Chapt 23:

Scott and Lisel left a week ago to be with Britt and Austin

Olivia went toe to toe with Cook in the past, and this time was no different. Olivia has been quibbling with Cook for the past three days. She wants to include some of her mama's favorite Italian meals, but Cook had her meal planning menu if they are stuck in the sub-basement for over a week. Ned tries to calm her down, but she says, "Ned, why can't Cook make an exception? This could be the last time we have an authentic home-cooked Italian meal."

Ned sighs and replies, "I'll see if I convince Cook to compromise. Hopefully, it won't be a week, but a variety of meals would be good, especially if there are going to be over ten people in the basement."

Oliva kisses Ned and says, "Thank you. I should also set up accommodations for everyone. There are only a couple of days left."

Ned laughs and replies, "I'll leave you to your organizational prowess."

Sonny says to Carly, "Rayand Cal stocked our shelter. We can live there until Port Charles recovers."

Carly replies, "I hope we won't have to be there long, I'm not thrilled about being underground, but it's going to be tough on Avery and Donna.

Sonny says, "Cal transferred several of their playthings; there's a TV, videos, and several of their favorite foods."

Carly replies. "I wish Joss would have agreed to stay with us, but she insists on being with Jax."

Sonny says, "The Metro Court is sound. You furnished the area in case of emergencies such as this one. After Jerry bombed the lobby, the city required the sub-basement to be reinforced and retro-fitted."

Carly replies, "It makes me feel a little more at ease, but no matter how old she gets, she will still be my baby girl."

Sonny hugs Carly and says, "I know. As much as I despise Jax, he loves his daughter, and I trust he will keep her safe."

Laura is working on her speech in her office at the Mayor's Mansion for tomorrow's press conference. Kevin taps on the door. Laura looks up and nods him into the room. Kevin asks, "Are you ready for tomorrow?"

Laura replies, "Yes. I have a list of all the shelters and locations people can access if they haven't found a place yet. The news stations will scroll across numbers on their screens. Kevin, I would also like to ask Valentine, Anna, and Robert to join us in the bunker."

Kevin says, "Can we add Diane Miller to the party? Robert has been seeing her for the past month."

Laura replies, "Sure. We have more room. Is there anyone else we should include?

Kevin says," I asked Mac and Felecia, but Mac said Spinelli, Maxie, and her kids would be staying with Felecia in their basement. Mac will be on duty a the PCPD. "

Laura replies, "Have you considered setting something up at the hospital for counseling after the asteroid? PTSD patients, people who lost someone, or assisting others who need help adjusting to life after the asteroid?"

Kevin says, "I think that's a great idea. If it's okay, I can implement a program to add to your press conference if that's okay."

Laura replies, "I'll make it happen. I'll add it to my announcements tomorrow."

Monica and Terry hold a staff meeting. Monica says, "I want to thank everyone for being here today. We've known this was coming for weeks and have taken several measures to prepare for all possibilities. In two days, General Hospital may endure a Catastrophic event that could cause destruction, unlike anything that Port Charles has seen since the hurricane of 1977 or the blizzard of 1981 due to the Cassidine Weather Machine. The ER could be filled with as many patients as when Jerry Jacks poisoned the water supply in 2012. Dr. Terry Randolph has some comments."

Terry says, "Thank you, Dr. Quartermaine. The hospital has discharged all non-emergent patients and postponed all elective surgeries. The left wing of the hospital is temporarily closed, and the top three floors are shut off. General Hospital expanded construction to add the second floor as an overflow Emergency Room. All medical staff will be available in rotating shifts of 12 hours. We are honored to have four visiting doctors to assist as needed. Several of you remember Dr. Patrick Drake and his wife, Dr. Robin Scorpio-Drake, from their tenure at General Hospital. They have been working at John Hopkins for the past year. Drs. Claire Simpson and Saira Batra were on staff in 2008. They have privileges too. Please introduce yourselves to them when you have a moment. Nurse Webber has some comments before everyone can resume their duties. Thank you."

Elizabeth holds a stack of flyers and hands them to Nurse Deanna Sirtis. She says, "Each Hub has a list of the staff shifts. Our nurses are here to assist the doctors and help the patients in a tragic time. Deanna is passing out information on our doctors, nurses, and technicians, including their specialties."

Monica says, "If you are not on duty today, I suggest you go home and sleep; you will need it."

Elizabeth gathers her things and waits for the elevator. Robin catches up with her. Robin says, "Elizabeth, how are you feeling? Did you get enough sleep last night?"

Elizabeth replies, "Yes. I am resting. Jason and Jake are taking good care of me. In two days, I will be well-rested and ready to tackle any emergencies. Are you excited to see Patrick tonight?"

Robin says, "Yes. We will enjoy tonight, and then tomorrow, start preparing for incoming trauma for the asteroid."

The elevator arrives, and they take it to the lobby. Robin to Anna's and Elizabeth to home.

Robin arrives at Devane Manor and greets her mother and Valentine. She asks, "Is Patrick here yet?"

Anna replies, "He's waiting for you in your room."

Robin runs up the stairs shouting behind her, "Thank you. Don't hold dinner! We'll eat later!" She rushes into the room, slams the door behind her, and jumps into Patrick's arms. "I've missed you," she says.

Patrick kisses Robin, pulls her to the bed, and replies, "I've missed you too.". Twenty minutes later, Robin has her head on his chest. Patrick says, "I handed off responsibilities to my Co-Chief of Staff this morning. John Hopkins is in emergency mode for the asteroid. While Maryland is still at risk, Port Charles is the epicenter of the asteroid, and I'm needed here. What happened today?"

Robin updates Patrick on the staff meeting and Elizabeth. She says, "Our first shirts start tomorrow morning. I signed us up to secure supplies and prep the neurological rooms. Elizabeth received her shot, and all indications show she is responsive to the vaccine."

Patrick kisses Robin, "I wish I could have seen her receive her shot. If this vaccine works, it "will be a win for patients with HHT and could be used for other conditions. You are a brilliant doctor. I love you."

Robin replies, "I love you too. Do you think we could raid the kitchen? I'm famished."

Patrick chuckles, "You are always famished. Let's go."

While Patrick and Robin are eating dinner, Valentine is in the study talking to Charlotte. He says, "Ma Metite, Papa Papa, loves you very much. I promise to send for you soon. Can I speak to your MaMa?" Val speaks briefly with LuLu about everyone returning to Port Charles after the asteroid. He promises to call once it is safe to come home.

Anna walks in as Val hangs up the phone. She says, "I spoke with Laura earlier, and she wants us to stay in the secure bunker of the Mayor's Mansion during the asteroid. Robert and Diane Miller will be there too."

Val replies, "What about Robin and Patrick?"

Anna says, "They have hospital duty. All medical personnel is required to be on call at General Hospital. The mayor's place is more structurally sound than this place. How is Charlotte?"

Val replies, "She is great and can't wait to come home. Let me know when to show up at Laura's."

Elizabeth arrives home, and Jason has dinner waiting for her. She kisses him and says, "Dinner looks delicious. I saw Robin at the staff meeting today, and I told her you and Jake were taking good care of me, and this meal is just more confirmation I was right. I am fortunate you are back in my life."

Jason replies, "I am the one who hit the jackpot getting you back again."

Elizabeth asks, "Where is Jake? Has he packed a bag for the Quartermaines?"

Jason replies, "I saw a bag by his door. I'll drop him off tomorrow night. He's at Kellly's helping prepare the Cellar under Kellys. I was there earlier, stocking the area with food, blankets, and a communication area. Jake said he would be home by ten pm. Is Audrey ready to leave?

Elizabeth says, "Yes, I packed a bag for my Gram, and it's by the coat closet. She knows you will pick her up tomorrow to stay with the Quartermaines for a few days."

Jake walks into the house and says, "Kelly's is shuttered up, and the remaining supplies are in the freezers, ready to be transferred to the Celllar tomorrow. Do you need anything else before I go to bed?"

Elizabeth replies, "A hug from my wonderful son would be great. Thank you for all your help with Kelly's and your help with your great-gram."

Jake says, "I love you, Mom. I hope you are feeling better. Goodnight Dad. I'll see both of you in the morning." Jake takes his laptop to bed to chat with his brothers later.

Jason extends his hand to Elizabeth and says, "Let's take care of the dishes tomorrow and go to bed."

Elizabeth takes his hand and follows him to the bedroom. Elizabeth slowly undresses in front of Jason and pulls his t-shirt over his head, and he pulls off his jeans. He says, "Are you sure? Did Robin okay sex?"

Elizabeth laughs and replies, "Robin advised against alcohol for 24 more hours. Sex is approved. I'm back at work, and the stress of the asteroid is far riskier than my making love to my husband."

Jax is with Joss at the Metro Court overseeing the transfer of provisions to the is over at the Quartermaines, taking charge of things there, and Carly is working with Sonny at their house. Jax says, "Joss, thank you for your help. There are only about 50 guests, and with your efficient assistance, there are 50 cots set up and enough food, water, and medical supplies for a week."

Joss replies, "Mrs. Collins called and asked if we would have room for an overflow of residents. I told her we could take about 50 more people if there were people who couldn't find shelter. I'm glad we could take care of everything before the asteroid. I'll check with the staff and have them move more provisions to the basement."

Jax says, "Thank you again for picking up the slack. Sadly, all your friends have left town, but I'm here for you."

The following Morning

Laura holds another news conference. She says, "I'll try to keep this brief as I hope everyone is preparing to shelter. If you have yet to find a place to take refuge, the following sites have available spaces: PCU has room for about 100 people. PC High School has a place for about 100 people. You will need to provide your provisions, but they have beds. The Cellar under Kelly's Diner has lodging and food for up to 75 people. The Metro Court can take about 50 people. If you need to house your pet, please check with your local animal shelters. Please arrive at these locations no later than 7:00 pm tonight. General Hospital is open to emergency services only. Addresses and phone numbers will scroll on the screen continually for ten minutes. The National Guard will be on patrol. Unless you are part of the police force or a medical professional, please stay sheltered by 6:00 am tomorrow. At 7:15 am, DART will make a second attempt. If you have access to media, it will be live-streamed. The President will make a few remarks, and DART will launch. Thank you, and stay safe.

Later this Evening

Shelters

Moving

Settling in

Jason and Elizabeth