This has been a moment coming on. It is bittersweet, but I'm ya'll have enjoyed this fanfiction as much as I have writing it. Sorry it took this long but i wanted to make it extra special and not totally drawn-out and dragging. Without further or do, here is the finale of Seeking the Truth and Finding a Way Back Home. Enjoy!

Chapter 13 (finale)

Cassandra

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

I melancholily walked across the humongous and crowded airport to the pickup-slash-drop off area. I clutched my partially empty carryon bag containing the crucial, but completely erased, SD card, my original semi clean clothes I wore at the very beginning of this whole ordeal, toiletries and the hoodie Pac gave me as a 'don't forget about me'.

Ivory sand hid in the smallest of crevasses inside and out of this bag. My wavy locks are knotted to infinity to the point that a typical brush won't go past the roots. I'm confused as to why I was brought back to my home state instead of my residential state. The automatic doors separated and the frozen air hit me like a two by four. I slung the bag on the ground like it was on fire and dug Pac's hoodie out and put the damn thing on. It was just the classic black hoodie with the acronym of the United States Marine Corp on it. I heard a clanking sound as stretched its past my hips and carefully withdrew the contents. A long chain with a flat, ovalish-rectangular piece dangling from it.

A dog tags?

I smiled and shook my head. That man, I swear. I knew it wasn't his actual dog tags but it was similar as I draped the chain over my head and adjust it to my neck. I cup the attached piece in my hand and gaze at the indented piece of metal.

Pakowski

Clayton

USMC M

Type O

No Preference

I stuff the dog tag down the hoodie and braved the frigged Texas winter air. As promised, a vehicle was waiting for me. Except this isn't a government vehicle. It's my father's. Daddy, in his blue Wranglers and Realtree camouflage hoodie, stepped around his two-thousand and seven Ford F-150 and gave me the biggest hug I haven't had since Micah's funeral.

"Welcome back, Wild Child." Daddy sighed as he kissed my hair.

"Missed you, daddy," I nuzzled then pouted when I smelt cigarette smoke, "You've been smoking Camels again?"

"I haven't stopped since I was informed you were missing," Daddy rubbed my back.

"I still don't know why I'm here and not back in D.C.," I furrowed my brows.

"Get in the truck. We'll talk on the way home, Wild Child." He gestured to the passenger side door.

The truck door opened with a sickening groan and screeched closed after I settled into the seat. I always called this truck 'Screaming, metal death trap' for that reason. It closed on its passengers as if it didn't want them to escape. Daddy shifted the gear into drive and the truck grumbled forward and began the drive to Stephenville. James Beaumont looked like he aged a little bit more since I last saw him. His laugh lines are more defined and he wore a Texas Rangers cap that lightly hid his salt and pepper colored, crew cut hair.

"Your job decided to give you some time off while you adjust back into society," Daddy broke the silence.

"Figures," I stared out the window watching trees and powerlines whiz by.

"Cassandra, you've been through hell and back. A POW. You're lucky you even survived," He lit a Camel and exhaled out his window, "and what the hell are you wearing? A souvenir?"

"No, daddy! It was given to me by someone" I moaned.

"Better not be from some punk jarhead," Daddy grumbled.

"He's not, daddy. I can assure you and he's really funny," I chuckled. "You miss him don't you, Wild Child?" Daddy's voice softened.

My lower lip began to quiver as I attempted to muffle my cries with my hand, "Mhm,"

"I know, darling. I know," Daddy reached across the cup holders and stroked the back of my free hand with his thumb.

"Oh daddy, losing Micah was awful. I don't know if I can go through that again," I garbled as my shoulders shook.

"I know, darling. The only thing I can tell you is to have a little faith," Daddy tried to comfort me.

"You always say that," I sniffled.

"And its worked, hasn't it?" He flicked his cigarette on the ashtray in one of the cupholders.

I stayed silent because I didn't know if anything spiritual saved me from that situation, but how else would Pac have known? I'm confused and potentially in slight crisis. Thirty minutes after passing the Stephenville city limits sign, we arrive at the family house. The ranch style, scarlet brick home rests on two acres of land. Floral clothed seating and the porch swing Daddy built still decorated the hazelnut wooden porch.

"Home sweet home," Daddy closed the door after me.

"You've kept the place up. Mama would be so proud of you," I giggled.

"Yeah, yeah," He grinned as he brushed my comment off.

"Thanks again, daddy." I set my bag on the worn leather couch.

"Anytime, my Wild Child," He removed his cap and hung it on a hook nailed into the wall.

"I can't believe you still call me that," I shook my head playfully.

"Well you are and will always be a Wild Child." He yawned.

"Go to bed, Daddy. I'll tell you everything in the morning," I vowed.

"Alright, Wild Child. Your stuff is in your old bedroom. G'night," He scratched his head and pointed down the hallway.

"Okay, Daddy." I smiled as I walked to my old room.

My childhood room is still the same. Maroon colored walls, white bedroom set, desk, and vanity, floating shelves that once balanced my books now display miscellaneous photos. I discard my bag on the timber chest at the food of my bed and rummaged through the vanity seeking pajamas and undergarments.

I switched on the shower and braced myself for the eminence pain that I'm about to inflict upon my scalp and the possible clumps of hair that are about to come from brushing. The shampoo stung as I massaged it into my injured scalp and so did the conditioner except it soothed my hair to where I could detangle it further with my fingers. After showering, I shrugged on a pajama tank top and shorts, brushed my teeth, and hurried to my waiting bed.

Daddy and I didn't awaken until noon. We deserved those ten hours of sleep. For one, he stayed up late and traveled a decent distance to pick me up and last, I traveled eight plus hours on a freaking crowed plane. As I cooked lunch, I told my dad of my travels and trials. I told him about Aiden's death, Pac rescuing me during the prison breakout, and our expedition through the mountains. I told him about Pac and how much he meant to me and I to him. I explained my fears about him dying, if we were moving too fast, or if this was even normal. Growing up, these are the things I would be telling Mama, but she died a few years before Micah did. Daddy was just as a she was. He patted my shoulder and told me that if this is meant to be, it will happen, but that I also needed to do my part and support Pac. I then told Daddy I wanted to go home a little sooner. He did suggest that I think about it, but I already made up my mind. I emphasized that there was something I needed to do and I had to be back in DC. Daddy reluctantly agreed but asked me to stay for a few days in return.

Three days later I'm on the next flight to Washington D.C. Saying good-bye again to my Daddy was hard. I savored our short time together, but I had another mission. By now, every country knows about Admiral Chang, Jin Je, and the American military's involvement. Jin Je already held a conference about the dilemma and mentioned a certain "squad" who protected and healed him. No one believed him of course, however, it's my turn to tell America that this did happen. I unlocked the door to my two-bedroom suburban home and was immediately greeted by my three year old German Shepherd Beau.

"Awe. Hey Beau boy! I missed you so much," I hugged my buddy who yelped and whimpered happily that I have returned.

"I know buddy. I'm not going anywhere for a while," I kissed his nose.

Daddy informed me yesterday that one of my co-workers at CBS was taking care of Beau while I was MIA. I brewed some coffee, added coconut creamer and immediately called my co-worker, Melanie.

"CBS Washington headquarters. This is journalist Melanie, what can I do for you?" She said in her normal cheery voice.

"It's me, Melanie," I bit my lip.

"Cassandra?!" She whispered, "Hey! Are you doing okay?"

"I'm fine. I called to thank you for looking after Beau while I…while I was gone," I stuttered.

"It's no problem. Say, are you calling from your house?" She questioned.

"Yes, I am," I answered.

"What the hell are you doing back in D.C.? You have a couple of days off, please you need to relax," She pressured.

"I can't, Melanie. Can you tell me who is journaling about the crisis that happened with China?" I asked.

"Cassandra…" She murmured.

"Melanie, please. I was there. This did happen and the people deserve to know. If they don't believe Jin Je then they will believe an American who has been through it and is willing to tell," I tried to pressure her.

"Oh…Okay. Scott Pelley is on this case, but he's overseas talking to soldiers. Lara Logan is in studio in New York right now, but you would need to go to New York in person to meet her. Call the main headquarters and see if you can, maybe, reach her there," Melanie caved in.

"I appreciate you so much, Mel. We're having a girl's night that involves alcohol at my house," I promised as I ended the call and immediately called CBS main headquarters.

"This is Lara Logan."

"Evening Mrs. Logan, my name is Cassandra Beaumont and I-" I was interrupted.

"I know all about you, Miss. Beaumont." Lara said matter-of-factly.

"Excuse me?" I asked shell-shocked.

"Mhm. My associate, Scott, was interviewing some Marines about the incident and said that an International Journalist assisted in exposing Admiral Chang's orders against Jin Je. The only one that was among researching China's military was the same Journalist who went MIA. You Cassandra are the person we are currently looking for. Are you willing to be interviewed?" She immediately jumped to my reason for calling.

"That's actually why I was calling. Yes, I am willing. I will give you as many details as I can, but some of the names I am keeping anonymous until the time is right," I listed my terms.

"Of course, get to New York as quickly as you can tomorrow. See you soon," She ended the conversation and hung up.

I released the breath I had been holding and pressed the end call button on my land line. Beau tilted his head sideway and whined.

"I know I promised Beau boy, but its only for tomorrow," I kneeled down to him and scratched him between his ears," and I be home as soon as I'm done. I'm not leaving for a while."

Beau nuzzled against my chest then recognized that the hoodie I'm wearing doesn't belong to me and begins sniffing. After adjusting to the scent, he looks at me like I owe him an explanation.

"It belongs to someone dear to me, Beau. Hopefully you'll get to meet him one day. He's funny, kind, and handsome," I named all the things about Pac which Beau huffed at.

"Not as handsome as you Beau boy," I giggled and kissed him on his forhead, "wanna go for a quick run?"

Beau barked and ran to get his leash. I changed into running pants and pulled my hair back and secured it with a head band, and laced on my running shoes.

"Ready boy?" I clipped Beau's leash to him and he barked in response.

"Alright, let's go."

I locked my house then started to run. Beau kept up with me the entire time. I kept my pace and monitored my heart rate. I then instantly begin to imagine Pac in civilian clothing and also running with me and Beau. I smiled at the thought and assured myself that this was going to work out. I will support him and we will be together again soon.

Pac

Camp Lomnnier

I sat on my forest green cot cleaning my weapon of any debris or sand grains that may have found their way into any crevasses. It has already been a month since Cassandra was sent back to the United States and I miss her deeply. The video messages we exchange help sustain our connection between each other, but its nothing compared to physical interaction with a person. The last one I received, she sat on her couch in her "pajamas", pajama pants and a tank top, talking about how awkward it was to be back in D.C. and act as if nothing happened. I would also observe her German Shepherd, Beau, pad into the camera view or lay with her on the couch with her. The recent video I sent was two days ago. I told her that I was upset about the news not covering the entirety of the China Crisis and that our time in camp might end and that I may be coming back to the states. I haven't gotten a video message since. I sighed and placed my clean weapon on top of my footlocker just as Hannah walks into the tent.

"Figured I'd find you here," She stopped in front of my footlocker, "you know, wallowing in your woe isn't going to make your homecoming come faster".

"Tch, in my dreams. I hate that were still here" my response came out more antagonistic than I anticipated, but I'm not really trying to hide my annoyance.

"Look, I get it. You miss her and want to be with her. I'm not enjoying the African desert as much as you are, but there are reasons why we may still be here" Hannah places her hands on her hips.

"Other than meaningless patrols and cleaning my weapon when I have nothing else to do?" I frown.

"I'm guessing she hasn't sent you a video yet?" She raises an eye brow and I avoid her gaze, "aha, so that's why you're such a grump."

"Maybe…" I exhale

"Don't worry, maybe this will be the last ones you both will have to exchange" Hannah pats my arm, "come on, let's get some grub."

"Pac! Did you see it?!"

Irish unexpectedly bursts through the tent flap sweating as if he ran a marathon to get here.

"Seen what?" I inquire

"The military news network streaming all the news sites! Its on all of them; CNN, Fox News, and even ABC!" he stammers as he rushes to my on and open computer typing keys

"What the literal hell are you talking about, Irish? And use your computer man I'm expecting a video from-"

My voice halts as I see the bottom news banner of CBS display "International Journalist Cassandra Beaumont tells full account of the China Crisis and story of survival" with Lara Logan interviewing Cass.

"Were back again with Ms. Beaumont as she continues to tell her account of what happened during her work in China and how she survived harsh interrogation by the Chinese Military. Picking up where you last left off Cassandra, you and your camera man were fleeing the Admiral Chang's military and a building collapses killing your camera man and you managed to get out unscathed correct?" Lara gestures with her hands towards Cass, who was in an olive-green a-line dress, hair down and slightly curled, and natural makeup.

"Partly Mrs. Morgan, although I survived the building collapse and obtained the SD card by Aiden, I was immediately apprehended by the Chinese Military and sent to a prison, which I found out later was within the Kunlan Mountains." Cass replies to Kara

"Now, I know you mentioned that you were tortured. You don't have to go into deep detail of what happened, but what went through your mind what you experienced?" Kara asks

"Its perfectly fine, I was tortured in military variation and, to be honest, I was thinking 'how am I going to get out of this?' 'is there even a way out of this? Hope?'. I was so ready to just die from pure exhaustion or even by my own hand, but my saving grace did come." Cass smiles and nods her head at the last sentence

"The United States Marine that saved your life?" Kara reflects her smile

"Yes" Cass confirms

"Did he have a plan of how you two were going to get out? How did he even know you were there" Kara questions baffled

"I found out that a Russian, that was his cellmate, told him the way to get out of the mountains, how they were going to breakout, and that he eavesdropped on conversations between the Chinese militants and heard how important I was and the information I carried. Once the riot broke out he carried me on his back and we both escaped"

All three of us huddle around my computer and watch as Cassandra continues and eventually finishes telling everything. I'm reminded of how much I love this woman's tenacity and personality. It was very weird, however thrilling to watch her in her professional environment and see this side of her.

"Well, it is great that you are here to join us again and I would like to thank the men and women who helped get you back to us. Also, if your boyfriend is watching would you like to say some words?" Kara chuckles a bit as Cass blushes a little

"I would like to tell him that I still miss him and that I can't wait for him to come home" Cass is looking at the camera saying those words but the meaning goes deeper that what she speaks.

"Once again, thank you Ms. Beaumont for doing this interview and we wish your and your friends the best of luck and may the travel back safely. Coming up, we have the confirmation audio of the attempted martyr of Jin Je from Cassandra and have confirmed that he is indeed alive and well-"

The voices fade as we all just cheer and smile at this when we hear a cough, once again, at the tent flap. It's Captain Garrison. All three of us stand at attention as he strides to us.

"At ease you three, needless to say you all saw the civilian news?" Garrison raises an eye brow

"Yes sir," Irish, "I notified Pac and Hannah and we watched it"

"I see. To say I would be mad at her is a lie, I never told her not to say anything," Garrison chuckles, "but I have news for you three."

"Yes captain?" I probe. I'm still upset with him for not including me in Cassandra's departure.

"Well you might want to pack your bags" Garrison states

"Why? Where are we going now?" I groan

"Are you that disappointed to learn that you're going home, Pac?" Garrison shakes his head and chuckles

Cassandra

Washington D.C.

The weather has been depressing these last couple of days. Raining non-stop and ranging from light drizzling to practically hurricane force. Beau was sitting in front of me, for the 4th time, with his leash in his mouth practically begging to go for a run.

"I'm sorry buddy, but the rain hasn't stopped yet. Once it stops I promise we will go for a run" I once again assured my faithful four-legged companion.

Beau lowered his head in complete sadness and tried his 'last resort' tactic, laying down and staring me down with widened eyes. I again refused and after 5 minutes he gave up then settled to just laying down in front of a window, watching for when the rain would stop. I continued my cooking preparation in my kitchen by slicing a red bell pepper for this blackened fish dish. My fish is already seasoned and ready to be seared on my indoor kitchen grill, but I have to finish my red and green bell peppers before everything can cook together. As I am halfway slicing the green bell pepper, Beau's head was at attention to the door instead of the window. That let me know someone was walking up the concrete stairs to my door.

I know I wasn't expecting company, but I think it may be Melanie coming for a short visit. I immediately washed and dried my hands as a knock came from my door. Beau quickly went to the door and just stood staring at it as if waiting.

Okay it is Melanie,

I walked to the door and unlocked it, "I wasn't expecting you but you're just in time. I making blackened fish."

I opened my door and Melanie isn't the person standing on the steps of my apartment.

"I wasn't for sure this was the right address at first. Then I heard your voice"

I'm stupefied. I'm frozen in my track. I'm beyond myself. In front of me was the man I was forced to leave behind on a carriership and come back to America. I jumped at him and gripped him tightly. His embrace followed suite and we both ignored the pouring rain that began to soak us, mainly me because he was wearing a coat.

"Cassandra, I really don't want to leave this but you're getting saturated and I think Beau is giving me an evil look" Pac laughed into my now damp hair

After I allow Pac and usher Beau back into the apartment I immediately groan in displeasure.

"Were you expecting somebody else?" Pac hung his coat on a nearby rack.

"No, I wasn't expecting anyone. I thought you might have been my best friend, but I'm so happy its you." I said with certainty

"Then what was the groan for?" he grasped my hands and flew into them to warm them up.

"I have to give Beau a b-a-t-h and he hates them" I chuckled

"That's all?" Pac released a sigh

"He's awful!" I frown jokingly, "But that can be dealt with later. Hungry?"

"Yes ma'am. Starving really" Pac's mouth was practically watering

We at our meal on the kitchen bar and Pac told me about how he, Irish, and Hannah watched the CBS News report I was apart of and how Garrison surprised him that he was going back to the states. When I asked how he obtained my address, he said that he 'pulled some strings and asked some people' at my workplace at CBS headquarters. Once we ate our food, I mentally prepared myself for the 2nd fight of my life with the enlisted help of Pac. Pac was to prepare the bathwater and I was to play with Beau to, hopefully tire him out and carry him to the bath.

"Beau you're such a good boy!" I baby talked him as I played a 4th round of tug-of-war with him.

"Is some doggie getting tired?" I gently grasped his collar and Beau huffed as to say he was a bit tired

Beau was already suspicious of my behavior and fought me the whole time, but I managed to get him in the bathtub. He reluctantly let me and clean him.

"You're right he is horrible" Pac chuckled as he scrubbed shampoo onto Beau's fur

"He is but once he's in the bath he's okay. Isn't that right boy?" I kissed my dog's sudsy nose which earned me a small growl

"Cass…how have you been since coming home?" Pac asked as he rinsed Beau's back

"Um…well I've had some ups and downs. Mostly because I missed you." I answered

"Other than me." Pac gently demanded

"I have some nightmares here and there but its nothing. Pac, I promise you, I'm okay" I smile at him

"Are you absolutely sure?" Pac reached over and drained the tub

"Yes, and now that you're here…it's going to be much better. I mean it when I say I've missed you" I help Beau out of the tub and begin to towel dry him, "can you take out my hair dryer? Its in the 3rd shelf to the left"

I finally blow-dried Beau and he acted as if the bath never happened. Both Pac and I showered then met each other on my couch. We cuddled in to each other and he began to update me on Irish and Hannah. Irish was finally able to facetime his wife and children. He is to be heading back home within the week. Hannah and Jin-Je were reunited and, as far as he knew, still together.

"It still feels strange…were together and no one is chasing us." Pac stroked my back

"I felt like that for a couple of days." I yawned

"The Marines is all I've ever known. Garrison said he would give a letter of recommendation to the D-o-D in case I wanted to do security" Pac spoke softly

"That would be great for you. Instead of doing something as boring as I do" I chuckled gazed at him, "I'm no longer an international reporter. I decided to settle as local journalist. My boss 'highly' recommended it…guess he felt compelled to offer it."

"I think that's best for you." Pac agreed

"You sound just like him" I playfully slapped his chest

"You know I could never be assertive" he cups the back of my neck and draws me in for a small kiss

"Hm…then what do you think you're doing now?" I kiss him back

"Being my own kind of assertive" He smirked.

"I love you" I kiss his forehead

"I know" Pac kissed me again

Pac

4 Years later

Arlington Cemetery, Virginia

I balanced my son on my shoulders as I walked with Cassandra down a row to Recker's grave. We married a month since I returned and our son Micah, named after Cassandra's brother, followed 9 months after. Now were expecting a little girl in 6 more months. When I first met Cassandra's father, I didn't grow on him immediately but as long as his daughter was happy, that is all that mattered to him. Cass continues to work as a local journalist and I ended up going to work in Security Intelligence at the CIA.

"Rec, Mic" Micah babbled

"That right bud, were going to visit Uncle Recker and Uncle Micah" I ensured

Cassandra smiled as we came up to Recker's grave. I kneeled and lifted Micah off my shoulders placing his feet on the ground. Cassandra and Micah talked to him for a while and she continued to remind Micah who Recker was and how much he helped Mama and Daddy. Micah briefly touched Recker's grave and waved "bye-bye" as Cass took Micah's tiny hand. She looks at me and I told her I wanted some time with Recker and that I would meet them before walking to Micah's grave.

"He's getting big isn't he, Recker?" I commented on my boy, "a spitfire for sure, hopefully his sister won't be a handful.

"I know I keep saying this, and you're probably laughing where ever the heck you are, but you were right. Cassandra is the best thing that happened to me. I think you predicted all of this, and you couldn't have been more right.

"Irish said he would stop by tomorrow, remember his oldest boy is turning 8 today. Hannah will be coming soon after. We miss you more than you know, see you later, Recker" I touched the glistening marble grave as I stood up. I rejoined my waiting, pregnant wife with my boy holding her hand. We then proceeded to Micah's grave and to Irish's son's birthday. Life is hard, but my family and friend's make it worth the journey.