Author's Note: I decided to revise this story based on a few reviews that made me realize that Katya had turned into precisely what I hadn't wanted her to become. So, thanks for all of the reviews, both the positive and the quick spate of negative that came later. Although I would like to say that "flawless" is not a word I would use to describe Kat, though the reasons for that will come later. Hope you all enjoy the re-write!

DISCLAIMER (don't you just love these?): I don't own SeaQuest or any of its original characters, story lines, or anything else that was originally there before I decided to mess with it. I also don't own the character of Sam/Samantha. I do, however, own the following original characters: Jason, and Katya. Can I say that I wish I owned Lucas? I'm not making any money off of any of this writing, if I were I'd quit my job and write full time!

Lucas stood at the top of launch bay, waiting for Jason to arrive. This was a short stop, so only those with family in the area were allowed ashore. Sam, unfortunately, was leaving just as Jason got here. Her father had asked her to come and work on a dig with him in Egypt again, this time for about 6 months. She had agreed to go, she missed her family. Lucas would miss her; she was a special and irreplaceable friend. Though he would have Jason now, he knew that it wouldn't be the same without Sam.

Sam had left last night, before they had even docked. She had a flight to catch. They'd been able to say their goodbyes privately, and Lucas was happy for that. He'd sent an email to Jason when he'd found out about Sam's leaving. He knew Jason had been looking forward to seeing her again; and Jason's response proved him right, even though Jason admitted that he would still be aboard and would see Sam when she returned. He tapped his foot and waited as the launch docked. The Captain and Dr. Westphalen, as well as Ford and Crocker were here also waiting. He wondered about the new girl coming aboard, though she wouldn't be getting here until tomorrow.

The launch finally docked and Lucas peered down the ladder. Jason was the only person on this launch run, and he was out quickly, carrying a bulky bag. Lucas knew there had to be more than that, but that those things would be sent up later when the launch was unloaded. Jason climbed the ladder and turned to grab his bag as it was handed up to him. Setting it down, he turned and saluted the Captain, Commander Ford and Chief Crocker. Lucas was aware, through the Captain, that Jason had earned the rank of Ensign in his short time at the academy, so good was his performance there.

"Ensign Barnham, reporting for duty Captain," Jason said, all seriousness.

"At ease Ensign," the Captain replied with a smile, then reached out and shook Jason's hand. "Welcome back Jason, it's nice to see you again. You, of course, know Dr. Westphalen, Commander Ford, and Chief Crocker."

Jason's smile surfaced. "It's nice to see you again too Captain. I can't thank you enough for everything you've done," he said, turning in the direction of the other three. "Doctor, Commander, Chief, a pleasure to see you again."

"All the thanks I need Jason came in the form of those reports sent to me by the academy. Very well done, son. You can give me extra thanks in the form of performing to expectation."

"I won't let you down sir," Jason replied.

"I have a feeling you won't. And," he said gesturing behind Jason to a waiting Lucas, "of course you know your friend, Lucas."

Jason's smile widened as he turned around to see Lucas. "Lucas! Man are you a sight for sore eyes!"

"Same here buddy," Lucas said as they hugged quickly. "It's nice to see you back."

"Glad to be back. Too bad Sam is gone."

Lucas chuckled. "She'll be back before you know it."

"Jason, I'm going to have Commander Ford show you to your quarters now so you can unpack. You won't be on duty your first week here, you need to have some time to settle in and learn your way around."

"Thank you, Captain. I'll find you later Lucas," Jason said before following after Commander Ford.

Lucas nodded and headed back to his quarters. His relief at seeing Jason here was undeniable. He remembered very well the warnings that Ellie had given him, and his secret fear was to see them come true. He decided to go check the systems while he waited for Jason.

"You get 'em D.A." Jason said.

Lucas and Jason were comfortably established in the ship's rec room, watching an episode of Law Order: SVU, one Lucas' new favorite shows. He'd managed to pull every episode down and burn them onto mini-disks. His hope was to watch one a night. Lucas had scored some popcorn from the mess, which they ate while they watched with glee.

"I love D.A. Cabot," Lucas said. "She's a good character, not to mention that she's pretty."

"Eh…I'd go for Detective Benson," Jason replied. "She's tough, and there's definitely a past there. And she's hot on top of all of it."

Lucas smirked. "Always the dark-haired ones for you."

"Hey, I can't help it. I like what I like," he said, throwing a piece of popcorn at Lucas. "You on the other hand, aren't picky."

"No, you're right about that. I don't have room to be picky though, it's not like girls are mobbing the launches trying to get at me like they would you."

Jason laughed. "Right. Have you looked in a mirror Wolenczak?"

"Yeah, why?"

"And you still think you don't have room to be picky?"

"I don't!"

"Oh yes you do. I promise, if you stayed on shore long enough in L.A. there would be plenty of girls coming your way."

"Yeah, whatever," Lucas replied. "Besides, it isn't really the hair or eye color I look at, it's more their personality, what they're all about, their intelligence, their likes and dislikes. She doesn't have to be a quantum physicist, but she should at least be able to discuss world events. Plus, I have a girlfriend."

Jason just looked at him. "You can't see all of that just by first glance, and I forgot about her. What was her name?"

"Juliana and I know, but some girls just catch my attention, regardless of their coloring."

Jason nodded. "I know what you mean."

"But you like Sam."

Jason was quiet for a moment. "Yeah, I do like Sam. When I was here the first time, she really caught my attention. I don't know what it was about her, but…yeah…"

Lucas smiled. "Well, you had her attention alright."

Jason quickly changed the subject. "Is there a way to heat things up?"

"Yeah, in the mess. Why?"

"Sweet. Meet me in the mess in 10. Get Tim, Ben and Miguel too."

Lucas looked at him, puzzled. "Why?"

"Just do it!"

"Okay, okay," he said getting up. Lucas headed off to round up the other three; he knew they would be getting off duty just about now. They were as confused as he was, but they went anyway for lack of anything better to do.

As they got closer to the mess, a familiar scent came to Lucas' nose. The other three sniffed around as they smelled it.

"Oh…" Lucas said. "Oh please God, let that be what I think it is."

"I don't know what it is," Ben said, "but I want to."

They entered the mess, and there, on 5 small plates was a steaming Cinnabon each. Lucas instantly had to fight back the urge to drool, as did the other three men behind him. Jason stood there grinning like the Cheshire cat.

"Thought I'd bring some with me as a token of friendship," Jason said with a laugh.

"You are the best friend in the world," Lucas breathed.

"Cinnabon…" Ben said reverently. "I haven't had one of these in forever."

"Dig in guys," Jason offered. He didn't have to offer twice as the other 4 nearly fell over themselves in their attempt to get at the desserts.

For a while there was only silence in the mess as the 5 men reveled in the treat. There was no way to get these here, save for someone bringing them back from shore leave. Lucas had a feeling it would now become a tradition. He looked at the box and noticed that there were three still left.

"Who are those for," Lucas asked, pointing with his fork.

"Oh, those are for the Captain, Commander Ford and Dr. Westphalen," Jason replied. "Just a thanks for all of their help."

"Help?" Ben asked.

Jason laughed. "Yeah, the Captain helped me with the letter of recommendation. As for CommanderFord,I contacted him with some questions while at the academy and he helped me out." The other 3 nodded and continued eating

"Wow," Lucas said. "I forgot how good these tasted."

"I've never had one of these," Miguel replied after swallowing. "But I'm sorry it took this long!"

Jason grinned and finished up. "I'm going to heat these up and run them to their rightful owners."

"Okay," came the collective reply, mumbled through mouths full of cinnamon roll.