The last month had been rough, to say the least. Starting with solving the Mackenzie McBride case, and ending with Veronica moving back into the manor, after being kidnapped alongside Cassie, by one of Daniel Redding's apprentices, 3 weeks previously.

Being visited by the Director (her father), as well as the Director of National Intelligence, on that very same day definitely didn't help matters. But despite all of you being on edge as to what the future of "The Naturals" program would hold, having it confirmed by the highest-up person in the government, that you can get to, that not only would the initiative would continue, but you'd also be allowed to help on active cases, was a huge sense of relief for everyone.

And since celebrating small wins had become a well-practiced tradition in the manor, something like this was definitely cause for celebration; an excuse to party the night away, if for no other reason, then not knowing what the next day or week would bring.

Which is how all 9 of you (Cassie, Dean, Lia, Michael, Sloane, you, Veronica, Briggs, and Judd), ended up sat around the table in the kitchen, after a hearty meal, going around and making toasts to a bunch of different people.

"To Special Agent Veronica Sterling, for not fully throwing this program under the bus in her report, when it came to how many rules we broke and bended." Michael stated, holding up his can of soda.

"To Director Sterling, who alongside the Director of National Intelligence read Ronnie's report, and both decided to let this initiative carry on as it is, with near-enough un-restricted access." Briggs continued, holding up his bottle of beer, giving a brief glance-over at Veronica.

"Also to Director Sterling and the Director of National Intelligence," Judd started, getting in the middle of whatever would've happened between the two of them if he hadn't. "For deciding to appoint me the person who gets to reconstruct this program, instead of sitting on the side-lines." Which earned scattered groans and small 'boo's from "The Naturals".