June and company returned to Chicago after a week, they were road weary, but satisfied at the success of the mission. The Handmaids were safe in one of the Free Cities, that's all that matters. June took a long shower and left for the cafeteria where Matthew introduced the ex-Guardians to their new comrades. She sat down beside her friends as Matthew regaled the story of what the Saint did to that dickhead Guardian. Many of them laughed at the very image planted in their heads.
"Hey, has the Saint returned yet, she didn't come with us to the Free Cities." June asked Janine who munched on a carrot.
"She came back the day before yesterday." Janine answered, but her face held more worry than joy. "She was completely exhausted the moment she set foot here."
"Why, what happened?" Alma asked from beside June.
"I don't know the full details, but from what everyone's whispering, she destroyed all the routes leading to this Colony. Took a lot out of her. She's been sleeping for the last two days." Janine answered, shocking everyone at the table, minus Matthew.
"I figured she wanted to do that, make things more difficult for Gilead. That'll piss 'em off." Matthew stated as he shoveled more food in his mouth.
"Still, she shouldn't push herself like this." Janine said as she stood up and picked up her tray that still had food in it.
"Where're you going?" June asked as Janine walked away from the table.
"I'm gonna check in on the Saint. She should've woken up by now and will need food." Janine answered as she left the cafeteria.
"She's been helping Frances and Alex watch over our leader ever since she fell asleep." Ryan explained from one end of the table. "Alex is the Saint's right-hand man, so it makes sense. Frances also helps monitor her sleep and nutrition. Janine talks to her while she sleeps. She's a good companion to have, really nice to talk to."
"Yeah, too nice." Matthew added with a somber look. "Gilead takes advantage of people like her. They see kindness as a weakness."
June sighed through her nose, unable to disagree with that statement.
They jumped at the sound of a trumpet sounding completely off-key. Everyone in the cafeteria winced and moaned at the horrible tune before it was halted with a resounding 'squee'.
"Ow! Hey?" The amateur trumpeter exclaimed rubbing his head as he glared at the woman with a large bag hanging off her shoulder.
"No one wants to hear that." She glared in annoyance.
"Well how else am I supposed to get their attention?" He whined while holding his instrument.
She got up on one of the unoccupied tables. "Ahem. Everyone, listen up! Mail call from Canada!" She announced with more enthusiasm than was necessary.
But it had the effect as everyone gathered around excitedly. Shouting over each other as they hoped for a letter addressed to them.
The mail carrier started handing out envelopes. "Margaret Lashie." The woman clutched hers excitedly then scurried back to her table.
"Jerry Gyles." The man at the very back raised his hand as people in front of him started to pass over the letter.
"Eziekiel Maros. Here you go buddy. Talia Fenners. For you. June Osborne."
June coughed while chewing her food and looked over at the woman holding up an envelope with her name on it. "Here?"
"Pass this on to her." The woman requested as the letter was passed between hands until it was carried to her table.
June held the envelope and her blue eyes widened at who sent it. "Luke Bankole."
"That's your husband." Matthew said upon recognizing that name.
June's mouth gaped open, "I didn't tell him I was here."
Matthew explained, "Oh yeah, guess they didn't tell you. Any survivor who joins our group, we send their names over to the Canadian Immigration Center to inform the families that their loved ones are found and are still alive."
June was at a loss for words. She hasn't talked to Luke since that day when the Waterfords arranged what was supposed to be a final meeting between Nicole and Serena. She felt guilty, she was so focused on rescuing Hannah, and with all she's done with Nick that she never took a moment to consider that maybe Luke is still waiting.
"Janine Lindo. Redhead girl with the eyepatch? I don't see her." The woman announced as she looked around for Janine.
June stood up from her seat. "I'll take it to her." She said as the letter passed over to her.
She stared at the name of her friend on the envelope and saw who it was from, 'Charlotte Lindo'. June laughed upon seeing the name of her friend's baby. Janine told her that the Saint promised to take Charlotte far from Gilead the night her baby recovered.
"June, who's it from?" Brianna asked when she saw June smile.
"It's from Charlotte." June answered as the former Handmaids gasped and smiled happily, knowing who that was. They knew Charlotte isn't writing yet. But whoever was taking care of her, was kind enough to send Janine a gift from her daughter.
"I have to take this to her. Can one of you tell me where the Saint is sleeping?" June asked the table before Matthew stood up since he was already finished eating.
"I'll take you." He said as he guided June towards the elevators and hit the floor number where the Saint slept.
"Janine is gonna be so happy." June commented while staring at her friend's letter.
"Happier than usual." Matthew commented as June laughed through her nose.
The elevator stopped before the doors slid open. "The Saint's Chambers are at the end of this hall. Good luck."
June stepped out and walked in the direction Matthew pointed, the closer she got, the louder she can hear Janine, along with Saint White's soft laughter. When she got to the door, she knocked.
"It's June." She informed them before hearing Carrie give her permission to enter.
She slowly entered the room. It was quite luxurious yet had a modest feel to it. There was an alter with the Cross and candles in one corner of the room, a dining table close to the kitchen area, a desk with various papers piled on top of one another, a shelf full of books, a balcony window that was easy for the Saint to fly through and a white bed at the center with the Saint herself sitting up against the headboard with the white blankets and comforters tucked around her waist, and a desk in her lap as she wrote documents and letters.
Janine sat beside her looking intrigued as she sipped on hot chocolate that was in the cupboards.
Alex stood not too far as his leader handed papers to him while reminding her that she still needs rest and should stick to conference calls until she's fully recovered.
The second-in-command turned as June enter the Chambers. "Ms. Osborne. We weren't expecting you."
June gave them a sheepish smile, "Yeah, sorry for coming in unexpectedly. But," She held up the envelope while keeping hers tucked away in her sweater-jacket, "Janine has an admirer."
This caught Janine's attention, "Really from who?"
June smiled as she got closer then handed the envelope to her. "See for yourself."
Janine turned the envelope over and her hand flew to her mouth to stop the scream that wanted to come out. "It's-Oh my God!"
"What is it Janine?" Carrie asked as she looked over the one-eyed girl's shoulder.
"It's from Charlotte!" Janine exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.
Carrie's eyes widened upon recognizing the name of the baby whom she took across the border. "Well, what are you waiting for? Open it!" Carrie urged as June sat at the foot of the bed as she watched Janine's overjoyed smile.
Alex chuckled at the excitement as he carried the papers out the door. "Guess I'll leave you ladies to enjoy yourselves."
Janine opened the letter as quickly and carefully as she could without damaging the contents. The first thing that was pulled out was a beautiful picture of her baby Charlotte standing on her own two feet holding a flower while holding someone's hand.
Janine gasped at the lovely sight of her baby. "Oh my God." She sniffed through happy and sad tears, "She's gotten so big and beautiful."
Carrie's heart melted at the picture, "She'd be around two now. She's healthy and happy."
"But who's been taking care of her?" June asked, curious to know who sent the picture.
Thankfully, there was another photograph behind the one she was holding. Janine gasped again in both shock and recognition. "June, come over here."
June got up and stood beside Janine to see what she was holding. Her eyes widened when she saw who was holding Charlotte's hand as they walked towards the camera. "Moira."
"There's also a letter." Carrie pointed out the paper sticking out of the envelope.
Janine picked it up and unfolded it, 'Hi Janine, it's been years since we last saw each other. It's probably more shocking when you saw me with your baby girl. I also know how worried you've been without her. Charlotte's been looked after by me, Luke, Emily, her wife, Rita, and a great deal of people who escaped from Gilead. It does take a village after all. But none of us can ever take your place in Charlotte's life. We found pictures of you from before Gilead, and you have no idea how happy she gets just by seeing you. We keep telling her that you'll join her soon. We just weren't sure when until we heard that you were with the Saint. You got guts. Charlotte's happy, she's full of energy, just like you. And she loves playing with Nicole on their playdates. Girls are inseparable. We hope to see you across the border very soon, your baby's waiting for you. Moira.'
Janine's hand flew to her mouth as she sobbed. "Charlotte...She's been waiting for me." She hiccupped as she stared at the picture, burning it into memory as though it was the last time she'll see it. Carrie and June wrapped their arms around Janine as all three of them stared at the pictures, how happy and free little Charlotte looks.
Carrie sighed through her nose and closed her eyes, feeling the pure unconditional love this young woman holds for her baby girl. The strongest kind of love that sustained Janine through all the hardships she's faced these few years.
"Janine, I believe we've kept Charlotte waiting long enough."
Janine turned to Carrie with watery eyes. "What?"
Carrie gave her a smile full of comfort and encouragement. "It's time for you to go back to your baby girl."
Janine's mouth quivered as she inhaled sharply. "I can't, not yet. I have to find Caleb first."
June glanced at Janine with shock and realization as she felt her stomach drop into a pit.
"Caleb?" Carrie repeated the name.
Janine smiled, "He's my son. He'd be six by now." She sniffled, "I want to introduce them to each other while they're still young. They should grow up together."
June felt as though she's been stabbed in the gut. She has forgotten about the lie she told Janine at the market when she was convincing Alma to help with getting the kids out of Gilead. God, she didn't think it would come back to bite her.
"You should tell your friends about her, let them know your baby is doing well. Seeing her will lift their spirits." Carrie then turns to June, "June, may I talk to you for a bit. I'd like to catch up on some things."
The two former Handmaids nodded before Janine left the room with a bounce in her step, closing the door behind her.
Carrie and June are left alone.
Carrie let out a breath as she turned to June, "June, is something wrong?" She asked when she sensed turmoil within the young woman.
June let out a shuddering breath as she shook her head, clenching her eyes shut. "I messed up." She swallowed the lump in her throat, "I did something really bad."
"June, whatever happened?" Carrie asked, worried for her friend.
June slowly opened her eyes and faced Carrie with pain and guilt in her eyes. "I lied to Janine...about her son." She paused as she tried to figure out her next words, "I told her he was alive."
Carrie's eyes widened upon hearing those words. "You...what?"
"Caleb was killed in a car accident at the beginning of Gilead. When I was looking through the dossiers, I found the other Handmaids' children's new families and their new names. I needed help getting the kids out of Gilead, and when Janine asked me about her son, I was afraid of what it would do to her after nearly losing Charlotte." June was struggling not to cry, "I didn't know what to do, so I lied."
"But in doing so, you gave her false hope." Carrie shook her head in disbelief and sadness at June's actions. "June, that is more painful than hearing the truth, it causes long-term damage, and it takes even longer to heal from."
June bowed her head as tears streamed down her cheeks.
Carrie sighs through her nose and stares at her lap. "You need to tell her the truth."
June looked up at her, fear written on her face.
Carrie didn't look up. "She needs to know."
June couldn't argue with her there. "She won't forgive me." She stated, knowing what will happen the moment she tells Janine the truth.
"That is up to her. The longer you hold onto this lie, the more pain it will bring you, and you will both suffer." Carrie touched June's hand and looked into the older woman's eyes with sympathy and pain. "She's your friend June, you can't keep her in the dark forever."
June was silent before she nodded then stood up to leave the room.
Carrie watched her leave, her heart breaking for the two women whose bond will be tested. She sighed softly then looked up, whispering a silent prayer, "God, please give them strength."
June found Janine on the roof of the building, at this height, they can see pretty much everything in the city to the walls bordering Chicago.
Janine sat in one of the chairs on the roof, her eye completely fixated on the picture of her daughter. A fond maternal smile adorns her face, making her look innocent and beautiful.
June swallowed then put on a smile that didn't reach her eyes, "Enjoying the view?"
Janine looked up and smiled, "Sorry, I didn't hear you come up here."
June breathed out a small laugh, "It's fine." She sat in the chair beside Janine and stared at the photo. "She looks so much like you."
Janine's smile widened as she went back to stare at the picture. "She really does. I don't see a hint of him anywhere in there."
"Charlotte is 100% you." June said with a soft smile.
Janine glanced at June, "And our daughters are so close to each other. They're gonna be such great friends."
June felt her eyes sting a little at the thought of her baby girl, "Praised be."
"You got a letter too, didn't you?"
June felt the letter in her breast pocket of her jacket. "I haven't opened it yet." She looked down, "I don't know what the first thing I can say to him after I read it."
"Just say you miss him, that you're glad he's okay. Even a little 'hello' would make him happy." Janine said, laying a hand on June's as a form of encouragement.
June felt as though she was stung when she felt Janine's hand touch hers. The guilt over her actions towards Janine and the inevitable consequences she must face hand over her like a cloud.
"June, what's the matter?" Janine asked when she caught her friend's faraway expression.
June takes in a shuddering breath, knowing she can't run away from her actions anymore. Facing Janine, she stares into the younger woman's eye for a long time, pain and guilt written all over June's face.
"Janine...there's something I need to tell you..."
Carrie took a walk through the building, happy to finally be up and about. Wearing her trademark white sweater and gray pants, she waved at rebel soldiers who greeted her in kind.
She entered the part of the building that was repurposed as a place of worship and prayer, from crosses to buddhas, many religious figures were either carved or painted onto the walls.
As she got closer to the alter, she noticed only one person at the front row with her head hanging forward.
"June?" Carrie said upon recognition.
The older woman picked her head up to look at Carrie, her eyes red and puffy.
Carrie sat down beside June. "You told her."
June pursed her lips and let out a shaking breath. "I did." Her voice broke when she spoke.
"And Janine?"
June shook her head and clenched her eyes shut. "She didn't say a word to me." Her lips quivered as she struggled to speak, "I expected her to hit me, to scream at me, anything. But the way she looked at me...it was as though I killed her son right before her. I might as well have." June breathed in sharply, "She walked away from me. She couldn't stand to look at me anymore. I can't blame her for that. Not after what I've done."
Carrie listened before she stared at the ground, "You did the right thing telling her June. I don't approve of your deceit, but I understand your reasons behind it. Doesn't hurt any less."
June sighed heavily, "Everything we've been through, for all the hell we've endured. She's one of the very few people that kept me sane through it all. And I broke our friendship in the worst way possible." June stared at the ground for a long time, "Maybe now she'll go to Canada and be with her daughter. There's nothing holding her here anymore."
Carrie sighs, "Give her time. I don't know how long, but it's better for you both not to speak to each other until she's ready. Which is why I made arrangements to station you at the harbor."
June turned to her in question before the leader explained, "A group of NGOs are coming to lend us aide and supplies, medicine, food, and clothing. They will arrive via boat and will need assistance when unloading."
June thought about it for a moment then nodded. "I don't mind doing that."
Carrie smiled softly and wrapped a comforting arm around June. The older woman leaned into the child-like leader as she sniffled, still feeling the effects of her actions.
June woke to the sound wind hit the walls of her new room. The harbor outpost already has bedding accommodations within large shipping containers and medical tents. While the metal walls provided her with some security against the freezing temperatures, it reminded her too much of the prison cells in Gilead.
She was bundled up in three layers to stave off the cold when she stepped outside and saw most of the soldiers stationed there exercising or eating breakfast. June didn't feel hungry as she walked over to the docks and stared out at the ocean, the smell and taste of the water hitting her face. She remembered how she got there immediately after Carrie informed her of where she's being transferred. Everyone who knew her name, who heard about what she did with Angel's Flight, greeted her with praise and respect.
"Morning June."
June turned and saw a young woman she recognized from the brothel in Pennsylvania, Daisy, a Mayday contact and someone who June gave poisonous nightshade to and crippled the Commanders. Nine were hospitalized, and four were killed. Even Aunt Wendy was killed when served poisonous tea. A small victory for the women in this country.
Daisy handed her a mug filled with coffee, which June took gratefully, "Thank you."
Daisy sighed as she stared at the sea, "We received word from the Southern regions, rebellious groups have set up shop in Texas and have planted bombs under Commanders houses. They created a base in an old museum of American History." Daisy let out a small laugh, "Fighting for a future while hiding in a house of past."
June shared a laugh; it was oddly funny.
Silence fell between them as the waves of the ocean filled the air. "They should be here any day now." June said as she began to fidget while warming her hands with the coffee mug.
"If there's one thing you learn about working at Jezebel's is the art of patience." Daisy stated as she took a sip from her mug.
June nodded in agreement as she drank her coffee, her eyes stuck to the horizon. Then her eyes widened when she saw something slowly emerge from the distance. Slowly, she lowered her mug and squinted, "Daisy, do you see that?"
Daisy picked up the binoculars hanging from her neck and peeked through, gasping softly and laughed, "It's them alright." She confirmed when she saw the Canadian flag hanging off the top.
Everyone stood by and waited with bated breath as the boat got closer.
June let out a shaking breath as she touched her coat pocket, the letter from her husband still remained unopened. She was scared to read the words, fearing his spite and lack of forgiveness over what she had to do to survive this place.
The boat docked, but June was vaguely aware of what's happening around her as she waited to be called on to help unload.
"Holy shit. June?"
June looked up when her name was called and felt like the whole world crashed around her when she saw who was standing on the dock in front of her. She hasn't seen her since the time when she visited the brothel in Boston with Waterford. One of her pillars of strength and hope.
"Moira?" June whispered when she finally found her voice.
Moira's eyes filled with tears as she walked up to her best friend and wrapped her arms around her. "You fucking made it to Chicago you bitch." Moira laughed tearfully, overwhelmed by so many emotions after seeing June again.
June felt so many things at once, relief, regret, happiness, and fear. She's so glad Moira is alive, but she can't help the fear of losing her to Gilead again.
They pulled away as June released an incredulous laugh, "What the actual fuck are you doing here?"
Moira grinned as she jabbed her thumb to the boat, "I'm here with my girlfriend. She's the leader of this group."
June smiled at the thought of Moira finding love again after what happened with her fiancé. So much has happened since the last time June and Moira saw each other.
"We have a lot of catching up to do." June said as she began to help Moira unload the supplies.
After much work of heavy lifting and sorting out the supplies, the two best friends sat on the bench overlooking the water. June told her everything that happened since they last spoke, from the birth of Holly to her missions in Chicago.
"That's a bunch of fucked up shit." Moira said as she took it all in, much of her recount was filled with sadness, but the good parts, from robbing Serena of her chance to take Holly, Angel's Flight, poisoning the Commanders at Jezebel's and sticking Aunt Lydia with the cattle prod.
"It has its moments." June said after a long moment.
"Did you get Luke's letter?"
June sighed and looked down, "I haven't read it yet. I'm afraid to."
Moira breathed out through her nose, "He already forgives you. He's actually happy knowing your daughter didn't come from that prick."
June pursed her lips, "The things I had to do, what I became just to get to the battlefield." She let out a long sigh and shook her head, "I don't know if Luke will love the new June."
"We've all changed." Moira said, remembering how hard it was for her to reassimilate back into normal society after all the horror she witnessed.
June nodded solemnly.
Suddenly, the sounds of planes cutting through the air over the city made them look up and saw jets flying overhead. Their eyes widened before they shot to their feet when they saw something drop from the drones. The ground shook as smoke and fire filled the air. Screams rang out through the city as refugees and soldiers scattered.
"Oona!" Moira shot off towards the boat as she feared for her girlfriend's safety.
Janine entered Carrie's chambers with a tray of food in her hands.
"Carrie, it's time for breakfast." Janine announced as the Saint slowly picked her head off her desk after falling asleep. She pulled another all-nighter again.
Janine sighed as she set the food on the table, "Again?"
Carrie groaned as she ran a hand down her face, "Force of habit."
Janine shook her head at the leader with a good-natured smile. "Come on, you need to eat." She said as she guided the young woman to the table.
Carrie began to eat her oatmeal with Janine who silently took small nibbles from her plate.
Carrie paused as she turned to Janine, "You're still angry at June."
Janine looked up with her one good eye and nodded silently. She knew it was Carrie who urged her friend to tell the truth, so she never had any reason to feel angry towards her.
Carrie sighed and leaned back in her chair, "She never wanted to hurt you, not after everything."
"She still lied to me."
Carrie nodded, "Fear makes us do things we never want to do, lie, kill, and torment. That's what Gilead does to good people; it turns us into the worst kinds of monsters."
Janine stared at Carrie for a long time as she listened to her words.
"You have every right to feel anger, and it is up to you on when you want to forgive June. But don't forget she is still your friend despite everything. And like you, she is a mother fighting to save her baby." Carrie reminded her Janine, her gaze filled with compassion and understanding.
Janine was silent before she nodded.
Carrie was about to take another scoop of her oatmeal, but paused when she felt the room tremble slightly and the sound of loud whooshing filled the air. Her eyes widened as she quickly put down her spoon and ran towards the balcony. She wrenched the windows open just in time to see drones fly through the air above the city. She and Janine watched as something dropped from the planes and shook the ground upon contact. Smoke and fire filled the air as buildings were caught ablaze.
Carrie's eyes widened at where it struck. "No. Alex!" She flew away from the building towards where those bombs made impact.
Janine immediately rushed out of the room to gather relief squads and doctors.
Carrie landed just yards outside the smoke. Refugees and soldiers stumbled away from the destruction and parted the way for their leader. She raised her hands up and waved off the smoke, clearing the air as she assessed the damage.
"Hello, if anyone is under there, please respond!" Carrie yelled out as she searched the debris for any survivors.
It was silent for a moment before she heard a faint, "We're in here!"
Carrie followed the voice, the volume getting louder the closer she got until she was hovering above them. Concentrating her power on the concrete and foundations, Carrie slowly lifted the heavy debris off the massive pile, her face strained and arms shaking as she levitated rocks and beams in the air.
The survivors who witnessed this were left in awe as their leader rescued their fellow refugees.
Carrie lifted the final beam and saw five people trapped in a hole surrounded broken concrete. Among them, she saw Alex, bleeding and unmoving.
"Oh God, Alex!" Carrie yelled as she levitated the survivors out of the damage, being the most careful with Alex as she carried him further away from the destruction and gently set him down on the ground. She knelt beside him and gasped when she saw his right leg is gone and he's bleeding heavily. One of the survivors removed his belt and wrapped a tourniquet just above Alex's knee to slow the bleeding.
Carrie heard the man's shallow breathing and held the man's blood-soaked hand, "Alex, you're alright, just stay with me. I'm here." Carrie panicked as she desperately tried to wake him up. But he didn't respond, which made Carrie fearful for his condition.
Others came with a makeshift gurney, "Your Holiness, we need to get him to the medical unit." A seasoned nurse explained as she helped Alex onto the gurney, the man groaned in response.
The loud whooshing came back, making everyone look up just in time to see the planes fly over them again as more bombs dropped from their hold.
Everyone ran away in panic, they knew if they remained, they'll die.
Carrie's face changed from fear into fury as she stood up, eyes trained on the incoming bombs before her pupils dilated over her iris and sclera. She shot her arms out towards the sky, halting the bombs as they were halfway from the city.
Everyone watched in fearful awe as Carrie floated towards the sky, lifting the bombs higher until she was eye-level with the drones flying towards her.
The pilots realized immediately they were in danger as they tried to veer off, but something stopped them, halting them in mid-air. Carrie levitated towards them, her face filled with rage and eyes completely black until her bare feet touched the nose of one of the planes. The pilot stared up at the Saint fearfully, he heard the stories and he wished to God he didn't follow orders.
Carrie crouched in front of him and gave him the look of a disappointed mother scolding their child. Her eyes locked onto his as a voice took over his mind, 'You will take these bombs and fly them back to your superiors, and you will blow the Commanders' centers.' His eyes glazed over as he felt compelled to follow new orders.
Carrie reattached the bombs to the planes and issued the same commands to the other pilots. It didn't take long for them to fly away and destroy their superior's buildings.
Carrie floated back down to the city and towards the medical buildings that were thankfully untouched. She entered the building and found many of her soldiers heavily injured and bleeding. Her heart shattered when she saw healers with solemn expressions pull sheets over the survivors' faces.
"Carrie!"
She looked up and saw June enter with a woman with a tanned complexion and an African-Amercian woman. All three of them were carrying the injured and unconscious.
"Over here." Carrie beckoned them over to an empty cot as they set the survivor down.
"Easy." Moira said as the survivor groaned in pain from broken ribs.
Oona was visibly shaken from the attack before she looked up at Carrie to see her gently deposit more injured down onto the cots with her power.
June followed her friend's lover's gaze and nodded, "Yes, that's the Saint. Her name's Carrie."
"So she's..." Moira was at a loss for words as the leader went around mending her soldiers, her face focused as she concentrated on stitching up wounds.
June nodded, "Yeah, God's Holy Soldier."
Moira and Oona heard stories about the Saint and what she has done these past two years, how she has given this country a fighting chance against Gilead's regime. Normally, Moira is not one to believe in God's miracles, but seeing is believing right now.
"Moira?"
Moira turned and was caught off guard when she saw Janine carrying a bag with medical supplies. The one-eyed woman set the bag down and walked over to Moira and embraced her.
Janine pulled away and stared at her with a smile of disbelief, "I can't believe you're here?"
Moira shrugged, "I'm just visiting." She gestured to her lover, "This is my girlfriend, Oona. She's the leader of the NGO from Canada."
Oona smiled politely as a medic stitched up the gash on her forehead.
"It's nice to meet you." Janine greeted, happy to meet her friend's lover.
June stared at Janine with sadness as she stayed back and chose to help stitch up the soldiers.
"Carrie!" June looked up as the Saint finished bandaging up someone's arm as a medic approached and whispered something in her ear. June watched as the young girl's eyes widened before she followed the medic towards the back of the building.
June finished as quickly as possible once she was sure the soldier will live before she followed after the Saint.
June stood outside what looks like a make-shift operating room as she listened to Carrie's distressed voice, "There's nothing you can do?"
"While we stopped the bleeding and cauterized the stump, we fear he has lost too much blood. At this rate, he'll have only three hours to live, five if he's lucky." The doctor explained as calmly as possible as he stood next to Alex's prone and vulnerable body. His stump heavily bandaged as he laid there unconscious.
"What of his blood type, can we infuse my blood with his?" Carrie asked, worried for her friend, second-in-command and teacher.
"Only if it matches, but I fear it may be a lost cause." The doctor sighed as he glanced at Alex, "He's O-Negative. If he were A or B, we'd have a better chance. But he needs O-Negative, nothing else will do."
"Use mine then."
Carrie and the doctor turned to see June standing just outside the door. "I'm O-Negative, I can help him."
"June, are you sure?" Carrie asked, not sure if she can risk the young mother's life.
"Yes." June came closer, shrugging off her three layers of jackets until she was in a tank-top and presented her arm to the doctor, "Do it."
That was all the confirmation he needed before he began the blood transfusion from June to Alex. Though June felt slightly sick when she felt her blood leave her system, she willed herself to remain strong as she glanced at Carrie who held Alex's hand on the other side. After fifteen minutes, the doctor removed the needle and wrapped a gauze around the puncture mark.
June breathed heavily as she tried to move. "Don't try to move on your own Ms. Osborne."
"I'll take her."
Everyone turned and saw Janine standing in the doorway, a look of concern on her face when she saw what has become of one of the Saint's council members.
June swallowed as she made eye-contact with Janine.
Janine approached and took June's arm and wrapped it around her shoulder. "I got her." She said as she held June securely.
Carrie nodded, "Thank you Janine, and thank you June."
The two former handmaids left the operating room before they made their way to the far corner of the makeshift hospital where Janine laid June on the cot with a curtain surrounding.
June sighed as her back fell onto the bed as Janine removed her shoes then placed them on the bed. "Get plenty of rest June." Janine said as she pulled the blanket over her friend.
June felt her eyes get heavy as she rasped out, "Janine...I'm so sorry." Janine paused as she watched June's pale and sleepy expression, "I'm sorry." Was the last thing June said before she fell asleep out of exhaustion.
Janine sighed through her nose as she bundled June up and sat in the chair closest to her and simply watched her friend sleep.
Five days after the bombings, Carrie sat among her council with a solemn expression.
"How many did we lose?" Carrie asked after a long moment of silence.
The council shared similar looks before Ryan answered, "72 in total. While most died in the bombings, others succumbed to their wounds. There was nothing we could do."
Carrie nodded, the stench of death still fresh in her nostrils, "I want a list of the people we lost this week. I don't want their names forgotten." She sighed through her nose, "We must inform the families."
Reggie nodded, "Understood."
Lisa, though exhausted and shaken by the attack, addressed another issue, "We also need to take into account about the ones who cannot fight anymore. Lives were lost, but for those who live, not all of them have their limbs. Alex included."
"Yes. Which is why I asked for Mr. Tuello to conference this meeting." Carrie stated as she turned to the video screen and saw Mark's face as he stared back at them.
"Thank you for having me Ms. White." Mark greeted through the screen.
"Word has reached the Americans." Carrie stated as she turned to her council, "This was a setback for all of us, manpower-wise. But thankfully it wasn't a total loss. Right Reggie?"
Reggie nodded, "We got reports from Pennsylvania, Boston, Maryland, and North Carolina about buildings where Commanders operate have been bombed thanks to Her Holiness enthralling the pilots. Rebel forces are moving in and seizing power in those states." He sighed tiredly, "Though whether they can hold that power remains to be seen, the Guardians Wives and Aunts aren't easy to convince despite how some of them have helped us. All in all, a small victory by comparison."
Carrie nodded, "Yes, though the cost of that victory is up for debate. Mr. Tuello, I fear the survivors who are unable to continue this war cannot stay in this country. If they were to remain, they will die."
Mark nodded in agreement, "I understand, we already set up another hospital up in Anchorage, we'll be ready to receive them."
Carrie sighed in relief, "Thank you. Also, if possible, will you also be willing to accept Alexander Grace onto your team. Though he's lost a leg, I doubt he'll sit quietly while Gilead lives."
Mark was intrigued by the request, but who was he to deny that. "I'll speak with my superiors, I'm sure they'll be happy to have him."
"Much appreciated Mr. Tuello. Your help has been most gracious in our time of need." Carrie bowed her head to their ally.
Mark smiled, "Ms. White, you're the one who has helped us significantly this past year, we owe you a great deal."
The screen turned off as the council adjourned before they left to continue their work.
Carrie sat in the back of the ambulance with Alex who stared at the ceiling with an annoyed look.
"Typical, I lose a leg, then I get fired." Alex grumbled as the vehicle moved towards the harbor.
"You're not fired, you're getting transferred. I spoke with Oona and Moira, they agreed to get you to Canada." Carrie said as she wiped the sweat off his brow.
Alex sighed, though it's been five days, he felt like seconds passed since he lost his leg. It burns to literal hell and back. Despite the medical supplies the NGO gave them, he knew he would need professional help from a real hospital.
"I hate the ocean, I get seasick." Alex swallowed, already on the verge of losing his food.
Carrie breathed out a small laugh before she sobered up, "It's safer this way. We can't trust the skies right now." She let out a shuddering breath as she glanced at the lower half covered in a blanket.
Alex sensed her thoughts and held her hand, "Hey, this wasn't your fault. These things happen. Those fuckers can't keep me down." He grinned despite the discomfort her experienced.
Carrie felt better knowing he still carried his sense of humor and drive. "I spoke with Mark Tuello, he wants to work with you once you are well enough."
Alex smiled, "Sure, I don't mind. While I'm in Canada, I think I'll visit the Waterfords and rub it in their face about how I summoned God's Holy Soldier. That would be funny." He laughed then winced when it aggravated his ribs.
"Laugh when most of you is healed up." Carrie gently chastised the man.
Alex's smile waned as she stared up at the girl he awakened over a year ago, "I hate that I won't be there to help you. I had hoped to see you win against Gilead firsthand." He said with regret, remembering the feeling he experienced when he brought Carrie into this new world, how she has fought against the regime and never wavered.
Carrie smiled sadly at her friend, "You've done enough for me Alex, and I can't fully repay you for all you've done for me."
"Yes, you can." Alex held her hand tightly, "As long as Gilead is destroyed in the end, it is enough for me to keep going."
The ambulance stopped when they reached the harbor.
"Are you sure you won't come?" Moira asked June as the group of former handmaids gathered together to say their goodbyes to Janine and Moira. After much contemplation, Janine made the decision to reunite with her daughter. With a heavy heart, the sisters who suffered as one gave their farewell. All but one.
June shook her head, "As long as Hannah is in Gilead, I cannot leave. I need to keep fighting for her freedom."
Moira looked devastated, but she understood her reason. She loves her daughter too much to let Gilead warp her into a childbearing vessel.
Moira and June hugged each other tightly, "Thank you for protecting Holly. Please keep loving her." June whispered, struggling to keep her tears inside.
Moira swallowed the lump in her throat, "I will."
June pulled away then turned to Janine who stood silently.
"Janine...I-"
"I know." Janine cut her off and held her hand with a sad smile, "I forgive you."
June's eyes widened, but before she could ask why, Janine explained, "While I'm sad I will never see Caleb again, I am relieved Gilead will never corrupt him. He's free. I understand why you did what you did. I'm choosing to forgive you because I don't want Gilead to win."
June felt a weight leave her shoulders before she pulled Janine into a hug. "Tell Charlotte I said 'hi.' And give her a thousand kisses from all of us."
Janine smiled against her friend's shoulder, "I will."
June pulled away with a shuddering sigh, "Be with your baby girl...and be free."
Janine nodded, "I promise."
The ambulance arrived before the driver and medic opened the back door and wheeled Alex off with a gurney. Carrie stayed beside her advisor, never letting go of his hand until they got onto the boat with a recovered Oona guiding them.
Carrie stood on the dock and sighed as she turned to Oona and Moira, "I cannot thank you two enough for your aid. I just wish we had met under better circumstances."
Oona held her hands in hers and bowed her head in reverence, "We all do what we can to help another. These people are so lucky to have you. I never believed in God...but hearing about what you can do I think I'm starting to question my beliefs."
Carrie nodded, "We are all part of God's plan, whether by our will or not, we are all tied together." She glanced at the boat that will take Alex far away from here. "I know you're taking a risk by doing this. They guard even the waters." Carrie added with a grim expression as she stared at the ocean's horizon.
"What will you do?" Janine asked as she stood beside Moira with her bag in her arms.
Carrie smiled, "I'm gonna play in the sea for a bit."
Janine giggled; she knew what Carrie will do to the Gileadean patrol.
Carrie faced Moira and Janine and laid her hands on each of their shoulders, "You take care of each other out there."
Moira nodded, "We will, thank you for everything."
Janine stepped forward and gave the Saint a hug.
"I'll miss you." Janine whispered, happy beyond everything as freedom is just a boat ride away.
Carrie held her dearly, "May your light shine through these times of darkness."
Janine pulled away as tears shimmered in her eyes, but these were happy tears.
"Now, best be off now." Carrie said as she urged them to leave this land back to safety.
Janine breathed out a laugh then turned to the gathered former handmaids and waved at them, "Bye everyone."
They waved back at her before she climbed onto the boat with Moira and Oona.
Carrie watched as they unhooked the boat from the dock before she flew towards the ocean's horizon to intercept the ocean patrol.
Sometime later as the NGO's boat left Gilead waters, they passed by a boat with Gilead's symbol, but the one steering the boat while dragging another was none other than Carrie who rang the bell and waved, "Ahoy!" She laughed as she drove back to Chicago.
Janine waved back with a giggle; God knows she will miss that girl.
The boat reached Canadian docks by morning. Janine was the last one off the boat after helping Alex onto the dock. She stood on the edge of the boat, taking a deep breath before she finally set foot in Canada. A shuddering breath left her system as the wind blew through her red hair.
"I'm...free." Janine whispered as she looked around her and saw and ambulance waiting to receive Alex. But what caught her attention was a group of people holding up a very colorful sign, 'Welcome Janine!' There was another holding up her own little sign with itty bitty hands as she searched for her. 'Mommy.'
Janine couldn't feel the world around her as she stumbled forward, nearly falling under the weight of her overwhelming emotions. She began to run, not caring who was watching as she focused on the little toddler waiting for her between two women, Emily, and her wife Sylvia. Behind them were Luke, Rita and baby Nicole holding balloons.
Charlotte dropped her sign and broke away from the two women and ran towards Janine who dropped to her knees once they were close enough and caught her baby girl in her arms. Janine bowed her head and buried her face into her daughter's hair. Tears left her eye as she released all her pent-up emotions these past five years. She sobbed as she held her baby girl tightly, afraid to let go. She raised her tear-stained face towards the sky, "Oh God...oh thank you God!" She sobbed as everyone who witnessed this reunion had tears in their own eyes.
Unbeknownst to the mother and child, they were being filmed on Mark Tuello's orders. This moment will sway more supporters in their favor.
Janine pulled away to get a better look at her daughter who smiled as she touched her mother's hair, "Hi Mommy."
Janine laughed through tears, "Hello Charlotte. I'm home."