The Rick! The Jessica!! Then The Risca!!!

Chapter 33: Reunion and Revelation

As the day arrived, the weight of human history hung heavy in the air, poised on the precipice of potential salvation or devastation. The spaceship carrying three nuclear missiles launched into orbit successfully passed all checks and ventured into outer space.

Defense Head Henry breathed a sigh of relief as phase one was completed, but all eyes remained fixed on the mission control room where hundreds of scientists meticulously tracked both the spacecraft and Asteroid Risca's trajectory.

Back at the medical camp, Jessica sat under a tree, her face bandaged and her left hand in a cast, immobilized to aid the healing of multiple fractures sustained in the accident. Her right foot, encased in a heavy orthopedic boot and wrapped in layers of compression bandages, concealed the deep bruising and swelling from the impact it had endured. Each step sent a stab of pain through her, reminding her of the fragility of her body.

She watched with a mix of resignation and determination as military personnel practiced nearby, their drills sharp and urgent. The medical team had done their best to stabilize her injuries, but the ache in her bones and the exhaustion in her muscles were constant companions.

Her gaze shifted to the logistics building where supplies were being loaded onto military vehicles. Amidst the bustling activity, she caught sight of someone who looked like Rick, transporting weapons to the waiting vehicles.

Disbelieving at first, Jessica limped over to him, using the handles for support. Her damaged foot slowed her, and she lacked the energy to shout Rick's name. Finally reaching him, she stumbled and fell to the ground. Rick turned, recognition dawning on his face as he realized it was Jessica lying there.

He rushed to her side, lifting her gently and carrying her to a nearby bench under the tree. There, they faced each other, the gravity of their reunion mixing with the impending crisis.

Jessica's emotions erupted as she slapped Rick, her voice trembling with anger and hurt. "It's been one and a half months, Rick. Why didn't you respond to my calls or texts? Did you think you could just disappear like this? Did you ever think of me?" Tears welled in her eyes as she gestured to her injured face and body. "Look at me. Look at my condition. All because of you. Do you know how much I suffered, searching for you every day? I didn't know if you were alive or dead."

She paused, her voice choked with emotion. "You know about the news, right? The asteroid you dismissed as a hoax is going to hit us in four hours. Are you happy now? What happened, Rick? Tell me what happened."

Rick looked at Jessica, his own eyes filled with regret and guilt. He took a deep breath, steadying himself to explain everything.