Author's Notes: Thanks for the reviews so far, as well as the constructive criticism. I agree that perhaps the beginning of the story was too rushed. I was trying to dive right into the sweet/cheesy Bridger and little!Lucas stuff. There are other little things as well, which is indicative of the fact that I am beta-less. I'm glad you're all able to overlook the flaws for the most part and enjoy the story!

The captain laid his charge down on the cot and Lucas remained fast asleep. He suddenly felt at a loss for what to do next. The kid shouldn't sleep in his clothes, but frankly he didn't know what other option there was. He practically said "A-Ha!" when the thought hit him. Of course.

Going through his wardrobe he fished out a T-shirt and mentally congratulated himself for his creative thinking. It was short-lived, however, and as he approached Lucas a wave of apprehension swept over him. He doubted the 16-year-old version would like the idea of the captain putting his pyjamas on for him once they got this whole mess resolved. Well, the 16-year-old version would have to suck it up, because the six year old below him looked mighty uncomfortable.

Once Lucas was changed and tucked in, Nathan sat down hard on his own bed with a deep sigh. To say that he was experiencing a mix of emotions would have been the largest understatement he had ever heard. On one hand, lying before him fast asleep at just after 9 pm, was his chief computer scientist. That was rather inconvenient. Genius or no, a 6 year old couldn't fill that post. And frankly, had no place on this ship.

He knew he'd be lying to himself if he denied that deep down inside somewhere a small part of him was happy to have this chance with Lucas. It was common knowledge throughout the ship, hell and a vast part of the UEO as well, that they had adopted each other as family – as father and son. To have this chance to be with Lucas as a small child would be a second chance for both of them. But realistically, not much of one. If Lucas wasn't changed back, he would not be allowed to remain on the ship; even in the best-case scenario where Nathan was given custody he'd be forced to ship Lucas upworld alone, or leave the seaaquest entirely.

But he couldn't concentrate on the what-ifs right now. The fact was that he had a small boy to take care of and a flagship to run. There were definite immediate needs to look after. Ford was on the bridge, and willing to extend his shift until Bridger could arrange for regular care for Lucas while he was on the job. In the meantime, everyone was doing what they could to try and correct the situation. The seaquest was staying near the abandoned ship incase access to the machine was vital, and Dr. Smith was looking into medical possibilities.

"Bridger to Dr. Smith."

"Smith here." The voice came over his PAL.

"Can you come to my quarters please? I'd like to discuss this situation a little further."

"I was just on my way to see you captain. I'll be there soon."

"I come bearing gifts," Wendy said, as she entered the Captain's quarters. "I had some clothes that I bought on the last shore-leave for my nephew. He's a little bigger than Lucas, but that won't be a big deal. And I knew a couple friends who had gone shopping with me had few things, so I managed to get you some clothes for him. Not a lot, but some."

Nathan raised his eyebrows in surprise. He hadn't even thought of that. "Thank you," he replied gratefully. "Look, Wendy, I was hoping you would do me a favour..." he trailed off.

"Shoot."

"Are you willing to watch him for me while I'm on duty? I can't say for sure how long this situation will last, and I know you have a lot of work to do..."

"I'd be glad to. He can help me around the lab. It won't be a problem. I am a little concerned about his emotional well-being, though."

"How so?"

"Well," the doctor began, "it's just that this accident has affected him the most drastically. Yes, the others have changed as well, but the differences between 6 and 16 are immense. If he stays in this state too long, will he be able to adjust to aging 10 years in seconds when we change him back? It's all so strange and it's hard to predict the outcome."

"Well, he certainly seems to have adjusted fine to regressing 10 years."

"That's the other thing that worries me," Wendy said with a frown.

TBC