Chapter 13

The steady beeping in the background was enough to keep Nathan from falling asleep at Kristin's bedside. She is going to be fine. The doctors had said those words and he'd seen her moving a few times in her sleep for the last couple of days that he sat by her side, but he needed to see her awake for himself before he got his hopes up. He now heard her stirring and breathed a heavy sigh of relief as her eyes fluttered open. She looked, understandably, tired and confused.

"Nathan?"

He smiled down at her. "Hey there. How are you feeling?"

She didn't miss a beat. "I feel like I've been shot a few times."

"Yeah, well, it wasn't exactly the cleanest getaway...but the doctors assured me you would pull through."

"How long have I been out?"

"Well, it's 6:00pm and it's been almost 2 days since I brought you here. You've had a few visitors since then, including the crew and the chief of police, but no one wanted to bother you."

At that moment, there was a knock on the door and a nurse walked in.

"Oh good, you're awake. My name is Linda. I'm just here to replace your IV and give you a bit of morphine for the pain. How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay, I suppose. Some morphine would be wonderful, though. Thank you."

The nurse giggled a little and went about her work quickly.

"Okay, that should do it. Can I get you anything else? Are you hungry?"

"No, I'm fine, thank you, Linda."

"Not a problem. I'll be back later to check on you. And...thank you so much for what you've done for our country. It is an honor to be your nurse." She smiled widely as she walked out and left the two alone. Kristin let out a heavy sigh.

"Wow. I barely even remember what happened."

"It's probably for the best." He frowned a little, recalling the awful events of the last few days, and the last few hours in particular. "It seems your luck hadn't completely run out, though. The bullet missed anything major and the doctors said your wound was actually partially healed when you arrived in the operating room. You probably just passed out from shock and exhaustion. But they confirmed you are now back to your old self and a mere mortal like the rest of us. So...try not to get shot anymore." He tried to lighten the mood.

She chuckled. "My old self? Yes, thanks for reminding me I have wrinkles again."

"I like your wrinkles." He noticed her blush a little and cleared his throat, changing the subject. "Are you in pain?"

"No. They have me on the good stuff." She smiled and quickly glanced at the steady drip of her IV.

Nathan let out a small chuckle. "You know, a lot has happened in the last few days and...I know it's got to be hard for you to talk about it. But please know I'm here...for whatever you need."

She could tell he was trying to find the right words to say smiled appreciatively. "I might take you up on that eventually." She looked down regretfully. "Nathan, I'm afraid I was involved in some horrible things while I was held by Diaz."

Before she could continue, he reached out and grabbed her hand. "Hey, don't you dare blame yourself for what happened. You are the strongest person I know. And you were an unwilling victim in all of this. None of us knew what that damned orb would do. You only did what you had to do to survive and to protect your family and that innocent young boy. Never forget that you helped saved him and rid this world of two of the most horrific drug dealers in Colombia. The police were able to track down Diaz's hideout and capture the people working for him. You have given the people hope that crime will go down and have made heroes of the Cartagena police department. Even Juarez said he owes his life and the life of his wife and daughter to you. If anything we should all be thanking you for being so brave."

She shook her head. "No, I'm not brave. I had no choice. I knew you and the SeaQuest wouldn't give up and that you would find me, though I never really believed I would be alive when you did...let alone that Diaz and Armando would get caught. When I saw Miguel outside the hotel, I knew you were there watching over me. That's what gave me strength."

"You were stronger than you think before then as well. And Lucas had a lot to do with us finding you. He figured out how to tap Diaz's vidlink. If it wasn't for him, we probably wouldn't know where to look. I guess I owe him a promotion or something."

"Yes, but don't let his head get too big."

"Poor kid, I'm sure he's already upset that there's no longer a Nobel prize in his future." He giggled. "It's the least I can do for him saving your life and helping catch two of the worst criminals in the country. The Cartagena police department is throwing a big party for the crew tonight to celebrate. Even the Colombian president is attending."

"So that's why you're all dressed up in your finest." She noted his uniform.

"Well, I have to make an appearance as the Captain. After all, it's not every day the president of a country invites us to a shindig. He also wants to award Lucas a medal for his help."

She smiled and giggled knowingly. "Something tells me his poor ego will be just fine."

"Well, he's not the only one they are awarding." He grabbed a small box from the counter and handed it to her.

"They wanted you to be there to receive this in person, but given the circumstances we all agreed it was better for you to rest." He opened the box showing a gold medal and a plaque with her name engraved.

"Wow. They didn't have to do that." She gratefully accepted the medal. Nathan continued. "They didn't think it was enough. All the news stations were buzzing and praising them for having caught these guys. It is a huge moment for the country and they were very grateful to everyone who was involved."

"Did anyone mention what I did on the news? I don't exactly care to have my story shared publicly."

"Don't worry. They were very discreet in the details of what happened. I made sure of that."

She smiled. "Thank you."

Nathan looked around, hoping no one else would interrupt this moment between the two of them. "In all seriousness, I was really worried about you."

She noticed the genuine sadness and fear in his voice. "I know. I was worried, too." She could feel him leaning in closer. "Thank you for not giving up on me."

"Well, I wouldn't be a very good Captain if I turned my back on a member of my crew."

"Yes, I know. You would do anything to make sure your crew was safe."

He let out a sigh and tightened his grip on her hand as he whispered a few inches from her face. "Kristin, I would do anything to make sure you were safe. I really thought I was going to lose you and it was killing me inside. I don't want to go through that ever again."

Kristin's breath caught in her throat as she realized what he was trying to say and prepared for a moment they both long awaited. Before their lips could meet, there was a knock at the door. Nathan let go of her hand and leaned back in his chair quickly as the door opened and the unsaid words hung in the air between them.

Lucas, Ford, Hitchcock, Krieg, Ortiz, and O'Neill walked in the door all smiling to see her awake. They were all wearing civilian party clothes and carrying various flowers and gifts, which they deposited on the counter on their way in as they said their greetings.

Lucas spoke up. "Hi, Doc. It's good to see you're awake." He gave her a big hug and let the others do so as well.

"Lucas, I suppose I owe you a huge debt of gratitude for your help in finding me."

He blushed. "Nah, Doc. You don't owe me anything. I'm just so glad we were able to get you back safely. Even if you did manage to get yourself shot a few times in the process."

"Well, it's not something I would advise anyone else to do. And Miguel, while I very much appreciate your assistance, don't even think for one second I'll let go of the fact that you tried groping me." She giggled jokingly.

They all laughed out loud as Miguel shrugged his hands in the air. "What can I say, Doc? You made it hard to resist with that outfit. I'm a bit of a hands-on drunk." He winked at her jokingly.

"Well, remind me never to go out drinking with you." She replied dryly with a hint of a smile. "Thank you all for your help. I've missed all of you."

Krieg spoke up. "We've missed you, too, Doc. Even Ford seemed bored without someone to argue with."

They giggled as she responded. "Oh don't worry, I'll be sure to make up for lost time, Commander."

Ford smiled appreciatively. "I'm looking forward to it, doctor."

At that moment Dr. Reese walked in holding Jeremy's hand, with two policemen trailing him. Everyone was quiet as Jeremy approached Kristin and they embraced each other in a much-needed hug. Dr. Reese spoke up.

"I'm so sorry to interrupt, but Jeremy really needed to see you. I have already spoken to the Captain, but there are no words to express my gratitude for what you've all done for me and my son. I have spoken with the Cartagena police. I, of course, have to answer for my crimes in the past. But they will make accommodations to make sure Jeremy can visit me and have access to a great school. And as part of my sentence, they have asked me to help them in their drug enforcement office, so I suppose I can somewhat make up for my wrongdoing. I am finally at peace. I don't know how I could ever repay you all."

Lucas spoke up. "What about your research experiments?"

"I'm done with them. As much as I wanted to try and help the reefs and mankind, this kind of information is much too dangerous in the wrong hands. And I cannot have that responsibility anymore. I have to answer to my poor decisions in the past. With your permission, Captain, I would like to hand over all my files to the SeaQuest. I would feel better knowing they are in good hands."

Nathan nodded his head and spoke up. "It is your decision, Dr. Reese. We will ensure those files are taken care of."

Dr. Reese looked at Kristin. "I sincerely apologize for dragging you into this mess. It was never my intention for anyone to get hurt. And I can't thank you all enough for what you did for Jeremy. My son now has a bright future because of you."

Kristin wiped away a tear. "I'm glad everything all worked out and we got out of that horrible place." She looked at Jeremy. "I am happy to offer whatever support I can to you once I'm feeling better. I'm sure you could use someone to talk to who was there. I know I could."

Jeremy smiled and gave her another hug as he nodded. "Yes. That would be nice."

Dr. Reese spoke up. "Well, we didn't want to take up too much of your time. I know you must be tired. We just wanted to say thank you."

"Take care, Dr. Reese. We will be in touch in the future."

"Of course, Dr. Westphalen. Come on, my boy. Let's go get settled into our new lives."

With that, he and Jeremy walked out with their escorts. The rest of the crew took a deep sigh. As if sensing the uneasiness, Krieg decided to break the silence. "You know, I remember the police chief mentioning we would all have a party to go to. I, for one, could use a good margarita on the rocks. Anyone else?"

Everyone nodded and answered "yes" as they prepared to walk out of the room.

Lucas looked back at Kristin. "Doc, are you going to be alright?"

"Don't worry about me, Lucas. I need to get some rest. Besides, even the thought of alcohol is making me queasy right now."

"Okay, hope you feel better."

As they all shuffled out, Kristin called back out.

"Mr. Krieg!"

He stuck his head back in the door.

"Don't you dare let that boy get drunk."

"Doc, it's not like he hasn't had a beer before. He deserves at least one after all we've been through. We'll be there with him."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

"Okay. Feel better soon!" Krieg took that moment to escape and get back with the group, leaving the door open on his way out. Kristin let out an exasperated sigh as Nathan chuckled quietly.

"I suppose I should let you get some rest and go make my appearance. Are you sure you'll be alright?"

"Yes. Don't worry about me. I'm ready to fall back asleep. That was a lot to take in just now. You'll have to keep an eye on those two at the party."

"I will. And I'll come back and visit you in the morning. If all is well, the doctor said we could have you transferred back to SeaQuest."

"That would be wonderful."

There was an awkward tension he leaned in and paused, as if waiting for her to allow him to move further. She reached out her hand against his cheek and leaned in the rest of the way, allowing their lips to touch and passionately melt into each other. They blushed slightly as they parted and slowly looked towards the door, as if both of them sensing someone was looking. Sure enough, the whole crew was quietly standing right outside with huge grins on their faces, and several of the male crewmembers holding their thumbs up.

"Oh dear." Kristin hid her face in her hands as they all broke out into laughter.

"I'll handle this." Nathan quickly got up and acted as if he was going to run after the gang, leading them to dart quickly towards the nearest exit in fear of getting caught. He stopped momentarily at the door and looked back at Kristin.

"I'll see you tomorrow. Get some rest, sweetheart." He blew her a kiss, which she immediately returned. He then kept on the charade of chasing after his crew, leaving Kristin in a fit of giggles which led her to fall asleep peacefully for the first time in a while.

THE END.

A/N: Well, this was a long overdue ending and I hope you think it was worth the wait! Please read and review...I sincerely appreciate all feedback. I also hope to get my muse going on a few more stories soon.