6. Respite

Complete story — includes the ending

Tom awakens disoriented in a house and has his wounds tended to by a woman he initially believes to be Rebecca. He learns that the family have lived in the property the entire time and have avoided the effects of the Espheni war. He then cleans himself up and joins the family for dinner and becomes emotional at the normality of their life. The 2nd Mass arrive at a whiskey distillery and search for what they believe to be a communications device that can help them win the war. Meanwhile, Isabella and Hal have to abandon their truck during their search for Tom. They discover the wounded Hornet that had taken Tom and find him at the house. Before they leave, Tom persuades the boy who wanted to join the war effort to remain with his family and protect them. When Marty discovers the Espheni communications device, Weaver uses it and sees a group of Overlords gathered before collapsing from the strain. When Tom, Hal and Isabella arrive at the distillery, the reunion is cut short when Weaver breaks the news to Tom about their discovery.