Page 1 – Panel 1:
The crew is gathered inside the base, the hum of machinery and the distant chatter of soldiers filling the air. Captain Hawke is standing by a monitor, scanning the screens, ever watchful for any potential threats. His eyes flicker over the data with sharp focus, his expression serious.

Caption (Captain’s voice):
“Stay sharp, people. We can’t afford to drop our guard.”

Page 1 – Panel 2:
The rebellion league is lounging on a large, worn-out couch nearby, casually drinking and laughing. Voltfist, Mindquake, and the others seem relaxed, enjoying a moment of downtime amidst the chaos. The atmosphere is easygoing, almost as if the tension of the outside world doesn’t exist in this room.

Mindquake (laughing, to Voltfist):
“Next time, let’s see you drink that without sparking it first.”

Page 2 – Panel 1:
The focus shifts to Evan and Jason walking together, deep in conversation. Their footsteps echo as they cross the dimly lit base. Evan’s face is still processing the weight of everything that’s happened, his expression distant.

Jason:
“It’s not easy, I know... but we’ll figure it out.”

Page 2 – Panel 2:
Phantomark, off to the side, casually tosses two cans of beer toward Evan. Without skipping a beat, Evan catches them with ease, passing one to Jason. They head toward a nearby fence, sitting down to talk.

Phantomark (off-panel):
“Here, might help you think things through.”

Page 3 – Panel 1:
Evan and Jason sit on the fence, cans in hand. The moonlight casts long shadows across the base. Jason leans back, taking a swig, while Evan watches him, still a bit lost in thought.

Evan (thinking):
“How do I even begin to process everything that’s changed...?”

Page 3 – Panel 2:
Jason, sensing Evan’s turmoil, leans forward slightly. His tone is gentle but direct.

Jason:
“You’re not the only one with questions, Evan. But trust me, we’re in this together.”

Page 4 – Panel 1:
Lena, standing near Captain Hawke, glances over at the crew, watching them joke around and enjoy themselves. Her focus shifts between the group and the distant horizon, keeping watch for any signs of danger.

Lena (thinking):
“They deserve these moments. But we can’t let our guard down too long...”

Page 4 – Panel 2:
The camera cuts back to Evan and Jason, the mood shifting. Evan’s voice is soft but searching.

Evan:
“So... how’s school been? How’s Leila? I haven’t seen her in weeks.”

Page 5 – Panel 1:
Jason sighs, his eyes thoughtful as he looks off into the distance for a moment.

Jason:
“Leila’s been... well, she’s been trying to stay busy. But, yeah, it’s been rough. I can’t imagine how she’s feeling with everything going on.”

Page 5 – Panel 2:
Evan nods, glancing down at his phone. He’s been avoiding the messages from his parents, but curiosity finally gets the better of him. The screen shows a dozen unread messages from his mom.

Page 6 – Panel 1:
Close-up of Evan’s phone screen. The messages from his mother are filled with concern and love.

Messages (from Mom):
“Come home safe, hun. We love you. Please stay safe...”
There’s a pause as Evan scrolls down to see more of them.

Page 6 – Panel 2:
Evan’s eyes linger on the screen for a moment, the weight of his parents’ words sinking in. His fingers hover over the screen as he thinks.

Evan (thinking):
“Damn... they really do care. I need to go see them.”

Page 7 – Panel 1:
Evan glances over at the crew. Voltfist, with a grin, electrifies a can of beer, watching it burst open in a shower of sparks. The team laughs and hoots, carefree and loose in the moment. Even Aegis, usually quiet, cracks a smile as he watches the chaos unfold.

Voltfist (laughing):
“Who needs a bottle opener when you’ve got lightning?”

Page 7 – Panel 2:
The camera pulls back to reveal the entire crew—Mindquake, Voltfist, Aegis, and the rest—laughing, joking, and sharing a rare moment of peace. But Evan’s gaze shifts again to Jason.

Page 8 – Panel 1:
Jason puts a hand on Evan’s shoulder, his expression serious but gentle. His voice is soft, almost like a whisper.

Jason:
“I think you should go to them, Evan. Your parents miss you. You know they’re worried.”

Page 8 – Panel 2:
Evan looks at the crew one more time, the faintest smile on his lips as he nods. He stands up from the fence, his resolve firming.

Evan:
“Yeah. You’re right. Thanks, Jason. I’ll go.”

Page 9 – Full-page spread:
Evan, walking away from the base, the evening sky painted in soft purples and oranges, a quiet calm settling over him. The crew watches him leave, their expressions a mix of support and understanding. The base looms behind him, a symbol of both home and the dangers ahead.

Page 10 – Panel 1:
Evan reaches his home, his hand gripping the windowsill. The warm glow from the inside of the house contrasts sharply with the cold, distant stars above.

Page 10 – Panel 2:
Evan slips inside through the window, his parents’ voices echoing in the background. As soon as they spot him, their faces light up with relief and joy.

Margaret (voice trembling):
“Evan! You’re back... thank God.”

Page 11 – Panel 1:
Evan’s parents hug him tightly, their relief palpable. They ask about everything—the missions, the battles, and most importantly, Jason.

Thomas:
“We’ve been worried sick, Evan. What’s been going on?”

Page 11 – Panel 2:
Evan looks down at his parents, trying to calm their fears. His voice is low and steady.

Evan:
“It’s been... a lot. But I’m okay. Jason’s not who I thought he was. He’s on our side now.”

Page 12 – Panel 1:
The camera cuts to Lena, walking down the overview site, deep in thought. She pauses, sitting next to Jason, who’s still perched by the edge, watching the horizon.

Lena:
“Where’s Evan?”

Page 12 – Panel 2:
Jason shrugs, handing Lena a beer. He speaks casually but with a hint of affection.

Jason:
“He went to see his parents. Needed some time with them.”

Page 13 – Panel 1:
Lena and Jason sit together, both watching the crew below, deep in conversation. It’s late, the sky darkening further. The others are winding down, ready for sleep.

Mindquake (slightly drunk):
“What are you two waiting for? Go to bed already.”

Page 13 – Panel 2:
Jason laughs softly, nodding toward the crew below as they start heading to their bunks.

Jason:
“Guess Evan’s staying with his parents tonight... good for him.”

Page 14 – Panel 1:
The crew begins to break up, heading to their rooms for the night. Lena and Jason share a look, then wish Captain Hawke a quiet goodnight.

Page 14 – Panel 2:
The base settles into silence, the team exhausted but content. Jason and Lena are the last to leave the overlook, heading to their rooms for some much-needed rest.

Page 15 – Panel 1:
The base is still. The moonlight casts long shadows over the empty hallways, and the sounds of the night fade away, leaving only the soft hum of the base’s systems.

Caption (narration):
“Tomorrow will come soon enough... but for tonight, they rest.”

Page 16 – Full-page spread:
The camera pulls back from the quiet base, showing the stars above, the planet far below. The silhouette of the base against the night sky is the only thing left, a symbol of the calm before the storm.

Caption (narration):
“But tomorrow, they’ll face whatever comes next... together.”