Chapter 26

5/10/23 RIP Jackie Zeman. I will honor her passing before this story is complete

Pieces of the asteroid have turned into a mixture of pea-sized hail mixed with dust and smoke from parts burning up in the atmosphere.

Jason leaves, wiping away tears as he heads to Sonny and Carly's. He has the SUV, as there would be no way Carly or Sonny should drive. He arrives at the house and heads to the basement; He bangs on the door for several minutes, yelling at Carly and Sonny to open up. Sonny opens the door with a perplexed look on his face.

Jason says, "Carly, you need to come with me to General Hospital now! Joss is injured and in surgery, Grab your things and come back with me."

Carly gasps, "Oh my God! What happened?"

Jason says, "Mac and Dante found her outside the Metro Court. Patrick is operating on her as we speak. I'll tell you what I know, but we should leave. Maybe Ray or Cal could watch Avery and Donna."

Jason takes Carly's purse from Cal. Sonny and Carly kiss the girls goodbye. They get into Jason's car, and Sonny says, "Now, goddammit, tell us what happened, and where the fuck was Jax when this happened? Why did he let her leave the Metro Court?"

Jason hedges the question and replies, "I was at General Hospital helping clean and fix broken windows, and Elizabeth called me to the ER. Joss was there and was hysterical. I'm not sure Jax let her leave. She could have left on her accord. I only had a minute with her before Patrick took her to surgery. She wanted to know where Jax was and that he saved her."

Carly sniffles and says, "Where is Jax? Is he okay?"

Jason pulls into a parking space at General Hospital, parks the vehicle, turns toward Carly, puts his hand on hers, and says, "Carly, I'm so sorry, but Jax is dead. Joss said her father saved her, but she doesn't know he's dead. She will need you by her side when she wakes up."

Elizabeth waits outside the OR with Bobbie. She grabs and holds Bobbie's hand. Elizabeth paged Bobbie after Jason left to find Sonny and Carly. Patrick and Claire leave the OR, and Cassius wheels Joss out. Bobbie follows Joss to her room. Patrick meets up with Robin and Elizabeth and is about to tell them about Joss's surgery when Sonny and Carly arrive. Carly runs to Patrick. She pleads, "Patrick, is Joss okay? What happened? Can I see her?"

Patrick leads Carly and Sonny to Joss's room and explains Joss's condition. Carly hugs her mother when she sees her.

Patrick says, "First, my condolences about Jax. I understand he died saving her life. Mac will want to question Joss about what happened, but I am confident she will wake up in the next two to four hours. I excised a ½ inch piece of the asteroid from the base of her skull. She received a concussion, likely from being forced to the ground, and has a large hematoma on the side of her head and face. She has superficial cuts on her face and arms. She has several stitches on her legs, but those will heal. Her CT scan indicates she suffered no brain injuries, but she will be kept under observation if her situation changes. Your daughter is fortunate. Her injuries would have been far worse if Jax had not shielded her from the falling asteroid. You can sit with her until she wakes up."

Carly hugs Patrick and says, "Thank you. I'd like to see Jax's body later. I'll make whatever arrangements are needed for his remains."

Sonny shakes Patrick's hand and says, "Thank you."

Patrick leaves and returns to the ER and updates Robin, Elizabeth, and Jason on Joss's condition. Mac asks when Patrick expects Joss to wake up.

Patrick replies, "Mac, I don't know. Nothing will change if you wait until tomorrow to question her. I hope it's within the next two to four hours, but I don't expect her to be ready for questions. It will devastate her when she learns her father is dead."

Mac replies, "I understand and sympathize. When the streets are safe, we can question those at the Metro Court."

Mac turns to Elizabeth and asks, "Elizabeth, when was the last time you spoke with Nikolas?"

Elizabeth replies, "We spoke with everyone last night. He's still in Ireland with Ava, Spencer, Trina, Lucky, Aiden, LuLu, Rocco, and Charlotte. Why do you ask?"

Mac says, "Do you know if any of his staff or horses were staying at Wyndmere?"

Elizabeth replies, "Nikolas moved everything to this side of Port Charles and sent his staff to stay in town. Why?"

Mac says, "Do you remember the first explosion this morning that shook the whole town? Well, the National Guard checked it out, and a large part of the asteroid hit Spoon Island, and all of Wyndemere was destroyed. There is nothing but rubble. I'm sorry. Do you want me to call Nikolas?"

Jason holds Elizabeth as she begins to shake. She lets out a shudder. A visceral response to a place she had spent time at since she was a teenager dancing outside in her sneakers with Lucky to watching Katherine Bell fall to her death off the parapet and all the Balls and Jason and her standing on the ledge holding hands while Anthony Zaccarah told them they should jump. She knew all the secret corridors except when it was dark. So many memories, and only a few were good. She laughs unnervingly and says, "I don't know about the rest of you, but that is the best thing from the asteroid. It took down the one thing that stuck out like an eyesore."

Jason says, "Mac, We'll call Nikolas and let him know. I agree; Wyndmere has so many bad memories for everyone. I won't miss seeing it."

Mac says, "I'm trying to complete a head count to verify where people are. Do you know who is sheltering at the Quaerermaines or where Alexis and her family are?"

Elizabeth replies, "Finn, Molly, Monica, my father, and Drew are here. My Gram is with the Quatermaines. Jason and I dropped her off last night. I think Ned, Olivia, Leo, Michael, Willow, Wiley, Tait, Brook Lynn, and maybe two or three staff are there. I was going to call and check on my Gram. Do you want Ned or someone to follow up with you?"

Jason says, "Sam told me she was staying with Alexis with Danny and Scout. She also said Finn's father, Gregory, Hayden, and Violet, were there, along with Kristina. I was going to call and speak with Danny. Do you want Alexis or Sam to call you?"

Mac replies to Elizabeth and Jason, "Yes, thank you. If they can call me and let me know everyone is safe, I can check them off my list."

Elizabeth asks, "Mac, what about the other explosions? There have been stragglers from outside receiving care in the ER, but no one has been forthcoming if there are other deaths or life-threatening injuries."

Mac replies, "I'm sorry, pending notifications, I can't reveal their identities, but I can confirm damages to the properties of Jason and Sonny. The warehouse sustained structural damages. You will probably need to replace all your inventory, assuming it's all legal. Perks Coffee has minor damages; since you sent all employees home, there are no injuries. The gym is intact. The Metro Court, I can discuss this with Carly after Joss is in recovery, or I could speak with Olivia."

Jason says, "Is there anything else you can tell me without the accusations?"

Mac replies, "Pray; if you pray, this is the day for it. Once I notify family, you may want to help."

Elizabeth says, "What do you mean? Do we know the victims?"

Mac replies, "Yes, I'm sorry, but that's all I can say for now."

Before Mac leaves, he checks with Robin and Patrick and asks to be notified when Joss wakes up. Elizabeth follows Jason to check on Joss and Carly. Mac calls Felecia and the kids.

Mac reaches Felecia, and everyone sheltering is safe. She says, "Mac, our home has minor damages. The outside cameras show we will need a landscaping overhaul this summer, but we are fortunate that's all that happened. Maxie and Spinelli are keeping the kids entertained. How did the rest of Port Carles fair?"

Mac replies, "I'll tell you everything tonight. I'm hoping that there are no more causalities. Wyndemere is gone. Elizabeth and Jason are informing Nikolas. I'll be late; I must brief Laura and finish the paperwork before coming home."

The hospital is finally quiet. In 12 hours, the doctors and nurses treated and released 88 patients, performed surgery and admitted 43 patients. There were four deaths, not counting Jax or the ones from the other explosions.

Elizabeth checks with Monica and her father on the patients they treated earlier. She asks Monica if she's spoken to anyone at the Quartermaine Mansion. She hadn't, and Elizabeth offers to make the call with Monica. Monica dials the number, and Ned answers. Monica says, "Ned, you are on speaker with Elizabeth. How is everyone in the basement?"

Elizabeth asks, "Is my Gram okay?"

Ned replies, "Everyone is healthy, including Audrey. We had the outside cameras on and saw a lot of debris falling, but I'm hopeful there are no significant damages. The gatehouse may need renovation. The news has gone dark. Do you know what has happened today?"

Monica looks at Elizabeth. Elizabeth says, "I have some bad news. There were several explosions over town and some deaths Mac Scorpio won't release, but we know that Jax is dead. He died saving Josslyn. Wyndemere is destroyed. It was the first huge explosion."

Ned replies, "Wow! It was good that we listened to the experts, though the bickering drives everyone crazy. Do you know when they will lift the shelter-in-place order?"

Monica says, "They lifted the curfew but asked if anyone rises to the surface grounds to be cautious. I think the news will return tonight. Mac said Laura would have a statement about all damages and deaths."

Elizabeth says, "Mac wants you to call him on a head count. Can I speak to my Gram?"

Ned replies, "Of course. Please give my condolences to Joss and Carly. Tell Carly I'll call her in a few days."

Elizabeth and Audrey speak briefly, and Elizabeth promises to stop by and bring her home soon.

Jason calls Sam and breaks the news about Jax. He relays the message Mac asked about calling him with a head count. He says, "Is everyone safe? Did the house sustain any damages?"

Sam replies, "Other than a lot of dust and gravel-sized pieces of the asteroid around the property, I think Mom's house was untouched. I'll check in the morning to verify. Violet was scared. Kristina and Hayden calmed her down and distracted her with games and stories.

Jason says, "Can I speak to Danny?"

Sam replies, "Sure, I'll get him for you."

Jason says, "Danny, behave and listen to your mother. I know it's a difficult time right now, and when Jake comes home, I'll take you guys anywhere you want to go."

Danny replies, "I talked to Jake last night, and he wants to go to a Stanley Cup game."

Jason says, "I'll try, buddy. It may be too late to get tickets. I'll see you soon."

Elizabeth calls Nikolas and breaks the news about Wyndmere. She tells him to watch the news feed from Laura later. Elizabeth says, "Nikolas, I am sorry for your loss. Please let me know what you need from me. Jason and I can arrange temporary housing when you return. It's been a long day, and I lost a friend. It's late there, and I don't want you to wake up Aiden, but tell him I'll call him tomorrow."

Nikolas replies, "Thank you, I will. I'm sorry about Jax. I'll let you know about our return."

Dr. Funk confers with NASA. Their computers and satellites registered that DART exploded with the asteroid. 80% of the asteroid burned up in the atmosphere. Dust and ashes fell across three states. Port Charles received the brunt of the remaining asteroid. NASA team sent drones over Port Charles, and significant damages are scattered across the city. She contacts Frisco and updates him. She says, "Only intermittent hail and dust from the asteroid remain falling in the last two hours. I recommend parts of Port Charles be condemned. I'm calling Mayor Collins with my findings, but I believe the PCPD can lift the curfew, and residents can go outside cautiously."

Frisco replies, "Thank you. I will let Commissioner Ashford know. We can flash the curfew lift and okay to return to their residences and businesses across the TV screens and send 'All-clear' texts on the alerts to people's cell phones."

Frisco leaves to take care of the alerts, and Dr. Funk conferences with Laura.

Slowly and cautiously, several residents come out of sheltering. There are sighs of relief, tears, hugs, and tears.

Laura emerges from the bunker of the Mayor's Mansion, followed by Kevin, Robert, Diane, Anna, Valentine, Eileen, and her staff. Laura is on the phone with Mac. She says, "Yes, we are fine. We just left the bunker. If you have a list of damages and casualties, I need to see it before I brief the President. I'll have someone survey the Mayor's grounds and see you in an hour."

Eileen offers to survey the area and asks Kevin, Valentine, and Anna for help. Eileen's assistant follows her taking notes. Robert calls Robin, and Laura reviewed her notes from her conversation with Dr. Funk an hour ago.

Mac arrives and hands her the results of his reports of the day. She scans it and says, "I'm sorry about Jax. Were you close?"

Mac replies, "No, but Robin was good friends with him. She's struggling with the news."

Laura asks, "Did you notify the family of the other casualties? Can I brief the President?"

Mac replies, "Yes, I notified everyone on this list. I told the press you would make a statement before the President will. I suggest you set it up for an hour before word of mouth hits."

Laura says, "Thank you. I'll have my staff arrange it with the news stations."

Anna rushes in and says, "Help! There's been an accident."

Laura cries out, "No! Is it Kevin?"

Valentine appears and says, "You should come and see."

Mac and Robert follow Valentine outside and see the lifeless body on the ground. Robert says, "I'll let Laura know. Mac, can you make arrangements for the transport to the morgue?"

Mac replies, "Of course. Please give Laura my condolences. I need to get back to the city."

At General Hospital, cell phones beep all over the hospital. Frisco's scheduled alert updated everyone on the curfew lifts and announced the press conference. Everyone claps. Someone plays music over the loudspeaker. Patrick extends his hand to Robin, and she takes it. He twirls her around, and they sway to the music. Drew and Claire join in. Drew says, "Jason, the worst is over, ask your wife to dance."

Elizabeth replies, "Jason doesn't like to dance, at least not in public. The disaster is not over. His best friend's daughter has not woken up from surgery. Joss lost her father, and we don't know what happened. My best friend lost his home. My grandmother is stuck in your family's basement. I am happy the event is over, but the worst is not over."

Drew replies, "I'm sorry. You are right. I am jumping the gun. I'll tether my excitement for later, for better news."

Sonny and Carly wait for Joss to wake up from surgery. Elizabeth knocks softly and says, "I'm here to check her vitals. I'm sorry to bother you. I'm praying for Joss."

Carly replies, "Thank you for sitting with my mother until Sonny and I arrived. She said it meant a lot to her."

Elizabeth says, "Of course. Despite everything, I still love Joss and didn't want her or Bobbie to be alone. Her vitals are steady. Jason will be by to check on you before we leave. Patrick will provide an update after I show him my notes."

TJ is released, and Molly takes him back to her mother's place.

At 6:00 pm, the second shift of doctors and nurses arrives to relieve the first shift from this morning.

Monica and Jeff return to the Quartermaine mansion. Drew brings Claire to meet everyone. Jason and Elizabeth arrive to pick up Audrey and take her back to the care facility.

Jason helps Elizabeth get Audrey settled back in her room. Elizabeth says, "Gram, I hope you survived the Quartermaine bickering today.

Audrey replies, "Elizabeth, darling. Despite the circumstances, this was the most fun I've had in a long time. I regret Monica wasn't there, but it was nice to revisit the old crowd."

Elizabeth says, "Gram, I love you. We want you over for dinner when the boys return to Port Charles."

Audrey replies, "I look forward to it."

Jason and Elizabeth arrive home. Elizabeth grabs two beers from the fridge and brings them to the den. Jason switches on the TV in time for Laura to appear for an evening news conference.

The Quartermaines leave the basement and settle back into their rooms. Olivia ushers Leo into a bath and joins Ned for a quick shower before dinner. Monica and Jeff change into their street clothes. Michael finds several rooms in the mansion and has the nurse help Willow to bed. The nanny has a room for Wiley. Michael wants to bring things from the Gate House, but it is partially destroyed, and Ned said he doesn't want anyone there until the house is surveyed to be safe. Michael brings up the remaining items from the basement and hopes that if he can't get things from the Gate House, some surviving stores could have anything he needs. Everyone regroups, and Cook prepares leftovers. Drew turns on the TV as Laura is about to speak.

Alexis and the girls clean up the minor damages at the Davis House. Finn picks up his family from Alexis, and they return to their apartment and start dinner. Anna and Valentine return to Devane Manor, and Anna makes a list of repairs needed. Patrick and Robin arrive, and they share events of the day. Anna expresses her condolences for Jax. People from the Cellar at Kelly's went home, as did everyone who stayed at other shelters. Word spread that the Mayor would speak, and all TV sets were on.

Laura briefs Port Charles. She says, "Port Charles suffered losses today—loss of lives, properties, and security. I am sad to share that my Deputy Mayor, Eileen Ashby, died this afternoon from falling into a ravine caused by the asteroid on the grounds at the Mayor's Mansion. In addition, the Savory is destroyed. The gambling room in the back was still in operation. CSU is processing the scene, and 17 bodies have not been identified. The following individuals have been identified: Selena Wu, Brad Cooper, Gladys Corbin, and Marshall Ashford. If you know anyone who could have been gambling or working at the Savoy, don't hesitate to contact the PCPD. The Rooftop and the seventh floor of the Metro Court housing the offices of The Invader were partially demolished. Hotel co-owner, financier, and philanthropist Jasper "Jax" Jacks died saving his daughter Josslyn Jacks. The cause of death is still pending. Wyndmere Castle is demolished. Fortunately, it was unoccupied. Several homes and businesses suffered minor to significant damages. Port Charles is strong, and we will recover. Additional Insurance agents will be available to take your calls if you need to file claims. If you need help with therapy, insurance, or financial assistance, the following numbers will scroll across your screens. Thank you."

While the numbers scroll across the screens, Port Charles residents react to the news.

The President interrupts The Nightly News. He updates the rest of the country and announces he has authorized a National State of Emergency. He's ordered FEMA to Port Charles.

TV's turned off, discuss losses.

Port Charles residents react to the news.

Port Charles in recovery

Joss wakes up

FEMA

Misc