Special thanks to my understanding sister, riah! Hope you all enjoy. Please R&R! I don't own, so don't sue me...

Chapter 5: Visitors Arrive…

"He's here…" The words rang through the silent Hub. "Who's here, exactly?" Rhys asked nervously. Gwen looked up toward the surface, a puzzled look on her face; she then took in a quick breath. "I know that sound…" she turned to look at Jack. "Isn't that…?"

Jack's eyes were looking heavenward; his eyes wide and full of excitement. "Oh, my GOD!" he smiled broadly, jumping up and down like a small, excited child.

Odessa stood motionless, her eyes still gaping wide and upward. "Odessa?" Rhys asked; she didn't move. Gwen stepped over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Odessa, are you alright?" Odessa didn't blink. "He - he's here…" she whispered again, barely audible.

"What are we waiting for, guys? Let's go!" Jack bellowed impatiently, noticingly vibrating next to the stairs. Gwen chose to ignore him.

"What's wrong with her?" Rhys whispered to his wife, biting his lower lip nervously. "Odessa, honey," Gwen grabbed the girl's chin and pulled her gaze to meet her own. Odessa's eyes slowly met Gwen's; there were tears pooling in her blue eyes.

Gwen and Odessa's gaze met; Odessa blinked several times, snapping her back to reality, or at least the closest thing to it. "You alright?" Rhys asked her, worry in his voice. "Right as rain," Odessa answered, smiling, trying to cover; she turned her back on the group, wiping tears from her eyes with the back of her hand.

"Good, fine. Everyone's great. Now, can we go NOW?" Jack ran over and grabbed Odessa's hand firmly in his. He dragged her over to the stairwell. He paused a fraction of a heartbeat, smiling broadly; he pulled Odessa unwillingly up the stairs behind him. "Jack! WAIT!" Gwen raced up the stairs after them.

"I'll just stay here, then!" Rhys called after them. He sighed heavily. "I never get to have any fun," he pouted, begrudgingly flopping into the nearest chair, flipping on the CCTV cameras to spy and keep tabs on the others.


The duo got to the Information Station first and Jack made a jump over the large desk and ran for the door; Odessa stopped short, standing next to the desk. "What are you waiting for?" Jack asked, puzzled. "Don't you want to see him? I mean, he is sort of your…" he trailed off, not knowing what to call it. "I – uh…" she sighed. "I'm – a – little nervous…that's all," she fidgeted under his gaze.

"Why?" he asked, stepping away from the door. She crinkled her nose nervously. "What if…?" she trailed off, then took a breath. "What if he doesn't like me? Or… he may be too different and…Oh, I don't know," she threw up her hands.

Jack placed a hand on her shoulder. "No matter what, he will absolutely love you," he smiled his dazzling smile, making her weak in the knees. "I know I do," he winked; she blushed and giggled dizzily.

There was a clattering behind them. "JACK!" Gwen's voice echoed in the stairwell; she then appeared behind the desk. Jack clapped his hands together and smiled. "Ready?" he asked, nudging Odessa in the shoulder. Odessa took a breath and nodded. Jack's smile widened; he took Odessa's hand in his.

"Coming?" he asked Gwen, who was still behind the desk. She shot him a dirty look and check her gun. She pushed past the other two, hitting Jack hard with her shoulder. She pushed the heavy door open and the three of them stepped out into the blaring sunlight.