Ratchet Reloaded

[Culebra]

Location - Culebra Smelter - Puerto Rico

I should have gone!
Mercedes watched her son pace back and forth across the control room.
Still no word from them, Cesar murmured.
Raphael calm down.

Cesar turned and looked at his mother upon hearing his given name. He sighed and slumped down into a chair.
Mercedes walked over to her son and put her hand on his shoulder.

You know you could not have left. There is too much to do here.
I know mama butDiego and the rest.
Diego can take care of himself. You taught him most of what he knows.

Cesar spun around in the chair and punched some buttons.
Jose any word from them yet?
A voice came back, None. Sorry Cesar.
Well keep an ear open.
Both ears Cesar dont worry.

Cesar stood and the sound of his rumbling stomach filled the room.
Mercedes frowned, How long has it been since you have eaten or slept?
Its been a while. He said as he wandered to the view port. CSVs still buzzed around Vieques. Why isnt that damn ship ready yet?
Is that the one you would take to look for them?
Maybe maybe if Papi had that ship
Maybe. Mercedes said in a soft voice.
Cesar turned and gave his mother a hug. Im sorry.
Mercedes stepped back and looked at her son. Dont be Cesar. He died doing what he loved and you will honor him.
Cesar smiled.

Well go eat and get some sleep. I will stay here and monitor any communications we receive.
Cesar frowned, You know maybe we should go to Rochester. They have a larger communications array.
Mercedes gave her son a stern look. After you eat and sleep.
Cesar yawned and nodded and made his way to the galley.
Mercedes sat down at the control panel and put her face in her hands. Diego come back safe.