YOU DID IT.

Mad saw Taps Cobb lying before her, his midsection a mess of blood and torn clothing.

We did it, Taps, she thought. We all did. You're going to be fine.

Good, Taps smiled. Because I never got to tell you.

"Tell me what?" Mad whispered. Like always, the image of Taps faded away, forcing her back to reality.

Admiral Trisk stood before a wide screen at the far end of the Freedom's darkened briefing room. Mad sat at the room's long table, feeling out of ...