Chapter 3
seaQuest
"...and this is the moon pool," Wendy said as they entered sea deck.
Kristin was in awe. While things looked similar to the old boat, both medbay and the labs had gotten a great many upgrades. They were much larger, and the upgrades were exactly what she'd wished for when she was CMO.
Wendy leaned over the side, picked up the vocoder, and pressed a few buttons. "And I think you might remember Darwin?"
As if on cue, Darwin immediately swam to the surface, clicking and squeaking excitedly.
"Of course," Kristin replied with a nod, "but I'm not sure if he re-"
"Darwin play. Wendy, Dr. Kristin play."
"Oh, I'm pretty sure he remembers you," Wendy said with a laugh. She grabbed a red ball from a basket near the side of the pool. "Since you're still getting acquainted with the boat, I really didn't expect to do much work today. You've seen the entire science and medbay area now, and Darwin wants to play. I say we ought to indulge him. What do you say?" She held the ball out for Kristin.
"I say that sounds like a wonderful idea," she replied, taking the ball from Wendy and throwing the it into the pool for Darwin. "For a little while anyway."
•❤•.❀•ǝʌol sᴉ sᴉɥʇ ɟᴉ•❀.•❤•
Kristin wasn't sure how long she and Wendy played with Darwin, but she was really enjoying blowing off a bit of steam. Wendy must have sensed this, because she never once suggested they call it quits. Kristin guessed they'd been at it for at least half an hour. She was so engrossed in their game that she didn't even see Nathan approach the moon pool from behind her.
"I can see you're hard at work here."
"Oh!" Kristin nearly jumped out of her skin when she realized Nathan was less than a few feet away from her. She froze and shut her eyes tightly, half-expecting him to lash out at her as soon as he saw her.
"I can see our guest scientist has become well-acquainted with Darwin."
Her heart skipped a beat as that achingly familiar voice washed over her, his velvety voice tickling her ear. She could hear a shimmer of amusement in Nathan's tone. Her teeth sank into her bottom lip as she risked a quick glance at his face, seeing how his enjoyment twinkled back at her in the depths of his eyes and the way his lips curled into a slight smile.
Lips, she recalled as she drew in a shaky breath and willed her heart to slow down, I can still feel pressed to mine, lips that burned trails down my neck, brought me to the heights of passion, made me-
She gave a sobering shake of her head. What the hell are you doing? Stop that this instant! she told herself. I have no right to be thinking about any of that now, not after what I've done! She stole another peek at Nathan.
He still hadn't looked in her direction; instead, he walked around the pool to stand beside Wendy. He leaned over the side and reached out to pet Darwin. "I hope you've been on your best behavior, my friend."
Darwin nodded his head. "Darwin good. Darwin play. Wendy play. Dr. Kristin play."
Nathan's brow furrowed in question as he finally made eye contact with Kristin, his mouth falling open in disbelief. "Kristin? You... You're the guest scientist?"
Not quite the reaction I expected, but at least he doesn't seem angry...yet. "Y-yes, um, it appears that way," she said quietly, lowering her gaze to the floor as an awkward silence fell around them.
Wendy was the first to break it. "Uh, you know, I better go check on something in medbay and let you two get reacquainted," she said before quickly retreating from the area.
Kristin looked up and watched her leave. No, wait! Don't leave me alone with him! she thought, bringing a hand to her head. As if she can hear you, idiot. You really need to get a-
Her train of thought stopped short when she felt Nathan's gentle touch on her shoulder. She instantly felt the icy hands of panic wrap around her chest, around her throat, tightening its grip until she could hardly breathe. Her heart pounded in her chest so loudly, she was sure he could hear it too. She shut her eyes tightly, too afraid to look at him and gripped the side of the pool because her legs were doing that Jello thing again.
"Kristin, are you all right?"
She nodded, but the shudder that went through her body betrayed her. She opened her mouth to speak but found herself short of breath. Oh, no, not now. "I... Nathan, I..."
Come on, get a grip on yourself. She took a few deep breaths, trying her best to calm down, when she felt something brush against her hand. She looked down and saw Darwin. The dolphin nuzzled her hand again, and she realized he was trying his best to comfort her. She smiled softly and ran her hand down his silky wet skin a few times. After several moments, she noticed her breathing had returned to a more normal pace. She swallowed hard and then offered Nathan a weak smile. "S-sorry, I-"
Nathan put his arm around her shoulders. "Kris, you're shaking. Are you okay?" he asked again, his voiced laced with concern.
"I'm just a little...a little nervous. I..." Her voice suddenly cracked, causing her to frown. She cleared her throat and attempted to speak again. "I just..."
Nathan simply pulled her into his arms. "Shh, it's all right. You don't have to be... It's just me. I'm still the same person. I'm just so happy you're here. I've missed you so."
Though the embrace took her by surprise, she returned it and laid her head on his shoulder. "I...I've missed you, too," she whispered.
And that wasn't a lie. Though she'd told herself she couldn't be with him, that didn't mean she didn't long to have him with her. For a brief moment, the world seemed to stop. It was as if nothing had ever changed between them. She sighed happily and shut her eyes, tightening her hold on him.
After a few minutes, however, her heart suddenly fluttered in her chest, reminding her that she shouldn't get too comfortable. What are you doing, Kristin? she asked herself. So much for not letting your emotions get the better of you. She frowned at her indiscretion and gently pulled away. She turned back towards the pool and ran a hand through her hair, trying to think of something to say. "I...I love what you've done with the place...well, medbay and the science labs anyway. I haven't quite seen the rest of the boat yet, but if this is anything to go on, I'm sure it's lovely."
He smiled softly. "I'm glad you approve. Believe it or not, I did design the medical and science area with you in mind. You were always saying how there was never enough space, so I put that advice to good use." He paused, giving a shake of his head. "I just can't believe Bill didn't tell me it was you, though. I just spoke to him yesterday."
"Welcome to the club," she muttered under her breath.
His brow furrowed. "What?"
"Sorry, I mean I just spoke to him yesterday myself when he called to confirm that all the arrangements were in order," she said with a shrug. "I suppose he didn't tell you because I'd mentioned I wanted this to be a surprise."
"Well, it certainly was, but we're glad to have you. I'm sure you'll make yourself at home."
"She better," Wendy said, entering sea deck once again. "I intend to make sure you feel welcome here. My medbay is your medbay, Doctor. And of course, so are my science labs."
"Indeed," Nathan replied, putting an arm around Wendy's shoulders. "There's no reason to feel nervous. I hope you're feeling a bit more relaxed now."
"Yes, it was silly of me to worry, I suppose." But given the way we parted, can you blame me? she added silently, wondering why he hadn't brought it up yet. Then again, they'd only been talking for a short while. Surely, he'll ask, won't he?
When he does, you're going to tell him the truth, aren't you? her heart asked.
I'd like to but... She'd been up half the night wondering how she was going to handle it, but she hadn't come to a conclusion yet. Then again, she couldn't come up with a good excuse to explain it either. I'm still deciding. Maybe it won't come up at all.
You're joking, right? You actually think he won't ask? You're delusional.
Kristin shook her head; she knew she was kidding herself. Of course he was going to ask, and she'd have to say something when the time came. She cast a glance in his direction. How in the world was she going to explain the fact she loved him but couldn't be with him? He'd ask questions, expect an explanation. And if he knew the truth, what's to say he wouldn't talk her out of it? What's to-
"...and I'm hoping you'll be impressed with our recent scientific discoveries," Wendy said. "I just hope we live up to your standards, Doctor. The captain tells me you used to run quite a tight ship."
Kristin waved a hand, deciding she ought to try to pay attention to the conversation at hand. "Oh, you needn't worry about impressing me. I'm your guest here. It's not as though I'm here to check up on you."
Wendy nodded. "Maybe not, but I just feel like I've had some big shoes to fill, and..."
As Wendy continued to speak, Kristin couldn't stop her mind from wandering. The way Wendy looked at him, and the way he responded in kind. It seemed vaguely familiar. Surely, they don't... No, they couldn't.
But then Nathan whispered something in Wendy's ear, and she giggled like a schoolgirl. Or perhaps I was wrong. Maybe they are... Bill's words suddenly came floating back to her. "Believe you me, he's healed."
Apparently, but I can't believe Bill wouldn't tell me he was with someone else, she thought, feeling a sting of bitterness. Then again, maybe he doesn't know. It's not as though Nathan and I were forthcoming about our relationship status in the beginning either. We weren't even honest with ourselves, let alone anyone else. She turned back to the moon pool, searching for Darwin, hoping to distract herself for the moment, but the dolphin had swam away, causing her to sigh. Too bad, but good for them. At least Nathan finally-
"Kristin, did you hear me?"
Nathan's voice suddenly pulled her back to the conversation, and she felt an instant rush of heat to her cheeks. "Um, sorry, what?"
"I offered to show you to your room and give you a tour of the boat. I've got the afternoon off, and I thought it might be a nice way for us to catch up. What do you say?"
Before she could answer, Wendy placed a hand on her arm. "Are you feeling all right?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "Forgive me for saying so, but you don't look like you're feeling very well."
She offered her a weak smile. "I...I'm fine, really. I just didn't sleep very well last night, so I suppose I was lost in my own little world for a moment." She turned to Nathan. "Uh, I suppose that would be fine."
"Perfect," Nathan told her. "Uh, if you could just excuse us for a moment; it'll just take a second." He put his arm around Wendy again, and led her a few feet away.
The two of them spoke in low tones, causing Kristin to feel a sudden flash of jealousy. Yes, definitely a couple. He'll apparently screw anything in a lab coat.
She instantly felt guilty for her wicked thought. And why shouldn't he move on? You left him, remember? And Wendy seems perfectly lovely. You should be happy for them; in fact, this just makes it all the better for us, doesn't it? She gave herself a nod of confirmation. Yes, this will work out perfectly.
A few moments later, Nathan approached her again. "Sorry about that. Just a private matter of discussion. You remember what that's like, I'm sure."
Kristin waved a hand. "Of course. No need to apologize."
"Well, are you ready, Doctor?" he asked.
She looked at Wendy. "I think so, unless you need me for anything else?"
"No, but you don't want to forget your flowers," Wendy reminded her.
"Oh, that's right. I can't forget those. I'll be just a few minutes," she said to Nathan.
"I'll wait right here," he promised.
•❤•.❀•ǝʌol sᴉ sᴉɥʇ ɟᴉ•❀.•❤•
Now that she knew that Wendy and Nathan were a couple, Kristin felt much better than she had before. Her reunion with Nathan was rather painless, despite a few hiccups, and even if he asked her why she left, he probably wouldn't think twice about her answer now. I might even be able to tell him the truth, she mused.
You should tell him the truth anyway, her heart said. Keeping secrets takes up a lot of energy. I know that firsthand.
Kristin sighed. You're such a killjoy.
Maybe, but I get the feeling you're not going to listen to me.
She was still undecided. Her heart may have had a point, but if Nathan and Wendy were together, the truth might put a damper on that. She had no intentions of ruining that now. And if she told a little white lie, once she thought of one, that was, what would it hurt?
It would hurt you.
Kristin frowned. I'm not really concerned about me right now. I'll be fine. I always am. And in the end, maybe Nathan and I could be friends. Bill might be right after all.
But you don't-
"Right in here," Wendy told her, motioning to a door at the end of the corridor right off medbay.
Kristin was grateful for the interruption, but she her internal struggle raged on. Look, can't you just call it quits for now? I've got enough to deal with as it is.
Fine, have it your way, but this isn't over.
She sighed. Of course, it wouldn't be, but she and Nathan being friends didn't seem so bad after all. Oh, but would Wendy mind that? she wondered as she followed Wendy inside her office. Does she know that Nathan and I used to...
The shutting door pulled her back to reality, causing her to jump slightly.
"Sorry," Wendy told her as she retrieved the flowers from her desk. "I didn't mean to scare you, but...I was hoping we could talk for a few minutes."
Kristin nodded. Of course she knows, and now she wants to discuss it. Makes perfect sense. "Right, I expected this, and I want you to know I don't plan on stepping on your toes at all while I'm here. I understand that you-"
Wendy held up her hands. "N-no, that's not what I meant. Just listen for a moment, please."
"Sorry," she muttered.
Wendy wrung her hands together. "You see, there's something you should know about me. I'm a telepath and an empath. I promise you, I'd never scan you or anyone else without permission, but that doesn't mean I don't hear things sometimes. It's not exactly something I can control, and I wasn't trying to deceive you by not mentioning it right away, but it's not usually something I lead with. I mean, hi, I'm Wendy and I can read your mind and feel your emotions isn't exactly the best way to meet people, if you know what I mean."
"Oh, Wendy, it's all right. I...I don't mind. I'm not sure why you were so worried about telling me, but I'm not the sort of person who'd... I'm very open-minded, I assure you." She offered her a gentle smile. "I appreciate your honesty, but you've got nothing to worry about, really."
"Y-yes, I sensed that, but I'm afraid you don't quite understand. I...I, um, heard some things from you...out by the moon pool," Wendy told her.
"Oh..." Kristin lowered her gaze as a sticky film of guilt coated her insides, recalling her unkind thoughts. "I see. Uh, what...what did you hear exactly?"
"Just a few little things... Nothing worth mentioning, except..." She bit her bottom lip. "I feel like you should know one thing."
Kristin sighed. "Wendy, it's all right. I've already seen how you and Nathan... I don't need to be a telepath to know that you two are very happy together, and I don't plan to stand in the way of that."
But Wendy shook her head. "That's just it, though. You're wrong. Nathan and I are just friends."
"He and I said the same thing in the beginning. I promise I won't let your secret out."
In a move that surprised Kristin, Wendy gently grabbed her by the shoulders. "Would you listen for a minute? There is no secret."
Kristin's brow furrowed. "I'm sorry?"
"Let's just say I'm not the one Nathan wants to screw, got it?" she said, finally releasing her. "The captain and I... When the tour first started, we thought there might be something there, but it was just an infatuation...mostly one-sided on my part. But once he and I talked about it, I realized how silly it was. I'm not... He's really not my type, and I can feel he's still in love with someone else."
"Oh..." Kristin replied, running a shaky hand through her hair. Was it hot in here? "Oh, my... I..."
Wendy put a comforting arm around her shoulders. "I didn't mean to get you flustered, but I feel like I should tell you I know about your past with the captain, just what he's told me, that is.. I don't know everything, and I...I'm not here to pry or tell you what to do. It's really not my business, but I'd just like you to know if you need to talk, I'm here for you. I... While I'm a medical doctor, I have an extensive background in psychology..."
Oh, God, just what you need, Kristin. This day just keeps getting better and better. But she also knew that Wendy was just trying to help, so she did her best to remain kind. "Thank you," she said, offering her a weak smile. "I appreciate that."
"And if you're concerned about what else I might hear, um, it helps if you imagine a brick wall around your mind. I do the same thing, but it's not exactly a fool-proof system. Things slip out on occasion."
"Thank you, I'll try to remember that," she replied, still feeling rather awkward.
Wendy reached out and gave her hand a squeeze. "I just hope you enjoy your time here and that everything works out between you two, even if you just remain friends."
Kristin started to wonder if there was a conspiracy going on here. Did Bill send the entire crew a memo about us? "That...that means a lot to hear you say that."
"Well, I won't keep you. I think the captain has waited long enough, wouldn't you say?"
•❤•.❀•ǝʌol sᴉ sᴉɥʇ ɟᴉ•❀.•❤•
Nathan leaned against the side of the moon pool, deep in thought. He was still in shock that Kristin was actually here. Admittedly, he never expected to see her again, but he certainly wasn't disappointed that fate had other plans. However, he couldn't be sure Kristin was as delighted as he. The poor thing looked like a deer caught in headlights since the minute she'd laid eyes on him. Well, he assumed he was the cause of that anyway. She seemed to be rather relaxed until he'd entered sea deck.
He sighed. He desperately wanted to talk to her, to find out just what had been going through her head the day she left, but he was afraid of scaring her off. Since he'd met her, he learned they were more alike than meets the eye. One unfortunate flaw they both possessed was the fact that they tended to retreat when things got a little too overwhelming in the emotional department. The difference was in how they executed these retreats, though.
Naturally, his method was literal, the very reason he'd purchased a private island in the first place. While its original purpose hadn't been to cut himself off from the entire world, it came in handy when he felt it had betrayed him. If Bill hadn't come to pull him off his island, he likely would have remained there forever. Of course, he was much happier the way things were now, but he still enjoyed short retreats there. They kept him sane and balanced.
Kristin's method, however, was figurative...well, up until she'd walked out his door, that is. But once they'd started having long, late-night chats, it didn't take him long to figure her out. Sure, to everyone else, she was the tough-as-nails doctor who would give anyone who challenged her hell and didn't seem to give a damn what anyone else thought of her, but that was just a facade to hide her true self. Why she felt she had to put on a front, he could never be sure. He'd asked her once or twice, but she'd always skirt around the issue and change the subject. That's when he'd learned how much alike they really were; when things were too emotionally difficult for her to handle for whatever reason, she'd clam up in order to protect herself; she hid who she really was until she became comfortable enough to reveal the truth.
If he wanted any truthful communication from her, he was going to have to make her feel comfortable with him again. Try to appear nonthreatening, he told himself. Show her you care, but don't overwhelm her.
As she walked onto sea deck, though, he frowned, seeing she was still wearing that same deer-in-headlights expression.
"S-sorry to have kept you," she said quietly, clutching the homemade flowers.
Did her chin just quiver? She looks like she could cry at any moment. Don't screw this up, Bridger. He offered her a smile. "It's all right. I was just enjoying some peace and quiet." He motioned to the flowers. "Those are lovely."
She nodded. "They were a present from Dagwood."
He noticed the fact she refused to look at him, but he hoped that would change in due time. "I thought I recognized his handiwork. I'm glad he took the time to make you feel welcome."
She ran her fingers along the homemade petals, avoiding his gaze. "Y-yes, he seems very sweet."
He groaned inwardly. Is this not the most uncomfortable conversation ever? You've got to think of a way to break the tension. Unfortunately, he was at a loss and hoped inspiration would hit him on the way to her room. He motioned to the corridor on the right. "Well, uh, right this way. Similar to the first boat, the crew quarters are on decks C and D, so your room's not too far from the science area."
"Oh, how nice," came her quick response.
He sighed. She wasn't going to make this very easy, was she? Then again, he couldn't blame her. If he were in her shoes and reuniting with an ex he'd walked out on, he'd be nervous too. Maybe a bit of small talk would help her relax? "So how was the trip here?"
She startled slightly and turned to him. "Oh, it was fine, thank you. It was very...peaceful. Lieutenant Brody was very kind to me."
"I'm glad. I'd wring his neck otherwise," he replied with a laugh, hoping Kristin would join in, only that wasn't the case. Upon looking at her, he noticed she still wore that same frightened expression. He paused. "Kristin, are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine," she replied.
That seemed a little too automatic, he noted. She definitely is not fine. This was not how he expected this conversation to go. Sure, he expected there to be some awkwardness, but he didn't expect getting her to talk about simple things would be like pulling teeth. She'd said she felt better, but she certainly wasn't acting like it now. "I'm glad to hear it," he told her, offering her a smile.
She gave him a nod and half a smile back.
Better than nothing, I suppose. "Here we are," he said as they entered the guest quarters corridor. First door on the right, but if you'd rather one of the other rooms, you can switch."
She shook her head. "No, this is fine. I'm not picky, you know that."
Do I? He certainly thought he knew Kristin Westphalen, but that was before. Three years ago, yes, he could honestly say he felt he knew her. Now? He couldn't be sure. She looked the same, surely, but there was definitely something different about her he couldn't quite put his finger on, something in the way she carried herself, in her personality. Was this just a new defense mechanism of hers, or was it something else? That's something I intend to find out, he promised himself.
He opened the door for her. "After you," he replied, motioning her inside.
"Thank you," she muttered as she passed and walked inside. She looked around and turned back to him. "This is lovely."
He laughed softly. "Not much larger than what we had on the old boat, I'm afraid. You wouldn't know it, but the rooms are a few inches larger. I'd have loved to have made them a few feet larger, but it just wasn't in the budget."
"N-Nathan, it's fine, really," she told him, setting the flowers on the bedside table.
"Right, sorry, I'm just trying to make conversation." He paused and stepped closer to her, frowning when he saw her take a step back. Is she that afraid to be alone with me? I need to fix that. "Do you need to freshen up or anything before we go?"
She shook her head quickly. "I'm fine, thank you."
"All right, but..." He took another step forward, and she took another back, causing him to sigh. He knew what he'd told himself, that he couldn't push her, but they couldn't go on like this. "Would you mind if I asked you something?"
She paled and wrung her hands together. "I...I know we've got a lot to talk about, but I...I..."
Nathan put up his hands. "I didn't mean that. I mean, yes, now that you're here, I do hope we can talk about what exactly happened back then, but it's your first day, and I don't intend to bombard you. I also don't think this is exactly the time or place for such a conversation. That can wait. I mean, I've waited nearly three years already. What's a few days more?" He tentatively took another step forward, and to his relief, she didn't step away. "We've always been able to talk about simple things, though. You'd said you were feeling better, but you're obviously not, are you?"
She shook her head. "And...and I'm sorry about that." She ran a trembling hand through her hair. "I thought I was all right, but I suppose I'm really not. I didn't... I just..."
Nathan sighed. "This is terribly awkward, isn't it? I wasn't trying to get you flustered."
"I...I know; it's not your fault exactly."
"Maybe it would be best if we started over?" He held out his hand and flashed her a warm smile. "Hello, it's wonderful to see you after so long. I hope you've been well."
She stared at his hand for several long seconds, seemingly confused, before accepting it. "Thank you. It's wonderful to see you too," she said breathily, "and for the most part, yes, I...I have been well. I hope it's been the same for you."
Nathan noticed her hands were icy cold due to her nervousness. He placed another hand atop hers in an effort to help her relax. "For the most part for me as well," he told her. "But see, it's just you and me, and there's nothing to be afraid of, right? We're just two old friends reuniting after a time apart. I think we can talk about the boat or other trivial things without too much trouble, can't we?"
"I think I can handle that. You're right, there's really no need to be nervous. We used to be able to talk about anything. I... I'd nearly forgotten what that was like."
"I hope I can remind you," he said with a wink. "As for the other important conversation we need to have, how about we talk about it over dinner?"
She turned a bright shade of pink and shifted nervously. "Oh, I...I," she stammered, turning even redder. "Um..."
Nathan shook his head, trying to alleviate her concerns. "Sorry, I didn't mean tonight. I thought we'd play it by ear as to the exact date, but maybe one night this week? Or next...whatever you'd like."
"Oh," she replied, "that seems doable, but we will definitely play it by ear. I'm still getting my bearings."
"I can see that. Well, Doctor..." He held out his arm. "Are you ready for the grand tour?"
She offered him a shy smile and accepted his arm. "Lead the way, Captain."
•❤•.❀•ǝʌol sᴉ sᴉɥʇ ɟᴉ•❀.•❤•
Well, that was rather painless, Kristin thought as Nathan started to lead her around the boat. For the most part anyway. At least I've got a reprieve for now. She allowed herself to relax. Well, somewhat; her stomach was still in knots, but that was mainly a residual effect from her prior anxiety. But at least she felt like she could finally breathe, and that was all thanks to Nathan. She really had to hand it to him; he still knew exactly what to do to get her to calm down. And now, she couldn't help but smile because Nathan was like a little boy showing off his new toy.
"Now, the good news is that the basic layout of this boat is the same as the first boat. You know, if it isn't broke, don't fix it," Nathan said with a shrug. "So you'll still find certain things in the same places; that should make it easy for you. On B deck..."
I'd nearly forgotten how good you two were together.
A hand rose to Kristin's mouth at her heart's unexpected observation. You? I thought I'd told you-
I did say it wasn't over, and can you really expect me to keep silent on this? You can't deny that you two complement each other, can you? You said it yourself; if Nathan hadn't been here, you'd never have been able to relax. And do you know why that is? It's because he knows you inside and out. It's because he damn near knows you better than you know yourself, Kristin. You know you two belong together. Why do you keep denying yourself happiness?
I don't... She shook her head. No, I've already explained this to you hundreds of times. Perhaps Nathan and I could rekindle our friendship, but romance is out of the picture. No ifs, ands, or buts. Got it?
Her heart sighed in frustration. I never thought you'd be so blind.
I am not blind; I'm just a realist. If I-
Nathan's hand on her arm pulled her out of her head. "Kristin? Are you all right? You're not going to be sick, are you?"
She suddenly realized she still had her hand over her mouth, so she quickly removed it and shook her head. "Sorry, no, I'm just surprised at how amazing this boat is." She forced a smile. "You've really outdone yourself, Nathan."
He grinned. "I have, haven't I? I'm so glad you approve."
Her brow rose in question. "Did you think I wouldn't?"
"No, it's not that. I just... Well, I didn't think we could perfect what we used to have, but we obviously proved that wrong."
Kristin swallowed hard, getting the sinking feeling he wasn't just talking about the boat. She only hoped she was wrong. "Let's just hope you don't have to perfect it again. It would be a shame to see all your hard work destroyed for a second time."
"Eh, while I really don't relish the thought of having to design and build a third boat, there's always room for improvement," he said with a shrug. "Nothing is ever perfect, but it doesn't mean I won't try."
"Well, you always were tenacious," she replied, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the way he was staring at her, "but I think you've shown me nearly the whole boat now, except..."
"The bridge..." He paused, frowning slightly before asking, "And did Wendy show you the hydroponics labs?"
She nodded. "We didn't go into each one, but she pointed them out."
"Oh, wonderful," he said with a smile. "Then you're still in for a treat. I can show you what I've been working on. I think you'll be very impressed. In fact, while you're here, maybe you can help me, but we'll talk about that later. So the choice is yours... Do you want to see the bridge first or my special project?"
She thought for a moment. While Nathan's 'special project' had piqued her interest, she was eager to see everyone else. Since they hadn't run into any of the senior staff during the tour, she assumed they were all on the bridge. Not only that, she decided being alone with Nathan was too risky right now. "The bridge. Everyone else must be there, yes?"
He nodded and placed an arm around her shoulders. "I assume so. I'm surprised we haven't run into any of them yet, but I'm sure they're going to be floored to see you."
"About as floored as you were," she said with a nod. "Hopefully in a good way, though."
"Definitely in a good way, Kris. Definitely," he said as he ushered her towards the mag-lev.