we rebuild the damage done may we rebuild more, may we rebuild the character of this once proud nation. Let us once again be a people who can have righteous pride. It's time to start afresh and do it a different way. The work at hand starts right now. God bless America!"

The President then walked away from the podium and went straight to the group of Marines. He spontaneously embraced Mike and said simply, "Thank you for the lesson you gave me." He then went down the line and embraced each of the surprised Marines assembled.

The ceremony was done and since protocol had seemed to be thrown out the window rreporters swarmed around Mike and the others. Despite the chaos caused by the scrum and the discomfort of the attention Mike felt the soft touch of Michele's hand in his and knew not only it was well but it would be well. He'd gone through the intersection, both of them had, and they were now on a new and exciting journey together.

"Gunnery Sergeant Nantz, we congratulate you on your recent marriage," a reporter called out. Then he asked, "What are your plans?"

As the camera recorded Mike looked first at Michele, then Hector and grinned. "It's time for a honeymoon. We're going to Disneyland, because it's still standing."

The End

Author's note: thanks for reading! I appreciate all of you who have been along for the journey. I especially appreciate those who have given me encouragement and support over the process of writing this story. A special thanks goes out to TheRazgrizdragon, Kirk-vamp-fan, Badkarma00, Bud89 and Wolf-Angel 25 for their continued positive feedback, input on the story and general encouragement throughout. I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks to all who subscribed to the story, favorited it and trusted me with your precious reading time. I'm humbled by it.

As we go forward, look for your own intersections in life and live the adventure! Life's not defined by what happens to us but by what we do with it.

It's always sad to me when a story is done but then the excitement begins to build for the next one. I'll be taking a short break and then will be back with more adventures. God bless and keep you all.

Yours truly,

Chris