Both Lance and Lauren woke late the next morning. Lance had been up first and was preparing them a mid morning breakfast. The smell of food roused Lauren. She reached for one of Lance's over sized shirts and slipped it on as she left the room.

From the doorway, she stood silent and watched Lance as she moved about. Dressed only in a faded pair of jeans, she thought he never looked more handsome. When she left for alpha, she didn't have to take her assignment then, she could have delayed in by another 4 months, but she didn't and considering the situation she and Lance were in at the moment, she wished she had stayed behind. They would have faced Breakaway together.

Setting the table, Lance glanced up and smiled when he saw Lauren. "I was going to come and see if you were awake yet."

Lauren walked closer to him. "Well, if you had done that, we might still be in bed."

Lance laughed as he took her in his arms and kissed her. "Oh I'm sure once we eat, one thing can lead to another. Maybe a little doctor, patient therapy."

Lauren set across the table from him. "..so you can practice your bedside manner?"

Lance's deep blue eyes sparkled. "..that and more."

Lauren was sure she blushed then, Lance always loved to tease her and make her feel a tiny bit uneasy. But two could play that game and she knew how to tempt him. She had set across from him for a reason.

"I think you've been practicing cooking while I was away." she stated.

Lance looked up. "Well, I pretty much had to once you left. You did all the cooking…." His thoughts drifted as he noticed Lauren loosening the buttons of her shirt.

"Are you saying I should take up where I left off?" she asked.

Lance was silent. He knew what Lauren was doing. She took a bite of her food, then leaned back in her chair, her shirt loose and open. He looked down at his plate, picking at his food, but had to look back at Lauren. She had a seductive look in her eyes and Lance wanted what she was offering.

He almost leapt from his chair as he got to his feet, taking her in his arms. "You know I can't resist you when you do things like this to me."

'I know," she laughed and he kissed her.

It was a short kiss. His hands remained around her naked waist for a moment longer, then he let her go.

"…however babe, I'm going to finish my meal, then we can see what my bedside manner is all about."

Lauren glared at him as he set down. She slipped off her shirt and tossed it on the table before him. "Fine, I'll be waiting for you….doctor." she stated, turned on her heel and left the kitchen.

Lance watched as she left the room. He was sure he never finished a meal as fast as he did just now.

They spent the afternoon on the beach, swimming and taking long walks. Lauren had always loved being outdoors. Of all the things she missed after being on alpha, was the feel of the warm sunshine on her face.

"What are you thinking about?" Lance asked of her when she suddenly grew silent.

"Nothing really, just realized how much I missed being outdoors. I always enjoyed being down here with you, walking on the beach, hearing the sound of the waves."

Lance put his arm around her, hugging her close. "It wasn't quite the same once you left, I'm so glad you came back to me."

They stopped walking and Lauren looked up at Lance. "You were the last person I thought about when I was on Eagle one. Those flashing lights made me think about us setting on the beach watching the fireworks on July 4th. I've stopped trying to figure out why I ended up here with you Lance or why it happened.

All I know is I'm back with you which is all I've ever wanted. I don't care about anything else…just you."

She was on the verge of tears. Lance brushed her windblown hair back from her eyes. He kissed her tenderly. "Let me do the worrying, just smile and be happy. I won't let anything happen to either of us."

Lauren laid her head against his chest. "I love you so much Lance Heston."

"Love you too." he whispered. Grasping her hand he tugged her along with him as they turned and headed back to his house. "Why don't we get some rest, then go out for dinner tonight. I think it would be good for both of us. We can go wherever you want, do whatever you want to do, go shopping, a movie, you name it and we'll do it."

Lauren smiled at the prospect of doing those things. Nothing like that existed on alpha, it was all about survival. She shook hr head, ridding her mind of those thoughts. She caught up to Lance and they waded the warm water back to his house.

John Koenig was in bed reading a newspaper when the door to his room opened. He smiled when his friend Victor entered and approached his bedside. While he anticipated Helena, he wasn't sure he could face her at the moment, considering what took place between them in the early morning hours.

"Hello John," he greeted. "I have some free time and wanted to stop in and check on you. Are you feeling better?"

John shrugged. "Yes, some, but not 100 percent."

"Good to hear it. I'm sure you'll be up and around before long."

John looked at the paper before him. "I'm beginning to wonder about that Victor." he stated.

Victor narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean John?"

"A nurse brought this paper in with breakfast this morning. I didn't think much about it at the time. I can't tell you the last time I read a paper, but as I glanced at the headline, I saw the date. Today is September 9th, I take over command of alpha on the 11th and Breakaway occurs on the 13th. If I'm still in this bed Victor, I will not be on alpha and I can't stop the disaster from happening. I will cease to exist in this time frame."

Victor nodded at John's words. "I've been thinking about that also John. You know it could be that as this Breakaway occurs, time will correct itself and return to normal".

"I've thought of every angle Victor. Being stuck in this damn bed and hospital room has left me little time to think of nothing else.:'

"I wish I had an easy answer for you John."

John sighed. I know, it's not your problem though Victor. There is something you can do for me."

Victor narrowed his eyes. "I don't think I'll like what you are going to ask me to do John."

"I need clothes Victor." he stated. "I have to get back to Lauren before the 13th and those two moons become one. It's a feeling I can't shake."

"Clothes?" Victor questioned. "I'd be taking a big risk John."

"I know," John pleaded. "This is important to me Victor. If you were in my place, I'd do the same for you."

Victor looked thoughtful. "Yes, I know you would."

"Then you'll do it?" John questioned, hope in his voice..

"Ill have to be careful about it. If Helena should catch on as to what I was up to, I'd hate to suffer the consequences."

John smiled. "I'll take full responsibility Victor, and don't worry about Helena, we….well we…have an understanding."

Victor smiled, amusement in his eyes. He remembered his conversation with Helena hours ago. "She told me you argued."

"We did." John admitted. He wanted to say more, but didn't. What happened between him and Helena would stay between the two of them.

Victor smiled and left it at that. "Alright John just get some rest and I'll see what I can do for you."

"Thank you Victor, somewhere down the line I'll make this up to you."

"No thanks necessary John, our friendship goes back a long way."

John agreed. "Yeah, it does."

Victor turned to leave and headed for the door. He stopped. Looking back as John called out to him. "Yes John?"

"I need between 48 and 72 hours to reach Lauren."

"I understand John." Victor told him. "Try not to worry."

John simply nodded as his friend left, then laid back against the pillows. He closed his eyes, drifting into a light sleep, at the same time wondering how to persuade Helena to let him go for a short walk. If he was going to leave the hospital, he needed to know the shortest route to an exit.

With the onset of early evening, Lance and Lauren enjoyed a simple dinner at an outside restaurant. It was the same place they ate at on their first date.

Lance studied Lauren for a moment, wondering what her simple smile was all about. "You seem happy." he stated.

"I am, this is where we had our first date."

"I remember," he told her. "That's why I chose this place. We talked for a long time, and I walked away that evening feeling I had found the one girl who would make me happy. I wasn't wrong."

"I felt the same way about you. Remember that stupid accident in the park I had and there just happened to be a doctor around?"

Lance laughed. "Yeah, that was the first time I'd seen anybody standing on the sidelines get tackled when the football was fumbled. I think my friends got a little carried away in that game. Too much competition."

"..and I just happened to be there to go for a run and stopped to watch the game. Next thing I know, I'm flat on my back with a group of guys standing over me and one of them more handsome than the other."

"I was concerned about you. You had a cut on your chin and some bruised ribs. I told you to come to my office a couple days later so I could make sure you were doing okay."

Lauren laughed when she thought back about that afternoon. She was never fond of doctors but Lance made her think differently. "I was surprised when you called me about a week later I think it was and asked me out."

"Well, truth be known, Jenny is the one who really encouraged me. She said if I let you get away I'd regret it. And knowing how happy you've made me, I know she was right."

Lance reached for her hand across the table and held it tight in his. Lauren wiped a single tear from her cheek as it fell from the corner of her eye. "I love you Lance."

"I know you do babe. What do you say we order some desert then go for a drive and see what fun we can have."

"Sounds like a plan to me," she said through a happy smile.

And they did just that. As they drove along the road that followed the beach, Lance realized he would give up everything to be with Lauren. He loved her too much to lose her now but how in the hell could he stop that from happening. His eyes shifted from the road and out across the ocean, then back to Lauren. She was so happy at the moment and he wasn't about to spoil it with the 'what if' scenario. That could wait until later. Right now he just wanted to make Lauren happy.

Helena found John asleep on earlier rounds during the day and decided to just let him sleep. There was no need to wake him then, his vitals were strong and she really wasn't sure what would have been said between the two of them.

Now as she stood outside his door, she found herself hesitant about going inside. By now he was probably awake. She played the image over in her mind of John making love to her. How could she have let that happen. No patient had ever captivated her like John Koenig had. He was charming, handsome, mysterious and so much more. But what happened, had happened and there was no changing it. Not now, not ever.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door to his room and stepped inside. John walked out of the bathroom at the same instant, obviously he'd been in the shower. Thankfully he was dressed Helena thought to herself.

"Helena," he smiled, happy to see her. "One of your nurses was by earlier and told me you might not be by tonight."

She smiled at him. "Change of plans, I overslept and decided to play catch up this evening."

John fought the urge to take her in his arms and hold her close. He walked to his bed and set on the edge. "Are you okay?" he asked her.

"I'm fine," she responded, closing the distance between them. "How are you feeling?"

"Better, the shower really helped. The ones on alpha are short, so I indulged myself in this one."

"Your nurse told me she'd be back to take care of my bandages."

"I know, but when I checked in at the desk I told her I would take care of them." Helena gathered some supplies from the cabinet and approached his bedside. She helped him out of his shirt and eyed his ribs. They were still showing bruises and John winced as she mashed on them tenderly.

"I really wish you wouldn't do that," he laughed.

"I'm a doctor, it's what I do. I'll re-strap them, but not as tight."

John groaned, and that concerned her. She knew why, but didn't want to bring up the subject, although they were both dancing around it. Gently she eased him back against his pillows and checked his chest injury. She was pleased it was healing with still no signs of infection. The stitches could be removed in a few days, but he would still not be able to return to active duty for another few weeks.

She listened to his chest, his breathing and was content he really seemed to be doing better. As he did once before, he covered her hand while it rested against his chest. "Can we talk about what happened?" he asked.

Helena glanced over her shoulder, making sure the door to his room was completely closed. John eased up in bed and pulled her down on the edge of his bed. "What is there to talk about John? I completely disregarded my feelings towards you and let them take over. As a doctor, I was way out of line last night."

John sucked in a painful breath and set up beside her. Helena started to stop him, be he shook his head. "Helena, please don't feel like that. I'm not sorry, nor do I regret making love to you. I just wish you could understand how much I love you and miss you in the future I'm from."

Helena looked into his bright blue eyes. "I do understand that John…but.. I'm not her, not the Helena you want me to be."

"You are her Helena and there is a part of me that is having trouble distinguishing between the two. When you come across as compassionate towards me, then you are my future Helena, not the stern professional I woke up to 3 days ago.

I didn't want to have that argument with you early yesterday, I just wanted you to see me for who I am, to believe in just part of what I'm telling you. I'm not crazy, or making up a story, no problems from the concussion. Just someone who is still confused about what is going on and why I'm here now. Before Eagle one was lost in that tunnel of lights, I was thinking about you and was anxious to get back to alpha to be with you." John waited for her to respond.

"I didn't anticipate on coming back to your room when I did. I fell asleep in my office and when I woke, I showered and changed then went to grab a bite to eat. I set there thinking about you and the kiss we shared, trying to figure out why I responded to it.

I was hoping you'd be asleep and nothing else would be said, but you weren't. Then you were saying the right things, touching me and for just a brief moment, it was the way you looked at me, I saw something in your eyes that made me realize you are telling the truth. I felt like your Helena. Next thing I know I'm naked with you and your making love to me, and as much as I knew it was wrong, I couldn't force myself to stop you."

Helena tried to blink away her tears but failed. John wiped them away for her and put her head against his shoulder.

"I'm sorry I keep making you cry, I never meant to hurt you."

She shook her head. "You haven't hurt me John, confused me, yes, but that's all."

John lifted her head and kissed her lips, tenderly, maybe a little longer than he should have. Helena's hand went to his cheek and he leaned back into his bed, wincing as he did.

"John, are…"

"Just the ribs, it's nothing, just a little tender from earlier but damn well worth it."

Helena managed a smile. "I would hope so." she whispered.

John laughed and they kissed again. "Should we go for round two?" he asked her when their lips parted.

Helena shook her head. "Not with your ribs hurting like they are, but I can stay with you for awhile."

John grasped her hand. "I'd like that Helena."

She kicked off her shoes and stretched out in the bed next to John, not really sure why she was doing it, but it seemed to comfort both of them. Maybe it was the stress of the last 24 hours, or just simply fatigue. Whatever the reason, connection between them or not, she was content and John seemed to be as well. He reached over to turn the bedside lamp off and the room grew dark. They didn't speak, but shared another kiss as they closed their eyes, and slept into the early hours of the morning.

The hour was late when Lance and Lauren arrived back at his place. Holding hands now, they walked along the beach. Lauren didn't want to look up into the night time sky, but she couldn't stop herself. The two moons she'd seen since the first night she found herself back with Lance were still there and closer together. She stopped and closed her eyes.

Lance knew what was going through her mind and he lifted her chin. "Hey, I thought we weren't going to let anything spoil today."

"I know Lance, I'm sorry. It's just something that doesn't completely go away. My two moons are almost touching now and aside from wondering what will happen with us, I can't help but wonder where John Koenig is. If we are here together, then I can't shake the feeling I have to find him before those moons do become one."

Lance sighed. "..but if you are in different places at the moment, wouldn't it be possible that you will return together even if you are apart?"

"I guess so," she replied, giving Lance a warm hug, resting her head against his chest. "I just hate having to deal with this, I want it to all to go away and we can go on with our life."

Lance gazed into her eyes. "Babe, we're gong through this together, remember. Whatever you're feeling, or thinking, affects me too. I won't let you deal with this alone."

Lauren nodded, then smiled as he kissed her.

"Come on, it's been a long day, lets go back to the house, maybe find something to eat and go to bed."

"Sounds like a good idea." she told him, taking his hand in hers.

Once back at the house, Lance prepared them a light snack. They showered together afterwards, then crawled into bed. Lauren shivered and Lance pulled her into his arms.

"Are you cold?" he asked, an edge of concern in his voice.

"A little, but I'll be okay, it's just a chill."

He reached down and pulled the covers up over her shoulders. "Lance, if you could return to alpha with me, could you give everything up? This house, your practice…"

"What? " Lance questioned in surprise, cutting her off before she could say anything else He raised himself up on one arm, gazing down at her. "…babe, of course I would. Why would you think I'd stay here. I married you, I've missed you since the day you left and I love you more than I can express. If you do return to alpha, then I want to make that journey with you."

Laurens attempt to reply was silenced with a kiss. "Lance…"

"Shh, " he told her. "I don't want to talk anymore abut this subject tonight. I just want to concentrate on you."

He kissed her again, removing her oversized shirt as he did. His own pants came off quickly and he took her into his arms. Lauren responded to his kisses, her body reacting to the places he touched. He took his time making love to her, letting her know just how much he did love her, he didn't want her to question anything. Lauren was his life and he prayed that if she did indeed leave him and return to alpha as she's predicted over the past few days, that he would go back with her. He couldn't live without her.

They made love off and on until the early hours of the morning. Lance woke and Lauren was on her side facing away from him. He studied her for a moment, then eased out of bed, slipping his pants on as he got to his feet. He made his way quietly into the kitchen, and grabbed a beer, then walked outside. How he wished he could see two moons like Lauren did, maybe that would assure him they would stay together. So many things were running through his mind. He downed half the bottle and looked once again into the sky. Maybe it was the clouds, or a simple reaction from the beer, but just for an instant, he thought he could make out the faint outline of a second moon, something like a shadow.

He looked away, shaking is head. It couldn't be he thought, it was just his imagination letting him see what he wanted to. He finished his drink and looked again. The faint shadow was still there. He wasn't sure why it un nerved him, but it did.

Walking back into the house, he set the bottle aside, then walked back to Lauren. She was still asleep and he crawled back into bed. Sensing he was near, she turned and moved closer to him. Lance kissed her forehead and closed his eyes. He doubted he would get much sleep.

FORTY EIGHT HOURS LATER.

John Koenig knew the day was September 11, and by his own theory, he had two days left to get back to Lauren. As the hours passed, he couldn't shake that feeling. While his ribs were still sore, by his own fault, he was feeling better and stronger, there were times he would have welcomed pain medicines, he knew it would be best for him to stay off them for now.

At some point while he slept, Victor had returned to his room, left him some clothes, an envelope with some money, and a brief note that John read and put away. He hoped that when Helena returned to check on him, she wouldn't find the clothes.

He was surprised when Helena agreed to accompany him on a short walk down the corridor. There was motive for the move and he couldn't help but wonder if Helena picked up on that. The walk gave him an idea of how much energy he would need to make his escape and leave the hospital and to let him know where the exits were. While his chest ached from the effort, he figured if he got as much rest as possible, as Helena prescribed for him all along, he would be able to make the journey.

He was looking out the window when Helena walked in. He glanced over his shoulder and turned in her direction. His smile and the way he looked at her no longer made her feel uncomfortable.

"I thought I told you to stay in bed after your walk earlier. It was obvious to me that your chest wound caused you some pain."

John nodded and got back to bed. "You did, but my back has been feeling stiff and sometimes it helps to stand for a few minutes."

Helena approached him. "You should have said something earlier, I could order some massage therapy for you."

John reached for her hand, she didn't pull away. "Wouldn't be the same if you weren't the one doing it for me."

Helena saw the pleading in his eyes. She really didn't want to get more involved with John, but she knew that was impossible considering all that had happened between them over the past 48 hours. She was surprised that no one walked in on them. They could have easily been caught, and there would have been consequences for both of them, but especially for her on a professional level.

John noticed she was lost in thought and squeezed her hand. "Helena, are you alright?"

She nodded, "..yes, I'm fine. My mind drifted for a moment."

Helena went back into her professional mode, checking out his injuries, changing bandages, testing the soreness of his ribs.

"You know, I'm going to miss you taking care of me like this. I really like your non professional side."

Helena looked into his eyes, placing her stethoscope against his chest. She hated to admit how much she would miss him as well.

"Some patients are hard to forget," she said a soft voice. "If you set up, I'll rub your back for you."

John smiled, and he could see she was on the verge of tears once again. He kissed her cheek as she placed one hand on his back, making small circular motions.

"How does that feel?" she asked.

"Soothing," he answered, turning his head to look at her. Silent tears streaked her cheeks.

John put his hands on her shoulders. "What is it Helena?" He brushed her tears away with his fingertips.

"I saw you looking out the window when I came in, and I know what the date is today. While I want whatever is going to happen, to be, there is a part of me that doesn't. The feelings I have for you John won't go away, not the personal ones."

His heart was breaking for her. "…oh babe, everything will be alright. We will be on alpha together, our relationship will continue, that will never change. You have to believe that."

Helena nodded, her head resting against his chest as her shoulders shook with sobs she couldn't stop. John could say nothing that would ease her pain of losing him, nor his of losing her. He grew to love this Helena as much as his future Helena. It wasn't fair and living in a parallel existence had it's drawbacks. For a brief moment, he knew Lauren and Lance were going through the same emotions.

John held Helena in his arms, hugging her close, whispering to her that everything would work out. Neither one were aware that their mutual friend Victor, stood in the doorway out of sight, peeking into the room. He could only smile and nod in approval at what he saw. He still wasn't sure he understood everything John had told him or, or whether he truly believed it all, but he did know one thing to be true. John Koenig loved Helena Russell.

Victor decided not to intrude or disturb his friends. He closed the door and left them to their private moment, no matter where it led them to. At this point in time, they needed to be left alone.

John held Helena for a long time before she finally stopped crying. He comforted her by making love to her again, not that it should have happened, but she put up no resistance this time, didn't stop his hands from touching private places, or his kisses that left her wanting more. Their love making was more passionate this time, Helena being more receptive of the situation.

When they finished, Helena got to her feet and dressed. John felt like he was losing her.

"Can't you stay," he pleaded.

"I wish I could John, but I have a meeting in the morning, one I can't miss. If I don't make it by in the morning, I'll see you tomorrow evening."

John nodded. "I understand, although I wish you could stay all night."

A slight trace of a smile touched Helena's lips. She kissed John, hugged him and whispered in his ear, "I love you John Koenig."

John returned her smile and her kiss. "I love you too Helena, don't ever forget that."

She wiped at her tears as she headed towards the door. "I won't." she told him and left the room.

Sadness overtook him as Helena left and John got to his feet. He went back to the window and looked out into the dark sky. The moon was still there, full as it had been the first time he asked Victor about it. The second moon was touching it now, just starting to slip into it. He knew he had to leave the hospital, and soon. That connection to Lauren was getting stronger.

For now, he had to rest. Once again his chest ached from the exertion of making love to Helena. He hadn't intended it to happen, but as before, he didn't regret it. He got back in bed and closed his eyes. His next move was to figure out the best time to leave the hospital. He didn't want to miss seeing Helena one last time, but it might be best if he did, otherwise she would do her best to stop him, despite what she felt for him, or more importantly, whether she truly believed him.

Helena's footsteps echoed in the empty hallway. Not wanting to be detected by the late shift nurses, she proceeded down the opposite end towards the elevators. She pushed the buttons to open the doors and waited. Not really knowing why, she glanced out the window to her right. The moon was bright and clearly visible.

Maybe it was her mind playing tricks on her, or just emotions running away with her, but ever so faint was the image of two moons and they were sliding together. Helena gasped and the elevator doors opened behind her. She stared at the image for a second longer before stepping inside. The doors closed as her heart pounded heavily in her chest.