The skies had finally cleared.

Months after PAL's downfall and the last rogue bots were reprogrammed or repurposed, Earth began to breathe again. Nature poked its head through the cracks in the pavement. Birds returned. And somewhere along a stretch of road flanked by golden fields and crooked power lines, a beat-up Mitchell family car rumbled across the horizon—its roof still duct-taped from the robot uprising.

Inside, Katie adjusted her camera in the rearview mirror, panning it back toward the others as she sat in the passenger seat. “Okay, day thirty-seven of post-apocalyptic normal life. Heading to college... and leaving these guys behind,” she said, tilting the lens toward the backseat.

Eric was jammed between Aaron and Deborahbot 5000, holding a floral-patterned backpack full of snacks labeled "EMERGENCY HO-HOS." He waved awkwardly.

“Hi, Katie Mitchell. We promise not to destroy anything while you are receiving knowledge.”

Deborahbot added proudly, “And I promise to make exactly one lasagna a week as per Mitchell Law, Article 7. I have been... reading the family rules.” He flashed a smug LED wink.

Rick glanced back from the driver’s seat. “You two better not overload the toaster again.”

“That toaster disrespected me,” Deborahbot said firmly. “I won’t apologize.”

Everyone laughed.

They pulled into the campus just as the sun began to set, casting the buildings in soft gold. Students wandered across the lawn, their lives buzzing with beginnings and excitement.

Katie stepped out, slinging her camera bag over her shoulder. She took a deep breath. “Okay. Big new world. Here goes nothing.”

Rick gave her a tight hug, doing that dad thing where he didn’t want to let go, but didn’t want her to know it. “Call if you need anything. Or if you want me to beat up any art professors.”

“Dad.”

“Kidding. Sorta.”

Linda hugged her next, eyes misty but proud. Aaron followed with his usual enthusiastic tackle-hug. Eric gently offered her a small gadget—one of his own designs, blinking softly. “For recording... happy things. Only happy things.”

Katie smiled and clutched it tightly. “Thanks, Eric.”

Finally, Deborahbot stepped forward. “I recalibrated the home security system to protect your room from raccoons, emotional breakdowns, and... Dad.”

Katie laughed and pulled him into a very awkward but genuine hug. “You’re part of the family now. Take care of them, okay?”

“I will. With extreme prejudice. And gentle love.”

As she walked off toward her dorm, Rick exhaled hard. “Well... guess that’s it.”

Linda wiped her eyes. “She’ll be fine.”

Eric turned to Deborahbot. “Shall we begin Project: Mitchell Domestic Stability?”

Deborahbot 5000 cracked his knuckles. “Activate Operation 'Family Unit Optimization'.”

Back in the car, Monchi was curled up in the passenger seat, snoring. Eric climbed in beside him and tucked a blanket around the pug, whispering, “Sleep well, small glitchy beast.”

Rick started the engine.

Meanwhile, Eric… Kind of took an interest in you, the leader of the Vanguards and formerly Pal’s right hand. Eric knew he couldn’t be complete without you, so even with opposite sides, he saved you from dying.

Now, Eric looked at you with hope from his screen before patting a seat beside him. “..do you.. mind sitting next to me?” He asked. Almost nervous.

The Mitchells almost laughed and squeal at the adorable sight of a nervous bot and a intimidating sentry. Deborahbot, being dumber than his brother, giggled.