Do we finally have enough power for voice contact? Admiral Kirk wanted to know.
Ray nodded. Yes sir, but only a few minutes.
An adjusted some controls and added. You may speak now sir.
Tony, can you hear me?
Tony froze at the sound.
Yes, sir. Was all he could manage.
How's Doug? That was Ann's voice.
Doug is still unconscious.
Tony listen, we need a few more days before we can attempt another transfer. We are sure that it will work this time. So you take care, you hear?
Tony nodded. He wanted to answer, but a movement got his attention.
He turned around and looked into Ivy's eyes.
Who are you talking to? What's going on here? Don't tell me it was the radio. You where talking to some one and there is no one here. Who are you? She demanded.
Tony did not immediately answer, but walked towards the woman.
He stopped when she backed up.
Tony opened his mouth to answer, but hesitated. He shouldn't tell her the truth, but he did not like having secrets from her either.
Tony sighed. Sit down. I will tell you. He decided.
He sat next to her and started telling about the Time Tunnel and how they hadn't been able to get back. Tony's voice dropped when he tolled her about the argument he had with Doug before he got shot.
When he finally stopped talking he lowered his head, so avoiding Ivy's gaze. Tony's unease grew with every moment Ivy stayed silent.
Damn Tony that is quite a story. She managed after what seemed an eternity. She hesitated before asking. What ís your time?
3 years from now. Tony answered with a sour look on his face.
Tony, that is…
…too close to be funny. Tony bitterly finished the sentence.
A knock on the door interrupted the conversation. It was the police officer.
I thought you would like to know that we found the hide out of the shooter. We are going to have a look there now and hopefully we will catch him today.
I want to come. Tony said.
The officer watched him closely. All right. He finally said. But you will listen to me and do exactly as I tell you.
Tony nodded. Ivy watched them go with mixed feelings.
Another knock on the door. This time it was a boy. Doctor Mike says that you must come to the hospital. He tolled Ivy. She rushed over there hoping for good news.
In the mean time Tony and the police officer had joined the other police men and volunteers. Orders and instructions where given before they all walked over to a small house near the lake. The little house was well hidden between the bushes and trees and there fore hard to spot from the road.
Carefully the police men surrounded the house. The volunteers stayed hind the police men.
At first all seemed to go well. The police ordered the man to come out, which he did. He held his hands up as if to show he was unarmed. But all of the sudden he reached in his coat and held out a weapon. He shot and wounded a police officer and ran towards the volunteers. One of them threw a knife in his arm so making the man drop his weapon.
The man ran and disappeared between the trees. Tony and three volunteers followed him and. The managed to get the man trapped between them and waited for the police to arrest him.
When Tony got back to Ivy's house, nobody was there. Doug! He thought and rushed over to the hospital. He went straight to Doug's room.
Tony looked closely at his friend. He lay still, eyes closed but his colour had returned. He did not look so awfully grey any more.
Slowly Tony reached out and took his friend's hand in his own.
Doug opened his eyes. When he spotted Tony, a small smile carved his lips.
Doug tried to speak but no sound came out.
Tony smiled.
Doug tried to speak again. Are you all right, Tony?
Tony nodded.
Where are we?
In a hospital.
What happened?
Tony hesitated before answering. We had an argument and you got shot.
I don't remember. Doug confessed.
Tony looked at his friend. You need to rest. I will stay here with you.
Doug nodded.
Tony reached for the chair to sit close to his friend. He was still holding on to Doug's hand which gave him the much needed reassurance Doug would be just fine.
Softly Doug squeezed his friend's hand before closing his eyes and falling into a much needed sleep.
Tony looked up when the door opened. Ivy came in.
He woke up. Tony said happily.
Your friend will be fine. Ivy smiled back.
Tony and Ivy sat in the grass near the lake.
I love it here. Ivy said. I am so glad it is safe again.
Tony smiled, but did not answer.
Ivy continued. I used to come here often. Just to sit here. Watch the water and the swans. They are so beautyfull.
Ivy looked at Tony.
I'm sorry, I drag you here and keep rambling on about how lovely it is and you must hate it here after…
Tony's smile grew wider. Not really. I like sitting here with you. Doug will leave the hospital tomorrow.
Ivy smiled too. They watched the swans swim on the lake.
Tony put his arm around Ivy. They should rename the lake and name it Swan Lake.
I'd like that. Ivy smiled.
Doug looked at his friend. They where sitting in the garden enjoying the summer sun. Clearly something was bothering his friend.
What is it that is bothering you Tony?
To Doug's surprise Tony flinched and looked away. He felt unbearably guilty about their argument and all that he had said in his anger. Tony felt it was his fault that Doug got hurt.
Is it about Cassie?
Surprised Tony looked up. Why do you think that? He managed in a small voice.
Did you fall in love with her?
Tony smiled sadly before he answered. I did, but that is not what is bothering me the most.
Then what else is bothering you?
I am sorry Doug. Tony said. Before Doug could answer, he tolled Doug about the argument and his guilt.
I didn't mean the things I said. My anger almost got you killed. Tony said as his voice broke. He looked away.
Doug had listened to his friend with growing surprise.
Tony look at me.
Please? He added when his friend was slow to respond.
Reluctantly Tony looked up.
There is no reason to feel guilty. Doug said firmly.
But I...
Doug shook his head.
Tony, listen. I don't remember the argument, but I do remember that we've been friends for a long time. If it makes you feel better, I forgive you.
Tony looked into his friends honest eyes and smiled.
So what's going on with you and Ivy?
Tony sight. Nothing. I don't even know how she feels about me.
Ivy chose that moment to enter the garden.
Tony, Doug, there's something you must see.
She quickly went into the house, followed by both men.
On the table stood a small box. Ivy pointed at it. I think it's for you.
Tony gasped when he saw the picture on the box. It was from the time tunnel. Doug opened it. It contained a small device and a note.
We will make a transfer today at 21:00 h. you must stay together and turn on the device so we can get a more stable fix. We are looking forward to seeing you again.
General Kirk.
Doug and Tony smiled at each other. We are going home! Tony exclaimed. When he saw Ivy his smile fell. Ivy smiled. Well Tony, let's hope it works and this will be your last transfer.
It is time. Tony said. Ivy nodded.
Doug turned on the device. He had said goodbye to Ivy before.
Tony looked at Ivy. I don't want to go. He said as he gave her a fierce hug.
Yes you do. She softly answered.
I will visit you when I get back. He promised.
I like that. Ivy smiled.
Tony, it is time.
Ivy stepped back. Tony stood next to Doug.
Ivy watched the two men disappear.