Lucas Wolenczak, evil computer analyst stealthily crept onto the bridge.  He was ready for her, the evil doctor.  He had to get her and fast. She and her band of nurses had taken out his entire band of hackers. Of course he and his bunch were able to take out most of her band of evil scientists.  It was all up to him now, he and the doctor were the only ones left and he wasn’t about to lose.

Captain Nathan Bridger of the Seaquest noticed Lucas had entered the bridge rather cautiously and was looking around.  He had a look on his face as though he was hunting someone.  Nathan saw the black band across the boy’s forehead and the laser gun he held in his hands. ‘I wonder who he’s playing with?’ He thought as he saw Lucas stalk slowly to the front of the bridge eyes darting around every corner and crevasse.

Commander Jonathan Ford had a somewhat annoyed expression on his face as he watched Lucas.  ‘For god’s sake this is a military vessel not a playground.’  “Mr. Wolenczak, do you mind telling me what you are doing on the bridge.”

The look in Lucas’ eye never changed as he slowly made his way over to the comm station where Tim O’Neill was sitting.  He got the annoyed glare that Ford was giving him and gave a shrug of his shoulders looking a bit sheepishly at the commander and then at the captain.

Before he could say anything an alarm sounded from Lucas’ headband and one red light appeared.  “No!!” he yelled and looked around frantically.  All in the room turned to look at him as Kristin Westphalen crept out of the access tube on the bridge.

Bridger first noticed his CMO sopping wet.  She was wearing jean shorts, a white t-shirt and a blue over shirt all of which were completely drenched.  Her hair pulled back into a ponytail was dripping and she wore the same headband as Lucas.  She held the gun in her hands leveling it at her adversary.

Lucas caught site of her as she walked to the side of the bridge. He quickly stood up and leveled his gun at her.

The entire bridge crew watched as the two ‘enemies’ had their weapons trained on one another.  It seemed rather intense both rivals totally serious as they just stared at one another.

“Give up Mr. Wolenczak. You can’t win.”

“Oh don’t be so sure doctor.” He almost spit out the last word.

“You always were a bit too cocky.”

If the crew hadn’t known any better they would have thought the scene playing before them was real.  The ‘guns’ trained, the steel looks in Lucas and Kristin’s eyes as they stared at one another. Some actually wondered if maybe the doctor and the teenager had gone over the edge of insanity but there were telltale signs of the game, the wrist indicator and forehead sensor monitoring the number of hits each had sustained.

To Nathan’s surprise Lucas’ monitors indicated that he had been hit once which meant one more and he was ‘dead.’  The shot sustained as Kristin had emerged from Darwin’s access tubes.  Kristin on the other hand had no hits, either Lucas wasn’t very good at the hunt or Kristin was better.

“I don’t think you have the guts doctor.” Said Lucas loudly.

“Never underestimate your opponent Mr. Wolenczak.  It will get you killed.” Said Kristin.

“You took an oath doctor to save lives not to take them.”

“I shot you once you evil bastard, I can shoot you again.”

Lucas let out a maniacal laughter.  “You wipe out my enter crew and you accuse me of being evil, I think not doctor.”

“Oh you can hide it just as well but I know what type of computer genius you are, the worst kind.”

“There’s something you should know doctor before you ‘kill’ me.” Lucas took a deep breath and his face softened a little as he looked at Kristin.  “I’m your father.”  Most of the bridge crew smiled at Lucas’ absurd remark and turned their attention to Kristin.

“No.” she said in disbelief.  “You can’t be.” Several short laughs sounded on the bridge silenced by Ford’s glare.  The captain however wore an amuse smile on his face.

“You know it’s true.” Said Lucas softly and seriously.  He then held out his arms for Kristin.  She rushed into his arms laying her head on his shoulder.  “My little girl.” He said as his arms came around her.

“Daddy.” She said and the bridge crew were silently chuckling to see what the two would do next.

Little alarms sounded and the crew watched as Lucas and Kristin pulled back from one another with disbelieving looks on their faces.

“I can’t believe you shot your own father.” Said Lucas incredulously.

“Oh and you shooting your own daughter is okay?” Kristin shot back with her hands on her hips.

“Huh, must be in the genes.” Said Lucas then he started to laugh. “Did you see Grazer shoot himself? That was hilarious.”

Kristin started laughing too.  “I think he died of embarrassment.”

“I can't believe you beat me.” Said Lucas a bit in disbelief.

“I’m just good.”

“You're all wet.”

“It was worth it.”

“Excuse me Dr. Westphalen but this is not a playground.” This from Commander Ford.

“Oh commander you’d be proud of us science types we’ve been playing commando all day.” Said Kristin rocking on her heels as she talked to the young man as though she were a proud child.

“Captain?” Ford turned to his commanding officer.

Nathan had been watching the whole scene unfold with a sort of rapt fascination.  He was amused at both Lucas and Kristin. He would have never of suspected her to be Lucas’ playmate but then again he didn’t know all there was to know about Kristin Westphalen.  He now had inclination to find more about her.

He had been studying her as she had emerged from the water.  She was graceful and amazingly beautiful and her eyes always seemed to hold a twinkle in them. It might be mischief or excitement or anger, but the twinkle was always there.   A small impish smile had been on her lips as she shot Lucas. It made Nathan’s heart skip a beat.

He got up out of his command chair and walked over to the two foes.  “Might I ask what you two are doing?” he said in his best ‘I’m the captain.’ voice.

The two looked at one another and then back to the captain. “Nothing.” they said in unison.

Nathan crossed his arms over his chest and gave an unbelieving “uh huh” as he glared at Lucas then at Kristin.  Nathan almost flinched as he saw that upon closer inspection the doctor’s lips were blue. With a note of concern in his voice he stated as much.  “Your lips are blue.” He said it quietly with concern seeming to forget all others in the room.

Kristin was taken aback but the statement and the concern in his eyes. Her hand went up to her lips then down as she said, “The water's a bit cold.” She said quietly her eyes locked on his.

Nathan became aware of the strange scene he and the doctor were presenting and quickly cleared his throat and took a small step back from Kristin.  “I suggest you get cleaned up and the both of you not to pull a stunt like this again.  I had no intention of this boat being a playground. So please indulge me and don’t do it again.”

“Sorry sir.” Said Lucas with a sheepish smile.

Kristin couldn’t help but smile.  She had seen the twinkle in his eye.  “Alright Lucas let’s get out of her before we are put in front of the firing squad.”  She leaned close to Nathan and whispered, “next time we’ll invite you to play.” She pulled away from him with that impish smile on her lips and left the bridge with Lucas. Nathan could only smile as he watched her leave.

The Nathan found Lucas and Kristin in the mess hall that evening eating dinner with Jonathan, Katie, Joshua Levin, Tim O'Neill and Miguel Ortiz.  Nathan grabbed some food and went to join the rather heated discussion at the table.

“Afraid we techheads, as we are often referred to, will beat you commander?”

Jonathan gave a ruff snort.  “I seriously doubt you would last five minutes.”

“Well then I guess there is just one way to find out.  Science against military.” Said Kristin.

“Your on.” Said Jonathan with a no-nonsense scowl on his face.

“Now wait a minute you two I don’t like where this is going.” Bridger said cutting into their conversation.

“Oh don’t start with me Bridger when it comes to this you’re military.” Said Kristin leveling her gaze on the captain.

“I resent that doctor.” Said Nathan with a bit put off by her statement.

“You, captain, have military training therefore you are military.” Her tone was too condescending for Nathan to take.

“Fine doctor you’re on. Military against science.”

Kristin was a bit surprised that he took the challenge but this could be fun she thought with a smile.

“Teams.  We have ten of those kits to play with so you get five.  Pick your team captain.”

“Fine.  Volunteers?” asked Nathan as he looked around the table at his crew.

“I’m in sir.” Said Ford with a sneer at the doctor.

Tim and Miguel also volunteered.

“You need one more captain.” Said Kristin.

“Lucas you’re with me.”

“Oh no you don’t, he’s not military.”

“Okay, you can have one military on your team. Give you a fighting chance at least.”  Kristin glared at him.

“I want Katie.” She said.

“Okay.” Said Nathan with a slight shrug of his shoulders that made Katie really want to win.

“Katie, Joshua, and Lizzie.”

“Now you need one more doctor.”

“I’m thinking.”

“Hey I want to play.” Said Ben.

“You can have him.” Said Nathan with a laugh.

Kristin saw the steel look on Ben’s face as the captain dismissed his supply officer so quickly.

“I think I will.” Said Kristin with a smile. “Who could get less military than Ben?  Care to lend a hand Mr. Krieg?” asked Kristin as she turned to look at Ben.  He was totally surprised.  He hadn’t really expected anyone to let him play.

“I’d love to.” He said with a smile on his face.

“All right then. The rules of the game: First of all we stay off the bridge.” Said Nathan.

“Okay.” Agreed Kristin.

“And only one shot to kill, not two.” Said Ford.  “Make it more life-like.”

“Agreed.” Said Katie.

“The dead will gather in the wardroom and when all members of one team show up they call the winners.  I don’t want people sneaking around the boat unnecessarily.”  Said Nathan.

“Good but only the dead are allowed in the wardroom, no ambushing using the dead.” Said Kristin as she looked at Lucas.

“Okay.” The boy said as he smiled back at Kristin.

“Done.” They both stood and shook hands to strike the bargain.

“This is going to be so easy.” Said Nathan as he leaned his palms on the table.  He was trying to goad her, make her angry and she wouldn’t be able to concentrate.

She didn’t anger as he had hoped she would but instead she laid her palms on the table leaning closer to Nathan.  “Don’t be so sure captain.  Wouldn’t it be humiliating for the military if a bunch of scientists, nay, women scientists for that matter, beat you.”  She said almost seductively.  Her smile was unnerving a little but he wouldn’t let it show.

“You’re not trying to sike me out, now are you doctor?” asked Nathan as he leaned closer to her.

Kristin had a ‘who me’ look on her face as she ever so innocently said, “now captain, of course not, that would be very, very naughty of me now wouldn’t it?”  Her voice was sweet but at the same time extremely alluring.  Their eyes were locked, Nathan not wanting to look away first.  She dropped her gaze and raked her eyes over his body.  He suppressed the shiver that threatened to run down his spine as he watched her.  She returned her gaze to his with a small seductive smile playing on her lips.

“Are you finished doctor?” Nathan asked careful to keep his voice calm and steady even though his emotions were anything but.  She was driving him crazy even though she hadn’t touched him.

“Ready when you are captain.”

“Good.” He stood up straight.  “It starts in fifteen minutes.  Happy hunting doctor.”

“Good luck captain.  You’re going to need it.” She said as she walked towards the exit.

“We are so gonna win.” Said Katie as she followed her ‘captain’ out of the room.

Nathan watched as Ben and Joshua exited the room the thirst for victory rising steadily in him.

“Commander?” the captain almost shouted.

“Yes sir?” Ford stood at attention.

“I want to win commander.”

“Yes sir.” Said Jonathan feeling victory already.

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Stratton, a marine biologist by trade, stalked the halls of Seaquest looking for her prey.  She had been assigned to rid her side of Tim O'Neill.  She was a little worried as she thought of his military training.  ‘How in the world am I supposed to take him out?’

She stopped as she heard the voice she was looking for.  She knew them both; one belonged to Miguel Ortiz and the other to her prey.  Lizzie’s excitement of catching two enemy men at once overcame her fear.  She snuck around the corner and took aim at Tim.  She fired before she saw realized that Miguel had seen her and fired.  Two alarms sounded through the hall and a string of expletives followed.

Joshua Levin stood motionless as he witnessed the exchange.  He let Miguel have a small victory before firing on the young man.  Miguel cursed himself and looked for his killer but Joshua had made a hasty retreat being careful not to be caught in the same trap as Miguel.

Jonathan and Katie stood facing one another guns trained.  They had been stalking one another for an hour throughout the ship and had finally come face to face outside engineering.

“Give up Katie, you know we are going to win.”

“I don’t think so Jonathan.”

They fired and ducked hoping to out do their adversary.  Both alarms sounded, they had killed one another.

Lucas knew how to play this game.  Playing with the doc had taught him a lot.  First and foremost was to not get caught out in the open.  Let them come to you.  He had been hiding in the same spot for over an hour but his patience was soon to be rewarded as Joshua crept into the lab.

Lucas allowed his enemy to get closer before he took aim and fired.  The sound of an alarmed range out in the empty room.

“How long have you been under the lab bench?” asked Joshua as he silenced his alarm.

“Maybe an hour.” Said Lucas as he slowly emerged.

Joshua shook his head.  “That’s dedication for you.”

Most of the game was nothing more than trying to find your enemy among the crew while trying not to be found.  It was harder than it had sounded at dinner that evening but Ben had done it well.  He had seen Tim and Miguel dead along with Lizzie and even Jonathan and Katie moments before.  He was proud to think that he had outlived them.

Ben was getting over ambitious.  He knew it but he couldn’t help it. Wouldn’t it be great if he, Ben Krieg, could take down his captain?  He doubted he could but he had to try. He had a lot of money riding on the outcome of this game after all.

He walked onto seadeck and heard laughter.  He knew immediately it belonged to Lucas.  ‘Someone must be dead.’ Thought Ben.  He watched as Joshua emerged from the lab with the red light flashing on his headband.  Ben took aim at the door and hoped to God Lucas was coming.

When Lucas emerged Ben didn’t hesitate.  He didn’t hear only Lucas’ alarm sound but his own as well. He looked around quickly but no one else was in the room.  He knew it had to be the captain but he had not seen or heard him.  ‘Oh he was good.’  Ben was starting to get a little worried about his money.

Nathan was slowly making his way down the hall.  He knew she had come this way.  He looked at the doors that lined the hall. One was to the engineering access panels.

‘That has to be it.’ He thought as he slowly crept up to the door,.  He opened it slowly but stopped as he heard a noise down the hall.  He turned as the door flew open as Kristin kicked it from within.  Nathan’s gun clattered to the floor as he stared to fall backwards.

Nathan grabbed Kristin’s wrist as he fell.  She came down on top of him as she tried hurriedly to get her gun in a position to fire on Nathan but he was stronger than she.  He was trying to wrestle the gun out of her grasp, his face mere inches from hers.

Kristin did the only thing she could think of.  She brought her lips up to his and kissed him.  It was gentle, her lips barely touching his.  Nathan stopped his struggle instantly and locked eyes with her.  What she saw in his eyes made her shiver.

‘Look away damn it.  Look away.’ His mind screamed but he was lost in her dark eyes.  He became aware of how her body felt underneath his.  He could feel her warm breath on his face.

Nathan was lost as he brought his lips down on hers kissing her passionately.  Her arms encircled his neck bring him closer to her.  His tongue pressed on her lips begging to taste her.  Her lips parted and she welcomed him.

And then he heard it. The alarm, his alarm sounded filling the empty hall.  She had shot him. “Damn it.” He said as he lifted himself off her in disgust.  He didn’t even look at her as he stormed away angrily.

He had lost. Fair and square he had lost and he knew it.  She had found his weakness and exploited it.  He hadn’t thought she would actually do it though, kiss him or shoot him.  The great Nathan Hale Bridger, captain of the UEO flagship brought down by a kiss.

He entered the wardroom to find his entire team along with hers. He knew he would. He had known that it was just the two of them.  Nathan ignored the shocked looks from his team and even some of Kristin’s as he slumped down in a chair at the end of the table.

“I can’t believe they won.” Said Ford in disbelief.  “She couldn’t have beaten you sir.”

“Well she did.” Nathan said tightly.

“Never, ever underestimate Kristin Westphalen.” Said Joshua as he stood.

‘No kidding.’ Thought Nathan angrily.  “Call her.” He said.

“There’s no need.” Came the sensuous voice of the victor.

Nathan just stared at the table in front of him.

“Congrats doc.” Said Lucas as he walked past her to leave.

“Thanks dad.” She said with a smile.

“I guess I owe you an apology doctor.” Said Jonathan still in a state of shock.

“Forget it Jonathan. It was fun.”

Joshua smiled as he passed her.

“There are so many people who owe me money.” Said Ben as he walked past Kristin. “Thanks doc.”

“You’re welcome Ben. And good job soldier.”  Ben laughed.

“You gonna tell me how you beat him?” asked Katie quietly.

“I’ll tell you later.” Said Kristin with a small smile.

Lizzie, Tim and Miguel congratulated Kristin as they walked out.
Kristin walked over to the table and sat down in the chair closest to her captain.  He had yet to look up.

“I’m sorry Nathan.” she said as she sat down at the table. Nathan watched as she placed her weapon on the table as she spoke.  She saw him relax and the anger seemed to leave his face.

“Don’t be.  You played fair.  You found your enemy’s weakness and used it against him.  We’re taught to do that.” He wasn’t angry, he couldn’t be it was his own fault.

“So kissing is your weakness.” She said with a small smile.

“No.” Nathan was silent a moment.  He looked over at her.  “You are.”
 
 

The end.