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“Thanks, Bill. ”

“I’ll get the map and photocopies from Charlotte,” Peggy said, heading toward the door.

Katie kissed Travis’ forehead, feeling his body slowly melding against hers.

“I will go check on the search for Calhoun and Ray,” Nerit said, standing up to leave.

“Thanks, Nerit. ”

She patted his shoulder then followed Eric out the door.

“Forgive me?” Travis asked his wife.

Katie kissed him firmly on the lips. “Nothing to forgive. You’re a loyal friend, a good leader, and a man with a huge heart. There is nothing to forgive. ”

Travis laid his head on her shoulder. “Katie, I’m so lucky to have you. ”

“Yes, you are. So don’t go running off doing something stupid. ”

“I’ll keep that in mind. ”

“I’m going to go check on Jenni. ”

Travis straightened, rubbing his neck. “Ok. I need to go to the briefing anyway. ”

Running her hand lightly over his arm, she reluctantly drew away from her husband. “I’ll see you later. ”

“I love you, Katie. ”

“I love you, Travis. ”

As she slipped out the door, she stole one more look at her weary husband. Travis sat on the edge of his desk staring into space. She could see that he was resigned to not going out, but it was hard on him. With a soft sigh, she shut the door behind her.

* * * * * It was nearly one-thirty when the volunteer teams were briefed on the medical supply run in the dining room. The volunteers studied the layout of the hospital Charlotte had drawn and listened to her explain exactly where they needed to go. They looked over the photocopies of the equipment and surgical instruments as well as a list of medications that would be useful.

Travis stood in the back of the room trying not to feel frustrated and guilty for not going along. He had put up a good argument only to be shot down. Even Roger had told him the Captain needed to stay on the ship and not go out with the away team when he had expressed his regrets in not going with them.

Finally, Charlotte finished her briefing and said, “Anyone have anything to say? Ask? Suggest?”

“Yeah,” a voice came from behind them. “When are we leaving?”

Everyone in the room turned to look at the pale, determined face of Jenni.

“Shit,” Roger muttered.

“You’re not going,” Travis said automatically.

Jenni frowned and pointed at him. “You can’t tell me what to do. ?”

“C’mon, Jenni. Shouldn’t you be with Juan?” Travis walked toward her, wondering if the sick feeling he had in the pit of his stomach is what others had felt when he announced he wanted to go with the team.

“And do what? Watch him die?” Jenni shook her head. “Fuck that. I’m going. I am good at this sort of thing. How many rescue teams have I been on?”

“You’re still new at scavenging and it’s a little different,” Roger answered.

“Death rates on the scavenging teams are higher than the rescue. ”

Everyone in the room looked at him obviously wishing he hadn’t spoken that particular bit of truth.