Disclaimer- The characters in this story are not mine. If they were, Lucas would be wearing a wet suit a LOT more often.
Here you go Sara- just for you coz you asked so nicely. (well, threateningly actually but hey, its nice to people are so in to my work!) All my other reviewers- YEY TO YOU TOO!!!!!!!!!!!
^___^


Hope 8

You know what me favourite thing was?
The chess board lay forgotten on the table. The latest game could be ended in four moves, but neither Lucas or Bridger had any interest in continuing it.
I thought their dolphin communicator... Bridger trailed off as Lucas shook his head.
That's just the vo- corder taken a few steps further. I'll get it eventually. No, the best thing was their sight- pool.
Sight- pool? What's that?
Lucas grinned.
It looks like a pool of water sitting in a rock. I thought it was a water feature, to remind them of the dolphins or something. Then when I walked over to it, all the water on the surface moved to the side and there was a little pool was left on the bottom, and when I looked in to that, it was like watching a T. V, only it wasn't a broadcast.
What was it then? I mean, what did you see?

Bridger's mouth dropped open and he starred at Lucas in near shock.
What do you mean me?
Apparently, the stuff inside the rock shows the person looking at it the person or thing they are thinking about.
A picture of them or them?
Them. It's like a spy camera, only it doesn't need to be hooked up to anything to work.
Why were you thinking of me.
Lucas grinned.
Practically everything on the ship is dolphin related. You'd love it. Every thing I saw I thought how much you'd love to see it all to.
Bridger grinned, shaking his head as he did.
The chance of a lifetime, and you spent it thinking about how much someone else would have enjoyed it?
Bridger shook his head again, the smile still on his face.


Um... they asked me to go back again tomorrow. I said I'd like to and... I was wondering if you'd like to come with me?
Bridger looked up to see a strange mix of apprehension and hope on Lucas' face.
Won't they mind?
Lucas shook his head.
I don't think so. They said they'd understand if I wanted someone from seaQuest with me. And after the amount of time I spent muttering about how much you would love their ship, they're probably curious to meet you. I f you want to go, of course, he added hurriedly, making Bridger chuckle.
I'd love to go kiddo, you know that.
The two sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Bridger spoke again, disturbing Lucas who was almost asleep.
Seems to me they chose the perfect time to come back.
At Lucas' slightly puzzled look, Bridger obligingly elaborated whilst shifting so Lucas could lie down.
I have the day of tomorrow, Dr. Westphalen's orders. Apparently, I'm stressed.
A small amused sound escaped from Lucas' mouth, closely followed by a yawn.
Bridger smiled and moved off the bed altogether, lightly draping a blanket over the boy's sleeping form before taking the other over to the couch.
Sleep well kiddo, he muttered, before falling in to a deep sleep himself.
- - -

It's right over here! You're gonna love this! Lucas hurried on ahead, almost running in his excitement. Bridger kept pace with him, easily as excited as the teen. Their alien escort was a few steps behind them.
Does it show who you're really thinking of, or just the foremost thing in your mind?
I'm not sure really. I'd guess the foremost thing in your mind, they said it's not all that powerful.
Bridger walked over to where Lucas was standing by what looked like a large lump of granite. Leaning over the top of the rock, Bridger just had time to see a pool of water before it suddenly lurched.
All at once he found himself looking at the main lab in seaQuest where Dr. Westphalen was sitting at her desk. As he watched, she turned around and started talking to someone he couldn't see. He felt more than heard Lucas talking to somebody besides him and turned in time to see their escort moving back to his original position of three paces behind them.
What was that?
Oh. He asked me to warn you not to look to long or you might get a head- ache.
Bridger grinned.
Thanks for the warning kiddo.
Lucas giggled slightly and then just grinned as he watched Bridger look around with wide eyes. There were five different corridors leading off from the circular space where they were standing.
Any chance of seeing the engines in this thing?
Another grin spread across Lucas' face and he turned to their escort. The alien nodded once and headed off down a corridor.
Guess that's a yes.
An excited grin lit up Bridger's face as he followed after Lucas and the alien.
Why shouldn't I be excited?' he asked himself. It's not everyday you get to look around an alien space ship.'
- - -

I can't believe the Captain actually went to that ship.
Why wouldn't he? asked Dr. Westphalen, thoroughly exasperated with the minute long conversation. They themselves are fascinating. The technology they possess must be overwhelming.
Ford still didn't look convinced and Westphalen sighed. Military discipline was all very well, but when it came to a chance to explore a working alien ship, how could he not be excited?
As she watched the dark skinned commander shrug and walk away, she suddenly realised he had had an appointment for a full physical and had just walked out without taking it.
Ford neglecting a physical? Maybe he does have emotions after all.'
She sighed and turned back to her computer, unwilling to chase after him. As she bent her head to her work, she was relived to note the feeling that she was being watched had disappeared. She shook her head slightly, shaking several unruly strands of her red hair lose from her ponytail and then ignored the feeling had ever existed. She never knew that her instincts hadn't been lying and that the person who had been watching her was currently on his way to view the engine room of an alien ship.
- - -

I told you it was cool. Who did you see when you were looking in the sight- pool? You seemed pretty absorbed.
Oh I was...uh...I couldn't make it out.
If Lucas noticed the Captain's discomfiture, he chose not to comment, instead he simply said,
Maybe you've got a lot on your mind.
Before Bridger could reply, Tim walked over to them.
I'm sorry to interrupt sir, Lucas, but I just got a communication I think you should both see. It's from Lawrence. Apparently, he's decided to abandon the rebuilding of World Power and he want's Lucas to leave seaQuest and go back to live with him.



I know, I know, I'm just one huge bait for flames. Sorry, but don't worry. I've had to suffer through enough cliff hangers to know it truly sucks to be kept waiting for to long, so I promise I will get the next chapter up as soon as school lets me.
R&R please and let me know if you can guess the ending of this. I'm pretty sure about what's going to happen, but that could change and idea's would be appreciated.
^___^