When I finished the first draft of this book, I was too tired to sincerely care about it. It's strange how unconcerned with life you get when all you want to do is go to sleep. However, the more I think about it, the more I realize how fascinating it is that I finished. This book wasn't even supposed to exist before that glamping trip. Suddenly, I had an idea, and it only took me a few months to get everything put together.

     And here we are.

    Thank you, to all you readers, whether you came expecting a proper sequel to Departed or just thought reading some fluffy ship oneshots sounded interesting (for all you Departed readers, a proper sequel is coming!). You all make my days with your thoughtful and kind comments. I'm thrilled that people enjoy reading what I write, and I can't thank you all enough for being so nice as to read it. Special shoutouts go to the_quiet_jade, PowerParty101, FireCloud3, frostingbot, Alianovna1, AestheticReadingAcc, and ghosts-of-the-beyond.

     Neon (therearenooptions), thanks for enduring my various rants about timelines and how everything is supposed to fit together into the greater story. I know I spend sooooo much time obsessing over this series, and it's amazing that you have the patience to deal with me. You deserve a thousand more thank yous than this.

     Another thanks to my family, friends, and people I hang out with on almost a daily basis. Most of you may or may not care about what I'm writing about, but you listen when I tell you anyway. Thank you for that.

     Finally, thank you again to the One who made it all possible. Like I said above, I never even thought this book would exist, yet here we are. You gave me encouragement and inspiration throughout this whole writing journey, and I couldn't be happier at seeing my work finally be completed.