The murky, earthen waters presently held a fresh meaning. On occasion they could invoke an eerie excitement, a promise of stories untold and mysteries long lain buried. Today however, they just added a new depth to the feeling of dread. Whilst she needed a new challenge, managing more than half of the crew on board a newly, re-designed submarine was something she couldn't have even envisioned a year ago. It hadn't even been a possibility on the horizon.

For the last five years, she'd thrown herself into her work, had loved the thrill of discovery and getting her teeth stuck into a gruelling research project. This was so much more though. She could handle a small research team, but this team was something else. She was about to become a part of something far bigger and multifaceted. One thing was for sure, she had to do this. She had to make her mark and stamp her authority; she was done being pushed around and this was a culmination of a very hard, five year slog.

Kristen was welcomed aboard the SeaQuest. She had to admit, it was more than she could have dreamt of and it was installed with every piece of equipment she could imagine, and then some. She was one of the first officers to take residence, but it was becoming clear that as more and more people boarded, there was going to be a great divide.

Commander Franklin had already tried to dress her down in front of the few staff that had dribbled on board thus far, and the submariners had attempted to acquire the rooms that had been clearly earmarked for scientific operations, and repurpose them for military use. She'd managed to hold her ground though. What she wouldn't have given for a whisky afterwards that last encounter, but there was no way she would ever go down that road. Whatever else happened, she needed to maintain her steely edge and ne'er a weakness be seen.

Commander Ford paced his room. Damned that Admiral Noyce. Ford was secretly hoping to have been offered a promotion, or at least been able to act as 'acting captain', but no such offer came. To make matters worse, he now had to appear rude, arrogant and incompetent in front of a renowned Captain; one that was admired by many, all in the hope this giant would take on the position he coveted in the first place. It went against the grain of his very nature though. He did not want to lower himself to this level, but an order was an order. At least he could make a good start. Whilst he wasn't as vehemently against the new scientific and exploration mandate the SeaQuest was being reassigned too as he appeared, it wouldn't have been what he'd have chosen. At least with that particular element he could throw his weight around and vent some of his frustration. He did feel a tad guilty about the way in which he was treating the scientists, but orders were orders. He'd lost count of how many times he'd told himself this over the last hour.

The following morning, a bedraggled Nathan Bridger had spruced himself up enough to look passable. Admiral Noyce had successfully persuaded him to venture onto the boat he'd envisioned and designed. The small, intricate details that had been upgraded, secretly impressed him, but it didn't matter, there was no way he was retaking his command.

What riled him up the most was the fact they'd bought on board Darwin, his faithful dolphin friend, to also test the waters – so to speak. Nathan couldn't help but admire the way Darwin was thoroughly enjoying swimming through the transit tubes the submarine was designed with. In fact, it was annoyingly heartening, especially seen as he'd just learnt he could talk to his friend – kind of. That was another thing. A kid, an arrogant, overly self-assured, entitled little snot of a boy was waltzing around his vessel as though he were a member of the crew. Granted, it was clear he was a genius, but it still irked the silver-haired captain that the UEO was literally being paid to babysit. He still wasn't sure what he thought of the UEO. He'd tried to stay away from all things civilisation and certainly political these last few years. His mind wandered to Carol, oh how he missed his wife, and here he was, breaking a promise to her that he'd never have anything to do with the military again.

The only saving grace he could think of at that moment was the fact that the boat was being outfitted with a full-quota scientific detail. He certainly wanted to explore that more, so on he ventured, looking to see how fluidly his vision transformed from military ready, to explorers dream. His heart was leaning that way far more than the former nowadays.

"Commander Ford! Let's get something clear shall we? My people shall not be treated like so much cargo. We are scientists; we are not mindless military drones…" Bridger's jaw dropped. Well wasn't she the cutest, most savage little beast he'd ever witnessed. She was almost a contradiction in appearance. He made sure to hide within the shadows and out of sight.

"Your point Doctor?" Ford bristled.

"Your people have occupied areas clearly designated as science research labs. I want them removed immediately." She refused to back down.

"May I remind you, that you are aboard a military vessel…" No, not happening, she had to stand up for her people.

"This is a research and exploration vessel, besides, we outnumber you one hundred and twenty-four to eighty-eight." Oh Lord a threat. That wasn't quite what she'd intended, but for some reason, she felt as though she were being backed into a corner.

"That sounds like a threat Doctor?" He narrowed his eyes, not wanting to seem at all phased by this woman, though he also didn't want to give away the fact that he truly admired her spunk. He had to remind himself that he was following orders.

"Well at least you have a grasp of the obvious." She quickly added. Hmm, perhaps that was one step to far. They both knew it, but she tried to maintain her resolve.

"Now you understand this doctor. This ship is under my command…" he stood tall, looming ever closer and towering over her petite frame… "I am the authority figure here. When it comes down to it, I have the overall and final say." He made sure she could feel his breath on her face. "Do I make myself clear? She stiffened but refused to cower under his aggression. She could not go back there, ever. She maintained eye contact and posture.

"You have not heard the end of this, Commander." The auburn haired scientist added with stern venom, desperately hoping her voice didn't quiver whilst attempting to retain some decorum. Jonathan Ford merely sneered, before turning and storming away. Nathan watched from the shadows. This Commander had made little, if any positive impression on him since his arrival. In fact, he'd seemed downright hostile, and now his impression had only been reinforced. He loved the fire he saw within this woman, but his heart sank as he watched her clutch her chest and try and calm her nerves; she was clearly borderline panicking. He decided to emerge.

"I've never quite understood the need for the clash between military and scientific endeavours." He startled her out of her rising agitation; she refused to think on it as panic. After composing herself quicker than a greyhound landing a rabbit, she turned to face the new invader of her space. No… stop it, stop thinking like that. She instantly relaxed though. His eyes, they were so… so kind and his lines spoke of a gentle being, one that had seen much.

"I'm… I'm sorry, and you are?" She asked, regaining her composure.

"Bridger…" He held out his hand, which she willingly took after only a moment's hesitation.

"Nathan Bridger?" She asked. He couldn't help a little chuckle escape as he glanced at his badge.

"Last time I looked…"

"I know your work, topography, thermal range variances… I, I tried to contact you once. They said you were… unreachable." They exchanged an awkward, yet somehow not awkward glance. "I'm sorry, Kristen Westphalen, Medical doctor, oceanographer, and head of the science team aboard this, uh, ship."

"Doctor…" Nathan replied as he clasped her hand, allowing their introductions to hang in the air for a moment, very pleased that she'd seemed to forget the prior altercation with that wayward Commander, though she quickly pulled herself back, straightening her uniform and taking a deep breath.

"I'm sorry, I'm late for a staff meeting. If you'll excuse me." He nodded a polite dismissal as she curtly scuttled away. There was something about that woman. He had no idea what, but he knew he wanted to understand her more. Meanwhile, he about turned, his eyes slitting as he thought on his previous encounter with this commander and the more recent one with his CMO. Wait… his CMO? No. He shook his head before venturing on to discover what else this vessel had to offer.