Chapter 19

Early the following morning, Laura, Frisco, and Dr. Evans interrupt the local stations with a news update. Laura invited Monica to the event. Laura says, "unfortunately, DART was not a success. Before Director Jones and Dr. Evans provides an update on the asteroid, I want to have one of General Hospitals Board of Directors and former Chief of Staff update you on injuries and the hospital's readiness for the future. Dr. Monica Quaerermaine."

Monica appears on the screen and says, "all the area hospitals, including General Hospital, reported minor injuries. I have spoken with the Chief of Staffs at Mercy and County, and I assure all of Port Charles that our hospitals are prepared for any unforeseen emergencies."

Laura stands and says, "thank you, Dr. Quartermaine. Director Jones, please update us on the results of yesterday's events."

Frisco stands and says, "thank you, Mayor Collins. Yesterday the DART was sent toward the asteroid. It did make contact, but instead of pushing it away, it broke up pieces of the asteroid. While 80% of the area that broke apart burned up in the atmosphere, what didn't fell to Port Charles and other states. New Jersey, Massachusetts, and other surrounding states reported minimal damages. The asteroid is still thousands of miles away, but instead of trying to push it further into space, the next attempt is to break it into manageable pieces and hope those burn up. Dr. Evans will discuss the repairs and timeframe of the next mission,"

Dr. Evans stands and says, "thank you, Director Jones. Our scientists are currently repairing the damages to DART. DART is still functional, but the GPS aspect needs reprogramming. The prognosis is about one week before another attempt will occur."

Elizabeth turns off the TV. She dials the number to Ireland. Ava answers, "hello? Is this Elizabeth? How are you? We live-stream the news conference. Is everyone okay?"

Elizabeth replies, "no one we know was seriously injured. There were some minor structural damages, and I'm sure there will be a fire sale on cars that had dents from the falling debris. Is Aiden around? I'd love to talk to him."

Ava calls to Aiden that his mother is on the phone. He says, "hi! Mom! How are you? The news said Port Charles is still standing. When can we come home?"

Elizabeth replies, "soon. Hopefully soon. Is your father or Uncle Nikolas around?"

Aiden says, "yes. Dad, Nikolas, mom wants to talk to you. I love you, mom. I'm ready to come home."

Lucky answers, "Elizabeth, you are on speaker with Nikolas too. We saw the news conference with mom and the rest. Are they telling the truth?"

Elizabeth replies, "as far as I know, yes. The damages were slight; I treated minor injuries at General Hospital yesterday. I haven't checked on Wyndemere, but the Quartermaine stables are intact. Nikolas, you may want to check with your staff about your horses and properties. How is LuLu?"

Nikolas replies, "she is great! She remembers everything up to right before the Floating Rib exploded. She is out of the trauma center and back with us. She even saw the press conference. Can you tell my mom LuLu saw her on the computer and looks forward to getting home to Port Charles?"

Elizabeth says, "give her my love and Charlotte and Rocco too. I'll tell Laura when she has a moment to call LuLu. I'm going to call Jake now. You boys have fun in Ireland before you return."

Elizabeth goes to the kitchen and refills her coffee. She calls out to Jason, who is working on the warehouse financials in the den. "I'm ready to call Jake. Do you want to get on the other line?"

Jason replies, "of course."

Elizabeth calls California, and Matt answers the phone. "Elizabeth, is that you?"

Elizabeth replies, "yes. How are you? How is Nadine? Have you decided when and where you are getting married?"

Matt says, "we are great, and I gave in, and we are getting married in June and Port Charles. Nadine already called Maxie, and Maxie's excited to have something to take her mind off that asteroid."

Elizabeth replies, "that's great, Matt. Is Jake around? I hope he hasn't been too much trouble. Jason and I want to talk to him."

Matt says, "no, he's been wonderful; I'll get him for you."

Jake gets on the phone, "hi, mom, dad. When can I come home?"

Jason replies, "hopefully, in a few weeks. We want to get this asteroid destroyed first."

Elizabeth says, "I heard you saw Cam in concert with Emma. Did you have fun?"

Jake replies, "yes. Cam and his band are good. Emma had fun too. After she dropped me back here, Emma and Cam went out for coffee."

Elizabeth says, "alright, we will see you soon, and as an incentive for behaving for Matt, Cam's car is still waiting for you."

Jason says, "we love you. Goodbye."

Dante calls LuLu. "LuLu, how are you? How is Rocco? I heard your memory is returning. That is great news?"

LuLu replies, "yes, I remember everything right before the explosion. I don't remember what happened after that…yet, but they told me Dustin died. They said I was trying to tell you something, but I collapsed before I could. The doctors think if you and I could see each other, the rest of my memory could return. I have two more weeks of physical therapy, and if the asteroid is gone by then, they say I can return home. We could see each other then, but I'd rather get the rest of my memories back sooner. Rocco would like to see you. Do you think you could come to Ireland? You could meet with the doctors, and we could have a session, and maybe I'd remember the rest."

Dante says, "It's hectic right now with the asteroid, but I'll think about it. I want you to regain your memories; seeing Rocco would be great. I'll have to check with Jordan Ashford, as the PCPD is short-staffed. Can I speak to Rocco before I hang up? I promise to call you within the next two days."

LuLu replies, "sure, of course. I'll get Rocco for you, and thank you. I'm hopeful about my memories."

Dante has a fun but brief conversation with his son.

Willow is recovering from her marrow transplant and has had several chemotherapy treatments. She is still tired, but Michael or her aide helps with her daily walks. Monica drops by for a visit.

Monica says, "I hope you are feeling better. I saw Tait earlier, and she is beautiful. I understand you will need two more rounds of chemo, and then you will receive regular check-ups every week for six months."

Willow replies, "yes, I can't wait. My chemo will be over before the Nurses Ball, and I hope to attend and watch the acts. I may have to leave early, so I will ask Lucy if the Quartermaine acts can be first."

Monica says, "I'm sure Lucy will arrange that for you. I'll let you rest."

**Reminder-this story was set in the future of 2024, but I want to include GH's 60th Anniversary in this story, so I've taken liberties with the timeline.

Elizabeth visits Audrey. After hugging her grandmother, she says, "Gram, General Hospital is planning a special commemoration for its 60th Anniversary after the Nurses Ball. I know the Ball may be tiring, but everyone will want you there for the Anniversary event. You can stay home and get your rest, and Jason or I could pick you up for the celebration."

Audrey replies, "Elizabeth, darling, that is wonderful! Your grandfather would have loved knowing everyone wanted to honor General Hospital for 60 years. Your Uncle Tom has been stateside for about four years after working in Africa. He saw Robin Scorpio-Drake when she was there ten years ago. She must have told him about the 60th Anniversary because he's coming for a visit."

Elizabeth says, "I remember him visiting Sarah and me in Boulder before he left for Africa. He never kept in touch with you before now?"

Audrey replies, I visited him last year while you were on your honeymoon with Jason, but keeping in touch with loved ones far away is difficult. Tommy Jr. has a practice in Connecticut as a General Practioner. He's coming too. It will be wonderful to have more family around. I so wish Sarah would visit, but she said she was busy with the kids and her job. Your father finally came for a visit. He said that you and Hayden would meet with him soon."

Elizabeth says, "I never met Tom Jr. If you give me everyone's contact information, I'll reserve rooms at the Metro Court for them. Is Tom Jr. married? Does he have any children?"

Audrey replies, "I'll let him tell you. I love you. I can't wait for the 60th! Thank you."

Elizabeth says, "I love you too, gram. I'll keep in touch."

Elizabeth returns home and updates Jason on her visit with Audrey.

Jason says, "Monica and Robin told me what a great man and doctor your grandfather was. They said that Jason Quartermaine respected him. Alan and Steve were the influencers for Jason's wanting to be a doctor. I'm glad your grandmother will be there for the 60th. Monica is looking forward to it too."

Elizabeth replies, "I wish my grandfather could have made it for the 60th, but I believe he would be looking down on us and proud of everything General Hospital has accomplished for 60 years."

Elizabeth sends emails to Tom Hardy, and Tommy Hardy Jr. Jason makes calls from the den to lawyers in Tennessee.

Kelly is settling back where she called home for about eight years. Since performing a C-Section on Willow's baby, she's also delivered three more babies. While living in Denver, she set up a clinic for HIV+ women to deliver HIV- babies based on a program she adapted from her time with Doctors without Borders. During a conference Robin and Patrick attended in Colorado, she introduced them to the founder of Mothers2Mothers. Robin took that experience to Berekely and created a program there. Kelly is hoping she can create an M2M plan at General Hospital. (some of this info is from a Scrubs in CA fan fic). Kelly stops by Robin's lab before leaving for the day.

Kelly says, "I'm preparing a proposal for the General Hospital Board of Directors for the M2M program. Do you have time to help, or is all your focus on the vaccine for Elizabeth? How is that coming along?"

Robin replies, "I can have Berekley General send you all the information I created for the program there, but my primary focus is Elizabeth. The outlook is promising. I'm running tests tomorrow: my colleagues, Drs. Claire Simpson and Saira Batra were on the Night Shift with Patrick and me in 2008. They are assisting me on Elizabeth's case." Robin introduces Claire and Saira to Kelly.

Kelly says, "it's nice to meet you; hopefully when the vaccine works for Elizabeth, we can revisit a General Hospital Girl's Night Out tradition."

Robin replies, "after the Nurses Ball and General Hospital's 60th, okay?"

Kelly agrees and leaves.

Robin says, "Okay, girls, will I have to wait until after the Nurses Ball to find out these guys you keep mentioning?"

Claire replies, "he's a local. I met him in February of last year. He left Port Charles for a weekend, and I met him at a bar while visiting friends in Boston. He has quite the interesting story, but you know him."

Saira says, "well, who is the mystery man?"

Claire replies, "Drew Cain. He's related to the Quartermaine family."

Robin gasps, "yes, I know him, but he probably told you all about our story."

Claire replies, "yes, he did. He's still recovering mentally from his latest captivity, so he wasn't ready to announce someone new in his life. He's going to tell the Quartermaines tonight."

Robin says, "congratulations. Since I know most of his story, perhaps you could catch Saira up later. I want to hear about her guy."

Saira replies, "it will be a small world for you too. You knew him and his family when you were growing up. He's not local, at least not for over 25 years. His name is Tom Hardy Jr. He's Audrey Hardey's son."

Robin exclaims, "Tommy Hardy? Wow! Yes, I remember him. Steve Hardy, the patriarch of General Hospital, raised his father. It was a blow to everyone when Steve died of a heart attack. His son Tom found him. Tommy was still young when he lost his grandfather. What is he doing now?"

Saira replies, "he's a doctor. We work in the same practice in Connecticut. We've been dating for three years and living together for one. It wasn't until I told him I was visiting Port Charles to work with you that he told me who his father and grandparents were. By then, I didn't know how to bring it up. He will be here with his father for General Hospital's 60th."

Robin says I'm happy for you. Please make sure Tommy and his father find me at the Ball. I'd love to catch up with them."

Saira replies, "it's a deal. Claire, why don't we go to the Metro Court for drinks to swap stories since Robin knows them."

Decisions:

Dante decides to fly to Ireland to see the kids. He has a conversation with Sam. "Sam, I spoke with LuLu this morning. Her memory is almost fully restored, but she has gaps from before Dustin died and tried to tell me something, and then she collapsed. Her doctors think my presence might trigger her memories. I want to fly to Ireland and help her and see Rocco. Are you okay with my going?"

Sam replies, "you don't need my permission. Do you still love her?"

Dante says, "I'm always going to love her, but I don't know how I feel now. LuLu deserves to get her memories back after all that's happened to her."

Sam wraps her arms around Dante's neck and says, "you should go. You need to figure out your feelings. I hope you come back to me, but you need to help LuLu and see your son."

Dante kisses Sam and says, "thank you, I love you. I'll call Jordan in the morning." He carries her to bed.

The following morning Jason hears back from his lawyers. Jason says, "Elizabeth, the lawyers filed an appeal. Steve's first court date is in two weeks. You could be there for him if everything works out with the asteroid."

Elizabeth replies, "that's a tough decision to make. I want to be there for him, but he will be crushed if he sees me and things don't go his way. It might be better if I wait until he gets a new trial. I don't want to say anything to my dad or gram yet. I don't want to get their hopes up. The boys may be back in two weeks. I should stay and wait. Thank you. I'll call Steve tomorrow."

Nikolas

Dante and LuLu

Spencer and Trina

Robin creates test vaccine

Drew and the Q's

Spinelli and Maxie

Valentine and Anna

Laura and Kevin

And more