Safe Haven

Good News

Two weeks after the Henry incident, the group hears a promising broadcast over the radio.

"This is Major Tom of the United States Military calling all survivors in the Midwest region. A military checkpoint has been set up in central Fairview Missouri. Survivors are encouraged to travel to Fairview where they will receive medical treatment, nourishment, and possible escort to another checkpoint if the one in Fairview becomes overcrowded. Good luck, survivors. Major Tom out."

"So, what does this mean?" Chloe asks, leaning against the shelter wall near the radio.

"It means we're getting out of here," Nathan says. "They've got guns and manpower, the BCs don't stand a chance. If we can make it there, our prayers will be answered. We can finally live a relatively normal life again."

"I wouldn't be too sure, son," James chimes in. "The military isn't exactly the most trustworthy group of people."

"He's right," says Griffin. "I've heard stories of soldiers gunning down civilians in the early days of the whole BC invasion."

"It's worth a shot at least. Who's with me on this?" Nathan asks. He stands in front of the group, and waits for a response. They look amongst themselves before someone finally answers.

"I'm in," Chloe says.

"I won't let my only son and daughter go on this trip alone, so I'll come with as well," James says.

"I'm going, too. If it means even the slightest chance to be safe, I think it's worth it," Jillian says.

Griffin and Kate look at each other. Griffin slowly shakes his head. Kate looks to her feet solemnly and nods.

"I'm in," she says.

"Kate?" Griffin exclaims. "What are you doing?"

"These are our people, Griff. We're not letting them go alone. Hell, it's not like we'd survive on our own."

"We've got better chances than we do if we go with them," he responds.

"Griff, you're welcome to stay here and defend this shelter, but I'm going with whether you like it or not.

Griffin glares at her with a betrayed look in his eyes, but quickly changes his demeanor to a much less aggressive state.

"You know what?" He says. "I'm going too. We're all in this together, have been since we found this place. I wouldn't be here if Nathan's family hadn't come along to save me from the grips of that BC. Let's get going, at sunrise. We'll pack our bags with essentials, and we'll head east to Fairview. What is it, like, 100 something miles? We'll manage."

"It's settled then," Nathan smiles. "We leave at sunrise. Everybody get a good night's sleep, it's the last one you'll get for a while."

The group goes through with their nightly routines before heading to bed.

Jillian cuddles up with Nathan, wrapped securely in his arms.

"Hey, Nate?" Jillian whispers.

"What's up babe?" He responds. "Something on your mind?"

"I don't know if we should go through with this. What if Griffin is right? What if we're just gunned down like...like animals?"

"I won't let that happen, Jillian. I won't let anyone hurt you." He caresses her cheek with the back of his hand.

"You're not invincible, Nate. These are soldiers we're talking about. If they want us dead, they'll put us down."

"We'll be alright babe, trust me."

"But what if they-"

"Do you trust me?" Nathan cuts her off mid-question.

"I do," she replies.

"Then trust me when I tell you that we'll be fine. If things go south, I'll do everything I can to protect you."

"Thank you, Nate. I love you." Jillian turns around and gently kisses his lips.

Nathan runs his hand through her silky brown hair. "I love you too," he says, before drifting off to sleep.