John raced up the halls toward transports. He pushed open the doors, stepping out into the early morning light. There was a single transport in the area, already heading out. The gates rolled open ahead of the transport, leading out into Twenty-nine Palms. John reached the road just as the transport rolled off base. He stopped running, exhaled in defeat, and watched the transport leave. He'd missed his last chance. "You've gotta be kidding me."

Suddenly the transport exploded into a fiery inferno. Shrapnel of metal burst through the air at intense speeds. The air became a hot blaze, burning the lungs with every breath. The shock wave was strong enough to throw John from the transports. He collided with the building behind him and slumped to the ground. His ears rung from the explosion. He pushed himself off the ground and stared at the horrific blaze just ahead of him.

The vehicle was ablaze. Flame of orange and red surrounded the entire vehicle. The walls of the transport had been forced open from the explosion. Shards of hot metal littered the street in a twenty yard radius. John pushed himself to his feet. All around, the alarm rang out through the base. Men mobilized, racing toward the burning transport. Yet through all the adrenaline, smoke, shouts that surrounded him, John couldn't find it in himself to move. His entire being was seized by some unseen force, keeping him situated where he stood. His eyes were locked on the blazing vehicle.

There was no chance that anyone could have survived a blast like that. Not even Vera, so gifted at surviving the impossible. Yet as he watched the flames and the workers trying to recover anyone, John found himself watching for Vera to emerge from the wreckage, singed and coughing, but alive. He needed to see her alive. But as the flames died down, John felt nothing but bitter disappointment. Vera was gone this time. There was no coming back from this. She was dead. Vera Dimitrov was dead.

End

just a note for those who haven't read Mira yet, this entire fanfic was revised! and if you haven't read Mira, READ IT!

Don't worry, there will be a sequal. I just need a break for a little bit before I burn out on Doom.