Members of Mayday, including the captain that interrogated Nick escort him back to the safehouse that June is staying at. Paige has not left June. And when Nick enters June is visibly better, a little pale still but alert. She stands up from the bed when she sees him
Nick says with a tired smile: Hey.
June: Nick! [She stands up and takes in his battered body] Oh my god, what happened? [she steps closer to examine him] Are you ok?
Nick: I'm fine. What about you?
June runs a hand across her stomach: We're ok. We're fine.
Paige steps forward: Some antibiotics and few cold presses did the trick. It was the flu, I expect, it's harder on pregnant women.
There's a silence before Nick finally says: Can you give us a sec?
Paige bristles at being dismissed, but examines the room before eventually leaving. Nick and June stare at each other for moment. Nick adjusts and winces at the effort.
June: Here [She motions at the bed and Nick lowers himself down with difficult before June joins him] What happened?
Nick: Mayday got to me before the Eyes could.
June nods: When are they going to move us?
Nick looks at her, not knowing how to explain their situation because he's not sure of it himself: …I don't know. And I have to go back.
June: What? No, it's too dangerous.
Nick: They have a commander that will vouch for me-
June: But what for? Why do they need you… [she trails off as she considers all the things Mayday could do with an Eye, Nick meets her gaze, somber] what did you do?
Nick doesn't answer right away not wanting to worry her, and trying to hide that he's worried himself:…You're safe. You both are.
The evasive answer confirms June's suspicions: …shit. [she covers her mouth and looks away] Nick-
Nick: It's going to be ok. They're going to send someone to check on you, and get a recording to me, so I know you're ok.
June's brow creases with concern as rubs her bump: And then what?
Nick pauses and places his hand over hers and they interlace their fingers over her bump: I don't know.
There's a knock on the door,
Mayday Captain: Time to go. [Nick gets up.] Both of you.
Paige: There's a farm Mayday controls a few miles West of here. You'll have to stay outta sight of any drones, but they should be able to help when the baby comes. And it'll be easier to pass messages.
Nick and June stare at each other. It sounds logical, except for they have lost control of their situation. They are now completely in the hands of people they have burned before with a prior failed escape attempt. Still, Mayday should be better than Gilead...In theory.
June: Ok.
Nick and June kiss goodbye and stare at each other for awhile, Nick holding June's face and her clutching Nick's shoulders. June watches him get into a black car with an arm resting on her bump, a sense of foreboding clear on her face.
Paige: June [she beckons to a horse drawn cart that she used to bring supplies.]
June gets into the cart and they leave.
It's the day of Serena's second wedding. It's a very formal affair, nothing fancy. Serena wears a pale blue ankle length dress for the occasion. She is getting ready in her own bedroom when there's a knock at the door and the young Commander Cole lets himself in.
Serena: Commander Cole, very blessed day to you [She says into the mirror]
Cole: Blessed Day, Mrs. Waterford…Serena.
Serena stands and turns around to face him: Isn't it bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?
Cole: Apologies, but I think it's bad luck to start this marriage without an understanding between us.
Serena: Oh?
Cole takes a moment to carefully compose his words: By God's Grace and hard work I have achieved much in Gilead and I intend to achieve still more. But my achievements will mean nothing if I have no one to pass them on to.
Serena folds her hands demurely and steps forward urgently: I have hope that God will restore my baby to me.
Cold nods: By His mercy, I would be a father to that child, but that child would be a Waterford. It is very important to me to have someone to carry on the Cole name, a son.
Serena takes this in, unphased. If Cole wants to take a Handmaid, so be it: Faithful service and sacrifice shall indeed be rewarded.
Cole nods again starts to leave
Serena seizes the chance to let own priorities be known, stepping closer to Cole again with an urgency she tries to temper with the quiet subservience Commanders like: My late husband, Commander Waterford, dedicated his life to Gilead.
Cole smiles warmly: As have you.
Serena: Yes, our many years of prayer and service were finally answered with the promise of a child, Fred gave his life fighting to protect family. It is important to me to honor his memory by continuing the search for Offred.
Commander Cole takes this in: We have an understanding then.
Serena smiles: Praise be.