Chapter 18
A few hours later Mike wakes up, feeling a whole lot better. The pain that resided in his leg has vanished and the headache has gone too. Wanting to get up, he becomes aware of a weight on his chest, keeping him down. He opens his eyes fully and sees the blond head of his XO, lying comfortably on his warm chest. Not really having the heart to wake her, but knowing that sleeping like this will be bad for her back, he slightly shakes her shoulder and speaks her name. A moment later she blinks her eyes open and lifts her head. Hearing her name being called again, she turns her head in the direction of the voice.
Mike Flynn smiles softly at her, a sparkle visible in his blue depths. "Have you slept well Kate? Seems my chest makes an excellent pillow." Blushing a bit, Kate smiles back and replies: "Hmm, your chest is the best pillow to sleep on. It's warm, solid, but still soft. And I love to hear your heart beat Mike. It reminds me constantly that I'm not dreaming and you are still here with me." Seeing her longing look, Mike gives her a sign to get up. She does so and he changes his position, sitting now on the bed with his legs dangling over the side. Now he opens his arms for her and in an instant she falls into them, burying her head in his chest as slight sobs escape her.
Mike rubs soothingly up and down her back, whispering words of comfort into her ear, trying to calm her. After endless minutes her sobs subside and she steps out of Mike's embrace, but still holding onto his hands. They look intensly at each other, trying to convey with their looks what can't be said aloud while they are on board the ship. Their silent conversation is interrupted by a knock on the door. Buddy comes in and is more then relieved to see his CO is awake. "Looks like I was right when I said you'd feel like a new man after some hours of undisturbed sleep Sir." Looking to his Swain, Mike says: "I feel a whole lot better now. Must be the happy juice you are feeding me Buddy."
Chuckling at those words from his captain, Buddy walks over to him and checks the IV. Seeing that the bag is nearly empty, he tells him: "Looks like you are off the hook in a few minutes boss. Then you can go back to your cabin." Mike nods, glad to be able to get back to the privacy his cabin provides. Kate sees what thoughts are running through his head and asks " How about a cup of coffee Sir?" With a grateful smile aimed at her, he answers "That would be wonderful X. Thanks." At his words, Kate turns to the sink, grabs two mugs and fills them with the freshly brewed coffee that Bird left there. With the filled mugs she comes back to Mike and hands him his mug. He takes it off her and cautiously takes a sip, savouring the taste of the warm, brown liquid.
Knowing that Mike is alright for now, Kate announces "I'll go check with Nav to see how long it will be till we reach home port. If you excuse me Sir." Holding up his mug in salute to her, he just says "Go ahead X. I'll be fine on my own." Seeing her unbelieving look, he assures her "I promise, I'll be a good boy and rest a bit more once I'm in my cabin X." Smiling slightly at him, Kate finally leaves the wardroom and goes up to the bridge. There she asks "Nav. ETA to base?" Turning surprised around to Kate, Nav replies "About two hours Ma'am. If nothing comes in between." Kate nods "Hm, and we all know our luck when it comes to such things." Nav smiles at this "Yeah, right we do."
Then Nav wants to know "How is the boss?" Kate replies "Whatever Buddy gave him worked. He is awake now and he looks way better then a few hours ago." Relieved to hear this, Nav comments "That's great! But I think we should still keep an eye on him, to be sure he doesn't overdo it again." Charge who has listened to their conversation, pipes up "Good luck with that ladies. The boss is as stubborn as a herd of mules." Now all crew members on the bridge start to laugh heartily. Those words really describe their boss, a man they all respect deeply and look up to. Kate has enough and shouts "Knock it off! You had your fun! Now back to work before the CO comes up here and sees you slacking on the job!"
Like frightened rabbits they all hurry back to their respected posts and resume working. Nav and Kate smile at seeing this and take their positions again too. Kate gets up on the CO's chair and Nav sits down in front of the radar.
Down in the wardroom, Buddy unhooks Mike from the IV and puts a small bandage over the injection site. "That's it boss. You are free to go. Just don't overestimate your strength again. You are still healing, so please keep that in mind Sir." Nodding ruefully, Mike hops off the bed and slowly makes his way over to the sink, to refill his empty mug with coffee. Buddy comes over to him with his crutch. Seeing that his boss refills his mug, he says with a smile "Seems you really needed a caffeine fix badly Sir." Startled Mike turns around, nearly upending the contents of his mug over the front of his shirt.
Buddy holds up his hand in surrender "Sorry Sir. Didn't want to startle you. I just wanted to give you this" ,he pauses and holds the crutch out for Mike to take. Then he goes on "I think I don't need to remind you to use this, right?" With a smile on his face, Mike replies "Of course not. When I walk around the ship, I use the crutch. No worries there Buddy. I want to have full use of it again, however long it might take to get there." Satisfied with those words from his boss, Buddy allows him to leave, while he himself checks once more what they might need in regard of medical supplies. Thanking Buddy for his help, Mike exits the wardroom and heads up to the bridge.