OOC: This log takes place shortly after we arrive back in our own time. Lt Commander Samantha Palmer Mission Specialist USS Chimera NCC 96899 = Temporary Quarters Samantha walked into the small room and was slightly shocked to see the state it was in. Considering all things, however, it still looked very neat. Only now did her eyes allow her to see how badly the Gott had been damaged by the X!Chi, and that it really was a miracle they made it back in one piece. The room was small, with four walls; opposite the door stood a double bed and next to it a door that probably led to the bathroom. The only decorations in the room were a partially melted desk, a semi-intact couch and scorch marks running up along the walls. Luckily, the room smelled a lot better than the rest of the ship. As the door slid shut behind her, Samantha slumped against the wall and slid down to the floor. A strange mix of tiredness, relief and sadness washed over her, and the events of the past weeks began to take on a surreal quality in her mind. She didn’t feel like crying, although somewhere along the lines she knew it would probably come. A small peal of laughter escaped her as she realised once again that they were home, and that she was alive. It was almost an unexpected surprise. The floor began to feel very comfortable where she sat, and Samantha exhaled deeply. She just wanted to sleep now, for a very a long time. And that’s just what she did. As soon as she closed her eyes, she drifted away. Her blonde hair, usually pinned back and painstakingly neat, fell down to her shoulders and covered her face. When she opened her eyes, Samantha found herself in a completely different position than what she had fallen asleep in. She was stretched out on the bed, and next to her lay Nicolas, propped up on one arm with his eyes closed, but fast asleep. “Nicolas…” she whispered, curious as to why he was lying next to her. Only when his eyes fluttered open did she realise he had been holding her hand while she slept. “Oh, it seems that we’re going to be sharing a room,” Nicolas said nonchalantly, sitting up. He reached his arms behind his head and stretched, letting out a soft groan. “I hope you don’t mind.” Looking up at him from the pillow, Samantha just smiled, “I suppose I have no choice in the matter. How long have I been asleep? And how did I get on the bed?” “I came in and found you on the floor. I thought the bed would be more comfortable… but I can put you back on the floor if you like,” he smiled. Looking at his wrist, he continued, “I’ve been here about 12 hours now.” “12 hours?” she asked, amazed. “I’ve been asleep that long? I should go see the General.” Samantha tried to get up, but Nicolas anticipated her move, pinning her down on the bed and planting a kiss on her lips. “You’re not going anywhere again if I can help it,” he smiled. There was a playfulness and excitement in his words that she had never thought she’d hear again. Was it too late for them to turn back the clock? “Nicolas… it’s been ten years. We hardly know each other anymore,” she replied, looking up into his eyes. Though this was true, Samantha could still feel the connection between them. Even after so long, it had somehow remained. “We have a lot of catching up to do, then. How about starting now?” “All right,” she conceded. “I suppose the General can wait. But the shower can’t. You’re starting to smell like a Klingon.” Samantha pushed him off playfully and jumped from the bed. “I’m going to see if there’s anywhere around here to get some food.” “Hurry back,” Nicolas called after her as she left their quarters. Walking down the corridor, Samantha couldn’t help but smile to herself. Where she passed people on her way, they smiled too. For the moment, nothing could dampen the spirits of a crew that had achieved the near impossible. =