Disclaimer: None of the characters belong to me, but instead to Saban. This takes place during "Countdown to Destruction, part 2" (written by Judd Lynn), part of a series detailing the events and aftermath of the two-parter, and has a small amount of dialogue from it.

This is the ninth of the "Destruction... and after" series of stories and was written December 21, 1998.

One Less Than Normal
by Selma McCrory
copyright 1998

He's not here. He's not here to celebrate here with us.

I never thought we'd win, but he wouldn't be here with us. I wonder where his body is? After we celebrate enough, I'll have to go to the dark fortress and see where he died. Nobody better stop me, although I don't think anyone will. I'll make sure he's buried, with whatever ceremonies are normal for K0-35's culture. Zhane or DECA can tell me what those are.

The celebration is sweeping past me, and I can see the worry in Cassie's eyes. "I don't think he's coming back," I say, and I can see the pain of the truth in her eyes. At least she has someone, if anyone ever finds Phantom.

I'm going to cry now, I know. At least the celebration gives me the cover. Nobody's going to notice, even if I am one of the heroes of the day....

Something's happening. I swing from the shelter of the beam and look up as people stop and stare around me. I am vaguely aware that the others are nearby. Oh no.

The dark fortress is descending. Who on there survived the golden thing? I'm afraid to ask. At least it's landing in a clear area- nobody's going to die. How considerate of whoever.

The ramp is descending, the great ramp of the huge ship. Someone's emerging. I can't see who it is... until...

"Andros!" I cry, taking off. Right now, I don't care about anything else.

-end

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