"What are watching so intently?" Kristin asked, squinting as she tried to follow his gaze on the beach.
Lucas grinned, "I'm waiting for Ben to get slapped again. One more and I win the bet with Miguel."
In the weeks following the rescue mission, Nathan invited everyone involved to his island. They were finally relaxing and healing, having finished the exhaustive reports. Although most of their time was spent away at various pursuits in the area, every night they returned, just enjoying each other's company after the stressful ordeal.
A worldwide man hunt was underway for Dr. Zellar, but they wouldn't join it just yet. It took some harsh words on Nathan's part, but the UEO finally agreed the team needed some time off.
"Yes!" Lucas whispered triumphantly after a resounding smack could be heard. "That's twenty bucks!"
Kristin shook her head, and settled back into the chair. "How was the time with your father?"
He shrugged, then wrinkled his nose, holding his side. "Fine, I guess. A little strange. He just kept smothering me. I didn't think he'd let me leave when the Captain called."
Her sharp eyes caught the movement, "are they still hurting?"
"Yeah, a bit. Not as bad though." He fidgeted with the bandages covering his torso, and tried to hide them with his flannel shirt. Lucas was fully aware of the strange looks he was receiving for wearing such a warm shirt on the beach, but decided the bandages wouldn't be worth the time it took to explain them. And even if he wanted to tell the story, most of what happened was classified. The world's governments were a bit uneasy with their populations knowing they had freed, and even funded, a psychopathic killer.
Although, there was very cute brunette in a very small bikini eyeing him. Lucas struggled out of his flannel, trying to make up a story as he did so. He suppressed a groan of pain, that probably wouldn't help hook anyone. Her eyes flickered over the bandages with an interested expression. When Ben intercepted her, she quickly turned the other direction. Lucas sighed, and leaned back again.
They sat in silence for several minutes, watching Miguel try to give Ben some tips on picking up women. By the annoyed expression on Ben's face, it didn't seem to be going well. Lucas cleared his throat, "can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"The um... medication I was on. I looked it up to see what exactly it did to me. Some of the information about it..." He trailed off, uncertain about how to continue. "If someone isn't supposed to be on it, they get crazy. But that didn't happen to me until he stopped giving it me." He finally blurted out.
Kristin sighed, "you think you need to take them."
"Well, I mean... What if I do? I remember how I felt on them. And after... I can't even say the ideas I had." He shuddered, "I've never had those kind of thoughts before."
"Did you happen to read why most doctors don't like to prescribe that kind of medication to teens?" Kristin asked softly, searching his face. Lucas shook his head. "The short answer is, hormones. Teens are so up and down, and dare I say... moody, that while medication can seem like it helps in the short term, it can turn very swiftly."
"So, yes, it may have made you feel better, for a short time. Remember what you said though, you didn't feel right. And in all honestly, you were acting like someone who was high." She folded her hands together," as your doctor for last several months, I can say, in my professional opinion, I don't believe you need them."
Lucas sighed and nodded, but still looked doubtful. "You have to remember, dear, everyone reacts differently to these kind of medications, not to mention the stress we were under."
A wry smile twisted his lips, "yeah, uh, you kinda went the opposite way than I did."
Kristin narrowed her eyes, "if I have to hear one more speech about that..." She huffed, "I am aware that if it had been any male member of the crew, Nathan would be praising their bravery."
"Not if it was me," Lucas snorted.
"Good point," she nodded. "I guess we'll just have to live with him being over protective of the people he loves."
Lucas looked away flushing, "or the people who annoy him the most."
She laughed, "that too."
Ben interrupted the conversation to flop down on the sand next to them. "Find a date?" Lucas asked, smirking.
"Not yet, I still have time." He flashed a toothy grin. "Hey, you helped Katie build that ATV thing, right?"
"A bit," Lucas admitted, raising an eyebrow, not liking the expression he was seeing.
Ben nodded, almost thoughtfully, "would you design something for me?"
"This isn't a get rich quick scheme is it?"
"Nah, I only need three, for... personal use."
Lucas glared at him, "out with it Ben, what do you want?"
"Some kind of wireless tracking device. Something that can be attached or implanted under the skin so it can't be removed."
"What for?"
"Well," Ben sat up and stretched his arms. "I thought it'd be helpful. We can slap one on each of you three, and the next time you wonder off, we can just track your asses."
Lucas snorted, and launched himself at Ben, pushing his face into the sand and wrestling as they laughed. "Oh for the love of..." Kristin sputtered, "Mr. Krieg, if you hurt his ribs, I swear..."
The End... for now
Author's Note: I'm not sure why I'm leaving this opened ended, I was planning to kill Zellar then just couldn't. So give me a few months and I'll have another for you! Thank you so much for reading!