Author's Notes: - Thanks to Stonedtoad for betaing.

"Help Hitchcock," Nathan told Kate as he walked towards the launch so he could collect the scientist they needed to save his people, "And keep away from Ford just now. I don't want him accidentally revealing anything about you while he's in this state."

"I'll stay on the bridge," she promised.

Nathan smiled, "Good girl."

"I'm not a child, Nathan," Kate stated annoyed, "Don't treat me like I'm the same age as Lucas or I will start reminding you I'm not."

Amusement covered Nathan's face, "When we first met you were younger than Lucas."

"Which was ten years ago," she retorted.

"Meaning you're still a girl to me," Nathan patted her shoulder as they reached the launch bay.

"Nathan," she called before he entered the launch, "Do you remember the trouble I caused in the outfit I wore when we first came here?"

He stepped back to her and patted her cheek this time, "If that's what you want to do, Kate."

She swore to herself as he left.

x

Several hours later Nathan arrived back and smiled to find Kate waiting for him looking completely professional.

"I see you decided not to follow through on your threat," he chuckled.

Kate smiled back at him sweetly, "Well I didn't want Tim to drop things while we're in the middle of a crisis."

"Of course not," he smirked back before turning to their guest, "Dr Guy Peché, this is Kate Foster my assistant."

Kate gave a smart nod to their guest before turning back to him, "Dr Westphalen asked that you join her as soon as possible but Commander Hitchcock needs to see you first."

"Take Dr Peché to Dr Westphalen," Nathan told her, "I'll check in with Hitchcock first. And Kate," he called before she left, "As soon as Dr Peché is with Westphalen, get back to the bridge."

She nodded getting his unspoken worry and led their guest away.

x

Kate gripped the back of Tim's chair holding her breath as they waited for Nathan, Crocker and Peché to get back from the downed Space Station.

"Sensors have just picked up water entry of a third missile," Miguel reported.

Hitchcock grimaced, "What is taking them so long?"

"Weapon is locked on target and homing," Phillips called out.

"Intercept it, Mr. Ortiz," Hitchcock ordered tersely.

Miguel grimaced, "Too late, it's locked on Liberté."

Kate let out a gasp and her hand found Tim's, he squeezed it comfortingly as they listened unable to do anything.

"Time to impact?" Hitchcock demanded.

"Fifty seconds."

"Then we'll hit it before it hits them," Hitchcock told them, "Flood tubes one and two."

"Tubes one and two flooded and ready," Phillips reported.

"Time to impact?"

Miguel glanced at Hitchcock, "Forty seconds."

"Prepare to fire torpedoes," Hitchcock ordered.

"Commander," Nathan's voice interrupted, "Cancel that order. If they want to destroy their own space station, let them. We've got everything off it we need."

"What about the virus?" Hitchcock demanded, "An explosion could scatter it."

Nathan smiled at her, "Not if there's nothing to scatter."

As Crocker held up the bag relief filled the bridge. Kate sagged against Tim's chair before shooting Nathan an annoyed glare at another close call.

Later that night, once everything had calmed down, Nathan took a seat at the table beside his assistant in the otherwise empty mess. Kate was sitting with her leg pulled up onto the chair, her chin sitting on her knee with her arms wrapped around the leg as she stared at him.

"Is something on your mind?" Nathan asked, aware of what the pose meant.

Kate tilted her head thoughtfully, "Do you really think of me as a child?"

"Sometimes," he admitted, "Like now."

She frowned a little before asking, "Why?"

He sighed; there were days it was hard work being her family. When she got an idea in her head it could take a long time to get it out. Kate had had so little real affection given to her in her life that the fact he actually cared in many ways confused her.

"Kate, you were only ten when the people who were meant to love you abandoned you," he started, "No matter what you've done since that day, that little girl is still in there. I see her more and more as you settle here."

She frowned at him, "I'm twenty-five, Nathan."

"That means nothing, Kate," he chuckled warmly, "You had to grow up faster than anyone should ever have to. That little girl who loved to play and needed affection is coming out now because she is in a place she can."

She stared at him.

"Think about it," Nathan continued, "Think about your friendship with O'Neill. I heard the two of you teasing Ortiz. Not to mention every time something happens on the bridge you gravitate to him for protection."

"Protection?" Kate asked sceptically, "Tim?"

"Emotional protection," Nathan clarified, "Kate, this isn't a bad thing. I want you to feel that safe, I want to know that I don't have to worry about you."

Kate smiled at him, the sweet smile of the little girl she once was.

Nathan leaned over and kissed her forehead, "Go get some rest, kid."

"I'm not a child," Kate reminded him softly, "But keep looking after me."

With a smile she left him alone.