========================================================================== FOR THE LOVE OF THE FRIEND Tabitha Potter ========================================================================== Timeline: SeaQuest DSV Author's E-Mail: tabitha@expert.cc.purdue.edu ========================================================================== AUTHOR'S NOTES: This story is a work of fiction. In reality rape is a very serious offense, and it isn't always easy to heal. In the interests of time and space I had my character continue her life with more ease than most rape victims are able. I have written this in the hope that my children and the following generations will never have to suffer the sin of rape, male or female, and that someday the spirit and harmony that was intended by our Creator, no matter what Creator or Lord you believe in, can find a place in our everyday lives. If you have any questions or comments concerning this fanfic, please send them to me at: tabitha@expert.cc.purdue.edu Thanks! For the Love of a Friend by Tabitha Potter (Bridger's quarters. It is dark, and an unfamiliar voice is on the VidLink. Bridger is sitting in his chair with his head in his hands as the voice tries to console him.) Woman on VidLink I'm sorry, Captain. But we did all that we could for your brother and his wife. But your niece survived, despite her rape, and she needs a place to stay. You are her only living relative, sir, and that makes you her guardian, since your brother had no will. Bridger Very well, then. I'll be there in the morning. You're sure she is stable enough to travel? Woman Yes, Captain. I assume, however, that there is a doctor on board, in case complications should develop? Bridger Yes. Woman Then I shall release her into your custody in the morning. Again, Captain, I apologize for your loss. Bridger Thank you. (The VidLink shuts down, and a tear falls down Bridger's cheek.) Bridger Oh, Michael. Why did something so terrible have to happen to you?(He pages Ford)Commander, I'd like to see you in my quarters, please. Ford's Voice Yes, Captain. Right away. (A moment later there is a knock on the door.) Bridger Come in. Ford You wanted to see me, sir. Bridger Yes, Commander. Please, sit down.(Ford sits opposite of Bridger.) I've just received some terrible news. My brother and his wife were killedthis morning in an automobile accident. They were on their way to pick up my niece from the hospital since she had been raped two days ago. Ford Sir, that's terrible! Bridger There was a neighbor couple that stopped when they heard her screaming. They were able to pull him off of her, but he got away. There were fluids involved, so she will need close monitoring in case of infection. She is in good condition now and will be coming aboard in the morning. She will stay aboard until she is able to be on her own. I want you to see to it that she has safe, clean quarters and that the crew knows what happened. Ford Yes, Captain. Is there anything that I can do for you, sir? As a friend? I know that this must be a hard time for you. Bridger Thank you, Jonathan, but I'll be fine. However, I'll be leaving you in charge of the seaQuest while I pick her up in the morning. I thought it best to get her personally, but I would also like Lucas and Kristin to with me. That's who she'll be around the most the first few days. Ford I'll see to it that they are ready on time. Bridger Thank you, Jonathan. That is all. If you don't mind, please, I need to be alone for a while. Ford Yes, Sir. I'll see to my duties. Bridger Good night, Jonathan. (Lucas's quarters. He is on the InterNex, playing a game with a few friends, when Ford knocks on the door.) Lucas Come in. Ford Hey, Lucas. I need to tear you away from your game for a minute. This is important. Lucas Okay. Hold on a second while I sign off. (he pushes a few buttons) What's up, Commander? Ford (sighs) There's been a bit of a tragedy this evening, Lucas. The Captain's brother and his wife were killed in an accident. Lucas That's terrible! Is the Captain taking it all right? Ford He's dealing with his grief in his own way. But there's more to the story. His niece Marina was raped two days ago. She survived, and her parents were on their way to the hospital to pick her up when the accident happened. Lucas Oh, my God.(a look of horror is on his face) I hope they caught the man that did it. Ford No, he got away. But there are police looking for him. The point here is that Bridger is her only family now. She's coming aboard tomorrow until she can get her life back in order. The Captain wants you and Kristin to escort him tomorrow when he goes to pick her up. And he needs you to help take care of her while she's here, be her friend. You're the only one on board that's her age, and that's what she needs now. Not pity, a _friend_. Can I trust you, Lucas? Lucas Of course, Commander. It'll be nice to have someone aboard who's my age. Ford Great. The Captain and I knew we could count on you. Get in bed, then, you've got a long trip in the morning. Lucas You bet, Commander. Good night. (The next day. A UEO hospital on the coast. Cut to a room, where there is a neatly made bed and a teenage girl, sitting in a chair, looking out the window. She is dressed comfortably, and there is a nurse fawning over her hair, putting the finishing touches on a beautiful fall of blonde curls. Bridger, Lucas, and Kristin walk in.) Nurse They're here, child. Show them how pretty you are. Marina (Obviously upset by the nurse's patronizing tone) Thank you, Nurse. Hello, Uncle Nathan. It's been so long. Bridger (Kneels in front of her, takes her hand in his.) I'll be taking care of you for a while. Marina Oh, Nathan, if only I hadn't opened the door. He never would have... (her voice breaks off and she shivers, then gains her composure again) And Mom and Dad wouldn't have been in such a hurry to get here, and they'd still be alive. It's all my fault! (With this, she does break down and cry. Bridger looks to Kristin, helpless.) Kristin Now, Marina, don't say that. No one blames you. We don't, and I know that your parents wouldn't. You were the victim. It's not your fault. (Takes Marina's face gently into her hands) Such a beautiful face. You're very pretty, you know that? Marina That's what my parents used to tell me. (We have our first look at her face. She would be beautiful but there are cuts and bruises all over it.) Bridger Lucas, come here. (Lucas walks over to him.) Marina, this is Lucas. He's kind of like my son. He'll be with you when I can't. Lucas (Holds hand out, a little shaky since he isn't sure how to act.) Hi, nice to meet you. Marina (Takes his hand softly, not sure what to do with it.) You're a man. Lucas Yeah, well, I know. But I won't hurt you. The person that did this to you is too low to be considered a man. Think of it that way. No one on the seaQuest will hurt you, I promise. Bridger Everyone will be there to help, not hurt. I promise that no one on board will touch you if you don't want them to. Marina I don't want their pity. Bridger They don't pity you at all. They are only concerned, and want to make sure that you make a full recovery. Marina Well, I trust you, Nathan. Or should I call you Captain? (She smiles for the first time, just a little.) Bridger (Ruffles her hair softly) Come on, everyone. Lucas, can you get her bags, please? Let's get going. (Launch bay. Most of the crew is gathered there to welcome Marina. The door to the shuttle opens.) Ford Captain on deck! (All who are required snap to attention.) Bridger (As he walks aboard) At ease. (Kristin steps out behind him, followed by Marina and Lucas. Lucas is holding her bags with one hand and has the other on her shoulder.) I didn't expect a full turnout. Well, everyone, this is my niece Marina. As we all know, I've had a family tragedy lately, and she'll be staying with us for a while. (The crew greets her.) Marina Hi. Bridger Now, I'm sure that you'll all get to know her in time. But for today let's get her settled in and used to the place, shall we? Lucas, take her to her quarters. Everyone else, let's get back to our stations. Lucas Come on. (A hall. Darwin is in the swim tube, following them) Marina Is that Darwin? Lucas Yeah. He's pretty much my best friend around here. Marina Nathan told me about him. He's actually told me quite a bit about you. He thinks the world of you. Lucas Well, sometimes he gets a little paternal, but he's a great guy. Marina He misses Robert. You help ease that. Not that you aren't special to him in your own way. Lucas Oh, yeah, I know. Well, here we are, your room. (He opens the door.) You can pretty much do whatever you want with it. Mine's across the hall if you ever need anything. You can come over any time that you want to. Marina Thank you. Lucas Would you like some help unpacking? Marina That might be nice. Really all I have is clothes though. I made a list of things that I wanted from home. I can't go back there yet. I just can't. Lucas That's all right. You don't have to. You don't have to do anything that you don't want to. (They enter the room and start putting her things into the closet and dressers.) Marina Thank you, Lucas, for your help. Lucas Not a problem. Do you want me to give you a grand tour of the ship? Marina Really? Great! (MedBay. Kristin is arranging tubes on a tray. Bridger walks in.) Kristin Oh, Captain, I'm glad you're here. Bridger What's on your mind, Kristin? Kristin I'd like to take some blood samples from Marina today, and once every week from then on for a few months. That way if she was left with anything we have time to cure it. Bridger You mean you think that she has a disease? Kristin It's too early to tell. It's only been a few days. It's only a precaution. we have cures now for most STDs. However she still has a chance of pregnancy. We need to be on guard for both. Bridger The poor girl. Kristin I know. I would also like to do an examination. If there is still any exceptional discomfort maybe I can give her something. Bridger Do whatever you need to for her. Kristin Thanks, Captain. I will. (Darwin's tank. Lucas is introducing Marina to him.) Lucas Darwin, this is our new friend, Marina. Darwin Marina? Lucas Yes, that's right. She'll be staying with us for a while. Darwin Marina stay with Lucas and Darwin. Marina friend. Marina pretty. Marina Thank you. It's not every day I get a compliment from a dolphin. (She begins to rub his back.) Lucas Would you like to swim with him? Come on, I know that I can find a suit in your size. Marina Really? That would be great! (Bridge. O'Neill and Ortiz are at their stations.) Ortiz The Captain's niece didn't seem too happy to be here this morning. O'Neill I don't think it's that. She's probably still in shock. There's all these new people here. She's probably just scared. Ortiz Maybe. She and Lucas seemed to hit it off well, though. O'Neill Yeah, I noticed that too. But they're the same age. They need each other. Ortiz Well it's nice to have someone new aboard. Maybe the Captain will teach her how to do some of our work. O'Neill Yes. We'd have more free time then! Ortiz (Smiling) Goodness knows we need it! (Darwin's tank. Lucas is in the water, and Marina is outside the tank.) Marina How do I get in? Lucas Just jump in like I did, one leg at a time. Marina Lucas, I can't do it. Lucas Why not? Just lift your leg up and hop in. Marina Lucas, I just can't. Lucas (Finally understands it's because of her pain and gets out.) Well, I guess I'll just have to throw you in, then! (Picks her up) Marina Lucas, no, please don't! Lucas (Sets her in the water gently) Look, I told you I wouldn't hurt you. I don't plan on starting now. Marina (Thanks Lucas with a look of gratitude.) Darwin? Where'd you go? Darwin Darwin here. (Swims up beside her.) Marina and Darwin go for a ride. Marina Lucas? Lucas It's all right. He won't hurt you. Hold on right here. (Places her hand on Darwin's dorsal fin.) Darwin, go slow, okay? Darwin Yes. Go slow. Darwin no hurt Marina. (With that Darwin swims off, away from Lucas. He notices that Bridger has walked in.) Bridger That was very nice of you, Lucas. Lucas I can't help it, Captain. She just makes me...I don't know. _Want_ to take care of her. Bridger She's a wonderful girl. Always has been. She was such a delight to my brother and his wife. She's been the apple of my eye for some time. She has a way of making people love her. Lucas I noticed. Bridger When the two of you are done here, I want you to take her to MedBay. Dr. Westphalen wants to run some blood tests. Lucas Do you think that... Bridger We don't know yet. That's why we're starting tests now. Lucas I'll be sure to take her when we're done here. Bridger Thank you, Lucas, for helping. I really appreciate it. Lucas (Watching Darwin and Marina play) Believe me, Captain, this one is definitely my pleasure. (Marina sees Bridger, and she swims up to him.) Marina Hi, Nathan. Bridger Hey, brat. Lucas is showing you the ropes, I see. Marina You never told me that the seaQuest was this big! I love it. Bridger Well, you have free run to do what you please. I know I can trust you not to interfere. Marina Of course. I know my boundaries. But you have to let me drive it. Bridger (smiling) Well, we'll see. For now, you just worry about getting used to the place. And I've instructed Lucas to take you to MedBay after this. Dr. Westphalen wants to take some blood for tests. We want to make sure that you're healthy. Marina I understand. I'll go, I promise. Bridger Then when you're done you can come to the Bridge and I'll introduce you to some of the crew. Marina Okay. Bridger Well then, I'll leave the two of you to your play, and I'll see you in a little while. If there's anything you need, let me know. (Bridger leaves) Marina I love my uncle. He's such a good man. Lucas I know. He's done wonders for me. Marina You know what, Lucas? I've made up my mind. I'm going to try not to think about the rape. Sometimes, bad things happen. But he didn't kill me. And now look. Maybe Nathan will let me stay here, maybe even work. I can start a new life here. Lucas That's a good possibility. Marina And Lucas? You know what else? Lucas What? Marina (with a huge smile) You're it! (She jumps on him and shoves him under the water. He comes up sputtering and laughing.) Lucas That's it! You asked for it! (With that they are off, swimming and playing, Darwin jumping with them.) (Bridger and Kristin are at the door, spying on them. Bridger is smiling.) Bridger Well, there's her first step to healing. Kristin Having a friend helped. And I think that knowing every man isn't out to get her helped. Nathan, you are brilliant. Bridger Not me. Lucas. He's the one that got her to break through. Kristin You'd better watch out, Nathan. She's your daughter now, and Lucas will be at your door with chocolates and flowers before long. Bridger (laughing) I'd like to see that. Kristin You would want them in a relationship? Bridger Whatever it takes to help Marina. I trust Lucas. And it would be nice to see her with someone I approve of. It will keep her away from the rebellious stage with tattooed bikers and career fast food dopeheads. Kristin Nathan, you are too much. Bridger I try. Come on, let's leave them alone. (Bridge. Lucas and Marina enter. Marina has a large piece of gauze taped to the inside of her elbow.) Marina Nathan, we're here. Bridger Come on in! I see you had your test done. Marina Yeah, it wasn't too bad. Bridger Well, that's good. Anyway, this is my Bridge, and this is my commander, Jonathan Ford. Marina Nice to meet you. Nathan's told me so much about you. Ford Likewise. It's nice to have you aboard. Bridger Then this is Tim O'Neill, Miguel Ortiz, and James Brody. Marina Hi, guys. (They respond accordingly, but Marina is more interested in the screens around her.) This is so cool! Uncle Nathan, you actually designed all of this? Bridger Guilty. Marina It's absolutely beautiful. Bridger Well, maybe someday I'll show you how all of this works. If you're interested. Marina Oh, Nathan, yes! That would be so cool! Bridger Maybe tomorrow then. For now, why don't you and Lucas go to the mess and have your dinner, then try to get some sleep. The two of you have had a big day. Marina Well, I am hungry. Okay, Nathan. Good night. (she kisses him on the cheek.) Bridger If you need anything, you have a link to my quarters. Marina All right. Good bye, it was nice to have met all of you. (The crew's "good nights" follow Marina and Lucas into the hall.) (That night. Marina's quarters. She is sleeping, but not soundly. She is thrashing about on the bed. Suddenly through a sea of red her dream comes clearly and we can see everything through her eyes. A man breaks through the door of a house. Marina's Voice Hey! What are you doing? Get out of here! I'll call the police! Man If you touch that phone I swear, I _will_ kill you! Copperate and I'll let you live. Marina's Voice (as she is thrown to the floor) Stop it! Let me go! Oh, God, please _stop_! Man Shut up! (Marina is screaming. Through her eyes we see the house in sporadic spurts as her head is thrown around by the force of the man's assault. Finally after a few moments, the man is pulled off by another man and a woman.) Man Let me go! Marina Damn you! Look what you did to me! I swear, I will get you back for this! I'll find a way! (Lucas' quarters. He jerks up from his sleep. In the background he hears Marina's frantic screams.) Lucas Marina! (He jumps up from his bed and runs over to her room. When the throws open the door he sees her thrashing about on the bed and screaming. He runs to her side and tries to shake her awake. They fall to the floor and Lucas gathers her into his arms.) Lucas Marina! Marina! Wake up! Please wake up! It's only a dream! Marina (suddenly aware that it is Lucas and that it was a dream) Lucas, I'm awake. Lucas Are you all right? Do you want me to call the Captain? Marina No. I'm all right now. It was only a dream. Lucas Well, you're safe now. I promise, that man will never hurt you again. (Suddenly he realizes that she is still in his arms and her face is pressed into his chest. Gently he brushes her wet, sweaty hair away from her face and kisses her softly on her forehead, not sure how she will react. She looks up at him.) Marina Oh, Lucas. You're too kind to me. Thank you for being so wonderful. Lucas Hey, it's not a problem. Marina Thank you anyway. (She kisses him gently on his lips, and he kisses her back, trying to be careful and not hurt her since she is still bruised. When they pull away, she clears her throat.) I am kind of thirsty, though. Do you know where I can get a drink of water? Lucas Sure. Follow me. (Crew's Mess. They both have a large bowl of ice cream in front of them. Marina is generously putting chocolate syrup on hers.) Marina Can't we get in trouble for this? Lucas Nah, it's just ice cream, and we're kids. We're allowed. Marina (giggles) This is so cool. Lucas Yeah, I like it. (They begin to eat, giggling like children. Suddenly, Bridger walks in in his robe.) Bridger What are you two up to? Marina Uncle Nathan, it's my fault. I had a bad dream, and Lucas came over to wake me up. Then I wanted a drink, so we came in here, and I saw the ice cream. Bridger Brat, I'm not mad at you. I just wondered what brought you to the mess at 2 in the morning. Marina Well, you have really good ice cream here. You want some? Bridger (A smile flits across his face) Sure. But only if I get as much chocolate syrup as you did. (Marina grabs another bowl and scoops the ice cream in it, then pours syrup on it and slides it across the table to him. When he takes his first bite, Lucas starts to laugh.) Lucas This is so funny. The captain of the ship, the great Nathan Bridger, sitting in his robe at 2 in the morning, eating ice cream with a couple of teenagers. (The other two think about it for a second, then burst out laughing with him.) Bridger Hey, as long as we enjoy it. (Smiling) And keep it between ourselves. Can you imagine what the crew would think if they saw us here like this? I have my reputation to uphold. Lucas Um, Captain, I was thinking. Do you think that it would be okay if I took Marina on shore leave tomorrow? I know a place that I think she would enjoy. Bridger Well, it's all right with me, if she wants to go. Marina I'd love to, Lucas! Bridger Well, then, that's settled. Just be careful. Marina (Gets up and hugs Bridger) Thank you, Nathan. Lucas Yes, Captain. Thank you. (The next day. A beach.) Lucas Marina, are you feeling more comfortable? Marina Yeah, I guess so. It's just kind of hard. There's all those strange men. I know that none of them would ever hurt me, but I still have the nightmares. And I miss my parents. Lucas It will take time to get over everything. You know that you will have all the time that you need here. Marina Well, I've already told myself that this is my new life. I don't want to go back to my old life. I have so many opportunites right here. I know that I will always miss my parents, but I have Nathan for family. And I know that I'm not a virgin anymore, but that wasn't by choice, and I think that if a man truly loved me he could overlook that. Lucas I know that I would. Marina But, Lucas, you're different. At least, from the guys I used to know. Lucas Well, I graduated college while my peers were still in junior high. Marina I didn't mean that. I meant your personality and your way of looking at things. Look at me. Most other guys would have shied away from me when I was in the hospital and looked so terrible. But you...you walked right up to me and talked to me like a person, not a casualty. That meant a lot to me. Lucas I couldn't help it. You drew me to you somehow. I can't explain it. Marina Well, you were the one that started my mental recovery. I know that I still have a long way to go, but that I'll make it. You've shown me that. Lucas I just want whatever helps you. Marina Lucas, you are so special. I think that I could learn to love a guy like you. Lucas Marina...(he leans over and kisses her cheek) I want you to love again, and I would very much like for it to be with me. Marina I know. But I'm still a little scared. Lucas Take your time. I'll give you all that you need. (Bridge, the next day. Marina is sitting in a navigator's chair having the time of her life. Lucas is watching her with a smile. Bridger is talking to O'Neill.) Ortiz Captain, I've got a distress signal here. Bridger Put it on. (Static, then a man's voice) Man's Voice SOS! SOS! I've lost all engines! I'm running out of air! Bridger This is Nathan Bridger of the UEO ship seaQuest. Give us coordinates and we'll send a launch for you. Man's Voice I don't know my coordinates! Just help me! (Marina stands up, her face pale with a look of horror. Lucas runs over to her as the crew sends out radar and WSKRS to look for the ship.) Lucas What's wrong, Marina? Marina That's him. I know that voice. That's the man that raped me. Bridger Send out a shuttle! (Brody and 3 others head to Launch Bay.) We are on our way. Keep sending your signal so that we can find you. Lucas Captain, I think that you need to hear this. Bridger What is it, Lucas? (sees Marina cowering) What's wrong with her? Marina That's the man that raped me. I know his voice. Bridger By UEO mandate I have to send the shuttle. But we'll hold him and bring authorities. O'Neill, send for UEO police on the double! (Marina is shaking, and Lucas is holding her.) Marina Lucas, I'm scared. Lucas I know. But he won't be able to touch you. The police will take him away. (Later that day. Launch Bay. Brody comes on board with a tall man with dark hair. They take him into MedBay where Kristin treats him and gives him a sedative.) (Lucas' quarters.) Marina Lucas, I want to see him. Lucas I don't think that's such a wise idea. Marina Lucas, I have to. I have to have closure on this. Lucas The captain said to keep you here so that he doesn't know you're aboard. Marina Lucas, you can't stop me! (She runs off, toward MedBay) Lucas Marina, no! (He runs after her.) (MedBay. The man is asleep.) Marina (looking through the window) That _is_ him. Oh God Lucas. Lucas It's all right. He's asleep. He can't hurt you. (The man stirs and wakes up.) Man You! You pulled me into a trap! You think you'll get me back! I'll kill you! (Marina screams and runs. The man jumps up and runs out. MedBay becomes a flurry of activity, but he still gets away. Lucas tries to stop him, but the man throws him aside. Lucas hits the Emergency button and then runs after them.) (Bridge. The alarm is sounding.) Bridger What in the hell is that? (Kristin runs into the room) Kristin Nathan! Quickly! He's escaped and he's after Marina! Bridger Oh, God! Brody! Get after him! Please! She's all I have! Brody I'm all over him, Captain! Everybody! Move, let's go! (Security and crew alike pour out into the seaQuest) (Boiler room. Marina is crouched in a dark corner. The man can be seen walking by.) Man I knew I should have killed you when I had the chance! Where are you? Lucas's Voice Marina! Marina, where are you? (The man looks around, searching.) Man So, you have a little boyfriend now? (He pulls a knife from his boot.) Well, let's see if he likes this! I'll kill him too! Lucas (Walks into the room.) Marina? Are you in here? Marina (Jumps out of her hiding place and runs toward him.) Lucas! He has a knife! Get out of here! Man There you are! Now I'll finish I started! I should have known you'd give me trouble! Marina You're crazy! Get away from me! (She scrambles over the equipment towards Lucas and grabs his hand as she runs by.) Marina Lucas, run! Lucas Marina! (They run out of the room with the man pursuing them. They get to Darwin's pool and find most of the crew there, including Bridger. Suddenly Marina goes down. The man has her by the hair and pulls her to him then presses the knife to her throat.) Man Put your weapons down or I'll kill her! I swear I will! Brody You first! Let her go! Man Never! I'm going to count to 10 and then you'll watch her die! Brody Let her _GO_! Man I'm not kidding! Put your weapons down! ONE! Marina (whimpers) Nathan...Lucas...help me! Lucas Stay calm, sweetheart. We'll get you out of this! Man TWO! For God's sake put them down! THREE! Brody Let her go! Man FOUR! Lucas Brody, do it! Maybe he'll let her go. Man FIVE! (Lucas slips around to the back and gets a laser gun from Bridger.) Lucas Let him get to Launch Bay. I'll be hiding there. (He exits silently and the man doesn't even notice.) Man SIX! SEVEN! Bridger Brody, make them drop their weapons. Brody But Captain! Bridger Do it! Brody Weapons down! (There is a clatter as the weapons fall to the floor.) Man Now! Get me a launch! NOW! Or I'll slit her throat! Bridger Give him a launch! Man Now you're being smart. (They let the man through to Launch Bay.) Bridger You're free! Now let her go! Man You actually thought that I would let her go, and go aboard a UEO shuttle that you can track? Do you think that I am stupid? I'll kill her first, then take myself after her! Bridger I give you my word as Captain that you will go free if you release her. Man (Mocking him) Your word as captain? No! (Marina is desperately clawing at him. She spies Lucas with the laser trained on the man. She nods to him as best she can and begins to fight the man, finally nailing him in the groin hard enough that he loosens his grip. She slides out onto the floor and tries to roll to safety. Lucas shoots the man in the leg. He falls and the knife clutters to the floor. Marina snatches it up and holds it over the man.) Marina Now it's my turn. You raped me! You ruined me! My family is dead because of you! You deserve to die! I promised you I would have my revenge! Man Go ahead! Do it! Lucas Marina, no! Marina He deserves to die, Lucas! Lucas No! Marina, let the police do it! Marina, please! Marina No! Lucas, let me do this! Lucas Marina, let the police do their job! Don't incriminate yourself! Put the knife down! Please! Come on, let's start that new life right now! Please! Marina (Wants to stab him, but Lucas' voice halts her. She drops the knife, and looks down at the man.) Damn you to hell. (She spits on him and kicks him in the stomach. He rolls over.) Bridger Brody, cuff him. UEO Policeman (Walking into Launch Bay from his shuttle) No, let me. (He is followed by five other UEO officers.) UEO Officer We've got enough on this guy to put him away for the rest of his life. Assault, rape, attempted murder, kidnapping, taking of a hostage...don't you worry, he'll never hurt you again. (With this, Marina finally wobbles and falls into Bridger's arms. Lucas takes her from him and sits down on the floor, holding her the way he did the night of her nightmare. She is crying. Behind them the man is cuffed and taken aboard the UEO shuttle. The crew erupts in cheers.) Lucas Marina, we did it! Bridger Lucas, you saved her life. Lucas I had to, Captain. I promised her. And, I love her. (Holds her closer and kisses her head.) Bridger What you did was very commendable. You should be rewarded. Lucas I have all the awards I need right here. Marina Lucas, you don't want me. I'm...spoiled. Lucas Remember the beach? Remember what you said to me? This is your new life. Nothing that happened before matters anymore. I don't care if you technically aren't a virgin. That's not important. You're a virgin in your heart, so you could never be spoiled to me. I love you, not your body. Marina Lucas, I love you. You saved my life. Lucas Hey, no problem. Now, let's get you to MedBay and make sure you're all right. Marina I think I did twist my ankle a little. Lucas Well, that can be taken care of easily enough. Do you think you can walk? Marina Yes, I think so. (Lucas helps her up and she smiles at him, then turns to Bridger.) Thank you, Nathan. I'll never forget what you and your crew did for me. Bridger I'll come with the two of you. There's some things I want to talk to you about. (MedBay. Marina is having her ankle wrapped.) Marina What did you want to talk about, Nathan? Bridger I've been giving this a lot of thought. I'd like, with your permission, to adopt you as my own daughter. Marina Nathan, I would like that very much. Bridger (smiling) Well, then, I'll see to getting it started. In the meantime I have to speak with UEO to find out what they will do with that man. I want to make sure he can never reach you again. Marina Thank you. For everything. Bridger I expect to see you on the Bridge bright and early tomorrow. If you're going to be my daughter, then you have to act like it. Marina (laughing) Aye aye, Captain. Bridger Take care of her, Lucas. Lucas I will, sir. (Darwin's pool. Lucas and Marina are standing there arm in arm, playing with Darwin.) Darwin Bad man go to jail? Lucas Yes, Darwin, for a very long time. Marina I'm just glad they were able to ID him. I can rest a lot easier knowing that he can't hurt anyone else the way he did me. Lucas Between the rape itself and the stunt he pulled here he won't be able to take care of himself when he gets out of jail, let alone hurt anyone. Marina Lucas, I never properly thanked you for saving my life. Lucas Yes, you did. You lived through it, didn't you? Plus, I'd never have been able to shoot him if you hadn't broken free on your own. Marina Well, okay, I'll give you that, nevertheless...(she leans over and kisses him) Thank you. Lucas I'd do it again if I had to, if nothing else than for the reward. Marina (smiling) Now don't get cocky. How about some ice cream with lots of chocolate syrup? Lucas You've got a deal. Let's go! The End ========================================================================== Copyright 1997 by Tabitha Potter