When he climbed up the ladder to the deck from launch bay, he was nearly tackled by Sam.

"You're back!"

"Yeah, but it isn't a homecoming if you try to kill me."

She gave him a shove. "Smart ass."

"Good to see you too Sam."

"Welcome back Lucas," Captain Bridger said. "Did you enjoy yourself?"

"Absolutely," he replied, leaning down to pick up his bag as it was handed up the ladder. As he did so, the medals that Katherine had given him slipped out from under his shirt.

"What are those?" Sam and the Captain asked at the same time. Miguel and Tim looked over at him when they heard the question.

Lucas took them in his hand. "These? My grandmother Katherine gave them to me. One is Saint Francis of Paola, the Patron Saint of those associated with the sea. The other is the Virgin Mary, and it was my mother's," he explained before tucking them back under his shirt.

"That was very thoughtful of her," the Captain replied.

"My grandmother was wonderful," Lucas said with a smile.

"Miguel and I each have a St. Francis of Paola medal too, Lucas," Tim said.

"Really? Awesome!" Tim grinned. "I'm going to head to my quarters and set my stuff down. I have things for everyone if you guys want to meet me in the mess in 10."

They all nodded and went their ways, while Lucas set off for his room. He stopped by the moon pool first to say hi to Darwin, who acted as if he'd been gone forever. He got back to his room and set his bag down. He pulled out the picture of Ellie and Gavin, the pictures from the small camera that Ellie had carried around during sightseeing, and all of the souvenirs.

He walked out and headed for the mess, where he found the Captain, Dr. Westphalen, Tim, Miguel, Ben, and Sam waiting for him. He smiled happily and sat down, passing out his small gifts. They were all touristy trinkets from Hollywood Boulevard, but it went over well, everyone liking what he'd brought.

He'd purposely saved Sam's gift for last. He pulled it out and handed the box to her. "When I saw it, I knew it was for you," he said with a smile.

She gave him a curious look, but took the box and opened it. Her audible gasp of delight was all the satisfaction he needed. She pulled the crystal dolphin out of the box and held it up to the light.

"Oh Lucas! It's beautiful! Thank you so much!"

"There's more," Lucas said, taking it from her and setting it down. He flipped the switch on the base and the beautiful greenish blue light illuminated the crystal.

"It's like the color of the water from Darwin's tube," she breathed.

"Exactly," he replied.

She gave him a big smile, and he knew he'd picked the right thing for her. Everyone had a look at it and commented on what a lovely gift it was. Lucas showed all of the pictures, and told them about Hollywood Boulevard, Universal City Walk, the mall, bungee jumping, his first experience on a horse.

None of them could believe that Lucas had jumped, but he had the pictures to prove it. They all laughed as he told them the stories. He left Jason out for now, as well as Jennifer and Gary. He did include going to Cinnabon, as well as the moment where he'd learned that Ellie was fluent in Russian. Ben laughed loudest at that. Finally, the little gathering broke up, everyone to their own tasks again.

"Captain, can I talk to you for a moment, privately?" Lucas asked.

The Captain looked concern. "Sure Lucas, if you need to."

They walked to the Captain's quarters, Bridger shutting the door behind them. "What's up kiddo?"

"I have a favor to ask of you. I made a friend while I was there, he helped me a lot. He's really into science and computers, and he'd really love to visit the SeaQuest. I was hoping that, before we leave, he could come aboard for a tour. I kind of owe him one."

"Who is this friend Lucas?"

"His name is Jason. Jason Barnham. He's an actor; I bet Sam would know who he is. But don't tell her!"

"Well, I don't see why not," Bridger replied. "We'll be here for another week."

"Great! Thanks Captain! When will the next launch be going to shore?"

"Tomorrow actually."

"Cool! I'll e-mail him and get his name to the launch crew. Thanks again!" Lucas called out, dashing from the room, leaving the Captain chuckling and shaking his head.

Lucas flew down the hall and jumped onto his computer, shooting Jason a quick email about tomorrow's launch. He quickly received an affirmative reply that Jason would be there. Lucas sent another email giving him the time and location. He wouldn't be there to meet him on shore, but he'd meet him once he got to the ship. He then ran and put Jason's name on the launch list.

He was so excited he could hardly sleep. He knew Jason would be so excited to be here, and Lucas couldn't wait to show him around. He remembered Ellie's warning and knew that this visit would be the most important one Jason might ever make.

"Don't worry Jason," he said out loud as he finally drifted off to sleep. "Everything is going to be fine; I won't let my friend be destroyed."