The coffee shop across from UNIT HQ in New York was bustling. Kate Stewart entered and surveyed the tables. Her stepmother was sat at the one in the quietest corner looking distractedly into a cup of what Kate suspected was green tea. Kate ordered a large cappuccino and cinnamon toast. She walked over and sat across from Liz.

She was unsure how she felt at the moment. This brilliant woman, who her father worshipped, and who had broken his heart was one of Kate's heroes. When her dad had phoned a couple of years ago, to let her know they had married Kate was over joyed. But in the last few weeks it seemed their relationship was on the rocks.

Liz was now overseeing a research project in Nevada and her dad had taken off on another mission to Peru . What was making Kate really angry was that the situation in Peru was deteriorating and the teams in the area had lost radio contact.

Liz had suddenly become aware that Kate had joined her. She looked up and Kate was shocked at how tired and unhappy the woman looked.

"Liz, are you alright?" Kate asked.

Liz looked down at her tea again and tried to force a smile; then shook her head. "I haven't heard from Alistair, in over two weeks." she said. "We had an argument, I still don't know what about. The next thing I know he's telling me he is going back to Peru and totally ignoring me when I ask him not to!"

"Have you rung him?" Kate asked.

Liz looks down and tears fill her eyes. "I've been trying since Monday, but the number isn't working."

"Kate have you heard from him?" she asks hopefully.

Kate looks evasive.

"Kate please! I just need to know what happened to upset Alistair so much," her voice falters.

"I.. miss him."

Kate passes Liz a napkin, and wonders if Liz has ever seen people as really important before. She is known as a hard headed, dedicated, scientist. Her work has always been her life. Any personal relationships have been short and always with colleagues; but those have had to take second place to her work. Kate had hoped Liz would treat her dad a bit better then that! When he had told her about Liz going to Nevada she assumed Dad was just going to be another of Liz's partners sacrificed to the alter of science.

"I spoke to Dad just before he went to Peru, I can't say I was too pleased with his decision either. Especially with how unstable the situation is down there."

Liz was looking even more upset now.

"But I understand why he did it."

"I wish I did!" Liz muttered.

Kate shook her head. "Liz, for a woman with such a brilliant mind you can be pretty stupid at times."

Anger flashed in Liz's eyes but was quickly replaced by pain. "What did I do Kate to make Alistair hate me?"

"Dad doesn't hate you Liz, if anything he hates himself, for not being intelligent enough to keep up with you. Basically Liz, he's feeling old, useless and unwanted."

Liz looked shocked, "Alistair isn't useless, or unwanted! I want him with me. I told him we would have a house provided and they were even paying for both our travel costs."

Kate sighed "I know that! Look Liz, while you were at Cambridge Dad could pursue his normal routine, meet up with John Benton for a drink once a week. Chat about gardening with Bert next door. Pop in to see Sarah for a cup of tea. Annoy his daughter during work hours, to get her to explain in simple terms what his brilliant wife is talking about! He meets Gordy for a pub lunch every couple of weeks. Before every day going home to make sure Dr Liz Shaw has a good meal to come home to. That's Dad's life and if he only gets to see his totally brilliant wife for a couple of hours a day then that's ok! Even if for nearly all that time she's still lost in her research.

"But then, without consulting him, you tell him you are moving to Nevada. Taking him away from all his friends and family."

"It's only for a year Kate!"

Kate sighs deeply, "As much as I hate thinking about this Liz, Dad is 73 years old. He has lived a hard life and isn't in the best of health. So every year is precious to him!"

She regrets that as soon as she has said it.

Liz looks up "What's wrong with Alistair's health?" Kate detects near panic in Liz's voice. "Kate what hasn't he told me?"

"He didn't want to worry you but his blood tests were a bit off at his last check up. Things just need monitoring that's all!"

"So why did UNIT let him go to Peru? If he's not fit he should be at home!"

"On his own, missing his wife and feeling every day of his age!" Kate said.

Liz looked even more wretched. .

"Liz his role isn't too taxing, they just need him to chair a few meetings. But at least he feels useful and needed."

Liz's head drops back down , "I need him Kate, I've loved him since we first met at UNIT. I wouldn't have even considered this post if Alistair had told me, how he felt."

Kate squeezes her eyes shut and shakes her head, "Lethbridge-Stewart, the dictionary definition should read, stupid where love is concerned! Not one of us can keep a relationship together!"

Liz looked at Kate. "I don't intend losing Alistair! If I have to go to Peru to find him I will!"

"Look Liz, we lost contact with the Peru detail three days ago." Some one is blocking our signals. We know their last location, we have teams going in from all areas.

"The commander of the protection detail is excellent. Do you think I would let them send anyone but the best people to look after my dad."

Liz tries to feel reassured but doesn't. She is a scientist and deals with facts. But for the last few days her gut instinct , as Alistair would call it, is telling her things are not right. If anything happened to Alistair, she just doesn't know what she'll do. She just doesn't want to think about it, it hurts too much.