Chapter 54


On the Nathan James,

"Oh and say hi to her Mom for us" Mike said into the radio receiver in response to Lt Green's message that he and the landing party were heading inland. He hung up the receiver and looked around the room. The crew were all looking happy for what felt like the first time in months except for Kate. She looked pensive as she looked out the front window with her arms folded across her chest. He stepped forward to stand beside her.

"You're looking uneasy" Mike said to Kate. The Captain and the others had hopped into SUVs and gone off to who knew where and one of the RHIBs was on return to ship with Lieutenant Norris and a couple of state troopers. It all looked promising as no was dead yet and everyone was smiling.

"Can't help it. we've had a bad run with luck in the past when it comes to making friends" Kate said in a low voice, she was trying not to dampen the mood on the bridge given everyone was happy to be close to home and have new allies. "But hey, I honestly hope I'm wrong." she commented with a shrug. Mike wondered if he was reading more into her casual comment like she was talking about being wrong about more than Granderson's people but the bridge was not the place to ask.

"Want to come join me in welcoming Lieutenant Norris?" Mike asked her, she shook her head.

"No, but I'll walk with you part of the way" Kate said, Mike stepped back while he inclined his head and gestured for her to go first. He watched her go first and followed her out of the bridge and down the passageway to the nearest stairwell. "You giving the Lieutenant and his posse the nickel and dime tour?" Kate asked.

"No, just to the lab and then to the wardroom. I'm more interested in the layout of Baltimore and getting the ship refuelled and resupplied than playing host" he told her.

"Will the Helo get refuelled?" Kate asked him, he smiled as he already knew what she was thinking. She wanted to fly to Deer Park, maybe do it while Tom was off the ship so then he couldn't order the crew not to comply. It was an idea he had himself.

"It's on the list. Sure you don't want to join me as a civilian ambassador? You could push your agenda of refuelling the Helo" he told her, Kate smiled and shook her head.

"No, politics aren't my thing. Anyway I'm thinking it would be best if I made myself scarce. Maybe take a nap in Rachel's bed" Kate told him. Mike frowned as it now made sense why she had come this way.

"You sure that's the best strategy?" he asked her, Kate looked her shoulder and raised an eyebrow at him. They came down to the main stretch where she would go to the left towards her old quarters and he to the right to head outside.

"Sleeping in Rachel's bed? She won't mind" Kate told him purposefully being obtuse. She stepped closer and spoke in a lower voice so what she said wouldn't carry in the hallway. "I also think that while Mrs Granderson's people are around we shouldn't be sharing your stateroom. Just in case" she added.

"You're really worried about this aren't you?" he asked her.

"I just have this horrible gut feeling and I don't want what we have to be exploited" Kate told him.

"And you think hiding is the best strategy? I didn't think it was your style" he told her.

"Actually it is, I just tend to hide wherever you are so you don't notice or mind" Kate said giving him a closed lip smile. She was feeling anxious to hide. She knew she was definitely turning into a coward but she really didn't want to get involved with whatever was going to happen until it was established that everything from here on out. Until then she'd hide and hope everything turned out for the best. "I'll leave you to your work Commander" she told him.

She turned to go in the direction of where her quarters used to be before she bunked in with him. But Mike caught her by the upper arm. She stopped and turned to her face to him.

"Hey, at least show up for dinner" Mike told her, the passageway was empty for now but it would only take a second for someone to appear. But he didn't let go, instead he slowly dragged his hand to hers as he stepped towards her closing the space between them.

"Why?" Kate asked him not liking the idea of showing her face at all. In fact she looked downright uncomfortable with the prospect. To anyone who would step into the passage way from its many entry points it would look like Kate and Mike were having a quiet conversation as the position of their bodies hid the fact that he was holding her hand ; an incredibly innocent gesture that could be misconstrued in an instant.

"If they are your enemy wouldn't be better to know what they look like?" Mike asked, for some reason she felt like he was mocking her but let it slide. She knew she was being paranoid and frankly she didn't need him to validate herself. She looked down at their hands and intertwined their fingers needing the comfort of his quiet strength.

"Do you think I'm being irrationally paranoid?" she asked him.

"Definitely but you're entitled to feel that way" he offered diplomatically.

"So diplomatic" Kate drawled sarcastically. She lifted her eyes up to his smug expression. She wished she could hug him as she really could use it even if he was being smug.

"It's part of the job" he said with a smug smile like he was proud of himself for being able to just toe the line between saying the right thing but also the wrong thing at the same time. "I also don't want to be stuck by myself playing hostess with these guys" he told her.

"I'll think about it but for now I should go. I really need a kip" she told him reluctant to let his hand go but knowing they were truly tempting fate by letting it go on this long. Anticipation, excitement and apprehension coursed though her as she wanted take him to where was the closest closet and kiss him be completely inappropriate. This was one of the many reasons she understood why fraternising was a big no-no.

"Ok, but you'll need to eat if you want to keep your strength up" Mike said in an eluding tone but Kate got the message loud and clear that he was talking about her getting her strength up for more sex. She was tempted to make a crack about older men and how they were supposed to have a declining interest in sex but decided if anyone overheard that comment she'd be in a lot of trouble.

"Did you not hear the part about me sleeping alone in Rachel's bed tonight?" Kate asked him.

"Yeah I'm hoping you'll change your mind as these people aren't staying the night. So I'll see you at dinner?" he asked, He purposefully asked the question after his statement so she couldn't argue with him. Kate pursed her lips but he knew it was to cover a smile as she gave him an amused look. She slid her hand out of his and stepped back.

"I'll think about" Kate told him before walking away. Mike watched her go for a moment, allowing himself to enjoy the flare of happiness inside him as Kate briefly looked over her shoulder at him and give him a slightly heated look and coy smile. He smiled to himself and turned the direct he needed and headed to greet the Nathan James's new arrivals.


After a long drive through the city,

They pulled into a circular drive and the SUV stopped. Tom hopped out of the car and looked at the large campus style glass building that looked to be about 2 storeys high. It was in very good condition though being on the outskirts of the Baltimore probably helped. Sadly however it didn't comfort him. He didn't like what he'd seen on the way to the Avocet building.

The desolation and degradation of the city and the homeless roaming the streets was fiercer than he could imagine. In a way it broke his heart because he promised his crew he'd get them home but this wasn't home. At least not the home they had left, definitely not the home they wanted to come home to.

It also set in how much of a sacrifice those extra months had cost them. While on a professional level it was understood the greater good came first it didn't necessarily cancel out one's personal pain or grief. Somehow even if they managed to pull all of this off there would be people on his crew who would have no family left to save, and nowhere to go home. He knew first hand that no matter how great one's accomplishments there would be times the grief was strong that even curing the world would mean nothing.

Tom couldn't help but hear Mike's argument when Tom first broached the subject of staying on the ship and weighing of options until Mike informed him that he wasn't God.

"We were fortunate to find this building." Granderson said to Tom breaking him out of his thoughts. He stepped towards her as he felt the presence of the others from his ship around him.

He couldn't help his expression as his mouth thinned into a firm line. He was unsure how to interpret Mrs Granderson's choice of words 'Find' over 'secured' which was the word they had used on the radio wave. Secured in his mind meant they had fought and won the building and yet here she was telling them she and her people had 'found' which meant it would have been abandoned which raised more questions as to why a fully serviceable lab would be abandoned. But he kept his suspicions to himself deciding it was best not to let Kate's paranoia ruin this.

"There's only one coal-fired plant still operational, and we have a direct line. Plus, strategically we're far enough from the city to avoid infection. You'll be safe here." She assured them in them in a soothing and positive tone. She even threw in a warm smile before she gestured to the front door "Come." She said.

She walked ahead of them as they entered the large foyer of the building. It was like the pandemic had never happened as people in suits and lab coats roamed around the place heading up stairs or to the elevators. Everything was so 'clean' and almost too perfect to him.

Tom kept the back of the group taking in the number of armed guards posted, they followed Mrs Granderson up on a side stairs to the second floor.

"Mom, this is amazing." Lt Granderson said, a sentiment Tom could share given he wondered how an Avocet building was perfectly intact while Fort Detrick labs were obliterated. His brain was not going to allow him to let go of these annoying factoids. He looked out the window taking in the immaculate nature of everything he was seeing. He wondered if the building had been damaged in some way he might not be as suspicious.

"Oh, yes, but it's been a battle." Mrs Granderson assured them. There was a tired note in her tone which piqued Tom's attention.

"And who's the enemy?" Lt Green asked her before Tom had a chance.

"Warlords, they call themselves and recently, they've killed more people than the actual virus." Mrs Granderson answered, she stopped and looked to the group "Do you know they raided the National Archives? They actually tried to steal original copies of the Constitution." She said in a mix of disbelief and disgust, she stepped closer to the wall as small single line of young and nicely dressed students behind a woman in a well dressed suit passed by. "As if that could take away who we are as a people" she said looking at the students.

The group moved to the wall and allowed the students and their teacher to pass by. Once again that nagging feeling in his gut played up as he couldn't help but notice how nicely dressed everyone inside the building were in comparison to the people who were on the streets. It was apparent that there was definitely a massive divide in the society.

"Captain." Mrs Granderson said, Tom looked to her for a moment before moving to the front of group next to Rachel. "I didn't want to broadcast about the virus over an open radio feed, but The President told me that you had the materials to produce a that true?" Mrs Granderson asked.

"Yes, ma'am." Tom answered. Mrs Granderson started to break out into a smile when Rachel interrupted to moment.

"We've actually made a little more progress than that, ." Rachel said, Tom looked to her and saw the small smile play on her lips. The happiness he knew she felt at being able to share good news. She took a sharp breath as she darted a look at him and then said "We have the cure." Rachel told her.

Mrs Granderson looked down at the black case Rachel was holding in her hands and her eyes lit up greedily as Tom expected anyone to feel at the news of knowing they were carrying the cure. It was the most wanted commodity, her eyes looked around to all the faces in marvel of their feat before stopping on his face.


Meanwhile in Helo Bay One on the Nathan James,

"Fort Detrick was our first option, too." Lieutenant Norris said looking into the Lab. Majority of it was mostly packed up with only a few pieces of equipment left out since they didn't have the boxes to transport them yet. Tophet stood inside the room prepping the vaccine for Norris.
"They had the lab and all, but, uh, - Thorwald got there first." Norris said with disdain.

"Thorwald?" Mike prompted, the name was unfamiliar to him. Getting information from Norris and his cronies was like trying to pull teeth. They were supposed to be their new friends but they asked too many questions; too many annoying questions about the ship and crew when he wanted to get down to business and talk about the situation on the ground in Baltimore. He also wanted to know if it was safe to dock the ship and start unloading, refuelling and resupplying as they were his top priorities until the Nathan James received orders otherwise. Not play tour guide which was why he passed off the main group to Grodin who just happened to pass his direction. Poor kid... he thought as he definitely abused his power of command handing the group off onto the young lieutenant given he was a helo pilot so his knowledge of the ship was next to nothing except the basics of where the bathrooms were and helo bay along with the wardroom.

"Former Baltimore P.D. self-proclaimed leader of the Warlords. Been a real pain in our ass since this whole thing started." Norris said taking a seat at the table. He looked into the tent to Tophet. "I shouldn't complain." He chuckled as Mike wished Norris would complain a little more about the outside world "I imagine you've been through a hell of a time yourselves." Norris said angling once again to know what the Nathan James had been up to, where they had been, what enemies they had encountered. Things Mike wasn't reticent to share but didn't want to go there considering it wasn't relevant.

"Listen, Lieutenant, last I talked to my wife, she said was taking the family to Deer Park." Mike said, changing the subject to a more personal matter. It deflected the conversation away from the Nathan James but landing squarely about his kids which he'd only find through Christina. It felt weird saying 'wife' as he had broken his wedding vows twice with Kate and yet here he was masquerading that he was concerned for Christina and his kids when majority of his concern was for his daughters.

"Safe Zone, heard of it." Norris said to him with a casual nod.

"You know if it's still there?" Mike asked, apprehension and fear squeezing his heart as he wasn't sure how he would react if he was told that his daughters were dead. He wasn't sure he could keep it together to know that he had come this far and lost all of his children. The fact was that he barely kept together when he heard the news of Lucas' death, the pain of that loss still carried with him and he knew it would for the rest of his life.

"There was fighting, but there are survivors. I can get you there as soon as we get you off the ship." Norris said, Mike took a quick breath at the knowledge and even though the pragmatist in him said there was no way they could be alive. He couldn't stop the small bubble of irrational hope that they could be alive. The fact that Norris offered to get him off the ship to find them. It seemed to wash away his earlier annoyance as he had just given Mike hope.

Tophet used the jet injector and pressed it into Norris' arm. The injector made a loud click and Norris hissed in slight pain. "Ooh! Thanks, have no idea how good that felt." Norris said with a smile to them.

"Well, I have some idea." Tophet comment before leaving them to go clean up the mess left behind and pack up the remaining vaccines and equipment that needed to be packed.

"Yeah" Mike said with a slight smile as he wanted to tell Kate the news about Deer Park.

"So Mrs Granderson asked me to talk to Mrs Lassiter. I was wondering if you might be able to arrange a meeting with her" Norris said, Mike quirked an eyebrow as he wondered why the man assumed him to be Kate's social secretary. It wasn't the first time Kate had come up in conversation but Mike either pretended to ignore the question and change topics smoothly before Norris or his cronies could push the subject.

"Why?" Mike asked curious as hell as to what Granderson would possible want to talk to Kate about given Kate had made it clear she knew nothing about Lassiter Industries that could help her. Even though it was quite the opposite of the truth.

"What did you want to talk to her about?" Mike asked Norris as they left the Helo bay to head towards the wardroom. He was hoping to get this part of the conversation over with quickly so they can move onto more pressing issues.

"Oh just business to do with the compound we have. It's property of her husband's company and Granderson just wants to Mrs Lassiter to help us gain access to the servers given they've been lockdown since the outbreak or so our technicians say" Norris said with a friendly manner as he followed Mike.

"I don't think you'll get much joy from her on that front" Mike told him, trying to play it casual.

"Why not?" Norris asked him, his tone curious.

"Lassiter suffered a concussion and has been emotionally volatile since Granderson informed her of her brother in law's death" Mike told him in a wry tone.

"I'd still like a private word with her" Norris said.


On the mainland, at the Avocet building.

Rachel followed Granderson along with the others. After the meeting on the docks and the long drive to the building she had been riddled with concerns as what to expect. The city of Baltimore looked like a war zone to her minus the debris of bomb blasts and bullet holes in walls. It hadn't boded well but the Avocet building was immaculate.

It was like the pandemic had never happened, this one part of Baltimore left completely untouched by the tragedy even though Mrs Granderson espoused that they had encountered their own enemies. Given the soldiers and guns guarding the place it looked like Mrs Granderson had everything well under control and more importantly thriving.

She continued their tour pointing out that the Avocet building was their main base of operations and while many labs were still locked down for unknown reasons including the main computer server rooms. They were working to get them operational. She hadn't missed the subtle hint that Kate would be able to help given she was now the sole owner of Lassiter Industries. It was like they believed she was holding the keys to open up the building. But as much as Mrs Granderson hinted that Kate should visit she didn't push it.

Instead she changed the topics dropping information about the last five months informing them of the loss of life and their advances in treatments to prolong and ease the sick patients lives so they could find a cure.

"Obviously, we've worked for months trying to develop a cure." Mrs Granderson said as they rounded a corner and stopped in front of two glass doors. "But now you're here." she said to the group but her eyes rested on Rachel and the CDC case.

Mrs Granderson's words were lost on Rachel as she looked at the fully equipped and operational lab just behind the glass doors. Rachel couldn't help but feel elation and relief at the sight.

"It's heavenly." Rachel murmured in pleasure as it was more than she could ever dream for when she thought about how she was going to manufacture and disseminate the cure. Those inside the lab stopped what they were doing and looked to her.

Obviously they knew about her and her work as they started to applause. She reflexively smiled at the appreciation being shown but felt a saddening sense of finality and disappointment as it meant she would be here while Tom would be leaving her.


Back on the Nathan James,

"Can't you MacGyver this to work?" Kate said as she swivelled in her chair. She had stopped by the comm room to find Mason all by himself. Taking the opportunity to ask about Orphan signals and how to get her phone call to actually work so she could find out who wanted to talk to her.

Sadly, Mason's explanation of what she needed to know and how he couldn't fix her phone issues or even 'jack' her phone into the ship's system to give her 'better' phone coverage had flown in one ear and out the other. The only part she did understand was that it was impossible which brought them to here and now.

"I'm only telling you, it's impossible" Mason told her in an exhausted tone.

"What if-" Kate started but Mason cut her off.

"No, Ma'am there is no solution and no amount of bobby pins or matches will fix the problem" He said with a patient smile.

"I'm amazed you'd even know about MacGyver" Kate said mockingly to the Ensign.

"I had TV as a kid" he said defensively. Kate opened her mouth to tease Mason by commenting that he was still a kid but the door to the room opened and on the other side was Mike and a man who Kate assumed to be one of the state troopers. Mason rose from his seat out of deference to Mike's rank.

"At ease Ensign" Mike told him, as he stepped into the room. He looked to Kate and raised an eyebrow but didn't ask.

"Yes, sir" Mason said re-taking his seat. Mike was tempted to ask Kate if she was distracting Mason from his work but decided against it as Kate looked exhausted. It was obvious she hadn't gotten the nap as she had dark circles under eyes and he knew better than to tease her when she was exhausted especially when he couldn't kiss her if she got pissed off at him. Nor could he show affection as Kate seemed to not want Norris or his cronies to know her attachment to him.

He also had to maintain a level of professionalism as XO and on duty. The annoyance of being duty bound and having to behave appropriately.

"Lieutenant Norris would like to make a call to base" Mike said to Mason as Lieutenant Norris stepped into the small space behind him.

"You're Kathryn Lassiter, right?" Lieutenant Norris said in a friendly enough manner to Kate. Mike watched as Kate's demeanour stiffened and she looked mildly peeved at being addressed. "Lieutenant Pete Norris" he said holding out his hand to her. She looked at the Lieutenant's hand like it was poison ivy.

"What does Mrs Granderson want now?" she asked him, folding her arms across her chest making it known she was not going to shake his hand let alone be friendly. Norris looked to Mike who gave him 'you're on your own' look.

"Cutting to the chase, I like it" Norris said, awkwardly taking his hand back and placing it on his hip trying to act like he hadn't just been snubbed.

"Yes, so what is it?" Kate asked him.

"Well, Evan Lassiter sent you a message. We downloaded it at Avocet. We think it's his last words but they aren't in English. I reckon it's nonsense but some think it might be Gaelic? Thought maybe you'd like to join me back to the Mainland later tonight. Perhaps you could make sense of it" Norris said to her. Kate stared at him with a steely gaze for what felt like the longest minute making the small room incredibly uncomfortable with hostile tension before she spoke.

"No thank you, I have a Helo to strip and clean" she told him, she rose from her chair and tried to move to the door but Norris stood in her way.

"This is your brother in law, don't you feel any sense or need for closure?" Norris asked her, he said it like it was supposed to mean something. Kate made a derisive noise and rolled her eyes at him. She knew she would come off as a cold hearted bitch but that was the image she was going for.

"Well, I was wondering if he was alive but he's dead. I know the hows and whys and thus have my closure. Listening to a message from the grave would not change or make anything better. So I'm not interested, now would you please step aside" Kate told him coldly. Norris sized her up for a moment and gave a nod before moving out of her way. After she was gone, Norris turned to Mike and Mason, he blew out a breath as the tension had dissipated.

"Well, isn't she just a hot little button" he said jovially, Mike was sure the man was trying to bond with them but he didn't appreciate the lewd nature of the comment.

"Ensign Mason will help you get your call connected to the Mainland, I have to step out for a minute" Mike told him.

"Alright" Norris said as he stepped out of the way, Mike passed him and exited the comm room and closed the door behind him; securing the door before he looked for Kate. She was halfway down the hallway walking in the direction of the Helo bay.

"Hey" he called out, Kate stopped and turned on her feet and looked at him, watching him as he moved towards her quickly closing the gap between them. He opened a side door that led into a storage for fire equipment and Hazmat suits for the floor. He pulled her in and closed the door before turning to Kate. She wore a bemused smile.

"If you-" Kate started to say but Mike cut her off with a kiss. He slipped his arms around her, he kissed her with heat and just as he was about to slip his tongue into her mouth; she made little noises in frustration and pushed herself out his arms. "We're not doing this now. So don't rev me up, I'm tired. I don't need sexually frustrated as well" Kate told him. He smiled as she put distance between them, so she could pretend she had some semblance of control on herself.

"No, we're not but I have news" He said smiling because he had good news and because he found Kate's frustration adorable especially as she placed her hands on her hips and stared him down.

"Oh? and that required you to pull me into a storage room and kiss me?" Kate asked him.

"Why not? It's not everyday I have happy news to share. Deer Park, Lieutenant Norris said there are survivors" Mike said, he was definitely paraphrasing the news as he didn't want to think on the fighting or that the safe zone was gone. He just wanted focus on the survivors. Focus on the fact his daughters could be there alive. He watched as a warm smile played across her lips.

"That's excellent, do they have a list of the survivors names?" Kate asked him. He blinked at the question as he hadn't even thought to ask.

"I don't know but Lieutenant Norris said he can take us directly there" he said, wanting to just share his hope with her. Kate's smile faltered slightly before she recovered, she knew this was important and that she would have to tamp down on her concerns and play nice with Granderson and her people. She could do it for Mike if it meant reuniting him with his daughters.

"You got a weird look on your face" Mike said, not missing the fact her smile faltered.

"I just figured it wouldn't hurt if I played nice with Norris and Granderson. They might be able to help bring your kids to you. A trade off which makes me feel a little uneasy" Kate said pursing her lips as she really didn't like going against her gut feeling to run for the hills when it came to Granderson and her army of state troopers.

"You don't have to do that" Mike assured her but Kate shook her head as she closed the space between them and tugged on the front of his BDU Jacket.

"I'm all in. You know that right?" Kate asked him in a serious tone.

"Yes, of course" Mike answered, inwardly pleased hearing her declaration of being 'all in' as it meant accepting him and his girls as her own. She hadn't even met them but the statement mattered to him and it was something he would never get tired of hearing. It only added to his joy and his hope for the future something he had tried hard not to think too heavily on or make too many plans for until this moment.

"Then if it helps for me to be polite to Granderson and Norris to get us closer to finding your kids then I will." Kate told him with a warm smile.


A couple hours later, on the mainland; in the Avocet Building.

"Look at her. She's in love with a toaster." Tex said in disbelief to Tom as they both stood on the outside of the lab looking in. Watching Rachel marvel at some lab equipment with her peers. Seeing her here in this environment made Tom realise how very different their worlds were and that this was her home. Not the Nathan James which was his. It pained him to think this was probably the most he was going to see her for the near future. He should be happy about it but he wasn't which only made him feel confused and pissed off. He was pissed off mostly at himself as he should be thinking of his family; his wife Darien not Rachel.

"You still haven't made your move yet?" Tom asked Tex, he tried not to be envious of the man who had become his friend as Tex was free to be with Rachel. Free to do whatever he wanted really.

He wished he was free as he wanted- no needed to find his family. The four doses of the cure were burning a hole in his tactical vest pocket. He knew once he was back with his kids and Darien all this angst he felt for Rachel would go. And when it did go and Darien was back in his arms reminding him of where he heart truly laid then he could rationalise that what he felt toward Rachel was just too many months away at sea or something. He'd find the convincing solution when he had time to properly think on it.

"Oh, I've been making my move since Gitmo. She ain't buying what I'm selling." Tex said in good humour. Tom smirked as he couldn't stop himself from feeling the satisfaction of knowing that Tex was failing."I thought once she saved the world, she'd let loose a little." Tex commented thoughtfully. Tom chuckled as he realised Tex was clueless when it came to Rachel.

"This is her letting loose." Tom informed him, he looked to Tex who gave him a 'Really?' look and he was about to confirm that he was telling the truth when he was distracted by Jeter's chatter.

The man was trying to get into contact with the Nathan James to get them an update but so far was having no love. He felt distinctly uncomfortable at being out of contact with the ship.

"I can't get through, sir." Jeter told him. Tom nodded but before he could ask for a supposition as to why Lt Green and Burk returned with Mrs Granderson as they had needed to use the bathroom. They must have continued the tour as they had been gone for a while.

"You won't get a signal here, Master Chief." Lt Green said to Jeter.

"The Warlords are jamming the local frequencies." Burk added looking to Tex and Tom.

"They have a radio room, sir. I let the X.O. know where we are." Lt Green told Tom, he nodded acknowledging the information. He didn't like having their radios being able to transmit directly to ship but squashed the paranoia. He silently cursed Kate once again for getting under his skin and making him question his allies.

He looked to Mrs Granderson. The woman who had been nothing but kind and open with information and answering any questions they had.

"Ma'am, uh, if that radio room is still available, I'd like to get word to my family, see if they're still out there." Tom said, He couldn't help but feel guilty in asking since he had a crew of over 200 people wanting to do the same. But he felt maybe if he could find out where his family was then he could clear his head of one concern before assessing the next phase of their current situation. It would also cancel out whatever attachment he had to Rachel as Darien would be back at his side.

"I think it's time you thought of yourself." Mrs Granderson said giving him permission to find his family. "Meanwhile, we can work with your team to arrange safe transit here for your ship's crew." She said.