Title: Strength in many forms
author: Cindy Ryan
category: missing scene
pairings: Alex/Marta
Summary: Little missing scene from their first night on the boat.

When Aaron awoke he found the fishing boat quiet and he was alone. He went back to his quarters and quickly put on a pair of jean shorts and a black t-shirt. They'd managed to pick up at least one change of clothing in Manila. Running a hand through his short hair to smooth it Aaron made his way uptop. The junk was docked in a small but busy marina. After a few minutes Aaron discovered the fisherman and his son had gone for supplies. He spotted Marta halfway down leaning against the railing. She was facing away from the dock and looking out at the open sea.

Aaron closed the space between them and silently leaned on the railing next to the doctor. He didn't speak just was content to enjoy Marta's company. Aaron knew she'd talk when she was ready. Last night had been a draining experience for both of them. His main focus now was to come up with a plan to keep them safe. They couldn't stay on this fishing boat forever. Aaron was sure by now the CIA, NSA and whoever else was looking for them knew they were in the Philippines. The motorcycle chase had hardly been quiet and unobserved. It wouldn't take a rocket scientist to follow the trail and pull up satellite feed However, Aaron found himself glancing at Marta wondering what she was thinking, feeling after their kiss. Did she think he took advantage?

"Doc."Cross began breaking the silence.

"I"m not a doctor any more."Shearing replied quietly not breaking her gaze from the view.

"Marta."Cross said as he reached for her right arm.

The dark haired woman ducked out of reach and walked a few feet down folding her arms across her chest.

"That's not my name any longer. They took that from me to."The former scientist stated sadly.

Aaron walked towards his friend and pulled Marta into an embrace. "It's okay to be scared."

Marta pulled away turning so her back was to Aaron's chest. She stayed in the circle of his arms allowing Aaron to pull her back against him his arms encircling her waist.

"I passed scared when my colleagues were dying around me. I've gotten used to being terrified."Shearing said her gaze drifting back to the ocean once more. "Now that we've stopped running for a moment it's becoming more real that I'll never have my life back...not that I had much of one but it was still mine. I know doing this is keeping my family safe and I'll keep doing what I have too I just don't know if I'm strong enough."

Spinning Marta so she was facing him Aaron cupped her face in his hands.

"No matter what happens, you're going to be just fine."Cross promised.

"How can you be so sure?"Marta asked softly.

Aaron smiled as he brushed a wind blown hair away from her face. "The odds were against you before and you fought like hell to live. That woman is still here no matter what she calls herself. You'll conquer whatever comes your way."

"When you say it I almost believe it."Marta whispered as Aaron withdrew his hands and embraced her once more.

"We'll figure things out, I promise."Cross vowed as he rested his chin on top of Marta's head.