Two years later…

"Nina Sole, Valedictorian."

She stepped forward, head high and proud, wearing her cadet uniform with a medal on it. It was a sunny day out, with not a cloud in the sky, making the uniform unbearably hot, but she didn't care. The graduation ceremony was held in the courtyard of the school. Seated in chairs were the parents and friends of the cadets, who stood in front on a wooden platform that Nina now walked up on to receive her cord.

Typically, it would be a chosen family member or close ceremony attendee that would give a cadet his or her cord. Nina, having no one who wasn't a cadet themselves, stepped up to Trainer Johnson. He smiled at her, filled with pride at the sight of how far she'd come, and presented it to her. She stepped right back down and returned to her place.

A bugle began to play TAPS, every head was bowed and every cap taken off in respect to the soldiers before their time who had already given up their lives, and more specifically, the cadets that couldn't join them on that day.

Eventually Nina was called back to the platform to give a final speech to the cadets and audience. She nodded her head as she stood in front of a podium and microphone. She looked out into the crowd, feeling nervous, but keeping her expression calm. She knew the words by heart now; she just had to say them and it would all be over.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is a true honor to stand before you this day, and to stand strong in whatever future may be ahead of us. To my fellow cadets, it has meant so much to me to train and grow by your sides. You all have helped to bring me up from the young girl of solitude I once was to a resilient fighter who understands the strengths of leadership and unity within a team.

"When I first arrived here, never once did I care for the sake of friendship, or the values of compassion. Instead, I had my heart solely set upon making myself the absolute best despite what others might say, and to prove myself that I was worthy to stand among soldiers. I had wanted to walk in my father's footsteps and it those of the men that served beside him; the ones that taught me to have courage and hope when the world seemed to be against you.

"The first year went well. I made a couple of new friends- which was a surprise for me- and had my share of average teenage problems as well. I think we're all glad that we found that we could survive the food." A few knowing snickers and held-back laughs erupted from the other cadets. "Yes, well, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

"The second year went better, all of us rookies learned to adapt to the strict rules we needed to follow, and earned our much desired respect from those more experienced than us. We earned promotions and climbed up higher into the ranks that we were more than grateful to hold title of. The training grew a bit rougher, but we excelled through it, knowing what to expect and what to do this round.

"The beginning of the third year gave us hope that we might live through this yet and actually be able to see a real battlefield. Unfortunately, that was not true in the case of Jarred Trotsky, Mike Howards, Chase Douglas, Tessera Fultz, Don Markems, and Jacob Rogers, six of the most brilliant cadets I had met throughout my life. That was the year a group of ten cadets, including myself, went missing before the start of our summer break." Nina took a breath, she had everyone's attention now, but she couldn't go far into this without being called an insane person, "I will not go into details. The pain of their deaths is still hard to swallow for us. But I will say this; during our disappearance, those that perished acted like true soldiers would. They went in that disaster with steady minds and hearts, not knowing if they would come back home alive, but with the fact that no matter what, they would fight back with all the bravery, will, and hope they possessed. They are watching over us now, and for those that miss them as much as I do, they'll be there for you in the tough times ahead, and will stay by your side in spirit when you're hurt or need to stay strong.

"It was difficult returning without them, but we made it back. And for their honor as well as ours we sought out to make them proud. Standing here now, I think we've just about succeeded."

Nina's sixth sense went off and she looked up. There was a similar, translucent figure hanging from the trees, watching her and the others. She knew what it was, but continued on like nothing was happening.

"No one ever said the life of a soldier was an easy one, but it is a life we are more than willing to live. Despite the hardships and the pain, we fight believing in morals that we cherish more than anything, and for the lives that surround us that we long to protect.

"I have lost many in my lifetime, but that has made me strong. It tells me something as well, in the event that I somehow did climb up to the rank of general or commander someday in our army. There are those leaders who see their soldiers as tools in a battle, and will do whatever it takes to win, including their sacrifice, treating men as expendable assets. I don't believe my father and his team were expendable. I don't believe Mike and the others were expendable. I don't believe I or anyone here in expendable. So, my fellow cadets, a word of advice to you in the future as a soldier; although you must be willing to give yourself up for the sake of what's important, don't take another person like that. Allow them and yourself the chance to fight another day if you can. The next day could wind up being brighter than the first. Thank you."

She stepped down again as the crowd clapped. The dean of the academy stepped up to the podium in her place.

"It is my honor to announce that this class of 1998-1999 of Washington DC has completed all military training as of requirement. Cadets of this class of the 1998-1999 school year are hereby dismissed."

As if on cue, the now graduated cadets took their caps and threw them into the air, cheering and completely messing up their formation, which was only allowed on occasions as this. Corin and Colton ran up to her and the trio formed a three way hug. Nick ran down from his spot with the band and joined them. He had officially become a member of their group after coming home.

A demonstration of all they had learned over the course of their training was given to the attendees. They reenacted battles, used actual weapons, and the drill teams preformed shows with flags and formations. Once all was said and done, a small meal was prepared so the cadets could share a final drink of bunch and slice of cake together before saying farewell to one another.

The day was ending soon. Nina headed back to the girl's barracks to collect the remained of her things; immediately putting on her father's dog tag and whispering "I did it," to it as soon as she walked in. The barracks were empty of girls and the sheets and pillows were gone from the bunks to be washed. The entire campus seemed so solemn and abandoned now. This had been her home for four years, and now she was to leave it so suddenly.

She took her two bags off her bunk and put both on one shoulder; she never thought leaving would be this difficult. Turning around, she spotted Corin standing in the doorway, watching her. She hadn't even heard him come in.

Nina ran to him, instantly enveloping herself in his arms; arms that she trusted. He held her for a moment before speaking. "Come on, my mom's already in the car waiting." He led her away through the halls for the last time and to his mom's car. It was strange, but Nina almost felt a part of her evaporate into thin air as she walked out those doors and off campus.

That night, there was a graduation party at Corin's house. His parents said she could stay in the guest room until she got an apartment and job, and the rest of her training was complete. She wouldn't be able to join the rescue teams until she had experienced more. Corin, frankly, wasn't exactly ready to just jump right into military life without enjoying himself some. He was even considering just going into the National Guard.

His entire family came and congratulated the pair, trying their part to make Nina feel welcome. There was more cake, some ice cream, a nice dinner, a card or two given. When night had fallen, everyone gathered around for music and dancing. Some of Corin's youngest cousins and his little brother went swimming in the back yard. Needing some fresh air and time to organize her thoughts for the path ahead, Nina stepped out front and went on the porch.

What now? she wondered. There was not a doubt in her mind that she would be granted entrance into the military, but still some branches were restricted for women, and only few made it into her father's occupation. Maybe she wouldn't have what it took to make it that far. Her sixth sense went off again. Looking up, she saw that same translucent figure standing before her. "Hi."

Sain'ja deactivated his cloaking device as he heard Nina speak, revealing himself to her. He had the scar of a fully-Blooded Yautja on his upper arm. He was not just that now, but an Elite as well for having killed a Queen Xenomorph. Having just gotten back from his Right of Passage, when he decided to stop by this system and share the news with her, and to see just how she had changed over the course of these last two cycles.

"It's been awhile."

Taking out the earpiece she had left behind from a pouch, he put it in her ear and said, "Yes, it has."

She gave him a half smile, then removed her jacket and pulled up the sleeve of her shirt; she still had kept the mark the Elder had given her as "punishment" that long ago. Sain'ja grinned under his mask, knowing the humans had ways of removing such scars with surgery. Maybe she did care- at least a little- about the way of the Yautja after all. "I see you're Blooded too?"

She laughed a bit, "In a way, I guess you could say that, yes. I'm officially an adult now and passed my basic military training."

"So now what?"

She sighed, "To be honest, I don't know. I guess I'll train some more and see about taking my father's path." There was a long silence before she spoke again. "Are the others ok too?"

"They're Blooded now as well."

"Good."

"…You could still come back, you know…"

Looking up, Nina stared at him, a little surprised, "Come back?"

"I've got room on my ship. You wouldn't be separated either just for being female. I'll admit, the guys miss you somewhat."

She raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Just the guys?"

"…Maybe one other Yautja too."

After thinking a minute, she looked back up and said, "I think I might take you up on your offer."

Now it was Sain'ja's turn to be shocked, "You're serious?" She nodded. "Well, in that case, get your things and come aboard, Nina."

"Correction; Dto-Raija." That made him smile. He recloaked as she went back inside and pulled Corin to her room with her. She spoke as she gathered her things, "Look, it's a long story, but I have to go. I don't think I'll be back anytime soon. Tell your parents that I appreciate everything, but someone else is going to look after me. Ok?"

"What? You're going?"

"I'm sorry…"

"No, it's ok. It's just…Well I-" Nina kissed him before Corin could say more. After she drew her lips away, she hugged him.

"Figured it might be the last time I got the chance to do that...I'll miss you, but I just have to go." They examined each other a second longer, then he nodded, letting her walk out the door and say her goodbyes.

He watched from the window as her aw her head down the street. It looked as if she was talking to someone occasionally. When she was almost out of view, he saw lights from a strange craft appear. Corin shook his head, grinning as he left his position near the window.

He took out a small container in his back pocket and flipped it open. Inside was a ring he had planned to give her when he got the chance that night. Now it seemed he wouldn't be able to tell her his true feelings, but he would wait. After all, wouldn't she do the same if he did leave for the army?

Besides, he-partially knew there was no taming Dto-Raija anyway. No one could tame the Jungle Cat.