SECOND CHANCES
Writer's Notes: This is a work of pure fiction. I think I am trying my hand at every type of story out there for Scotch. For this story, this will be classified as angst.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Last Ship or any of its characters and those others that were mentioned here.
Reference: I am referencing this to our all-time favorite story here in TLS, Red Flag by MorningGlory2. This takes place when Rachel joined the Deer Park Expedition Team. She will NOT get shot. She will meet the other members of the Chandler clan and the Slatterys.
Cast: In order to help picture the other characters here, these are your references: Dr. Sophia Stevens (Louise Lombard, CSI); Dr. Jack Thompson (Matt Bomer, White Collar); Meredith Griffin (Paget Brewster, Criminal Minds) and Marc Johnson (Thomas Gibson, Criminal Minds).
Warning: This story can stand on its own without any sequels or succeeding chapters. HOWEVER, depending on the number of reviews and views that I get (FYI: as a writer, we can see the number of views and visits each of our story gets here in FFnet), I may continue this into a multi-chapter (more than 3, less than 10). If and when I continue this story, it will be more on the angst and drama type to a path that nobody in the current FFnet-TLS world has taken Scotch to.
Thus, in a twisted sense, this will be an "interactive" story. How far I will continue this story will depend on how you interact with it.
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The ride to Deer Park seemed to stretch the hours into twice their length. While it is comforting that so far, more than halfway into their journey, they have not encountered any bad elements, the view outside their SUV was depressing and sombre. Destruction. Chaos. Not a soul in sight.
Rachel's mind was playing the recent events of her life aboard the Nathan James. Most specially with its Captain, Tom Chandler. His indifferent and cold manner early this morning on their departure left a bad taste in her mouth. Even the threat of uncertainty, or the prospect of death, has not been enough to deter him from his anger at her joining the expedition team. It left her bitter and uncertain. Bitter towards the bleak prospect of where their relationship is going. Uncertain of what the future holds for her while on the ship.
Granted, she has already found the cure. But so far, her success has been limited only to the four corners of the ship. It hardly had any effect to the extinction that the human species is undergoing at unprecedented levels. As a doctor, it has always been in her blood, instilled through her life experiences with her parents, to always strive to save human life. That imperative could not have been stronger now that the Red Flu is ravaging the world.
While she believes that she was sure in her love for Tom, it is obvious to her and known to him, that it he is not ready for it. Neither is his family or the crew ready for it. At least, from his perspective. Something that she believes that she cannot overcome as long as he is steadfast in his belief that it is too early for him to be in a relationship so soon after his wife's passing. Too soon, in his belief, that his children may not be ready for somebody to step in as a pseudo-mother to them. Too soon, as he has implied, after he has just punished two of his crew members for breaking the non-fraternization rule.
"Penny for your thoughts," Tex softly said beside her. They have been sitting together at the back of one of the SUVs. Mike riding in front with Green driving.
"They're not worth a penny, believe me," she scoffed, turning towards him.
"You've been awfully quiet since we left the James. I didn't know you can hold that tongue of yours for so long," he quipped with a smile to his bearded face.
Rachel elbowed him on his side, "You're one to talk…."
"Joking aside, care to share whatever is bothering you?"
Rachel drew a deep sigh before replying, "Just thinking about the future."
"The future?" he asked, "what about it?"
"I'll tell you about it once I have connected the dots myself," she answered quietly.
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Luck was on the expedition team's side this time. How they got the lead to Mike's family was a pure stroke of luck. Or brakes.
While driving along a road stretch, which by their estimation, is in the outskirts of Deer Park, the SUV that Rachel's group is in, suddenly stopped, all wheels screeching in protest at the sudden brake. The reason: a small child suddenly crossed the road.
Before the dust settled around the SUV, Mike and Danny were out of the vehicle, followed by Tex. Rachel got her bearings in order before stepping out of the SUV.
She saw a young girl, probably around six years old, lying on the road, crying. "Is she alright? Did we hit her?"
She knelt beside the child and checked her for bruises.
"I did not hit her. The brakes took hold just in time!" Danny said while kneeling beside Rachel. Mike and Tex and the other group from the 2nd SUV, had their guns drawn and scanning their surroundings.
"Sarah!" a voice called out. Immediately, Mike and the others crouched, readying their weapons and surrounding Rachel and the child.
A man came running from behind one of the structures, holding a rifle as well, "Sarah!"
"Hold it! United States Navy, identify yourself!" Mike said in a strong voice, aiming his rifle towards the unidentified man.
"You guys with the US Navy?" he said, slowing down and slinging his rifle over his shoulder, "I am Sgt. James…..."
"Jimmy?" Mike stood up and walked towards the man. "Is that you? It's Mike. Mike Slattery."
"Mike!" Jimmy went towards Mike and the two men embraced like two long-lost brothers. "What are you doing here? Where's your ship?"
"The Nathan James is off the port in Virginia. Tom, your Dad and the kids are there on board."
"They're alive?" Jimmy asked Mike. "You didn't mention Darien…."
"I'm sorry, Jimmy. Darien didn't make it. Tom just got in time to save your Dad and the kids."
By now, the rest of the group have moved closer to the first SUV and were looking at the exchange between their XO and the man. Rachel thought that the man reminded her of somebody but she cannot place her finger on it yet.
Mike seemed to remember his group and turned towards them, leading Jimmy towards them as well. The little girl ran towards Jimmy who drew her up into his arms.
"Sarah, don't run like that again, okay? You could have been hurt!" he whispered to the child while stroking her head softly.
The child sniffled, nodded her head and laid it down on his shoulder.
"Jimmy, I'd like you to meet my team from the Nathan James," Mike started. Introducing all the members of the team to Jimmy. "And the lady over there is Dr. Rachel Scott. We all owe our lives to her as she has found the cure to the Red Flu."
As Rachel extended her hand towards Jimmy, she met his eyes and she thought, "Jed!" That's who this man reminded her of. Jed Chandler.
"Everyone, this is Sgt. James Chandler from the US Army. Our Captain's younger brother."
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With Jimmy's help, they were able to refuel their SUVs and found that they were almost at their destination in Deer Park. Mike's wife, Christine and two daughters were staying with Jimmy and his sister, Jenny.
Jimmy was seated in the same SUV as Rachel. Tex having moved to the other vehicle.
"Dr. Scott, you said you discovered the cure to the Red Flu?" Jimmy asked Rachel.
"Yes, Sergeant, I did," she said softly. "When we reach our destination, I will give you the cure. We brought some vaccines with us."
Jimmy smiled at her and Rachel saw a younger version of Tom in his smile, "Please call me Jimmy, Doctor."
"Only if you'll call me Rachel," she just as swiftly rebutted.
"Rachel, so you discovered the cure? You'd be interested to know that we know a group of scientists…." Jimmy said to a stunned Rachel.
Rachel turned fully towards Jimmy, noting that Mike was intently watching her from the rear view mirror of the SUV, "You do? Do you know them? Where are they? How did you find them?" she excitedly asked Jimmy.
Jimmy smiled broadly at her and said, "Hey, hey, Rachel, hold your horses! One question at a time, please…."
Rachel blinked at him and smiled, "I'm sorry...it's just that I have been hoping to establish contact with the CDC or WHO for sometime now…"
"Well, I'm sorry but I don't know if they're with either organizations that you mentioned," Jimmy sheepishly said.
"We're here! We're here!" Sarah suddenly piped in, trying to stand up from her seat between Jimmy and Rachel.
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They arrived at their destination none too soon. The reunion between Mike and his girls was bittersweet and emotional. His youngest child, his only boy, did not make it. But he was still thankful that he found the rest of his family.
Jimmy introduced Dr. Jenny Chandler to the group. She was a cardiologist prior to the flu. She was a beautiful woman and Rachel found out that she's the youngest of the Chandler siblings.
After the team secured their supplies, they all gathered in the living room of the big house that the Chandlers and Slatterys were in. Mike told them that Rachel was going to administer the cure to them.
"So everyone on board the ship are uninfected?" Jenny asked Rachel.
"Yes, everyone's been uninfected and remain to be so as long as the virus does not mutate into something that can overcome the cure that I have found," Rachel said while opening her bag and unearthing her supplies.
"How did you manage to find the cure? I understand that the Nathan James is a battle ship, not a research ship," Jenny continued to ask her.
"Well, it was a combination of bird droppings, Russians, Nicaraguan monkeys, a survivor from The Octopus and a handful of volunteers," Mike wittily replied to Jenny. "Well, that's just my take on it. Dr. Scott here will be able to give you a more detailed or, shall I say, scientific, explanation, wouldn't you, Doctor?"
Rachel threw a smile towards Mike and added, "The XO's got the summary correctly. That is what happened, in a nutshell."
While Rachel was taking out various syringes and vials, Mike told the group how they found out Rachel's mission and that the human race has been decimated by more than 80% on a global scale by the virus. He explained how Rachel's mission to find the cure became their ultimate mission. Now that they have it, it is now important for them to mass produce the cure and distribute it.
"That is why I am very keen to meet the scientists that Jimmy here mentioned," Rachel added. "They may have contacts to the CDC or the WHO or lead me to them."
"Well, by tomorrow, we can drive to their place and you can meet them," Jimmy replied.
"Thank you," she said to Jimmy, "Alright, everyone, before I inject you with the cure, I will first draw samples of your blood…"
"Why?" Jenny interrupted Rachel.
"I need samples of your blood so that when I get back to my lab, I will be able to test if you have been exposed to the virus or if the virus has mutated into a less vicious form before I apply the cure," Rachel explained. "Trust me, I test everyone in the Nathan James who goes on land when they come back to the ship."
"She's right. You have to trust her. Before she found the cure, she ensured that none of us got infected during our land trips," Danny added to the conversation and gave a smile to Rachel.
Rachel returned Danny's smile and addressed the group once again, "As I was saying, I will draw samples of your blood and store them in vials. Thereafter, I am going to inject you with the cure." She smiled to the group, "Doctor Chandler, can I ask for some assistance from you?"
Jenny stood up from her seat and approached Rachel by the table, "I thought you'd never ask."
Rachel smiled brightly at Tom's sister.
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After collecting the blood samples and administering the cure, dinner was served. The rations from the ship were saved because the Deer Park residents still had preserved and cured meat courtesy of Jimmy's hunting.
As the house they were in was quite big, there was no shortage of rooms for the group. Rachel got a room with an incredible view of the grounds. Mike assigned four men to bunk downstairs in order to have a shifting guard system for any intruders.
Try as she might, Rachel could not get her mind to shut down and allow her to sleep. Her bed is on one side of the room by a window overlooking a vast expanse of ground covered with a thin layer of snow. The moonlight casting a surreal reflection on the ground that is at once enchanting and forlorn. Rachel spent the better part of the night with her head on her hands and staring past the views from her bedroom window. When fatigue and sleep finally claimed her, she dreamt of Tom's face as he said goodbye from the deck hours before. The words, "be safe," echoing continuously in her dream.
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The next morning couldn't come soon enough for Rachel. She was up before anybody else. She tiptoed her way downstairs and sat in a secluded part of the front porch. The cold morning air pricked her skin but it was made bearable by the soft sunshine starting to filter from the horizon. She took several deep breaths. Enjoying the smell and feel of fresh air, minus the sting of saltiness that she has become used to in the Nathan James.
"I thought I'd find you here," somebody said from behind her.
Rachel startled and looked up from her indian seat on the floor. Mike was rounding up from the corner of the porch near the door. "Mike! You gave me a fright!"
"What are you doing up so early, Rachel?" he asked, sitting down as well across her.
"I am usually up early even when we were in the ship. I guess trying to save the world meant that the luxury of rest can wait," she wistfully told him. "How did you know I was here?"
Mike grinned at her and replied, "Well, you're not as stealthy as you think you are. I heard you when you left your room. Navy training, I guess, being a light-sleeper has its advantages sometimes."
"I see…."
"And you didn't answer my question," he continued.
"Oh. I guess I cannot wait to start the day. I want to meet the scientists that Jimmy mentioned."
"What do you plan to do when you meet them?" Mike asked softly, paying close attention to her.
"I want to know if they have contacts with the CDC or WHO or know somebody who does…." she trailed off.
"Why are you so interested in gaining contact with them?"
"Commander, my mission is to find the cure and give it to the remaining survivors in the world. I have done the most important step already, I have found the cure. For it to work and accomplish its task, I have to mass produce and distribute it if we want to save our species from sure extinction."
Mike sat up straighter and crossed his arms in front of him, "And you cannot do that on the Nathan James?"
"We both know that the ship is not equipped to mass produce the vaccine, let alone distribute it in time," she explained. "I have to try means that may be available on land. I have to thank you for giving me that idea when you asked me about the possible strains of the virus. Knowing Jimmy has found other survivors who are scientists is the icing on the cake."
"Don't get your hopes up, Doctor. It may be a false lead," he softly said.
"I am aware of that, Commander. And I hope to make my conclusions today," she said, standing up and stretching. "What do you say we continue this conversation over a cup of some hot liquid?"
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Breakfast was a light affair. The group from the ship enjoyed the fresh eggs, milk and cheese that were available. The house was owned by a family friend of the Slatterys who were out of the country when the virus hit and did not make it back. It had a barn within the property that had several egg-laying hens, cows and pigs. Jimmy was able to take care of their livestock and between them and the hunting trips he made to the town, they were able to stock on food for the coming winter.
They discussed the plan of Rachel meeting the scientists. Mike has decided that several of the ship men shall be staying in the house while Jimmy, Tex and him will accompany Rachel to the house where the scientists were staying. It was a few minutes of driving from where they are.
Meanwhile, Mike instructed his family to start packing their important things to bring with them to the ship, mindful of the limited vehicles and space that they have. As soon as Rachel has sorted out her business with the scientists, they will immediately leave and return to the ship.
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They arrived at another house, this time in a gated property. Jimmy parked his SUV outside of the tall gate. He flicked the headlights several times towards the house.
"Was that some kind of a signal?" Mike inquired.
Jimmy turned to Mike in the front seat, "Yes, they do not advertise that the house is occupied. During one of my forages, I met them and they know where we are. We became each other's back up. That's the signal we agreed to make to announce that it's me. I definitely do not visit after dark."
"How many are they?" Rachel leaned forward towards the front.
"There are four adults in there. Two doctors and two FBI agents. Kind and intelligent folks." Jimmy informed them.
The metal gates opened without anybody coming out of the house. Their SUV went in and Jimmy parked it behind the shrubbery in the property. They got out and walked towards the house. Mike and Tex had their guns at the ready and walking cautiously towards the house while scanning all sides.
"Don't worry, they can see us and they will know if there are any intruders. They know that I'm coming in with company," Jimmy told them.
They went towards the back of the property and there they were met by the occupants.
"Rachel?" a man and a woman separated from the quartet towards them.
"Goodness! Jack? Sophie?" Rachel went forward and met the two halfway. She embraced the blonde woman first and then the dark-haired guy. Tex noted how the guy was crushing Rachel in his embrace enough to lift her from her feet for a few seconds. But Rachel didn't seem to mind as she was embracing him just as hard.
The other man and woman were standing at the sides watching the fervent embrace between the trio.
"Oh my God! I never thought I'd see you again!" Rachel was saying tearfully, while holding each hand of the woman and man before her.
"It's you that we never thought to see again!" the man returned.
The trio went into a group hug of each other. Until Mike cleared his throat meaningfully. Rachel seemed to remember her companions with her.
"I'm sorry, where are my manners," she raised her hand to her forehead while turning to her group. "Let me make introductions. Mike and Tex, I would like to introduce to you Dr. Sophia Stevens and Dr. Jack Thompson. Sophie and Jack, this is the XO of the USS Nathan James, Mike Slattery and one of her crew, Tex Nolan. And of course, you know Sgt. Jimmy Chandler."
Dr. Thompson separated from the group and walked towards the other two in their group. "With Sophia and I are two of our friends from the FBI, Meredith Griffin, Supervisory Special Agent, and Marc Johnson, Supervisory Special Agent-in-Charge. Mere and Marc, this is our good friend and colleague, Dr. Rachel Eden Scott."
After the rounds of introductions were made and handshakes given, the group went inside the house.
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They were seated in the large living room.
"So, Rache, did you make it?" Sophia, who, judging by her accent, is also British like Rachel, asked without much preamble.
Meredith, Marc and Jack grew tense on their respective seats. All eyes going to Rachel's direction.
"Yes, Sophie, I did it. I have the cure," Rachel said with a bright smile towards the other doctor.
"Oh. My. God," Meredith whispered with one hand to her mouth.
Marc remained looking at Rachel but his demeanour no longer as tense. Jack ran both of his hands over his face and head as he took a deep breath and released it, "Wow! You're a saviour, Rachel!"
Sophia sat up straighter on her seat and moved closer to Rachel, "Wait, Rache, did I hear you right? Cure? You have the cure?"
Rachel took Sophia's hands in her own and turned to her friend, "Yes, Sophie, I have the cure. My vaccine can cure even those who are already infected. I have conducted monkey and human trials and both were successful. In fact, all of the crew of Nathan James are immune to the virus."
The two women embraced tightly together, both their eyes shimmering with tears of happiness. When they broke apart, Rachel told them, "I still have a few syringes with the vaccine. I can administer them to your group now."
"The CDC will be very glad to know that you have found the cure, Rachel," Jack said to her. "We need to contact them for our extraction."
"You're in touch with the CDC?" Rachel asked excitedly. "I feared the worst for them….."
"Our FBI friends here have remained in contact with a colleague of theirs and we have been able to contact the CDC every week. We're actually planning on moving out already to rendezvous with the extraction group for our return to DC," Jack explained to her.
Rachel's eyes met Mike's from across the room, "But..Jack, I...I would need to get back to the ship...all of my research are there...my lab…." she stuttered. The realization of contacting CDC now starting to sink to her.
"Don't worry, Dr. Scott, I am sure the CDC will agree to all your terms as to where they will pick you up and what you will need from the ship. From our understanding of the reports that were made available to us, you're the only hope that everyone has and finding you is the top priority of the armed forces and the CDC," Marc spoke up. His voice deep and serious.
"Yes, that's right, Dr. Scott. It was quite timely that you found us. I understand that when the chain of command broke and communications became spotty, they lost contact with you and the Nathan James. But rest assured that various missions are underway to find and recover you," Meredith added.
Rachel felt her palms sweating with the information that she will be rejoining the CDC once again and leave the Nathan James. "I guess we should contact the CDC and make arrangements," she softly said with a faraway look.
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Through the two FBI agents, they managed to contact the CDC. The information about finding the cure and the location of the Nathan James were relayed. The CDC told them that they will contact the Nathan James now that it's in port. Rachel has made it a point that she needs to get back to the ship and that their rendezvous point will be at the same port.
Arrangements were made that the new group will join the expedition team on their return to the ship. As final arrangements were being hammered out with Jimmy and the group, Mike drew Rachel to the side.
"Are you sure about this, Rachel?" he asked her point blank.
"Yes, Mike, I am quite sure. Sophie and Jack are my friends and colleagues. They were supposed to join me in my research in the Arctic but they didn't make it on time to Baltimore. They were delayed from their trip and I cannot ask the Nathan James to wait further," Rachel explained.
"What about Tom?" Mike softly asked while looking at her intently.
Rachel mentally crossed all her fingers that she'd be able to pull off a neutral face and not give any of her secrets, "What does Captain Chandler have to do with the CDC and my mission?" she asked in puzzlement.
Mike squinted at her and replied, "I know that he does not report to the CDC and that you have a separate mission from ours. But you became our mission. Isn't there anything going on between the two of you on a….non-scientific level?"
Rachel controlled herself from denying it so fast and instead calmly answered, "You must be imagining things, Commander. There is nothing going on between the Captain and myself. I know that my success in finding the cure is due to the assistance that he and the Nathan James gave to me. And I will never forget that. I will make sure that the CDC and authorities will recognize your contributions," she stressed.
"I did not imply that we are after recognition…" Mike started.
"I know, I know, Commander! That did not come out as I intended it to be. I will make my exit properly from the Nathan James. I will say good bye and thanks to everyone, of course. That is why I insisted that the rendezvous point be at the port where the ship is," Rachel finished. "I have a lot of things to prepare…...we have to get back to the ship first and from there, I would have to discuss with the CDC what equipments I have to take back or what.." she started pacing in front of him, her hands wringing.
Mike had a bad feeling about Rachel's decision but he remained quiet, observing her. Tex was observing them both from afar as well.
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It was agreed that the combined groups of the Nathan James, Jimmy's group and Sophia's group would leave together in a convoy of six SUVs from Jimmy's place. They packed all their important belongings, medical and food supplies, and ammunitions that all groups have with them. They decided that in order to lessen their risks on the road, they will leave Deer Park early the next morning and hope to arrive at the Nathan James early evening of the same day.
The doctors and FBI agents arrived at Jimmy's house in the same evening with their SUVs and supplies. They will spend the night there in order to leave early at dawn with the other groups.
Sophia ended up sharing Rachel's room. Dinner was a serious affair and everyone went to their respective rooms right after. Rachel has packed all her meagre belongings and secured all her blood samples. She and Sophia were in their separate beds and lying facing each other.
"You never cease to amaze me, Rache," Sophie whispered, "Everyone was hoping you'd make a vaccine against the virus. But you gave us the cure!"
Rachel just raised her eyebrows and gave her a small smile, "I guess I just got lucky….."
"Oh please! Luck has got nothing to do with it! I know you! You're like a dog with a bone...you'd never let go until you've succeeded! That's why you've graduated at the top of your class in all your degrees!" Sophia playfully threw a pillow towards Rachel, which she managed to catch in time and throw back at the blonde.
Rachel sat up on her bed, "I've got some help. The crew of the Nathan James made it possible for me to have the equipment and tools to create the cure. I couldn't have done it without them….." she trailed off, with a faraway look on her face again.
"Wasn't Quincy Tophet with you?" Sophia asked.
"He was. But it became a complicated situation. I'll tell you and Jack more about it during our journey tomorrow. We have more than enough hours to kill for the long drive," Rachel sighed. "When I set out for this expedition with the XO, I was just thinking that I'd be lucky to encounter someone who may have contacts with the CDC. I never thought that the universe will give me that luck!"
"Well, I'd say that the universe has its sights on you. You searched for a vaccine, yet, you found a cure. That's one damn lucky find, girlie!" Sophia smiled at Rachel, admiration shining in her eyes.
"Yeah...I guess I had luck on my side lately….." Rachel said quietly.
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Despite having very little sleep for a few days already, Rachel found herself staring at the ceiling of her room. She can hear Sophia's deep breaths from the other bed. She cannot help but think and imagine Tom's reaction to her news. Actually, she was pretty sure that Tom would know about it even before they come within radio distance of the ship. The CDC promised them that they will contact the Nathan James and that the rendezvous point will be ready by the time that they arrive there.
"Well, Tom, you're getting your wish that nobody will know about us. I guess my luck does not extend to you, after all," she thought.
She was running an inventory in her mind of what needs to be done.
Pack up the lab. Check.
Leave some equipment for the sickbay of the ship. Check.
Talk with Quincy. Check.
Talk with Bertrise about the CDC. Check.
Say thank you and goodbye to the Officers of the Nathan James. Check.
Say goodbye to the kids and Jed. Che….bloody hell! She brought both her hands to her face and rubbed them as if wanting to gain clarity.
Say goodbye and thank Tom. Bloody hell! Shite! Blimey! She turned to her side, yanked a pillow and buried her head under it. Just my darn luck that I fell in love with a man who's not ready.
Rachel removed the pillow from her head and stared up at the ceiling again. Trying to calm herself. Come on, Scott! Get a hold of yourself! You've got a world to save. Buckle up, sister. The world's waiting for you.
She remembered her parents' words to her as a child, "As scientists and doctors, we have a duty to save as many lives as we can, when we can…"
With those words, she finally fell asleep.
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Tom was watching the horizon of the endless blue sea from the deck. The kids playing nearby. The CDC has contacted him a few hours ago and he is expecting the expedition team to be within radio distance in a few hours.
He knows that this is the beginning of the end of his relationship with Rachel. She has her mission to continue. He has a mission to await his next orders. He gripped the metal railings harder with both of his hands, raising his head, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply the cold sea air.
Oh, Rachel, I guess now's not the time for us, he thought.The cold air gripping his whole body. He can feel the beginning of tears prickling behind his closed eyelids.