Hopefully...

Present day

"And then what?" Frankie asked.

"And then..." The lady paused for a second. "And then... the robot exploded. But Vega lived. She ejected right before the explosion. Vega landed safely on the ground, where Commander Fornax picked her up. They found her fast asleep because she was tired from the fighting, but she was safe. The end."

"That was... so good!" Stars glowed in Frankie's eyes. "How... how did the... ehh.. ruh-cor-deng guys lose it?"

"I don't know." The lady returned his smile. "I'll ask if I see them again."

"Well... if they find it... then..."

"Then I'll be sure to send you a copy." She leaned over to rub Frankie's head.

A series of loud clicks drew our attention to the vault door. "Attention: the attack has stopped," said the voice through the speakers. "Presdigeion Station is now safe. Please enjoy the rest of your day."

An appreciative murmur filled the vault. "Well, look at that." I drew Frankie's attention with a hop of my leg. "You see? Everything is all fine and dandy."

"Can..." A yawn interrupted Frankie's thought. "Can we go home now?"

"Yes, we can." I smiled. "Now, have you thanked the nice lady for her story? It sounds like she told you a big secret, hmm?"

"Uh-huh." Frankie nodded with another yawn. "Thank... thank you."

"You are most welcome." The lady wrapped an arm around the little girl beside her. "This is the first-time little Carina has heard the story too. I haven't seen her sit this still in a long time."

"I can say the same for him." I nodded my head to the one who was already falling asleep over my shoulder. "I should call you whenever he needs another bedtime story."

The lady chuckled. "I doubt I'll be of any help. That's about the only story I know."

"At least you saved it for a perfect time." The murmur increased its intensity as the doors slid open. Neil gave me a series of meaningful looks as he edged toward them. He undoubtedly wanted to see whether our home suffered any damage. Or whether we still had a home to return to. "I... I should be going. But thank you again for everything."

"It's my pleasure." The lady stayed in her seat. "May the Heavens smile on your way forward."

"Say." I turned around after taking a step. "I never caught your name. My name's Ada."

"Oh, sorry. I guess we forgot to introduce ourselves with all the commotion. I'm Mira.”

***

But she was safe, I thought as Ada disappeared into the crowd. Well, I guess that is true in a way. The scriptures teach that there is no pain or strife in the arms of the Lord. With everything she's sacrificed, I had no doubt that's where Vega had gone.

But that wasn't the way to end the story. Telling Frankie the demon survived Cerviel's explosion would ruin his day. We needed to protect children's innocence for as long as possible. They didn't need to know of the demons lurking in the shadows, even if they were knocking on our doorsteps. They needed to have faith that the good guys would prevail.

Faith could move mountains. That is what Father Alcor said before Heaven reclaimed his soul.

There would be no stopping the demons. Those of us who survived the onslaught at Asbestos knew this. Governments, the military, and scientists have questioned us excessively over the years. We answered their questions to the best of our ability. They say that they've made some significant advancements in their weaponry since.

But I didn't see it.

World after the world fell to the invading forces. Sometimes the rescue ships would get there in time. Many times, they wouldn't. Humans weren't the only ones who learned from the siege of Asbestos. Father Alcor had been right all along. Humankind wouldn't survive the demonic onslaught. Not on their own.

"Mommy?" Little Carina asked while rubbing her eyes. "Is it over?"

"Yes, my dear." She yawned as I stroked my hand across her back. "Everything is going back to normal."

"Then, can we go home now?"

"Yes. But do you remember what Grandpa Alcor said we must do before that?"

"Uh-huh." She rubbed her eyes a last time before clasping her hands together.

"That's my girl." I smiled as I did the same. "Will you start for us?"

"Our..." She surrendered to one last yawn before she started. "Our Father who... art in Heaven. Hall... hallowed... be your name..."