Lucas chewed a huge wad of gum as he lay on the floor with his feet up on his bunk, drumming out a beat on his knees with some pencils. The silence of his room was beginning to make him antsy. He stared at the ceiling as he blew a large bubble, and it collapsed in his face, covering his nose and his eyes. He reached up to pull it off his face and stuck it back in his mouth with a groan. It had barely been half a day in his room, and he was already going stir crazy. He continued drumming on his knees as his mind drifted to his conversation with Dr. Westphalen. He felt his conscience prick him when he remembered the captain telling him that she had been crying. He hadn't intended to make her cry. He just didn't know how to make her back off and stop trying to mother him. He closed his eyes and gave his leg an extra hard smack in frustration. He must have really ticked her off to get himself banned from the science labs. She sure knew how to hit him where he lived. The labs were his favourite part of working with the science team. He learned the most when he was there. Lucas moaned and blew another bubble which covered his entire face. When the bubble burst, he was surprised to see a face staring at him again.

Lucas stuck the gum back in his mouth and sat up as the long, dark-haired girl waved at him. Jumping to his feet, he knelt on his bed and put his hand to the duct as the girl hovered there smiling at him. He could see Darwin swimming up behind her and nudging her with his nose. It brought a smile to his face as he watched the two of them play. Lucas looked around his room for a moment, pondering if he should go to the moonpool. The captain had said he was grounded in the evenings after he attended to his duties. But on the weekends, he didn't have any duties. Did he really need to spend all day in his room? The captain couldn't really be that inhumane, could he? Lucas stood up, grabbing his shoes and left his room.

When Lucas arrived at the moonpool, he quickly changed into a wet suit, and grabbed a breather. He jumped in the water and set out to find the mysterious girl. As he swam through the tubes, he waved at a few of the crew he saw. Miguel and Shan dropped their jaws when they saw him, causing Lucas to laugh. Miguel ran up to the tube and blew his lips on the glass making him look like a blowfish. Lucas banged on the tube and stuck his tongue out at him. Later as he went down another corridor, he saw Ben flirting with one of the science staff. Lucas came up behind Ben and made a bunch of faces behind his back, causing the woman to laugh and point at him. Ben turned to look at him and made the action of choking him in midair. Lucas shrugged and kept swimming. Up ahead he saw Darwin's tail so he picked up speed and caught up with the mammal. Darwin and the girl were swimming and chasing one another. It didn't take Lucas long to realize that they were in a game of tag of some sort. The girl smiled at him again, and then playfully pushed past him. Lucas couldn't help but notice how fast she could swim. It didn't take long before he lost sight of her in tubes.

As he swam along trying to catch up with her, he came to a corner, and as he swam around it, he came face to face with Captain Bridger who apparently had been watching Darwin and the girl swim by. The captain's face looked surprised at first and then a small smirk crossed his face. Lucas waved awkwardly as he hovered looking out at the captain. Nathan dropped his gaze and walked away shaking his head. Lucas wasn't sure if that meant he was in more trouble, or if the captain had found his actions amusing. For now, Lucas was going to go with amusing and go from there.

Returning to the moonpool on sea deck, Lucas found Darwin. The girl was leaning against the inside of the moonpool petting the dolphin. Lucas surfaced and removed his goggles and breather from his mouth.

"Hi, Lucas," said the girl with a shy smile.

Lucas licked his lips in surprise. "Uh, hi," he mumbled, not being about to figure out how she knew his name. "How did…"

"How did I know your name?" she asked, still smiling at him.

Lucas smirked. "Ha, yah."

"Darwin told me," replied the girl, stroking Darwin affectionately. She looked at Lucas and then looked away again. "I am called Mika." She offered quietly.

"Man, you can swim fast. It was all I could do to keep up with you," commented Lucas, swimming closer so he could stand beside Darwin. "He likes you, Mika."

"I like him too. He is very captivating," Mika said, leaning in to kiss the dolphin on his nose. Lucas looked at Darwin and smirked. If he didn't know better, he would think Darwin was smitten with the girl.

"I think he likes you too. Uh, I'm sorry to pry, but the captain told me you are staying on SeaQuest for awhile because of some stuff with your dad. I know how that is. I mean, my dad and I don't see each other much, and I never see my mom," Lucas rambled, not really knowing what to say. Lucas saw as Mika looked away from him timidly. He silently kicked himself for poking his nose where it didn't belong.

"Katie said I'm safe here," she whispered.

Lucas noticed tears glistening in her eyes. He furrowed his brow as he nodded. "Yah, you are. The captain can help you." He watched as Mika nodded and pulled herself out of the pool while still facing him. She straddled the side and reached for her robe.

"Dr. Westphalen wishes to speak with me, but I'd really rather play with Darwin. I promised Katie I would try," commented Mika, casting a forlorn look at the mammal. Lucas nodded silently, not knowing what to say. He often felt that way too: wanting to do one thing while be willed to do another. "Nice to finally talk with you, Lucas, instead of just spy," she said with a small grin and walked away.

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Lucas hugged Darwin and rested his head on the mammals head. He had watched the girl walk away, and he was left with a strange feeling inside. Mika seemed to be shrouded in mystery. He knew what the doctor and the captain had told him about her but all that had done was confuse him. He shrugged his shoulders and swam to the side of the moonpool to see if he could find the sponge he had left there. Just as he pulled himself out and leaned over the edge, he felt strong arms drag him from the pool. He landed on the deck with a thump. He looked up blinking to see Miguel staring down at him.

"Lucas, just the guy we've been looking for," stated Miguel, sitting down on top of him. Lucas squirmed to get up, but Miguel held him down. From the corner of his eye, he could see Shan standing there with a big grin on his face.

"Get off, Ortiz," groaned Lucas, trying to get himself free. He saw Miguel shake his head and smirk at Shan.

"How did things go with Julianna?" Miguel asked, adjusting his position to make himself more comfortable. Lucas sighed and closed his eyes. There was no way he was going to get Miguel off until he gave them some dirt on his evening. He saw Shan stoop down and pick up the sponge he had been trying to reach.

"We just talked. Nothing happened," insisted Lucas, wiggling to balance Miguel's weight on his stomach. As he watched, Shan dipped the sponge in the water and proceeded to wring it out in Lucas' face. Lucas sputtered, spitting water at Ortiz who finally jumped off Lucas, allowing him to get up. Ortiz grabbed the sponge from Shan and whipped at him. They all stood there laughing. Miguel walked over the edge of the moonpool and leaned against it, wiping water off his shirt.

"So, you had a good time?" prompted Miguel, looking intently at Lucas.

Lucas nodded. "It was good." Lucas bit his lip as the two guys stared at him. He wasn't sure how much they wanted to know. He wasn't ready to share much of anything with them or anyone about Julianna. He wanted to savor the memories on his own for now.

Shan put his hands on his hips. "That's all we get? It was good. Bridger busted our butts good for covering for you. Don't we at least get a making out story?" Lucas felt himself blush as his eyes widened in concern. He hadn't known that they had gotten in trouble from the Captain.

"What did the captain say?" asked Lucas, feeling guilt prick at him. He watched as Miguel shrugged his shoulders and laughed good-naturedly.

"It's no big deal, Lucas. We'd do it again. Don't sweat it."

Lucas looked awkwardly at them. "Tell me."

Shan shrugged and pointed at the moonpool. "Moon sludge duty." Lucas looked at the pool and groaned. He knew how much work it was to clean that pool. It wasn't as bad as the last time, but Darwin had still managed to drag in a lot of debris before he was grounded inside the boat.

"I'll help you, I promise," said Lucas, immediately feeling intense remorse for dragging them into his scheme.

"Sorry, Lucas, but that is a promise you won't be able to keep. You will be in your room," replied a voice from behind them. Lucas spun around to see Captain Bridger. The captain nodded at Shan and Miguel but turned his attention to Lucas.

"Grounded means grounded, Mr Wolenczak. No swimming, no running around the boat. In your room. Got it?" Lucas felt his face turn crimson. He didn't appreciate being called out in front of other people. He thought that the captain and he had come to an understanding about that a long time ago.

"Yes, sir," he commented through gritted teeth. He spun on his heel and ran off the deck, not bothering to change from his wetsuit.

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Lucas made his way back to his room feeling his temper burning. It was bad enough that he was grounded but now the captain had advertised it to the crew. Soon the whole boat would know that the teenager was being punished. Lucas felt humiliated. He hated it when the captain treated him like an impudent child. Lucas felt himself stomping his feet up the stairs as he made his way to his quarters. As he walked, he became more and more perturbed. When he rounded the corner to his room, he saw Jayson approaching him.

"Finally! For Pete's sake, Lucas, where the hell have you been? I've been walking in circles for an hour on this stupid tank. Every stinken hallway looks like the next. Every door looks the same. I could walk around forever and never find my way out. It's like a bad Chinese food nightmare," bemoaned Jayson, waving his hands in the air in frustration. Lucas didn't say anything but let them both in his room slamming the door irritably.

"Whoa, man, what's the matter?" queried Jayson, surprise on his face.

Lucas stripped off his wetsuit, whipping it at the door but remained silent.

Jayson shrugged at Lucas' silence and looked around the room inquisitively. "Bridger read me the riot act. That guy really has some nerve telling me off. Who does he think he is anyways? He's not my ole man…" complained the dark-haired youth, sitting down on Lucas' bunk.

Lucas glared at him as walked into his bathroom to change his shorts. "Then why did you call him?" Lucas felt his own annoyance at the captain, and he really didn't want to hear Jayson whine about his problems. He walked out into his room and grabbed a pair of dry jeans from his drawer. "Did you expect him to pat you on the back and give you a medal?"

Lucas watched as Jayson picked up his pillow and tossed it at him. "Bridger is a jerk, Lucas. I don't know how you put up with his crap. Let me guess, he grounded you like a wittle baby," mocked Jayson, laughing out loud.

Lucas caught the pillow and fired it back. "Shut up, Jay. I'm not in the mood." Lucas put his head in his hands and groaned, trying to calm himself down. He really was annoyed that the captain had called him out like that in front of Shan and Miguel.

"Lucas, Bridger is a control freak, and he gets off on controlling you. All military types are like that. I'm not one of his military personnel to order around. First chance I get, I'm stealing a launch and getting off this boat."

Lucas looked up. "Jay, for crying out loud, you can't even drive a launch. Stop blowing hot air," snapped Lucas.

Jayson stood up, casting Lucas an impious smile. "I can't, but you can." Lucas rolled his eyes and shook his head. This day kept getting better and better.

"Forget it! I'm not getting myself in any deeper, Jay," insisted Lucas, standing up to grab a pair of socks from his drawer.

"C'mon, Lucas. My ole man is gone until Tuesday. We could hang out at my place. Julianna lives like a half hour from me," tempted Jayson with a mischievous grin

Lucas shook his head. "No way, Jay! Just, no."

Lucas heard a knock at his door as he pulled on his socks. He walked across the room and opened the door to see Captain Bridger. Lucas rolled his eyes. Didn't the man have anything better to do with his time than bug him today? Lucas sighed and stood aside to allow the man to come in. The captain closed the door behind him.

"I figured I would find the two of you together," commented Nathan. Lucas could see a serious look on the man's face, and he wondered what he had on his mind.

Jayson stood up and walked towards the door. "I'm outta here," he murmured.

Nathan grabbed his arm. "Sit, Pickering!" he commanded.

Lucas watched as Jayson yanked his arm away and glared daggers at the captain. Lucas could tell that Jayson was not going to heed anything the captain said.

"I don't need to sit here and listen to you lecture me, Bridger," hissed Jayson.

Nathan crossed his arms and returned the glare. "Do you need some help sitting, Mr Pickering?" Lucas grimaced and grabbed Jayson's shirt, pulling him back. He could feel the tension, and he didn't relish seeing the captain and Jayson tango in his quarters.

"Just sit, Jay, and shut-up," mumbled Lucas. Lucas could tell that Captain Bridger wasn't going to put up with Jayson's nonsense.

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Nathan stood by the door staring down the unruly teenager. Jayson Pickering was testing his patience more and more by the second. Nathan watched as Lucas grabbed his friend, pulling him down to sit. The teenager sat glaring at him.

"I wanted to make a few things perfectly clear, particularly to you, Jayson," began Nathan, walking across the room and leaning against the wall. He wanted to be sure both boys understood he meant business. "Jayson, you are aboard a military vessel. This is not your teenage playground. Lucas, I trust you will fill him in on where he is allowed and not allowed to be," instructed Nathan. He saw Lucas nod, but the boy remained silent.

"Bridger, you are something else," murmured Jayson, shaking his head and laughing at him. "You walk around like some pompous idiot, shouting orders at everyone. You might be able to intimidate, Lucas, but that kind of crap won't work on me. I don't have to listen to your monotonous, anal ramblings. I don't even want to be here, man. I just couldn't call my ole man." Nathan saw the youth stand up again and walk towards the door. "So you can just shove all your sanctimonious idiocy up your…"

"Pickering, if you say one more word, I will have you tossed in my brig. And don't think for a moment that I won't!" thundered Nathan, trying to keep his temper. He had had his fill of Jayson's mouth and arrogant attitude. Nathan saw Lucas' jaw drop in disbelief. He watched as Jayson glowered at him furiously and then open his mouth to speak again. Nathan held up his hand to forestall the boy but to no avail.

"You don't scare me, Bridger," sneered Jayson.

Nathan shook his head in complete exasperation. This kid was the most undisciplined, unruly, disrespectful and cocky teenager that he had seen in a long time. Nathan removed his PAL from his pocket and tapped it. "Chief, would you mind reporting to Lucas' quarters, Jayson Pickering is asking for an evening in the brig." Nathan watched as Jayson's features glared at him in shock.

"Aye, Cap," came the immediate reply.

"Captain Bridger," gasped Lucas as he stared at him in disbelief. Nathan looked at him, shooting him a look to stay out of it. He saw Lucas bite his lip but remain quiet.

Jayson lifted his chin obstinately. "My father will have your credentials, Bridger!" he shouted.

Nathan frowned at him. "Your father has done you a great disservice, Mr. Pickering. He forgot to teach you honour and respect," commented Nathan sternly.

The room fell silent as Nathan stood with his hands on his hips, staring down at both of the teens in front of him. Nathan saw a brooding look on Jayson's face and a look of utter dismay on Lucas'. Several minutes later, Crocker arrived and escorted a very hostile teenager from the room much to his chagrin.

A/N

Just a little note to Pascal...I don't understand your reviews...I don't understand your references to abuse and deceit from the adults. Lucas has not nor will be ever abused by the authority figures in his life. Nathan cares for Lucas like a son...parents do discipline their children when they misbehave or lie to them. Your odd references to abuse by Nathan and Kristin just perplex me. Lucas is a highly intelligent teenager, but he is still a teen ruled by his emotions and lack of self control. I've been working with teenagers for years so I have learned a little how they act and think (not perfectly and a teen boy can be a challenge) Annnnnddd This is a work of fiction...just for fun...because I enjoy writing...