Rumors of the sudden return of the rescue mission, after almost two months of absence, spread through the city like wildfire, and many gathered to welcome the convoy passing slowly on the main street on the way to the designated meeting point. Local police were quick to cooperate in directing traffic and maintaining order. But many of the survivors had relatives in the city who flocked to the meeting point, Amongst which, of course were also members of the Moses family, who got there even before the last vehicle came to a full stop. Dina and Roy were the first to notice Jonathan, Sally and Sam standing next to one of the vehicles, looking slightly lost, still under the influence of the shock, along with Andy and Toby. The two children broke out of Mark and Lily's arms and started running toward their parents and brother, who welcomed them with bear hugs and an almost hysterical mixture of crying and laughter. Lily didn't hold back either and she stormed her two sons with hugs and kisses, with much commotion about.

That evening, a semi-formal ceremony was held at the Great Municipal Sports Hall, and all those who participated in the rescue mission and all survivors joined in with with their families. Most of them were still torn between their gratitude for being rescued and mourning the loss and knowing that they were, in fact, destitute, and on the other hand, among the welcomers there were many whose hopes of finding loved ones among the survivors were shattered for good.

The crowd slowly filled the seats in a hall that was almost too small to accommodate them all. In one of the corners several crates were placed to be used as a makeshift stage, with a podium in the center. Daniel took the stage and cleared his throat. The hall went gradually silent,

"I am very happy to see you all, Daniel started. "I know that each of us has lost something, from property and home to entire families. But we are here. And soon, when the state of emergency is officially lifted, each of you will be free to choose their own way. There will be time to mourn, and time to rejoice. But before we disperse, I have a few parting words for you "

A murmur of surprise mixed with protest went through the crowd, and Daniel raised one arm and waited for the noise to die down.

"The next time the call comes - and it will, trust me - I won't be with you."

This time the protest was clearer and louder and Daniel had to raise his arm again.

"I've served you faithfully for almost 25 years. Thanks to me, you have survived this time, too, and I've never been too shy about claiming credit when I deserve it, you know. But this time, the credit for your being rescued goes to someone else. Jonathan Rosin, whose dedicated treatment of our vehicles literally got as this far."

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To the applause, Jonathan, sitting with his family in the front row, got up and faced the crowd, not bothering to hide his embarrassment.

"But your, our, real hero, is an unsung hero. A young man whose tireless efforts and unwavering tenacity is the only reason that many of us are here today. I want to introduce you to Jonathan Rosin's son, Sam. Sam, come on."

Sam sat frozen in his seat, not knowing how to respond, but Jonathan patted his son's shoulder with silent encouragement, and nodded.

This time the applause was louder than ever and accompanied Sam until he got on the stage by Daniel's side. It took a few seconds for him to overcome his embarrassment enough to be able to look directly into Daniel's eyes, then at the crowd.

"I want you to get to know Sam and Jonathan very well," Daniel continued. "Because the next time the call comes, it will come from them."

Daniel waited for a moment for the full meaning of his words to sunk in.

"I hope you will cooperate with them and trust them as you trusted me, he concluded." And now, I have nothing more to say to you except... go home."

Without waiting for a response, Daniel walked out of the hall and the door closed behind him.

Most of the gatherers have never heard Daniel speak at such length or express emotions so openly, so at first no one tried to follow him. But by the time the first of them had recovered and hurried out, he was gone.

The family members were among the last to remain in the large hall that was becoming empty.

Sally was the first to speak. "So where to now?" She asked simply.

"You heard him. Home," Lily replied without hesitation. "I mean, you are welcome to stay with us until you get back on your feet..."

Jonathan and Sam exchanged glances.

"No," Jonathan replied. "We are joining the rescue mission. We have pledged to provide the information we have gathered to the government, and we will. There may be more survivors..."

"But Roy and Dina..." Lily exclaimed.

"Sam was right," Jonathan interrupted. "We can't drag them with us..."

"They'll always have a place with us. You know that," Mark interjected.

"Thank you," Jonathan said simply. "I was hoping that's what you'd say, and we really appreciate it."

Lily turned to her husband. "Let's go home," she said. "We have some reconstruction of our own to do. Dina, Roy, come with us."

The children looked at their parents hesitantly, uncertain of what to do, and Jonathan said in an encouraging tone: "It's okay. Go with your uncle and aunt. We'll be there shortly."

Lily and Mark exchanged glances and left the room with their sons and the two children. Jonathan, Sally and Sam were left alone, and only then did Sam turn to his parents and asked matter of factly: "So where do you think Daniel has gone?"

Jonathan shrugged. "I have no idea. But you're the one who discovered his secret. What do you think?"

Sam thought for a moment. "Maybe he's the one who needed to find his way home home. Maybe he'll finally have some peace of mind. Michael Kay, on the other hand..."

"Yes," Jonathan agreed. "I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of him."

"I really hope we have," Sally said sharply. "That man gives me the creeps."

"Me too," Sam admitted.

Jonathan burst into laughter and patted his son's shoulder in a gesture expressing the pride of a father at his son's reaching full maturity. "So what do you say? Should we get started?"

"Yes," Sam said simply.