"The Last Ship" season 2 almost ended on a happy note until Dr. Rachel Scott (Rhona Mitra), who developed the cure for the virus that nearly anihilated mankind, was shot by an unseen enemy. According to a report from Celeb Dirty Laundry, it is possible that the doctor did not survive the gunshot wound. 

According to the report, one of the preview clips for the season 3 premeire showcases President Michener (Mark Moses) mourning the loss of the doctor, particularly due to the fact that she just saved everyone's lives. He is shown speaking to Tom Chandler (Eric Dane) regarding Scott's fate.

During the clip, the idea of featuring her photo on the cover of a new federal book is brought up but the concept does not sit well with the people at the table. It is further explained that Scott deserved a better way of being honored and remembered, futher implying that she has indeed died due to her injuries.

Fans speculate that Chadler may simply decide that surviving is the best way to honor the late doctor given that she gave up her life to develop a cure for the virus. However, even this method of honoring her does not get them very far as the cure may not have been properly distributed in Asia.

According to the report, President Peng Wu (Fernando Chien) of China may have kept the cure from his people, allowing the virus to instead mutate into something new. This means Scott's cure may not work on the Chinese people and now the USS Nathan James will need to topple the Chinese government and develop an even stronger vaccine.

These changes means that season 3 will be set primarily in Asia, particularly near China, with the USS Nathan James and its crew attempting to make sure that Scott's sacrifice will not be wasted.