SECOND CHANCES – Chapter 2
Writer's Notes: I was going over the early stories posted here in FFnet for TLS. I hope that the other writers who used to post wonderful stories here will continue to post more stories.
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: See Chapter 1.
Warning: In a nutshell: how many readers or reviews I get will determine the course of this story. See longer warning in Chapter 1.
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SECOND CHANCES – Chapter 2
The expedition team arrived at the docks a little before sunset to find the rendezvous team from the CDC already there. There were several military trucks in an area that was being secured by a contingent of soldiers
Mike has already contacted the Nathan James as soon as their vehicle came within radio distance of the ship. He knows that Tom has sent RHIBs to await them at the port. He also gathered from Tom that the latter is already aware of the CDC's plans for Rachel and of the returning company with the expedition team.
As soon as their convoy of vehicles arrived, the commanding officer of the contingent approached them. He specifically went directly to Rachel.
"Dr. Scott! I am Col. Donald Hayes from the US Army. I have very specific orders from the Pentagon and the CDC to secure your person and bring you back to Washington DC. It is an honor, ma'am!" he spoke to her formally with kind eyes and warmly shook her hand.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Colonel. I believe we have some things to discuss before we come on board the ship?" Rachel asked.
"You are correct, Dr. Scott, please, we have prepared a makeshift office where we can discuss the matter. One of my men will escort you there while I discuss some things with the XO."
Col. Hayes then turned to Mike. "Commander Slattery, I have spoken with Captain Chandler earlier and apprised him of the general plans for Dr. Scott. At this time, I think it will be best if you can transport already your family and the other civilians back to the ship."
"Yes, we can do that already Col. Hayes. But I will stay with Dr. Scott and will be the one to accompany her back to the ship."
"As you wish, Commander."
Mike informed his family and the Chandlers that they will go ahead to the Nathan James. The two FBI agents and the two doctors likewise boarded the RHIBs to the Nathan James. Green and Burk will stay with him while waiting for Dr. Scott. He definitely will not leave her alone.
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Tom was watching the progress of the two RHIBS coming closer to the Nathan James. He already knows that Rachel and some of his officers are not in the returning RHIBs.
He was happy to see his younger siblings and Mike's family and guessed that the 4 strangers were the FBI agents and scientists.
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It was a joyous reunion on deck for the Chandlers. Jed and the kids were there to welcome Jenny and Jimmy. Fervent hugs and a few tears of happiness were shed.
Tex was left to introduce the two FBI agents and the two doctor friends of Rachel. Tom was eyeing Jack warily while Sophia was looking interestedly at him.
"Daddy, where's Rachel?" Sam asked him.
"She's still in the port, buddy. The RHIBs will come back for her and the guys." Sam nodded at him, "Are you going to get her from the port? Can I come with you?"
Before Tom could reply, Jed held Sam's shoulders and said, "Come now, Sam, let's show your aunt and uncle the ship. Dr. Scott will be here soon enough."
Jed led his family from the deck. The Slatterys having been led to Mike's quarters by an Ensign earlier, leaving the four new guests.
"Agents and doctors, the Master Chief here will show you to the wardroom while you await your accommodations for the time being. Due to the limited space we have, I'm afraid the ladies would have to share a cabin and the men will be sharing another as well," Tom told them.
"Thank you very much, Captain Chandler. We wouldn't want to impose further on you and your crew," Agent Marc Johnson told him. "Any accommodation will be fine with us."
Sophia interjected, "He's right, Captain. I believe that we would be leaving your ship by tomorrow or the next day at the most. Depending on what Col. Hayes and Rachel will agree upon."
Tom just gave a tight nod and motion for Jeter to lead their guests from the deck.
As soon as they were out of sight, Tom released a deep breath he didn't realize he was holding. Tex looked at him.
"Are you alright, Commodore?"
"I just couldn't believe the developments that happened since you guys went to Deer Park," he sighed. "Mike's got his family, I've got my family as well, and you managed to wrangle four other people with you. Not to mention that Rac...Dr. Scott has been able to establish contact with her people," he finished while looking towards the port.
"Yeah, well, things happened so fast. The good doctor also couldn't believe her good fortune to find her friends from the CDC in Deer Park as well," Tex replied, matching Tom's position of looking towards the same direction as well. He noticed Tom's slip up with Rachel's name but remained silent about it.
"Friends? Did she say that?" Tom turned to him while holding on to the railings.
"Well, that's what she said...they must be pretty close because when they saw each other...let's just say that I didn't think that she was capable of showcasing those emotions..." he said softly.
"What do you mean, Tex?"
"Let's just say that they must have really been close friends to merit those types of and lengths of hugs," Tex chuckled. He noted Tom's hands tightening their hold on the railings and the stiffening of his jaws. The Captain was quiet for a few moments before turning towards him.
"I am going to the port with Miller and another RHIB to pick them up. I need you to monitor us from here. Although the bridge is monitoring everything as well. Chief Engineer Garnett is in charge while I am at port."
"Aye, aye, Captain!"
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As the RHIBs went to port, Tom can feel several emotions roiling through his being. Panic, jealousy, sadness and despair. He keeps recalling Rachel's look when she left the deck for Deer Park. He knows that his parting words of "be safe," hardly qualified as something special or something worth holding on to. Tex's story about Rachel's close friendship with her male "friend" certainly did not help any. He realized that he knows so little about her that he cannot know for sure if they are just friends or if he was somebody special in her life. As the RHIB approached the port closer, his feelings of despair has almost overtaken him. He knows that there is no stopping Rachel from continuing with her mission and even he knows that he has no right to stand in her way. It is humanity's survival that is at stake and his uncertain emotions are of no moment to the cataclysm around them.
Tom released and took deep breaths to compose himself as they docked.
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Mike saw Tom and some of their men approaching them. By now, they are all seated in the makeshift tent office of Col. Hayes. His conversation with Dr. Scott was cut short when she demanded that Captain Chandler be there as they drew their plans.
The two senior officers shook hands and made small talk until Tom asked Col. Hayes about his mission.
"Well, Capt. Chandler, as I have said to Dr. Scott, I have strict orders from the Pentagon and the CDC to bring her back to Washington DC. It is imperative that she be secured in order that her research and the cure be secured as well."
"Col. Hayes, as you know, I returned from Deer Park with the two FBI Agents and without their connections, I could not have contacted the CDC," she told Col. Hayes. "Thus, together with Dr. Thompson and Dr. Stevens, they will be travelling back with me to Washington DC."
Tom was watching Rachel intently as she said this. He noted how tense she seems to be holding herself up and he can see the dark circles under her eyes. He wanted so much to hold and comfort her, knowing how tired she must be from their journey. But instead he let his eyes feast on her knowing that in a matter of hours, he may never see her again. His chest constricted at the thought.
"Yes, that is already a given, Dr. Scott. There are already two Black Hawks on the way here for transporting your party. There is no problem with that," Col. Hayes kindly said to her. "If you have other concerns, I believe that now is the best time to air them."
Rachel glanced at Mike and then at Tom, before looking at Col. Hayes again. "Is there still room in those helicopters?"
Tom frowned at Rachel's question.
Col. Hayes also frowned towards Rachel and said, "Yes, there is still room for about several people in the combined capacity of the helicopters. Why do you ask?"
"Well, I will be bringing Bertrise with me. She's the survivor we found and she is immune to the virus," Rachel replied and continued, "I am sure my dossier also stated that when I went on my mission to the Arctic, I was accompanied by Dr. Quincy Tophet. I am going to talk to him and ask if he would like to join us in DC. Captain Chandler managed to rescue Dr. Tophet's wife and daughter from the Russians, thus, I believe that if he will come with us, his family does as well."
Tom's eyes met Rachel's over the mention of the Russians. Both aware of the fleeting reference and remembrance it brought to them of what transpired aboard the Vyerni between them.
Rachel dropped her eyes and looked down at her folded hands.
"There is no question that the additional people you mentioned can be accommodated in our helos. However, I would have to contact the Pentagon to get their clearance first. Will there be anything else you would like to tell me or requests that you need so that I can discuss it with my superiors?"
"There are some materials that I brought to the ship that I would need with me. However, the rest of my laboratory would have to be dismantled and some of the medical equipment I can leave with the Nathan James as it may be of use to them."
"When will you know what materials will you be bringing and leaving?" the Colonel asked.
Tom answered before Rachel can say anything, "I think, Col. Hayes that the inventory of Dr. Scott can be made available by tomorrow. It's already night and they had a long journey coming back here. Doctor?"
Rachel looked at Tom while she replied, "Yes, I guess it can wait until tomorrow," she sighed.
Tom stood up and Mike followed his lead, "Colonel, I would like to invite you tomorrow morning at 0800 to join us for breakfast at the Nathan James so that we can discuss this more."
Rachel told the Colonel that she would like to ask the CDC the capabilities of their laboratories in order to judge what she needs to take with her or leave with the ship.
Col. Hayes escorted them back to where their RHIBs were docked. He told Tom that tomorrow morning, they will be bringing food and other supplies to the ship as well, courtesy of the Pentagon. Refueling of the ship will also be done while they are sorting things out.
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Tom purposely rode with Rachel and an Ensign to one of the RHIBs on their return to the ship. He wanted some time to talk to her before chaos is upon them. Rachel was sitting silently on the opposite side of him, a faraway look on her eyes as she gazed towards the ship.
Tom leaned forward towards her, his hands between his knees, "Hey, are you okay?" he asked.
Rachel turned to him and gave him a doleful smile, "Yes, I'm okay."
"Quite a development you've had."
Rachel nodded, "Yes. We were quite lucky to have stumbled upon your brother in Deer Park. Everything's happening so fast and I have very little time…"
"If you need more time….." Tom started.
"No, no. Time is of the essence now. The sooner we reach DC, the sooner we can start the distribution of the cure," Rachel cut Tom. "Plenty of time to rest after everything's done."
Tom felt his heart breaking and wanted so badly to reach out and embrace her. He wanted to feel her in his arms again. But he was very much aware that they are not alone and that the other RHIB is just beside them.
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Upon reaching the deck, Rachel wasted no time in heading towards the wardroom in search of Sophia and Jack. Tom followed close behind her and in an empty p-way, he managed to get a hold of her wrist and bring her march to a halt.
"Rachel," he softly said, "can we talk?"
Rachel looked into his somber eyes and saw that they were focused intently on her, searching hers. His grip on her wrist strong, but not painful. She ran her free hand over her hair as she replied, "Yes, Tom, we will definitely talk. But first, I have to talk with Jack and Sophie. I have to discuss something with ….."
She was unable to continue as she found herself in Tom's strong and tight embrace, his arms around her, her face on his chest. "I missed you so much, Rachel!" he whispered to her ear.
Tom felt Rachel tense in his arms and gently pulled away from him, "I don't think this is the right time or place, Tom. I've got a lot to do and not so much time."
He reluctantly let her go as he heard footsteps coming towards their direction. As they continued towards the wardroom, they met several people passing along the p-way as well.
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Everyone from the expedition team was still at the wardroom by the time that Tom and Rachel arrived there. The kids ran towards her and she nearly fell over with their rambunctious greeting.
"I missed you, Rachel!" Sam exclaimed while hugging her middle.
Ashley was hugging her as well as she whispered, "I'm so glad you're back!"
Jimmy and Jenny, together with the doctors and FBI agents were watching the interactions as well.
"Have you both had your dinners?" Rachel asked with a smile towards the two who both nodded enthusiastically.
"Hey guys," Tom interrupted, "I think Dr. Scott still has some things to do. It's late already and you should be in bed."
"Will you read us a story? Please?" Same implored with puppy eyes towards her.
Rachel looked towards Tom and he nodded slightly, "Alright, I will follow you both to your room in a while. Okay?"
Jed rustled the Chandler kids and adults out of the wardroom. The only ones who were left were the doctors and agents.
"Have you eaten anything, Rach?" Jack asked from her.
"Yes, while I was in port talking with Col. Hayes, we had some snacks. I need to apprise all of you of developments."
They gathered in one of the tables with Rachel seating at the head.
"We will be leaving for DC by tomorrow via helicopters. There is enough room for all us. Jack and Sophie, I need your help in doing an inventory of my lab here. I already have an inventory list but I need you to just confirm or update them. By tomorrow morning, when Col. Hayes boards this ship, he will tell me the capability of the CDC lab in DC which will determine what we need to bring from here. I also need to talk with Quincy."
"What for? From what you told us, he nearly killed you," Sophia said with a frown.
"Well, yes. But he contributed to the cure as well. I need to give him a chance if he would like to join us in DC with his family. Unlike before, it would have to be his choice and decision. I will make that clear to him," Rachel declared.
"How can we help you, Doctor?" Meredith asked her.
"I think Jack and Sophie has it covered for the lab. You and Marc can take your rest already. God knows we probably all need it," she sighed.
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"Quincy, I am sure you have heard that I have found Jack and Sophie in Deer Park and we have managed to contact the CDC. Tomorrow or early the following day, I will be leaving for DC aboard a Pentagon helicopter with Jack, Sophie and our FBI friends. I would like to give you the chance to think about whether you would like to join us," Rachel directly told Quincy. They were in the p-way outside his cabin.
"What guarantees do we have in DC, Rachel?" he asked.
"None. I cannot give you any guarantees. All I know is that I have to continue with my mission to produce and distribute the cure. The Pentagon and CDC want me in DC. If you want to come with us, it has to be at your own volition and decision. I do not want you to blame me again for "forcing" you or anything of the sort. I learned my lesson too well with that."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Should you decide to join us, pack your things and be ready to leave when we finalize it. I will be in the lab with Jack and Sophie," she said, turning to walk towards the other side of the p-way, "Oh and by the way, Jack and Sophie know what happened about the Russians," she said in parting.
Rachel left the p-way without waiting for Quincy's response.
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When Rachel arrived at the children's cabin, they were already in their pajamas and waiting for her. Tom was with them, sitting on a chair by the table. She sat on Ashley's bed with a child on each side. They were hugging her and she has her arms on each of them.
They finished a short story but they didn't want to pull away from her. Tom was looking at them, a doting look on his face. He marveled at the close bond that his children has formed with Rachel.
"Sam and Ash, I want to tell you guys something," Rachel started softly, laying a kiss on each child's head. They looked at her anxiously. Rachel internally prepared herself for her announcement. "I will be leaving the ship to continue with my mission."
Sam's eyes immediately filled with tears and he burrowed on her bosom, climbing over her leg and settling himself between them. Ashley's lips quivered as she asked, "Why?"
Rachel swallowed and felt tears shimmering in her eyes as well, "Darling, my mission with the ship is already done. Your daddy and the crew helped me to discover the cure and now, my bosses need me at our headquarters."
Tom was watching them intently while his heart bled inside. He wanted so much to join them on the bed and hug them all. He hardly was able to restrain himself.
"Will we see you again?" Ashley hiccupped.
Rachel kissed Ashley on her forehead and answered, "I honestly don't know, Ash. But I sure do hope that we will see each other again." She glanced towards Tom and noted his stiff countenance.
Both children were softly crying into her and Rachel did her best to console them. "Don't be sad. Your Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Jenny are here now. You have more people who love and care for you now."
"But I want you!" Sam cried out.
"Oh honey!" she turned towards him, "As soon as I can, I will look for this ship and see if I can visit you or call on the radio."
"You promise?" Sam implored.
"I will do my best but I cannot promise it to you yet, sweetheart," Rachel whispered to him. "We still have tomorrow, you know."
The children did not want to sleep and with much cajoling and pleading, Rachel ended up lying with them and waited while they fell asleep. Tom has stepped out of the cabin when they laid down on the bed.
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Rachel spent nearly an hour putting the two weepy children to sleep before she managed to extricate herself from them. She closed the cabin door gently and leaned her forehead on it taking several shuddering breaths. She felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Are you okay?" Tom asked softly.
She dried her eyes with the sleeves of her jacket before turning to face him. She avoided looking into his eyes, "Hardly."
Tom took her hand and led her towards the opposite door to his cabin. Rachel let herself be led inside. As soon as the metal doors closed, she found herself once again in his arms. This time, she slid her hands on his waist and laid her head on his chest.
"Rachel," Tom started, loosening his arms around her a bit and looking down on her head, "I'm so sorry….." Tom felt her forefinger on his lips shushing him.
"Sshhhh….Tom, there's nothing to be sorry for. I think we both know that this is a possibility that could happen to me," she finally raised her head and looked up at him.
"I just wish that we could have had more time together," he softly said to her while drinking in her upturned face.
"Well, we can have a thousand wishes and they'd still be wishes. I never thought that the turn of events in Deer Park will come to this. But here we are….." she trailed off.
"You sound so certain of this," he observed, caressing her hair that fell in waves at her back, cherishing their silken texture on his palm.
"Barring emotions aside, this is basically my mission. I just happened to find the CDC before they eventually found me. So, the same ending, just different time perhaps," she shrugged her shoulders gently. She looked directly into his eyes, "You will never know how much I appreciate your trust, your assistance and your devotion to helping me find the cure. Thank you so much for that. Thank you for thinking of my safety, for sharing your family with me, for showing me such love…"
Her litany was cut short by Tom's mouth on hers. She welcomed his kiss and lost herself in it. Her arms encircled his neck, her hands running through his hair. Tom tightened his hold on her and was lifting her off her feet, all the while their tongues dueling with one another, the kiss fiery and full of emotions. When she felt that he was starting to move towards his bedroom, Rachel detached her lips from his insistent ones. Tom continued kissing her from her cheeks to the slender column of her neck while taking a few steps.
"Tom, Tom…stop….." She wriggled from his arms and was gently pushing from his chest. When he became aware of her light struggling, he stopped and his brilliant blues focused on her. "Stop…we can't do this. Don't make it more difficult than it already is."
Tom felt his heart break again with her words and tried to calm his desire for her. He took several calming breaths while still holding her in his arms. Her eyes has lost their brilliance, now shimmering with unshed tears. "Rachel, I….. do you really have to leave?" he asked, his voice tight with emotions.
Rachel nodded her head, "You know as much as I do that if I do not do this, I would have failed in my mission to find and distribute the cure. We both know that our missions are vital."
Tom released her but took hold of her arms, looking down at her, "Rachel, I promise you, I will look for you and I will find you, no matter what. And when I find you, we will be together!" he declared, his eyes beseeching her to believe him.
"Tom, let's not make promises we cannot keep. I am sure that we will meet again. Now is not a good time to make promises, so much uncertainties are around us," she whispered while brushing her fingers on his lips. "Promise me that you will take care of yourself and the kids and the crew. I really, really hope, with all my heart that we will see each other again."
"Just wait for me, Rachel, please. Just wait for us in DC…."
Rachel cut him off with a swift and hard kiss to his lips, "I have to go now, Tom. I still have so much to do."
With that, she left his stateroom leaving him with the taste of her lips on his mouth and his heart in pieces.
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It turned out that although Rachel did not have to bring the whole laboratory with her, the CDC insisted that everything necessary for her research be packed up and shall be transported separately back to DC. Her personal belongings and vital possessions pertaining to the cure are what will be coming with her to the helo.
Quincy has likewise informed her that he and his family would like to join them on their return to DC.
The knowledge that Bertrise and Ava will be leaving the ship added to the sadness of Ashley and Sam. They were constantly afoot and followed Rachel around. Rachel, on her part, let them be at her side knowing that her time with them was coming to an end. She was supervising the dismantling of the lab and segregation of what will remain with the Nathan James.
She has likewise made her farewells to Danny and Kara and wished them well on their baby. She expressed confidence that all will go well with the birthing, while they may have lost one doctor, they have gained another in Jenny Chandler.
It was decided with Col. Hayes that they will leave for DC the following day, at very early in the morning. They would prefer to travel during daytime. The additional day also gave the ship time to refuel, replenish and conduct necessary repairs. The laboratory has been packed and loaded on Army trucks for transport.
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That night, after reading a bedtime story to the kids, Rachel gathered both of them to her and brought out something from her jeans pocket. She gave a locket to Sam.
"This is for you, Sam. Something to remember me by," she told him, "go on, why don't you open it?"
Sam pried the locket and saw inside a compass.
"It's a compass."
"Yes, Sam, it's a compass. My father gave that to me when I was a child. I want you to have it," she smiled at him. The little boy lunged for her and hugged her middle tightly.
"Thank you, Rachel! I will treasure this gift and when we see each other again, I will show it to you so that you'll know that I took care of your compass," he murmured to her.
She kissed Sam on his head and turned towards Ashley. She removed one of her leather bracelets from her wrist.
"Ash, darling, I want you to have this bracelet. I got this during one of my travels to Africa. I hope that one day, I will be able to show you some of the places I have been to," she said while transferring and tying the bracelet to Ashley's wrist.
"Thank you, Rachel," Ashley whispered and gave her a tight hug as well, "I will never forget you."
After several more minutes of kisses, hugs and promises, Rachel left their cabin and went straight to her lab.
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She reached the helo bay which used to house her makeshift laboratory. It was eerily quiet and now with a lot of open space. The last of the boxes and crates have been unloaded towards the port for their eventual destination in DC.
She was thinking of the first day she and Quincy came on board and were placing everything in order for their "research." She remembered Tom's brilliant and warm smile to her as he welcomed them on board.
She expelled a sigh as she turned towards the p-way to return to her cabin. Jack and Sophie have already retired for their early morning leave-taking. As she neared her cabin door, she saw Tom outside of it, waiting for her.
Rachel gave him a soft smile which he returned with one of his vivid ones. "Fancy meeting you here, Captain. It's quite late."
"Can I come in? We're blocking the p-way as it is."
Rachel opened her cabin door and entered first. He followed her in and shut the heavy metal door. Tom noted that her cabin lacked already the personal effects that she used to have. A large trolley was standing at the foot of her bunk.
Rachel leaned on the post of her bunk bed and looked at Tom. He seems to be thinking what to say next.
"You're ready?"
"As I'll ever be. I made last minute checks to the lab. The helo bay's all yours again. Bag's all ready as well. The Bridge's aware of the arrival of the helos at 0400 hours, right?
"Yes. Everyone's ready and expecting them," he took a few steps toward her until he was invading her personal space. "The kids showed me the mementos that you've given them. That was so thoughtful of you. Thank you."
"It's the least I could do. I will miss them. Thank goodness that Mike's daughters are here. They were heartbroken to find out that Bertrise and Ava will be leaving as well."
"Ashley and Sam will definitely miss you….I would miss you," he put emphasis on the "I."
"I would miss all of you as well, Tom," she told him, looking into his eyes. She took the final step to close the space between them and he met her halfway. He encircled her with his arms and she returned his fervent embrace as well, "I will miss you, Tom Chandler."
"Oh Rachel," he said, "Can I stay here with you? I just want to hold you in my arms."
Rachel gave him a strong embrace before withdrawing from his arms, "I don't think it's a good idea, Tom. In a few hours, you will have to return to your cabin and I will have to be up early as well."
She saw Tom's pleading eyes at her as he whispered, "Rachel, please…."
"Tom, please, this is also hard for me. Let's not make this any harder for both of us. We've had our chance and who knows, we may have our second chance as well," she consoled him while caressing the side of his face. He caught that palm caressing him and brought it to his mouth, kissing it. Rachel brought his head towards hers and started kissing him. This time, their kiss was desperate and frantic. Each trying to savor the feel and taste of the other, knowing that they only had this moment before their eventual parting.
Tom roamed his hands all over Rachel's body in a bid to memorize the feeling of her in his arms. When the need for air drove their lips apart, they stared at each other. Their eyes committing to memory and senses the other person.
"Goodnight, Tom. I think you'd better go now," she whispered softly to him.
"Rachel, promise me that you'll wait for us, that you'll give us a second chance when we meet again," he beseeched her, "Promise me."
"Alright, Tom, I promise. I will wait for you and I will give us a second chance when we meet again," she pledged. They kissed again, this time, softly. She gave him another firm hug and then released him.
It was going to be a long night for her.
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Tom was in his bed but sleep was the last thing on his mind and he knows he will not be getting any shut eye tonight. He can't help having this sinking feeling that he will not have a second chance with Rachel. She will be so far away from them and God knows when they can return to DC. If the Navy will even allow them there.
He thought about his wasted time with Rachel. But at the same time, he felt conflicted. With the time that they had, he did not see himself acting upon his emotions or feelings towards her in view of Darien's recent passing. He also could not see himself disobeying his own rules on the ship.
For the first time in his life, he wished that he was not in the position that he is now. With so much responsibility and with so many people looking up at him and relying on him. He wished that he could just be a regular guy who's in love with a gorgeous girl and free to express that love.
Finally giving up on sleep, he decided to hit the gym until it is time to go on deck.
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Rachel did not bother sleeping. Instead, she took her early shower and went over her things to bring to the helo. But seeing that she still had some time to kill before going on deck, she decided to visit the wardroom to get herself a cup of tea.
As she was making her tea, Mike entered the wardroom and made a beeline towards her.
"Good morning, Rachel," Mike greeted, "you're up pretty early. The helos will not arrive in about a couple of hours."
"Hello, Mike," she replied, "I couldn't sleep. Decided that I might as well take something to relax while I wait for the helos."
"It's good that I had this chance to see you before you leave. I'd like to say thank you," he started. Rachel turned her head toward him and looked at him askance. "I know we did not get off to a great start from the beginning, but without your cure, my family would not have a chance even if I had gotten them. I would also like to say that it was brave of you to come with us to Deer Park."
"You're welcome, Mike. I am happy that our excursion to Deer Park was quite a success. And now you have your own family. I hope everyone on the ship will find their families as well."
They both exchanged smiles.
"So….what about Tom?" Mike asked with a glint in his eye. "Have you said your goodbyes to him?"
"Yes, Commander, I have said my farewells to the Captain as well as his family. I have also said my farewells to some of the officers on the ship, too."
"Rachel, we both know that it's more than that…." he whispered, "how are you with all of this?"
Still deciding that it will be up to Tom to divulge or admit anything to his friend about them, she evaded his question with her answer, "As I have explained to you in Deer Park, Commander, this is all part of my mission. This is the reason why I am on this ship. This is also the reason why the CDC is now summoning me back."
Mike just looked at her and kept silent. He concluded that she will not admit anything to him. He would just have to try his luck with Tom.
"Well then, Rachel, I wish you all the best now that you will undertake another part of your mission. It is a pleasure to have known you and I will be forever proud that I am the XO of the ship where the cure to the Red Flu was made and that I have worked with the great Dr. Scott. We owe you our lives, Rachel, and I hope you know how much we appreciate that we were given another chance at life."
Mike's words brought tears to her eyes and Rachel could only nod at him. She patted his arm and turned her attention back to her cup of tea. She heard Mike's footsteps walking away from her.
SCOTCH SCOTCH SCOTCH SCOTCH SCOTCH SCOTCH
There was hardly any sign that the sun will be shining over the horizon when Rachel went on deck with Bertrise. She saw Quincy and his family there with Jack, Sophie and their FBI friends. Tom and some of his officers were there as well. As soon as Tom saw her, he started towards their group.
"Good morning, Rachel, Col. Hayes has radioed CIC that the Black Hawks are already in port. As our helo pad can only accommodate one hawk at a time, who will be the first one to board?" Tom asked, silently praying that she will choose to take the second helo.
"Good morning, Captain," she smiled softly, "I think Jack, Sophie, Marc and Meredith will go together in the first helicopter. Us from the Nathan James will take the second one together."
"Alright, we will communicate that to Col. Hayes. I think he will ride with your helicopter."
Tom signaled Mike over and told him the arrangements.
A few minutes later, they saw one of the Black Hawks heading towards the ship.
The doctors and FBI agents thanked Tom and the other officers before turning back to Rachel.
"Well, Dr. Scott, we'll see you in DC," Marc told her as the helicopter made its approach to land."
We'll see each other again!" Meredith had to shout over the noise of the rotor blades.
The two agents boarded while Jack and Sophia turned to Rachel. Sophia hugged and kissed Rachel, "We'll be together again, my friend!"
"I know, Sophie!" Rachel shouted over the noise. Sophie boarded, leaving Jack to say bid his goodbye.
Tom saw Jack hug Rachel with a familiarity that made him uncomfortable. He also saw how Rachel smiled up at Jack and they exchanged kisses on the cheek. He breathed a sigh of relief that Jack finally boarded and the helicopter flew from the deck.
The second helo approached, Quincy made his heartfelt thanks to him and the rest of the officers. He shook everyone's hands together with Kelly. They wasted no time in boarding with their personal effects.
Bertrise shyly bade them goodbye and he was surprised to see Mason on deck as well. The two shared a brief embrace before Bertrise boarded as well.
One of the ship's Ensigns had loaded Rachel's bags and things to the helicopter while she once again shook hands with Jeter, Mike, the Chief Engineer, Danny, and Kara. Jed and the kids were not on deck.
As she approached Tom, she was observing if he will make the first move. Sensing that he will not risk it, she said in a loud voice, "Thank you so much for everything, Capt. Chandler! I hope to see all of you again soon!"
"It was an honor, Dr. Scott!" Tom said crisply, his eyes devouring hers and trying to convey all his emotions to her.
As Rachel stepped towards the helicopter, Tom decided to escort her there himself. As he took her elbow, she glanced up at him and she could see his determination to spend the next few seconds with her. As they approached the helo, he guided her with his hand on her back and when they neared the door, he threw all caution to the wind and hugged her for the last time.
"Wait for me, Rachel! I will make that second chance for us! Take care of yourself until then, my love!" he said so close to her ear as she felt him give her another hug that she returned.
"Take care of yourself, Tom! I will wait for you!" she gave him a brief kiss on his cheek before boarding the helicopter. As the door closed and they lifted off, she kept her eyes on Tom's and she could see him maintaining the contact with hers as well.
She was leaning over the glass doors until his figure became smaller and smaller and until the ship was no longer in sight. She closed her eyes and clenched her fists to keep her emotions in check.
SCOTCH SCOTCH SCOTCH SCOTCH SCOTCH SCOTCH
Tom was memorizing Rachel's face and features as she sat behind the helicopter's glass doors. He held eye contact with her until he could not see her anymore. But he still kept his eyes glued to the flying object as it went closer and closer to the horizon, wildly wishing for a brief second that it will turn back towards the ship.
He felt as if a part of him has died in that moment. He could hardly believe that Rachel is no longer with him. That he will not see her, hear her or touch her.
He was not aware how long he stood on deck, frozen in time and space until he felt a hand on his shoulder. He came to his senses and saw that the others have left the deck and it was Mike who was beside him.
Mike saw Rachel's and Tom's facial expressions as they exchanged their goodbyes. He thought that Tom would make a move towards Rachel more than what he demonstrated before she boarded. He saw his friend, as if turned to a statue, with his gaze trained on her as the helicopter left the ship.
Mike patted Tom's shoulder comfortingly, "It's not yet the end of the world, my friend. You'll be together again."
"It may not be the end of the world, Mike, but as I felt her farther and farther away from me, I felt as if my world has stopped!" he said in a choked voice.
Mike could only stand there beside him on that lonely deck as they await for the sun to appear on the horizon to signal that another day has begun.
FINIS?
Hate it? Love it? You know what will take to get to Chapter 3, if there's any!