Disclaimer – See Chapter 1

Authors note – See Chapter 1

Breathing Underwater
By:
AngelBabs81 and potterfan2006

Chapter 3

Westphalen, Levin and Williams had just returned from collecting samples from around the reef, and, as they were removing their wetsuits, Levin turned to Sammie with a smile and asked, "How did you like it, Dr. Williams?"

"It was great," she replied, still excited about the experience.

"It'll get old after a while," Levin chuckled and Westphalen smiled.

"I still enjoy it," Westphalen stated matter of factly.

"Yeah, I can't complain," Levin added, using a towel to dry his hair before combing his curly hair back into a ponytail

Sammie dried her own hair and swept it back into a half ponytail at the top of her head. "So what's next?" she asked excitedly.

"We store the samples until tomorrow," Westphalen smiled. "I have plans tonight."

Levin nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we'll study them tomorrow."

Sammie looked deflated. "Oh well," she sighed, "I guess I can wait." As she made to leave, she turned back and said, "Well I need to go back to the lab and pick up my stuff so I will see you all later"

As Levin and Westphalen bade Sammie a good night, Levin added, "See you at eight in the main lab."

Sammie nodded her head in understanding and headed back in the direction of the lab.

Levin wandered towards the mess for dinner as Westphalen went to meet Nathan in his quarters. Dinner was ready when she got there. They ate, chatting about the discovery, and what Nathan had planned for the next few weeks before they dry docked at Pearl Harbor for maintenance.

Once Sammie dropped her gear in her berth before making her way to the mess. Walking in, she found it almost full. Grabbing a tray, she looked for a place to sit.

Levin hadn't expected Sammie to come down for dinner, but when he saw here looking around, he called her over.

Hearing her name, she walked over to Dr. Levin's table and sat with a grateful smile. "Thank you for letting me sit with you."

"It does get crowded during shift changes and dinnertime," Levin nodded his head. "But you are welcome."

Sammie smiled, "I figured I grab a bite to eat then turn in early. I'm kind of wiped. I haven't swam like that since I was in high school," she said, just picking at her food.

"Were you on the swim team?" he asked casually, sipping his water.

"I was the team captain for two years. We got as far as State both years," Sammie commented proudly.

"Very nice," he commented, smiling. "So how did you hear about the openings on SeaQuest?"

"The UEO found me actually." Sammie shrugged. "I had put an application and I got a call one day. They said they needed someone with my degrees to help on the SeaQuest. So I went to the interview and they hired me. They said that I was the best in my field and that's who they were looking for," she said.

"And what field is that?".

"Paranormal psychology and undersea biology," Sammie replied.

"Looks like they don't need me anymore," he laughed lightly.

Sammie laughed uneasily, "They still need you, knowing me I will screw something up," she said.

"Well, you said they hired you, telling you're the best in the field," Levin answered back, quoting her.

"I am only here to help. Not to replace anyone," Sammie said. "I may be good at what I do, but I bet you're better."

"Hey, I'm not the best in the field, but I am still your boss," he smiled teasingly at her. "I'm just yanking your chain."

Sammie laughed, still picking at her food, "I had a feeling you were. I need to learn how to read people better."

Levin chuckled, "Sorry, but in my off time I'm not usually the most professional," he admitted, finishing off his burger, and followed it with the rest of the glass of water.

"It's ok," Sammie said, pushing her tray away.

"Not hungry?" he asked

Sammie shook her head, "Not really, I must be more tired than I thought."

"Well, get a good night's rest, and I'll see you in the main lab tomorrow."

Sammie gave a small tired smile and got up to dump her tray and then headed back to her room.

TBC…