*** Temporary Sickbay * USS Chimera *** Rangis head ached slightly and though she felt tired, she knew the thoughts circling in her mind wouldnt allow rest just yet.So she pressed her fingers to her face and stifled a yawn. As she dropped her hands, her attention focused on a slim figure on a bed opposite to where she sat. In that instant the woman turned her head and met Rangis gaze. The womans face was pale and haggard and her expression held so much sadness that Rangi felt a wave of sympathy. She stood up and crossed the short distance, asking quietly as she approached.."How are you feeling Gwen?" Gwen McKenna forced a smile and moved to sit up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. "Oh not too bad now thankyou" she replied and shifted along so that Rangi could sit down. "Actually, I've been lying here thinking. " she explained slowly, looking down at her hands and then transferring her attention to Rangi. "Commander...what do you know about temporal anomalis?" Rangi opened her mouth to reply but paused before she answered. "Well...not a great deal really." {But more than I want to..} she thought. Again came the weak smile. " I was talking to Lt.Chamberlain" Gwen continued and glanced towards an elderly man sleeping three or four beds away from where they were. Rangi looked at him too, noticing the tremor of his hands, even in sleep.She knew he was the same age as herself and that his life was coming swiftly towards its end. She looked back at Gwen. "About what?" she asked. Gwen shifted her position so that she faced Rangi. "He told me that time runs in parallel lines...not just a pair...there can be many...and that when something happens here, it might be different in another line." Rangi saw the glimmer of hope in the womans face, heard the note of eagerness in her voice and knew what she was thinking before she spoke. "So that would mean.." Gwen said "...that John didnt die...that he's still alive somewhere. Thats possible isnt it?" Her eyes looked into Rangis willing her to agree.The fact that she wanted to believe it was plain to see. "I...well...yes." Rangi said with a slight shake of her head and a shrug. " Lots of things are 'possible' but.." Gwen looked away with a smile."And we're still together then." she said. She turned her head back suddenly and caught Rangis expression. Her smile faded. "You dont think so do you?" she asked, the brightness dying away from her voice. "I dont know" Rangi replied truthfully and saw tears well up in Gwens eyes. "I just want us to be together." Gwen said, her voice breaking in emotion. "I understand that...really I do." Rangi said. Gwen sniffed and dashed a tear from her cheek. " I can't imagine life without him. " she said, swallowing back her tears. "...and when the lieutenant explained it..I thought that....we could be." "Look.." Rangi said when a second or two had passed. "It might be true..I know some people on this ship..including me... have had strange experiences since we entered the marsh." Gwen looked at her sharply, hope returning. "But Gwen... John has gone....and even if there is another ..'line'...you are still in this one.You mustn't live in a dream." "I know that commander." Gwen answered quietly, dropping her gaze. "But it means that everything we planned and hoped for still happens.Doesnt it?" Gwen raised her eyes and the two women looked at each other in silence. Rangi was the first to speak. "It could do...yes." she said thinking that any shred of hope is welcome when a world crumbles away. "Gwen..I think it might be an idea to talk this over with the counselor....in your own time...when things settle down." "The counselor?" Gwen asked doubtfully. "Yes...she's an excellent listener and I'm sure she can help you resolve this.Will you think about it?" Not looking or sounding very enthusiastic Gwen replied. " I suppose I could." "It would be a good idea." Rangi said, gave a small smile and stood up."Now I think we both should try to sleep...ok?" Gwen nodded. "Yes..I'm a bit tired....thankyou commander" she said and moved back onto the bed. Rangi waited a moment then turned away, returning to her own makeshift bed. She lay down and tried to find a comfortable position, which was easier said than done on the narrow mattress. With a long sigh, she closed her eyes and waited for sleep. *** End Log *** LtCommander Rangi Summers CMO/2XO USS Chimer & Gwen McKenna (npc) Rangi