CHAPTER 20: EPILOGUE
"Look at it, Cornelius...blue skies again" said David, surveying the scene in Strangerville once they had finished locking down the secret lab and returning home.
"And all those alien plants have disappeared as well" added Cornelius. "I've spoken with DPR headquarters and they've informed me that while were were at the laboratory they sent teams to vaccinate the locals and cure the infected."
"I can see how people are happy again and going about their business without looking frightened. They know it's over and they didn't have to be told." said David, pointing out the normal routines of the inhabitants of Strangerville returning.
So job done, is it?" asked David.
"It would appear so. Just the paperwork to file and a check on the town to see all traces of the Mother Plant and her spores are gone. You can return back to Britechester if you wish."
"No...I won't just yet. I have some unfinished business here" said David, nodding to Cornelius before heading off to another part of town.
Outside of the bar he found Lauren waiting for him. David's face broke into a warm smile and Lauren smiled politely back at him.
"Well, we did it" said David.
"I could tell. Those strange plants all withered and died within seconds and the sky returned to its normal colour. I'm really glad you survived. Is everyone alright?"
"There were no casualties so it was a complete win for the Earthmen. So, can I get you a drink?" he said, jerking his head towards the bar.
Lauren nodded and they headed in to the Eight Bells.
"David...I can't thank you enough for what you and Cornelius have done for this town."
"It's what we do, but thanks"
"What will you do now?"
"Well...I do have a doctorate to finish."
"So you'll be leaving, going back to Britechester?"
"At some point. And you? Staying in Strangerville?"
"It's my home and...well..." Lauren started to blush and looked awkwardly at her drink. The penny dropped with David.
"Ah...you have a friend?"
"Yes. Tre. He's cured and wants to pick up where he and I had left off...before all the trouble happened. Before you came on the scene."
"I should have guessed: When we met you were in tears about what happened to him. I didn't make the connection..."
"I should have been more up front with you but...you were so brave and there was a genuine attraction. I was swept up..."
"So was I. I tend to fall into romantic situations. Lauren; no hard feelings. You and Tre need to make a go of it....give yourselves a chance. Besides, I'm going to be caught up in my PhD for the next year so I would make a terrible boyfriend."
"We'll always have Strangerville" said Lauren with a warm, genuine smile.
Back at the house Cornelius was talking with Peggy, who had handed over all the data she had accumulated to Dr Sands of the DPR and decided to visit.
"Oh, hello Peggy. You've changed your outfit" said David.
"How observant of you" Peggy replied. "My other one got spores all over it. I came prepared with a change of clothes."
"Did you see your librarian friend?" asked Cornelius.
"I did." but David didn't elaborate any further. Peggy could see that he was hurting inside and went over to give him a hug.
"Come here you big softie!" she said. "I've given you a hard time on this mission but you've been brilliant."
"Thanks, Peggy...I don't suppose you'd like to have dinner..." he began but she cut him off.
"Steady on, David! Not now."
"Well, Cornelius, it's been one of the most amazing experiences of my life working with you but I'll pack my bags and head on back to Britechester now. I suppose you'll be heading back to Cambridge?" said David.
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