unsteadily, through the crowd. She applauded with the rest at his award but thought he looked somehow displeased or disapproving. He had been released from sickbay in late afternoon and she had wondered then if he would actually arrive at the party.But her thoughts didnt linger with Cortez for the last award was taking place. Lucy smiled when she saw the CO hand Rangi the silver medal and but when she caught the look that passed between them Lucy looked down at the glass in her hand. {This time last year} she thought feeling a lump come to her throat {John and I were together....} She swallowed down the remaining champagne in a gulp, an action that made her cough. Her eyes were a little bright as she looked around at the happy crowd. {I need another drink} she thought and began to ease her way towards the bar. Jason sat at the bar sipping his scotch and staring intently at the open box sat in front of him the single black pip glinting in the light, He hadn't expected to last a year in Starfleet let alone get a promotion. He sipped his drink as he glanced around the room. He couldn't help but notice the slender figure of Lucy Fleming as she made her way to the bar. Jason noticed as she glanced in his direction so he flashed her a smile and waved as she got closer Lucy hesitated but seeing the smile and gesture to join him felt she couldnt turn away or pretend she hadnt seen him.So she squeezed her way through the crush at the bar, saw him grab a stool as soon as it was vacated and arrived beside him saying: "Merry Christmas...and congratulations." She glanced at the velvet box and back to him, then to occupy herself, sat herself on the stool and smoothed her costume."Its a great party." she said feeling herself blush and hating it. Jason smiled slightly "Thanks and Merry Christmas to you to" He sipped his drink and leaned back on the chair slightly "So hows things?" he asked "Oh, not too bad." she replied. "I'm ready for R&R though..things in sickbay were a bit manic at times. " She smiled slightly at him and asked "What about you?" Jason shrugged slightly "I'm hoping to spend sometime on the Holodeck catch up a few flight hours" He replied before draining the contents of his glass and then looking at Lucy "You want a drink?" he asked Lucy looked at her empty glass.She was feeling down, surrounded by happy couples and missing John accutely. But she was also intrigued by Jason who, she knew was her husband in another time line. She looked at him and said "Why not?" and pushed her glass towards him. Jason smiled and waved to one of the barstaff "Can I get a scotch and" He turned to Lucy and smiled "And what ever the lady would like" He said turning back to face the man. "Vodka and lime please" Lucy said The Crewman nodded "Yes sir" He said and turned to get them their drinks Jason turned to Lucy there was something in her face that told him she wasn't perhaps in the christmas spirit "Are you sure everythings alright?" He asked quitely Surprised by the question, Lucy blurted out. "Yes.No..I mean...no not really. Sorry, Im not in the party mood. " She slid off the stool and gave Jason an apologetic smile."Thankyou for the offer of a drink...perhaps another time." She turned away. Jason stood and followed after her as she neared the doors he stopped her gently "Would you mind if I walked you to your quarters" He smiled and shrugged slightly "Least I can do for my first friend on board is make sure she gets home safe" Lucy glanced at his fingers as they gently touched her arm. She took a step back. " There's no need. " She felt a twinge of meaness knowing that he meant to be kind and realizing too that he must be must have thoughts of his wife and child, lost to him now. "But its a kind thought. Thankyou then." She gave him a weak smile. " Its not far.." Jason smiled and they started down the corridor "I take it this time of year is not your favourite" He said smiling slightly "I don't enjoy it as much as I once did myself" he admitted. She looked at him quickly understanding why. "Its not Christmas exactly." she replied. " Just thinking of past ones. Please ignore me..Im not usually so..miserable" She smiled a wider though somewhat forced smile and they approached the turbolift. Jason nodded "Its ok I understand completely" He stopped by the lift and pressed the button to call it "As I'm sure you know I have no family or real freinds any more, The only people I have are my fellow Engineers.." He paused for a moment as the lift arrived "And you" he glanced up as they stepped in to the lift Lucy followed him inside. "Deck eight" she said clearly.The doors closed , the lift hummed to movement and the silence between the two was almost tangible.She broke it by saying quietly; "Christmas must be very difficult for you." The lift stopped, having descended just one deck and doors opened to an empty corridor. "I'm just along there." Lucy said, indicating a right turn. "There's no need to come any further." Jason nodded and smiled "Ok then I guess this is good night" he said "Merry christmas Lucy" He started to turn and then stopped "Lucy...." he started to say a slight nervous look in his eyes "Yes?" Lucy stopped, two paces away from him, one hand holding a fold of her pretty gown. Jason just looked at her for a few moments "Erm... Have you....Have you ever been flying?" he asked putting a hand in his pocket and attempting to look as comfortable and confident as possable. "Flying?" Lucy sounded surprised. It was the last thing on her mind at that moment. "Oh..just ships and shuttles and..things ." replied vaguely waving a hand. He smiled and shook his head "No no I mean Flying in an old earth AirCraft" he said "You mean those things made of canvas and struts? Oh no...Ive never been in anything like that" she said and her smile was the most natural he had seen all evening. He returned the smile "Would you like to?" he asked "I have a holodeck program one of the Cadets made for me when I was at the accademy" "Ummm...I..alright then.Yes, I'd like to." She considered something then asked " I have to wear a leather helmet?" He smiled "Well that depends on what type of aircraft you choose" he said moving a bit closer to her " Some of the planes in the program don't require a helmet but the more fun ones do" "It sounds interesting." she replied. "We'll arrange something then. Thankyou for seeing me home." She paused a moment then turned and walked towards her door. He smiled "Well good night" he said starting to turn away "You look wonderful by the way" He added with a wave She gave him a small smile, tapped in the code for her quarters and glanced back. He was still standing by the lift door. "Goodnight" she said and went inside. When the door closed behind her she gave a long sigh then moved into her room and picked up a holograph from the table. Holding it carefully, she sat down in an armchair and gazed at the face for a long time. LtJg Jason Stephens AEO Uss Chimera A & Lucy Flemming Nurse Uss Chimera A (NPCed By Rangi)