I want to thank you for the reviews. I also want to thanks EskimoSatan for her great work as my beta reader.

- CHAPTER THIRTEEN -

- WELCOME HOME -

Nathan Bridger and the senior staff sat tensely in the war-room, waiting anxiously. Admiral Noyce had called nearly an hour ago, informing them he would be coming on board, but nothing more. Nathan closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep, steadying breath. He hadn't said anything to the crew, but he knew Admiral Noyce well and the man did not make unnecessary trips.

If what he had to say was something that couldn't be corresponded through the vidlink... well, that usually meant it wasn't good news.

UEO Headquarters

"Lucas?" Lucas continued to stare forward, just to the left of General McGath's head. "The doctor's said you need to be careful over the next few weeks. They've prescribed you something for the pain and to help you sleep. So, you can get the rest you need."

Lucas nodded slowly, "Did they catch Ghost Man, General McGath?"

The General fought not to cringe, both from the coming confession and the overly controlled tone of Lucas's voice. Part of it was the pain killers and mild sedative they'd already pumped into him, making him numb, but that wasn't all. There was also the shock of dealing with what had been done to him and it wasn't the first time. "Call me Georges and no, but don't worry about that. Nathan and the Seaquest will protect you."

He nodded again, just slowly as before, taking in what had been said, more than confirming anything. "What's going to happen to me now? I don't... I don't have any family left."

It was a good sign that Lucas was choking up. It meant that he was seeing this as something real, as opposed to just taking in facts. "The UEO has custody of you. If you need anything you let Bill or me know. We'll take care of it." Leaning forward, McGath put a hand on Lucas's arm, ignoring the tightened features that concealed a flinch. "Now, the good doctor said that you needed to get some sleep."

When Lucas tensed further, he forced what he hoped was a comforting smile onto his face, "I won't leave your side until you're safe on Seaquest."

The reassurance clearer worked as Lucas relaxed onto the bed. As the silence stretched between them, Lucas's eyes fought to stay open. "Sir? I want to... thank you. For everything."

"You welcome, Lucas."

With a deep yawn, Lucas finally let his eyes close and, moments later, his breathing evened out. Carefully, McGath stood up and slid open the door to the room, where Bill was waiting. "How is he?"

McGath stood in the doorway, making sure he had one eye on Lucas. There was little point answering Bill's question. They'd both been there when the doctor given them the prognosis and they both knew that Lucas wouldn't be okay for a long time. Still, "He'll live. Is the shuttle ready?"

Bill looked past McGath and stepped into the room. "Yes, we can go. I'll carry him." He leaned down, scooping Lucas up with surprising ease. "Good God, he weighs nothing."

"I'm sure the crew of the Seaquest will take care of that. Did you get any information about the Blue Bird?"

"No, but Nathan sent the crew into port so we can question them."

"Good. Once we've got Lucas safe, we'll get started with that. It's going to be a long and tedious few days."

One hour later the war room door slowly open and the crew see the very Secretary General enter, he stay away of the door and the seaquest crew see suddenly Admiral Noyce enter with is back on them. When he finally turn they could see the little body in is arm. Nathan jump on is feet to see the boy. Kristine right behind him.

" Lu...Lucas ? "

" Captain, it's really you ? " came the sleepy reply.

" Yes, yes kiddo, it's really me. "

" Georges did I'm really home now ? "

" Absolutely Lucas. "

" We need to put him in is quarter Nathan. So he can sleep the medication my doctor give him."

" What happen ? "

" Section Seven. That what happen. But I give you a copies of the report so your going to have every information you need. "

" I put him my self. Kristine do you want to come with me ? "

" Yes Nathan I follow you."

The seaquest crew feel them self begin to relax now they know that the most important member of the ship is finally safe with them. Even if they don't know what happen for Ghost Man.

A few days later Lucas return to is duty and begin some new prank. The first for Ben. He just want to forget the whole experience. He just want to forget Ghost Man. He remember when the entire seaquest crew come to the funeral for Lawrence and Cynthia. MCGath have take care of the security. But Lucas have feel safe with three Hundreds sailor to protect him. Now Lucas Wolenczak can continue his life. The Captain have asked some question, but Lucas told him that is not ready to answer them. Lucas don't want the Captain to rejected him if he found the truth. They know a few of he's secret. But not the most dark ones.

END FOR NOW