"XO has the bridge," Captain Tom Chandler, USN called out as he vacated his chair. He nodded to his XO, CMDR Mike Slattery as he left the bridge.

"XO has the bridge, aye, sir."

Tom opened the hatch separating the bridge to the outside deck and walked through, taking in the cool, crisp morning air. He leaned his forearms on the railing and looked down to the decks below as the sailors walked with a purpose, preparing the Nathan James for anchor; the crew worked as a well-oiled machine thanks to the dedicated men and women deployed on her. Remind Mike to have the haul looked at while we're here – we don't need any surprises the next time we're in a bind. Also, tell the supply recovery teams to find more soap and toothpaste – we're running low – and to not just focus on food. Although we do need food… maybe they could find some chickens? Tom chuckled out loud. Chickens on an Arleigh Burke destroyer? What would ADM Halsey say?! He'd be rolling over in his grave. But, we've got to find a way for food to replenish itself. Chickens would work. Tom ran his hand through his Navy regulation haircut, sighing. Being captain isn't all fun and games. Also, I'll have to ask Dr. Scott if she would mind accompanying me on today's mission. Wasn't able to ask her last night at dinner… maybe once we've figured out a way to manufacture this vaccine, she and I can have a talk about-

The hatch opened behind Tom with a clang, and he sucked in some air as out stepped the object of his most recent thoughts, Dr. Rachel Scott.

"Good morning, Doctor. Ever been to Tampa?" Tom raised his eyebrows and smiled, motioning her to join him at the bulwark.

"No, I'm afraid not," Rachel replied, taking in a lungful of the refreshing ocean air. "I wasn't one to travel to large cities on vacations – I'm more of a rugged outdoors type."

Tom nodded, filing that bit of information for further study at a later moment.

"I was just about ready to come see you – could you accompany me today as we head into the city?" Tom asked. Rachel nodded her head as Tom motioned her back inside the DDG-151 and down ladders through the ship. "I could use your help finding some more scientists to help us mass-produce the vaccine, since the distribution did not go so well the last time," Tom frowned, remembering all of the murdered scientists. "There's an office of the CDC based here at the university – hopefully we'll find some lucky souls still alive that can help the cause. We'll have anybody that we find vetted by you and myself, and under watch at all times on the James. I know it's not the ideal place to make the vaccine, but we can't have a crew on shore keeping you and the scientists safe and at the same time keep the ship under tight security," Tom ducked through a door, halting his speech momentarily until he could walk and talk through the passageway. "We will have to be a floating lab. I know you will also need supplies, which is also why I'm asking you to come along." Both the captain and doctor stepped into the empty wardroom; Tom poured himself a cup of coffee and Rachel a cup of tea. "Before we leave however, please tell HM Rios where everything is in your lab, just in case something happens to us," Tom added, looking Rachel in the eye. "I need you to know that I don't know what we're walking into – Com has had no radio contact with any survivors in the vicinity, and the Seahawk hasn't reported any movement during it's recon missions. However if we do happen to come under fire, the Seahawk will be standing by to get you out." Tom took a sip of his coffee.

"Yes, Captain, I will make sure Doctor Rios is up to date on all critical information pertinent to the cure. When are we leaving?"

"15 mics."

"Captain, that's not enough time-"

Tom grinned. "We can leave when you're ready, Doctor."

Rachel eyed him carefully. "Are you sure, Captain?"

"Yes, ma'am. LT Green, ENS Mason, and two other POs will be joining us. They will be ready when you are."

"What is everyone else doing?"

"Well, Mr. Nolan, CMC Jeter, and LT Granderson, along with some others each have a team of ten personnel. Their primary mission is to find any survivors and inoculate them. Their secondary mission is to spread out in their teams, acquire some vehicles, and pick up supplies. Two other teams have family in the area, and will travel in order to see if anyone is still alive. The crew left on the ship will be either on guard duty under LT Burk's supervision, or inspecting and cleaning under XO Slattery's watchful eyes; we have to be ready for our next mission. The RIBs are departing now with the nine teams over the next hour. Some of LT Green's sailors will be guarding the RIBs and provide a safe LZ while we are on shore. Anything else you would like to know, Captain – I mean, Doctor?" Tom smirked.

"No, that's all Captain. Dismissed," Rachel replied straight-faced, returning her attention back to her tea.

Tom rolled his eyes, shook his head, executed a perfect about-face, and started to leave the wardroom. Just as he was about to exit, he pivoted around to face Rachel.

"Let me know when you're ready to go, Doctor – I'm headed to remind the leaving crews about some essentials they need to pick up – and to make you a shirt that says CAPT Doctor Scott," Tom winked.

Rachel scoffed and nodded as she watched Tom leave. She drank the rest of her tea, thinking about not only what she needed to accomplish before embarking on the excursion, but also the Nathan James' commanding officer's fine eyes.