Author's Notes: Thanks to Stonedtoad for betaing.
Enjoy.
Kate shared a frown with Henderson as Tim, Lucas and Brody sang, badly, in the back of the launch.
"Hey," Henderson snapped first, "If you guys don't come up with another song real soon, I'm going to fly us into a cliff."
"Yeah," Kate added, there were few things they agreed on but this was definitely one of those, "You guys suck."
"It wasn't that bad," Tim protested as the two women rolled their eyes.
"Trust me," Henderson told him, "Kate's right. You suck."
"Feeling hostile are we?" Brody chuckled to Henderson, "Because we only got a 62 on our final exam?"
Henderson shook her head, "It had to be a mistake. How can you flunk a woman at a sexual harassment seminar?"
"Oh, I don't know," Lucas joined in, "I think 'been there, done that, I know where to kick them next time' was a bit to brief of an answer for the essay part of the exam."
"I would have added 'and taze'," Kate told her.
Henderson chuckled, "Yeah, well if the Bureau Personnel thinks I'm gonna spend another week away from the boat re-taking that course they're outta their mind."
"So sorry I missed it," Kate replied with an amused chuckle.
"How was your week?" Lucas asked, "Visiting Noyce."
"I didn't know you were that close to the Admiral," Brody noted, the inflection in his voice both questioning and accusatory.
Kate shrugged not losing the innocent smile, "His wife, Janet sort of adopted me when we first met and since I have no female relatives I'm not complaining. She gave me cake if you want some?"
At the looks of 'of course' she slipped out of the seat, heading into the back of the launch to find her bag and some of the sweet treats she had.
Tim suddenly spoke up, "Do you hear that?"
"Hear what, Batman," Kate called with a cheeky smile.
Tim rolled his eyes at her, "Sounds like a distress beacon, but the battery is dying."
"It's malfunctioning," Henderson frowned checking her instruments, "They're broadcasting coordinates from halfway around the planet."
Lucas slid into his seat, "What's its identifier?"
Tim checked his instruments, "UEO Endeavour."
"The Endeavour?" Lucas turned to him, "Isn't that Marcus Rawlings ship?"
"Rawlings?" Kate demanded before turbulence hit and she slammed into the wall. The others continued discussing everything while she strapped in and worried.
The next thing she heard clearly was Henderson shouting, "We're gonna crash," before the world began to spin.
x
Silence filled the launch with only the sound of them taking deep breaths breaking it. Finally Henderson spoke up, "The water is draining away. Check the air. Secure your systems."
"We can breathe the air," Lucas replied after a few seconds.
Brody nodded before calling out, "Everyone else okay?"
"Yeah," Henderson sighed as Kate nodded, "I think so."
"I think I broke my leg," Tim spoke up, pain filling his voice.
"What?" Kate moved, climbing up to join them so she could check on him. Before she could say anything a noise on the roof of the sub made them all look up worriedly.
"Something's on the roof," Lucas pointed out needlessly.
Brody swallowed before motioning, "Come on."
They moved slowly towards the hatch at the back of the sub while Kate prepared herself in case. They all jumped as the hatch opened suddenly and a figure dropped in.
"A man?" Henderson gasped, making Kate roll her eyes.
The figure removed his helmet and introduced himself, "Yes, Marcus Rawlings. I'm sorry to make your acquaintance."
Kate ducked slightly behind Tim but made sure she could hear and see everything.
"Where are we?" Lucas demanded.
"Ten miles beneath the mantle of the earth," Rawlings explained, "Though exactly where I'm not too sure. That's what remains of my dive pod, over there."
Brody frowned before asking, "Why are you so sorry to meet us?"
"Because," Rawlings sighed, "Judging from the condition of your submersible, I'd say we're all going to die down here, together."
Kate grimaced when she felt the presence behind her, turning she looked up at the man smiling down at her.
"Can I help you?" she asked grimly her arms folded across her chest.
Rawlings smirked, "I thought you would be happy to see an old friend, Kitten."
Kate inwardly winced; she'd hoped he wouldn't recognise her. It had been almost six years since she'd worked with him and she'd changed her appearance since then just obviously not enough.
"You've grown up very nicely," he told her with a smile looking her up and down, "And made some unusual friends for someone in your line of work."
"What do you want?" she ground out coldly.
Rawlings shrugged, "I thought you might want to talk to someone who actually knows who you are, Kitten."
"Stop calling me that," Kate snapped, "If any of them overhear…"
"And what would you do?" Rawlings challenged.
Kate glanced around checking where the others were, ensuring none of them could hear, "I kicked your ass the last time we met."
"Kitten…"
"And I still have claws," she snarled, "Besides do you want them to know about your illegal activities?"
Rawlings chuckled, "I don't think that will be as shocking to them as the fact you are a first class thief."
Kate's eyes narrowed and she stepped forward slightly, "Tell them anything and I will have absolutely nothing to lose handing your ass to you on a plate."
Rawlings smiled at her before nodding and walking away.
x
Tim looked up from his work when Kate's shadow covered him, "Hey, you okay?"
"Fine," she shrugged.
He frowned, "What were you talking about with Rawlings?"
Kate gave another shrug, "He was being a slight sleaze, I pointed him over in Henderson's direction, she'll like his attention."
Tim frowned at her again a little more pronounced.
"I'm kidding," she rolled her eyes at the disapproving look he was giving her. She sat beside him, "How's the leg?"
It was Tim's turn to shrug, "Hurts, though the pain killers are helping a little."
"We'll get back to the Seaquest," Kate reminded him, "And Wendy will fix you up."
"If we get out of here," Tim sighed.
Kate rested her head against his shoulder, "Weren't you the one who told me to always have faith?"
"It's not that easy this time," Tim whispered, tilting his head to rest against hers.
She found his hand with hers and squeezed it, "Lucas has made a good design which between us Henderson and I can throw together."
He moved back and looked at her surprised.
"I may not like her personally," Kate reminded him, "But she's good at her job."
x
Brody sat going over the oxygen supply; he glanced over to see Tim sitting with Kate and rolled his eyes at the way they were cuddled together. He just couldn't understand them.
"Are they a couple?" Rawlings asked appearing at his side suddenly.
Brody looked up at the man who had brought them down here, "No."
"From the look of them I think someone is lying," Rawlings noted with amusement.
"Is there something I can help you with?" Brody asked, not wanting to talk to the guy anymore than he had to.
Rawlings sat beside him, "How long have you known Foster?"
Brody looked up confused, "Since the beginning of the tour. Why?"
"It's just," Rawlings said softly, "She reminds me of someone."
"Someone?" Brody asked annoyed, "Who?"
Rawlings smiled slightly, "Excuse me, Lieutenant I think Lonnie needs some assistance."
Brody watched him bemused while the other man wandered away to where Henderson and Lucas were working.
x
"Okay," Henderson said as they all stood beside the pod, "We just need to make one final connection," she looked at Brody, "Lieutenant…"
Kate cut her off, "I'll do it. All I need is a boost."
Rawlings and Brody both stepped forward, Kate moved to lesser of two evils.
"Lieutenant," she said taking the wires from Henderson, "On three."
Brody crouched and pushed her up when she placed her foot in his clasped hands. Kate climbed up easily catching the tools Lucas tossed to her.
When Brody left the small craft to check their supplies Rawlings followed him.
"Is there something wrong?" Brody demanded, getting a little annoyed at the other man.
Rawlings shrugged, "Just wondering if you needed some help. The others don't need me getting in the way."
Brody rolled his eyes before turning back to checking their gear.
"It's impressive how easily she did that," Rawlings noted, "Like a cat almost…no, more like a little 'Kitten'."
Brody turned back to the other man confused but before he could say anything Henderson called them back over.
"So," Henderson said as she stood admiring their work, "What do you think? Does the government really need to pay all those thousands of engineers to build these things for us, or could we really do it ourselves?"
Lucas chuckled, "Well there's only one way to find out. Powering up now."
Okay," Brody stated, "Stand clear."
They all moved back slightly, Kate gripped Tim's hand tightly giving him a quick wink.
"Firing," Lucas called.
Suddenly the cavern was filled by the sound of the engine starting up before it activated.
"It works," Henderson cheered as they turned the engine off.
Brody smiled at them, "Good job."
There was a general round of congratulations before Lucas cut in, "There's only one more thing to do before the water comes. We've gotta hold the lottery."
x
"Lucas," Kate started, hoping to stall him until she could find a way to rig it to make sure Rawlings was left behind. She was not letting one of the crew sacrifice themselves because of Rawlings.
"It's the fairest way to do this," he told her as he turned to the pod picking something up. He turned back and showed them his fist clasped around some wires, "Six wires, one of them is short. So who wants to go first?"
Brody broke the silence shrugging, "Hey with my luck I'll save you all the trouble and just draw the short one now."
He reached out and picked one of the wires holding it up for all to see.
"That's a long one," Lucas told him, "Congratulations."
After a moment Tim nodded, "Okay Lucas, I'll take my try," he reached out and let out a breath when he pulled out a long straw. He gave a half-smile, "Why am I never this lucky at cards?"
Lucas turned to Rawlings, "You want to take your shot?"
"Ladies first," Rawlings motioned to the two women, "Better odds."
"Actually, the odds are the same for everybody," Lucas explained, "The short wire could have turned up first as easily as last."
"Okay," Kate stepped forward, "I may as well take my shot."
Kate took a deep breath, she didn't like things like this when she hadn't been able to stack the odds but she had no choice but to play by the rules. She hesitated for a moment before taking a wire.
"Looks like there's no need to continue," Kate noted holding up the short one.
x
"Stop it," Kate told Tim as he watched her as she pulled together the communication equipment to put in the pod, "It's really annoying."
"Kate," he whispered, not sure what to say at that moment.
She took a deep breath and sat beside him, "Okay, listen to me. I lost. It is as simple as that. Lucas calculated the odds and did it the fairest way to make sure we all had a chance. I lost."
He dropped his eyes anger and sadness in them but with no way to refute her words.
"Tim," Kate rested her hand on his cheek making him look up at her again, "You are the best friend I have ever had. There is so much I have to thank you for that I have no idea how to say. The only thing I can say is how grateful I am you felt sorry for me that day and offered me your ear."
"Please don't," Tim whispered.
Kate rested her forehead against Tim's for a moment, stroking his cheek before she hugged him tightly.
"I'll see you before you go," she promised kissing his cheek before slipping away, Kate could feel his eyes on her but refused to look back.
Kate headed over to the launch where Brody was getting ready for them to leave.
"I need you to do something for me," she got straight to the point.
Brody nodded, "Sure."
"Tell Nathan that there are some letters in my room," Kate explained, "He'll make sure they get where they're meant to go." She paused, "And you have to get Tim and Lucas out of here when it's time. Make sure they go."
"Foster," he sighed before offering her his hand, "I'm sorry."
She shrugged taking his hand in hers, "It could easily have been you. Look after the Seaquest, Lieutenant."
Kate walked into the cavern where Rawlings was pulling together some of his research. She stood in the entrance and waited until he noticed her.
"Kitten," he smirked, "So sorry that you drew the short straw. I was looking forward to getting to see you in your new environment."
A cold smile touched Kate's lips as she walked towards him, "I bet you were," she drawled, "But since there's no way in hell I am dying here then that means you have to give up your seat."
Rawlings stared at her stunned for a moment before he asked, "And you think you can make me?"
"I think you have a choice," she replied, "You can either stay here and it'll be quick or leave me here and die very, very slowly when Harkens gets his hands on you."
Rawlings rolled his eyes, "Really, the last I heard Harkens had retired and left you all alone."
"Even if that were true," Kate retorted with a smug smile, "You know the moment he hears what you did, he will come after you. With a few others who will be very angry at my demise."
"I'm not going to be blackmailed into anything," Rawlings told her, "Not by you, Kitten."
Kate let out a theatrical sigh as she slid her knife from his sheath, "Then we'll do this the hard way," she smirked at him, "That is hard for you, this is going to be fun for me."
x
Kate ran to the pod as the water began to rise, Brody was the only one still outside of the crew as he made sure the others were in first.
"Kate," Tim called seeing her.
She made it to the pod before climbing up and hugging him before she hugged Lucas. She gave them a sad smile before sliding out.
"Where's Rawlings?" she asked looking around.
Brody shrugged, "I have no idea. We're going to have to go without him if he doesn't show up soon."
Kate made sure she didn't smile when she slid her hand into her pocket and hit the button to start the recording.
"Lieutenant," Rawlings suddenly appeared on the screen.
Brody spun and pulled himself into the pod, "Rawlings, where the hell are you?"
"I'm staying," the recording of Rawlings replied, "You were right this was my fault and none of you should die in my place. Lucas, make sure you keep reaching for those stars. And hey, when you give that moving speech to the media about how self-sacrificing I was, it will drive all my old girlfriends crazy."
"Kate, get in now," Tim yelled as the water began to rush in.
Taking Brody's hand Kate allowed him to help pull her in, she fell into the spare seat and strapped in. Tim grabbed her hand in his making her turn to him and smile just as Henderson yelled, "Lock it up. Seal it"
Brody fixed the door before throwing himself into his seat and strapped himself in just as the pod began to move.
"All right," Henderson called, "Launching now."
Kate gripped Tim's hand as the small pod shuddered at the sudden acceleration it wasn't used to.
"You have to take the tunnel square on," Lucas told her, "Or we're gonna crash."
Henderson nodded, "All right. I'm on it now. Hang on! Here we go."
Nathan grabbed Kate in one arm and Lucas in the other hugging them both tightly relieved they were safe.
"Are you okay?" he asked them both.
Kate nodded quickly.
"I'm fine," Lucas answered before asking, "What's docked at the second port?"
Nathan stared at him bemused at his agitation, "The Stinger with a rescue pack."
Lucas nodded absently, "The Stinger? That could make it. The Stinger could make it."
Nathan tried to get Lucas's attention, "What do you mean?" he turned to Kate and Brody, "What's he talking about?"
"We left someone behind," Brody explained while Kate said nothing.
"Who?" Nathan demanded.
"Marcus Rawlings," Brody replied.
"Rawlings," Nathan frowned at the teenager, "Lucas, stop! Wait a minute."
As the teenager disappeared Nathan turned catching Kate as she was about to leave, "Where are you going?"
"To get ready in case Lucas rescues Rawlings," she told him softly.
Nathan frowned even more confused.
"Rawlings knows Kitten," Kate explained, "If Lucas brings him back, I may be screwed."
x
Kate pulled open the panel to reveal the small box she'd hidden there on the first day of the tour. Finding the bottle of purple liquid she quickly measured out a dose.
She tapped into communication to listen to what was happening with Lucas attempt to rescue Rawlings. She knew this had to take priority over checking on Tim, no matter how much she wanted to be in the infirmary with him.
She reached the docking bay just as Lucas and Dagwood arrived with their latest guest in tow, grimacing when Rawlings saw her and smiled smugly at her.
"This is not good," she murmured.
Relief filled her as Wendy intercepted Rawlings and drew him to the infirmary. Kate followed on, she could use the excuse that she hadn't been checked out to be there and to see Tim to stick around.
Nathan grabbed her arm when she reached the entrance to the infirmary demanding, "What's going on?"
"Rawlings knows I'm Kitten," Kate told him quietly, "And if he doesn't tell you, he will tell someone else which will be worse. Meaning I have two options, kill him or inject him with the purple liquid of forgetfulness."
Nathan shook his head in annoyance, "How long do you need."
"A few minutes alone with him," Kate replied, "Can you do it?"
Nathan nodded before patting her shoulder. Kate watched as he called to Wendy and moved her to a separate room to get an update. Taking a breath Kate walked towards the bed Rawlings was currently lying back on.
x
Rawlings eyes opened when he heard Kate walk up to the bed.
"Hello, Kitten," he smirked.
Kate stared at him coldly, "Congratulations, Lucas felt bad enough to come back for you. I need to talk the boy about that."
"Are you here to threaten me some more?" Rawlings asked with a smug air, "Since I don't see how you can do anything else with the Captain in the next room."
Kate took a step towards him, "Are you planning on telling anyone I'm here? Or telling any of the crew who I am?"
"That all depends on you," Rawlings continued to smirk at her, "And whether or not you give me what I want."
Kate glared at him. She grabbed his arm and injected him with Harkens potion before he had the chance to pull away. Rawlings body jerked and his eyes closed, Kate grabbed the front of his shirt leaning into his ear.
"You will forget I was here," she ordered, "You will forget ever meeting me. There were only four members of the Seaquest crew with you. Lucas lost the lottery and you gave up your seat to save his life because you knew he had so much more to give to science."
Stepping back Kate slipped away, catching Nathan's eye quickly when she passed the room he was talking to Wendy in.
Once outside she took a deep calming breath, she was safe for now.