New Fic - The Perils Of Friendship Part Three
And here's the final part.
The room stopped shaking finally and Tim slowly raised his head waiting. Sure they wouldn’t get thrown about if they moved he gently nudged Kate.
“We’re okay,” he whispered.
Kate looked up at him, “For now,” she replied wryly.
Helping her to her feet Tim allowed himself a chuckle as he realised she was still wearing the heels. At his amused look she rolled her eyes.
“I don’t think it’s safe to walk barefoot around here,” she snapped, motioning the all the broken crates scattered around their small life pod.
Tim nodded, sighing he pushed his hand through his hair and moved to the windows to see how far they’d moved away from the colony. He judged they were far enough away so that, if he’d judged the bombs explosive power correctly, there would be practically no damage to the colony.
“Tim,” Kate appeared at his side panic in her voice.
“What?”
“They’re not there,” she breathed.
Looking down at her Tim frowned before it hit him what she meant, Seaquest was gone.
“Not good,” Tim sighed, “Not good at all.”
Kate rubbed her hand across her face, “Looks like you were right earlier, we are screwed.”
-
“I could try and deactivate the bombs,” Tim suggested as he paced.
Kate looked at him as though he had said he was going to dye his hair pink, “You said you couldn’t.”
“Well…”
“Tim?”
He grimaced, “I would probably set them off early.”
“Okay,” Kate tapped her fingers against her cheek, “Nathan would only move the Seaquest if he had no other choice. So they must be on some kind of rescue mission.”
“Then we just have to hope they come back before we go boom,” Tim finished.
Finding one of the crates that had survived he found his jacket and placed it on the top giving them a place to sit that hopefully wouldn’t put splinters in awkward places. Kate sighed as she sat down taking his hand as he joined her. They sat watching the fish swim around as though they weren’t waiting for the bombs in every corner of the room to explode.
“I never thanked you,” Tim said suddenly making her look at him confused.
“For what?”
He laughed at the suspicion in her voice, “For making me talk about what happened with Mariah. It helped.”
“Even with the hangover?” Kate teased.
Tim chuckled, “Yeah. I didn’t realise how much I needed to talk about it.”
“That’s the friendship deal as far as I’m aware,” Kate leaned against him, “But you are pretty much the first real one I’ve ever had so I might be wrong.”
“You can’t mean that?”
“I have been wrong on occasion,” Kate replied lightly.
Tim rolled his eyes, “I mean I’m not the first real friend you’ve had, am I?”
Kate shrugged, “Well Nathan and Noyce are more like a Dad and an overprotective uncle so I wouldn’t put them in the friend category.”
“What about when you were a kid?”
Kate dropped her head, “Do you want to know why I’m this way?”
Tim stayed silent not sure what to say but Kate took it as confirmation, “My Dad left when I was three months old and when my mother remarried my step-father decided he didn’t want a smart mouthed kid that didn’t belong to him getting attention his real kids should get from their mother. I woke up one morning when we were on vacation to find I was alone. The people who took me in made sure I knew how worthless I was.”
She looked up at him, “I’ve been on my own since I was ten years old, Tim. You’re the first person I’ve ever let myself relax with. And I don’t know why.”
Tim glanced away not sure what to say, not sure how to respond to her revelation thankfully he didn’t need to answer her as water began to gush in.
-
“What’s going on?” Kate demanded as the sea water began filling the room.
“We must have cracked the hull when we separated,” Tim replied as he tried to find something to stop the water, “It looks like we’re not going to depressurise but we’ll be swimming pretty soon.”
“I can’t swim.”
Tim stopped and turned to her in amazement, “What?”
Kate shrugged but her growing panic was plain to see, “I never learned.”
Tim winced, this was not good. Especially the way the water was rising. He felt himself start to panic but forced that down, he was a Lieutenant in the UEO and a ranking member of the flagship - he could get them out of this.
“Kate,” he caught her face in his hands so that she would look at him, “I won’t let you drown but you have to trust me.”
She covered his hands with hers as she nodded before turning back to the water raining in on them, “I do.”
“Then see if you can open the rest of these crates,” Tim said, “See what’s inside. There might be something we missed that can help us contact someone or disarm the bombs.”
*********************************************
“Sir,” Ortiz called from his station, “We’re getting a call from Darrow. Part of the station has detached and been flung away. They think there are two people trapped inside it.”
“Why? Why can’t she go somewhere and not get into trouble,” Nathan groaned before turning to his Sensor Chief, “How long till the rescue operation is complete?”
“Ten minutes,” Ortiz replied, the tension in his voice evident as worry for his friend filled him.
“Okay, the moment that’s finished head back to Darrow,” Nathan ordered Henderson, he turned and moved to pool where Darwin was watching, “Swim back to the colony. Find O’Neill.”
“Find Tim,” Darwin replied, nodding enthusiastically.
“Go.”
With Darwin away Nathan took his seat again, worrying.
-
Miguel sent Mother out as far as he could to keep an eye on the part of the colony that had somehow disconnected from it. Every instinct in him was screaming that Tim was in there and needed them. But until they were finished with this rescue all he could do was watch.
He knew it was more than likely that Kate was with Tim, though he wasn’t sure that was comforting in any way. She did seem to cause trouble every time she appeared on the boat.
Miguel liked Kate and liked what her friendship had done to Tim. Under normal circumstances Tim would never have spoken to her without tripping over himself but considering how they’d met Tim didn’t think of her as a beautiful woman, which Miguel knew she was, he saw her as the insane woman who’d kidnapped him then got him shot when he tried to help her. What really surprised Miguel was how much Kate cared about Tim and how often she sought out his company.
He sighed as he surreptitiously checked the time, eight minutes until they could leave the area.
*********************************************
They given up trying to find something to make a radio or disarm the bombs with. The water had risen to a point where Kate couldn’t stand, so Tim had one arm around her making sure her head was above the water.
“I can’t feel my feet,” Kate gasped as the cold water began to affect her.
Tim nodded, “I know. At least you’re not wearing those shoes anymore.”
“Do you have any idea how much they cost?” Kate demanded trying to keep her voice light.
Tim raised an eyebrow, “Did you buy them.”
“Not my point.”
She began to shiver so Tim pulled her to him to share body heat.
“It’s hurting to breathe,” Kate whispered in his ear, “I don’t want to die, Tim.”
“We’re going to be fine,” he tried to say as assertive as possible though the tremor on his voice betrayed him; “Seaquest will come.”
“If it doesn’t,” she started, exhaustion filling her voice.
“It will.”
“But if it doesn’t,” Kate murmured before her head fell against his shoulder as she slipped into unconsciousness.
Panic filled him, “Kate? Kate, wake up.”
A soft moan was all the reaction he received. Tim frowned confused at what was happening to her. Yes, the water was freezing cold but it shouldn’t be affecting her so fast. Then Tim remembered the poison and what Dr Westphalen had done to remove it, dropping her body temperature had broken it down there must be some residual trace that was affecting her in this cold.
Tim splashed water on her face trying to wake her up, “Kate, you’re not leaving me alone here so come on.”
When she only moaned Tim tapped her face trying to hopefully wake her without having to hit her any harder. Finally he had to slap her wincing as she woke up with a start.
“What?”
“Sorry,” he apologised instantly, “You need to stay awake. I can’t keep us both above water if you’re unconscious.”
“I’ll try,” she promised, “Think warm thoughts, right?”
Tim laughed, spinning as he heard a tapping from behind him. Joy filled him at the sight of the dolphin just outside the window wearing his suit.
“They’re coming,” Tim sighed in relief, “They’re coming.”
-
Tim could feel his exhaustion pulling him down, there was very little room left for them as the water level had risen so high. Kate was still conscious but only barely and his arms were tired trying to keep her above water as well as hold onto the ceiling. A loud hollow clang sounded and Tim let out a cry of relief.
Seeing sparks to one side Tim kicked away pulling Kate along so they were out of the way. He smiled in relief as the part of the roof they were cutting into fell into the water and Miguel’s head appeared.
“You guys need a lift?”
“Here,” Tim swam over to them, “Take her up.”
Miguel grabbed one of Kate’s arms then Bridger appeared taking the other and they pulled her into the launch together. Tim reached up and caught the edge ready to pull himself up when a whine sounded joined in by several more and he saw several blinking red lights under the water.
“Captain,” he called up, “We need to go. The bombs are about to detonate.”
A hand suddenly reached down, grabbed Tim’s shirt and yanked him up into the launch.
“Thanks, Dagwood,” he smiled at the large man aware that Miguel was closing the launch door.
“Welcome,” the gentle giant smiled back.
“Sit down, Mr O’Neill,” the Captain called to him, “This is going to be bumpy.”
Tim dropped into the seat beside Kate, who was completely unconscious now, pulling her to him protectively as the small vessel was hit by the shockwave from the blast.
-
Kate opened her eyes and groaned, “Why do I always end up in here when I come onboard this ship?”
“You’ve only been here twice,” Nathan’s voice made her turn to find him sitting at her side.
“Still a 100% record,” she forced a smile onto her face, “Where’s Tim?”
Nathan smiled down at her, “He’s getting changed. But he’s fine.”
“He saved my life,” Kate said with a proud smile, “He deserves a promotion or something,” she paused and closed her eyes before sighing, “I’m sorry, Nathan. My information wasn’t very good.”
“It happens,” he reminded her, “And it was good enough that we stopped the deaths of everyone on Darrow.”
A smile touched her lips, “And I kept my promise.”
“This doesn’t mean you can betray my trust next time you’re here,” he reminded her sternly.
Kate shrugged, “Yeah, yeah.”
“Get some rest,” he told her before heading out muttering, “Nightmare.”
-
When she opened her eyes again Tim was standing at her side checking the readouts on the monitors.
“Do you know what they mean?” she asked amused chuckling as he spun caught out.
“No,” Tim slid into the seat at her side, “How do you feel?”
Kate sighed, “Exhausted.”
“The doctor said the cold water activated some residual traces of the poison,” he explained, “That’s why you passed out and why you’re so tired just now.”
She found his hand and slid hers into his, “You know you’re my hero now, don’t you?” as he blushed she chuckled, “I promise the next time I won’t panic so much, I just don’t react well to small enclosed spaces, imminent death and lots of water since I can’t swim.”
Tim shrugged, “Who does.”
“You did,” she reminded him. As he ducked his head at her praise Kate laughed again, “You’ve really got to learn to take compliments. D’you know that?”
“I’ll see you in the morning,” he said brushing past her words.
Kate pulled his hand so he didn’t leave, sitting up she hugged him tightly before kissing him lightly on the cheek, “See you in the morning.”
-
Tim sat in his quarters reading as sleep just wasn’t coming. He was exhausted but every time he closed his eyes the image of what could have happened floated through his mind. A knock made him frown and confusion filled him even more as the captain was standing outside.
“Sir?”
“Can I come in?” Bridger asked.
Tim stared at him for a few seconds before nodding, “Of course, sir.”
Bridger stepped inside and took the seat at the small desk, “Lt, I wanted to talk to you in private. I know I threw you into that mission without anything.”
“I understand your reasoning, sir,” Tim replied still standing stiffly trying not to stand at attention.
Bridger noticed and waved at him, “At ease, Lt. These are your quarters. Sit down.”
Tim licked his lips and perched on the bunk.
“I didn’t want to,” Bridger explained, “However, the information I had meant there was the possibility your mind could be read.”
“Permission to speak freely, sir?” Tim asked.
“Of course.”
“I understand your reasoning,” Tim said again, “But if I’d had even the slightest of warnings I could have brought something with me that could have helped me examine the bombs, or call for help and Kate wouldn’t be in the infirmary.”
“You’re right,” Bridger stood, “And I promise that if something like this ever happens again then I will make sure even if I can’t give you details, you will have your tools.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
-
Tim smiled as he saw Kate pulling her hair back when he walked into the infirmary, Dr Smith had assured him she was dressed and just pulling together her stuff for heading home.
“Hey, hero,” she greeted him when she turned to find him watching her.
Tim blushed before pushing past it, “Feeling better?”
“Yeah. So, your next shore leave I want a call so we can get through the next Indiana Jones movie,” Kate wrapped her arm around his waist smiling as he lifted her bag for her, “Hero and chivalrous, if you didn’t live on a tub that spends all it’s time under the water you’d be the perfect man.”
“Thanks,” he replied sarcastically.
As they walked towards the launch bay they ran into the few members of the crew who knew Kate, she gave them a quick nod and wave goodbye but didn’t stop walking. On reaching the launch bay Kate smiled as she saw Bridger standing there.
“I’m leaving,” Kate held up her hands, “Honestly, you’re getting rid of me in the next five minutes.”
“I’m just here to make sure you don’t steal my Communications officer again,” Nathan told her.
Kate rolled her eyes, “I steal him once and you just can’t let it go.”
Nathan shook his head before moving and resting his arm around her in a quick hug, “Take care.”
With that said he left and Kate turned to Tim, she motioned him to her and hugged him once more before kissing him quickly.
“I’ll see you later.”
Tim watched as she headed out and gave a quick wave as she disappeared before sighing in relief that she was gone. He hoped the others would lay off him now.
The room stopped shaking finally and Tim slowly raised his head waiting. Sure they wouldn’t get thrown about if they moved he gently nudged Kate.
“We’re okay,” he whispered.
Kate looked up at him, “For now,” she replied wryly.
Helping her to her feet Tim allowed himself a chuckle as he realised she was still wearing the heels. At his amused look she rolled her eyes.
“I don’t think it’s safe to walk barefoot around here,” she snapped, motioning the all the broken crates scattered around their small life pod.
Tim nodded, sighing he pushed his hand through his hair and moved to the windows to see how far they’d moved away from the colony. He judged they were far enough away so that, if he’d judged the bombs explosive power correctly, there would be practically no damage to the colony.
“Tim,” Kate appeared at his side panic in her voice.
“What?”
“They’re not there,” she breathed.
Looking down at her Tim frowned before it hit him what she meant, Seaquest was gone.
“Not good,” Tim sighed, “Not good at all.”
Kate rubbed her hand across her face, “Looks like you were right earlier, we are screwed.”
-
“I could try and deactivate the bombs,” Tim suggested as he paced.
Kate looked at him as though he had said he was going to dye his hair pink, “You said you couldn’t.”
“Well…”
“Tim?”
He grimaced, “I would probably set them off early.”
“Okay,” Kate tapped her fingers against her cheek, “Nathan would only move the Seaquest if he had no other choice. So they must be on some kind of rescue mission.”
“Then we just have to hope they come back before we go boom,” Tim finished.
Finding one of the crates that had survived he found his jacket and placed it on the top giving them a place to sit that hopefully wouldn’t put splinters in awkward places. Kate sighed as she sat down taking his hand as he joined her. They sat watching the fish swim around as though they weren’t waiting for the bombs in every corner of the room to explode.
“I never thanked you,” Tim said suddenly making her look at him confused.
“For what?”
He laughed at the suspicion in her voice, “For making me talk about what happened with Mariah. It helped.”
“Even with the hangover?” Kate teased.
Tim chuckled, “Yeah. I didn’t realise how much I needed to talk about it.”
“That’s the friendship deal as far as I’m aware,” Kate leaned against him, “But you are pretty much the first real one I’ve ever had so I might be wrong.”
“You can’t mean that?”
“I have been wrong on occasion,” Kate replied lightly.
Tim rolled his eyes, “I mean I’m not the first real friend you’ve had, am I?”
Kate shrugged, “Well Nathan and Noyce are more like a Dad and an overprotective uncle so I wouldn’t put them in the friend category.”
“What about when you were a kid?”
Kate dropped her head, “Do you want to know why I’m this way?”
Tim stayed silent not sure what to say but Kate took it as confirmation, “My Dad left when I was three months old and when my mother remarried my step-father decided he didn’t want a smart mouthed kid that didn’t belong to him getting attention his real kids should get from their mother. I woke up one morning when we were on vacation to find I was alone. The people who took me in made sure I knew how worthless I was.”
She looked up at him, “I’ve been on my own since I was ten years old, Tim. You’re the first person I’ve ever let myself relax with. And I don’t know why.”
Tim glanced away not sure what to say, not sure how to respond to her revelation thankfully he didn’t need to answer her as water began to gush in.
-
“What’s going on?” Kate demanded as the sea water began filling the room.
“We must have cracked the hull when we separated,” Tim replied as he tried to find something to stop the water, “It looks like we’re not going to depressurise but we’ll be swimming pretty soon.”
“I can’t swim.”
Tim stopped and turned to her in amazement, “What?”
Kate shrugged but her growing panic was plain to see, “I never learned.”
Tim winced, this was not good. Especially the way the water was rising. He felt himself start to panic but forced that down, he was a Lieutenant in the UEO and a ranking member of the flagship - he could get them out of this.
“Kate,” he caught her face in his hands so that she would look at him, “I won’t let you drown but you have to trust me.”
She covered his hands with hers as she nodded before turning back to the water raining in on them, “I do.”
“Then see if you can open the rest of these crates,” Tim said, “See what’s inside. There might be something we missed that can help us contact someone or disarm the bombs.”
*********************************************
“Sir,” Ortiz called from his station, “We’re getting a call from Darrow. Part of the station has detached and been flung away. They think there are two people trapped inside it.”
“Why? Why can’t she go somewhere and not get into trouble,” Nathan groaned before turning to his Sensor Chief, “How long till the rescue operation is complete?”
“Ten minutes,” Ortiz replied, the tension in his voice evident as worry for his friend filled him.
“Okay, the moment that’s finished head back to Darrow,” Nathan ordered Henderson, he turned and moved to pool where Darwin was watching, “Swim back to the colony. Find O’Neill.”
“Find Tim,” Darwin replied, nodding enthusiastically.
“Go.”
With Darwin away Nathan took his seat again, worrying.
-
Miguel sent Mother out as far as he could to keep an eye on the part of the colony that had somehow disconnected from it. Every instinct in him was screaming that Tim was in there and needed them. But until they were finished with this rescue all he could do was watch.
He knew it was more than likely that Kate was with Tim, though he wasn’t sure that was comforting in any way. She did seem to cause trouble every time she appeared on the boat.
Miguel liked Kate and liked what her friendship had done to Tim. Under normal circumstances Tim would never have spoken to her without tripping over himself but considering how they’d met Tim didn’t think of her as a beautiful woman, which Miguel knew she was, he saw her as the insane woman who’d kidnapped him then got him shot when he tried to help her. What really surprised Miguel was how much Kate cared about Tim and how often she sought out his company.
He sighed as he surreptitiously checked the time, eight minutes until they could leave the area.
*********************************************
They given up trying to find something to make a radio or disarm the bombs with. The water had risen to a point where Kate couldn’t stand, so Tim had one arm around her making sure her head was above the water.
“I can’t feel my feet,” Kate gasped as the cold water began to affect her.
Tim nodded, “I know. At least you’re not wearing those shoes anymore.”
“Do you have any idea how much they cost?” Kate demanded trying to keep her voice light.
Tim raised an eyebrow, “Did you buy them.”
“Not my point.”
She began to shiver so Tim pulled her to him to share body heat.
“It’s hurting to breathe,” Kate whispered in his ear, “I don’t want to die, Tim.”
“We’re going to be fine,” he tried to say as assertive as possible though the tremor on his voice betrayed him; “Seaquest will come.”
“If it doesn’t,” she started, exhaustion filling her voice.
“It will.”
“But if it doesn’t,” Kate murmured before her head fell against his shoulder as she slipped into unconsciousness.
Panic filled him, “Kate? Kate, wake up.”
A soft moan was all the reaction he received. Tim frowned confused at what was happening to her. Yes, the water was freezing cold but it shouldn’t be affecting her so fast. Then Tim remembered the poison and what Dr Westphalen had done to remove it, dropping her body temperature had broken it down there must be some residual trace that was affecting her in this cold.
Tim splashed water on her face trying to wake her up, “Kate, you’re not leaving me alone here so come on.”
When she only moaned Tim tapped her face trying to hopefully wake her without having to hit her any harder. Finally he had to slap her wincing as she woke up with a start.
“What?”
“Sorry,” he apologised instantly, “You need to stay awake. I can’t keep us both above water if you’re unconscious.”
“I’ll try,” she promised, “Think warm thoughts, right?”
Tim laughed, spinning as he heard a tapping from behind him. Joy filled him at the sight of the dolphin just outside the window wearing his suit.
“They’re coming,” Tim sighed in relief, “They’re coming.”
-
Tim could feel his exhaustion pulling him down, there was very little room left for them as the water level had risen so high. Kate was still conscious but only barely and his arms were tired trying to keep her above water as well as hold onto the ceiling. A loud hollow clang sounded and Tim let out a cry of relief.
Seeing sparks to one side Tim kicked away pulling Kate along so they were out of the way. He smiled in relief as the part of the roof they were cutting into fell into the water and Miguel’s head appeared.
“You guys need a lift?”
“Here,” Tim swam over to them, “Take her up.”
Miguel grabbed one of Kate’s arms then Bridger appeared taking the other and they pulled her into the launch together. Tim reached up and caught the edge ready to pull himself up when a whine sounded joined in by several more and he saw several blinking red lights under the water.
“Captain,” he called up, “We need to go. The bombs are about to detonate.”
A hand suddenly reached down, grabbed Tim’s shirt and yanked him up into the launch.
“Thanks, Dagwood,” he smiled at the large man aware that Miguel was closing the launch door.
“Welcome,” the gentle giant smiled back.
“Sit down, Mr O’Neill,” the Captain called to him, “This is going to be bumpy.”
Tim dropped into the seat beside Kate, who was completely unconscious now, pulling her to him protectively as the small vessel was hit by the shockwave from the blast.
-
Kate opened her eyes and groaned, “Why do I always end up in here when I come onboard this ship?”
“You’ve only been here twice,” Nathan’s voice made her turn to find him sitting at her side.
“Still a 100% record,” she forced a smile onto her face, “Where’s Tim?”
Nathan smiled down at her, “He’s getting changed. But he’s fine.”
“He saved my life,” Kate said with a proud smile, “He deserves a promotion or something,” she paused and closed her eyes before sighing, “I’m sorry, Nathan. My information wasn’t very good.”
“It happens,” he reminded her, “And it was good enough that we stopped the deaths of everyone on Darrow.”
A smile touched her lips, “And I kept my promise.”
“This doesn’t mean you can betray my trust next time you’re here,” he reminded her sternly.
Kate shrugged, “Yeah, yeah.”
“Get some rest,” he told her before heading out muttering, “Nightmare.”
-
When she opened her eyes again Tim was standing at her side checking the readouts on the monitors.
“Do you know what they mean?” she asked amused chuckling as he spun caught out.
“No,” Tim slid into the seat at her side, “How do you feel?”
Kate sighed, “Exhausted.”
“The doctor said the cold water activated some residual traces of the poison,” he explained, “That’s why you passed out and why you’re so tired just now.”
She found his hand and slid hers into his, “You know you’re my hero now, don’t you?” as he blushed she chuckled, “I promise the next time I won’t panic so much, I just don’t react well to small enclosed spaces, imminent death and lots of water since I can’t swim.”
Tim shrugged, “Who does.”
“You did,” she reminded him. As he ducked his head at her praise Kate laughed again, “You’ve really got to learn to take compliments. D’you know that?”
“I’ll see you in the morning,” he said brushing past her words.
Kate pulled his hand so he didn’t leave, sitting up she hugged him tightly before kissing him lightly on the cheek, “See you in the morning.”
-
Tim sat in his quarters reading as sleep just wasn’t coming. He was exhausted but every time he closed his eyes the image of what could have happened floated through his mind. A knock made him frown and confusion filled him even more as the captain was standing outside.
“Sir?”
“Can I come in?” Bridger asked.
Tim stared at him for a few seconds before nodding, “Of course, sir.”
Bridger stepped inside and took the seat at the small desk, “Lt, I wanted to talk to you in private. I know I threw you into that mission without anything.”
“I understand your reasoning, sir,” Tim replied still standing stiffly trying not to stand at attention.
Bridger noticed and waved at him, “At ease, Lt. These are your quarters. Sit down.”
Tim licked his lips and perched on the bunk.
“I didn’t want to,” Bridger explained, “However, the information I had meant there was the possibility your mind could be read.”
“Permission to speak freely, sir?” Tim asked.
“Of course.”
“I understand your reasoning,” Tim said again, “But if I’d had even the slightest of warnings I could have brought something with me that could have helped me examine the bombs, or call for help and Kate wouldn’t be in the infirmary.”
“You’re right,” Bridger stood, “And I promise that if something like this ever happens again then I will make sure even if I can’t give you details, you will have your tools.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
-
Tim smiled as he saw Kate pulling her hair back when he walked into the infirmary, Dr Smith had assured him she was dressed and just pulling together her stuff for heading home.
“Hey, hero,” she greeted him when she turned to find him watching her.
Tim blushed before pushing past it, “Feeling better?”
“Yeah. So, your next shore leave I want a call so we can get through the next Indiana Jones movie,” Kate wrapped her arm around his waist smiling as he lifted her bag for her, “Hero and chivalrous, if you didn’t live on a tub that spends all it’s time under the water you’d be the perfect man.”
“Thanks,” he replied sarcastically.
As they walked towards the launch bay they ran into the few members of the crew who knew Kate, she gave them a quick nod and wave goodbye but didn’t stop walking. On reaching the launch bay Kate smiled as she saw Bridger standing there.
“I’m leaving,” Kate held up her hands, “Honestly, you’re getting rid of me in the next five minutes.”
“I’m just here to make sure you don’t steal my Communications officer again,” Nathan told her.
Kate rolled her eyes, “I steal him once and you just can’t let it go.”
Nathan shook his head before moving and resting his arm around her in a quick hug, “Take care.”
With that said he left and Kate turned to Tim, she motioned him to her and hugged him once more before kissing him quickly.
“I’ll see you later.”
Tim watched as she headed out and gave a quick wave as she disappeared before sighing in relief that she was gone. He hoped the others would lay off him now.