Content/Ep6Epilogue

"I'm... glad you're back."

The mist before him swirled, almost seeming agitated. He knew it was his imagination, though. This individual didn't show emotion, doesn't understand it.

Can't die anyway, so couldn't have had any fear. Not like him.

"I am glad to be back, Jim, and I'm glad you've kept things going in my absence."

Jim's fear was of Humans, he knew them so well, and he knew what it meant to care about one.

"I did my best... I moved the plan along..."

A laugh, or a very good approximation of one - it's very hard for someone who doesn't understand emotion to echo the passion involved in a laugh. "In your own direction, no doubt!"

Jim knew why he was drawn to Nowhere Man, why he had agreed to become Monolith, why he had done things... because this was the one person he had ever known who couldn't leave him, needed him and both could and would transcend death to ensure they remained together, helping each other.

He found himself smiling. It had been a quiet month without his... friend.

"Yes, that's true... the infiltrators are amongst the fledglings now... both the second-gens and the clones."

Another swirl, he even partially formed into a shape this time.

"Excellent. The final piece will have been activated with my return to this dimension, so I think we can rely on as close to 100% success with this generation as we could have expected."

A moment passed as the two smiled at each other, knowing the consequences of this. It was, after all, excellent news.

"Will the second-gens definitely pick up the extra abilities?"

"I can't say. We'll have to wait and see. Imagine how much we'll learn from this, finally having the opportunity to do this."

Another pause.

"And the children?"

"Will never be born here. Not our problem."

"As you say, but..."

"If we can save one world, the saved can save other worlds. That's our best hope, and I am sure the others must understand that."

Monolith looked at the floor for a moment, before meeting Nowhere Man's gaze once more.

"OK. So what's next?"

Another pause. Even Nowhere Man needed time to think.

"Obsidian."

Monolith nodded and left the room, the mist swirling behind him.