She was lifting the gun. Why was she doing this? I thought she fit in fine here. She was shaking but she seemed….normal…for a woman who just killed three men coldblooded. He eyes conveyed two words now… "I'm sorry."

Thursday 21:50 (9:50 pm)

Stepping out of the elevator, I moved through the corridor at sub level 23; the Engineering department. This floor was known for the most destructive, arrogant and hazardous people on base. No officer ventured here unless ordered to bring an unfortunate soul back from the darkness or so it was rumored to be. Unfortunately this also happens to be where she is located…curse her.

My boots idly carried me toward her sector and in no time I reached her lab door. Why was this perfectly sane woman here at night on her downtime? I have no idea but the team and I were planning on having a movie night, since nothing major had happened in the past two weeks and I wanted to celebrate the normalcy. Plus I was determined to invite her over. She didn't get out much. I grabbed my card and sliced it through the reader; the door gave a beep and swished open.

There she was sitting, absorbed with some silver…ball so much that she didn't even notice my not-so-stealthy approach.

"Hey, Pierce, whatcha up to?" Her blue eyes barely moved from the (now that I could see it) large metallic ball. She turned back to the ball and tucked back brown, curly, shoulder length hair.

"Sir, I was just planning on trying to figure out this new thing that Colonel Wornfirm and his team brought back from K8B-253." Ah yes, the large deserted moon planet that caused not a single frag of uproar unlike our usual missions. "There seem to be some buttons around the outer shell and by that, I'm sure, it can be turned on but- "I chuckled and cut her off before she went on another spaz-ish rant she's known for.

"Ah! Enough." I cut my hand through the air, "Thing? Is that a technical term?" She didn't seem fazed by the typical question.

"No. It's just I really don't know how to classify this object. It gives off some sort of energy signature, I know that, but the actual purpose of this device is still a mystery to me. So what are you doing here? Or are you her because nobody else will give you the time to annoy them?" She turned the tables on me again, but I brush it by and continue teasing her, she makes it too easy.

"Now Pierce, that just hurts," I slapped a palm over heart, "You know I come because you're my favorite scientist and David and Tyler are just so boring that I wanted to see what you were up to." I lean over the device to "inspect" it further and sigh at the futile attempt to, once again, try to flatter her. She seems to not want anyone to get close, I hate that. I just want her to get out every once in awhile.

"Thanks sir. And sir, I'm the only physicist here, besides the interns."

"Yeah and you're about the only girl who can't seem to take a compliment," I snap back. I try to lighten the mood and I can't help but notice that she has barely let her eyes move from the device. I can tell she isn't going to leave unless forced.

"So, what are you planning on doing this evening, unless…" my eyes flick back over the machine, then back to her. She bows her head lower, away from my prying eyes. "No, you are not staying down here all night."

"But-"she lifts her head finally.

"No." I was getting annoyed now. Why does she have to be so damn stubborn? I still wanted to invite her because, no matter how limited, she was still a part of my team. "Come by the house, the team is coming over for movies and a couple of drinks, so why not tag along? It's better than being cooped up in here with a…," I gestured lamely to the device in her hand, "…a thing that even you don't know what it is. And ill even allow you to stay for another hour or two, since…Well let's just say that's about the time we'll be leaving." I smile at her, trying to crumble those stone defenses.

"I'm sorry, I can't." Damn, "If I don't get any new information by tomorrow, General Stratford will have my head," sarcasm wasn't warranted. I know she used it as a defense, "Is David having fun with those new artifacts?" I let her slip this once.

"Yup…rocks," I offered and failed, yet again… "Just…don't stay too long ok? Well, I'll see ya tomorrow Pierce."

"Bye sir." I turned to go and wander the halls. I noticed I've been doing that a lot lately. I might as well head home and get things going for the party, even if it wouldn't be as entertaining. Sigh…o well.