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Chapter Text

“INTO THIS HOLY ESTATE….”
CHAPTER ONE
I should have seen the handwriting on the wall.

But I was too busy having the absolute time of my life.

The best job. The best fiancé. The best friends.

I was on top of the world. Who wouldn’t have been happy?

I never for one minute thought that it could end.

But it did. And suddenly.

During the almost two years I had served as a nurse in Department H, I had been ecstatic. Never had I dreamed I could get such an exciting and varied experience in nursing. Or among such a fascinatingly diverse group of patients.

A demi-goddess. An acrobatic dwarf. A sasquatch. A beautiful speedster. A space alien. Among others.

Tending their ills…. helping them get better so that they could resume protecting the wonderful country of Canada, was the most unique and rewarding work I had ever done. And getting to know them as people as well was fascinating.

Two years before, who could have ever dreamed that I would have a job taking care of the most unique characters I could have ever dreamed of meeting? The Department H infirmary serving the Canadian super-team, Alpha Flight, was the site of many and varied experiences, most of them challenging. As challenging as the people I served.

Since the first night when I had arrived along with Dr. Michael Twoyoungmen AKA Shaman at Alpha Base to help him save the life of a badly-wounded Snowbird, I had become a part of this wonderful world. I could even forgive my Uncle Mac Hudson for inviting me up to Canada without telling me that the vacation he was offering me was really a disguised job interview, a way to get to know the Alphans as people before he revealed who they really were. Did he really think I would have been frightened off if I had been told the truth in the beginning? Well, that didn’t matter now. I was having too much fun working here!

But this is not to say that all of my work here was fun.

During the two years I had been here, I had nursed Puck through a recurrence of malaria. Once he was on the road to recovery, he would entertain me and the other nurses with stories of his trips around the world, and the exciting life experiences he had had.

I had washed grit out of the eye of Marrina, a sweet alien being whose visits to the infirmary were almost non-existent, but whose friendship was worth cherishing.

I had coaxed a frightened Jeanne-Marie Beaubier into letting Aurora out during a fight with some super-villains so that Alpha Flight could win the battle; and after Aurora came out, they did!

I also helped Aurora calm Sasquatch during another fight so that he could get hold of himself and finish the job –and he was able to do it.

I had bathed Uncle Mac’s second-degree burns during the night the chemistry lab burned down, and proved my worth as a nurse to him and Department H.

Most of all, I had tended Narya AKA Snowbird many times, through several illnesses. (She spent so much time in the Medical Department that it was known as the Snowbird Wing!) Her half-human/half goddess physiology was weird by anyone’s standards, but I think I won her heart by trying to understand her. She was still cold and aloof by nature, but occasionally, when I tended her in the dead of night, she would reveal a secret or two to me. I never confided anything she told me to anyone. I had proved to her that I could be trustworthy.

And I was pleased to see her relationship with Michael’s daughter, Elizabeth, grow from a troubled rivalry into a bond of sisterhood. I don’t take any credit for that. Narya and Elizabeth had worked through their jealousy and differences to become the sisters that Michael Twoyoungmen had hoped that they would be. And I felt privileged to witness this, and to have both young women as my best friends, (though with Snowbird, it was still a little hard to tell!).

And I had the best fiancé in the world! Philip Maltby, the head medicinal chemist at the Department H chemistry lab! It had been love at first sight when Phil had been introduced to me at the barbecue Uncle Mac and Aunt Heather held for me on my second day in Canada. We had become engaged four weeks later, and although we had originally talked about a spring wedding the following year, we decided to wait a little longer till we both earned enough money to be able to set housekeeping as a married couple. In the meantime, we were enjoying our friends, our hobby (birdwatching), and the challenges of our work. I loved all my co-workers: Head Nurse Kilbride, (the best supervisor I had ever had); Nurse Melba; Nurse’s aide, Susanna; and Med Tech David. The greatest bunch of people I’d ever worked with. Philip got along well with his co-workers, also, despite his shy nature.

Yes, we were having the time of our lives.

And then, suddenly, it came to an end.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER TWO
Phil and I sat in the car in front of the home I shared with Uncle Mac and Aunt Heather. It was a little before 11PM,and we had just returned from the jazz club we both loved. We were also passionately kissing; something we loved to do even more. It was a lovely starlit night, with leaves whispering in the trees, stirred by a soft wind. It was a perfect night for romance.

“Leta….”

“Yes, Phil?”

“I don’t want to go.”

“I don’t want you to go, either.”

“But we have to say goodnight now. After all, we both have to work in the morning.”

“I know.” But then, I brightened. “But at least, the place where we’re going to work is great! I think Department H is the only workplace where even Monday can look good.”

“I think so, also.” Phil paused. “Though, it’s funny…” He suddenly looked serious.

“What is it, Phil?” I was beginning to feel a little disturbed.

“Well, in the past couple of weeks, they’ve been laying off people in my department. We’re practically a skeleton staff now. And nobody’s saying why.”

Now that he mentioned it, light began to dawn on me also. “That’s a funny thing. I mean, no one’s been laid off in my department; but no one new has been hired, either. And Norma told me yesterday that they’re thinking of cutting back our hours again in the infirmary back to what they were before I came. We’ve been open from 8AM to 8PM now. And now, Norma says we may be cutting back to 8AM to 4PM. And come to think of it, we haven’t received any new medical equipment; and the number of medications we’ve been receiving has slowed down to a trickle. We’re going to run out pretty soon.”

“Did you talk to Dr. Twoyoungmen about this?”

“We’ve tried,” I sighed. “But he seems especially gloomy and close-mouthed lately. I hesitate to talk to him about anything outside the patients in our department. As if he suspects something, but doesn’t want to confirm it.” I hesitated. “Come to think of it, Uncle Mac has been pretty short-tempered lately. Aunt Heather seems to be placating him a lot. I haven’t seen him this short-fused since the day he confronted Alpha Flight about their extracurricular ‘wild spending’. But really, the Flight’s been pretty good about it since.”

“Yeah,” Phil agreed. “No more trips to the opera or season tickets to sports games on Department H’s dime. But I haven’t missed it as much as I thought I would. I mean, we’ve been finding lots of fun things to do in Ottawa.”

“But being with you anywhere is fun,” I exclaimed. “Come on, one more kiss, and then, I have to go in. Don’t be shy, Phil. After all, there aren’t any security cameras here.”

Phil had to laugh at that. On his first day at Department H, I had impulsively—and unknowingly—kissed Phil in front of a security camera, and within seconds, it was all over Alpha Base. Although it had been embarrassing at the time, Phil and I had gotten engaged later that night, and could laugh about it now. It had become a secret joke between us, and a special memory.

Now, we kissed for the last time that night. “See you tomorrow,” I whispered.

“You bet,” Phil whispered. “I’ll pick you up in the morning, and we’ll carpool to H together.”

“Just as we always have since you started working there. To the greatest workplace in the world!” I exclaimed delightedly. “See you!”

I got out of the car, and blew a kiss goodbye as he drove away. Then, I ran happily and lightly up the stairs.

I got out my key, attached to the souvenir maple leaf key chain Phil had surprise me with one Sunday, and cautiously opened the door. Would Uncle Mac and Aunt Heather still be awake? It was after 11PM, and they had to work the next day, also. Well, I’d be quiet coming in.

As it was, Uncle Mac and Aunt Heather were still awake, talking quietly in their room. I stood frozen where I was.

Aunt Heather sounded as if she’d been crying. “But, Mac, they can’t do this to us! To the country!”

“I’m afraid they can, Heather.” Uncle Mac’s voice was quiet, grim. “Department H is, according to the government, an unnecessary expense.”

“But you went to Parliament last week! You spoke to the Prime Minister yourself! And you took along several members of Alpha Flight.”

“Yes. ‘Gettin’ up a posse,’ as Judd likes to put it. And a fat lot of good that did, Heather. They wouldn’t listen to a word we said. We outlined every successful mission we’ve had, the lives we’ve saved, all the good we’ve done. And do you know what they said? That we’re a luxury. An expense. And that the government needs to cut back.”

“Oh, Mac! And then, what happened?”

“All hell broke loose. Sasquatch punched a hole in the wall. Puck threatened to punch the Prime Minister’s lights out. Marrina burst into tears. Aurora turned back into Jeanne-Marie, and once Walt reverted from his Sasquatch form, he had to coax her back to sanity. Talisman called the Prime Minister an unprintable name. Shaman didn’t say a word; just stood there looking grim. That is, until Snowbird shapeshifted into a polar bear, and threatened the Prime Minister. Then, he had to order her to stop. Snowbird shapeshifted back to her human from, and then, promptly fainted. Shaman rushed to her side, felt her pulse, and then, muttered something about ‘palpitations’. He gathered her up in his arms, threw some powder over his head, and promptly disappeared with her into thin air.”

I almost gasped aloud. So that was what last Tuesday had been about! Shaman had suddenly appeared with an unconscious Snowbird in his arms in the middle of the Medical Department. We had a hard time rousing her, but in the end, she came around. At the time, I had been surprised, for Snowbird had not suffered from this particular ailment for a couple of years. Now I knew what had brought it on.

Aunt Heather was speaking now. “So the team didn’t show itself in their best light.”

“Afraid not.” Uncle Mac’s voice was resigned. “I’m afraid their behavior didn’t help our cause.”

“Mac, the saddest thing about this is that it could throw a lot of good people out of work. Not just the Flight, but all the support staff. Your niece….”

“And that’s another thing, Heather. When do you think she’s going to marry that boy? They’ve been engaged for over a year now.”

“Mac, you’re the one who said they should wait.”

“Well, I hope they name the day soon. We can’t have another mouth to feed around here.”

“But Leta pays us room and board….”

“Well, she’s always been good that way. But if things go the way they have been, she’ll be out of a job along with the rest of us tomorrow.”

I couldn’t stand it any longer. All right, so what if I’d been eavesdropping? I simply had to finds out more.

I walked across the living room. The light that Uncle Mac and Aunt Heather always left on for me until I returned from my dates with Phil was the only light in the room. I knocked on their door. At Uncle Mac’s “Come in,” I opened the door and crossed the threshold.

Uncle Mac and Aunt Heather were sitting on their bed holding hands, and looking sad. And now, I had a good idea why.

“Forgive me, Uncle Mac,” I blurted out. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. But what’s going on?”

Uncle Mac sighed. “I wasn’t going to tell you until tomorrow when I made an announcement to all of Department H. But you may as well know now.

Department H is being closed down.”

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CHAPTER THREE
Shock.

Cold waves of shock.

That was my first reaction to the news.

“No,” I whispered. “No! It can’t be true! It simply can’t be!”

Uncle Mac sighed heavily. “I’m afraid so, Lolly.” His baby name for me. Meant as a gesture of comfort, in the face of an unimaginable, tragic bit of news.

Tragic. Yes, that was the right word for it.

A country left unprotected by a strong, well-trained super-team. And, behind the scenes, a hard-working support staff who worked to help keep these heroes safe and strong. The security who kept out any threats. The cafeteria staff who worked to feed them. The medical department who strove to keep them healthy or to nurse them through illnesses so that they would be ready to protect the country again. The chemistry lab whose research department worked to create the right medications to cure our heroes and keep them healthy.

The chemistry lab….

Oh, Phil! Phil!

How was I going to tell him? And when?

Uncle Mac was speaking now. Aunt Heather was sobbing quietly.

“At nine tomorrow morning, I will be calling for an assembly of all the Department H staff on Alpha Base. This will include all the members of Alpha Flight, as well. We will meet in the main auditorium.” He paused. “I will break the news to the workers then. I’m not looking forward to it.”

Uncle Mac was watching the death of his dream unfold. For ten years, Department H had been his whole life. Alpha Flight was the result of his hard work. An elite super-team to protect the magnificent country of Canada. A team that could stand equally with the Avengers or the X-Men. For ten years, the team had striven to save the lives of Canada’s citizens, to fight and vanquish evil.

And this was their reward?

I tried to comfort him, but I found no words. I simply walked up to him and put my arms around him. He accepted my hug, and drew Aunt Heather close as well.

The three of us simply hugged. And wept. Even Uncle Mac let one tear escape from the corner of his eye.

No one spoke for the rest of that terrible hour.

Later, I excused my self to go to bed. And cried myself to sleep.

How was I going to comfort Phil? And my co-workers? And our beloved Alpha Flight?

For the first time in a long time, I dreaded Monday morning.

We were all up early in that gray dawn. Breakfast was a silent affair. Aunt Heather and I, already showered and dressed, were sitting at the breakfast table drinking orange juice and eating toast and eggs. Uncle Mac, in his Guardian suit, sat drinking Tim Horton’s coffee, but not eating anything. I didn’t bother to chide him about not eating a healthy breakfast this time. We were already too discouraged to worry overly much about food.

“Mac,” Aunt Heather ventured. “How many other people know….?”

Uncle Mac sighed. “No one. I only got the official word late yesterday afternoon. However, before the assembly this morning, I plan to gather Alpha Flight into a private conference room, and tell them first. It’s probably the best way.”

I was thinking ahead to the effect this news would have on the members of Alpha Flight. Would there be hysteria? Fainting spells? (Snowbird, with a history of syncope; fainting in lay terms.) Would Aurora devolve into Jeanne-Marie? She had found freedom and purpose as Aurora in Alpha Flight. How would she react to its being taken away? Would Sasquatch fly into a rage and destroy the place? As a member of the soon-to-be-defunct Medical Department, I had to anticipate how the team could react to this news. And to be ready.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

“That’ll be Phil.” I rose from my seat. “I’m carpooling to work with him.” For how many more days, I wondered? No use asking Uncle Mac about it now. He’d probably give us more details at the announcement.

I kissed Uncle Mac and Aunt Heather. “Love you.” I started to leave, then turned in the doorway. “I just want to say….thank you for letting me live with you for these past two years. And I’ll always be grateful for the experience you gave me with Alpha Flight.” At the mention of Alpha Flight, and the thought of the wonderful support staff, I almost broke down on the spot. But I gathered up my strength, and straightened up. There might be people who would need my help in light of the announcement to come.

Aunt Heather smiled bravely. “See you at nine in the auditorium.”

“I will. See you.” I put on my jacket, picked up my purse and nurse’s bag, and headed down the stairs.

Phil was outside the front door. He looked into my face, and although I tried to hide it, tears came into my eyes. My mouth quivered. I couldn’t speak.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Phil was instantly concerned. He led me to the car, and helped me in in, closing the door, Then, he went around to his side, got in, closed the door, started the engine, and pulled out onto traffic. Then, he glanced at me. “Ready to talk about it now?”

To my horror, I burst into tears. “Oh, Phil! I’ve just had the worst news! Maybe, you’d better pull over to the curb.”

He did so. Then, I turned to him. “Phil, Department H is being closed down. The government won’t support us anymore. Everything is going, Phil. Alpha Flight, the support staff. Uncle Mac is going to make an announcement about it this morning. Oh, God, Phil! What’s going to become of us? All of us? The Alpha Base support staff? Alpha Flight? The new recruits? So many people are going to suffer. So many people are going to be thrown out of work. And without Alpha Flight, how is this country going to be protected? Oh, Phil, God help us!”

Phil didn’t say anything at first. He was white with shock. Then, he reached for me and pulled me closer to him.

We sat that way for a long time without speaking.

Our wonderful world had been shattered.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER FOUR
We arrived at Alpha Base shortly before 8 AM. Phil and I showed our IDs to the security guard at the front gate.

“Philip Maltby. Chemistry Lab.”

“Leta Macaulay. Medical Department.”

“Go right in,” the kindly security guard waved us in. “It does me good to see you two bright young kids on a cloudy Monday morning.” He laughed.

Pop Leland. Only last week, during lunch in the cafeteria, he had shown me pictures on his cell phone of his new grandchildren. He was over sixty, and not likely to get another job. How would the coming news affect him?

I shuddered.

Phil and I parted ways outside the Chemistry Building. “See you at nine in the main auditorium,” he whispered.

“Sit with me,” I whispered back.

He nodded. We kissed before going our separate ways.

I reached the glass doors of the Medical Department. Our beautifully updated infirmary. Was I the first one here?

No, I wasn’t. My wonderful supervisor, Norma Kilbride, was ahead of me. She turned to me as I came into the break room. Had she been crying? If so, then it was the first time I had this strong woman do so.

“Norma….” I began tentatively.

“Oh, honey,” was all she could say. But I could tell that she already had a good idea of the news to come.

“Uncle Mac….has called for a meeting of the entire Alpha Base staff in the main auditorium at 9 AM. I…guess you know what this is going to be about.”

Norma sniffed, then straightened her shoulders. “Honey, I can make a good guess. I’ve sensed this coming for weeks. I’ve seen the struggles of the past two years. The fights we’ve had to get decent equipment. The struggles to hire extra staff. The pleading to keep the infirmary open extra hours.”

“But Norma!” I cried. “Until now, we’ve been winning. We’ve gotten better equipment and more staff. It’s just been in the last few weeks that everything has trickled to a standstill.”

“It’s been an uphill battle, sweetheart,” Norma sighed. “We did our best. All of us. Alpha Flight, the support staff. But, in the end, it was never enough.”

“Uncle Mac told me last night,” I said. “I might as well tell you. He’s going to make an announcement at 9 AM to the whole base.” I hesitated. “Yes, Department H is closing down. “

Noma sighed. “Well, it’s no surprise to me. But before the other staff workers come in, I’d like to say something to you. I’ve never worked with a better nurse. During the past two years, I’ve watched you learn and grow in this profession. You were eager to learn about super-heroes in order to treat them. And you went out of your way to understand their particular quirks in order to properly treat them. This proves that you will be adaptable to any situation, which is a good thing for a nurse. And it will serve you well no matter where life is going to take you.”

“Oh, Norma!” I cried. “Thank you!” I went into her arms, and we hugged tightly.

There was talking outside in the Medical Department inner hallway. Norma and I drew apart.

“Oh, Norma,” I whispered. “Do you think they know yet? Or even suspect?”

“Possibly not,” Norma spoke in a low voice. “But we have to be strong for them when they find out. To be supportive.”

“And not just for them,” I added. “But for the rest of the Base as well. And our Alphans. I was wondering how our heroes are going to take the news in light of the physical and emotional problems they’ve had. Aurora’s DID might manifest; Snowbird might pass out from the shock….”

Norma nodded. “You’ve learned, honey. In the past two years, you’ve learned.”

The staff of the Medical Department filed into the hallway. We waited while Norma locked the front door; then, we all walked to the main auditorium. On the way, we were joined by growing masses of people from the other departments. No one from the infirmary said anything. But we could sense all around us a growing sense of apprehension.

“This does not look good,” I heard one of the security guards mutter.

As for the medical staff, no one had said anything. But I could tell they suspected something was seriously wrong. There was an air of sadness as they looked at the dwindling amount of medical supplies; the almost empty appointment screen. Perhaps, what came next would not be such a shock to them.

As we came into the auditorium, we found seats towards the back. Phil saw me, waved, and came over to sit next to me.

We held hands and waited.

Then, the members of Alpha Flight came into the room. They mounted the steps and sat on the stage. Vindicator, Aurora, Northstar, Snowbird, Shaman, Sasquatch, Puck, Marrina, and Talisman. From the sad expressions on their faces, I realized that my Uncle Mac had already told them the news.

Then, my Uncle Mac walked out onto the stage. He held up his hands for silence.

“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming in this morning. I have an announcement to make.”

Everyone in the audience leaned forward expectantly. Everyone except Phil and me. We knew what was to come.

“Unfortunately, I have some very bad news. Department H has lost its funding. We will no longer be financed by the government. As of today, this department will start shutting down. In two weeks, Alpha Base will be closed for good. Alpha Flight will be disbanded, and we will all be going our separate ways. I would like to thank each and every one of you for your service. You have all been a fine group of people. Goodbye, and may God bless you in your future endeavors.”
Woth that, he turned and strode off the stage. The rest of the Flight got up, and silently followed him.

We all rose up from our seats. There was a growing tide of conversation swelling around us. Shock, disbelief. Denials. Tears.

The Medical staff all looked at each other. Then, we walked back to the infirmary. Who knew what to expect next? Shock? PA possible stroke or heart attack from the news? We had to be there for them, no matter what happened next>

Phil walked with me back to the Medical Department. Norma unlocked the door, and while the others filed back in, he lingered long enough to kiss me goodbye.

“Tim Horton’s after work?” he whispered.

I nodded. “We’ll have to be extra careful with our money from now on.”

And there was no more to say after that.

In the Medical Department, we all waited for the casualties to come in. But there were none. Not even our beloved Alphans, with their unique health problems.

The rest of the day was spent in the break room, worrying about our personal futures. This had hit us so suddenly that we had no time to anticipate what to do next. But we would have two weeks to decide.

At one point during that long, endless day, I received a text from Elizabeth Twoyoungmen.

TIM HORTON’S AFTER WORK?

I texted back, LOVE TO, BUT I’M SEEING PHIL.

Liz texted back, NO PROBLEM. BRING HIM WITH YOU. 8:30 OK?

I texted, OK. SEE YOU.

Liz texted, SEE YOU.

Before the Medical Department closed for the night, Norma gathered us together in the break room.

“Before we say good night, I’d just like to say something to all of you. You’re the best bunch that I’ve ever worked with. Bright, easy to work with, eager to learn. And courageous, considering the type of patients we’ve had to work with.”

We all laughed a little, remembering our struggles with a raging Sasquatch, an uncontrollable Snowbird, and a feverish Puck. Patients we would never forget.

“Although we won’t close for another two weeks, I just want to say thank you. And my God bless you in your work, wherever it takes you.”

We all looked affectionately at one another. Nurse Melba; kind, gentle, and soothing, Med Tech David; hardworking and diligent. Nurse's Aide Susanna, sweet, shy, kind, and appealing.

And we all looked affectionately at this woman. Head Nurse Norma, who had nursed on two continents, in war zones and then in a medical department dealing successfully with possibly dangerous super-heroes. Not all bravery comes in the form of a super-powered being. Norma Kilbride had taught us all lessons we’d never forget; lessons we’d carry into the next chapter of our lives. So I spoke up then, and I felt that I spoke for us all.

“Thank you, Norma. We love you.”

I looked around at the others, who nodded in agreement.
Then, we all came together in a giant group hug.

At last, we broke apart. Norma smile bravely.

“All right, kids. See you tomorrow morning. Let’s make the most of our last two weeks here.”

Then, we left. And it was time for me to meet Phil and go with him to Tim Horton’s.

Would the rest of Alpha Flight be waiting there?

Chapter Text

CHAPTER FIVE

The Tim Horton’s in downtown Ottawa was the closest one to Alpha Base. So the proprietor was unsurprised to see a Sarcee sorceress, a tough dwarf, a big-eyed green alien, and a white-blonde demi-goddess among his clientele. Even if in civvies, they were still all members of Alpha Flight, and anyone would be proud to serve them.

Phil and I got there at 8:30 PM to find the aforementioned friends waiting at a table in the back. We hurried over.

Liz looked up from her cell phone, and greeted us. “Please sit down.” We did so.

No one said anything at first. Then, Liz spoke up. “Well, this really stinks!”

“Indeed,” Narya agreed. “I was born to defend this country. How can this land think that they can get along without our service?”

Puck snorted. “They can, and they will. I shoulda seen this comin’, eh. We never got the recognition we deserved. And we only put our lives on the line every time we went out on a mission. But the bureaucrats never saw it that way. All they care about is money.”

Marrina spoke up. “It’s terrible, Uncle Judd. And I so wanted to protect this country. And now….” Her lips trembled and her big eyes filled with tears.

“Aw now, Marrina,” Uncle Judd comforted her. “Don’t cry, eh. Come on, I’ll treat you to an iced tea. How ‘bout the rest o’ you? Want anything? I’ll stand treat for you, also. How ‘bout it?”

We couldn’t say no to such generosity. Liz and Phil asked for a coffee. Narya wanted herbal tea. I asked for a lemonade. Along with Marrina’s iced tea and Puck’s probable coffee, Uncle Judd was certainly going to have his hands full. Phil offered to go with him up to the counter.

While they were up front, I had a quick word with the women. “I want you to know that we’re all devastated for you. Alpha Flight is going to be hit the worst. I just want you to know that I will always be here for you as a nurse and as a friend. I love you.”

“And we love you, also,” Liz stated. “Don’t worry. We’ll find a way for Alpha Flight to survive, even if we do have to go our separate ways.”

“I’ll always be here for you,” I promised again.

“And I believe you, my kinswoman-to-be,” Narya spoke softly. Then, her face took on a strange faraway look. “But why do I think that you may be leaving us sooner than you anticipate?”

“Well, Phil and I are going to be married soon,” I offered. “We were talking about June. It won’t be a big wedding. But even a small wedding can take planning. And I want you guys to be in it. But I’ll have to figure it out later.”

Narya nodded. “Indeed. We shall all be part of it.”

Just then, Uncle Judd and Phil walked up with the drinks, and I thought about the wedding no more. But there were other things to talk about. Now that Alpha Flight was cut loose, what would happen to its members?

Uncle Judd spoke up first. “I’m going back to Toronto. Gonna keep my day job as a bouncer in Corky’s Tavern. What about the rest of you?”

Liz spoke next. “I have the chance of going as an assistant on a dig in Peru.” Elizabeth Twoyoungmen was a graduate archeologist, and already had been on digs in Corfu and Greece. “What about you, Narya?”

Snowbird smiled cryptically at her foster sister. “I shall go back to Yellowknife to continue to live with my beloved Douglas Thompson. But I shall always be available to those who need me, whether they be of Alpha Flight or elsewhere in Canada.” She looked at me in her crafty way. “Of course, my health continues to need attention. I may become ill again sometime. Indeed, I had an attack of palpitations last week.”

Liz looked disgusted. “Stop being such a hypochondriac. Dad says there’s nothing wrong with your heart. The only reason you got palpitations was because of that scene in the Prime Minister’s office, where we all messed up.” A shadow came over her face. “Maybe that’s it. Maybe that’s why the government turned us down. We made such a bad impression that day.”

Uncle Judd snorted. “B.S.! The Canadian government was out to get us anyway. Like I said, they didn’t appreciate our efforts. Don’t worry about it, eh. This was bound to happen no matter what. How about you, Marrina?”

“I shall go back to Newfoundland,” Marrina announced. “I have my human family there. The people who adopted me, the Smallwoods.”

“Good people, eh.” Uncle Judd approved. “What about you two kids?” He nodded to Philip and me.

“We’re getting married,” I announced. “When, I’m not sure now.”

Phil looked concerned. “I don’t want a big wedding. How about City Hall?”

I flared up. “Phil, we are not having this argument! You sound just like my father and my Uncle Mac. City Hall! Well, maybe I’d like something better than that!”

Phil argued back, “Well, maybe we can’t afford anything better. We’ve got the future to think about now. And it doesn’t look good.”

We glared at each other. Our first fight. And it had to be in public and on one of the worst days of all our lives.

I got up. “Excuse me, people. I have to go home now. Will you be at Alpha Base tomorrow morning?”

Liz spoke for them all. “You bet. I want to get in some more training time before Alpha Base goes kaput. How about you, Bird-Lady? Marrina? Uncle Judd?”

“Count us all in,” Uncle Judd stated gruffly. “As well as the rest of Alpha Flight. Aurora was off with Langkowski tonight, but Northstar’s stayin’ here in town. We’ll no doubt see them tomorrow morning’.” He looked at me and Phil. “You kids, also, eh.”

“Of course,” I spoke without hesitation. “I’ll always be here for you.”

Phil got up. “I’ll get the car. See the rest of you tomorrow.” He walked out ithout a glance backward at at anyone. Including me.

Uncle Judd leaned forward. “I hate to see you two kids fightin’, eh. It’s just that this news has hit us all hard. Things are gonna brighten up, eh. We’re all a bunch of survivors, and that includes you kids, eh. Now, don’t worry.”

“I’ll try not to.” I hesitated. “Uncle Judd, may I kiss your dear little bald head? I remember I did, once.”

“Sure, cutie.” Uncle Judd spoke kindly. “That was the day I flew you and Phil to the Gaspe Peninsula. Got you your engagement ring. Then, you and him got engaged the next night.”

“I’ll always be grateful for your help in our dating. May I kiss you now?”

He indicated a spot on his head. “Right here, chickie.”

I did so.

Everyone went looked like they wanted to say, “Awwww.”

I straightened up. “See you tomorrow. Love you.” Then, I went out to the car where Phil was waiting.

The Gaspe Peninsula. A memory of a happier time. How I wish those times would come back!

But Phil and I barely spoke on the way home. And when I got back to the home I shared with Uncle Mac and Aunt Heather, for the first time, I did not kiss him goodbye.

Phil, a gentleman to the bitter end, spoke, “I’ll pick you up tomorrow to drive you to work.”

“Sure.” My voice was lifeless. “See you tomorrow.”

I left the car and walked dispiritedly upstairs. The light was still on in the living room. But I could tell Uncle Mac and Aunt Heather were asleep. Their door was closed and there was silence within their room.

I turned out the light and went to bed. And then, for the second time in a week, I cried myself to sleep.

During the next two weeks, we watched Department H disintegrate around us.

Daily, we saw the place being dismantled. Every day, workers walked past carrying various bits of equipment.

The Medical Department was being dismantled, also. The worst part of this was that each piece of equipment we saw being carried out had a memory attached to it.

The hospital beds that had held sick super-heroes until they were nursed back to health. The exam tables where they were treated for injuries or received checkups. The medicine cabinet that held the medicines that made them well. The bandages that that covered their wounds. The thermometer that had monitored the fever of a brave dwarfed man until he recovered from malaria. The cotton balls, one of which had removed an object from the eye of a sweet alien girl. The stethoscope that had pressed the strong heart of a demi-goddess. Even the smallest items had a significance attached to the them.

Then, the bigger items started to go. The operating table Dr. Twoyoungmen had used to save lives and repair serious wounds. The digital X-ray machine he had fought for us to have, and which we had for such a comparatively short time. The autoclave that Uncle Judd had gotten for us after the one we had had for so long had broken down, and on the night of a mass trauma event, at that.The small ultrasound machine. This last one affected me the most. I had been there the first day it had been added to our department, a gift from Jean-Paul Beaubier and Kyle Jindau, who had heard that we needed one and generously fulfilled our need. And that day, it had monitored Snowbird’s ovarian cyst, helping Dr. Twoyoungmen keep a watch on it. We had only had it for a year and seven months. And now, it was going, also.

“Norma,” I asked. “who’s going to get all our stuff?”

“Dr. Twoyoungmen is going to take some of the smaller items for his clinic,” Norma replied. “They’re short of bandages and medicines, so this should tide them over. As for the bigger items, Dr. Twoyoungmen knows of a newly-opened clinic up in Nunavit which can use the digital X-ray machine, the ultrasound, the autoclave, the exam tables, and even the operating table. Nothing will go to waste, honey.”

“I know, Norma.” I spoke sadly. “It’s just that seeing it go like this….”

Norma patted my hand. “I understand, honey.”

When we weren’t watching the department being dismantled, we sat around the table in the break room, (soon to go, along with the sofa, to the Goodwill), discussing the future. The big topic of conversation was, “Where do we go now?”

David Adams was the first to find post Department H employment.

“I just got another med-tech job at a hospital in Ottawa,” he informed the week before Department H closed down. “I start in two weeks. It probably won’t be as exciting as Department H,” he grimaced wryly, “but it’s a living.”

“Well, at least, you won’t have any demi-goddesses throwing trays at you because they don’t like hospital food.”

“Yeah.” David laughed. “But then, she apologized to me, and later, sent in ‘a great feast.””

We all laughed. “Who could forget that? What about you, Susanna?”

Susanna smiled shyly. “I’ve applied to nursing school. I just got word that I’ve been accepted for the September class. I’m planning on being a surgical nurse, like my sister, Rita.”

“Who’s Dr. Twoyoungmen’s right hand in the operating room,” I replied. “I bet when you graduate, he’ll have a job all ready for you.”

“A good ambition,” Norma approved. “What about you, Melba?” She looked at her good friend.

Nurse Melba smiled warmly. “I’ll do floor duty in a hospital for the time being. But I’m thinking about going back to school to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. Maybe when my kids are older.”

“The babies will love you,” Norma approved. “What about you, Leta?”

“I’ll probably be doing private duty wherever I can get a job,” I answered. “Dr. Twoyoungmen might be able to find me jobs. And what about you, Norma? Will you be getting a job someplace?”

All eyes turned to our wonderful head nurse. She would bless anyplace she happened to find work.

“No, honey,” Norma spoke gently. “After Department H closes, I’m going to be retiring.”

“Oh,” I exclaimed softly. Noe of the rest of us knew what to say.

Norma spoke up kindly then. “It’s only right, my dear friends Remember the passage in the Bible about there being a time for everything? Well, the time has come for me to retire. After Alpha Base closes down, my husband and I will be moving aback to Saskatoon. We’re planning on buying a small house there. We’ll be near our oldest boy and his wife. As you know, I’m a new grandma. I’d like to be there to watch my grandson grow up.” She smiled.

“Oh, Norma, that’s wonderful” I exclaimed. The others gave exclamations of delight.

“Pop Leland’s retiring, also. He’s another one who wants to see his grandchildren grow up. It’s time for all of us to move on to the next stage of our lives. Bless you all.”

There was a time to go. But we were all ready to move on with our lives.

On the following Thursday, Dr. Twoyoungmen called me into his private office. I wondered what he would have to say to me.

“Leta, I would like to thank you for your two years of service to Department H.” He hesitated. “Do you remember when you first came to this country? And when I had doubts about hiring you for this department?”

“Yes, Michael.” Who could forget?

“I’m relieved to find out that I was wrong. You were open and willing to learn and grow in your understanding of super-hero medicine. I thought I was looking for someone with surgical and battle skills. Now I realize that what I was really looking for was someone with adaptability. And you have proved yourself in this role. I would like to add that if you are still interested in private duty, I can find work for you. In this country. That is, if you are willing to stay here.”

“Oh, yes, Michael!” cried. “I love Canada!”

Michael gave one of his rare smiles. “Good. Contact me after Department H closes next week. We will see where the Great Spirit leads us.” He stood up, and extended his hand.

I took it. “Thank you, Michael.”

My time with Department H was almost over.

But what would the future hold?

I was not long in finding out.

Phil and I had made up. We couldn’t stay away from each other for long. The evening of the day of my meeting with Michael Twoyoungmen, I met him outside after work. He was all excited.

“Great news!” he exclaimed. “Dr. Langkowski’s got me another job. He’s been calling people he knows all over the place, and a job finally opened up..”

“That’s great!” I cried. “Where is it? In Vancouver? Montreal? Ottawa? Toronto?”

Phil’s face fell. “Well, that’s just it. It’s not in Canada.”

“Where is it?” I asked, hoping it wasn’t in Antarctica.

“It’s in upstate New York. Actually, not that far from your parents. It’s a chemical firm where they do a little bit of everything, from plastics to medicine. Dr. Langkowski recommended me for a job in the medicinal chemistry department. I interviewed for them on Zoom, and this afternoon, they contacted me to tell me that I got the job.”

“Well, that’s great.” I was happy for him. “When do you start?”

“The Monday after Department H shuts down. Which doesn’t give us much turnaround time.”

“Turnaround time?” I was bewildered.

“To get married. And move to the States.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER FIVE

Stunned, I could only stare at Philip.

“Did you say…next Monday?”

Phil swallowed. “Well, yes.”

“But…but that’s a week from today!” I exclaimed.

“I know,” Phil stated solemnly. “That doesn’t give us a lot of time to stick to our original plan.”

Our original plan had been to get married and then, move in together. (Well, we were old-fashioned in a way.)

But we were going to stay in Canada! In Ottawa! But now that Department H had flown the way of the passenger pigeon, (so to speak), our plans had been in limbo. And we didn’t want to be separated in any way. I knew from experience that long-distance relationships didn’t last. And I wanted our relationship to last forever. There was only one thing to do.

I would marry Philip and move back to the States

But we would have to throw together a decent small wedding in that amount of time. How to do it?

Well, in the meantime, there was only one thing I could say to Philip.

“Yes! Oh, yes! I’ll marry you right away! Let’s tell Uncle Mac and Aunt Heather!”

Then, we stated making plans.

Uncle Mac beamed when we told him. Aunt Heather almost cried with joy.

“Finally, some good news in the midst of this mess,” Uncle Mac proclaimed. “When’s the big day?”

“This Friday, sir,” Philip said solemnly. “We’ll get the license tomorrow, and we’ll have to arrange for a ceremony for Friday evening.”

Uncle Mac frowned thoughtfully. “But they don’t hold evening ceremonies at City Hall.”

“Well, Uncle Mac, we weren’t thinking of getting married in City Hall,” I ventured.

“Well, it was good enough for your Aunt Heather and me,” Uncle Mac spoke sternly.

“Well, Phil and I want a religious ceremony,” I retorted. “Don’t we, Phil?”

Phil looked nervous. “Well…I really don’t care that much….” He stopped when I sent him a warning glance. “I mean…a religious ceremony is nice.”

“All right,” Uncle Mac sighed. “Where is it to be?”

“I thought that wedding chapel at the edge of town,” I spoke eagerly, “We can have a non-denominational Christian ceremony. And I’d love a candlelight service….”

Uncle Mac sighed. “I still think a City Hall ceremony would be best. No frills.”

Aunt Heather spoke up. “Oh, Mac! I think every girl wants a pretty wedding. Just because I never had one doesn’t mean that Leta can’t. But we’ll have to get going on this right away. Let’s see….you’ll need a dress and veil and shoes…And have you decided who your attendants are going to be?”

“Yes,” I was positive. “Narya and Elizabeth. I love them both. But I can’t decide which one of them I want as my maid of honor. I mean, isn’t it against etiquette rules to have two maids of honor?”

“Well, go for it, anyway,” Aunt Heather said. She winked at Uncle Mac. “Don’t you know that when it comes to Alpha Flight, we often go against the rules?”

The planning went on far into the night. Phil decided to ask Walter Langkowski, his mentor, to be his best man, and Uncle Judd to be a groomsman. I decide to ask Marrina, who had a sweet singing voice, if she would sing a solo for us. We would follow the ceremony with a reception at Uncle Mac and Aunt Heather’s apartment. Mention of the reception made me realize that we needed a caterer.

“Who do you know in Ottawa?” I queried of my uncle and aunt.

“We could find someone,” Aunt Heather mused. “But I have an idea. Why don’t we ask Kyle Jinadu if he’ll cater the reception? I mean, Jean-Paul’ll be at the ceremony, so of course, Kyle will be, also.”

“That’s a wonderful idea!” I enthused. “And now, that I think of it, I can ask if their little daughter, Joanne, can be a flower girl. She’d look so cute in a pink dress, scattering rose petals up the aisle.”

Uncle Mac groaned. “Two maids of honor, a best man, a groomsman, a soloist, and a flower girl. At the rate we’re going, we’re going to have more attendants than guests.” He hit his head with both hands. “And just who’s coming, anyway?”

“Well, I thought I’d invite my friends in the Medical Department,--that makes four, plus Norma’s and Melba’s husbands—that makes six; plus the infirmary part-timers, Sylvie Marceau and Marie Donahue; plus, Phil’s two friends from the Chemistry Department. Then, Michael; Jean-Paul and Kyle; Aurora; Lillian Crawley; Madison Jeffries; Roger Bochs; Douglas Thompson, especially since Snowbird is going to be in the wedding party; and Aunt Heather….”

“No other family members?” Uncle Mac queried sadly.

I knew what he meant. “No, my parents won’t be able to make it. My father still can’t travel yet.” My father had suffered a small stroke the month before. Phil and I had flown down on a weekend to visit him, and while we were assured of his recovery, it was obvious that he was not ready to travel any distance yet. However, he and my mother had given their blessing to our marriage, and even said that we could visit them afterwards. As for Phil’s parents and brothers, Vancouver was a great distance from Ottawa; and it was too short notice for them to travel to our wedding, They decided that we could also visit them after we were married. Phil and I were sad about this, though. If only there was a way for them to witness our ceremony….

I said as much to Uncle Mac now. He looked thoughtful. “Maybe there is a way.”

“What could it be?” I was clueless.

Uncle Mac smiled mysteriously. “Give me the number of the chapel where you’re going to be married. I think I can make special arrangements.”

“What kind?” Phil queried.

“You’ll see,” was all Uncle Mac would say. “This is the twenty-first century.”

The next morning, I invited the entire Medical Department (all four of them, plus the two husbands) to the wedding on Friday evening. They were all happy to accept. Then, I asked Norma if I could have time off to shop for a wedding dress.

“Go ahead, honey.” Norma beamed. “Take all the time you want. The Medical Department is all but gone, anyway. Hope you find something nice.”

With that blessing, I was off with Aunt Heather to a bridal shop.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER SEVEN

Aunt Heather picked me up in front of the Medical Building, and we drove into downtown Ottawa. Elizabeth, Narya, and Marrina were to meet us at the bridal shop.

“I hope I can get something off the rack,” I confided to Aunt Heather now. “Norma told me that when her oldest daughter got married, it took six weeks to have the bridal gown altered and ready in time for the wedding. I don’t have that kind of time!”

“Don’t worry,” Aunt Heather assured me. “If we don’t find what we like there, we’ll just go to another shop. How much time have you got this morning?”

“Only till twelve,” I replied. “Then, I’m meeting Phil at City Hall to get our license.” It was 10 AM now. “And what about our friends? Will they be able to find the right dresses? I mean, this isn’t going to be a standard formal wedding where all the bridesmaids have to dress alike. I mean, a pretty cocktail dress for each, some satin pumps –too bad we don’t have time to have them dyed to match the dresses—maybe a small hat or a comb with silk flowers on it for their hair….”

Aunt Heather patted my hand. “Don’t worry. Things will work out.” She stopped in front of a small exclusive-looking shop. “And here we are.”

I peered out the car window. “This place looks expensive.”

“It is,” Aunt Heather aid matter-of-factly.

“Well, I hope they have a clearance rack,” I muttered gloomily. “If it’s that expensive, I may have to end up getting my dress at the Goodwill. I’ve seen wedding dresses there.”

Aunt Heather laughed. “Get out, Leta. You’re sure to find something soon enough.”

When we entered the very exclusive-looking bridal salon, all white and gold trim and French Provincial furniture, we saw that our three friends, all in civvies, had preceded us there. Elizabeth was sorting through a rack of red silk dresses; Narya was standing before a full-length mirror holding a shimmering blue dress in front of her; and Marrina was staring wide-eyed at a silky green gown. The saleswoman just stood there looking awed at the trio of strange-looking women. “You look familiar,” she faltered. “Aren’t you part of that group called Alpha Flight? My husband and I have seen you on the news.”

Elizabeth turned to her. “The group formerly known as Alpha Flight,” she informed the saleswoman bitterly, “We’ve lost our Government funding.”

“Oh, what a shame!” the woman exclaimed. “Who’ll defend our country now?”

“Ask the Prime Minister that.” Narya spoke coldly. “They believe they know better than we do what is best for this country.”

“I’m sorry to hear this,” the woman spoke sadly. Then, she brightened. “But at least, one of you lovely ladies is getting married. Which one is it?” She rubbed her hands in anticipatory glee.

Elizabeth, Narya, and Marrina all turned and, along with Aunt Heather, spoke in one voice. “She is!” They pointed at me.

Seeing that the bride-to-be was a very ordinary young woman with curly black hair and blue eyes, the woman’s face momentarily fell.

“Accord her respect,” Narya commanded. “She is still part of our program, as well as being my personal nurse.”

What an endorsement! The saleslady recovered her cheerful attitude.
“Oh, I say, that’s lovely! And when are you getting married, dear?”

“This Friday,” I chirped. “I really need something in a hurry. I just don’t have time for alterations. Something short or ballerina length would do.”

The saleslady pursed her lips. “Well, I’ll see what we can do.”

“Do you have a clearance rack?” I queried.

The woman actually looked pained. “Well, we do have some items on sale.”

“I’d like to start with those, please.” I was eager.

After looking at several dresses, I was not so eager. Nothing seemed right. Too long, too short. I didn’t like the design or the material.

Finally, I found a couple of dresses I could consider. One was a full-skirted ballerina length dress, all lace and long sleeves. (It was on sale.) The other was a short white silk dress with an organdy overlay of small blue flowers. (I actually liked that one better. But it wasn’t on sale, and the price made me reel.)

I tried on both, and asked the others which one they thought looked better.

Elizabeth, Marrina, and Aunt Heather all preferred the white lace. But Narya favored the white dress with the blue flowers. “It suits you,” she pronounced judgment coolly. She gave me a penetrating stare. Compelling.

That did it! I had to have that dress! No matter what it cost. I silently made a personal vow to cut costs for the coming year, if I could buy this dress.

“I’ll take the one with the blue flowers,” I told the saleswoman.

The lady beamed. “I’d say it’s just perfect for you. The flowers match your eyes.”

Narya looked triumphant. “I could see you wearing that dress at your wedding.” Had she seen into the future just to make this kind of pronouncement?

I wanted to shake my head in sorrow. I was going to miss Snowbird’s predictions. I was going to miss all the unique people in Alpha Flight.

Instead, I raised my head happily. Well, Alpha Flight’s last day was going to be a day of joy!

I felt I owed it to a team that had given me so much. Adventure, friendship, love. Who could have asked for more?

“All right,” I spoke bravely. “Now, we’ll look at dresses for the rest of you.”

Elizabeth chose a short red silk dress trimmed at the collar with gold. Narya’s choice was a shining blue shift trimmed with silvery beads. Marrina selected a long shining satiny-green gown with long sleeves. Even Aunt Heather, who had previously sworn that she wasn’t going to buy anything new for the wedding, ended up with an emerald-green brocade cocktail suit.

“I hate to think what Uncle Mac’s going to say when he sees the bill for your outfit,” I whispered to Aunt Heather.

“I’ll take care of your Uncle Mac,” Aunt Heather whispered back. “Your special occasion deserves the best, even if it is small wedding.”

Then, we moved on to headpieces. I had always dreamed of having a wreath of flowers with my veil. The saleslady was helpful.

“We have several wreaths here, dearie,” she suggested. “Try them on.”

“I’d like one with white and blue flowers to match my dress,” I added.

As it turned out, there were a couple. I selected one silk wreath of alternating blue and white flowers attached to a shoulder-length veil. It even had a face veil. A blusher, the saleslady called it. She placed it on my head, and draped it over my face.

“This is what your groom will see what you walk up the aisle to him on Friday.” She spoke cheerfully.

I saw myself in the mirror and was enchanted. I turned to my loved ones. “What do you think?”

Everyone made exclamations of delight. I knew I’d make the right choice. “It’s perfect! I ‘ll take it!” The veil was added to the items I was buying.

It was time for my attendants’ headpieces. Hats? Floral combs?

Elizabeth shrugged. “I’ll take either. I’m kind of leaning towards a comb, though.”

Narya gave a disdainful look. “I dislike wearing hats. I shall choose a floral comb.”

Marrina looked undecided. “I don’t know….” She wasn’t a bridesmaid, but still, a soloist, she should have a special outfit, I felt.

“I think a floral comb would be good for you, Marrina,” I offered.

“All right,” Marrina decided. She was so sweet and agreeable. How I would miss her sweetness.

Aunt Heather selected a perky emerald-green fascinator to go with her suit. I was delighted.

“You look just like a member of the Royal Family on Coronation Day!” I exclaimed.

Aunt Heather was delighted. “Now, I’m sure I’ll look good.”

“We still need to get shoes,” I said. “Do you have them here?”

The kind saleswoman looked regretful. “No. But I can give you the name of shoe store that carries wedding shoes.” She gave a card, which I slipped into my purse.

“I’d like satin pumps trimmed with blue rosettes,” I dreamed. “Something that would go perfectly with my dress and veil. Oh, dear, I don’t know if we’ll have time to get the rest of you satin bridesmaid shoes dyed to match your dresses.”

“Oh, don’t worry,” Aunt Heather, ever-practical, decided. “We’ll figure something out. I actually have a pair of shoes in my closet that will match this suit. I wore them to the last Alpha Flight ball.”

“To which the members of the support staff were not invited,” I reminded her sweetly. “Only the Flight tiers and their spouses were invited. Phil and I had to go to a movie that night, while you and Uncle Mac were out having fun.”

“Aw, it wasn’t that great, “Elizabeth comforted me. “It was actually kind of boring.”

I wasn’t so sure. A grand ball at Ottawa’s fanciest hotel sounded magnificent. I regretted that there was no budget for the support staff to attend.

(“I feel like Cinderella,” I confided to Phil that night. “Only I didn’t get to go to the ball.”

“Never mind,” Philip comforted me. “I’ll give you a glass slipper.”

“You’re a prince of a guy,” I laughed.)

We paid for our purchases and got ready to leave. I looked at everyone wistfully. “I’m really going to miss Alpha Flight. Oh, if only the Government could have kept us going.”

“I know,” Elizabeth sighed. “This really stinks.”

Marrina questioned Aunt Heather tentatively. “Is there any way we can keep in touch? Come together if we’re needed?”

Aunt Heather looked doubtful. “I don’t know. If Mac could think up something….But, as of right now, it looks pretty hopeless. I’m afraid Alpha Flight is no more.”

Narya gave a stricken cry. We all whirled to face her.

Narya’s face was white. She had a graceful hand pressed against her breast.

Then, to our horror, Narya fell into a crumpled heap and collapsed onto the carpet.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER EIGHT

There was a moment of frightened silence. Then, Marrina spoke up quaveringly.

“Snowbird’s fainted.”

I was at Narya’s side in an instant. I felt her pulse. It was fluttering and weak.

I looked up at the worried group: Aunt Heather, Elizabeth, Marrina, and the saleswoman. “Could one of you get a chair, please? We need to raise her feet higher than her head.”

The saleslady brought a French Provincial armchair. I managed to raise Narya’s feet up onto it. “And could I please have a glass of water?”

A frightened Marrina brought it. “Can she drink it yet?”

“No.” I demonstrated what I was going to do. “I need to rub it on her wrists in the direction of her heart. This should help to revive her.”

“If this is a normal faint,” Elizabeth contributed.

I looked up at her. We both knew what each other was thinking. I remembered the Department H Medical Department instructions regarding Snowbird.

(“In the case of Snowbird, consider the mystical before the medical. If any mystical threat hits Canada, it will affect her first.”)

Now, I looked at Liz, and she answered my unspoken question. “No mystical threats.”

We both breathed a sigh of relief. Well, at least that was out of the way.

I moved on to physical causes. Palpitations? Her pulse was fluttering, but this was not too unusual with a victim of syncope, (fainting, in lay terms).

A lack of food? (Narya tended to prefer to eat in her animal forms. But sometimes, she didn’t even make time for that.)

An emotional basis? (This might be closer to the truth. Before she had conquered it, Narya had had heart issues connected to her jealousy of Elizabeth. Could something else have revived this condition?)

Just then, Narya opened her strange black/white eyes. She sighed. “I seem to have…fainted. Everything went black….”

“Seem to!” Aunt Heather came forward. “You were out for almost a minute. What a scare you gave us! How do you feel now?”

I removed Narya’s feet from the chair, and helped her to her feet. Her pulse was stronger now, and her color was coming back a little, but she still looked a little shaky. I looked over at the saleslady, who had a cell phone in her hand. Light dawned on me.

“Oh, who are you calling?” I cried.

The woman looked startled. “Why, the EMTS, of course,” she faltered.

“Please – don’t do that!” I exclaimed.

The lady looked astonished. “Why not?”

“Because they wouldn’t know how to deal with Snowbird,” I explained. “Her physiology is unusual. Please cancel the call, if you’ve already made it.”

The lady spoke into her cell phone, cancelling the call. “But what can I do?” she quavered.

“Do you have a break room or private office?” I asked.

“Well, yes, my private office.”

“Good. I think we’ll need a bit of privacy for Snowbird to recover.” I took Narya’s arm, and together, we followed the lady down a small hallway to a back office. It was a typical office, with desk, chairs, a computer, and papers. I settled Narya into one of the chairs, and looked gratefully at the saleslady. “Well, thank you. I’m sorry; I never did learn your name.”

“It’s Celine,” the kind woman informed us. “Is there anything else I can do?”

“Not at the moment, “I informed her. “I’ll let you know. And thank you for your help.”

“Anytime,” the woman turned to leave. “I’ll let your friends know.” She closed the door, and walked away.

Narya sat in the chair, looking pale. Her breathing was shallow. But her pulse was getting stronger.

“How do you feel now?” I asked her.

Narya shook her head. “So much has gone on. For a second, everything became too much for me.” She looked at me with deep sorrow in her eyes. “The loss of Alpha Flight has been a blow.”

“To all of us,” I was quick to agree. Was there more going on here?

Well, I could still tend to her as a nurse until the rest of the story came out. If she trusted me enough to tell me.

Suddenly, I realized that I didn’t have my nurse’s bag with me. I was cursing myself for leaving it behind at the Department H infirmary , thinking that I’d never need it. Well, considering all the health problems faced by Narya alone, I should have known better.

Just then, there was a tap at the door. “Come in,” I called.

Liz stuck her pretty head in. “Here you go.” She extended my nurse’s bag, dangling from one hand.

“Liz, you’re a lifesaver!” I jumped up, and accepted the bag. “But how did you get it so quickly?”

“When Heather said you didn’t bring it with you, I figured it was back at H. So I teleported back to H, and got it from there.”

“Did you see anyone?”

“Just Norma. She wasn’t surprised to see me suddenly appear out of nowhere, and then, disappear. But then, I guess she’s used to weirdness from us people.” She smiled briefly. Then, she became sober again. “I also summoned my father. He should be here any minute.”

“Oh, yes,” I said. “He would want to know about this. How’s everyone else holding up?”

“Heather’s out in the salon comforting Marrina, who’s really been upset by all this. She likes Snowbird. In some ways, my foster sis has been just like a mentor to her.”

“Yes, this has hit us all hard.” I spoke sadly. It’s hard to believe that, after Friday, Department H will be no more.”

Narya gave a soft mournful sound. She seemed to droop in her seat.

Liz and I looked at each other. Was Snowbird possibly taking it harder than the rest? But why?

“Liz, thanks for fetching my bag,” I assured her then. “Could you please stay out in the hall, and see that no one comes in for a while? Except for your father, of course.”

“Sure,” Liz spoke agreeably. Then, she bent over Narya. “Hey, feel better, foster sis. I’ll be right outside the door. Love you.” She kissed the top of Narya’s pale-blonde head, and then, left the room, closing the door behind her.

Narya sat motionless and silent in the chair. As much for something to do as much as to know her condition, I told her I was going to take her blood pressure. “Is that all right with you?”

Narya merely nodded silently.

Snowbird’s blood pressure was only a little above shock level. If I hadn’t known that low blood pressure was normal for her, I would have been concerned. Maybe it was just as well the EMTs hadn’t been called. They would probably have rushed her to the hospital, where she would most likely have ended up in intensive care.

I shuddered at the thought. How would my heroes fare in the hands of people who did not understand their physiology? Just then, there was a stirring in the hallway. I hear the kind saleslady, Celine’s voice. “Right in here, Doctor.”

Liz’s cry. “Oh, Dad, I’m so glad you’re here. It looked pretty bad for a second there. If anyone can get to the bottom of this, you can.”

There was a knock on the door. At my “Come in,” Michael Twoyoungmen, in white coat and braids, came in, carrying his doctor’s bag. I knew he had been summoned from his clinic at the Sarcee Reserve Hospital to attend Narya.

He would always be there for her, I realized. Well, since Alpha Flight folded, there would be at least one person available for Snowbird who would understand her problems, and who truly cared.

“I understand you fainted, Narya,” Michael said by way of introduction. He took Narya’s delicate wrist in his strong fingers, taking her pulse. We waited while he did so. He released her wrist then, looking satisfied.

“Good. It is much stronger than I would have thought. You are recovering, Narya.”

I spoke up. “Her BP is 70/40, Doctor. Coming back up to normal levels.” Normal for Narya, we both silently amended.

Michael nodded. “Fine.” He looked at Snowbird. Some color was returning to her face, though Narya would always be pale. “I’d like to examine you briefly, if I may.”

Narya nodded understandingly. “Go ahead, my oldest friend.”

Michael’s examination was indeed brief. He shone a penlight into Narya’s eyes, and listened to her heart. He seemed satisfied in one way; yet troubled on another level. “Well, Narya, there is nothing wrong with you physically. Your heart is normal. At least, normal in a physical sense. But on another level, your heart is troubled.”

Narya looked startled. “But Michael, I do not understand.”

Michael looked at Narya in a kind and fatherly way. “Narya, what happened just before you fainted?”

Narya hesitated. “The others were talking about Alpha Flight. How it is to be no more. And that we have no chance of assembling again.” She looked at Michael with sorrowful eyes. “And then, suddenly, I could take no more. Everything went black….”

Michael took her hand. “Narya, the loss of Alpha Flight and our Government funding has affected us all. But this does not mean that we will never see our friends again. I have been asking the Great Spirit to guide us in this matter. Particularly, James Hudson. I feel sure he will find a way for us to work together to save this land.”

He released her hand and stood up. “Now, on to other matters. Have you been taking care of yourself, Narya? How are your eating habits?”

Narya looked a little ashamed. “Michael, for the last few days, ever since the announcement, I have eaten very little.”

Michael looked suddenly very concerned. “In your human form or in any of your animal forms?” Only with a patient like Snowbird could you have this conversation.

“Neither.” Narya came close to looking miserable. “For the past week, I have had no appetite.”

Michael’s look turned stern. “What did you eat this morning?”

“Nothing, Michael,” Narya admitted. “I did not even have the inclination to eat in any of my animal forms.”

Suddenly, Michael exploded. “NARYA! What have I been telling you about the importance of self-care? If you do not eat in any form, you will not have enough strength to protect this land. No wonder you fainted just now!”

“But Michael,” Narya faltered. “There is no more Alpha Flight. How can I protect the land now?”

“You were born to be a strong champion of the Northern Gods. Even before you joined Alpha Flight, you had these powers. And now that Alpha Flight is gone—“ Snowbird looked up for a moment, stricken—“yes, Narya, gone, and you must face it as we all have—you can still use your powers to protect this land. And the first thing for you to do is to see that you are properly nourished. Now, I will speak to Heather Hudson, and she will see that you get some food into your body. This land needs you to be strong, with or without Alpha Flight.” He walked to the door, and opened it. “Heather, would you come in here please?”

Aunt Heather appeared at the door. “What is it, Michael?”

“I have found one of the sources of Narya’s fainting spell. She has not been eating for the past few days. The best thing now would be for you to take her someplace, and see that she eats. This is important, Heather.”

“Of course,” Aunt Heather exclaimed. “I’ll take her to Tim Horton’s.” A pause. “You said there was more than one reason why she fainted. What is the other one?”

“Come a little farther down the hallway, Heather, so that I can speak with you more privately. Elizabeth,” he called to his daughter, “you can prepare Narya to leave now. And help Heather to make sure Narya eats. Narya has been neglecting herself in that department for the past few days. Hopefully, we can make her see sense. Heather, a word in your ear now, if I may.” They walked to the end of the hall, talking in low voices.

Elizabeth came into the room. “Hey, foster sis! What kind of a dumb stunt was this you just pulled? You scared the wits out of us, did you know that? And what’s this about your not eating? Do you think you can coast along on goddess fumes?” She folded her arms and looked sternly at Snowbird.

Narya stood up. “I shall be ready to leave in a few minutes. Please bear with me. We shall go to Tim Horton’s, as I believe you would all like.”

I picked up my nurse’s bag, and excused myself from the room. But, as I went into the hallway, I caught the last few words between Michael and Aunt Heather.

“The loss of Alpha Flight has hit us all very hard,” Michael was saying now. “But it has affected Narya slightly more than the rest. She has been with the program far longer than anyone else. Since the days of the First Flight, she has been an integral part of the defense of this country. She was proud of her role in the Department H program. To have it taken away from her has been a particularly severe blow. The loss has affected her deeply. Possibly the most deeply of all of us.”

“Michael, what can I do to help?” Heather asked anxiously.

“Do not speak again of the loss of Alpha Flight in her presence. I believe that the mention of this is what triggered the faint she suffered just now. Instead, focus on the friendships she has made within the program, and how we will continue to stick together. Also, you can give her reminders of how important her physical health is to this country. As far as it is possible, see that she eats.”

“Oh, I will,” Aunt Heather spoke indignantly. “Causing us all this worry. Well, don’t worry, Michael, I’ll see that she gets some food into her. The very idea of her starving herself.” With that, she strode down the hall, and burst into the back office, where Narya and Elizabeth stood.

Aunt Heather stood there with her hands fisted on her hips. “All right, Narya. Now what is this about your not eating properly? Well, we’ll soon fix that! We’re gong to Tim Horton’s from here, and you’re going to have a full meal. A drink and a sandwich, at least. And I’m going to watch you drink every drop and eat every crumb. Do you understand me, Narya?”

Narya came close to looking meek. “Indeed, Heather. And I regret the trouble that I have caused you.” She smiled slightly. “You are indeed forceful, my friend. What a good team leader you would have made.”

“I would have, indeed.” Aunt Heather agreed. “Now, let’s thank Madame Celine for letting her use her office, round up Marrina, and go.”

Michael stuck his head in the door. “Glad to see you are looking much better, Narya. I must return to the Sarcee Reserve Hospital. Now remember what I told you about eating properly. For now, fare you well.” He encircled the air above his head with powder, and disappeared in to thin air.

“I’m sorry I can’t come with you to Tim Horton’s,” I said. “But I’m meeting Philip at City Hall to get our license. We’ll have to get the shoes another day. Oh!” I exclaimed. “It’s almost noon. I’ll be late!”

“No, you won’t,” Liz smiled craftily. “Say goodbye and thank you to Madame Celine, and then, come back to me.”

I did so, truly grateful for this kind woman’s help. I also said goodbye to a relieved Marrina, who would be going with everyone else for Tim Horton’s. And then returned to the back office.

Liz continued to smile. “Hold onto your bag. I’ll get you to City Hall, instantly”

I held tight to my bag. Then, POW!

I had been teleported only once before, when I had first come to Canada, the morning after the night when I had helped Shaman save Snowbird’s life in Ottawa. Then, Liz had teleported me back to my aunt and uncle in Edmonton. I had forgotten how startling it could be.

And suddenly, I was in front of City Hall. Phil was waiting anxiously. He hurried up. “I th-thought you were going to be late.” His concern was evident in his stutter.

I kissed him. “I’ll tell you later what happened. But for now, let’s go get our license.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER NINE

Friday!

Glorious, wonderful, long-anticipated Friday!

Sad in one way.

But happy in another.

Sad, in that this was the last day ever for Department H.

But happy in that there would be a wedding tonight; a happy occasion our whole department would attend.

It kept this last day from being too depressing.

For the last time, we did a walk-through past the rooms of the Medical Department. The rooms were now empty.

But they were filled with memories of the work we had done there.

The lives saved. The wounds tended. The difference we had made in the lives of all the members of Alpha Base, whether superhero or human.

This evening, when the front door was locked, it would be over forever.

Just another reminder that part of my Uncle Mac’s dream was about to vanish.

We all had lives to go on to. But our time in Department H would be a memory after the end of this day.

“Two years,” I said to Norma just before we locked up at 4PM. “That’s all I had in this department. Two years. Oh, how I wish it could have lasted forever!”

Norma patted my hand kindly. “Not one second of it was wasted, honey. What you –and the rest of us-- learned here will serve you all your life. Whenever you have a challenging patient –and we’ve had plenty in this department—you’ll remember some technique you used here, and can adapt it to the new patient and situation. You’ve learned, honey. Indeed, we’ve all learned.”

“Adaptability.” I smiled. “That’s what Michael Twoyoungmen said I had.”

“And you’ve still got it, my dear.” Norma smiled. “You’ll use it forever.”

“I will. Just think, I could use the techniques that I used with a raging Sasquatch to help a feverish wrestler. Or soothe an elderly grande-dame with the way you showed me how to deal with a haughty demi-goddess like Snowbird. Or listen to an old sea captain’s tales while I’m giving him a bed bath just the way I always did with Uncle Judd. Maybe Dr. Strange will even give me an occasional super-hero to special. Who knows what lies ahead?” I smiled bravely. “Well, are we ready to go?”

“Absolutely.” Norma spoke with equal courage. “Well, let’s do this.”

She leaned forward, and turned the key in the lock of the former Medical Department door for the last time.

The Department H infirmary was now closed for good.

I stifled a sob; then, glanced at Norma and then, at the rest of our department waiting down the hallway.

“Well, sweetheart.” Norma spoke kindly. “The end of an era. Now, let’s all move on to the next chapter of our lives. Starting with a wedding tonight.”

The others raised a cheer. We all walked out together into the late-afternoon sunshine.

“See you at seven o’clock at the wedding chapel,” I called cheerfully.

“Surest thing you know!” Norma waved happily. The others followed suit.

How good that on such a sad day, we all had something wonderful to look forward to, after all.

6 PM

At Uncle Mac and Aunt Heather’s apartment, we were putting the finishing touches to my bridal outfit.

Narya deftly pinned the short veil to my hair. What a delicate touch this demi-goddess had! Elizabeth fastened the pearls that my mother had worn to her own wedding around my neck. Then, I stood up to contemplate my reflection in the mirror.

From the shoulder-length veil with its delicate blue-and-white silk flowered wreath; to the short dress with its light pattern of blue forget-me-knot flowers; to the white patterned pantyhose and white satin pumps with blue rosettes and kitten heels, I was awed by how lovely I looked. Never better.

Aunt Heather, standing in the doorway in her emerald-green brocade cocktail suit trimmed with a white orchid corsage, green fascinator, and green pumps left over from the last Alpha Flight ball, said as much. “Oh, you look absolutely lovely!”

“Awesome!” Elizabeth cried.

“Indeed.” Narya smiled, less coldly than usual.

“You have to be there fifteen minutes before the ceremony,” Aunt Heather spoke now. “Have you got everything you need?”

“Let’s see.” I hesitated to consider. “I have something old: the pearls. Something new: my entire outfit. Something borrowed: Aunt Heather’s lace handkerchief.”

“That was my grandmother MacNeill’s;” Aunt Heather put in. “And after the ceremony, I’ll want it back.”

“That’s why it’s borrowed, Aunt Heather.” I spoke with a laugh. “Something blue: the blue flowers on my wreath, dress, and shoes.”

“Not to mention your blue garter,” Elizabeth inserted slyly. “Who do you think’s going to catch it?”

“That remains to be seen.” I laughed.

“And a lucky sixpence in your shoe,” Aunt Heather reminded me.

“Well, I don’t have one of those,” I mused. “But a nice shiny new Canadian penny will do!” I fetched one from my purse, and dropped it into my right shoe.

“Now, I’m ready to go.” I picked up my small bouquet of white roses trimmed with blue forget-me-knots and baby’s breath. A nosegay, the florist had called it. It looked as lovely as the rest of my outfit.

Elizabeth and Narya also picked up their own nosegays; Elizabeth’s red roses, and Narya’s blue irises. Both bouquets matched their dresses, floral combs, and dyed-to-match pumps as closely as possible. They made such beautiful attendants. The sorceress and the demi-goddess. But today, they were just friends of the bride, here to support me on my happiest day.

I picked up the small basket filled with pink rose petals that little Joanne Beaubier would scatter up the aisle. When I had gotten home from work, I had met briefly with Jean-Paul and Kyle, who were setting up the buffet in the living room. Little Joanne was already wearing the frilly pink party dress she was to wear at the ceremony. I briefed her fathers on what Joanne was to do, and they assured me that the bright four-year-old girl would be able to do it. Shortly afterward, the three of them left, saying that they would meet us that evening at the chapel.

“Well, let’s be going,” Aunt Heather spoke up cheerfully. “Your Uncle Mac has paced the living room enough times to have walked to Vancouver and back!”

Indeed, Uncle Mac was still pacing when we walked into the living room bedecked with pink streamers and white paper wedding bells. He was wearing a dark business suit with a carnation in the buttonhole. He stopped short at the sight of us.

“Well, it’s about time you came out,” he snapped. “Why do women always take so long to get ready?”

“I’m not even going to answer that sexist remark, Mac,” Aunt Heather snapped back. “And, as a matter of fact, we’re early. We still have enough time to get to the chapel, and make sure everything’s set up.”

Uncle Mac sighed. “All right, people. It’s go-time. Heather, you ride up front with me. The rest of you women can sit in the back.”

“No limousine?” Narya enquired in her haughtiest tones. “I thought all humans hired limousines for their weddings.”

“Well, this is just a small do,” Uncle Mac snapped. “No room in our budget for a limo. We’ll use Heather’s Volkswagen for us to get there, and like it!”

“And I’ll be coming back here in Philip’s car after the ceremony, so there’ll be more room for both of you in the car coming back,” I added.

“Very well,” Narya acquiesced. We moved through the living room, past the table laden with the buffet Kyle and Jean-Paul had provided, and the two-tiered wedding cake with each tier on little Greek columns; and a bride and groom cake topper.

As we filed down the stairs. I mused, “I hope Philip doesn’t chicken out and not show up.”

Elizabeth stared at me. “And why would he do that?”

“Well, he sounded pretty nervous when I talked to him on the phone during lunch today,” I said.

Narya regarded me superciliously. “Did you not see him at all today?”

“Oh, no,” I chirped. “It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony on their wedding day.”

Narya sniffed. “Such silly mortal superstitions! When I wed, I shall follow none of them.”

Elizabeth hooted. “When you wed, it’ll be a big media event. Canada’s very own goddess gets married. It’ll be like something out of the Royal Family.”

Narya stared her down coldly. “When I wed, it will be strictly my own business. Oh, Douglas’s, also.”

Elizabeth stared. “You mean, you’re not going to invite any of us? Not even Dad?”

Narya only smiled coldly. “Wait and see. In any case, I do not wish the fuss.”

“Hey, it isn’t fuss, sister mine!” Elizabeth cried. “It’s actually a lot of fun.”

Narya stared down her nose at her. “Do you call what we have been doing all week ‘fun’? Even the smallest wedding seems to have a lot to trouble connected with it. Rushing about to buy suitable clothes; arranging for a meal….”

“And I’ve loved every minute of it!” I put in. “Yes, it seems like a lot of trouble, but I think it was worth it.” I shuddered. “The only thing I worry about is that Philip may not show up. Is that silly?”

“Don’t worry,” Aunt Heather reassured me. “He’ll be there. He’s a stand-up guy.”

“And how could he get away, with Walter Langkowski as his best man?” Elizabeth added. “Walter can always turn into Sasquatch, and catch him.”

“And if there’s one thing Alpha Flight is good at, it’s kidnapping,” Uncle Mac put in jovially. “Don’t worry about a thing, Lolly.”

I always melted when he called me that. His personal baby name for me. I would miss him calling me that.

We reached the car. Uncle Mac put the front seat forward so that Narya, Elizabeth, and I could get in the back. Actually, Narya got in first, I got in the middle, and Elizabeth got in last. Then, Uncle Mac helped Aunt Heather into the car, and then, came around ot the driver’s side. He shut the door and started the car.

“How is everyone back there?” he called cheerfully.

“Squashed,” Elizabeth snapped. “How nice of you to ask.”

“I still maintain that we should have had a limousine,” Narya stated. “And after being pressed tight within this conveyance, I am still of that opinion.”

“Well, it’s only a fifteen-minute ride to the chapel,” Uncle Mac stated cheerfully. “And for ladies who’ve faced and defeated the likes of the Wendigo and the Master, this should be no problem.”

“Think again,” Elizabeth muttered.

We arrived at the wedding chapel in good time. It was a small gray stone Norman French styled church. Aunt Heather went ahead into the sanctuary, where Uncle Judd appeared to escort her to a pew.

“How’s it goin’ eh, cutie?” He grinned when he saw me.

“Oh, I’m fine,” I assured him delightedly. “Hey, you look handsome!”

Puck was wearing a miniature business suit, with a carnation in the lapel. He looked pleased at my compliment. “Had to get all duded up for the weddin’.” He winked at me. “See you inside, eh, chickie.” Then, he disappeared back into the church.

Narya carefully draped the face veil over my face. I looked at her anxiously. “Have you got Philip’s ring?”

Narya held up a small velvet ring box. “Right here, my kinswoman-to-be.”

“And you’ll hold my bouquet during the ceremony?”

“Indeed, I shall." She smiled with a trace of warmth.

“Narya….” I hesitated. “Are you all right with attending a ceremony in a Christian church? I mean, your being a demi-goddess and all…”

Narya lifted a hand to silence me. “Tonight, I am here to attend the wedding of one of my best friends and a future kinswoman. This does not offend me. Worry no more about this.”

I sighed, relieved. “I wonder how Philip is holding up. I mean, he stutters when he gets nervous. What if he can’t make it through our vows?”

Elizabeth laughed. “I wouldn’t worry. I think he’ll hold up fine.”

“Uncle Mac, we didn’t have a rehearsal,” I continued. “When the minister asks, ‘Who gives this woman to this man?’, what are you going to say?”

Uncle Mac straightened. “I’ll say, ‘Her aunt and I do’.” He smiled mysteriously for him. “Unless someone else gets to say something instead.”

“Who?” I queried.

But there was no more time. Jean-Paul brought in little Joanne just then, attired in her pink party dress, complete with a pink rosebud clip in her hair, white frilled socks, and pink satin shoes. She looked just like a little princess.

I knelt down to her. “Joanne, do you remember what you’re supposed to do? You walk right in front of me, and drop the pink rose petals from this basket down the aisle in front of you. And then, go and stand by Aunt Elizabeth. Can you do that?”

The four-year-old nodded solemnly. I handed her the little white wicker basket.

Jean-Paul hugged his daughter, and then, smiled at us. “I will see you inside, no?” Then, he zipped back into the sanctuary.

The organ began to play the Processional just then. Elizabeth, Narya, and Joanne, in that order, lined up in front of me, and started to walk into the church, up the aisle. I took Uncle Mac’s arm.

“Let’s do this,” I whispered.

Uncle Mac patted my hand. “It’s go-time, Lolly.”

Then, the Wedding March sounded, and we confidently walked into the church.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER TEN

As we walked up the aisle in the lovely candlelit chapel, I glanced from side to side to see who was in attendance. On one side –the bride’s side—there was Aunt Heather in the front pew.

In the next row sat Douglas Thompson, Snowbird’s Mountie lover, though in formal civvies instead of his red uniform. Maybe her husband one day soon? I thought it was likely. His look at Narya as she walked gracefully up the aisle was entirely loving and proud.

Then, in the next row, sat Jean-Paul, Kyle, and Aurora. She was beautifully dressed in the chic black dress she had worn as a maid-of-honor in her brother’s wedding.

Then, Michael Twoyoungmen, looking proud as he watched his beautiful daughter walk up the aisle as an honor attendant. (Would he one day be walking her up the aisle himself when Elizabeth eventually married? How I’d like to see that!)

In the next rows, I saw the entire Medical Department. Norma Kilbride and her elderly husband, Harvey; Nurse Melba and her sturdy husband, Josiah; and David Adams and Susanna Whitehawk, sitting together. (Were they a couple, I wondered? Too bad I wouldn’t be around long enough to find out.) Plus agency nurse, Sylvie Marceau; and part-time ultrasound technician, Marie Donohue.

On the groom’s side, there was Roger Bochs, Alpha Flight’s resident mechanical genius. In the last few weeks before Department H closed down, Philip had become friendly with him, and Roger had reciprocated the feeling. Had we stayed longer, their friendship would have developed even farther. Well, maybe, they could stay Facebook friends and texting buddies. It was so hard for Philip to make friends that it was a triumph when he did. This was a relationship that deserved to continue to develop.

Then, in the next row, sat Lillian Crawley with her fiancé, Madison Jeffries. I actually liked this tough woman, though she had never really been a patient in the infirmary. We had met in the cafeteria, and had started talking. It turned out that we shared some interests, particularly in movies. Often, the Monday after she’d been to the movies with Madison, we’d meet at lunchtime to discuss the movie, especially since I’d usually seen it myself with Phil. Lil actually had a great sense of humor, I found out. I would miss her.

Madison was a great guy, also, I found out. He was another one who had befriended Phil in the last few weeks before the demise of Alpha Flight. I was grateful to anyone who was kind to Phil. Another friendship that I hoped would carry on after Phil and I left.

Then, in the next row, sat Philip’s two chemist work buddies, Randy and Paul. Two more young men who’d befriended Philip during the time we had all served in Department H. So many special people we’d gotten to know; and not all of them super-powered. Phil had told me that Randy and Paul had already gotten new jobs at chemical plants, Randy at one in Saskatoon and Paul at one in Toronto. I was glad that they would have work when this was over.

Up near the organist, I saw Marrina, lovely in the shimmering green gown that she had selected. She was singing, “O Promise Me,” in a high, sweet soprano. The fact that this lovely voice was coming from a sweet alien being made this moment more unique and special. After she finished, she came down from the podium, and sat in the front pew next to Aunt Heather.

Then, I looked up towards the altar. And there was Philip! Handsome in a dark business suit, with a spray of lily-of-the-valley in his lapel and highly-polished shoes. (The other men in the bridal party all wore white carnations in the lapels of their dark suits.)

He looked scared, but I could see that he was being strongly supported by his best man, Walter Langkowski. And Uncle Judd stood next to them, grinning his head off.

But at least, Philip was there! How could I ever have doubted that he would be?

Uncle Mac and I reached the altar. We stood waiting.

The minister, a kindly brunette woman named Reverend Norcross, stood smiling at us, the book containing the marriage service open in her hands. She began, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together in the sight of God and in the presence of this company to join this man and this woman into the state of holy matrimony. Into this holy estate, these two come to be joined. Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

I waited for Uncle Mac to say, “Her aunt and I do.” And waited.

Silence.

Then suddenly, a voice. But not Uncle Mac’s. It came from a speaker that I hadn’t noticed was set up in the sanctuary.

“Her mother and I do.”

Startled, I whirled in the direction of that speaker. And then, I saw a camera. The kind that was used for streaming services.

I looked at Uncle Mac.

“That’s the surprise,” he whispered. “This whole service is being streamed so that your family, as well as Phil’s, can see it.”

Tears of gratitude filled my eyes. I wanted to kiss Uncle Mac, but couldn’t, through my veil. So I squeezed his hand instead by way of a thank-you.

Uncle Mac squeezed back. He understood.

Then, he gave my hand to Philip, who accepted it. Uncle Mac then went to the front pew to sit beside Aunt Heather, who took his hand. It was time for Philip and me to take our vows.

“Do you, Philip Richard, take Leta Elizabeth as your lawfully-wedded wife, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and health, till death do you part?”

I had worried that Philip would stutter during his vows. But his voice came through strongly, with no hint of nervousness. “I do.”

“Do you, Leta Elizabeth, take Philip Richard as your lawfully-wedded husband…..?” The same beautiful words, Then, it was my turn to speak.

“I d-d-d-do.” Oh, God, I was the one whose voice was shaking!

Not only that, but my voice shook the entire time we recited our vows. If Philip was a brick, I was Jello. Oh, I might have known I’d somehow mess it up.

Then, it was time for us to exchange rings. Walter gave Phil the wedding ring which he slipped on my finger, reciting, “With this ring, I thee wed….”

Then, I reached for Philip’s ring. Narya gave it to me. But in the second it took to accept it from her, she let her fingers rest on mine for a moment.

I understood then what she was trying to do. So many times I had supported her through illnesses, giving her my strength. Now, in this moment, she was reversing our positions. Narya was lending me her own strength. A goddess’s strength. It was her way of lending me support to get through the ceremony.

I gave her a swiftly grateful glance.

Narya smiled slightly. And if I didn’t know any better, I could have sworn she almost winked at me!

I slid the ring onto Philip’s finger. “With this ring, I thee wed….” My voice then was strong and solid. And it stayed that way through the rest of the service.

Finally, Reverend Norcross spoke the wonderful words, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Bow your heads for the blessing.”

We did so. Afterwards, Reverend Norcross said, “You may now kiss your bride.”

I lifted my veil and then threw it over the back of my head. Then, Philip and I kissed for the first time as a married couple.

Applause and cheers then broke out. Philip and I turned happily towards our loved ones. Narya handed me back my bouquet, which she had held for me during most of the service; and hand-in-hand, Philip and I walked down the aisle.

We emerged into the soft April evening. Our friends followed, each one calling good wishes. We were surrounded by their deep love.

“All right, people,” Uncle Mac announced. “Head over to Heather’s and my place now for the reception. Last one there is the Master!” He was the perfect host.

Everyone laughed. No one wanted that distinction. There was a lot of good-natured jockeying for cars.

Reverend Norcross and the organist came out. I thanked them for their good service, and asked if they’d like to come to the reception.

“No thank you, dear, just the same.” Reverend Norcross decided for both of them. “I was only too happy to provide the ceremony. It was the least I could do for….” She looked off into the distance at the rapidly -disappearing cars. “Aren’t they members of Alpha Flight?”

“Well, yes,” I stated. “But Alpha Flight has been disbanded.”

The organist, a sweet elderly woman named Rose, looked sad. “Oh, what a shame! Who’ll defend our land, now?”

It wasn’t the first time I’d heard this. I’d been hearing it all week from everyone I met, whether on Alpha Base or in the city. “Tell the Prime Minister that. After tonight, we’ll all be going our separate ways. And that includes the support staff..”

Reverend Norcross folded one of my hands in hers. “I’ll pray for your team. Maybe God will find a way for you all to stay together.”

“Oh, please do!” If God listened to anyone, it would definitely be a minister. “And thank you again for the lovely service.”

“Yes, thanks,” Phil added.

“You’re welcome!” The minister beamed. “God bless you both, and support you in your new life.”

“Good luck, dearie. Both of you.” The kind organist added.

“Thank you,” I said again. “Come on, Philip,” I added to my new husband. MY husband! “If we don’t get a move on, we’ll be late to our own reception.”

We got into Phil’s car, and drove off. I waved to to the two women until we were out of sight.

Then, something occurred to me. “Phil, I didn’t get you a groom’s gift!”

My wonderful new husband looked at me with love. “That’s okay. I didn’t have time to get you anything, either. We’ve been so busy this week.”

“But I’d like to make it up to you somehow. Maybe, I can get you something in Niagara Falls.” That was our honeymoon destination. Corny, I know, but it was on the way to New York State from Ottawa. And why not?

“Well, the only thing you can get me is something that would be completely impossible to get,” I stated.

“And what’s that?” Phili queried.

“I’d like one more Alpha Flight adventure before we have to go. Just one more chance to help our heroes.”

Phil shook his head. “I don’t see how that can happen.”

“I don’t, either.” For a moment, I was discouraged. Then, I brightened. “Well, anyway, now we’re married. And that’s a whole new adventure in itself.”

“Sure enough is,” Philip was quick to agree. “Well, we’re almost to your uncle and aunt’s house.”

“We sure are.” I peered out the window. “And from the looks of it, what a rowdy reception we’re about to have!”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Even before we entered the house, we could hear the rowdy laughter and noise. Philip and I climbed the stairs, and entered Uncle Mac and Aunt Heather’s apartment in time to see the happy small crowd turn toward us.

“Well, here they are!” Walter Langkowski bellowed joyfully. “Mr. and Mrs. Maltby! So how’s married life treating you?”

We were going to get this question a lot in the next few days. This was the first time.

“Oh, just fine, so far,” I responded. “Now who wants some of this delicious buffet besides Philip and me?”

The buffet was wonderful. Swedish meatballs, deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms, pigs-in-blankets, small spinach quiches…. Everything looked delicious. Jean-Paul and Kyle had done a good job setting it up. I couldn’t wait to try a bit of everything. (I wasn’t going to be a Snowbird and not eat!)

Everyone crowded near to the table. They ended up filing into some kind of a line, filling plates and talking and laughing at the same time. Jean-Paul helped little Joanne fill up a plate. Narya took on a small amount of food. I watched her out of the corner of my eye. Well, she was no longer my responsibility….

The, Uncle Mac produced a champagne bottle. He opened it, only to have the cork shoot into space, and get stuck in the ceiling.

“Mac, you’ll never get it out of there,” Aunt Heather scolded.

“I’ll worry about when the LaPierres get back from their vacation.” The LaPierres were Uncle Mac and Aunt Heather’s downstairs landlords. Mrs. La Pierre often complained about the strange people (Alpha Flight) she saw coming and going from my relatives’ apartment, but Mr. LaPierre reassured her that my uncle and aunt were good people who didn’t throw wild parties. It was a good thing the LaPierres were away right now!

Aunt Heather passed around champagne glasses. Uncle Mac followed, filling each glass. Then, he asked for everyone’s attention. All talk in the room stilled.

“I’d like to make a toast. To Philip and Leta. I can only hope that you are both as happy as Heather and I have been all these years. May you have a long and happy marriage. And God bless you in all your future endeavors.”

“To Philip and Leta,” everyone echoed. Then, they drained their glasses.

Philip and I each had a little sip, just to be polite. But neither of us drank alcohol, so it was hard to drink a whole glass. Besides, Phil had to drive to Niagara Falls later that night. It wouldn’t do for him to drink too much.

It was time to cut the cake. Phil put his hand over mine as I cut into the bottom tier, while several guests took digital pictures of us doing so. Some rowdy (Madison Jeffries?) began singing, to the tune of The Farmer in the Dell, “The bride cuts the cake, the bride cuts the cake…..”

“Do you think they’ll put this on Facebook?” I whispered to Phil.

“Or on Youtube?” Phil whispered back.

I lifted my chin. “Well, let them,” I spoke defiantly. “I don’t mind if the whole world sees our happiness.”

“I don’t. either,” Phil said. And to prove it, he kissed me.

Everyone went, “Awwwww.”

Someone put on a CD of music, including Philip’s and my favorite song, Lil’ Darlin’ by Count Basie, the song we had danced to the night we had become engaged. It was nice having music, although there wasn’t enough room for dancing. Uncle Mac was worried about the crowd.

“You know, Heather,” he confided to my aunt, “I worry whether we’ll be breaking every fire law in town with all these people here.”

“Oh, don’t worry, Mac,” Aunt Heather reassured him. “It shouldn’t last much longer, anyway.”

It was almost 10 PM. I retired to my old bedroom to change, with Elizabeth and Narya’s help, into my going-away outfit, a red suit with a white orchid pinned at the shoulder. Then, I retrieved my suitcases and prepared to take them with me. Phil’s luggage and all our wedding presents were already packed in the car.

I took a last long look at my two best friends in Alpha Flight. “Oh, I’m going to miss you so!” I gathered them inboth my arms. Elizabeth hugged me back. Narya was a little more reserved, though she accepted my touch.

“Hey, this is the age of social media,” Elizabeth laughed on a wave of tears. “We don’t ever have to lose touch. And I’m sure you and Philip will want o come up here on your vacations. I mean how far is New York state from here? “

“Well, it’s New York, not New Zealand.” I laughed a little myself. “And of course, we’ll come to see you whenever we get the chance.”

Then, I turned to Narya. “And YOU take care of yourself, you hear? I won’t be around here anymore to boss you as your nurse, and see that you eat. Remember, you have to keep up your strength for Canada, no matter in what way you serve it.”

Narya smiled faintly. “I shall remember, my kinswoman-by-marriage.”

“Let’s make it just ‘my kinswoman’,” I told her. “What do you say to that?”

Narya nodded her acceptance. “Indeed…my kinswoman.” Then, she actually brushed my cheek with a light kiss. The first time she had ever done it. And from the look on Elizabeth’s face, I could tell this was the first time Narya had ever done to this to anyone. Narya actually held my hand for one more minute. “You and my kinsman will be happy together. You will be facing problems, but you will overcome them. And in a few years, there will be children for you….” Her voice trailed off.

“For you, also,” I added delightedly. “I always said we’d have children together. Maybe even if they’re not in the same country. They’ll be second cousins.”

Narya’s eyes took on a shadowed look. “Perhaps, my dear friend. We will see what the fates hold in that regard.”

And then, it was time to go.

Everyone was outside, a small crowd waiting for us t go. I stood on the front porch and made ready to throw my bouquet. I looked at the crowd of unmarried women. Aurora, Lil, Elizabeth, Susanna, Sylvie, Marie…. Only Narya did not participate. She stood to one side, looking haughty. “This looks most silly and undignified,” I heard her whisper to Douglas Thompson.

I tossed my bouquet on the count of three. Aurora zipped into space and caught it.

“Hey, no fair!” Elizabeth shouted.

“Aw, let her keep it,” Lil muttered. “It don’t really mean nothin’ anyway.”

Next, I slipped off my garter and threw to the waiting crowd of unmarried men.: Roger, Madison, David, Randy, and Paul. Roger caught it. There were a lot of cheers and laughter.

Philip and I left in a shower of birdseed. Yes, birdseed! We decided that it would be better for the environment. Snowbird especially seemed to approve. “I am glad to see that you are taking your responsibility for the land into consideration.”

Our wedding car was bedecked with streamers and a Just Married sign on the back. Phil scowled when he saw it, but let it stay.

“Oh dear, we don’t have any tin cans to tie to the back of the car,” Aunt Heather fretted.

“Not unless we tie Box to the back of the wedding car.” Uncle Mac was in high spirits. I wonder how much of it was due to the champagne.

“Hey, you two kids, good luck!” He kissed me and shook hands with Phil. Aunt Heather was crying openly. I felt the same way myself. When would I see my beloved Alphans again?

Just then, sirens split the air.

Everyone stopped talking, and looked in the direction of the downtown.

Puck came rushing forward. “Hey, Boss! I just got word on the CBC that there’s a whole bunch of robots poundin’ the downtown area.”

Uncle Mac took cover. “Okay, people. Looks like we have an emergency on our hands. Alpha Flight isn’t officially dead until midnight. If any of you wants to go in on this fight, then, come with me now.” He darted back into the house to get his Guardian suit. Aunt Heather in hot pursuit for the same reason.

Then, Alpha Flight went into action. Michael and Elizabeth vanished into thin air. Snowbird transmorphed into a snowy owl and flew off in the direction of downtown. Aurora and Northstar zipped long after her, Jean-Paul giving instructions to Kyle about taking Joanne back to the hotel where they were spending the night. Kyle nodded, and then, took the sleepy Joanne back to their car.

Roger, Lil, and Madison left, no doubt to reappear at the scene atof the disaster.

That left the rest of us non-super-powered people standing on the sidewalk.

Then, Norma roused herself. “All right, people. I know Department H is no more.. But they’ll still need help at the scene of the fight. Now this is voluntary. Anyone who doesn’t want to go, doesn’t have to go. And if you do, just remember that we’ll be working there under the Good Samaritan laws. Now is anyone still with me?”

As one, my colleagues in the Medical Department responded with “Yes!”

“Okay then. Just follow me in my car. Harvey and Josiah, can you get back home okay?”

“Yes, dear, “Harvey responded. He and Norma had an apartment in the city, as did Melba and Josiah. “We’ll wait for you there.”

“Good,” Then, Norma looked at me. “And you’d better get going on your honeymoon, kid.” But then, she looked at me with understanding. “That is, if you still want to go.”

Of course I did. But….

I looked longingly at Philip. Would he understand?

We looked at each other for a short measureless space.

Then, Philip went to the trunk of the car. Without a word, he handed me my nurse’s bag.

And I knew what he was giving me.

My wedding present from him. The chance of a last Alpha Flight adventure.

In that moment, I realized that we were going to have a good marriage. I kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Philip,” was all I said.

Phil kissed me back. “Come back safe.”

Norma took over. “We’ll see that she does.” She gestured to me. “Come on, honey, ride with me.” We got into the car. “And now, we’re off to just one more Alpha Flight adventure.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER TWELVE

I had never imagined that I would be spending my wedding night like this.

I mean, I thought that I would spending it in my new husband’s arms. In Philip and my case, with Niagara Falls in the background.

Instead, I spent it in an emergency triage area set up in a corner of an Ottawa park.

An area where Philip and I had once walked in the sunshine.

But there was no sunshine now.

Instead, there was darkness and smoke and fire.

And casualties by the dozen. The former Medical Department of Department H worked far into the night

Burns. Fractures, Smoke inhalation. While Alpha Flight worked to destroy the evil robots, we did triage, provided first aid, and sent victims on to nearby hospitals.

Of all the members of Alpha Flight, only Sasquatch and Snowbird were hurt. Sasquatch had a patch of burned fur, and Snowbird suffered a brief bout of smoke inhalation. Shaman appeared seemingly out of nowhere and together we treated them, so that they were able to return to the fight.

And a lot of civilians were hurt as well. The former Medical staff made sure they got the best care that we could possibly give them.

It was close to dawn when the last robot was destroyed and the last patient was tended.

Alpha Flight’s last official work was now done. So was ours.

Uncle Mac came up to the triage tent to congratulate us. “Good work, people. I---” He stopped short when he saw me.

“What are you doing here? I thought you were supposed to be on your honeymoon.”

I looked at him pleadingly, asking for his understanding. “Uncle Mac, all I wanted was just one more day of service to Alpha Flight. So did we all.”

I looked at my former Medical Department comrades, who all nodded.

Uncle Mac sighed. “I can’t say no to dedication like that. All I can say is, good job, people. You deserve every commendation that the Government could possibly give you. But since that’s no longer officially possible, all I can say is thank you, and good luck to you all in your future endeavors.” He smiled, then, turned away.

I hugged all my former colleagues goodbye. We promised to stay in touch.

“One good thing about social media,” Norma spoke heartily. “At least, we don’t have to lose track of each other.”

We all laughed in happy agreement. Then, the Department H Medical Department said goodbye again

This time for the really last time.

Norma dropped me at my uncle and aunt’s apartment. I said a grateful goodbye to her, and got out of the car into the dawn. I watched her drive away before I turned to go inside.

I passed by our streamer-bedecked wedding car, once so festive, now somehow looking forlorn in the gray dawn. Was Philip inside asleep? I hoped so. He needed his rest.

I climbed the stairs, and let myself into what I thought would be an empty apartment.

But it was not empty.

Every member of Alpha Flight was in the living room.

Northstar, Aurora, Shaman, Snowbird, Talisman, Puck, Walter, Lil, Madison, and Roger. Uncle Mac and Aunt Heather seemed to be having a meeting. And from the sound of it, a very important meeting.

“So, people,” Uncle Mac was concluding, “we’ve proven that, even without Government sanction, we all work well together. I think this is in part due to the intensive training that w we have received in Department H. I don’t want us to lose that. Now, I have heard from the Ministry of Defense that we can still keep our status as RCMP auxiliaries as well use of the Alpha Flight skycraft. Now, the only issue is one of communication. How do we contact each other if the country faces an emergency? Any ideas?”

Everyone leaned forward, sharing ideas. I slipped into the small hallway and went into my old bedroom.

Philip was fast asleep in my old bed. I leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “Phil, wake up.”

He opened his eyes sleepily. Then, he took one look at me, and sat upright. “Good God! What happened to you?”

It wasn’t until then that I looked down at my clothes. And got a shock.

My red suit was a write-off. It was covered in dirt and blood, and smelled of smoke. My white orchid corsage was grimy and drooping. I unpinned it, and sadly, tossed it into the wastebasket.

Then, I spoke to Phil. “Why don’t you get some more sleep? I’m going to take a shower. Oh!” I remembered. “My suitcase is in the car. I’ll have to get it in order to get more clothes to replace the ones I’m wearing now.”

Phil yawned, and then, settled down again into bed. I kissed his cheek again. “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

I slipped past the group in the living room, and went down to the car. I got my suitcase out of the trunk, and then, brought it upstairs. I slipped back into my old room, removed a flowered shirt and blue capris from my suitcase, and then, brought them into the bathroom.

After a quick shower in which I also managed to wash the grime and soot out of my hair, I dressed inside the bathroom, including white socks and sneakers. Then, I went back into my old room. Phil was sitting up in bed, fully awake now.

I sat next to him on the bed and slipped my arm around his waist. “Hi.”

Phil smiled. “Hi.”

“Ready to go on our honeymoon?”

“Sure.” He smiled. “Anytime.” Then, his expression became serious. “How did it go last night?”

“Pretty well,” I had to admit. “We saved a lot of lives. Including Sasquatch and Snowbird’s.”

“That’s great!” Phil enthused. “It’s good to know that you were there for them.”

“For the last time.” We kissed. “But now, it’s time to start the next part of our lives. By the way, the whole team is gathered together in the living room. I think some sort of important meeting is in progress. It could mean the future of Alpha Flight.”

“Well, then, let’s find out,” Phil said. He took my hand, and together, we went into the living room.

All the Alpha Flight teams were still gathered together in the living room. But instead of the grim expressions they had been wearing around Alpha Base all week, they all looked happy. And excited for the future.

“We have an announcement to make,” Walter Langkowski spoke jovially. “Since we all work well together, we have decided to stay together, even without Government sanction.”

“And we’re working out the bugs of this arrangement,” Uncle Mac continued. “We still have to work on communications issues, but I believe we can do it. And as of right now, Alpha Flight will remain a team. We will continue to protect Canada o matter what.” He looked happier than he had in months. And so did Aunt Heather, and everyone else present.

And Phil and I were happy for them, also. However, there was one thing that still bothered me….

“Who’s going to take care of you when you get sick or injured?” I asked.

Michael stepped forward. “I believe I can fulfill that role. My presence can carry some weight in every hospital in this land. I will teach any medical staff I meet how to care for any of our injured. They will learn, just as you did.”

“Thank you, Michael,” I added, “I’ll be happy to come back for any Alphans who need me. I’m available for private duty at any time.”

“That is something to keep in mind,” Michael said thoughtfully. “Very well. If one of the team needs nursing care, I will contact you.”

“I’ll bust a leg in your honor,” Puck spoke up.

We all laughed.

“But seriously, Michael,” I added. “Will you all really be all right?”

“We shall,” Michael stated solemnly. He patted my hand. “Now, on to the next chapter of your lives.” He looked at Philip and me. “Both of you. You have our blessing.”

And so, I was reassured. Our Alphans had decided to stick together. They would look out for each other. And they were such a tightly-knit team that I believed that they would be able to do this. Uncle Mac stepped forward. “Well, I guess you young people will be on your way. I know Philip will report to the chemical plant on Monday morning. But what will you do, Lolly?”

“Oh, I thought I’d try to get some private duty jobs,” I spoke up. “I really like those best. You get to know your patients better, you don’t have the confusion and stress I’ve found on hospital floors, and it pays better.”

Michael spoke up then. “As I’ve already mentioned to you, I can recommend you for those private duty jobs you mentioned. I have seen your work myself in Department H….”

(Especially with Snowbird, I remembered. If I could handle a difficult demi-goddess, I could handle any kind of patient.)

“….And I will also contact Dr. Stephen Strange on your behalf. He can find the jobs you would like. And then, there’s Dr. Christine Palmer. She used to be a private duty nurse before she became a doctor Then, there’s Claire Temple, a nurse who’s worked with super-heroes….”

“And they’re all in New York city,” Uncle Mac put in. “Not so far that you won’t be able to commute.”

I was beginning to feel a little better. My career taking care of super-heroes did not have to end, after all.. One door may have closed, but another had opened. And I was grateful to Michael for showing me the way.

“Thank you, Michael.” I clasped his hand in goodbye. “Maybe you’d better let Dr. Strange know I’ll be contacting him on Monday.”

“I will do so,” Michael promised. “May the Great Spiirit go with you now.”

“Hold it!” Aunt Heather held up both hands. “You newlyweds haven’t had breakfast yet. I insist on your eating a healthy meal before you go. After all,” she smiled at us then, “you’re always after the rest of Alpha Flight to eat properly.”

And so, Philip and I sat down to breakfast at the same table where I had eaten breakfastso many times before reporting to work at Alpha Base. Alpha Flight watched over us, and even had a few items to eat for themselves. I felt the love surrounding us. People that Phil and I would never forget….

It was almost time to leave. I suddenly remembered something. “Phil, do we still have the reservations at Niagara Falls?”

Phil looked miserable. “No. I cancelled them last night. It was pretty late, and I wasn’t sure when you were coming back.”

“Well, maybe we can find a nice motel along the way,” I tried to be cheerful.

Uncle Mac stepped forward just then. “I have a better idea. Alpha Flight has safe houses all over Canada, and we will continue to have to keep them. There’s one in St. Catharines. It’s pretty close to Niagara Falls. Here.” He extended a key. “Take this. You can use this house for your honeymoon. Now I insist.”

Philip and I were touched. “What a generous offer!” I cried. “Of course, we’ll only be using it for one night, which is tonight. Then, in the morning, we’ll leave for New York state. We’ll pass by Niagara Falls on the way, anyway. We’ll reach my parents’ house by evening, and stay there until we can find an apartment. Phil has to start work on Monday, and I’ll contact Dr. Strange on Monday. Oh, I can’t thank you enough!” I flung my arms around his neck and kissed him. “And thank you again. Thank you for the past two years! They’ve been the best two years of my life.” I looked fondly around the room. “And I love each and every one of you. I hope we continue to know each other for the rest of our lives.”

“Do not worry, my kinswoman.” Narya spoke. “You will. I know that you will always be here for us.”

I looked at this strange and beautiful young woman whose secrets I had managed to keep. Never would I know anyone like her again. I hoped I would continue to know her for the rest of our lives. But then, all the members of Alpha Flight were unique and precious to Phil and me. And maybe someday, they would be appreciated once again by the Canadian government.

Shaman raised his hands in a blessing. “May the Great Spirit go with you, my children. Now go on into the next phase of your lives.”

Phil and I felt honored by this. It was as if the Flight was saying it was all right for us to go. A time for everything, as it says in the Bible. Well now, the time had come for Phil and me to leave.

All of Alpha Flight stood on the sidewalk waving farewell to us as Philip and I prepared to drive into the brightening early spring morning, ready to start our new lives together.

I said goodbye to each Alphan individually.

“Goodbye, Walter. Take care of that burn you got as Sasquatch last night, you hear?”

“Already taken care of,” Walter assured me. “Michael put some of his own salve on it, and it’s healing already. Don’t worry; I’ll be fine.”

“Narya, you have recovered from your smoke inhalation from last night, haven’t you?”

“Indeed, I have. Michael listened to my lungs in private just now, and assured me I am fine. I also have a healing factor. So worry not, my kinswoman.”

Michael Twoyoungmen would always take good care of the Alphans, I knew. I never needed to worry on that score.

Aunt Heather and Marrina were crying. Even Uncle Judd seemed to be a little tearful.

“Uncle Judd, you’re crying!” I exclaimed.

“Ain’t cryin’,” Uncle Judd said gruffly. “Just got somethin’ in my eye.”

Instantly, I went into nurse mode. “Oh, do you? Let me see….”

Uncle Judd produced a grubby handkerchief, and touched his eye with it. “Well, whaddya know? Got it out, eh.” Then, he turned to Philip with mock sternness. “All right. Goodbye, son. Now you treat her right, you hear?”

“I will, sir.” Phil spoke solemnly.

Uncle Mac kissed me and shook hands with Phil. “Goodbye, you two. Call us when you get to New York.”

“We will,” I promised. “Goodbye. I love you!”

The sun shone on the streamers and Just Married sign still on the back of the car. It was early morning. But I didn’t mind if anyone saw us. We drove toward St. Catharines, to the safe house that Uncle Mac had recommended. Phil had programmed it into his GPS, and Aunt Heather had shown me a picture of it on her phone. It was a charming little cottage.

I nestled sleepily against Phil’s shoulder. “I’ll never forget them. We’ll come back often, won’t we, Phil?”

“Sure,” Phil replied. “After all, they’re your aunt and uncle.”

“And you have a newly-found cousin,” I yawned. “And a demi-goddess, at that!”

“Whoever would have thought that the past couple of years would bring us such great experiences?” Phil enthused.

“And we’ll always love the members of Alpha Flight,” I exclaimed. “But now, let’s get started on our honeymoon.”

Philip laughed joyously. I’d taught this shy young man how to laugh. There would surely be more happy experiences ahead for us.

And for our beloved Alpha Flight, who were determined to stay together no matter what. And they had the determination and strength to make it.

Well, in the meantime, Phil and I were on our way to our honeymoon. And with great anticipation, we drove into the bright morning, into our future.