Just a little more, Enterprise told herself. Just a little more. Then, they wouldn't need to be tangled in the chaos anymore. Just a little more, and they will be in New Jersey. New York would be just a couple of hours away, and there, they would have protection.
Commander Halsey had relieved Reese from driving, allowing him to check up on the others and join his daughter, who seemed happier seeing her father around. Janine was the same, chiding him for not getting enough rest and making him sit beside her, much to his embarrassment.
If Essex's words were anything to go by, at least her fears over New York being invaded had proven false. Her sisters must be doing fine, and she was itching to see them.
They finally crossed the Delaware for the last time, and the feeling of relief was palpable. Even if they were still technically not out of harm's way, at least they were no longer in Philadelphia and the chaos they had left behind.
And the further south they went, the calmer it got. No signs of fighting, no sounds of people screaming. Just the occasional carcasses of wrecks and the desolate suburban sprawl.
"Looks like we're home free, folks," Jim shouted from the back. "We should be able to get off this thing soon. The Jersey Turnpike ain't a place to stay, though."
"Well, at least we won't be dealing with people shooting at us. That's a relief," the Commander quipped. "Now, let's make a beeline to New York."
"Essex told me that the Coast Guard and the Marine Corps have established a position in Jersey City. Some of the refugees are gathering around there. That means New York's not the only safe haven around these parts," Enterprise said. "That's...a good thing."
"Think we can go through there? The sooner we leave I-95, the better. I don't wanna take chances," Reese said.
"Probably," Commander Halsey nodded. "After all, you're all refugees. I'm sure they'll understand."
"But it's a military position. What if they refuse to let us through?" a middle-aged woman said.
"Then we go through Secaucus. Either way, we'll be out of this mess."
"We'll find out soon enough," Enterprise said. "For now, let's focus on getting there. And the faster, the better."
"Aye, aye, Captain," the Commander grinned. "Heh, if only traffic in this state could always be this good."
Enterprise couldn't help but shake her head at his antics, but she wasn't annoyed, and she could feel a smile tugging at her lips.
***
The distant sight of the Meadowlands along the turnpike under the bright afternoon sun was a welcome sight. Enterprise hadn't been aware of just how tense she had been until her shoulders relaxed. She felt lighter, and she had no doubt everyone else was the same.
They were going to make it.
It would only be a matter of time.
They soon made the turn from I-95 to I-78 and crossed the bridge to Jersey City. By the end of it, a makeshift checkpoint manned by the Coast Guard was already waiting for them, rifles and machine guns at the ready. A young-looking coastie approached them and asked them to stop and open the doors.
"Everyone, please stay calm. Don't give them any reason to be alarmed," Reese called out. "If they ask anything, tell the truth."
"...Are you refugees?" The soldier furrowed his brows when he noticed the weapons. "What are you doing with those?"
"We need protection. We're from Wilmington, and we had to go through Philly. That place's a warzone," Reese said, raising his hands. "We're not looking to cause trouble."
"Indeed. I can vouch for them," Commander Halsey spoke up, and the soldier's eyes widened. He immediately stood at attention and saluted.
"Uh, sorry, sir, I didn't notice you. I...I will call my superior," he said, and left the bus.
Enterprise could see him speaking to an older man in uniform, the latter nodding and walking toward the bus, a few soldiers following him. The officer saluted the Commander as he got on the bus, and he returned it.
"Lieutenant Edward Bowers, USCG. Sorry about the hassle...Commander, sir," he said. "Are you the leader of these people?"
"No, that would be Mr. Reese, Lieutenant," the Commander said. "I'm just...well, we happened to meet them while we were on our way from Norfolk. They helped me, so I can confirm they are not a threat."
"Ah, Norfolk. I'm sorry about that. We've been hearing about it. The whole East Coast is a mess," Bowers sighed. "Very well, sir. I know you've been ordered to head to New York, but I'm sorry, we'll have to confiscate your weapons and ammunition. Can't have civilians going around armed at times like this, after all. But you...may keep your sidearm, if you don't mind."
"I understand, Lieutenant. Thank you."
"Do you need something before you leave? Food, water, fuel?"
"Actually, we had a full tank when we left, so we're good. But...we could use some food and water."
"We can handle it, sir," Bowers nodded. "Now, please, wait here."
As the officer left the bus, the soldiers went about, relieving the passengers of their weapons, with Reese and the Commander assisting. Jim was almost pouting when he had to turn over his launcher, but Josh and Melissa were glad they wouldn't need them.
Bowers returned soon after with MREs and bottled water, and the people were grateful, even if some knew of the MREs' reputation. Essex had woken up, and Bowers inquired about her injuries. The KANSEN assured him she was fine, though.
"Will that be all, sir? You are free to go," he said.
"Thank you, Lieutenant," the Commander shook his hand. "Take care."
"And you, sir."
Reese thanked the officer as well, and then the bus set off, heading toward the Lincoln Tunnel. They soon decided to stop by Liberty State Park to give the kids a breather. They had been cooped up in the bus for hours, and the adults themselves could use the break, too.
There were a couple of other groups of people hanging around, but they weren't too numerous and paid them little heed.
While some ate and the children began a boisterous game of tag, Enterprise sat on the bench with Essex while Janine and Reese checked on the Commander. Grim circled the skies above, relishing in the freedom to fly and soar against the wind.
"Huh, glad we didn't need to fight our way through," Essex said. "Would've been a pain in the ass."
"Indeed," Enterprise nodded, feeling the twitching in her fingers. She tried to ignore it. "Now, how are things going?"
"Some of us arrived in New York hurt. We're doing all we can to restore them to service," Essex said. "Vestal is doing her best. Recently, we had a lot of people from embassies in Washington arriving. The UN is in chaos, as communications with a large part of the world have gone dark. But you know what? We have a couple of foreign KANSENs, too. They said they are ready to lend a hand if the approval comes."
"Good," Enterprise smiled. "The more the merrier."
"And that's all I know."
"...And why did you decide to volunteer to scout?" Enterprise asked. "It's dangerous."
Essex looked at her and smiled wryly, playing with her hair.
"...Just wanna do my part. We were trying to figure out what the enemies were up to. What they're planning. But...I didn't get much."
"You shouldn't have ventured that far..." Enterprise sighed, patting her head.
"I know...It's just...I was going after that...that person again," Essex said, her eyes downcast. "A woman, almost like...us."
Enterprise recalled the smirk on the strange woman's face. The chill she sent down her spine.
"...I...I think I saw her, too. But she didn't do anything."
"Exactly. She just...watched and laughed," Essex clenched her fist. "And that's more concerning."
"It's good that you're worried. But we will stop them. And this woman, too," Enterprise smiled, trying to sound reassuring. "All of us will."
Essex smiled and nodded. "Thanks. I'm...really happy to see you again. Really. I was really worried. Are you...hurt anywhere?"
"No, not really. Just scratches," Enterprise chuckled. "So, you don't have to worry about me. I'm fine."
"Yeah, and I'm not, either," Essex laughed, and she turned her head to look out across the river and into the skyline of Manhattan.
"Hey, you two," Commander Halsey approached them with a tired smile. "Everything alright?"
"Yup, everything's good. You need a hand?" Enterprise asked as the Commander took a seat beside her.
"No, not really. My stitches have been looked at, and they're satisfied with my progress. I was wondering what's up with you," he shrugged.
"Oh, um, I guess I'll go and check up on the others," Essex said, standing up and smiling. "See you later!"
Commander Halsey raised his eyebrow, and Enterprise sighed.
"Was that really necessary?"
"I think...she's just trying to give us space," Enterprise felt her face warming up. The Commander's right. That was unnecessary.
"Hm. Well, then again, once we got to New York, we wouldn't have much chance to talk like this, just the two of us, anymore. But now I don't know what else to say. Would you like to hear another thank you for the umpteenth time?" He chuckled. "Screw that, we wouldn't make it this far without you. So thank you."
"You're welcome, sir," Enterprise smiled, and the twitching in her fingers subsided. "But you did your part, too. And...I'm glad. If we hadn't met, I'd be alone. Or worse."
"Hey, I'd be dead if not for you. That's one hell of a way to pay me back," he joked, and Enterprise had to laugh. "Look at that city. I admit, back then, when it was only the two of us on the road, I kinda romanticized the whole trip. It's like we were headed for a mythical place. A promised land," he laughed, sheepish. "Don't give me that look. I couldn't really think straight, okay?"
But was it no longer that, just because reality had come knocking? Enterprise wondered.
"...It's not a bad thing. We kept going because of that hope. And for all its worth, sir...I don't regret it. Not even one bit," she smiled. "If anything, it's an adventure. An unexpected one, yes, but I still wouldn't trade it for anything else. You taught me a lot. So...thank you."
She could feel his eyes lingering, and she had a feeling her own gaze was no different. She could only imagine the sight of her smiling like an idiot, but she couldn't care less.
She didn't know what to feel about the trip's ending, but one thing she did know was that there was no turning back.
Not now, not ever.
***
The sun had just set when they entered the tunnel. The lights were still working, and they were no longer fazed by the derelict cars and broken wrecks littering the way. Another checkpoint waited for them on the other side, where the Commander was saluted by the soldiers, who had let them through after confirming their identities.
It was not a city of blinding lights that welcomed them when they emerged, and the air was heavy. The buildings were dark, save for a few flickering signs and the occasional lights from windows. The only source of illumination was the moon and the streetlamps.
"Well, welcome to New York, folks. I wish it were a happier occasion," Commander Halsey quipped. "Well, Enterprise and I have to report in, and the CNO is coordinating things from Madison Square Garden, I was told. There's a refugee shelter there, too, so I'm thinking of taking you guys there. If you don't mind."
"Well, anywhere's fine. As long as it's safe. And I'm sure the kids will be happy to meet new people," Reese chuckled. "Besides, everyone is too tired to argue."
"Okay, the Garden it is. Just a short drive away."
The empty streets of New York and silence so thick that the buzzing from the engine was almost deafening was like a dream. A strange, terrible lucid dream. But the city was not abandoned, nor was it lifeless.
The Garden wasn't far from the Lincoln Tunnel, and when they arrived, there was a queue forming outside the main gate. People were being escorted in, and a handful of soldiers and police officers were guarding the area.
The Commander told the passengers to stay on the bus as he stepped out and showed his identification, and after a brief chat, he returned and told the group to follow him. The officer who had spoken to him had told him, rather apologetically, that they were still in the process of sorting the new arrivals, and it might take time before they would be given any assistance. But at least they could stay for the night.
They were led to a registration table, where a long line had formed, and the officer assigned to the task looked almost exhausted from the amount of work she had to do.
"Sorry, but I think it'd be this bad anywhere," Commander Halsey shook his head.
"It's alright," Reese nodded. "If you need to go, go. We can take care of ourselves."
"Yeah. And thank you, Reese. For patching me up and everything. Tell Janine and Melissa I said thanks, too," he grinned, then turned to Amy and knelt before her. "Sweetie, I have to go for a while. I will see you again, okay? Listen to what Reese and the others tell you, and be a good girl, okay?"
"Where are you...and Enty going?" Amy asked, her voice wavering.
"Oh, sweetie, it's our job. But we will see you again. And besides, you're not going to be alone. You have Jessie and the other kids. And you have all these nice people, too. I will be back, promise."
"Promise?"
"Promise. Don't worry."
"And...can we...see each other again?"
"Yes, sweetie," the Commander pulled her into a hug, and Amy returned it, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck.
"You'll be fine, sweetie," he whispered. "Remember what I said? Be brave. Okay? Be brave."
Amy nodded, and he ruffled her hair. Enterprise reached out to do the same.
"Be strong. I'll see you again. Okay?"
"Okay," Amy nodded. "See you."
"See you."
"It's been an honor meeting you, Mr. Halsey," Reese said, and the Commander gave him a firm handshake.
"The honor is mine, Reese. Take care. All of you."
***
Commander Halsey was silent for the most part as they were led deeper and deeper into the arena. Enterprise knew him well enough to know he was troubled. Probably thinking up things he would have to report and worrying about his subordinates.
Essex had parted ways with them, saying that she had to join the other KANSENs. The others were no longer around, either. They must have been busy.
The seamen standing guard at the door saluted and opened it for them. Inside was a makeshift office, a large table stacked with paperwork, and behind it, Admiral Maylene Roberts, the Chief of Naval Operations. The Commander saluted, and Enterprise did the same.
"Welcome, Commander Halsey, Enterprise. Took you long enough, but knowing you two, I believe you had a few...complications along the way," the older woman smiled as she stood and returned the salute. "But now you are here, we could start sorting out the mess. Come, take a seat. This won't take long, as you two must be tired. Just a few things to go over, and then we'll get you some rest."
"Aye, ma'am," the Commander said.
"Norfolk's been confirmed overrun, so I believe you two were the last surviving personnel," the Admiral said. "So I guess that's one issue sorted out. We've been hearing a lot of bad news, and frankly, I'm starting to lose count. First, Washington, then Baltimore, and Philadelphia. And that's just the Eastern Seaboard. God knows how bad the rest of the country is doing. I'm hoping things will look up, but I can't say. Communications are still mostly down, and we have a strong reason to believe the enemy is interfering with the signals. The President's latest broadcast made it through, though. You missed it, I take? Quite the pep talk. That also confirms the government's still around, in a fashion. But I digress. The more pressing matter is..."
She leaned forward, fingers clasped together.
"...There are alarming reports that a large fleet has massed in the North Atlantic. And that...the waters around them have been changed, so to speak, and there are freak storms brewing, likely their handiwork. It is suspected that the enemy is preparing a large-scale offensive. And the fact that the storms are getting worse means we don't have much time."
"Then...our priority should be..." the Commander frowned.
"A plan is being formulated, but it's safe to say we will need all the firepower we can get," Admiral Roberts said. "That's why I'd like you two to rest up. We'll have to figure something out fast, and you must be ready for whatever comes. So now, get all the rest you can. The fleet is gathering at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, so that's where I'd like you to go. And Enterprise, you might want to see Vestal and your sisters. They have been worried sick. As for you, Commander Halsey, I'd like a report on Norfolk as soon as possible. Dismissed."
"Aye, ma'am."
"And...take care."
The two nodded, and Commander Halsey was the first to leave the room. He walked at a brisk pace, and Enterprise knew he had a lot on his mind.
"Sir?"
"Hmm?" He turned to her, stopping in his tracks.
"Are you...alright?" She asked.
"...No. Not really," he sighed. "So there's a storm coming. Bigger than what we've dealt with. I was thinking...I should fight, too."
"Sir, you mean..."
"I'm going to fly, one way or another. Even if I had to beg or be knocked down to the lowest rung of the ladder, I'd do it. I'm going to hop behind the stick again and shoot those bastards out of the sky."
Right, Enterprise smiled. That was the Commander Halsey she knew.
She'd only heard of his days flying the Phantoms and the Skyhawks. But now, she could see it with her own eyes.
She would've been concerned about that decision, his injuries, and what the brass would think if not for the fact that the Commander was determined. He had shown her that he was stronger than she could have imagined, and yet she had no doubt the road ahead would not be easy.
This was a man who had gone through hell and back. He always took pride in his words.
And she knew he wouldn't back down.
To try to stop him would be pointless. A disservice.
After all, he had acknowledged those qualities in her, so wouldn't it be hypocritical if she denied them in him?
All she could think now was to give her support. Her pledge to protect. Hope that the leaders will recognize the value of a person like him and his grit.
"I'll protect you, sir, if you're going to go up," she said, and the Commander grinned, patting her shoulder.
"Thank you, Enterprise. Let's go."
"Right behind you, sir."
***
The citywide curfew was still in effect, and the streets were dark and empty.
There were a handful of people milling about, but they were only military personnel and emergency workers. A couple of them passed by them, but no one paid them much heed.
It was not the New York City they knew. No lights, no bustling crowd, no sounds. No music, no laughter, no incessant honking horns .
Yet there was life here. Enterprise could feel it. Voices hushed but not silenced. Embers not completely snuffed out, ready to be kindled once again. Tears were spilled, but hope remained.
Commander Halsey was silent throughout the trip, and so was the Petty Officer driving them to the Navy Yard. She wondered if he was thinking of what was to come, too.
Or perhaps he was thinking of the people they left behind, especially the little girl he had grown to care for, almost like his own daughter.
Perhaps he was thinking of all those who were lost.
He would be hard-pressed not to think of them, especially with the uncertainty of the situation.
But he was not in despair. Not anymore.
He wasn't alone in this. Neither was she.
They will not go gentle into that good night.
They will not go down without a fight.