According to Joel's memory, Tommy had last been seen somewhere near Jackson County, up where the last signs of civilization existed.
"There's a large hydroelectric dam up the river. The Fireflies used to have a base there, but they abandoned this area a long time ago. Not enough people, not worth the risk."
"And you're sure Tommy'll be up there."
"If I know my brother, he doesn't like to leave home any more than I do."
Making their way up the river to the dam was a trip that took over an hour, not the least because another raft had to be made so Ellie could be ferried across the water.
Finally, though, they reached the perimeter of the dam. Despite the area around it looking completely deserted, the fortified state of the outer gate indicated that someone lived there.
Just then, a loud call could be heard. "Trespassers! All guards to the wall!"
Dozens of rifles were cocked and pointed over the wall at the group. A blonde woman shouted out orders to hold fire.
"Who are you and what do you what?"
Joel spoke up. "I'm looking for my brother Tommy."
"Wait, did he say Tommy?"
"Tommy! Your brother's here!"
The gate was unlocked, while the rifles withdrew back into the wall.
A large man, about the same size as Joel, came running out with the woman behind him.
"Joel! Sweet Jesus, I thought you were dead! Why the hell didn't you try to find me?"
"You know why, Tommy. I wasn't gonna get mixed up with your Firefly pals."
"Then you'll be glad to know I'm not with them anymore. When they left, they gave me a choice: stay with them or stay behind. As you can see, (he held the woman's hand) I chose to stay with her. This is Maria, my wife."
"And who's this?", he asked as he looked at Tess.
"Her name's Tess. She's my partner."
"Sure she is, bro. Now get in here."
Everyone entered the compound, and the massive gates were closed.
"Maria, why don't you let Ellie and Tess help feed the horses?", he said as he gestured towards the massive beasts near the stables. "Joel, you and I have a lot to talk about, but I need to check on our generators, so you'll have to follow me."
Inside his office in the generator room, he sat Joel down.
"First things first, I have to ask: why are you traveling with a lady and a kid?"
"That's none of your damn business, Tommy. I just came here to ask you a question."
"And what's that?"
"This girl says she supposed to go to some Firefly base out west. You know where it is."
"I do, but I'll tell you only if you answer me an important question."
"Sure."
"You ever want to start a family, Joel?"
Before he could answer, the alarm sounded. "Bandits! Rally the troops!"