Rhade entered Harper's quarters. "How you doing?"
Harper turned. "Horrible. Boss, I'm fine. I want to get back to my jobs. O.K. I've had enough of this."
"You're not going to make me sorry I agreed to let you continue your recovery in your quarters. Do I have to send you back to Medical? I can, you know.'
Harper sighed. "But Boss, I'm so bored. I really need--."
"You really need bed rest. It was a serious thing, Harper. You need to recover. So stay in bed."
"Fine. I'm not happy, though."
"Just then Andromeda popped up. "Captain, Beka is demanding to se you. She's quite agitated."
"I'll bet." Rhade allowed himself a small smile.
"What did you do to Beka?" Harper was wide-eyed.
"Oh, nothing. Just a little thing like locking her in her quarters. " Harper's eyes bugged out. "I can't let her leave again. She was going to you know, as soon as she made sure you'd be O.K. I love her and I don't want her to go. Do you?" Harper shook his head. "Then we have to do whatever's necessary. In the meantime, I'd better deal with her." He left.
Beka was trying to retain a semblance of calm. Then a voice came from outside the door. "You wanted to see me?"
"Yeah. Get your cowardly ass in here right now."
A pause. "No. I know what you're trying to do and it won't work. You need time, Beka and this is the best place for you."
"You don't seriously believe that, Gaheris"
"Whether I do or not is irrelevant. This is the way it is. I want to sweep you up in my arms and kiss you. Right now you don't want that. Fine, I can wait because whatever happens and however long it takes, I love you. That won't change." There was sadness in his voice. "Bye for now." He walked away.
Beka stood still in the middle of the room. Then she walked to her bed and sank down on it. He meant every word. She was stuck here. How did she feel about that? She honestly didn't know. She was feeling...well; alone, angry, fear, confusion and...yes...love. She did love him, damn it! Was that good or bad? Who knew? Suddenly Beka burst into tears.