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“Sorry, but seriously, there are a lot more redshirts on the scavenging teams,” Roger said a tad defensively.

Travis took hold of Jenni’s arm lightly and gazed down into her face. “You are a good fighter. We all know that. But wouldn’t you rather be with Juan right now?”

“Doing what? Crying? Praying? Staring at him, hoping he moves?” Jenni again shook her head, almost violently. “I can feel myself going crazy in there waiting. At least this way, I’m trying to do something to save his life other than waiting for him to die. ”

Travis stepped back, his eyes lowering. “Jenni. . . ”

“Travis, don’t keep me from going out there. I’m begging you. ”

Katie slipped into the dining room behind Jenni. She looked pale and frustrated. “She won’t listen to me. ”

“She does have a point,” Bill interjected. “Watching the one you love die slowly and not be able to help is a hell unto itself. ” His eyes held incredible sadness. “I would have done anything to save my wife from cancer. I would have climbed Mount Everest to save her. ”

Travis could feel all the eyes in the room on him. “Jenni, if you go and something happens…”

Jenni whirled on him, her tear-filled eyes flashing with anger. “I can’t just sit there and wait! I can’t! I fucking can’t be helpless this time! Okay?”

“She’s made her choice. ” Dale spoke up for the first time. “Everyone has got a right to make a choice. ”

“We could use her,” Linda finally ventured. “Juan is my cousin and I love him. Yeah, I’m scared knowing the risks, but he has always treated me like his little sister. I gotta do what I can to save him. Let her go, Travis. ”

Lenore and Ken were seated side by side and by their lowered heads and averted gazes, it was obvious they did not want to get involved. Felix just sighed deeply and looked away. Charlotte fussed with the printouts she had used for her debriefing, obviously refusing to say a word about the situation.

Travis reached out slowly to Jenni, and she flung herself into his arms. He held her close, feeling her trembling. “Jenni, can you keep it together out there?”

She nodded vigorously. “I can out there better than I can here. ”

Katie slid her hand over Jenni’s long hair slowly. She looked agonized, but said in a quivering voice, “She’ll do fine out there. ”

Travis held Jenni tightly, laying his head on the top of her head. He could feel her anguish pouring out of he

r, filling the room. What would he do if Katie lay dying? The answer was obvious. Even he wanted to go to help his friend, but was held back by his position. But Jenni should have the choice, despite his personal misgivings.

“Okay, go, Jenni. I don’t think we could stop you if we tried,” Travis finally said.

Katie wiped away tears and Jenni turned and wrapped her arms around her. Holding each other tightly, the two women wept.

“I gotta go,”Jenni whispered.

“I know,” Katie answered, looking at Travis. “I know. ”

Travis reached out and touched her cheek lovingly. “Be careful out there, Jenni. ”

“I will. I promise. ”

“Then it’s settled. Jenni, get over here so I can catch you up, then we gotta go,” Bill said firmly.

Jenni pulled away from Travis, wiping away her tears. Walking toward Bill and Charlotte, she threw a smile back his way that was both grateful and terribly sad.

Travis slightly smiled back. Turning, he saw his wife staring after Jenni.

She had huge tears rolling down her cheeks, and it broke his heart to see her in pain.

“She’ll be okay. She’s more of a badass than I’ll ever be. ”

“True, but I can’t help but worry. ” Katie turned away, moving toward the hall. “I hate today. I hate everything about it. ”

Travis hurried after her, his hand gripping her elbow lightly. “Honey, go lie down for a bit. Okay?”