Alternative Endings Bonus Material and Pictures

(Occurs While everyone is Preparing to Attack the Embassy)

☣

  In about thirty minutes it had quieted down somewhat. Jamie decided to check in on Signor Raphael with Chloe. He walked down the hallway and silently opened Raphael's door.
  "We're almost ready," he reported, hoping that he hadn't woken the man.

  Chloe stood on her tip toes behind him, trying to see inside the dark room. “Are you okay, Raphael?” she asked timidly.
  "Mh," Raphael replied, then hauled himself to his feet. In his weakened state, it was arduous to stand.

  “We brought you more tea,” Chloe said, pushing Jamie through the door. She gingerly carried a cup of steaming liquid to the sick man.

  “Thanks,” Raphael sighed and took the cup gratefully. “How are things out there?” He returned to his seat and sipped the tea.

  “Not great,” Chloe replied, sitting down beside him on the cot. Jamie sat on his other side. “They are really freaked out.”

  “They certainly have reason to be,” Jamie interrupted. “I saw a picture of smallpox in a National Geographic once and it was totally gross. The bumps were oozing and everythi-“

  “Enough,” Raphael silenced him.

  “It’s not your fault, really,” Chloe comforted. “You know they would have got it eventually. You just speeded up the process.”

  “Please to not try to make me feel less guilty.” Signor Raphael raised his head and stared at the wall. “Anyone that dies will only add the already considerable burden that I must always bear.”

  “Whoa…” Jamie stared at him in alarm. This guy was seriously grim sometimes! “Sounds like you’re a little depressed.”

  “It’s depressing,” Raphael replied sharply. “And I can only hope that you kids never have to deal with that sort of guilt.”

  The three sat in silence for a while, the kids unsure of what to say. Finally Jamie spoke up. “Me too,” he agreed.

  ☣