Chapter 3
seaQuest
The next few days were uneventful. The scuba divers made a full recovery and were transported back to the mainland on launches by the end of the week. That meant the little expedition was about to get under way, but Nathan was having second thoughts. The group was still packing, so Nathan headed to Kristin's room and knocked.
"It's open," she replied.
Nathan entered to find she had clothing strewn out all over her bed and an open suitcase half-filled on her table. "Very organized, as usual, I see," he said good-naturedly.
She laughed softly. "Yes, well, Alaska's a little chilly this time of year, so I'm trying to decide what to bring."
"It looks like you have enough clothing there for a week," Nathan pointed out.
"Perhaps, but I'd rather bring extra than not enough. Have you checked on Lucas, by chance? I want to make sure he brings enough warm clothing as well. It's not like we're spending two days in Pearl Harbor. I just hope he realizes it's much colder in Alaska," she said as she continued to pack.
"I'm sure he does," Nathan said with a nod. "So, you're still adamant about going?"
She stopped what she was doing and turned to him, her brow raised. "Of course; why wouldn't I be?"
Nathan shrugged. "I don't know. I guess part of me hoped this was just a little ploy to get back at me. I didn't think you'd actually go through with it."
Kristin rolled her eyes and let out a groan. "Are you still worried about all this? Well, you have another thing coming because if you think-"
Nathan held up his hands in surrender. "Kristin, no need to get excited. I'm not planning on telling you 'no', if that's what you think."
She softened. "Good. Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but no, it wasn't a ploy. As I said, this will be an educational experience for Lucas, and Jeffrey's been begging me for months. And-"
"And Commander Ford and Lieutenant Krieg were just begging you to go, too, hm?" Nathan finished for her.
"Not exactly, but...you know why I've asked them to go. I realize their enthusiasm may not be genuine, but I figured it was the only way to ease your worries." She went back to packing, stealing glances at him every so often.
"Commander Ford, yes," Nathan agreed. "But Ben? Well, in a crisis, he is quite valuable, I suppose."
"There won't be any sort of crisis whatsoever," Kristin said. "You're such a worrywart."
Nathan ignored her comment. "As soon as your launch arrives in Alaska, I expect a phone call. I know it'll be late, but I'll be awake. And I'd also like one tomorrow sometime and Sunday as well, and-"
"Whatever you say, Father."
Nathan blushed slightly. "It's just that-"
She waved a hand. "Oh, don't apologize. I think it's sweet." She placed a hand on his arm. "You're so cute when you're paranoid."
He stood, crossing his arms over his chest. "I am not paranoid. I just want to make sure you arrive safely. Is that such a crime?"
"All right, you win. No, it certainly isn't a crime. In fact, I appreciate your concern. We will check in periodically, I promise you. Any more rules you want me to follow? No boys allowed? Don't stay out past ten?" she teased. She zipped her suitcase and turned back to him.
"Just...come back in one piece...all of you," he said sincerely. "I'm not trying to be a tyrant with a score of rules. It's just..."
She placed a gentle hand on his cheek. "I know...and I promise."
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One hour later, Commander Ford, Lieutenant Krieg, Kristin, and Lucas were in the launchbay saying their final goodbyes before leaving for their miniature expedition.
Nathan gave Lucas a tight hug. "You be sure to listen to the doctor…and you and Ben stay out of trouble."
Lucas rolled his eyes. "How much trouble can we get into on a whale expedition?"
"Oh, believe me, I'm sure you two will find some. Just refrain, please." Nathan cast a glance towards Ben so he was sure he heard his warning as well.
"Trust me, Captain, I don't plan on messing this up," Ben said, "not if it's going to make you stop worrying."
"I am not worried," Nathan insisted. "I just want to be sure you four are okay after your trauma. I thought you needed a break, that's all."
Lucas and Ben exchanged a glance. "Whatever you say," they said in unison.
"Look, are we going to stand around chatting all night, or are you going to let us leave anytime soon?" Kristin asked. "Jeffrey's expecting us."
Nathan sighed. "Sorry." He turned to Commander Ford. "Just make sure-"
"Captain, I'll look out for them. Nothing to worry about."
Nathan nodded. "Right. Thank you." He watched as Lucas, Ben, and Jonathan boarded the launch while Kristin lagged behind.
"Well, this is it," she told him. "Are you still worried?"
"Well, I'm not exactly thrilled to see you go, but, no, I am not worried."
She smiled. "Of course. Well, I'll see you in two days then." She turned to head into the launch when Nathan placed a halting hand on her arm.
She turned back to him. "Yes?"
Nathan hesitated for a moment. He wanted to wrap his arms around her, hold her for just a moment, but he felt it too forward and opted not to do so. "Just...take care of yourself."
"Thank you; I will. See you soon." She then turned and disappeared into the launch.
"See you soon," he whispered back, knowing he still was worried, only he wasn't exactly sure why. He shook his head. You're just being paranoid, he told himself. Kristin had called him out on it, and it really was true, even if he refused to say it. He made a vow to finally admit it to her when she called and headed back to his quarters.
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Seward, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
It was well after 2200 hours by the time the small launch reached the shores of the Kenai Peninsula.
Commander Ford opened the launch door and looked outside and found two men standing nearby on the shore with a dogsled. He turned to Kristin. "Are those your friends, Doctor?"
Kristin stopped struggling with her suitcase, setting it down, and saw the two men approaching to help them. "Yes," she replied, waving to them.
"I see you've made it safe and sound," Jeffrey said when he reached the launch. He held out his hand to Jonathan. "Dr. Jeffrey Talbot…and this is my son, Adam." He motioned towards the younger man next to him. "If you can pass us your luggage, we'll load it onto the sled here."
"Commander Jonathan Ford," Jonathan replied, motioning to Ben and Lucas. "That's Lieutenant Benjamin Krieg, and Lucas Wolenczak."
"Well, it's nice to meet all of you," Jeffrey said as he and Adam helped them load their luggage onto the sled. "Our camp is just down the shore a bit. Does anyone have a problem with walking?"
"I don't think so," Kristin replied, glancing to the others, who shook their heads.
"Great," Jeffrey replied. "If anyone needs to stop and rest, though, just say the word."
They set off, and a short time later, they arrived at a cozy little cabin. Once the door was opened, they were greeted by a waft of heat.
"I made sure the others had a hot fire going," Jeffrey said. "I know you're not used to the cold." He motioned to the stove. "And I thought you might be hungry, so we have hot chicken soup and hot chocolate to warm the insides."
"Awesome," Lucas gushed, gratefully taking a cup of soup. "I can't remember the last time I'd seen snow. Thank you."
"Yes, indeed, thank you. This is wonderful," Kristin said. "And it's definitely taking the chill out of the bones."
"I thought after you ate, we'd round up the rest of my crew and head out," Jeffrey suggested.
"At night?" Lucas asked between sips.
"Sure, why not?" Adam asked. "You didn't want to wait until tomorrow, did you? The pods are just as active at night as they are during the day. In fact, we've been tracking a nearby pod with our sonar. Want to see?"
"Sure," Lucas replied, sharing Adam's enthusiasm.
The two young men headed into a nearby room where all sorts of computers and tracking equipment were.
"Well, they seem to be hitting it off," Jeffrey said.
"Well, Lucas doesn't see a lot of people his age, so I'm glad Adam's taken to him," Kristin replied as she sipped her hot chocolate. "I hope you don't mind me being so bold, but could I use your vid-phone before anything? I need to let Captain Bridger know we've arrived safely."
"Ah, of course. Right through there," Jeffrey said, pointing towards a small room in the far corner.
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seaQuest
Nathan had been trying to read one of his favorite books, but he couldn't get past the first page. He'd read it over about fifty times while he was checking the clock, anticipating the moment when Tim would let him know there was a call. When it finally happened, Nathan nearly jumped.
"Bridger," he said, trying to sound casual.
"Link two, Captain," Tim said, the smile evident in his tone. "I think you know who it is."
"Thank you, Mr. O'Neill." he replied, hitting the view button and hearing the soft, melodic laughter coming from the other end.
"Were you waiting by the phone all night?" Kristin asked.
"Actually, no." He held up the book in his hand. "I was just reading."
"Ah, the poetry of William Butler Yeats. Sailing to Byzantium is one of my favorite poems," she said. "The metaphorical quest of man pursuing his own vision of eternal life and his own concept of paradise; it's so beautiful."
"It's one of my favorites, too," Nathan said. "And, yes, the meaning is beautiful, but maybe we can speak about this another time? You all arrived safely, I assume?"
She nodded. "Yes, Mr. Worrywart. Lucas is currently checking out the sonar tracking readouts of one of the whale pods with Jeffrey's son. Adam is a year or two older than Lucas is, so he's in good hands. Ben and Jonathan are in the kitchen with Jeffrey eating a hot meal, and as soon as I'm finished with you, we're going out to study one of the pods. So, see? There is nothing to worry about. Everything's fine. Oh, and I promise we'll be in bed by midnight and won't throw any parties while we're away, Father. "
He laughed. "Okay, okay, I get it. Maybe I was over-reacting a bit. All kidding aside, I'm glad you've all gotten there safely, and I'm almost sorry I'll be missing out on seeing the whales myself."
"Well, I promise to tell you all about it when we get back. And I'm sure we can arrange a trip for the near future you'll be able to make as well," she told him.
"That sounds like a plan. I guess I should let you go. You will call tomorrow?"
"Of course. I wouldn't want to worry you."
"I am not worried...well, not as much as I was anyway. It's just that it's my job to make sure my crew is safe, even when they're on missions...and, technically, this is a science mission."
"When all is said and done, I won't say I told you so."
"Very confident in yourself, aren't you?" he teased.
"Of course," she replied with a Cheshire cat grin. "Um, did you want to speak with the others?"
Nathan shook his head. "No, no reason to interrupt them. I won't keep you any longer. You'll call in the morning, though?"
She laughed. "I already said I would...but you're not worried at all."
"Yeah, sorry," he said sheepishly. "Go have fun."
"Sleep well, Nathan."
"You, too."
He waited for her to cut the link when instead, she said, "Once out of nature I shall never take; my bodily form from any natural thing; but such a form as Grecian goldsmiths make; of hammered gold and gold enameling; to keep a drowsy Emperor awake; or set upon a golden bough to sing; to lords and ladies of Byzantium; of what is past, or passing, or to come."
Nathan smiled. "You know it by heart."
"I told you it was my favorite," she replied with a shrug.
"How about when you get back, we have a long discussion about that poem?" he said.
"I'd like that very much. Goodnight."
Once the screen had gone dark, Nathan sighed, this time feeling a little better. Kristin had been right after all, and he knew it was just silly paranoia. Feeling he could now focus on his book, he reopened it and began to read aloud, "That is no country for old men…"
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As Kristin headed back out into the kitchen, she heard laughter and then Jonathan saying, "And then the doctor turned to Ben and said, 'yes, Mr. Krieg, fish poop,'" causing roars of laughter from the others.
Through his own giggles, Lucas added, "And Ben, here, also gave some of that glowing fish poop to a UEO general," resulting in yet another chorus of laughter.
"Ah, sharing some of our antics, I see," Kristin said, noticing several unfamiliar faces sitting around the table.
"Well, it seemed like a good ice breaker," Ben said. "And you know me; I never fail to disappoint."
Still chuckling, Jeffrey stepped forward. "Oh, but don't think he left you out," he told Kristin. "You never told me you met a ghost."
"Because it was nitrogen narcosis," she replied, giving Ben, Jonathan, and Lucas a glare. "Um, really, do we need to share every little detail with them?"
"Sorry," they muttered.
"Oh, don't be too hard on them," Jeffrey said. "We've been sharing our own stories as well, and we've all had our share of embarrassing moments. Actually, now that you're finally here, let me introduce you to the others, and then we'll head out on the boat." He motioned to each person as he spoke, "This is Alison, Jenny, Jordan, Zachary, Eddie, Aaron, and Kyla. Everyone, this is Dr. Westphalen."
"Nice to meet you," Kyla said while the others echoed her sentiments.
"Hello," she said, trying to make a mental note of all their names.
Alison stood up and grabbed her hand as they headed out to the boat. "You look a little overwhelmed, but don't be. If you can't remember a name, just ask, but I promise they're easier to learn when we're on the boat."
Kristin nodded. "Thank you."
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Once everyone had boarded the boat, it sped off. Lucas and Adam watched the sonar, and it wasn't long before they found a small pod of whales.
"They're feeding," Adam explained. "But we should be able to catch a good glimpse of them."
Kristin watched in awe as Jeffrey's crew used carefully positioned spotlights and binoculars with precision, and suddenly, one of them -Was it Kyla?- pointed to a large mass in the water not too far from the boat.
"Take a look," she called, pointing.
Everyone moved towards her to see, and there were several gasps and cheers.
"Tomorrow, we'll be able to get a closer look," Alison told them.
The group watched the whales for a few hours as Jeffrey's crew gave them several facts about the whales and the pods they'd been studying.
Finally, however, Jeffrey said, "As much as I'd love to watch them all night, I think it's time to pack up. We all need our rest."
As Jeffrey's crew started to pack away equipment and prepare for departure back to shore, Kristin scanned the group in search of Jonathan when she finally spotted him on the other side of the deck, watching the waves as they moved along the water. She carefully approached him so as not to startle him. "Here you are...so quiet," she said. "What did you think of all that, Commander?"
"Actually, it was quite fascinating," he replied.
A brow rose in surprise. "Really? You're not just saying that?"
"Why would I?"
"Oh, come now, Jonathan. I know you don't particularly want to be here. The only reason you are is because you don't want to be stuck on seaQuest while the others are out on missions. You know as well as I that you didn't like staying on the boat while the others went to rescue the scuba divers."
"It doesn't matter what I like. I follow the captain's orders, regardless of how I feel."
She rolled her eyes. "You're not on duty, Commander, so you don't need to act like it...not with me, at least. I know you hated it, because I did, too. This is your way of convincing the captain he doesn't need to worry about sending you on future missions...the only reason you agreed to come here," she pointed out. "It won't hurt my feelings if you tell the truth."
After a pause, he sighed and said, "All right. To be perfectly honest, no, I didn't want to come here. Not because I don't like what you do, but...sometimes, I don't understand why you get so excited about certain things...like algae or microscopic organisms." He shrugged. "But after actually spending some time here, it's not so bad, and seeing these animals up close, knowing that their numbers are dwindling...seeing how majestic they truly are. So, I really don't regret coming here...and I'm not just saying that."
"That means a lot to hear you say that," she said with a gentle smile. "I'm glad that, although this isn't exactly what you'd call a good time, you're making the most of it."
"I know you and I always butted heads in the past, but now, I'm starting to understand your quest for science. I know I've always felt the brass had to have been a little crazy when they brought civilians on board, but I've since changed my tune...and I really couldn't imagine it any other way. The science team is an integral part of seaQuest, and I'm glad you're a part of it."
"Oh, Commander…that…that's very sweet of you to say. You know my feelings on the military, but I've since changed my tune as well...and I couldn't imagine the boat without you."
"Thanks, Doc…but maybe we could just keep that between us? I'm not sure the others would understand exactly..."
She laughed softly. "Don't worry, Commander. I wouldn't want to taint your clean-cut UEO image…even if my science team outnumbers yours." Her tone was light, however.
Jonathan smiled. "You're never going to let me forget that, are you?"
She placed her arm around his shoulders. "Not a chance, Jonathan, not a chance."
A/N: The poem mentioned is Sailing to Byzantium by William Butler Yeats. If you don't know it and would like to read it, you can find it here: ( http ) (colon) / / poetry. poetryx poems / 1575 /.
