A/N: OK, here's a change of pace. I want to show readers that there is more to me as a writer than just sappy romance, although there will be some romantic undertones. It is, however, to not turn any of my current fans away from my writing, so I do hope readers give this a chance. The setting is early season 1 with season 1 characters. Although this is not a sequel to Never is a Promise, the background of the characters from that story will be applied. There will also be some recurring characters from that story that will appear in this one, so I do suggest you read it if you haven't. Even if romance isn't your thing, you may find yourself confused in some areas, so perhaps you can force yourself to get through the romance to get the background on certain characters. Rated M for violence to be on the safe side. I will try not to make it too gory. I kindly ask that if you are reading that you please take the time to review, even if you think it's the worst thing you've ever read. Criticism can help me become a better writer, and I appreciate all comments. Anonymous reviews are welcome also. Thank you.

Disclaimer: SeaQuest DSV and its characters are not my creation. They are the creation of Rockne S. O'Bannon as a 1990's television series. This work of fanfiction is for entertainment purposes only and is not for financial gain. I am just borrowing the characters for a bit and promise to return them unharmed and in their original condition, maybe just a bit happier.

Chapter 1

It had been a few months since Nathan Bridger had taken command of the seaQuest and its crew, and things were going swimmingly, no pun intended. He had gained the respect of all aboard the submarine, and he found he liked the fact that the seaQuest was a peacekeeping vessel. He actually helped people, saved lives, a wonderful change of pace from the military life he had once known. In addition to this, as though it weren't enough, two very special people had come into his life, both filling a void and giving Nathan a new-found joy for life. Lucas Wolenczak, the seventeen-year-old computer genius whose parents couldn't handle him (nor seemed to want to try), touched a special place in Nathan's heart. Having lost his own son, he felt he'd gotten a second chance with Lucas. The boy was smart, he gave him that. But the fact remained, he was still a boy, and he needed guidance...most of all, he needed a parent, someone to love him. Nathan was just that person.

And then, there was Kristin Westphalen, CMO and head scientist, but also the love of Nathan's life. Having been in love with her for many years, Nathan and Kristin finally met once again aboard the seaQuest, both professing their love for one another, although being discreet so as not to compromise either's position on the boat. Nathan found that he had a surrogate family with Kristin and Lucas, and he couldn't have been happier. Although when it came to the crew of the seaQuest, Nathan was definitely a mother hen to all of them, feeling solely responsible for protecting each and every one of them. However, he felt a particular need to protect Lucas and Kristin, but he never knew how soon into the tour these needs would be confirmed.

Sarah Lawrence looked at her watch. Her shift ended in an hour, and she was relieved. Although she felt lucky to have been given a nursing position on the seaQuest, she didn't particularly enjoy working the evening shift. Although there were occasional nighttime emergencies, she found the evenings boring for the most part. She did enjoy working with Dr. Westphalen and Dr. Levin. That evening, she worked with Dr. Levin. Aside from a few crewmen with flu symptoms, there was little excitement. But the last hour of work meant that she was to prepare medical supplies for the day shift nurses. So, her job became exciting just then.

"Sarah", said Dr. Levin, "Do you mind finishing up here? I have to write some medical reports in my office, and I don't anticipate any more emergencies for the night. Of course, I'll have my PAL with me; contact me if there is a problem."

"No problem, Doctor. I'll see that you're not disturbed unless necessary," Sarah told him.

"Great. See you tonight. Same time, same place." Levin gave her a smile before leaving.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Sarah called after him a little sarcastically. She really did like her job, but she felt that she'd gotten the short end of the stick on this one. She was a wonderful nurse, but she was young and had little seniority. More experienced nurses were given the day shifts and were among the excitement of the day. There was not much need for a full medical staff during the evenings. Sarah wanted to prove that she could do as well as the other nurses, but she would never be given the opportunity if nothing exciting ever happened at night. Had it not been for the fact that she'd fallen in love with someone aboard the boat, she would have resigned. Sarah sighed as she went through the cabinets to retrieve medical supplies. She heard footsteps behind her.

"Did you forget something, Doctor?" she asked.

"I'm not the doctor," she heard a familiar voice say.

Sarah turned around. "Oh, hi. Sorry, I didn't know you were working this early." Sarah noticed the strange look on her visitor's face. "Is everything all right?", she asked.

"Everything's fine, for me anyway."

"What do you mean?" Sarah asked, a little worried at her friend's strange behavior.

But Sarah never received an answer because she felt a sharp pang in her abdomen as her visitor plunged a knife into her. Sarah tried to scream, but no sound came out. She tried to fight back, tried to alert someone that she was in danger. But she found herself too weak, and soon all went dark.

Nathan Bridger awoke feeling refreshed after his alarm went off. He quickly got dressed because he was hoping to spend a few moments alone with Kristin before they both had to carry on with the duties of the day. Although they were both together on the submarine, finding time alone was difficult. However, Kristin accepted it with grace; she never made him feel guilty for having to attend to the matters of the boat. As Nathan stepped out into the corridor, he headed toward's Kristin's quarters. He practically ran into her as he turned the corner, realizing that she obviously had the same idea.

"Well, fancy meeting you here," Nathan said.

"Likewise." Kristin smiled at him.

Nathan looked around to see if anyone else was nearby. When he decided the coast was clear, he kissed Kristin passionately.

"Hmmmmm," Kristin said when he broke the kiss, "If you keep that up, we'll both be late for work."

"That's how much I missed you. You know this isn't as easy as I thought, trying to be discreet and pretend that we're just friends," Nathan said quietly so that no one would hear if they were in earshot.

Kristin nodded. "Well, we both knew what we were getting into."

"Yes, well, I didn't know that I would get to see you so much without being able to 'see' you, if you know what I mean."

Kristin smiled. "But things appear to be going slower around here. Hopefully, that will open up some well-needed private time for us."

Nathan pulled her close and kissed her again. "You mean like that?" he asked.

"Uh-huh," she said, forgetting her next thought.

"Let's go get some breakfast, shall we?"Nathan asked, offering her his arm.

Kristin smiled at him and obliged as they walked. Suddenly, Kristin remembered what she had been thinking about.

"You know, now that things are slower around here, Lucas is going to be feeling lonely. We'll have to be sure that doesn't happen," Kristin commented. She was just as concerned about him as Nathan. If Nathan was Lucas' surrogate father, that made Kristin his surrogate mother.

"Of course," Nathan agreed, "We'll be sure to spend time with him too."

"Um, Nathan, I was thinking..." Kristin began.

"Yes?"

"Well, Jasmine is going to be having a break from school, and I was thinking it might be a good time for her to visit the seaQuest. Lucas doesn't get to spend time with kids his own age, and I thought that Jasmine would be good for him. And that would mean that you and I might get some alone time without having to worry about Lucas," Kristin suggested.

Nathan thought for a moment. "Do you really think it's a good idea to have two teenagers of the opposite sex aboard?"

"What are you suggesting, Nathan?"Kristin asked, somewhat annoyed.

"Well, um, it's just that Lucas is that age...and Jasmine is at that age...and well...you know," Nathan stammered.

"No, Nathan, I don't know. Are you suggesting that just because Lucas and Jasmine are young that they won't be able to control their hormones?"

"That's exactly what I am suggesting."

"Nathan, I'll have you know that my daughter is a very studious girl. She is not a boy-crazed teenager. She is a very sensible girl. She hasn't even mentioned boys to me, even once. She goes to an all girl's school, for goodness sake," Kristin explained.

"Those type of girls are usually the worst ones."

"Excuse me? I went to an all girl's school," Kristin was now more angry at Nathan's assumption.

"Exactly my point."

Kristin started walking away in a huff. Nathan grabbed her arm. "Look, honey, I'm sorry. It's just that I worry about Lucas, too. I know Jasmine is a good girl, and Lucas is a good boy. I just don't want either of them to be...tempted. And you know the temptation might be there. I guess what I'm saying is that I'll have to clear it with Bill...but, yes, we can arrange for your daughter to visit. But we'll have to keep a close eye on them both."

Kristin suddenly understood what Nathan was saying. "All right; you're forgiven. Everything'll be fine. You'll see."

"Whatever you say."

With that, the couple headed towards the mess hall.

As they turned the corner, however, they were interrupted when Chief Crocker came upon the two.

"Cap, Doctor, I'm glad I found you," Crocker told them in a serious tone.

"Morning, Crocker," Nathan greeted, "Is there a problem."

"I'm afraid that's an understatement, Cap. All I can say is that it's pure evil."

"What's in the world happened?" Kristin asked with concern.

"Follow me," Crocker instructed.

"Crocker, you're going to have to fill us in," Nathan said as they walked.

Although Crocker was a wonderful friend and security officer, he was a bit superstitious and sometimes exaggerated.

Crocker sighed. "There's been a murder, Cap...in the science lab."

Kristin and Nathan exchanged worried glances as they made their way towards the science lab.

"I guess this is what we get for saying that things were going to be slow around here," Nathan muttered to no one in particular as they walked.

As the three came upon the hallway leading to the lab, Crocker stopped and turned to Kristin. "Uh, Doc, maybe you should stay here for now? It's a pretty gruesome scene. Evil", he said, wide-eyed, "just pure evil."

Kristin gave a slight laugh. She was a doctor after all. She'd seen hundreds of dead bodies, dissected cadavers, performed autopsies, and she'd even seen a murder victim or two during her career. She certainly was not known for having a weak stomach when it came to things like that. Although it was sad, it was a reality of the world that people were murdered.

"Thank you for your concern, Chief, but I'll be fine," Kristin assured him.

"Don't say I didn't warn you," Crocker replied with a shrug.

Nathan and Kristin certainly did not expect that the scene was really as bad as Crocker had described, considering his tendency to exaggerate. However, upon entering the lab, they finally understood that Crocker had not been exaggerating at all. Kristin's scream escaped her when she saw the young nurse surrounded by blood.