"When are we going to be off stand-by Captain? It's been 15 days!" The young officer's face flashed on the screen Paige was standing in front of. She had been addressing her crew via video comm. about the current events involving The Mako, of which there were very little. Paige had reported the successful transfer of prisoner Daniel Jones to Kolasis Prison and that the landing bay upgrade was complete.

The officer's face looked as frustrated as the Captain felt. She had been in contact with the the Peace Corps board everyday, asking the same question and receiving the same answer. They refused to put The Mako back on duty as long as there was a 'civilian' on board, Emily.

There were only so many trivial time killing orders she could give out before people started to get really pissed off. These officers had been serving their entire life and without something to fly towards, shoot at or research, they were lost.

"The Mako's status is irrelevant, you've all got duties, now see to them and if you find yourself with too much free time I know Corporal Vanderwaal has a long list of checks she'd like to do."

The last comment was a low blow, she knew, but it had to be done. The crew had to know she wasn't going to put up with any slack.

Paige turned away from the now blank screen and left the control room. She rolled her shoulders trying to relieve some of the tension that had been building over the past few hours with little success. She made her way into the Mess Hall, grabbing whatever food was closest and exited quickly, in no mood to socialise. Well, not with anyone out here anyway.

Her steps became a little faster as she walked towards the room Emily was staying in. Over the past two weeks she had spent most of her spare time with the brunette, eating meals and talking.

Paige was trying to help the other girl feel more comfortable on board but had little indication if it was working at all. Although Emily had become far more talkative and relaxed, she still seemed quite guarded.

Paige had almost convinced herself it was purely for the other girls benefit but her sweaty palms and nervousness told her otherwise. However she concluded this was because she never knew what to expect when she visited and it had nothing to do with her own emotions.

She pressed the intercom button on the door, "Hey, it's me"

The door slid open and she stepped into the room, smiling at Emily who was now sitting at the table.

Paige sat her food down. "I didn't know if you wanted something from the cafeteria so I got some extra." She began opening the containers as the other girl watched and Paige became increasingly self-concious when she felt Emily looking her up and down.

Due to the many meetings with officials she had this morning, Paige was wearing her Captains uniform. The dark blue jacket was not something she enjoyed wearing, it was much more close-fitting than she preferred. It had six silver buttons running down the front on the right side, the Captains colours sat on her shoulders and the collar was cut too high. The pressed black pants were the only thing she didn't mind, even her hair was pulled back too neatly.

She began unbuttoning the jacket to the black singlet she had on underneath.

"Shit, I forgot I still had this thing on."

Emily blinked and cleared her throat, she looked a little unsettled.

Paige lay the jacket on the back of a chair and sat down.

"I'm sorry if it made you feel uncomfortable."

Emily shook her head. "No, its okay...I've just never seen you in anything like that."

Paige was embarrassed and eager to change the subject, she was assuming the other girl found the uniform as over the top as she did.

"I'm taking the rice, is that okay?"

Emily nodded and reached for a vegetable dish.

"I watched you address the crew, sounds like everyone is getting restless."

"Yeah and they can suck it up, you'd think they'd be happy for break." Paige stabbed at her food aggressively.

"It's because of me isn't it? The stand-by, it's because I'm on board right?"

Paige looked up at the other girl, unsure of how to respond, she didn't plan on telling Emily that information.

Emily leaned back. "I do remember some stuff from when I was a recruit, I know ships don't usually take civi's into duty and that's what I am now isn't it?"

Paige sat her food down and sighed.

"I'm not going to lie, yeah, that's the main reason we're on stand-by but I'm pretty sure my D...Lt. General McCullers is prolonging it just to piss me off. I've annoyed him to no end over the past few weeks." She shook her head and smiled at the other girl, trying to lighten the mood.

Emily remained stoic, "Why don't they send me off ship? It doesn't make sense to keep me here."

Paige nodded slowly, "Well if you remember anything about the board, they take their sweet time with things like this, you've only just been officially categorised as a civ and therefore they've only just begun sorting out where to send you."

Emily frowned, "Shouldn't I get to choose where I'm sent?"

"Another thing about the board, they don't really care about what anyone else wants." Paige smiled ruefully, her attempts at getting the other girl less serious failing still.

Emily was still frowning as she stood up and paced to the door and back.

"So they could send my anywhere? Somewhere I've never been? Or somewhere I have been..."

Paige finally saw emotion all over the brunettes face but it was not one she wanted to see, she was clearly scared of her uncertain future.

The Captain stood in front of her and spoke in a soft voice.

"Hey, don't worry, do you really think I'd let them send you off just anywhere?"

Emily looked up and a little worry left her face.

"You've spoken to them about it?"

"Yeah, I was going to talk to you about it, they'll be in contact with your parents today, so I'd say that's where they are planning on taking you."

Emily's face grew pale as she slowly sat back down.

"My parents...god, I haven't even thought of them since I've been back. How does someone forget their own parents?" She looked at Paige with a horrified expression, pleading for an explanation.

Paige's heart almost broke with the sadness she felt for the other girl and she fought the urge to take her hand in her own. They may have found an easiness with each other but the Captain found she was continuously reminding herself this was not the same girl from years ago, who she could touch without thought.

"It's not your fault, you've had a lot going on lately and you probably would have thought of them after everything settled down." Paige cringed on the inside at her cliché response but she was at a loss as how to answer any other way.

Emily looked away, "I've been so concerned about myself, about my feelings that I forgot about the people I left behind..." She looked back up to Paige "And how they would be feeling." Her face was an expression of realisation.

"Captain, Lt. General McCullers awaits you via video comm in the control room." El's voice filled the room and Paige almost laughed at the bad timing.

"I'm sorry, I have to go..." She picked her jacket up and Emily nodded as she followed her to the door.

"I'd like it if you came back, after you've finished everything."

Paige was momentarily surprised by this and the small fluttering in her stomach it had caused.

Get it together McCullers! She thought to herself.

"Ah yeah, of course, I'd like that too"

She could barely keep the smile off her face as she made her way to the control room.

It had been a long and frustrating conversation with her father but she finally had some answers. Emily's parents had been contacted and The Mako now had orders to travel to their residence. They lived on Curo, a large citadel dedicated to military officers and their families. It would be another few days travel and Paige had already put the crew to work, who were of course very happy to be moving again, even if it was just a drop off.

She was on her way to see Spencer. Among the new orders Spencer was also to remain on Curo at the medical centre and finish her rehabilitation. It was good news, the centre was renowned for treating wounded officers and helping them get back into service. It was something Paige knew Spencer would appreciate but was worried about Toby's response.

She walked into the waiting room and found speaking with Toby.

"Can I steal a few minutes with her today, Toby?" She said smiling.

He looked between her and the doctor a few times before leaving without saying anything.

"Is everything okay Doctor?"

"Spencer has requested no visitors today I'm afraid Captain, unless its official of course."

Paige was concerned by this, it was the third day in a row Spencer had denied any visitors besides Toby.

"No it can wait, but please tell her I will need to speak with her tomorrow."

nodded as he typed the note into is data pad, someone from the room behind them called his name and he walked away.

Paige looked around the empty room "Okay, well I'll talk to you later then..."

"Do you think she will?" Caleb was tapping away on the holographic keyboard in front of him while Paige leaned on the wall to the side.

"I have no idea but I've got to try, I mean, she can't stay in her room for another week" Paige put her hands in her pockets as she watched him type furiously, she found the small shield badge she now always carried with her and bounced it between her fingers.

"Some of the guys on nights have said they see her walking around near the O Deck but she never goes in." His hands were almost a blur as he worked.

"Do they talk to her?"

Caleb gave a snort, "Doubt it."

Paige frowned "Why not, they aren't scare of her her they?"

"More like scared of you Cap, they worry if they say something and it upsets her you'll push them out the loading dock."

Paige straightened, "Why would they think that?"

Caleb paused and looked up. "Well they all know her story and it's obvious she means a lot to you, it's not a bad thing, at least she can walk around and not get bothered by anyone."

Paige relaxed again. "That's why I plan to bring her to the Mess Hall tonight, for dinner, so she can be bothered by people, she has to deal with it sooner or later."

"And again I ask, do you really think she will come?"

Paige shrugged "I hope so, she seems to be dealing with things better and maybe the news about her parents will put her in a good mood."

"Well I'll let the girls know it's a possibility, so they can prepare I guess." He was back at the keyboard.

"Thanks but I'm not promising anything, I can't order her around like everyone else." She walked to the door.

"You underestimate your persuasive skills Captain." Caleb said without looking away from the screen.

Paige was pleased so see Emily sitting on her bed writing in the data pad she had left for her, she was unsure the other girl would even use it.

"Hey" She sat in her usual chair at the table.

Emily put the pad down "Hi, how was your meeting with Lt. General McCullers?" Her tone was mocking as she saluted comically.

Paige chuckled, "It was frustrating, as usual, but I've got good news, your parents have been contacted, they've been living in Curo and we'll be there in six days."

Emily stood up and took a deep breath, "Wow, that happened fast."

"I heard your Mum was pretty emotional but still managed to demand we start travelling ASAP."

Now I remember where you get your strength from, Paige mused.

Emily smiled weakly as she folded her arms, almost hugging herself.

"It's going to be really strange..."

Paige stood and against her better judgement she placed a hand on the other girls arm.

"Hey, you won't be alone."

Emily looked up, "You're coming with me?"

The Captain smiled, "I will be and so will the others, we'll be there all day while the ship is stocked up with supplies."

"I haven't spoken to anyone but you since I've been back, I don't know if I can be...normal again."

Paige's thumb ran back and forth on the brunettes arm unconsciously and Emily sighed.

"It sucks that I don't know what to say to help but you but just know I'm going to be here for you, always." She realised what she had been doing and dropped her arm turning back to the table. "And so will the others, they all still really care about you and I don't think being normal is a requirement."

Emily nodded and looked a little less stressed, Paige knew it was now or never.

"Besides, you can see that for yourself when we see them at dinner tonight..."

Emily raised her eyebrows, "Dinner?"

Paige tried to sound nonchalant, "Yeah, I thought we could eat in the Mess Hall tonight, with the others, your friends, they've been asking about you every day and I even though I say you're doing okay its not the same, you know?"

To her surprise Emily agreed, "Okay but can I have a few minutes to wash up?"

Paige stared as the other girl walked to the sink and washed her face. She was prepared for this conversation to be a lot longer, she had a list of rebuttals to the reasons she thought Emily would use not to go.

Emily began to lift her shirt up over the singlet she had on underneath as she turned back to the Captain giving her a questioning look.

"Uh, I'll go wait outside!" Paige left just as quickly as the pink colour crept over her face.

Paige glanced sideways at Emily as they made their way to the Mess Hall, it was peak time for dinner and people were everywhere. She was still in disbelief at how easily the other girl had agreed to this and was waiting for the catch.

She glanced over for the hundredth time before Emily stopped and turned to her.

"Paige, if you keep looking at me like that I'm going to loose my nerve and go back."

The Captain looked apologetic, "I'm sorry, I just want you to feel comfortable."

"By watching me like I'm a bomb about to go off?"

"No, I don't think that, it's just... you agreed to this when I didn't think you would. I'm glad you did though..."

Emily moved out of the way as a group of people walked past and she now stood closer to the Captain.

"When we spoke this morning, after you told me about my parents, I realised something and it changed the way I've been thinking, even the way I've been feeling."

Paige was transfixed by the serious tone in Emily's voice, she hadn't heard he talk like this for a long time.

"Here I am, away from the nightmare I was in for so long but I was confused as to why it didn't feel good. I realised when you spoke about my parents and my friends it was because they were the reason I was always happy and they were missing. Well they weren't missing, I just forgot they were still here."

Paige had been wanting the other girl to open up like this for weeks but now she had, standing in front of her, she no idea what to say. She could command military ships to war, order officers to lay down their lives for peace but Emily Fields still rendered her brain useless.

Her expression must have portrayed the admiration she was feeling for the other girls strength because Emily smiled and nodded.

"Come on, I'm hungry and I've got no idea where I'm going."

Paige led the way.

As they entered the Mess Hall Paige located the group at their usual table. It was obvious they were nervous when they all stood up as the two approached.

Hannah as usual, was clinging to Caleb's arm as Aria stood beside them, almost bouncing on the spot.

Paige sat down, "You all look crazy, you know that right?" It was a small joke to break the ice, it was clear they didn't know what to say.

Emily sat next to her and looked to the others, "Hey."

They sat down on the other side of the table and Aria smiled.

"Hey Emily, how are you doing?"

"I'm okay." Her voice was a little forced, she was trying to control her nerves.

Hannah let out a breath and let go of Caleb's arm, "Emily, I'm so glad you're back to being normal, I didn't like bad ass Emily." Although her comment was ridiculous, it was genuine and she looked to the brunette with joy.

"Thanks." There was really nothing else she could say to that.

Caleb stood up and placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's really good to see you out here Emily," then he turned to Paige "We should get everyone something to eat."

Paige looked to his hand with amazement and envy, she had been holding back on touching Emily, fearing it would make her uncomfortable and he had done it within minutes of meeting her. Emily herself didn't seem to mind, in fact it it looked like it had relaxed her a little. Paige stood and walked towards the food with him.

"I'm glad you're here Caleb."

They began piling plates and containers of various food on their trays.

"How are you Cap? We've been talking about Emily a lot and haven't had our usual catch up, I'm not use to going this long without making fun of you."

Paige laughed, "I'm okay just a little tired, glad to be moving again. Hey, excuse me.." She called out the the kitchen worker, "Can I please get a jug of that pink lemonade you make over Christmas?" She knew they still had the ingredients.

"Yes, of course Captain." The worker disappeared through the kitchen doors.

Caleb looked at her unbelievingly. "Pink lemonade?"

She shrugged "I thought it might be nice, for Emily's first dinner..." Her attempts at sounding casual failing.

He grinned at her, "Oh I see."

She turned away from him before he could say anything else and added a few more plates to the tray before the chef returned with the jug. She took it from him and Caleb carried the glasses as they went back to the table.

"And that creepy guy who was always asking you out is now like a total hot pilot on the fighter crew!" Hannah had obviously been filling Emily in on all the important information.

They sat the trays in the middle of the table along with the jug.

Aria looked at it confused, "Is that Christmas fizz?"

Paige nodded "Yeah I had them make some up, for something different." She turned to Emily "It's what we drink over Christmas but its more commonly known as..."

"Pink Lemonade!" Emily's eyes lit up as she finished Paige's sentence. She picked up a glass and filled it with the pink liquid, closing her eyes as she put it to her lips. She took a large gulp, licked her lips and took another.

"Oh my gosh, I love this stuff! I haven't had it in so long." She took another gulp before composing herself, "Sorry, it's just, this is my favourite drink." Paige avoided Caleb's eye and the knowing grin she knew was there. Emily looked to Paige with a smile but it wasn't just any smile. Paige's breath caught in her throat. There she was, there was Emily Fields.

Halfway through dinner Toby entered the Hall and made his way to the table, a look of pain and anger on his face.

"What is she doing here?" He gestured towards Emily.

Caleb stood up, "Toby, lets go outside."

Toby pulled his arm away from him, "I want to know why she is here!" He yelled, and when Paige stood up, she saw trouble in eyes and switched into Captain.

"Private Cavanaugh, you'll stop yelling and if you want to ask a question you'll address me appropriately." She knew the rank pull would make him remember where he was.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to control his anger.

"Captain McCullers, I would like to know why she is here, while Spencer is laying in the medical lab. I'd like to know why you're all here, with her instead of Spencer." He still didn't look at Emily.

Paige stepped towards him, "Emily is a guest on this ship, you'll respect her as so and no one has to answer to you."

"Why is Emily still here? Why wasn't she sent to Kolasis with the other criminals?" His eyes flashed with anger and people were looking over as he raised his voice again.

Paige placed herself between Toby and the table and spoke directly. "Private Cavanaugh, you've got two choices, leave right now with a warning or continue to disrespect me and be written up."

It was the last thing she wanted to do, when an officer behaved badly or out of line it was reported and put on their record. It could effect future military advancement and if any officer made it to three they were immediately dismissed from service.

Toby looked to the group and then at Emily, the anger on his face now replaced with pain as he turned and left, Caleb going after him.

Paige unclenched the fists she had unknowingly made during the altercation and went back to the table. Hannah and Aria were looking a little shocked.
"What the hell was that about, I've been visiting Spencer every day! When she'll let me at least." Hannah looked between the other girls.

Aria pushed the plate of food in front of her away. "So have I."

Emily stood up to leave.

"No don't go, he's just tired and cranky, plus there's still so much food left." Hannah pleaded.

"I've had enough." The brunette said and Paige knew she wasn't talking about the food.

"I'll talk to you girls in the morning about Curo duties." Paige said before following after Emily.

Emily typed the pin into her door keypad. "Thanks for walking back with me." She didn't turn to face Paige when she spoke and stepped through the door.

The Captain knew this was an attempted brush off, but she wasn't going to let it happen as she followed the other girl into the room.

Emily turned around a little surprised and Paige put her hands up before she could speak.

"I'm not leaving so you can sit in here and make yourself feel guilty about what just happened."

Emily sat on the bed remaining quite, after a few minutes Paige sat next to her.

"Talk to me."

Emily was playing with the chain around her neck, the pedant still under her shirt.

"I feel like I should feel guilty, I haven't seen Spencer yet and it's obvious Toby blames me for what happened to her but...I feel guilty because I don't feel guilty." She shook her head, "That sounds stupid."

"It's not stupid." Paige argued and Emily sighed.

"Do you think I upset Hannah and Aria leaving like I did?"

Paige shrugged, "I don't know."

"I probably did." Emily let out a frustrated groan and put her head in her hands, "Remind me to never leave this room again."

Paige stood up and walked to the door, "I can't do that, especially since I want you to come with me right now."

"What...Where?"

Paige smiled softly, "Just trust me please."

Emily nodded and followed her out of the room.

While they were in the elevator Paige called out orders to El, none of which Emily understood at all.

She watched the levels pass over on the screen as they rose higher and her eyes grew wide when she saw it stop on 'Observation Deck', O Deck for short.

"Paige? What are we doing here?" She remained in the elevator after the doors opened.

Paige stepped out, "This is the Observation deck, I come here when I need to think, or get away from everyone, no one comes up here, especially when I have El lock all the entries." She smiled.

The observation deck was long, wide and empty. It ran across a the top level of the ship and had no other function but for sight seeing. It's black glossy floors bright with the reflections from the giant windows showing off a magnificent view of blinking stars and citadels.

Emily looked uncertain as Paige took a few steps away, trying to coax her out.

"Some people are scared to come in here, they worry the windows will break and they'll be flung out into space..."

"That's not why I can't go in..." Emily cut her off.

Paige held out her hand, "Yes you can."

Emily glanced to the elevator buttons then to Paige's hand, swallowing nervously as she stepped out and took it in her own. Paige looked to the windows and was quiet, she knew the other girl needed to talk.

After a few minutes Emily spoke.

"I tried to come up here a few times but when I saw the windows and what was beyond them, it scared me. It scared me because in a weird way it reminded me of Lutis, you can't see anything in the sky there because of all the buildings and lights, it was always black and empty, like I was. Seeing this," She gestured towards the window, "Made me realise where I really am now, I can't hide behind the girl I was on Lutis, not with all of this in front of me." She turned to face Paige "And here I am, not scared any more, thank you Paige."

Paige felt her heart double in speed as Emily leaned in to hug her and when she felt the brunettes arms tighten around her back she almost melted into a puddle.

After taking Emily back to her room and saying goodnight, Captain McCullers decided to check in on some of the officers in the Navigation Room. Paige didn't feel as confident in their decisions as she did with Spencer's and had been a regular visitor to the room since her injury.

The officers all stood to attention as she entered.

"Captain McCullers, I was just about to contact you." The replacement Navigator was a few years older than her and his round face was pale as he led her to the holographic map in the middle of the room.

"We picked up these three ships moving towards us a few minutes ago, they won't respond to us or identify themselves." He tapped the three ships and a larger image of them popped up.

Paige looked them over, the mismatch shape of the ships made it obvious they were looters but what concerned her was their size, she had never seen them so big. Looter ships were usually small but these were half the size of The Mako.

"And there's been no contact." Paige asked.

The Navigator shook his head.

"Send them a last chance to identify." Paige ordered.

As the officer sitting at the comm console sent through the message, the Navigator swore loudly.

"Captain! They've entered into firing range and our radars are reading their weapons as hot!"

El was relaying the same message as Paige called out.

"El, alert the ship, we're in red stations mode, prepare for fight!"