The image on the screen was one of chaos and destruction.  A woman could be seen with blood running down her forehead trying desperately to relay a distress call.  Behind her could be seen the small compartment of the cockpit which was slowly filling with water.  Her voice could not be heard but her fear could be seen.  She knew that if no one saw this message that she and anyone else with her was going to die, and soon.

“Mr. O’Neill, can you get audio?” Captain Nathan Bridger asked of his communications expert.

“No sir, it seems that the audio is not working on their end.”

“Can we get a lock on their location?”

“Captain I’ve got it. There about 100 kilometers from our current position.”

“Okay, lets get over there and lend a hand. Contact medbay and let them know to have a team ready for unknown number of casualties.  Hopefully they wont have too many.”

The Seaquest arrived and the evacuation of the shuttle Reliant was successful.  All sixteen passengers and crew had survived the initial crash and were in medbay being tended to.  The cause of the crash was under investigation and it was becoming clear rather quickly that it had been an intentional act by someone to sabotage the small craft.

The young woman who had sent the distress call was unsure of why or how anyone could have tampered with her shuttle.  She was sure none of her crew was responsible having known them for years.  The passenger manifest was incomplete owing to the fact that some of the passengers had acquired a seat at the last minute something that isn’t so unusual.

Nathan Bridger was sitting in the wardroom with his senior staff going over the facts with his crew.  Dr. Wendy Smith sat to his left.  She had tended to the injured of the crew and was giving her report.

“There was a doctor on board so most of those injured were in pretty good shape considering the ordeal that they have just undergone. “

“Who is this doctor?”

“I don’t know, she didn’t give me her name and I couldn’t read her.”

“What do you mean you couldn’t read her?”

“She must have some mental wall built around her because I couldn’t get even sense her presence.  She may be hiding something I don’t know.  She did seem rather uncomfortable though, almost panicky, when she found out she was on the Seaquest.”

“Well I want to meet this doctor and find out who she is and why she doesn’t want to be here.”

“Right now she is tending to a couple of the passengers.  She wouldn’t let me take them.  She seemed genuinely concerned about the injured.”

“Captain sorry to interrupt but we are receiving a secure communication from Secretary-general Noyce.” A disembodied voice said over the intercom.

“Patch it in here please.”

The visage of a very agitated Bill Noyce was then displayed on the screen. “Nathan. I’ve heard that you rescued the people aboard the transport shuttle the Reliant. How are they?”

“There were two serious injuries, Emil Milano and Jacob Anderson, one was a passenger and the other was a crewman of the Reliant. The others are recovering in medbay or in quest quarters.”

“Oh thank God.”  Noyce exclaimed with what looked like more relief than Nathan was expecting.

“What’s going on Bill?”

“One of the passengers is extremely important and we want her safe.”

“Who could be so important to cause you to look like hell?”

Bill Noyce hesitated a moment before he spoke.  “Kristen Westphalen.” Nathan’s breath caught in his throat.  “Some very nasty people are after her and she is very important. Nathan, a lot of lives depend on her so take whatever precautions are necessary to keep her alive.”

“What or who are we protecting Dr. Westphalen from?  Asked Commander Jonathan Ford who sat to the right of his captain.

“Don’t worry she will fill you in on all you need to know soon enough. Be ready for anything Nathan, and soon.  We’ll talk more later.” With that Noyce ended the communication.

Nathan sat with his elbows on the table his chin resting on his hands.  He was trying to calm the quickened pace of his heart at the mention of Kristin’s name.  Wendy noticed the tension emanating from the captain as well as Commander Ford.  She was about to ask who this doctor was when Lucas opened the door to the wardroom.

The door to the wardroom opened to reveal Lucas. “hey captain...” Lucas stopped when he saw Nathan lean forward in his chair resting his forehead in his hand.

Wendy who was facing the door and the only one who could see whom Lucas was wanting to introduce was about to inform the captain of the fact that it was the doctor with whom they were interested in.

From behind Lucas a voice came in a British accent.  “I bet out of uniform you look more like a beach bum than a captain.”

At the sound of the voice Nathan jumped out of his chair and spun to look at the door as the owner of the voice came into view.

“Kristin.” He said softly as he stared at the woman before him.   He hadn't really believed he heard Noyce correctly.  His chest tightened so much he felt like he couldn’t breath.  All his senses were heightened as she stepped into the room. The air in the room seemed to instantly hold an electric charge. The two stood in silence for what seemed like minutes never breaking eye contact.

“Hello Nathan.”  She said as she took a couple of steps toward him. Her voice was soft. Nathan just stared at her. She looked different somehow. She looked so small and fragile he thought. He had to resist the urge to take her in his arms and hold her close to him.

“Are you all right?” he said as he noticed the butterfly bandage on her forehead above her right eye. His hand almost touching her face before he pulled it away as if afraid to touch her.

“Yeah it’s just a scratch.”  She said with a shrug of her shoulders.  “What in the world ever possessed you to grow that thing?” Kristin Westphalen asked with a slight disgusted look on her face as she reached out and touched the hair on his face.

Nathan could feel the warmth of her hand on his face and he took a deep breath.  She withdrew it quickly but the tingle her touch elicited on his cheek did not leave with the absence of her hand.

“What are you doing here?”  Nathan asked still not acknowledging anyone else in the room.  He seemed lost in a world that only consisted of him and this woman.  Wendy Smith observed the scene with growing unease.  Her hold on Nathan wasn’t as strong as she would have liked, add this woman and her control of him was completely lost.

“It’s nice to see you too, Nathan.”  She laughed.  Her laugh touched somewhere deep inside him and his insides seem to warm as a smile touch his lips.  Her face quickly took on a more serious look as she dropped her gaze a little and said “Well actually I seem to have gotten myself into some trouble with some very nasty people.”

“That’s okay doc we know how much trouble you can get into, right cap?” Lucas said trying to lighten the mood as he came up behind her and put his arm around her shoulder.  She looked up at him and smiled.

“Lucas you haven’t change a bit have you?”

“Of course not.”

“Good.” She said with a twinkle in her eye.

Commander Ford got up and walked over to her and hugged her.  “It’s good to see you Kristin.”

“It’s good to see you too Jonathan.” Kristin said as she returned the hug.

“Hey doc” said with a smile from others of the crew who had served with Kristin Westphalen on the first Seaquest.

“Hello” she returned.

Wendy who had become very uncomfortable with this woman who had so abruptly dismissed her in medbay was now very threatened by Kristin as she took in the captain’s reaction to her.  He had yet to take his eyes from her and had not returned to his seat.

“Why don’t you sit down and inform us of just what is going on?” Nathan said as he indicated for Kristin to sit in his chair.  He finally turned to address the others in the room.  “Oh by the way, for those of you who don’t know, this is Doctor Kristin Westphalen. She served on the first Seaquest as CMO.”

Kristin took the seat that Nathan offered and started to tell her story. “ Well where should I begin?  About seven months ago I was asked to help design an antidote for a biochemical weapon that was found in a weapons depot off the coast of South America.  The weapon called Angel had been developed by Jason Chankin.  He’s a brilliant biochemist who just decided that it was more profitable to hurt people rather than help them.

Anyway I agreed to help knowing Chankin’s methods very well. I had studied his works while he was a researcher with the NIH and felt I could help. I hadn't been on the project more than a few weeks when I was making a great deal of progress. Somehow Chankin found out I was working on the little problem he had developed and did his best to stop me. He hired Markus Sallada to get me off the project.”

“He was hired to kill you.” Nathan said his voice coming from behind her.

“That guy is mean.” Said Tony with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

“Yeah that guy is too scary and he was sent after you.” This from Brody.

“No wonder Noyce looked so jumpy.” Said Ford.

“Yes, well he caught up with me about four months ago. Completely destroyed the research facility I was at. Killed about four people in the process.”  She said this with what seemed to Nathan a mix between disgust and exhaustion.
“For some odd reason Sallada pulled me from the building before the blast.”

“Why would he do that when he was sent to kill you?” asked Smith allowing only a bit of the suspicion she felt to reach her voice.  Bridger was instantly annoyed as he heard Smith’s accusation but waited for Kristin to continue.

Kristin gave Wendy a glare of her own that made Wendy look away. Lucas caught this and smiled. He didn’t care much for the psychic doc and was glad Kristin was here to put her in her place.

Kristin took a breath and continued.  “Well this is going to sound really weird but Sallada took a liking to me and was going to… keep me.” A small shudder went through her body as she recalled this bit of information.

All in the room who knew Kristin stiffened at the sound of her declaration. All knew the man who was after her. He was ruthless, killed without a second thought and with no remorse.  He was known to be totally heartless.  He would torture his victims until they died of exhaustion.  And for Sallada to want to keep this woman, well, no one would wish that on his or her worst enemy.

Lucas couldn’t help but ask, “what do you mean ‘keep you’?” he was afraid of the question he asked and even more afraid of the answer.  His voice sounded as if he was on the verge of tears.

Kristin looked at him and saw the pain in his eyes.  “Lucas come here.” She said holding her hand out to him.  He walked to her and took her hand.  He knelt down and she put her arm around his shoulders. She pulled him down to her and with her left hand wiped a lock of his hair off his forehead. “I’m okay Lucas.  It’s okay. “ The comfort she tried to convey to him worked as Lucas gave her a small smile.

“He’s still after you though isn’t he?” he asked softly.

“Yes, he is. Can you imagine someone actually wanting to put up with my hostile attitude?” she smiled as she said this and Lucas gave a short laugh and smiled.

She returned her attention to the rest of the people in the room. “I’m afraid that Sallada has a strange sort of obsession with me.  Chankin was caught and arrested about three months ago but Sallada has been very hard to find.”

“I have had run-ins with him but he’s never actually had the opportunity to get me.  He’s very careful and wont risk getting caught in order to take me and he seems to be concerned about my safety.  He won’t allow anyone to hurt me.”

“Do you think he will kill you?” ask Ford.

“No. But he has killed to get to me.” She said sadly.

“What about your work on the antidote? Have you been able to finish that?” asked Bridger.

“No, I am so close but Bill Noyce wont allow me to work in my lab until Sallada is caught.  He’s afraid that if Sallada does get to me that an antidote will never be found.

I was supposed to be going to Malcolm’s to work on his island until this unfortunate accident occurred.”

“Well it wasn’t an accident and Noyce wants you to stay aboard Seaquest for the time being.” said Nathan calmly as he tried to keep his emotions under control at the mention of his old friend and the small bit of jealousy at Kristin being with him.

Wendy saw Nathan tense at the sound of Malcolm’s name and wondered what the relationship between Kristin and Nathan was.  She had never heard him speak of her other than in a professional manner.  She knew Nathan had limited psychic abilities and knew if she tried to read him about Kristin he would know and not appreciate it.

Her jealousy overruled her better judgement as she tried to read Kristin without her permission.  Wendy tested her abilities on Kristin to gauge her reaction.  When Kristin gave no indication of the small probing Wendy tried to push further into her mind.  She was met with the same wall that she had met earlier down in medbay.  For some reason this woman was unreadable and Wendy did not trust her.

Before anyone could react Kristin was out of her chair had grabbed Wendy by her collar and slammed her against the wall. “If you value your life doctor and those of this crew you will STAY OUT OF MY HEAD.”  Her voice was like ice and her eyes bore into Wendy’s with an intensity that scared the younger doctor.

No one in the room moved for a moment, all taken aback at Dr. Westphalen’s actions.  Those who knew Kristin were shocked at her outburst and wondered at how much she had changed since they had seen her last. Finally Nathan walked up to Kristin and put his hand on her arm. “Kristin.”

At the sound of Nathan’s voice Kristin released Wendy. The shock of what Kristin had just done was apparent on her face.  “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me.  I’m so sorry.”  Wendy could see the remorse in Kristin’s eyes and wonder just what had happened to this woman.

The captain slowly moved Kristin back to the chair she had occupied moments earlier.  Bridger could see the strain Kristin was in and decided it was time for her to rest. “Okay people I think that is enough for now.  Dr. Westphalen needs to rest.  Commander Ford keep an eye on things. If anything out of the ordinary happens call me immediately. Lucas I want you to try and find out where Sallada has been and where he may be now.   Dismissed.”

At his words the senior staff rose and filed out of the room. Those who knew Kristin stopped to say hello and offer support.  She thanked them with a smile, the events of the day finally catching up to her as she placed her head in her hands being careful not to touch the cut on her forehead.

Wendy stopped and in a low voice said,  “Nathan, we should talk.”

“Later Doctor.”  Nathan wanted to tend to Kristin before he did anything else.  Wendy wasn’t sure what to do. She didn’t want to leave Nathan alone with Dr. Westphalen.

When she didn’t move Nathan said, “that will be all doctor.” He said.  Wendy resigned herself to have to talk to him later and walked out the door. Nathan’s attention had never wavered from the woman he had not seen for so long.
Nathan just watched her.  ‘She’s been in hiding for the better part of a year.  That explains a lot.’ He thought.  She hadn't come to the christening of the new Seaquest and it had disappointed him more than he let on.  Now he knew she was either being terrorized by Sallada or she had been in hiding. A tinge of guilt emerged as he thought of the anger he had felt at her absence.  After the destruction of the first Seaquest they had quickly drifted apart. It wasn’t something they planned but Nathan had been swept up with the building of the Seaquest II and Kristin had been swept away in finding an antidote for angel.

“Kristin, are you all right?” he asked as he put a hand on her shoulder. It was the first time he had touched her since she had arrived in the wardroom. Her head popped up as she answered him.

“I’m fine, just tired. It’s been a long seven months.” She said with a sign.  The strain of everything was evident in her body language.

“Tell me what’s been going on, Kristin.” Nathan said as he sat in the chair next to her. He watched as her gaze dropped to her hands that lay on the table.  “When was the last time you’ve eaten?”

“I’m not very hungry.”

“That’s not what I asked doctor.”

She looked up and smiled at him wryly.  “Don’t worry Lucas caught me before he brought me here.  An interesting role reversal.”

“Ah, so that’s why he didn’t argue with me when I told him to go work.”

“Yes we’ve already gotten caught up on some things.

Nathan neared her and brushed the hair from her forehead to reveal the cut.  “How is your head?”

“It’s fine. I’m sorry I missed the christening of the Seaquest. I wanted to be there. I was just …unavoidable detained. And then I felt it was best to keep my contacts to a minimum.”

“You didn’t want to give Sallada any ammunition.”

“Something like that yes.”

“I wish you would have come to me. I would have helped you. A hell of a lot more than Malcolm that’s for sure.”

Kristin laughed at him. She couldn’t believe he was still jealous about Malcolm Lansdowne.  “Oh Nathan you’re not jealous are you?” She smiled at him with a twinkle in her eye.

“I’ve missed hearing you laugh, even if it is at me.”

“Your new CMO seems nice enough.” Nathan looked away from her guiltily.  She laughed a little at his uneasiness and put her hand on his.  “Nathan…”

“I’m sorry, Kristin.”

“Why? We never made any promises.”

He laid his hand over hers stroking it with his thumb.  “Maybe we should have.”  He said quietly as he looked at her hand in his.

She was taken aback by his statement.  She didn’t know what to feel. “We barely said hello remember.” She said quietly.

“Hello.” He said softly looking up at her

“Hello.” She returned with a small smile.

“Nathan, I… I’m sorry for getting you involved in all of this.”

“Don’t be.  I just wish you had come to me. I could have helped you.”

“You would only have gotten hurt or worse.”

“You didn’t need to go through this alone Kristin.”

Silence prevailed for several seconds as Nathan looked at Kristin.  She was exhausted and he knew it was better if she rested now.

“Listen, I want you to get some sleep and tomorrow we’ll talk some more.”

“Okay.” Kristin got up as she started to stand up rather unsteadily.

“Come on, I’ll take you to your quarters.”  He grabbed her arm and helped her to her feet.  Even though it had been so long since he had touched her it was obvious she had lost weight.  He began to wonder what all she had been through in the last year.  Hopefully she would tell him more tomorrow but for now she needed rest.

“Did you see the way he jumped when she walked in the room? I’ve never seen him react to anyone that way.”  Said Tony to Brody.

“I wonder just what’s between them.” Said Brody.

“I don’t know but wow, is she gorgeous.”

“Yes she is. Hell if she called my name I’d probably jump to my feet too.”

The next morning found Nathan looking at himself in the bathroom mirror.  He had just shaved his beard off.  He couldn’t remember why he had grown it in the first place.  He rubbed his hand across his face feeling the smooth skin that had once been covered.  It felt good and he was content with his appearance.  Nathan finished dressing and made his way to the bridge.

The Seaquest had docked and the passengers and crew of the reliant had disembarked, all except for Kristin Westphalen.  Noyce as well as Bridger felt it safer for her to remain on board.  A disc was passed along to Commander Ford for the captain.  It contained the orders that the Seaquest was to follow.  Nathan had been very surprised that Noyce felt it necessary to hand deliver orders and not use a secure vidlink.

As the Seaquest headed back out to sea Captain Bridger and Commander Ford along with the rest of the senior crew viewed the orders sent by Noyce.

The plan was simple. The Seaquest was to be ‘sunk’ by a mysterious explosion.  The ship was then to settle down to the ocean floor were all visible signs of life were to be either masked or turned off. The Seaquest's engines would be shutdown along with all non-essential functions.  Life support would be kept at a minimal level and Lucas was to try to come up with a plan to mask any life sign readings that may be taken from any vessel that happened to get near.

The crew was made aware of the plan and things were set in motion.  Now it was time for Nathan to make Kristin aware of the situation after he stopped at the bridge.

As Nathan was leaving the wardroom he found Lucas walking by his side smiling at his captain.  “What is it Lucas?” Bridger asked as he eyed Lucas suspiciously.

“You shaved your beard.”

“Yes I did.”

“How come?” Lucas asked trying to keep his amusement out of his voice.  Lucas knew exactly why Nathan had shaved but teasing the older man was always a favorite pastime.

“Do I have to have a reason?”

“No I guess not but do you have a reason?”

“Go to work Lucas.”

“Yes sir.” Lucas laughed as he walked away to prepare for the ‘accident’ that was soon to happen.

Kristin felt much better after a good night’s sleep. She couldn’t remember the last time she had slept so well.  ‘It was probably before all this had started.’  She thought as she walked toward the bridge.  She was hoping to find Nathan there so she could talk to him.  She had checked on her patients in medbay before they departed and decided to wander around the ship instead of staying in medbay.  She really didn’t like being in Smith’s presence and felt it best to stay away from the good doctor.

She had had breakfast with Lucas and listened to him tell her of the things that had happened since they had last met.  She was very happy to see him again.  Kristin didn’t think she would get to see him again so soon. She was extremely surprised to find herself on the Seaquest with Lucas, Nathan, and the others. She felt very at home but did notice that there was more military than science on the ship something she was disappointed at.

Kristin stepped onto the bridge and noticed Nathan as he was talking with Jonathan.  She wasn’t sure she should interrupt.  She had learned to be cautious and to take in her surroundings completely before jumping into a situation.  She hated that she lived in fear and in her darkest hours wondered if it was worth it to keep running. How many lives had to be sacrificed for her to live but she knew that a lot more than her life was at stake.

She pushed the dark thoughts from her mind as Nathan saw her.  He and Jonathan came towards her.  “Morning doctor, I take it your patients were able to get safely off the Seaquest?” Nathan asked in a rather professional manner.

His tone seemed to give her strength.  “They are fine captain, they seem to be improving.”  She said in the same professional tone.

“Good. Commander Ford and I have some things to discuss with you.  If you’ll follow me to the wardroom.”  He walked past her and she turned to follow.
“Have a seat please.”  All three sat down and Nathan started. “We’ve received orders from Noyce about the situation and we’ve got some things we need to discuss.”

“Alright.”

“First of all the Seaquest is going to have an ‘accident’ in which it will be reported that all hands have been lost. After a series of explosions the Seaquest will settle to the bottom of a deep trench.  The UEO will report that due to the depth of water and the force of the explosion that was reported that the belief is that all hands were lost and that a recovery operation will not be possible for at least six weeks.

All visible activity on the Seaquest will cease; we want it to appear that there is no life aboard this boat. All visible lights will be turned off as will any non-essential equipment.”

As Nathan spoke he could see that Kristin was becoming more withdrawn.  She had been staring at her hands since he had begun and her shoulders were slumped.  Nathan thought she looked defeated.

“Kristin we are doing this so we can hopefully keep you safe so you can work on your antidote.  Noyce came up with this bright idea and I happen to agree that this is the best.  It will at least buy us some time for you to work.”

“I’m so sorry Nathan. I never meant for all of this to happen.”

“I know Kristin but this will hopefully give you the time you need and get Sallada away from you for a while. Throw him off the trail.”

“But think of how all the families of your crew are going to feel when they hear about this.”  She clenched her eyes shut trying to keep herself from crying. All the emotions she had been experiencing over the last few months seemed to come crashing to the front of her mind. Her anger won the battle as she jumped out of her chair. “NO! I won’t allow you to do this.  I can’t cause anymore pain to anyone else.  That’s not fair. I want to get off Seaquest as soon as possible. I don’t care where just get me off now!”

“NO, you are not getting off this boat.” Nathan said with raised voice. He couldn’t believe that she didn’t want this.

“You have no right to keep me here against my will, now get me off this ship!” with that Kristin turned and walked out of the wardroom.

Nathan started to follow with word to Ford. “Start making preparations I want this boat sunk within eight hours.”

“What about the doc?” asked Ford.

“She in NOT leaving this boat.”

“But sir…”

“Get to the bridge, that’s an order Commander.” Nathan turned and headed after Kristin as fast as he could.

Nathan found Kristin in her quarters.  She was on her bunk her back against the wall with her knees drawn to her chest.  Her arms were wrapped tightly around her legs and her head was resting on her knees.  Her shoulders were shaking and he knew that she was crying.

“Kristin?” he said as he approached her after closing the door as he entered her cabin. “Kristin are you alright?”

She shook her head without lifting her head off her knees. Nathan instantly had his arms around her holding her close as she cried, something he was sure she hadn't done in a long while. “It’s okay, everything is going to be okay.”

Kristin’s sobs slowly subsided after about ten minutes.  She finally spoke.  “He’s not going to stop. I’m being hunted down and it’s never going to stop. I can’t even go see my daughter or talk to her for any length of time because of all this.”

“I know, I know.”

“Do you know how many people he has killed to get to me? I don’t know anymore.”

“Sh, Kristin. Come here.” He pulled her closer to him as she clung to him.

“Kristin, did he ever hurt you?” he asked softly.

She knew what he meant by this question and was thankful she could answer him truthfully.  “No, he’s never laid a hand on me.  It’s like some sick joke to him.  To him… he treats me like I love him as much as he thinks he loves me. Sometimes I think how ridiculous it is but most of the time I’m so scared I can’t think straight. I’m so tired of running, of being scared.  I just want to have a normal life again.”

“Noyce thinks we can help you.  This  ‘sinking’ of the Seaquest will give you some time so that you can continue working down here on your antidote.”

“Then I become expendable.” She said without emotion.

“No, I’m not going to let anything happen to you. Do you understand me?” as he said as he pushed her away enough to look in her eyes.  What he saw in those eyes was akin to resignation and relief but not hope.  He realized she was sure that Sallada was going to get her and that nothing could stop that. He couldn’t let her keep thinking that way.  “Kristin Westphalen don’t you dare give up. Don’t.” his voice held a bit of anger at her, at the situation she found herself in and at him for feeling so helpless.

“I’m sorry, Nathan. I just don’t want to do this anymore.”

“I know.”  His hand went up to her cheek his thumb brushing the tears away.  “Please let me help.”

She slowly nodded and Nathan pulled her back to his chest.  Exhaustion finally taking over and Kristin fell asleep in his arms.  Nathan laid her down on her bunk and covered her with a blanket.  He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “No one will ever hurt you as long as I am alive.” He said and turned heading for the bridge.

Two hours later Kristin made her way to the bridge to talk to Nathan.  “Nathan, we need to talk.”

Nathan looked up from the conversation he had been having with Lucas about masking any signs of life from Seaquest when it would be lying on the sea floor.  “Okay.”

“I want you to remove all the personnel with immediate families before you pull this little stunt. Please don’t argue with me.  You have to understand all the guilt I carry around because of the people who have already died because of me.  I can’t let other people suffer even if it’s not real. Please, Nathan, please do this for me.”

While she had been talking members of the bridge crew were watching and listening intently.  Those who knew Kristin were not at all surprised at her request and those who didn’t know her were impressed with her compassion for those whom she didn’t know and would probably never meet.

Nathan looked at her and thought about how an evacuation like that would affect the Seaquest.  Truth be told he wasn’t keen on the idea of causing pain to the families of his crew and he knew that members of his crew with families were more than likely having a hard time.  “Commander Ford, get me a list of all personnel with families.”  He addressed Kristin. “I’m not promising anything but I’ll see what I can do.”

“I think Lucas should leave as well.” She said this quietly. Lucas heard this and was immediately up and standing next to Bridger.

“No, I’m not leaving. I want to help and you can’t make me leave.”

“Please Lucas you don’t know how dangerous this really is. I want you to be safe.”

“I will be safe here and I’m staying.”  He turned abruptly and went back to the console he had been working at.

Kristin looked at Nathan who only shrugged and said, “I can’t make him leave.”

Kristin hadn’t the energy to argue. With a dejected look on her face she quietly turned and left the bridge.

Bridger and Ford had given Kristin’s idea of evacuating personnel with families a great deal of thought and came to the conclusion that it would be a good idea.  In fact it was going to be all non-essential personnel as well.  A plausible explanation to the sinking of Seaquest was devised for people to tell when they had escaped.  Two launches would remain with Seaquest in case a real evacuation was needed.  Hopefully this would put Kristin’s mind more at ease at what the Seaquest was about to do.  Having completed his dealings with Ford Nathan went in search of Kristin.

Wendy Smith had almost finished the preparations for the ruse they were going to play.  She was unhappy about the situation she found herself in.  She didn’t feel it was right to make the families of the crew to be subjected to unnecessary pain in order to pull a stunt that probably wouldn’t help Kristin Westphalen.  She was also a little perturbed at the power Kristin seemed to have over Nathan.  He had shaved his beard less than twenty-four hours of Kristin arriving on board.  Most of the crew that had served on the first Seaquest were amused and figured he did it for Kristin.  The rumors of what they had once been to one another were hard to ignore when Wendy saw his clean-shaven face the morning after Kristin’s arrival.

Wendy was making sure that all non-essential equipment was stored when she heard footsteps in the medbay.  She turned to see Kristin Westphalen walking towards her.

“Hello, I was just wondering if there was anything I could help with.”  Kristin said as she neared Wendy.

“No I don’t think so, you’ve done enough already.”  Wendy said with a bit of ice in her voice as she turned from Kristin to finish her work.

Kristin didn’t really care what this woman thought of her or her situation.  This woman had no idea what she had been through and she never would.  “I’ll be here to help if you need me.”

Wendy once again tried to enter Kristin’s mind while Kristin was in the room but again was not able to. She was getting increasingly frustrated at this fact.  Her jealousy and her frustration were interfering with her better judgement.  She turned to Kristin.  “What gives you the right to come on board and make all the people on this boat jump at your beck and call?  Do even realize what you are asking of these people? Telling their families that they are dead.  Do you realize how horribly you have been affecting this crew?”

Kristin was now completely furious. How dare this woman talk to her that way?  “What right do you have to talk to me like that?  Do you think if I had the choice I this is what I would want? I told Nathan to get me off this boat but he wouldn’t let me.  And Noyce that s.o.b wouldn’t never have allowed it either. Do you think it was my choice to be hunted down like by a madman who would only stop if I was dead or in his twisted reality? Believe me if it weren’t for that stupid angel antidote I would have given up a long time ago.”

“Well maybe you should have. There are other scientist on this planet who could have just have easily worked on the antidote as you.  I am sure the UEO do have a back up plan, they wouldn’t rely solely on your abilities.”

“Do you think the UEO would be going to such great lengths to protect me if they did have alternatives? Do you really? Do you know how many people have died because of Sallada’s plans?  I lost count after he blew up my lab along with my assistant.  So don’t you dare try and guilt trip me about all that is happening. I carry enough guilt as it is.”  With that Kristin stormed out the room.

Wendy could sense a great deal of rage but she knew that it wasn’t from Kristin her mind was still blocked from Wendy’s probe.  She followed the anger as it went through the ship.  She knew that it was Lucas and he was probably on his way to Bridger to tell them of the little exchange in medbay.

Wendy decided to follow and try to defend herself.  She caught up to Lucas at the mag-lev.  “Lucas I think we need to talk.”

“Talk? You think we need to talk?” he asked incredulously.  “I think you’ve done enough talking doctor.”

“Lucas you shouldn’t have been eavesdropping on the conversation that Dr. Westphalen and I were having.”

“Conversation? You call yelling and blaming her for what is happening a conversation? I think you better go back to medbay Dr. Smith because I have nothing more I want to say to you.” And with that Lucas turned his back on her, ignoring her.

The doors to the mag-lev open and the captain emerged. He noted the tension between Lucas and Dr. Smith but before Lucas or Bridger could say anything Wendy said, “captain we need to talk about the crew’s emotional stability.”

“Yes of course doctor. There are some developments you should be made aware of why don’t we stop by my quarters and I’ll fill you in on them.” He might as well take the opportunity to tell her about some of the crewmembers departure and he also wanted to ask about her about the altercation with Kristin earlier in the wardroom.

They reached Bridger’s cabin and Nathan took a seat behind his desk while Wendy took the chair opposite him.  “Alright doctor, Commander Ford and I have made a list of personnel who will be ‘surviving’ our little ‘accident.’  They consist of non-essential personnel and those of the crew with families. I don’t think it is necessary to inflict more pain than necessary on those upworld and my crew seems to think that as well.  We will have enough people to man the boat and enough launches to evacuate the remainder if it should become necessary.”

“That’s a very good idea sir. Some of the crew were having difficulty with this assignment and I didn’t think it was fair for them to have to put their families through an ordeal like that. This wasn’t part of the original plan why have you changed it?”

“Well Dr. Westphalen wasn’t very happy with the idea either so she came up with the idea of letting all crewmembers with families leave.  Ford and I came up with a scenario for the ‘survivors’ to tell their rescuers about what has happened and about the possibilities of anymore survivors.  It’s a little more work but we believe it will be a bit more believable in the end.”

As Wendy listened to her captain a feeling of guilt started creeping into her mind as she remembered the conversation she had just had with Dr. Westphalen.  Wendy had assumed that Kristin didn’t care about how the plan was affecting the crew and now she was sorely mistaken.  She was letting her jealousy over Nathan cloud her judgement.  ‘But I can’t read her so I couldn’t know.’ She thought as an excuse for her behavior but deep down she knew she had been wrong and that an apology to Dr. Westphalen was probably required.

She stood to leave but Nathan called her to sit down again.  “What went on in the wardroom yesterday?” he asked.

Wendy couldn’t look him in the eye as she fumbled for an answer.

“You were trying to read her mind.” It wasn’t a question.

“Yes sir. But that’s only because” Nathan held up his hand to stop her.

“You had no right to do that.  And you got caught.  You were trying to invade her mind without her permission that is unethical doctor.  If I hear of you trying something like that again, you will be off this boat before you can think it.”

“Nathan, please just let me explain why. Please just hear me out.”

“Okay doctor what possible reason could you have for what you did?”

“I can’t read her, not even sense anything from her.  It’s like she isn’t there.  I’ve never met anyone with a wall built like that. Even other telepaths don’t have that kind of defense at least not ones that I have ever met.  I was afraid she was hiding something so that’s why I did what I did.”

Nathan considered this carefully. “Why would Kristin have such walls built up in her mind?” asking himself more than Wendy.

“I don’t know.”

“That still doesn’t excuse your actions doctor.”

“I know captain I am sorry.” Nathan nodded his head as she said this.  He turned his head when a knock was heard on the door to his cabin.

Kristin went to Nathan’s cabin hoping to find him there. She needed to talk to him about a lot of things.  Kristin knocked on his cabin door not sure whether she wanted for him to be there or not.  As she was about to leave the door opened to reveal Bridger and behind him was Wendy Smith.  “Oh captain I’m sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“No Kristin, it’s okay, Dr. Smith was just leaving.” Nathan said as he moved away from the door to allow Wendy to leave.

As Kristin entered the cabin she remarked “It’s seems your doctor and I don’t seem to get along all that well.”

“You just got off on the wrong foot that’s all.”

“Yes. I ran into Lucas and he told me about the evacuation.  Thank you.  That makes me feel better about the situation.”

“Your welcome.  Jonathan and I felt it was better to have a few survivors makes it seem more realistic I guess.” She laughed.

The ‘sinking’ of Seaquest went off without a hitch.  The launches brought all the ‘survivors to the surface and the Seaquest went quiet in the water settling to the bottom of a deep trench.  Lucas was able to mask any output the Seaquest still might make and he even went as far as to project a picture of a very mangled Seaquest so if by some chance someone wanted to get a look at the ship that was what was seen.

Two weeks had gone by and Kristin had been working diligently on her antidote.  Nathan had barely gotten to see much of her since she had been in the lab.  He was beginning to be very worried for her.  She would go for sixteen hours a day just working.  She rarely stopped to eat and when she did she ate very little.  ‘No wonder she’s so thin.’ Nathan thought as he walked in to the lab to find Kristin siting at the bench working the plate of food Lucas brought her over four hours ago hardly touched.

He watched as Kristin rubbed her eyes tiredly with her hand.  He knew she had been in the lab for at least nine hours.  He was going to make her quit working for the day even if he had to literally drag her from the room.

“Kristin?”  He said as he walked up to stand near her.

He winced when she jumped at the sound of his voice.  “Nathan, you scared me half to death, please don’t sneak up on me like that.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“That’s all right, I’ve been so engrossed I probably wouldn’t have heard you if you had Lucas’ stereo hung around your neck at full volume.”  She said smiling.

“That’s why I’ve come down here.  You’ve been working too hard and you need a break.  I’ve come to whisk you away for the evening.”

“I appreciate that Nathan but I have a lot of work to do.”

“Kristin you’ve been working too hard.  Don’t make me make you take a day off tomorrow.” He said which earned him an evil glare from Kristin.  Nathan just smiled at her.

“Come on.” Nathan said as he grabbed her arm and led her from the room.  “Lucas is even worried about your long hours and coming from him, well that makes me nervous.” He said half-jokingly.  “I’m going to buy you dinner then I’m going to lock you in your quarters so you get some rest.”

Kristin said nothing but allowed Nathan to take her to the mess hall.  Truth be told she was a little hungry and more than a little tired.  She knew she had been working herself almost sick but she felt she had to.  This was a rare occasion, being able to work on her project without fear of Sallada intruding.  She felt she had to use the situation as best she could and working almost continuously was what she thought was required.  She wanted to finish the project as soon as possible so when Sallada did finally meet up with her it wouldn’t matter what happened.

Nathan sat Kristin down at a table and went to get her some food.  Lucas had seen them come in and went to sit down next to Kristin.  “Hey doc.  You seem to be working my hours lately.  You really shouldn’t do that.”

Kristin smiled.  “Well you seem to have no problem with them.”

“Of course I do but I don’t ever let on and no one on this tour except the captain catches me.”  Kristin’s brow furrowed as she heard that.

“Well I’m sorry I’m not here to keep you in line.” She said jokingly.

“Yeah, I wish you could have come back to the Seaquest.”

“I know me too but reality seemed to intrude upon that little dream.”

Nathan walked up with a tray full of food and sat it down on the table.   The three ate and reminisced about the tour they had served together.  Soon Miguel, Tim and Jonathan joined them.  Nathan noticed as Kristin became more relax.  In the time spent with the first Seaquest crew she seemed to become her old self.  She laughed and joked with them.  She even tsked Lucas for his dinner choices, something the boy rolled his eyes at but took a great deal of joy in.  He had missed her mothering him as much as Nathan missed talking with her.

While Dagwood, Loni, Jim and Tony stood in line to get their meals they watched as Bridger and the others conversed.  “Should we go over there?” ask Loni as she motioned to Bridger.

“Nah, I feel like we would be intruding.” Said Tony.

“Yeah, I get that feeling too.” Said Jim

“Oh come on she is really nice you guys.” Said Loni.

“Yes, I like the new doctor.  She is pretty.” Said Dagwood.

“Yes she is Dagwood.”  Said loni.  “And I think you and I should go and sit with them.”  Said loni and she and Dagwood went and joined the group who welcome them both and the mirth of the table only increased.

The two men however took another table across the room.  Wendy Smith entered and looking around the room first at the large group and then at the two men.  “Hey doc you gonna go join the group over there?” ask Tony.

“No, Tony I don’t think so.  I don’t care much for Dr. Westphalen.” As Wendy sat down with her food.

“Worried she’s gonna take your job?” Tony asked jokingly which earned him a glare from Wendy.

“Oh you’re just sore since you got busted breaking into her mind.” Said Jim, which got him a glare of his own from the doctor.

“Come on doc, she’s a nice lady.” Said Tony.

“I’m sure she is.” Said Wendy curtly.

Both men knew that the doctor had eyes for their captain, you’d have to be blind to miss it.  They could also see that Dr. Westphalen had captured most, if not all, of Bridger’s attentions since she had first set foot on Seaquest.  They both figured the dislike of Dr. Smith for Dr. Westphalen was due to jealously pure and simple.

Wendy watched as Bridger and Westphalen got up and left the mess hall.  She had pretty much been watching the pair the entire time she was in the same room.  The smiles that Kristin evoked from Bridger as well as the happiness at the table in general made Wendy fume.

She could truthfully say that she normally wasn’t a jealous person. She hadn’t realized how deep her feelings for Nathan ran until an obstacle had been placed in front of her.  Wendy had always managed to get the things she wanted. Of course that usually involved a tiny bit of manipulation.

The one thing that drew her to Bridger was the fact that his mind was his own, she was not able to bend it with her abilities.  She had always been able to do that but he presented a challenge.  A challenge which she couldn’t say no to.
And now when she felt she was so close this woman came along and took him away from her.   Normally it wouldn’t have been a problem but since Wendy couldn’t get into Kristin’s mind she had no way of putting those little nagging questions in the other woman’s mind.  That’s usually how she played her game.  Take the fear of her opponent and turning it against them.  She played her game well but now she couldn’t and she was losing.  She was not used to losing and she was going to find a way to change that.

Wendy watched angrily as Nathan and Kristin stood and left the room.  Nathan held his hand on the small of Kristin’s back as they left making Wendy’s blood boil.  The love, and yes she had to admit love, that she felt coming from Nathan as he escorted Kristin out of the room was almost too much for the young doctor to handle.

“They seem awfully cozy, don’t they?” said Brody as he nodded in the direction of their captain.

“Yep, I don’t think I have every seem him smile like that.”

Wendy stood up angrily and stalked off.  She couldn’t listen to Jim or Tony anymore.

“Was it something I said?” asked Tony as they watched Wendy stalk out of the room.

“Nah I just think the doctor is a bit jealous.”

“Just a bit?” asked Tony with a smile.

For the next week Nathan made sure Kristin didn’t overwork herself.  She ate well and Nathan even thought she was looking healthier and happier since she came aboard.  She smiled more and the color had returned to her cheeks.

The ship was so quiet as Nathan made his way to the bridge.  The lights were dimmed for the ‘accident’ as they usually were for the night shift.  It made it seem like you should be talking softly.  He met very few crewmen on his way to the bridge considering they were only about thirty people on board.

As Nathan entered the bridge Jonathan stood from the command chair.  “Good evening commander. How goes it?”

“Everything is pretty boring sir.”

Nathan smiled.  After three weeks of nothing, anything would be good. “No news is good news commander.”

“Aye sir.” Jonathan smiled back at his captain.

For about an hour the quiet of the bridge was overwhelming.  At this point Nathan was hoping for a little excitement.  Nothing more than a giant squid he hoped.  He had actually caught up on all his paper work and even his logs.  He was pretty much mind-numbingly bored although he wouldn’t exchange it for the alternative of losing Kristin to some insane murderer.

When Kristin came on the bridge Nathan knew something wasn’t right.  She was very nervous to the point of being in a panic.  Her eyes were wild and she looked around the room nervously.  When her eyes met Nathan’s he was taken aback at the panic that was so evident in them.

“Nathan, he’s coming, he’s getting closer.”  She came up to him grabbing the front his uniform.  “We have to leave.  He knows where I am and he’s coming.”

“Calm down Kristin.  Here sit down.”  He sat her down in the captain’s chair.  “How does he know where you are Kristin?”

“He got into my head again. I tried to keep him out but he is always there, always.  She kept trying to get into my head and I tried to keep her out too but now I tried too hard and he got in.  He got in and he knows where I am and he is coming to get me.”  She was becoming more agitated the more she talked.

“Ford get Smith up here with a sedative. Hurry.” Nathan said quietly then turned his attentions back to Kristin.

“Kristin what do you mean about people getting in your head?”

“She was trying to get in to my head. I wouldn’t let her but she kept trying.  It was too much and I couldn’t keep him out too but I didn’t know that and then she didn’t get in but he did.”  While she had been talking she had brought her knees up to her chest.  “I didn’t want him to get in, he knows where to find things he wants to know. And now he knows where to find me because he knew where in my head to look. I tried to stop him but I couldn’t. I couldn’t.”  She had started to sob.

“Kristin, it’s okay. Sh. How about we go to your quarters so you can rest. You need to rest Kristin.”  She hadn’t been looking at him and jumped as he put his hands on her arms.

“No, let go of me.” She said as she jumped out of the chair and away from Nathan.  Her eyes were darting around the room and it reminded Nathan of a caged animal.

Brody came up behind her and was going to grab her arm. When Nathan told him not to. As Jim touched her she turned and kicked him in the stomach. He doubled over and she stumbled away from him into Nathan’s arms.  He held her tight against him her back to his chest with his arms encircling her keeping her arms pinned to her sides.  She tried to free herself.  Within seconds Kristin had become limp in Nathan’s arms, she had passed out.

“What happened?” asked Wendy as she came on to the bridge.

“She was extremely agitated but she just passed out.  I don’t know why.  I think our friend Sallada is a bit psychic doctor.” Nathan scooped up Kristin in his arms realizing just how much weight she had lost.  He felt like he was picking up a child.  He led Dr. Smith out as he exited the bridge giving Ford command.

“We should probably get her to medbay.”

“No she’s going to my quarters so I can keep an eye on her.”

“Captain, she needs medical supervision.  What happens when she wakes up?  What if she is as agitated as she was on the bridge?”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it doctor but for now she will be in my quarters.”

“Fine I’ll be in medbay.”

“No, you and I need to talk first.”

They arrived at Nathan’s cabin and Nathan laid Kristin down on his bunk.  Once he made sure that she was resting comfortably he turned to face his CMO.

“If Sallada has psychic powers is it possible for him to be able to find Kristin no matter where she is?”

“I don’t know.  I guess if his powers were strong enough but I’m not sure. I never have been able to read someone from a great distance. Maybe about a hundred kilometers and most I know can’t even do that.”

“But it is possible?”

“I guess.  If he is so focused on her as she says he is then that may be enough to channel his abilities in order to find her.”

“Kristin was positive that he had gotten into her mind and now knows where she is.  She’s terrified now.”

“That would explain why she has such a strong mental block for a non-telepath.” Wendy said almost to herself.

“You’ve been trying to get into her mind haven’t you? She said someone had been trying to get into her mind and that’s why he was able to get in.  She couldn’t fight two people assaulting her mind at once.”

“Nathan I…” the fury emanating from him was making it difficult for Wendy to say anything.  She hadn't been worried about anyone finding out that she had been trying to get into Kristin’s mind.  She wasn’t even aware Kristin knew.

“It was you.” Nathan and Wendy were startled to find Kristin had awakened.  She said all this very calmly.  “And now he knows and he’s coming for me. He’s closer than he was earlier. He’s coming.”

“I’m sorry.” Was all Wendy could say.

“You put this entire mission, my crew in danger because you had to go and play mind reader. Something of which you are only supposed to do with permission especially if they are not members of this crew.”  His anger was almost to the boiling point, he was afraid he was going to lash out at her if she didn’t leave.

“Nathan, it’s not her fault. Last year I wouldn’t have been able to tell if she had entered my mind. It doesn’t matter; he would have found me anyway.  It was just sooner rather than later.” He was surprised at her reaction.  This wasn’t the Kristin he knew.  She would have been so angry if someone had tried to do this to her last year.

“Kris”

“No Nathan. She could have had no idea how powerful he is. It’s not her fault.”

Wendy couldn’t believe what Kristin was saying.  It was her fault and she knew it. The captain was right, Wendy alone had put the Seaquest and her crew in danger and it would be her fault if Sallada found them.  “Captain we may be able to use Sallada’s powers against him.  Dr. Westphalen could act as a go between and I could try and enter his mind through hers.  We could try and find out where he is and I could also help shield her mind from his.”

“No, she would have to open her mind to him and I don’t want her to do that.  She could become the battleground. Just help her shield her mind from Sallada’s.”

“That wont be necessary. I’ve been able to keep him out for about two months now as long as you don’t try and get into my mind I wont have a problem keeping him out. But we should think about moving Seaquest.  I guess I’m just not ready to give up with out a fight.”

Nathan contacted the bridge giving orders to power up the engines and take them away from their current position as quickly and as quietly as possible.
As Wendy was leaving she turned to Kristin, “I’m sorry.”

“You didn’t know.”

“I’m still very sorry.”

Kristin nodded not looking at Wendy.

“We’ll talk later doctor.” Nathan said as Wendy walked through the door.  He closed it as she left and turned to look at Kristin.  “How about I order some food up.  You need to eat something.” Kristin just nodded.  She could feel the boat almost come to life beneath her and was somewhat relieved by the sound and movement.  She had never really noticed it before.

“I can feel the boat move.”  Kristin said quietly.  “I never noticed that before.”

Nathan smiled nodding his head.  “We’ve never been dead in the water before.” He regretted the words as soon as they left his lips.   He saw the tears forming in Kristin’s eyes and was quickly at her side.  He sat down on the bunk next to her and pulled her into his embrace.  He had wished he had phrased his response better

He held her close as he tried to comfort her as she cried.  He whispered comforting words to her trying to reassure her that things would be just fine and that he would keep her safe always.  He felt her calm and with his hand on her cheek he lifted her face so he could look into her eyes. He felt like he was losing himself in her eyes and before he could stop himself his lips brushed lightly over hers.

He couldn’t stop himself anymore.  Looking into her eyes, holding her so close. It was too much for his self-control to handle.  He pulled her to him again and captured her lips with his.  She didn’t resist him.  The kiss deepened and the hand that had been on her cheek slide around her waist. He kissed her hungrily as her arm went around his neck.

He wanted to make love to her. He had wanted to for so long.  He had thought about her so much over the past few months.  He couldn’t stop himself.  He leaned her down on the bunk sliding his hand up her side.

Nathan had to stop himself before he regretted his actions.  The last thing he wanted was to hurt Kristin and he felt that he was taking advantage of her and of the situation.  He broke the kiss and whispered her name.  He looked in her eyes; His eyes held the question he wanted to ask.

“Nathan, please… don’t stop.” Her eyes almost pleading.

“I don’t want you to regret this.”

“I wont. Now please kiss me and don’t stop.”

He just looked into her eyes and saw the same love and desire that was in his heart.  After several seconds he brought his lips to hers.  The night was spent exploring one another. Nathan living something he only dreamt about and Kristin feeling more safe and secure than she had since the last time she had been in his arms.

Then next morning Nathan woke to find Kristin sleeping soundly in his arms.  It had been so long since he had woken up with a woman in his arms.  He and Wendy had never made the step to becoming intimate.  Something had always held Nathan back. That something being the woman he now held.

He got up trying his best not to wake her.  Nathan wanted Kristin to get as much sleep as possible since he was sure she hadn't gotten much over the last few months.  He quietly made his way to the bathroom.

Nathan emerged twenty minutes later having showered and shaved.  He wasn’t sure why he shaved off his beard.  He thought back to when he had stopped shaving and realized it had been after they had gone their separate ways.  He had never figured that out before.

Kristin was starting to slowly wake up.  She couldn’t remember sleeping so soundly since had first heard the name Sallada.  A smile graced her lips as she remembered the events of last night.  Nathan had comforted her.  She had missed him so much, she never realized how much ‘til last night.

Kristin had yet to open her eyes when she heard, “good morning beautiful.”  As he sat down beside her, she stretched and smiled up at him.

“Good morning sailor.”

“How did you sleep?”

“Better than I have in a very, very long time.  Thank you.”

“I got to wake up to the most beautiful woman in the world and your thanking me?  No need doctor.” He leaned down and kissed her.  He felt her tense under him and pulled back from her.

Fear was evident in her eyes as she said;  “he’s here.”

Before Nathan could respond he was paged.  He grabbed his PAL.  “What’s going on Commander.”

“Sir, we are being surrounded by three subs.  I’ve got no idea where they came from but they are closing in quickly.”

“I’m on my way Commander.”

While Nathan had been talking to Ford Kristin had dressed as quickly as she could.  Her movements were frantic and her hands were shaking.  Nathan grabbed her by the arms.  “Kristin look at me.  I’m not going to let him hurt you.   He is not going to get you.” Kristin nodded not really believing his words but knew that he would try everything he could to keep her safe.  He kissed her quickly and left his cabin with her in tow heading for the bridge.

On their way to the bridge Nathan and Kristin were thrown to the deck as the ship was rocked by two explosions. At least a couple of hits thought Nathan as they quickly continued to the bridge.

The situation was worse than he thought possible when he and Kristin had reached the bridge.  Ford reported that the Seaquest was surrounded by three subs of unknown origin and that their weapons were trained upon them.  The torpedoes had knocked out sonar and weapons guidance. They were basically sitting ducks.

“They are asking for our surrender sir.”

“Hell no.”

“Aye sir.”

“Sir, we are being hailed again.” Said Tim O’Neill for his station.

“On screen lieutenant.” Said Bridger as he sat Kristin down in an unoccupied station away from the screen so she wouldn’t be seen and went to his command chair.

The screen lit up with the visage a man in his mid-forties.  His eyes were as black as night and his hair almost white.  His skin was the color of mahogany and he was dressed in black.  A shiver went down everyone’s spine as they watched the screen.

“Hello, I assume you must be Captain Bridger. It’s nice to meet you sir, I’ve heard quite a lot of good things about you.” The man said smiling.  It was as if an old friend was calling to see how you were doing not a crazed man holding three subs ready to attach.

“I am.” Said Nathan slowly. “ And who might you be?”

“Oh come now captain you know who I am. And you also know who I want.”

“No I’m afraid I don’t.”

The man’s smile turned into a menacing scowl.  “Hand her over or I destroy your ship and everyone on it.”

“Fire away.” Nathan said as he stared at the screen.

The smile returned to Sallada’s face.  “Now captain I’m sure we could come to some kind of compromise. All I want is the woman, that’s all.  Then you and your crew can leave safely.” He said almost patronizingly as if talking to a child.

“No.” Nathan would not give him anything let alone Kristin.

The man on the screen erupted into a rage.  “YOU WILL GIVE HER TO ME OR I WILL BLOW YOU TO HELL.”

“You’ll kill her too.  If you haven’t already.” Said Nathan quietly.

Sallada quickly recovered himself and sat down in his chair running a hand through his white hair.  “Captain, I’ve got an idea. Why don’t you let me come aboard? I need to talk to her.  That’s all, just talk to her. I want to know that she is all right.”

“She’s fine.”

“No I want to see her.”

“I can’t allow that.”

“YOU HAVE NO CHOICE DAMMIT.”  And with that the screen went blank.

“Captain we’re being boarded.”

“Nathan, Lucas, all of you, please whatever you do, don’t react to him. Don’t move; don’t react to what ever he does.  Please he’ll kill you if he sees you as a threat. Please don’t try to help me.  He won’t hurt me, no matter what it looks like he wont hurt me.”

With only a small crew of thirty-two, the Seaquest crew was quickly subdued by Sallada’s forces.  They consisted of eight men armed to the teeth along with Sallada himself.  Three men with machine guns herded all those on the bridge into the wardroom.  Kristin was set apart on one side of the table as the other were on the far side from the door.

Kristin had shied away from the door and now she stood with her back against the wall. Sallada strode into the room searching for her.  His eyes seemed to light with a glow as they rested on Kristin.  Her arms were wrapped around herself protectively and she was looking down at the floor.  She knew what was coming next and tried to prepare herself for it.

Sallada pulled out his gun and aimed it at her.  He had yet to say anything to her.  He walked slowly towards her his gun trained on her. He stopped ten feet from where she stood and without warning pulled the trigger three times.  The shots rang out and Nathan grabbed Lucas as the boy screamed and tried to lunge at Sallada.  Nathan hoped to God that Kristin was right about Sallada not hurting her.

Kristin flinched as the bullets whizzed by her and she heard them drill into the wall.  The crew stood in utter disbelief at the spectacle.  This man was total deranged and they all hoped to God that he killed her instead of making her live in his twisted reality.  What happened next just blew their minds.

“If I were to step closer would you miss?” Kristin asked as she glared at Sallada and stepped menacingly closer to him.  Before anyone in the room had time to think Kristin punched Sallada in the face.  He stumbled backward and Kristin took the opportunity to kick him as hard as she could in the stomach.  She was about to punch him again but one of his henchmen backhanded Kristin and she went flying into the table.

Nathan and Lucas started towards Kristin but Sallada had his weapon trained upon them blood dripping from his chin.  “Don’t touch her.” He said as he looked at the two men.   Once he was sure Nathan and Lucas would not move toward Kristin, he turned his gun on the man who had hit Kristin.  And with controlled fury he said, “I said not to hurt her.” And he pulled the trigger, the man falling to the deck dead.

Kristin had fought off the wave of nausea as she slowly got to her feet.  Her face felt like a brick had hit her.  She closed her eyes as she tried to ward off the haziness in her brain.

Sallada almost ran over to Kristin throwing his arms around her and hugging her fiercely.  “Oh Jesus baby I’m so sorry, they weren’t supposed to hurt you.”  Before Kristin could react Sallada pushed her against the wall and started kissing her his body pushing up against hers. Kristin tried with all her might to push him off her but didn’t have enough strength.

Nathan watched with building fury as he watched Sallada kiss Kristin and grope her.  His hands were clenched at his sides. ‘One minute alone with that man and I’d kill him.’ Nathan thought.

Sallada finally stopped his attentions towards Kristin as he sheepishly turned to face the others in the room as if he had forgotten he had an audience.  “I’m sorry baby, we’ll have to find a room so we can be alone soon.”  He said as he looked over his shoulder then back at her and caressed her cheek.

Sallada grabbed Kristin’s hand and motioned for his guards.  “Tell everyone to get back to the ship as quickly as possible.”  They all left leaving Nathan and the others behind.  “What the hell was that?” asked Tony Piccolo a few seconds after Sallada had left.

“Lucas, Tim you two to the bridge and get hold of the UEO. Tell them what’s going on and have them send reinforcements. Try and find out where the rest of our crew is and how many of his men are still aboard.  The rest of you, with me.  We can’t let him leave this ship with her.”

Kristin tried to clear her head of the horrible buzzing noise that seemed to reverberate throughout her brain.  She knew Sallada was dragging her but she had no idea where they were going.  ‘Please Nathan if he takes me off the boat shoot us down.’ She thought as she realized that Sallada was leading her to the launch bay.

Dagwood had been wandering the halls of Seaquest.  He hadn’t seen anyone in over an hour and was starting to feel a bit lonely.  He heard noises of people walking behind him and quickly turned to see who approached him.

Dagwood was a little confused as he saw a man he didn’t know dragging Dr. Kristin behind him.  He noticed that Dr. Kristin was having a hard time keeping up with the other man and she had a bruise on her cheek he wondered if the man hurt her.

When he saw the gun the man carried Dagwood knew dr. Kristin was in trouble.  He hid himself behind a bulkhead and allowed the two to pass by him.  As the man passed him Dagwood reached out and grabbing the man throwing him hard against the bulkhead. The man slumped to the ground stunned.  Dagwood picked up Dr. Kristin and ran down the hall as quickly as he could.

Lucas ran through the hall trying to get to the launch bay as fast as he could.  He knew he should be on the bridge with O’Neill but he had to make sure Sallada didn’t take Kristin off the ship.  He couldn’t allow that. He had no idea what he was going to do but he had to do something.

Wendy was heading towards the launchbay when a hand grabbed her from an adjoining hall.  She was whirled around her back slamming against the bulkhead.  She saw the angry face of Sallada staring into her face the gun pressed against her side.

“Yes, you’ll do nicely.” Said Sallada as he dragged the doctor to the launch bay.

Most of Sallada’s men were now aboard their launch and were waiting for their boss.   Jessie was waiting and watching for his boss as the others waited inside the launch. He was considered to be Sallada’s right hand man, the only one Sallada trusted.  That’s why the launch was still docked and not on it’s way to the waiting subs.

Jessie was sure he had control over the group of men since he was the one who actually paid them but he was quite mistaken as he saw as a group of security officers come into the launch bay. He shouted for the men to ready the launch but before he could get to the launch the door was shut and the launch departed without him.

He dropped his weapon and with his hands in the air he turned to meet the crew only to be greeted by Sallada holding a gun to the head of a woman.  Jessie saw as the captain of the ship slowly dropped his weapon and told the others to do the same.  Jessie reclaimed his weapon and stepped towards the crew training his gun on them.

“Now call her here.” Said Sallada as he held Wendy around the neck with one hand held the gun to her temple.

“No, captain.” Wendy said but was cuffed on the side of her head by the gun in Sallada’s hand.

Nathan had no choice.  He called Kristin to the launch bay. Kristin arrived a minute later with Dagwood and Lucas behind her.  Her eyes locked with Wendy’s as she saw her standing next to Sallada.  She didn’t hesitate and walked toward Wendy and Sallada.  She pulled Wendy out of Sallada’s grasp and pushing the woman towards Bridger.

For the second time since getting up today Nathan watched as Kristin attacked a man with a gun.  He knew Sallada might shoot her and she knew it too.  He cared, she didn’t.  He watched in almost rapt fascination as Kristin backhanded Sallada in the face punched him in the stomach and then kicked him in the groin.  She apparently had faith that Sallada wouldn’t shoot her.

She took another step forward and was going to punch him again when Sallada stood and backhanded her.  Nathan watched as the look of shock and regret passed over the man’s face as Kristin fell to the deck.  Sallada fell to his knees next to her making the mistake of laying his gun down on the deck next to her.  “Kristin, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hit you I swear. I didn’t.”

This was the moment Kristin had been waiting for.  She saw the gun on the deck and she kicked both her legs towards Sallada making him tumble backward as she reach for his gun.  She stood up as quickly as she could pointing the gun at Sallada’s chest.

Sallada got up and as quickly as he could started apologizing.  “Come on baby you know I didn’t mean to hit you.  You just were hitting me and it was a reflex that’s all.  It’s been a very stressful day and I was very jumpy.   Now please give me the gun and let’s get out of here.”  He held out his hand to her.

Kristin held the gun, hands shaking, pointing at Sallada.   Even now she couldn’t take another’s life even if that life was making hers a living hell.  The man standing in front of her was responsible for all the pain and suffering of the last seven months but she still couldn’t kill him.

“Krissy baby give me the gun.  Come on, I know you don’t want to hurt me.  Come on baby, I want to take you away form all this.  I’ll keep you safe; I won’t let anyone hurt you. I promise.” He took a step towards her.

“Stop, don’t come near me.” The panic in her chest rising as he started near her.  She knew she couldn’t shoot him but she could stop him. She turned the gun towards her own chest, placing her thumb over the trigger and her other hand around the barrel to steady it.  Sallada stopped in his tracks.

“Krissy baby put the gun down.  Come on baby I love you, I can’t live without you. Please put the gun down.  I promise I won’t hurt you ever again.”

“Kristin, please don’t do this.” Kristin turned to look at Nathan as he spoke.  The pain in his eyes was hurting her even more; she had to stop this.

“Nathan I can’t do this anymore. I can't live like this anymore.” Her eyes pleading with his.

“I know Kristin. I promised you I wouldn’t let him take you and I wont. Now please put the gun down.”

“No.” she said as she shook her head.  “No, you can’t help me, no one can.”

“Krissy, come on baby. Please put the gun down. Come on baby, I can’t live without you.” His words were desperate.

“Stop it.  Stop it. Why can’t you understand I don’t love you? I will never love you. I hate you! I hate you, why don’t you leave me alone!” why couldn’t he understand?

“Krissy it’s okay, it’s okay. It’s going to be okay, let me just take you away form all this and love you like you deserve. Come on.”

Kristin just couldn’t believe it.  This man was insane and she knew he would never stop.  She had to end this, she knew she had to end this now.  She looked at the people that were in the launch bay behind Sallada.  Brody was near the only henchman Sallada hand left. She knew he was bidding his time to take out the gunman and hopefully she would give him the distraction Brody would need.  She continued her gaze around the room seeing Commander Ford also watching and waiting to help Brody.  He couldn’t look at her; he knew what she was about to do.

Next her gaze fell on Lucas who was being held back by Nathan.  Tears streaming down his cheeks, she saw the fear in his eyes was beyond anything she had seen.  She hated seeing that fear in his eyes.  She knew how much it was going to hurt him when she pulled the trigger but it was something she had to do.  The next eyes she met were those of Nathan Bridger.  In those eyes she saw the same fear she saw in Lucas’ mixed with hurt.  “I’m sorry Nathan.” She almost whispered tears steaming down her face.

At that moment Nathan’s eyes softened as they looked into hers. All the fear and pain was gone, replaced by serenity and love.  “It’s okay.” He said softly.  “I love you Kristin.”

“I love you too, Nathan.”  The thought of Nathan loving her seemed to calm her.  Her whole body seemed to relax, her face calm betraying the fact that she had a gun to her chest.  She pulled her eyes from Nathan’s and settled them again on Sallada.   Then she lowered her eyes to the gun she held and quickly looked up into Sallada’s eyes.

Everything seemed to happen in slow motion.  Sallada moved to grab the gun as Kristin pulled the trigger.  Her hands flew away from her body as the gun fired.   Her knees buckled and she fell back to the deck.  Kristin could hear Lucas as he screamed her name.  As soon as Kristin pulled the trigger Brody and Jonathan jumped the gunman subduing him quickly.

Nathan ran to Sallada and yanked him from Kristin.  He scooped Kristin up in his arms and ran her to medbay with Lucas and Wendy hot on his heels.   Dagwood was quick to get hold of Sallada since the once infamous terrorist had crumbled as Kristin hit the deck.

Nathan deposited Kristin on a bed in medbay as Smith came over along with two other medtechs.  He slowly backed away from the woman who but a few weeks ago been a memory but now was his life. She couldn’t die, not now.  She couldn’t leave him.

Two hours later Wendy came out of the room Kristin was in.  She saw Nathan sitting holding Lucas, along with Jonathan, Miguel, Tim, and Dagwood.   All eyes were on her as soon as she came through the door.  The concern she felt for the woman in the next room was almost overwhelming.  She took a deep breath before she started.

“She’s going to be fine.” The relief of all who heard her words washed over her like a wave upon the shore.  “The bullet went through her left lung causing it to collapse but she missed every major blood vessel in her chest.  She was either very lucky or she knew exactly where to shoot.”

“She’s alive?” this small question from Lucas.

“Yes.  She’ll have to stay in medbay for a couple of days but she’s going to be just fine.”

“Can we see her?” asked Nathan.

“Sure but only for a few minutes she needs her rest.”

Nathan and Lucas followed Wendy as she led them into the room Kristin occupied.  She didn’t look that bad at least for being shot at point blank range.  She was breathing on her own which more than surprised him.  She was hooked up to heart monitors of course but the beeps they emitted seemed steady and normal.  Her eyes were closed and Nathan thought she looked so peaceful.

Lucas had instantly gone to Kristin’s side and took her hand in his.  “Kristin you’re going to be okay.” He brought her hand to his cheek. Nathan stood behind him just happy that she was alive.

“Come on Lucas.  You need to get some sleep and Kristin needs her rest.”  Lucas got up and allowed Nathan to lead him out of medbay.  Jonathan had been waiting in medbay for the captain to come out.  They both walked Lucas to his quarters.

“Where is Sallada?”

“He’s in the brig sir along with the other gunman that didn’t make it to the launch.  We’re on our way to Guantanamo to deposit our captives. We should be there in about six hours.”

“Good. One thing commander, I don’t want Sallada knowing Kristin is alive.  To him, she died before she hit the floor.”

“Yes sir.”

“Goodnight Jonathan.”

“Goodnight sir.”

Jonathan headed toward the bridge as Nathan headed toward his quarters.  When he got there he was more restless than he could stand.  He quickly left his cabin and headed toward the brig.

Sallada was sitting on the floor of the room, the other man asleep on the bunk.  The man looked broken.  He was just sitting staring at the floor.  Sallada looked up as he saw Nathan open the door.  “Please tell me she’s alright.”

The anger that he had towards this man was almost unfathomable.  He couldn’t ever remember hating a man so much in his entire life.  His anger burst forth as he grabbed Sallada by the collar and slammed him against the back wall.   His hands went around the man’s neck and Nathan started to tighten his grip around the man's throat.

Brody quickly came up behind his captain and tried wresting Sallada out of his hands.  “He’s not worth it captain. He’s not worth it.”  Bridger let go of Sallada and the man slumped to the floor grabbing his throat and choking for air.  “Come on sir.  I think you should go get some rest.”

Nathan left with out saying a word and headed towards medbay.  He reached it finding no one around.  It was late at night and only a nurse was on duty.  She had come out of Kristin’s room after checking on her.  After she had left Nathan went into Kristin’s room without anyone’s notice.

Nathan walked to the side of her taking her hand in his.  He stood watching her for several moments.  He brushed a stray lock of hair off her forehead.  As he did this Kristin’s eyes opened.  “Hi.” She spoke her voice barely above a whisper, a small smile gracing her lips.

“Hi.” He said softly.  “You gave us quite a scare.  You’re going to be okay though.  You seemed to have missed all the major blood vessels. You knew where to shoot yourself, didn’t you?”

She smiled.  “I may be crazy but I’m not stupid.”

He shook his head.  He cupped her head in his hands and kissed her forcefully on the lips.  “Don’t you ever do anything like that ever again!”  He rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes.  “I love you. Please don’t ever leave me.”

“I love you too Nathan and I promise I will do whatever I can to stay with you always.”  She reached up bringing her hand around his neck and kissing him.

Nathan sat down on the bed next to her and carefully pulled her into his embrace and watched her as she drifted off to sleep.  He thought about how he had almost lost her before he had her.  He looked down at her and thought that hell would have to freeze over before he ever let her off this boat again with out him by her side.  He laid his head down on hers and fell asleep.

About four hours later Jonathan Ford stepped into the room.  He really hated to wake the captain but what he had to tell him was something he and Kristin would probably want to hear.  “Captain.” Jonathan said quietly hoping not to wake Kristin

“What is it Jonathan?”  Nathan said quietly as he slowly opened his eyes first looking down at Kristin still sleeping in his arms.

“I’m sorry to wake you captain but I thought you would want to know.”  Jonathan took a deep breath.  “Sallada was found about an hour ago, he hung himself.  He’s dead, sir.”

Nathan took a deep breath as he heard the words.  “Thank you commander.”

“Yes sir.”  Jonathan said as he turned and left.

Nathan closed his eyes and laid his head back down on the pillow.  He wasn’t sure how Kristin was going to take the news that her tormentor was dead.  He hoped she would be happy, not because the man was dead but because she was truly free from him.

Wendy Smith entered the room to find Nathan lying next to Kristin.  She knew she had lost him the minute Kristin Westphalen stepped on board the Seaquest.  Her childish jealous cost two lives, two men had died when Sallada torpedoed the Seaquest.  It had almost cost her own life if Kristin had not stepped in to help her.  The only thing she could do now was care for the woman she had almost help destroy and wait for Nathan to hopefully forgive her actions.

Nathan’s eyes shot open as Wendy neared the IV that was running to Kristin’s arm.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You didn’t. Jonathan was here earlier.  He told me about Sallada.”

“Nathan…”

“Don’t.” Nathan said.  He couldn’t even look at her let alone hear her apologize again.  It reminded him of Sallada as he apologized to Kristin.  It almost made him sick.  He watched as Wendy finished her check of Kristin and left the room.

Nathan slowly eased himself out of the bed trying not to jostle Kristin.  He needed to get to the bridge to handle the returning crew and the bodies of those who had died along with their prisoner.  It was going to be interesting raising the Seaquest from the dead.

After having showered and changed Nathan headed to the bridge where a call from Secretary-general Bill Noyce was waiting for him.

“Nathan it’s damn good to see you.  I’m glad to hear Sallada will no longer be bothering anyone and that Dr. Westphalen is close to finding an antidote.  How is she doing by the way?”

“She’s fine.”

“What happened, no one will give me any particulars.”

“She shot herself.”

“What?!”

“She shot herself in the chest.  Very cleanly, didn’t puncture anything vital.  It was a nice ploy to get Sallada to surrender.”

“Apparently it worked a little too well.” Noyce said referring to the terrorist’s suicide.

Nathan just shrugged.  “I figure he would only stop if one of them was dead.  I’m just glad it wasn’t Kristin.”

“Yeah, so am I and half the world.”

“Yeah and Kristin was able to finish the antidote so the other half of the world should be please too.  Well Bill I’ve got to go see about getting myself a new CMO.”

“Just one other question Nathan, what the hell happen to your beard?” Noyce asked.

Nathan smiled and signed off.

Nathan was walking the halls of Seaquest with Kristin Westphalen.  She was making a speedy recover her wounds only giving her a small amount of trouble.

“So the Seaquest is all repaired then?” asked Kristin.  The damage down to the Seaquest was minimal even though it cost two lives.  Once all the crew were back aboard the repairs were dealt with speedily.  They were now just waiting for their orders and a new CMO since Nathan had dismissed Wendy Smith on grounds of misconduct.

Nathan wanted very much for Kristin to stay and take the position but she was reluctant.  She wasn’t sure she wanted to be aboard Seaquest since she wasn’t military and there wasn’t that much science on board.  He wasn’t about to let her go easily though.

“So what do you plan on doing now?”

“Oh I don’t know.  I’ve a few offers but I don’t know.  I think a vacation would be nice but I'm kind of anxious to actually do work without being afraid it will get interrupted by gunfire.”

“Well, I’m sure you could find something you like.” He said as he stopped and turned towards her a smile on his lips.  She eyed him a bit suspiciously before her face lit up with the realization that the boat was moving.

“This boat is moving.  What the hell is going on Bridger?”

“Huh, the boat is moving. What do you know about that?”

“I was supposed to be getting off here remember? I do have a life to return to you know.”

“Oh yeah I’m sure you do.” Nathan said as he stepped closer to her.  “But I’ve got a problem doctor.  The Seaquest doesn’t have a CMO.  What if I were to get hurt?  There would be no one here to take care of me.”  He put his arms around her and pulled her close.

“So you’ve kidnapped me in order to talk me into being the CMO, is that it?” she said as she put her arms around his neck.

“Yep.” He said as he kissed her.  “I wonder if it will work.”

“Well, from what I’ve heard that’s how the ship got her captain.”  She said as she kissed him.