A/N: I don't own anyone but The Major (Alex) and those kick ass Marines: Bressler, Sterling, and Eckert!

So, I am VERY VERY sorry that this was not published sooner. I got a case of the stranded brain and real life but, after seeing some promos and some words of encouragement (You know who you are cough "B" cough)

Guantanamo Bay...1 year ago...

Pissed didn't begin to describe what the Major was feeling at that particular moment. Her head was throbbing, thanks to the pistol whipping courtesy of Rachel's comrade, Quincy. Captain Chandler had been insistent, no dragged her down to medical where Doc Rios was currently tending to the laceration across the back of her skull. Her tongue was still as military discipline had kicked in, preventing the slew of vulgarity laden declarations which would only deepen the hole she was in with the CO and XO.

That son of a bitch better be thankful he has MP's guarding his ass and he's locked up in the fitness room AWAY from me!

"It's nothing serious Major," Doc Rios's calming tone shattered her inner monologue. "A few stitches to close the wound."

"Joy," she muttered under her breath. "How is this going to affect my ability to be in the lab?"

"Shouldn't so long as you follow PPE protocols. I would recommend perhaps something to cover your head prior to donning any suit."

"Won't be a problem Doc," the Major let out a heavy sigh. The adrenaline was already wearing off, letting the dull ache amplify with each beat of her heart. "Got something for this skull splitter?"

"Skull splitter?" Doc Rios realized what she meant after he opened his mouth. "Right, the intense migraine that you're currently experiencing. I can give you Tylenol but you NEED to rest. You took a rather nasty hit from that gun."

His gloved hands glided effortlessly across the angry red gash that marred the strands of chocolate. He had seen worse in combat but still, he took each case with the same degree of seriousness and care even if it was one of the cooks cutting their index finger while slicing celery for soup.

"Is that all I can get? Do you think I have a concussion? I mean you don't exactly sound upbeat about this whole thing."

Her ears caught the clamp tightening down on the needle and suture as he prepared to complete the final stitch. The jerking motions tugged at her scalp but the anesthetic had dulled the nerves an hour before. It was strange, no matter the number of times she had a gunshot wound, knife injury, or other deep cut, having a part of her body being jerked and shifted but no feeling to accompany it.

"It is possible given that your brain and skull had a degree of trauma inflicted upon it. I don't want to chance you having any complications so you have to be reduced on shifts. And giving you something like Advil or Ibuprofen can increase chances of bleeding. Does that answer your questions?"

"NO WAY!" Her arms shot out from her sides. "What I'm doing is time sensitive. I just can't quit mid tests and let all that work falter."

"Doc's right," Tex was hovering in the doorway. His right hip pushing into the metallic frame and the disapproving stare which caused her to roll her eyes. "Your noodle got rattled pretty good back there."

"Not you too," the Major bemoaned. Since when did Tex become a fucking medical expert?!

"If you're not playing with a full deck, you're gonna make a mistake Major. You're being as stubborn as a jackass."

"Tell me something we don't know Tex," Doc simply exhaled, tired from the recent "tours" of duty in his ward. Garnett continued to remain under his care, unable to return to duty thanks to Amir's little welcoming party. She wasn't particularly thrilled over the prospect of being on bed rest but she didn't let on to the others.

"Well you two try being on the receiving end of a Baretta Bitchslap!" The Major hissed with upper lip curled into a rather nasty snarl. "Ow!"

"You need to remain still Major," Doc chided mildly. "If you don't it won't heal right."

"Yes Dad," another muttering beneath her breath before going rigid in the highly uncomfortable metallic chair. Tex laughed which earned him a nasty glare of icy blue. He simply shrugged his shoulders as her threats were about solid as water.

"I see the Major wasn't seriously injured."

Captain Chandler was now leaning in the doorway. An unreadable expression lined his face. He saw the Major's shoulders slump upon recognition of his presence.

Joy...The Major groaned inwardly.

"Captain," the Major greeted cordially. She wasn't in the mood to contend with a one two punch. Not now.

"Major Koch will be fine," Doc Rios sounded relieved though the Major couldn't blame him. She wasn't the best patient. Had Mark still been alive he would attest to her defiance like a witness on the stand. "She has some stitches and a headache but I strongly advised her to reduce her time in the lab."

The Major winced at the final tug on her skull. He did that on purpose.

"I agree," the Captain spoke up. He had been observing her sitting there at the mercy of Doc Rios. It was rather appeasing and humorous to see her there tight lipped and not standing off with his XO. Silence is golden as they say.

"No," the Major cut her right hand across her chest. "I will be FINE. I have been in worse situations."

"Well I don't think you have to worry about being shot at by drug cartel thugs. Though you may have to watch out for XO Slattery."

"That's worse," she snorted. "At least the thugs knew when to back down."

"Which is why he makes a fine XO." Chandler frowned as he remembered his second in command was interrogating Dr. Tophet. They had come God knows how close to having the Ramses strain unleashed on the James. His right hand absently twisted the golden band on his left ring finger. No word from home since the video transmission from Darien. No radio, video, SOS, Morse, nothing. Sure there was the endless parade of calls for help from all corners of the world. People clinging to the fringes of what had been civilization, refusing to let hope die out like a flame in the rain. Some were low on supplies. Some were low on fresh water. Some were out of faith.

The crew harbored their own personal anxieties and trepidations regarding the loved ones and friends left behind. Each day had brought promises of contact; of that one phrase many wished, no longed to hear.

We're still alive...

Chandler knew the Major had her own fears within but didn't pry out of respect. He didn't ask Dr. Scott to divulge either as she too was in the same mental capacity of not knowing. Wondering if her kin and friends were still breathing or worse.

"You, rest," Doc Rios issued his order. "I don't think much will be accomplished after tonight. Besides, I can tell you're exhausted."

"You're no good if you're tired Major," Chandler used a softer tone. "I would strongly urge you to heed Doc Rios's medical assessment and treatment."

The Major knew she was outnumbered. Tex was still in the background, watching her with a sharp eye. She could sense Garnett was likely honed in to the activity though she was in the adjacent room and of course Captain Chandler who looked like he was about ready to hoist her over his shoulder and haul her back to her quarters and place her on CQ.

"Fine," she huffed in irritation. "I'll take the night off. But I'm back on duty tomorrow."

"Well see," Captain Chandler added. Doc Rios was pressing several clean gauze pads with saline solution to cleanse the area before tenderly dabbing and sweeping the matted bits of crimson up and away from the site.

"Look, I can't just leave Dr. Scott in there alone. I know she's been sleeping in that damned lab because that's how she operates under these types of situations. And I KNOW you won't get her to come out of there no matter what tactic you attempt."

Captain Chandler studied the Major while absorbing her words. She wasn't revealing anything earth shattering as he and the rest of the crew had been privy to the work habits and ethics of the civilian.

"Alex," Rachel rushed through the door. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, if you wanna call it that. I'm being ganged up on here three to one." She pleaded with deep cerulean rings, hoping Rachel would side with her.

"We think the Major should take it easy what with as she called having a 'Baretta Bitchslap'." Captain Chandler kept his unwavering stare on the Army officer. Neither he nor she was about to back down; both hardening their stares as they dug their proverbially heels in.

"And I said that my work is time sensitive." The Major felt her body bristle as the bottom half of her jaw clenched and relaxed with each word. "I cannot afford to lose precious time as we've lost enough of that as is."

"And how much more will we lose if you're working half assed? Again, you are NOT playing with a full deck," Tex just had to add his insight again.

"Is there anything I can do to help until Major Koch is back on duty?" Rachel stepped up which cracked the Major's walls.

"Oh not you too Rachel!" The Major pinched the bridge of her nose and squeezed her eyes shut. "Damn it..."

"If it had been anywhere else on your body I wouldn't see an issue but he struck you on the head. You of all people should realize how serious that can be."

"You've been busting ass and it's not right to drop my work on you." The Major paused as she got an idea. "Why don't I do desk work? I can sit in a chair and read you know. At least I won't be as useless as tits on a boar." She crossed her arms with a smug expression.

A few snickers slipped past a couple of mouths.

"I don't see why not," Doc Rios shrugged then tilted his head upward towards his CO. "Captain?"

"If you think it would be within reason Doc I'd allow it."

"I agree," Rachel acquiesced with a nod. "She can help me interpret the data."

The Major felt a tiny victorious smile creeping in the corners of her mouth. She would've lost her mind being confined to quarters with nothing aside from the ceiling and her laptop to keep her occupied. She needed stimulation, a way to keep her mind churning and processing. Data interpretation would cure that ill.

"Well that's settled," Captain Chandler sighed a deep breath of relief. The last thing he wanted was to have another showdown with the Major.

"So what about Quincy?" The Major didn't hesitate to get to the gathering shit storm. "What's going to happen to him? I mean he did come close to killing all of us."

"Dr. Tophet will be dealt with accordingly Major." He resumed toying with his wedding band.

"So basically I won't get to have a word with him will I?" The smile retracted into a deep frown. Her brow furrowed in looming frustration.

"Not in the immediate future you won't."

"He assaulted me with a deadly weapon and nearly unleashed another on this ship. He snitched to Ruskov that Rachel and I are here. Dr. Tophet is aware of what I have been doing since this cluster fuck began. I see it as being compromised. And in a very big way. And whatever it is Ruskov has he seems to be convinced we need it more than we need air. Maybe I can get it or at the very least something out of him. While I'm sure your XO is very adept at questioning tactics but in this case it may not work."

Her voice was sincere.

"Look, you can have whoever you want in the room with me but please let me talk to him. We need to know what he's told Ruskov or maybe find out what he knows. Surely he must have some bit rattling in that empty head of his."

Chandler took her offer, letting it absorb as he fixated his gaze to the floor. What harm would it be to let her confront Tophet? She seemed convinced Tophet was withholding information from them. What if he was holding back regarding the Ramses strain? Ruskov wanted the Major and Dr. Scott pretty bad.

"I'll think about it. Right now, you need to rest."

The Major couldn't restrain the groan that rumbled in her chest and throat. She couldn't win.

Captain Chandler pivoted around and exited the infirmary leaving the Major to wonder.

"At least I don't have to stare at the wall all day," the Major huffed in exhaustion. Her pensive shoulders fell lax as a subtle nudge on her right shoulder alerted her to Rachel standing behind her.

"Here," she produced the dual tablets. The Major eagerly swiped the pills from her open palm, swallowing them dry.

"I'll give you more but only for every 8-12 hours." Doc Rios cautioned.

"Right," the Major was simply too happy to object as she had something in her system. How their ancestors managed without such interventions. She had been privy to one too many migraines that required the "good stuff" otherwise she would've been debilitated for days. "Thanks Doc."

"You're welcome Major. Now, please take it easy? I really don't want to see you back here."

"Feeling is mutual," the Army officer nodded in acquiescence. She pushed out of the chair, finding her head was slightly light. Yeah, Quincy was NOT escaping her wrath.

"Why in the HELL is Quincy cavorting with Ruskov?" The Major snarled beneath her breath. Money wasn't a prime motive as there was no world to spend it in. What were the usual suspects in such acts again? Ideologies, romanticizing the "cause." Yeah, that worked so well in the past. Promise of power is another. Perhaps Ruskov had seduced the good doctor with his own lab, being able to play God perhaps. Land in the emerging new world, perhaps?

She paused and weighed the options. While all were feasible, none were suitable.

Suddenly it dawned on her.

"Shit..."

"Alex!" Rachel hurried to catch up.

"Family!" The Major answered. "Ruskov has someone he loves!"

The sickening expression fanned across the Brit's face. Her heart raced as the implications of the Major's conclusion sank in like a dead weight.

"Kelly and Ava. He has Quincy's wife and daughter."

"What a complete bastard. He must've found them while..."

"He was here on the James." Rachel rested a hand on her forehead.

"This isn't your fault," the Major saw that look forming on her face. The eyes dropping, averting away from hers. "I know that look Rachel. So whatever you're thinking in that head of yours quit."

"The Major's right Dr. Scott." Captain Chandler was approaching the pair. His heavy footfalls echoed off the steel sides. How had they not heard those dull thuds?! "Dr. Tophet's actions aren't your burden."

"Strong motivator, yes; but not warranted."

"I'm at a complete loss," Rachel could only shake her head in disgust. "I've worked with him for 10 years. We both had friends and colleagues in Russia."

"Even I had contacts in the Vector Institute," the Major spoke up causing Chandler to arch an eyebrow in intrigue. "What?" She felt defensive, tensing at his borderline accusatory glance. "I wasn't the only one in the US Military to have counterparts overseas. As part of my MOS I traveled to Koltslovo. They house one of the repositories for smallpox or rather housed. Great," she flung her arms up over her head. "Who's watching the hen house?"

"I think that's the least of our worries right now Major Koch." Chandler steered her back to the current situation.

"Right, well we need to find out how long this little romance's been going on."

"No, you rest." The Captain crossed his arms and effectively blocked her path.

"When will I get to talk to Dr. Tophet?" She crossed her arms and straightened her back. "He may know who was keeping tabs on Rachel and I. If he was in bed with Ruskov who knows what else he was doing or talking to."

"I'll have my decision tomorrow."

"Thank you," the Major circled around and started in the direction of the galley. It was the best he would give her.

"Maybe you should let her talk to Quincy, Commander Chandler." Rachel pushed the matter. "If someone was watching us before we lost contact and before her plane went down, he may have names."

"XO Slattery is currently interrogating him."

"Yes, I'm aware of that Captain but, perhaps Alex's presence may disarm him."

"How so Doctor Scott?" What could Major Koch do that his XO couldn't?

"He may not be expecting a woman to question him. Perhaps she may be able to find the right buttons to push, to make him slip. You heard her, she said if you wanted security in there with her by all means have it. Give her a chance Commander? I know Alex. I've worked with her good and bad. I don't know if my word holds merit given all that's transpired but give her at least the opportunity."

Captain Chandler tapped his index finger on his wedding ring.

"I'll inform Major Koch of my decision tomorrow. Right now she needs to take it easy."

"Right," Rachel nodded though it was a motion with no emotional backing. Maybe she could use a cup of coffee.

The Major got the next pot brewing. It was one thing she loathed back at USAMRIID: Person who took last cup of coffee didn't start new round. There was no other soul around as the excitement of the evening's events had shaken the crew up just a bit. Hell, even she was a bit rattled after Quincy nearly unleashed Hell. That stupid son of a bitch! Did he really think they would go nice and quiet like good little sheep? Well, he didn't know her very well then did he?

She didn't achieve the rank of Major by playing nice and clean. No, she had to get dirty and vicious to show she could hold her own against the men. Casey had seen to it her work was showcased; invaluable for research in Marburg, Ebola, and yes smallpox. Of course, it had drawn the resentment and contempt of those who felt there was no place for her kind in their fiefdom.

"I should've known you would be here."

Tex casually strolled in and helped himself to the fresh brew.

"I'm hoping I can get a few moments with Quincy. Chandler's sitting on it of course." Her hands loosely curled around the drab white mug.

"Don't get too down there Chief. I think the Captain will let you have a bite."

The Major said nothing.

"You're quiet over there. Did Qunicy knock you harder on the head than you thought?"

"It's not that Tex. I just want answers. Who was doing surveillance on Rachel and I? Clearly we were on someone's radar aside from Ruskov's. At the time I left Guiana, things were deteriorating in DC. What was left of the Executive Branch was hightailing it to the Bunker. Judicial Branch was nonexistent. Legislative Branch...Well, let's just say like rats on a sinking ship they fled. Typical."

Tex chuckled at her veiled insult.

"Had to be someone left. Someone or some group that carried on like nothing was happening. Now I wonder if the plane going down was really mechanical failure."

"You think someone sabotaged your plane?" Alarmed at this, Tex looked around the room. They were alone.

"If Ruskov could get a mole on the James, what's not to say before the world went dead that someone wasn't gunning for me. The fact we have the Ramses Strain, Rachel, myself, and all of that research makes the James one big ass target."

"That's a pretty tall order there Chief." Tex studied his comrade as she continued staring blankly into her coffee. He wasn't sure if it was the effect of the injury or perhaps something unrelated that was projecting this distant gaze. She finally but slowly shook her head then lifted her head to meet his eyes.

"No, not really. It's not beyond the scope of government or rogue elements of one. History is ripe with such acts. With the pandemic it could easily have propelled any agenda or schemes."

"You want some foil with that conspiracy theory?"

The Major laughed as his sharp tongue shattered the somber mood. Her right hand repeatedly slapped the table with short sharp cracks. Leave it to the former contractor to crack a joke in a time of distress.

"I needed that," she smiled brightly. Any pain or trepidation was erased with the shine in her eyes. Identical sapphires that gleamed in the less than ideal lighting.

"Anytime," he wrapped his arm around her with hand cupped on the outer part of her arm.

"Considering we spent a considerable amount of time in the wilds of Cuba thick and thin. Finding a sliver of humor in the shards of tension."

"Well that's me!" He beamed proudly. A sudden rumble caused him to look strangely at the Major.

"Stomach," she patted the grumbling region. "Forgot to eat. When I worked at USAMRIID, Casey would have to tell me to take a break for meals or sleep."

"Well then I'm your man to keep you and the good doctor on a regular well balanced schedule of sustenance, hydration, rest, and recreational activities."

"In that case," the Major craned her neck to the left with a cheeky smile. "Lead me to the food!"

"I hear that Bacon is making some mean enchiladas for the evening meal. Nothing like Ol' Juan's cooking at the Foo Foo Cantina but I'm an open minded kind of person." He added a playful wink.

"Better than mangoes and bananas with the occasional MRE that's for sure. At least we won't have to worry about assholes with RPGs trying to annihilate our asses."

They finished their coffee in comfortable silence, feeling as if a burden had been lifted; even if it is for a few hours.

"We're gonna beat this thing. With you and the doctor on it like Holmes and Watson."

The pair was now headed towards the main galley where the enlisted personnel were dining. The aroma of chicken, beef, and spices wafted teasingly across their noses, making mouths water more and more with each step.

"There's more than just a vaccine at stake. It's the fate of the human race and history."

"Such the dramatic one you are," Tex rolled his eyes but it was all in good nature.

"Dun dun dun," the Major added with a small laugh as they crossed the threshold.

It was a different atmosphere in the fitness room. No one was laughing.

XO Slattery leaned dangerously over the back of the chair with eyes narrowing to a pair of sharp daggers. Dr. Tophet was beginning to damage his calm at this stage. His knuckles morphed into white knots as his fingers curled harder against the resilient steel. His jaw tensed, teeth scraping across one another. Seconds were shifting into minutes but to the man tied to the chair, time crawled like an infant.

"You wanna tell me what's going on with you and Ruskov?" Mike exercised extreme patience which was a contrast to his tenure as a homicide detective.

"I had only spoken to Ruskov the day we landed here!" Lies.

"So what you two are like Facebook friends!?"

"There wasn't a relationship with Ruskov!" Quincy struggled in the handcuffs but the biting metal held fast keeping him restrained.

"Bullshit!" Mike slammed his fists into the chair causing Quincy to recoil. "But keep on lying and see where it leads you."

Quincy fought to find his breath as his heart stammered wildly in his chest. "It wasn't supposed to happen like this."

"You threatened the lives of my men and women on this ship! You opened fire on my men! You assaulted an officer of the United States Army!" While he wasn't her biggest fan, Major Koch didn't deserve to be struck in such fashion. Hell, she didn't deserve it at all.

"Ruskov has my family! My wife and daughter are on that ship!"

"Yeah, we'll get that." Mike cooled a few degrees. "What does Ruskov want with Dr. Scott and Major Koch? Hmm?"

"I don't know!" Quincy hollered at the top of his lungs. Blood rushed to his face turning the skin beet red. Mike was about to open his mouth but halted at the sound of the door turning then groaning open. Captain Chandler paused and took a quick assessment of the scene. Mike was perched behind a chair with hands planted tightly on the back. Quincy was cuffed to the opposite chair as two MP's were positioned behind him and two stationed behind Mike.

His XO rounded the chair to brief his CO. The rigid posture and heated glare reflecting in Mike's eyes told him enough.

"Anything?"

"He says he doesn't know why Ruskov wants Dr. Scott and Major Koch. His wife and daughter are on the Kirov."

"It was Brit who was on the radio pretending to be the CO."

"Quite a performance by your wife," the interrogator persona returned. Mike clasped his hands behind his back as he seated himself in front of the prisoner.

"Kelly had nothing to do with this! She's being held against her will! Ruskov is using her to get to me to get to Rachel and Major Koch!" Quincy maintained his wife's innocence despite her obvious role in keeping the James in Guantanamo Bay.

"Then start talking!" Captain Chandler's voice boomed over both. "Because I am not the only one who thinks you are hiding more than you claim to know. How did you get involved with Ruskov?"

"When the pandemic was going on, governments were keeping information back, telling us to suppress the data. Vital information that could've sped up the vaccine process. But no, they refrained. So some of us decided to take matters into our own hands. I contacted my friend Sergei and we began to exchange information."

"You what?!" Mike snarled angrily at the revelation. "You were leaking information!"

"The virus was burning through the population! Governments were having pissing matches when their own people were falling like dominoes! I couldn't sit by and do nothing! People were DYING!" What would it take for these two to get it through their heads!? He wasn't leaking anything! He wasn't a spy or double agent! He was doing the right thing! Wasn't the purpose of their mission!?

Chandler took a deep breath before proceeding.

"Ruskov said he had something that was needed to make the vaccine. Any idea of what that could be?"

"No," Quincy shook his head but it was futile. Tears were rolling down his burning cheeks and neck but only he had any emotion for them. The six men standing in the room were indifferent towards his plight.

"What was the plan for tonight?"

"I was to take Rachel, the Major, and the samples across the bay in a speedboat. It's located in one of the coves to the north of here. When we approached, I was to give them a signal with a lantern also in the boat."

The officers traded looks. Both knew what needed to be done. But would it work?

"I needed that," the Major felt slightly bloated but nourished. Tex was sharing the same sentiment as he had double what she consumed. "I think my headache finally hightailed it out."

"Well that's great Chief," Tex ripped a belch that garnered a few curious stares, snickers, and shouts of encouragement.

"Enlisted," the Major sighed. "Doesn't matter the branch."

"You were there once. You mean to tell me you didn't rip loose some shenanigans?"

"I plead the 5th."

"So you did!" Tex's eyes widened. "You are going to share."

"Maybe," she smiled slyly. "Maybe not."

"Major Koch!" Master Chief was tearing up the way. The urgency in his stride and voice made both stop dead in their tracks.

"Master Chief where's the fire?" Tex waited for the man to speak.

"Major, you need to come with me."

"Okay now what's going on?" Here it comes.

"The Captain needs to talk to you. It's urgent." The Major looked to Tex who shrugged then patted her on the back before taking his leave. "No Tex you're needed as well."

"I am always ready and willing to be of service to the United States Navy." He felt a little bit taller knowing his expertise was in need once again. Not bad for a contractor who had been stuck at Camp X-Ray.

"Come on," the older man took lead with the Major and Tex following in perfect cadence. "How are you feeling?"

"My headache is gone and I ate too much Mexican."

"Good," he gave a short nod then kept quiet the rest of the way.

Lieutenant Green, Gator, TAO Barker, XO Slattery, and Captain Chandler were converged over a map of the bay when Master Chief entered with their new arrivals. All eyes fell on them as a thick hush hugged air like fog.

"Tex, we need some insight." The Captain spoke first. "Major, we need your help."

Her eyes scanned the faces noting the XO didn't look like he was shitting tacks as he normally did. Perhaps his bonding time with Quincy went better than expected.

"What do you need from me?" She stood at attention.

"We'll get to that Major but first," the Captain looked to Tex, "we need updated intel."