"We're almost there," said Strand, his hands steady on the wheel. Alex and Travis sat beside him while Daniel stood outside, keeping watch.
Madison came in just as they were about to start talking. "Hey, what are you guys talking about?" she asked.
Victor turned to her and said, "We're going to need a contingency plan in case this fails."
"Plan?" Mike asked. "I trust Marcus. I know he'll let us in."
"No," Victor interrupted. "He's going to let you and your family in."
"What about us then? What if he doesn't?"
"Then what? Are we just going to be imprisoned?" Victor's words sent a chill through everyone.
Still, Travis spoke up. "This is our chance," he said, glancing outside at the kids—Nick, Alicia, Angel, Ray, Ofelia—and finally at his own son, Chris. He remembered how angry Chris had been with him after what happened. Travis clenched his teeth and thought to himself, A normal life. I'll give you that, Chris. I'll protect you. I promise.
Then Daniel walked inside, glancing at Victor before saying, "I trust Alex. I know he will find us a way." Though they had only just met, Daniel trusted his instincts—honed over the years—and those instincts told him to trust Alex, but to remain wary of Victor.
Travis then spoke up. "Why are you panicking so much about this, Victor?"
Victor looked at him and thought, They don't trust me. His eyes landed on Madison, who stayed silent. Except her, he mused. She understands what I'm implying. But looking at her now, it seems she just wants to see things for herself first.
He sighed. "Alright, alright," he said aloud, though in his mind he was already calculating a backup plan. If that place turns out to be dangerous, I'll abandon them immediately, he thought. I've heard rumors about the man, but rumors are one thing—the actual person is another. No matter what, my survival comes first.
"It looks like we're going to arrive in the afternoon," Travis said, checking the map and glancing toward the horizon.
Back at the Federation, it had been a day since Marcus and the others left for Walker training. Ray had immediately taken charge of the Federation. He had already spoken to Dan, instructing him to stay alert and pay close attention to the surroundings—especially the blind spots. Still, he doubted that anyone could slip past Marcus's security net around the Federation.
Well, another boring day for me, Ray thought. Honestly, he never expected things to turn out this way. All he wanted was to enjoy life, even in a world consumed by the apocalypse. But now that the responsibility had fallen into his hands, he couldn't afford to let Marcus and the others down. We're all so busy now, he thought, reminiscing about the times he spent with Jessy and Marcus.
Just then, his walkie-talkie crackled to life.
"Bravo Actual, Bravo Actual, this is Sea One. Observing a yacht heading toward the Federation. I repeat, a yacht is heading our way."
Ray quickly grabbed the radio from his waist and replied, "Sea One, this is Bravo Actual. Prepare, but do not shoot. I repeat, do not shoot. Apply the protocol first."
"Copy, Bravo Actual," came the response.
Ray sighed. There goes my free time. As second-in-command of the Federation, it was only natural that with the Leader and the Admiral of the Navy away, he was temporarily in charge. Currently, there were around eighty soldiers left at the base—forty-nine from the Navy and thirty-one from the Federation's ground forces.
On the Abigail
"Is that it?" asked Alicia.
"Whoa, look at that! I see farmlands in the distance," said Angel, peering through a telescope.
"Really? Are you sure?" Ofelia asked, leaning closer to confirm what he saw.
"That should be it," said Nick.
"Whew, finally," Ray sighed from the side.
"Darling, we can finally be safe," Leah said, hugging Alex tightly.
"Yeah… just a little more," he replied, relieved to see his daughter's complexion improving these past few days. He silently thanked Ofelia and Alicia for taking care of her. But I wonder… has the apocalypse changed you, Marcus? he thought.
Suddenly, the yacht's radio crackled to life.
"This is the Federation. Reduce your speed and stop. I repeat, reduce your speed and stop now."
Hearing that, Victor immediately slowed the Abigail and brought it to a halt, though his hands remained firmly on the controls—ready for anything. He leaned toward the radio and spoke.
"Acknowledged," he said.
"This is the Federation. What are you doing here?"
Victor replied calmly, "A friend of mine is on board. He said your leader told him to come here."
There was a pause—an uneasy silence that settled over everyone. The air grew tense; even the gentle rocking of the waves felt heavier. Then, finally, a voice came through the radio again.
"Sorry for that. My authorization level is low for this situation. My superior will speak to you directly. Over."
At those words, everyone aboard the Abigail let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"This is Ray Donovan, currently in charge of the Federation. Who am I talking to?"
When Alex heard that voice, he immediately rushed over to Victor and snatched the mic connected to the radio.
"Hey, what the—?" Victor was caught off guard.
Alex ignored him and spoke into the mic. "This is Alex Caruso. Is that you, Ray?"
There was a brief pause before the reply came. "Alex? Is it really you? You're alive?" Ray's voice sounded both shocked and relieved.
"Well, it's a long story," Alex said with a small smile, "but I'm finally here."
"I'm glad you survived," Ray replied sincerely. Then Alex asked "By the way, where's Marcus? Is he not there? And why are you talking to me instead of him?"
Alex frowned slightly. "Marcus isn't here right now. Why are you in charge, Ray?"
"Marcus is out on a mission," Ray explained. "He left me with full authority over the Federation until he returns."
Alex let out a small sigh of relief. "Well, thank goodness for that."
Ray's tone shifted, more professional now. "By the way, Alex—are there others with you besides your family?"
Alex hesitated for a moment, glancing around at the others. Their faces showed a mix of emotions—worry, curiosity, and hope. Finally, he answered, "Yes, there are others. They're with me."
"Understood," Ray said. "You're all welcome here. Just make sure to follow our protocols when you arrive."
"Yeah, no problem," Alex replied.
"Oh, and Alex—hurry up. I want to hear your story when you get here. Bring your friends too," Ray added with a hint of warmth in his voice.
"Alright. Thanks, Ray," Alex said gratefully.
"Don't mention it," Ray replied before the radio went silent.
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