SeaQuest

C-deck

Kristin Westphalen's Office

Thursday Evening

"I appreciate you taking your own personal time, Eric. SeaQuest is on shore leave for three days only," continued Kristin sitting at her desk shuffling through her notes thoughtfully. She had been describing Lucas' situation to the man and had sent him the boy's file and test results.

"Anything for you, Dr. Westphalen. Besides, my father would kick my butt if I didn't," laughed the handsome blonde haired, brown eyed man kindly. Kristin smiled warmly as she looked at the twenty-something young man. Eric Petersen was young, but he was an amazing therapist as was his father. She had known Eric since he was a child. His father and Kristin had been close friends. They had helped one another through each others' divorces. Kristin had followed the young man's career and knew that if anyone could help Lucas, Eric could.

"For heaven's sake, Eric, call me Kristin. You're not ten years old anymore," replied Kristin in light-hearted annoyance. The man blushed slightly at her reprimand. He pretended to look behind him and around the room carefully. Then he leaned in to the monitor slowly.

"Ok, Kristin, but don't tell my father," he whispered cheekily. Kristen rolled her eyes and clucked her tongue. Eric laughed and leaned back becoming serious.

"Think you can convince the kid to come talk to me?"

"No, but Captain Bridger can," admitted Kristin trying to figure out how to explain the relationship between Nathan and Lucas. "Lucas listens to him. He respects him…uh the boy's parents are…morons." Eric laughed and shook his head.

"Is that your professional opinion, Doctor," replied Eric still smirking. Kristin blushed and sat back in her chair with a smile. She wasn't very partial about things when it came to Lucas. The teenager had stolen her heart, and she hated seeing him hurting.

"Watch it, buster. One call to your father and you're toast," Kristin warned with mock sternness. Eric laughed and attempted to look properly chastised. Kristin took a minute to sort out her thoughts before continuing.

"His nightmares seem to be getting worse, Eric, and he is really angry. I'm worried about him. His behaviour is so unpredictable and frankly, uncharacteristic of him." Eric nodded knowingly.

"It's not so unusual for a teen with Lucas' background. From reading his file, his home life wasn't all that ideal or even typical for that matter. Busy, detached parents. Most kids don't have a genius IQ and graduate from Stanford at 14. His life isn't what you'd call normal. He lives on a submarine, for goodness sake." Kristin nodded in understanding. "Teens who have strong social networks and easy access to support can simply talk about their feelings and process their pain, and after a few troubling days have passed, they may feel just fine. I'm not sure about Lucas until I see him, but from what you've described, it's been several weeks since the incident which tells me he has likely developed PTSD."

"And?" prompted Kristin hoping to learn more about it so she could relay it to Nathan. "Lucas is going to be staying with Captain Bridger, Eric. He needs to know what to expect." Eric leaned back in his chair and absentmindedly chewed on his pen.

"Well, those who do develop PTSD find it hard to escape the memory of the event, and their thoughts seem to centre on the unpredictability and danger of the world that surrounds them. Adolescent boys may discuss the event at length, repeating details they remember or feelings they experienced, or they may mention the event in passing on a regular basis. On the flip side, some don't mention the event at all and they avoid people, places and things that remind them of the pain they endured." Kristin nodded as she jotted down notes in a notebook looking puzzled. "It's not exactly predictable, Doctor. Teens with PTSD may also develop symptoms that seem to have little to do with the memory. They might jump or startle easily, for example, or they may just seem angry and upset all the time. They may act out, fail to complete tasks or do as they're told."

"That certainly sounds like Lucas. Eric," replied Kristin sighing deeply. Her heart ached for Lucas. The poor kid was going through hell. Somehow they had to find a way to help him work through this.

"Well, see if your captain can get him to my office on Sunday afternoon. I should be here until 4pm. If the kid lets me into his thoughts, it will make all the difference for him. Don't worry, Kristin, treatments can help Lucas slowly become accustomed to the presence of the disturbing memories without feeling the need to react in a negative manner." Kristin nodded thoughtfully continuing to jot down notes.

"Thanks, Eric. I will be in touch."

"Anytime. Kristin. Shall I say hi to my father for you?" he said mischievously winking at her. Kristin blushed again and shook her finger at the screen sternly.

"You behave young man," she admonished. Eric laughed good-naturedly and ended the link. Kristin shook her head as the transmission ended. Eric was a damned good therapist but still a joker. She contacted Nathan's commlink briskly.

"Bridger," came the terse voice.

"Nathan? Can you meet with me in my office please? I have some information regarding Lucas."

"On my way," came the reply. Kristin looked over her notes. Lucas was an incredible kid. He may not have had access to strong, supportive, social networks in the past but he did now. They just had to get him to realize it.

Somewhere in the Caribbean

Bridger's Island

Friday evening

Nathan leaned back in his recliner and took a long pull from his beer. It felt nice to be back at home with no immediate responsibilities. Sometimes he forgot how draining it was being the captain responsible for an entire vessel and crew. Kristin and he often joked about being the parents of a bunch of military children. His mind returned to Lucas. He took another swig of his beer and closed his eyes wearily. It hadn't been an easy transition for the kid. It was taking all Nathan's patience to not lose his temper at teenager. He had hoped talking about the incident would alleviate some of the anger, but the boy's emotions yo-yoed faster than Nathan could speculate. He was too old for this. Robert had been a handful as a teenager. An angry, rebellious kid. Lucas had never been like that. Where was the peaceful, fun loving sweet kid he knew and loved? A sudden crash and a dull thud from upstairs captured Nathan's attention. Nathan rose to his feet and headed up the stairs two at a time.

"Damn," muttered Lucas to himself as he looked at the broken lamp. He hadn't meant to knock it over and afterwards in his anger, he had kicked the chair knocking it over as well. He walked over and stooped down to pick up the larger pieces. He should have fought harder to stay on SeaQuest. He just wasn't in the mood to be with Captain Bridger and play father and son. The captain wasn't his father. His father didn't give a rat's pajamas about him. Lucas groaned and thoughtlessly pounded his fist on the carpet crossly.

"Ow, damn it!" cried Lucas feeling the glass shards in the side of his hand.

"That wasn't smart," disapproved Nathan standing in the doorway of Lucas' room. Lucas stood up and grimaced clutching his hand carefully. "Are you ok?" Lucas nodded and walked into the washroom to rinse the blood away. Nathan followed him, opening the drawer and taking out a first aid kit. Nathan peered at the gash and whistled. "Was it worth it?" he commented. Lucas glowered at him but remained silent. Nathan took the boy's hand and a set of tweezers and squinted as he attempted to remove the glass fragments. Lucas winced as the glass was removed and yanked back his hand running it under the water again. "It's not deep. You'll live. Care to tell me how the lamp jumped off the side table?" enquired Nathan handing Lucas a paper towel to dry his hand. Lucas shrugged his shoulders and took the towel. Nathan sighed wearily. "Alright. I'll grab the broom. Stay away from glass until I get back."

"I'm not a child, Captain," muttered Lucas. Nathan looked at him brusquely. Lucas looked away and began to bandage his hand. Nathan left the room and returned with a broom and dustpan. He cleaned up the glass and tossed out the broken lamp replacing it with another. Lucas entered the room and picked up the chair placing it back under the desk. The two men looked at each other feeling the tension of the other. "Um, I'm tried Captain. I think I'm just going to turn in early if that's alright with you." Nathan glanced at his watch and nodded. It had been a long day, and he thought he might do the same.

"Sweet dreams, Lucas. And uh, Lucas, I'm just down the hallway if you need me okay?" Nathan smiled and patted the teen on the shoulder. The boy nodded and managed a small smile in return.

Martin Clemens switched on the light in his room and sat up abruptly. He groaned when he glanced at the clock on his side table. 2 a.m. He felt like he hadn't a good night sleep since he left the Communication Installation. He grabbed his jeans and pulled them on lost in his thoughts. The Node had been the perfect place full of highly intelligent teenagers who were conveniently young and gullible. He had come so close to having control of the World Bank. That kind of power was just ripped from his fingers by a child. Every time he thought about it, his anger flared again. He hadn't ever intended to hurt Lucas. Martin had actually scared himself when he realized he almost killed the kid. Why couldn't the boy just listen like the others? None of them questioned him until Lucas came. Stupid kid! He should've just done what he was told, for crying out loud! Why did this kid have to have some kind of moral compass? Martin walked into the kitchen and grabbed a beer out of the fridge slamming it shut in frustration. He fingered the bottle without opening it. Now the UEO was breathing down his neck. They had been snooping around and leaving messages for him. They wanted to ask him some questions, and he couldn't avoid them forever. He just wished he could talk to Lucas first, or even Nick for that matter. He needed to know what was going on. What kind of questions did the UEO have, or did Lucas spill his guts on what happened at the Node? Martin groaned and pounded his fist on the counter in annoyance. Not knowing was driving him insane. On a whim, he grabbed his coat and keys and left his room in determination.

Dream Sequence

Lucas lay on his back fixing some computer module on the bridge. He felt himself being pulled out from under the desk by his feet, and he looked up to see his father staring down at him. He frowned in confusion and sat up.

"D-Dad? Why are you here? No one told me you were coming." The man scowled at him sternly. Lucas felt his heart race in apprehension. He quickly tried to think of a reason why his dad would have come. Something must be wrong. "Is mom okay?" he questioned anxiously standing up and staring at his father. His father scowled again.

"Damn you, Lucas," snapped Lawrence. Lucas furrowed his brows in confusion. What was the matter? Lawrence roughly grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and began dragging him to the maglev. Lucas shook his hand off in bewilderment.

"Dad, what's going on?" demanded Lucas.

"You're coming home with me. I've had enough of this crap, Lucas. All I ever hear about from Bridger is how disrespectful and belligerent you are. I'm sick of it! Enough is enough!" his father seethed. Lucas felt his mouth drop open. What was going on? Lucas turned to look at Captain Bridger who remained transfixed on the screen watching whales. Lucas walked over to him brazenly.

"Captain?" Captain Bridger glared at him.

"It's time you left, Mr. Wolenczak," came the terse reply devoid of emotion. Lucas blinked in disbelief. He looked around the deck at the bridge crew in dismay. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Lucas watched as Jonathan walked towards him brusquely. Lucas felt himself take a few steps backwards in trepidation. He looked again at the captain and then his father. What was going on? What had he done to make everyone so angry?

"Why are you doing this?" retorted Lucas in confusion. His pulse was racing as he looked at everyone. Jonathan stalked up and glared into his eyes maliciously.

"It's really very simple, Lucas," came an ominous voice not belonging to Jonathan at all. Lucas blinked hard and realized it was Mycroft standing in front of him. He attempted to back away only to find his back against the wall.

"NO!" he shouted. "This isn't real!" Mycroft sneered at him bitterly. Lucas desperately glanced at Captain Bridger and then his father. Both men glared at him resentfully. Mycroft stepped closer and wrapped his hands around Lucas throat forcefully. Lucas gasped and fought to get away. "Lemme go! Dad, help me! Captain, please!" screeched Lucas frantically. Lucas begged them to help. Both men appeared emotionless. "Stop! NO! PLEASE STOP!" Mycroft's hands gripped his throat tightly shaking him and laughing. "CAPTAIN!"

Nathan woke with a start. He switched on his light wondering what had awoken him. He listened closely to hear mumbling and then a sharp scream. Nathan jumped up briskly and headed to Lucas' room. He flicked on the light to see the teen frantically clawing at his neck with his nails. Nathan gently took his hands and shook him lightly.

"Hey, Lucas, wake up!" The boy continued to flail around clawing at Nathan and screaming. Nathan grabbed his hands tighter and attempted to restrain him firmly. Lucas continued to fight him hysterically.

"Lucas! Hey, it's me, Captain Bridger. Wake up! It's okay. You're just dreaming!" soothed Nathan softly. Lucas jolted awake and froze in Nathans arms. He blinked rapidly. His face and clothes were soaked with sweat, and his pulse was racing. He roughly jerked himself away from the captain. "Kiddo, it's okay. It's just a nightmare," echoed Nathan again reaching out to touch his shoulder kindly. Lucas recoiled.

"Don't touch me!" he seethed breathing rapidly. His pulse continued to race as he reflected on the dream. It was too real. Captain Bridger wanted him to die. He swallowed hard attempting to gain his equilibrium.

Nathan sat on the edge of the bed feeling helpless. The teen appeared frightened and in some ways still lost in the night terror. He felt at a lost to know how to help him.

"Take some deep breaths, kiddo. It's okay," reassured Nathan offering him the glass of water sitting on the night stand. Lucas smacked the glass out of his hand angrily. Nathan jumped in spite of himself. He stood pulling up a chair and sitting down silently. He watched as Lucas breathed hard trying to gain control. Lucas glowered at Nathan the whole time never taking his eyes off of him. It felt like the kid wasn't really looking at him though but more past him. Nathan remained quiet.

Several minutes passed before Lucas felt his pulse return to normal. He blinked hard and felt tears brim his eyes. He blinked them away and took a deep breath dropping his head back on his pillow. He turned his head to see the captain gazing at him in concern. Lucas groaned.

"Captain," Nathan smiled kindly when he heard the soft voice.

"Must have been one hell of a dream, kiddo," replied Nathan. Lucas ran his hand through his damp hair. He felt like he was losing his mind. The dreams were getting more vivid and making him feel out of control.

"Yah, something like that."

"How about you tell me about it?" Lucas shook his head adamantly.

"It helps to talk. Besides, I'm not sure either one of us are going to get any more sleep right now," urged Nathan putting his feet up on the bed making himself more comfortable.

"Just a dumb dream, sir."

"Lucas, that was not just a dream," interrupted Nathan. "It was a night terror. Kristin warned me you may have them. The best thing you can do is talk about them." Lucas looked unsure. Nathan continued, "My son had them after we were in a car accident when he was around 9 years old. He was plagued by night terrors for weeks. Once he shared them, it took the fear away and they stopped. What's it gonna hurt huh?" Lucas shivered pulling the blankets up. "You're cold because you're drenched. Tell ya what, why don't you change your clothes, and I'll make us some hot chocolate, okay?" Lucas nodded wearily. Nathan patted the boy's damp head and left the room.

Fifteen minutes later, Nathan returned to the room to find Lucas fast asleep. Nathan stopped and looked at the kid in amazement. It looked like he had fallen asleep before his head hit the pillow. His hair was strewn across the pillow haphazardly. Nathan set down the mugs on the desk quietly. He carefully pulled the blanket up on the sleeping form and sat down in the chair. He glanced at the book on the side table and picked it up. A grin broke out across his face when he read the title. The Mystery of the Whale tattoo. A Hardy Boy book. There was still a little bit of boy left in the teen who seemed to be in such a rush to grow up. Nathan put his feet up on the bed, opened the book and began to read. He didn't think he would sleep anymore that night anyways, and he wanted to be close by in case another night terror plagued the kid.

Author's note: PTSD and Night terrors can be very hard for children to cope with. I have dealt with children younger than Lucas who have been victims of night terrors. Its exhausting to the child as well as the people who love them.

I know Lucas in the actual show was 16, but he always seemed younger to me. So I have placed him at a young 15.

Oh, and another reviewer mentioned that I spelled Kristin's name wrong so I've been trying to fix that in all my stories.

Thanks for reading. :) Merry Christmas.