I went AU with this one since Mike never found his family. This will take place not long after Baltimore.

Never Again, Again

Chapter 5

Christine was desperate. Due to that last night with Mike; she was pregnant. At her last appointment before everything went to hell, things seemed to be going well despite her age. She was actually a bit happy about the baby but she hadn't told Mike because it would have freaked him out. Mike was always even more protective when she was pregnant.

The safe zone was no longer safe so Christine found a small, abandoned house for her and the girls. Katie helped her find food but one day on a trip out by herself, she stumbled upon someone who was sick and Katie came home; already showing symptoms. Christine nursed her but there was little hope. Watching her suffer hurt and she had lapsed into a coma when a military jeep pulled in. Somehow, Hannah was still not showing symptoms and before Christine could stop her; she ran out to talk to the occupants.

Christine looked out the window and immediately recognized Lt. Danny Green. She didn't recognize the others but she stepped onto the porch and prayed they could help Katie who was clinging to life. Master Chief Russ Jeter was talking to Hannah while a female crew member was preparing a shot.

"What is that?" Christine asked. Russ looked at her large belly in shock.

"Christine, we found the cure. Lt. Green has called for your husband. We need to give this to you all." Russ explained.

"Katie…she's so sick. I don't think she's going to make it." Christine said before dissolving into tears. The female crew member ran into the house and a moment later, Christine heard her calling for Dr. Scott over the radio. Russ was trying to comfort her. Another crew member had given Hannah and Christine shots, after assuring Christine it would be safe for the baby.

"I just spoke with Commander Slattery. He's on his way with Dr. Scott." Lt. Green said.

"I need to go back in with Katie. She shouldn't be alone." Christine remarked before heading back into the house. One of the crew members, an Australian, was playing hop-scotch with Hannah. Christine barely noticed how funny it was. The crew member was taking Katie's blood pressure when Christine walked back in and she gave Christine a smile.

"I'm Lt. Kara Foster, ma'am. I have already given your daughter the cure." Lt. Foster said.

"She is probably too far gone." Christine said.

"She might be but her blood pressure is slightly improved. It is very slight but it is better and her pulse is better too. Dr. Scott is going to be able to help her." Lt. Foster said with a smile. Christine immediately liked the young woman.

"Her coloring is better too. She was so pale." Christine remarked. She brushed Katie's hair away from her face and smiled at her oldest daughter. Losing Lucas had been hard but watching Katie waste away had shattered Christine.

"Ma'am, when did you last rest?" Lt. Foster asked.

"I don't even remember. Katie has required a lot of care." Christine said.

"Ma'am, once your husband arrives, I think you need to get some rest. I can stay and care for your daughter and Dr. Scott will be here. You're further along than I am and you must be exhausted." Lt. Foster suggested.

"How…did that happen?" Christine asked, pointing at Lt. Foster's belly.

"A little bit of fraternization. You met Lt. Green?" Lt. Foster said and Christine laughed under her breath.

"Mike always told me that its more prevalent than I believed. I never wanted to know how he knew." Christine said.

"Oh, probably because he is the one that usually has to punish crew members for it." Lt. Foster remarked.

"Possibly." Christine said. She took ahold of Katie's hand, and could of sworn she felt Katie squeeze her hand.

"She might fall into a natural sleep. It will give her body a chance to repair itself. I was part of the trial and I felt exhausted afterwards." Lt. Foster said.

"And the baby is okay? They got me the shot but I am nervous about the baby." Christine asked.

"So far all is fine and the baby will be born immune. Dr. Scott has done a lot of my care and I'm sure she won't mind to check you out." Lt. Foster explained.

"Mike doesn't know abut the baby. I'm sure he'll be shocked and may not want it. We were separated but had talked about getting back together." Christine said, knowing she was over-sharing.

"Ma'am, I don't know what his reaction to the baby will be but I do know he's been very worried about his family. I've heard him talk about how worried he is about his wife and kids. Not just his kids. His wife too." Lt. Foster said.

"Thank you. You've been very dear." Christine said. Just then they both heard Mike's commanding voice and Lt. Foster stood up.

"I'll send him in." Lt. Foster said. She left and a moment later Mike and a doctor walked in. The doctor, Dr. Rachel Scott began assessing Katie. Christine stayed sitting, trying to disguise her stomach.

"Russ already told me, Christine. How about we give Dr. Scott some room to work on Katie?" Mike suggested, giving Christine his hand to help her stand up.

"I need to start an IV and give her some fluids. She's very dehydrated." Dr. Scott said.

"I tried to drip water into her mouth but I thought she'd choke." Christine said, not impressed with Dr. Scott.

"Christine, come with me. Dr. Scott understands." Mike said, leading her into the other room. She could still see Katie and Dr. Scott but she was far enough away.

"Where's Hannah?" Christine asked.

"Outside with my crew but they are going to head back to the ship soon with her. They'll take care of her until Katie and you can travel." Mike explained.

"I shouldn't be away from her." Christine said.

"You don't have a lot of wood left and it is supposed to be below zero tonight. If we can get Katie able to be moved, we'll have all three of you at the ship but for now, it will be better if Hannah is there. She will be safe." Mike assured her. Hannah had always been outgoing and she was loving all the attention that was being showered on her.

"I tried, Mike!" Christine yelled.

"Hey…I was not implying that you didn't. I was only stating the facts. You and I can stay here with Katie until she is well enough to move and then go back to the ship. Hannah will be there; safe, warm, fed and happy. Tom and Russ will look after her." Mike said.

"I am so tired." Christine admitted as she began crying. Mike pulled her into a hug and was immediately rewarded with a kick.

"And you will rest soon. Katie is already perking up. Why don't you step out and give Hannah a kiss before she leaves? I will see how Katie is doing." Mike suggested.

"If she wakes up…" Christine started.

"I will get you. She will probably sleep for awhile though." Mike said. He was still holding her and Christine reached up and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you, Mike." Christine said.

"I haven't done anything yet. You just go give Hannah a kiss and then come in and get ready to sleep. I will look after Katie." Mike said. Christine nodded, knowing he was trying to take care of her too. It was so like Mike.