I don't own Scorpion or any of the CBS affiliates.
I would like thank everyone who is following this story and also for all of the great reviews that I have received. Thank You. It is greatly appreciated.
This story is set in between episodes 3X23 and 3X25. After seeing the last three episodes of Season 3, I have been wondering if and how the Team's families were informed of their plane going down and if any effort of looking for them were underway as well as their families' reaction to the news. This is my version of this possibility.
Chapter 2: Notification Part 2
Arriving at the prison, Catherine approached the security checkpoint before entering into the facility. She then met with the Warden who was the one person who knew who she really was as far as being the Deputy Director of Homeland. Before leaving LA to perform the duties of this trip, she had an ID badge made for her saying she was someone else with another company so she could get in to see Patrick Quinn without giving away Patrick's true identity away while serving his sentence.
"Ms. Carter, I'm Warden Avert. I understand you want to see a prisoner here that you are not related too nor are you his attorney."
"Yes, I am. My name is Ashlyn Carter and I am the Public Relations Officer for Conveys, the company that his daughter works for. I'm afraid that I have some bad news to deliver to him regarding his daughter."
"I see. Will I be privy to this information?"
"I'm sure it will be ok for you to hear considering I do not know how he will react to this information."
"Can I get the gist of what the information consist of."
"Yes. The company plane that his daughter was aboard may have crashed somewhere over the South Pacific Ocean."
Looking a little shaken by the sudden news, "I see. Give me a moment please."
Picking up his phone, the Warden requested that a specific prisoner be brought to his office immediately. After hanging up the phone, "I just asked for him to be brought here directly to my office. If it is alright with you, I would also like to bring in a counselor for him to talk too as well."
"I would prefer it if it would just be you and him in this room at this point but if he wants to talk to a counselor afterwards about all of this then that is up to him."
"Considering the circumstances that this is under, I understand."
About five minutes later there was a knock on the door and entered the prisoner whom Catherine knows as Patrick Quinn.
"Mr. Kyle Ruttland, how are you doing today?"
"I've had better days . I take it you are not here to tell me that I am being released from this place?"
"I'm afraid not. Please sit down, I have something important that I need to tell you."
Sitting down in the offered chair, Patrick already knew that she was not here with good news since he knew her as Deputy Director of Homeland Security.
"What happen to my daughter? That is why you are here. Right?"
"Yes, I am here about your daughter. I am sorry to say that the company that your daughter works for was en route on the company jet for an overseas assignment and both governments lost all communications with the plane about fours hours after take off. They are currently searching for any evidence that the plane either has landed safely due to mechanical problems or the unthinkable has happened and the plane may have gone down somewhere in the South Pacific Ocean. I am hoping that the plane manage to land due to mechanical problems and all is safe. The French Polynesian Government and the U.S. Government are currently doing a search and rescue operation over said area and so far nothing has shown up. I was informed of this incident on Monday. I have been going around and notifying every family member personally on what has happened. I am sorry it has taken this long to get to you but I am doing the best that I can. The latest update has turned up nothing of any consequence to say either way on whether or not anyone has survived since no wreckage has been found. Remember this is still a search and rescue operation."
With tears in his eyes and a choked voice, "My baby girl was suppose of gotten married over the weekend. The man she was marrying seemed like the best thing to ever happen to her. Were they together at the time or were they separated since they don't always work directly together on these assignments?"
"Yes, they were together. As a matter of fact the entire team she works with was on board that plane."
"I see. What about the child that she sometimes babysits? What's going to happen to him?"
"I'm afraid he was also on board the plane."
Shaking his head and trying not to cry from the news he just received, "Will you keep me informed of any news that you get?" Looking at the Warden, "Sir could she contact you directly on this matter?"
"Yes, she can contact me directly on this matter and I will relay the information to you directly myself."
"Thank you both. I would like to go back to my cell now."
"Ok. Look, what I am about to suggest is solely for your benefit. Its not because you did anything wrong it is because I think you need some time alone to deal with this emotionally. I am going to suggest that you go into solitary confinement for a couple of days or as long as you need to deal with this information. I will have a counselor or a Chaplin to come and talk with you to get you through the possibility that you may have lost your daughter." said Warden Avert.
With a tear running down his cheek, "Ok. I will definitely take that option."
"Mr. Ruttland, for what it's worth. Your daughter did get married before getting on that plane. In fact, they were taking this trip as a honeymoon after the assignment was completed since it was in the French Polynesian Islands. From what I hear she had a lovely ceremony."
"Thank you Ms. Carter. You manage to bring me some good news after all."
Walking to the door, the Warden told the officer that escorted the prisoner to his office that he needed to be taken directly to solitary confinement for personal reasons. Patrick Quinn was then lead out of the Warden's office and taken to said cell where he was able to gather his emotions in private.
"I was serious about you contacting me directly with any information concerning his daughter. Loosing any child under any circumstances is hard enough but suddenly like this and out of the blue is even harder. I know from personal experience. My daughter was aboard the plane that crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. She was only seventeen and going there with some friends to look at colleges over their fall break."
"I am so sorry to hear that. But regardless of the circumstances, no parent should have to bury their child. I had to inform one family that their remaining child may have been lost and they just buried their oldest child a couple of years ago. Even though I haven't lost any children, I do understand how hard this is going to be over the next few days of not knowing anything.
Soon after, Catherine was on her way back to LA. She still needed to inform Sylvester's family and look to see who Cabe has put down for an emergency contact. She may have to call Allie over the phone since she was out of town visiting her sister and has no idea on where to reach her face to face. She will be so glad when this part of her job is over.
Arriving back in LA, Catherine left LAX with two more stops to make before heading home for the first time in what felt like years. She put her next destination into her phone which guided her easily to where she was wanting to go. Arriving at the Dodd residence she wasn't sure what kind of greeting she was going to be getting considering Sylvester only made contact with his own father for the first time last year considering it has been more that nine years of no contact what so ever. The only reason he made contact with his dad then was due to a case that took them to Africa. Now, whether or not he made any other contact with his parents is unknown to her. Come to think of it she wasn't even sure if Sylvester ever told them that he had gotten married and was widowed in 2015.
After finally arriving at her destination, Catherine got out of the car and went to the front door of the house hoping she would not have another encounter like she did with Toby's family. Knocking on the door, a middle aged woman answered it. She was of medium built, about 5'5" and had dark brown hair. Sylvester seemed to have favored his mother more than his father as far as facial features go.
"Can I help you with something?" asked Mrs. Dodd in a rather pleasant but curious voice.
"Yes. My name is Catherine Cooper and I am the Deputy Director of Homeland Security. May I come in?"
Opening the door, "Yes, you can come in. Do you need to see my husband? He is in his office. If you care to sit down here in the livingroom, I will go an get him for you unless you need to talk to him privately about a matter of national security."
"No. Its not a matter of national security and yes if you don't mind I need to talk to the both of you actually."
"Ok. I'll get him. Here, please make yourself comfortable in the livingroom while I go and get him."
"Thank you."
"Honey, there is a woman out here in the livingroom wanting to talk to us. Her name is Catherine Cooper and she says she is the Deputy Director of Homeland Security. Do I need to be worried about anything? Are you in trouble or something? I know you travel around the world looking for items of importance to our country's safety but did you accidentally come across something you weren't suppose too?"
Looking at his wife strangely and surprised that she would even suggest a thing like that "No, honey, I haven't. If the Deputy Director of Homeland is here then it is concerning Sylvester not me."
Getting up from his desk, Colonel Dodd went out to the livingroom and greeted his unexpected guest.
"Deputy Director Cooper, how are you doing this morning. I take it you are here about Sylvester?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact I am. Please sit down the both of you because what I have to tell you isn't pleasant and I have done this four times already and it hasn't gotten any easier to say the least."
Everyone taking their seats and getting comfortable, "Like I said this isn't the most pleasant of news. You know your son works for Scorpion. Well, over the weekend, the team was called by the French Polynesian Government to perform a job in Tahiti. About four hours en route, all communications were lost and the plane had fallen off the radar as well. Both governments are currently doing a search and rescue mission as well as trying to figure out what happened to the plane. It is unknown whether they had mechanical problems and had made an emergency landing somewhere or if the plane crashed into the ocean. Like I said this is still a search a rescue operation and we are trying to be hopeful in finding survivors. I have gone around to each member of Scorpion's family to inform them of the current situation. I am sorry but as of the latest update that I have received there still hasn't been any sign of the wreckage or any kind of communication with the plane.
Taking a deep breath and taking his wife's hand, "Is there any chance of survival at this point?"
"I honestly do not know. I don't know what happened for the towers to loose communication or why it even fell off of the radar to begin with. This passed Monday the French Polynesian Government called and said they never made it to their destination and ask if I knew of any reason why that would have happen and I couldn't honestly answer that question either. I really don't have any other news to give you other than what I just gave you but if there are any changes what so ever either way I will call you personally with that information."
"Are you telling us that our son could possibly be dead?" asked Mrs. Dodd.
"Yes, it is a possibility but I am trying to be hopeful in this matter."
Starting to cry, "I never told him...I never even tried to call him and tell him how proud I am of him and of everything he does for Scorpion and for the world from what his father has told me about what he does. I should have called and told him." said Mrs. Dodd who was beginning to break down at the possibility of loosing her son.
Placing an arm around his wife, "Is there anything we can do besides wait?" asked Colonel Dodd.
"No, I'm afraid not. Other than waiting, hoping, and praying, there is nothing that can be done at this point." said Catherine.
Trying not to get choked up, "Look, I know this trip hasn't been easy and I am sure you have gone all over the U.S. informing the rest of the Scorpion family members but we would like to thank you for coming by and giving us this news personally. I hope the next time we speak it will be with good news." said Mrs. Dodd.
"I hope so. And you're right I have traveled all over the this country as well as Ireland to talk to each family member personally on this matter."
"Ireland? Which team member has family in Ireland?" asked Colonel Dodd.
"Walter O'Brien."
"Before you go, do you know how I can get in touch with the other Scorpion member's families? I would like to reach out so we can at least be there to support each other during this time. At least let them know that they are not alone. Kind of support group you might say." asked Mrs. Dodd.
"I will have to check with my superior on that request since that information falls under their personal information thus making it private."
"I understand." said Mrs. Dodd.
Catherine soon left the Dodd's home and began driving back to headquarters. Her last stop was to get a hold of Cabe's family but the only family she knew of and that was still on record was his ex-wife Rebecca. She decided to contact her thinking maybe that she knew of any other family Cabe may have. Catherine was going back to headquarters so she could get Rebecca's address and phone number so she could try to meet up with her to give her the same news and find out some information so she get this trip over with once and for all.
Getting back to her office she looked up Cabe's ex wife and called her.
"Rebecca?"
"Yes."
"My name is Catherine Cooper and I am the Deputy Director of Homeland.
You are the only number that we have on file for Agent Cabe Gallo and I need to get in touch with a family member at this point. Is there anyway we can meet face to face?"
"Yes. I'm just walking out the door so I can meet you at your office if you like. I take it something bad has happened to Cabe."
"Honestly, I can't say for sure but I will explain everything when you get here. I will leave your name at the security desk along with a vistor's badge that will be waiting for you when you arrive."
"Ok, then. I will be there in about an hour or less depending on the traffic."
"That will be good."
"Ok, bye."
"Bye, I will see you when you get here."
Sitting back in her chair, Catherine began wondering if Rebecca knew about Allie and visa versa. Either way that was not her business and technically she really didn't have to call Allie to begin with but out of friendship with Cabe she knew that Cabe would want her to know about the current situation. Picking up her phone she dialed Allie's number.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Allie?"
"Yes, this is Allie."
"My name is Catherine Cooper, I work with Cabe here at Homeland and I am also the Deputy Director here as well. I would much rather do this face to face than over the phone but I understand that you are out of town at this time."
"Yes, I am currently in Boston visiting my sister. Is something wrong with Cabe?"
"Maybe, I am just not certain at this point. Cabe and the rest of Scorpion were called away to Tahiti. While en route all communications were lost with the plane. It is unknown whether or not the plane crashed into the South Pacific Ocean or had mechanical problems with their radio and has landed safely somewhere that we aren't aware of at this point. Both the French Polynesian Government and the U.S. Government are performing search and rescue operations as we speak. This happened this passed Monday and I personally went around to each family member of Scorpion to give them this information face to face. I am sorry that I am unable to have this conversation with you the same way."
Unable to hide the tears in her voice, "So, you have no idea on whether or not any of them are alive which means there is still a possible chance that everyone may be alive?"
"Yes, there is still a possible chance either way. Right now its just wait and see on what is or is not found at this point. We are holding out hope that everyone is alive and well and awaiting rescue."
"Not trying to be negative here, but how long will they do the search and rescue?"
They will probably do search and rescue for a couple of weeks. If they are stranded out there on open ocean then fresh water and food will be limited the way it is but I don't think it will last that long for nine people at best."
"I see. Will you call me if anything comes up?"
"Yes, if hear anything significant I will call each family member myself and that includes you as well."
Audibly crying at this point, "Thank you Deputy Director Cooper that means a lot. And don't worry about not having this conversation face to face. I appreciate that thought though."
"Your welcome and I will let you now of any new developments that comes about. Goodbye."
"Thank you and goodbye"
Hanging up the phone, Catherine noticed that she had a visitor outside of her door. Getting up to greet her visitor, she noticed it was Rebecca. Stepping out of her office to greet her and let the security officer know that it was ok for her to be here she stepped aside so Rebecca could enter her office.
"Hi Rebecca, come in and thank you for coming here on such short noticed."
"Your welcome. So, tell me what happen to Cabe, is he alright? Is he hurt?"
"Honestly, I do not know at this point. What I can tell you is that he along with the entire Scorpion Team was called away on an assignment to Tahiti and while en route the plane fell off of the radar and no one knows what has happened to it or the team. Search and rescue operations are currently underway at this time. This happened this passed Monday and there are still no sign of the them or the wreckage."
Shaken by the information that she just received, "I take it that the search and rescue won't last long considering the location of the plane when they went off of the radar"
"I don't know. I am hoping they will keep the search and rescue operations going for more than a week but considering that there may be nine people floating out in the middle of the ocean with limited supply of fresh drinking water if any and possibly little to no food, there chances of survival diminishes every second that they are out there in that vast area.
"True but I also have worked with that team and have seen first hand what they are capable of doing and willing to do to protect each other and get the job done."
"I know. I want to believe they are alive and well but in reality that may not be the case here"
"With that team anything is possible."
"I agree.
"Is that all of the news you have at this point?"
"Yes, it is."
Standing up, "Well, I guess I should be getting home to my family. Thank you for calling me and as far as any other family to contact, I am not sure of any that is still alive at this point. If I think of any, I will let you know. If you get any more news would you please call me?"
"Yes, Rebecca, I will call you along with the rest of the Scorpion's family members. I will take care of that personally. I have already been what feels like around the world this week meeting everyone of Team Scorpion's family and telling them everything that I've just told you."
"Ok. I hope the next bit of information will be good news."
"I hope so."
"Goodbye Rebecca and thank you for coming to meet with me even if it wasn't under the best of circumstances"
"Thank you for calling me and letting me know. I know Cabe and I have been divorce for a long time but that doesn't mean I've stop caring for him. Goodbye, Deputy Director Cooper."
As soon as Rebecca left her office, Catherine started gathering her personal things and finally headed home where she could finally let go all of her emotions that she has kept in check for the entire journey that started a few days ago.
Catherine thought to herself, "Finally, my mission is over and I can go home and do what I have been wanting to do since the I have received this news. Cry."
Special Author's Note: If you are wondering where I am getting nine people on board the plane instead of eight that is because as far as Catherine knows there was a co-pilot on board at the time of take off. She had no idea that Happy was the co-pilot so therefore that is where I got the ninth person that wasn't actually there.