Nathan hated her! He hated the woman who had framed him for murder. Approaching the oil rig he was ready for battle, he was ready to take her on! He didn't realize how costly this battle would be.

His away team led by his captain surrounded the rig before boarding. No one except her, Val, was found. Val tried to escape and from there things went sour.

First a civilian yacht fired a RPG at the oil rig, rupturing gas lines. Then the thing blew up. Then at 3 people were KIA. And then Captain Chandler collapsed. Captain Chandler...

Nathan was surprised at the regret he felt. Regret, fear, pain at what he'd said and done to that man before this mission. He regretted it all, and now he feared he'd never have a change to atone for it. Thank Poseidon for Dr. Scott. Her quick thinking may've saved Chandler's life.

Speaking of Chandler, Nathan's son managed to wriggle his way around the flight deck until Slattery picked him up and moved off into a corner so he wouldn't get under foot. The shipling was naturally curious and whined and wailed for his mother.

"Nathan, can you handle him?" Dr. Scott asked.

"Yes." The destroyer answered.

Slattery dropped him in the water and Chandler squealed at feeling it for the first time. He slapped at it playfully, giggling all the while. His bright blue eyes, the only inherited feature from his mother, sparkled with mischief. Nathan could only grown inwardly at the thought of all the trouble he would cause. As it was, Chandler merely cheeped and found his way to his father's side where he cuddled up cutely.

"I'm sorry you couldn't hang out up there." Nathan said. "But that isn't the best place for you right now."

Chandler cheeped curiously.

"Your namesake, my captain, he's injured. Him and several others. Your mother is trying to treat them and she thought it best that you come here. For your own safety." Nathan said.

Chandler didn't understand half of what was being said to him but he cheeped and nuzzled his father anyway.

"Aww, come here you little rascal." Nathan laughed and held the shipling.

...

Captain Chandler woke from his unexpected sleep a few hours later. He was lying on his back in his stateroom bed. Dr. Scott was hovering over him. She breathed a sigh of relief.

"You were touch and go for a while there. Some of us thought we'd have lost you for good." She said.

He groaned. "What's the damage?" He asked, trying to sit up. She pressed him back down gently.

"Well you lost a lot of blood and I still have to go in and remove the shrapnel that is called home behind your liver." She said. "At least I can still use my powers for good."

The jibe was subtle and Captain Chandler winced but he knew it was well deserved. "It can wait." He said.

"No, I'm afraid it can't." Dr. Scott replied. "The shrapnel could move and cut you."

"I'm fine." He said.

"Stubborn as ever." Dr. Scott sighed and turned to go.

"Rachel?"

Nathan was surprised and so was Dr. Scott who turned around at once. Captain Chandler had never called her by her first name.

"Thank you." He said.

Dr. Scott nodded and left.

"Reconciliation indeed." Nathan thought.