===== Shuttle bay I, USS Chimera ===== Shane waited till everyone from his team left the shuttle and looked around. A broad smile appeared on his face as he could think that there were no casualities on this last part of the mission. Sure, they've had cloaking devices and modified weapons ... but still the away team could easily turn to a bloody bath ... and Shane was very glad all of his team arrived back to the ship safe and sound ... Through the shuttle's front window he saw Pvt. Pillow struggling along with MaiKai, but her injury was after all accounts not a serious one and MaiKai stated that the private will be able to leave the sickbay in few hours. Sighing in relief one more time, Shane started to step out the shuttle. He was glad to be back on the ship ... and even more glad that he will see Rangi again. He missed her very much when she was MIA not so long ago ... and once she was back on the ship they've had that pointless argument. Shane was angry on himself ... how he could say thing he did? He loved Rangi ... no question there ... but still he acted not very kind to her ... Feeling his head spinning slightly again, he hoped that no doctor will spy him out ... cause he knew he would have a hard time avoiding a trip to sickbay ... and a stay there for a day or two. *** Sickbay *** +Taps + Bridge to Commander Summers... +Taps + Go ahead Lieutenent. +Taps + Ma'am?...just had word from Colonel Bretam.They're returning to Chimera...mission accomplished. +Taps+ Both shuttles? +Taps+ Yes ma'am...La Rochelle is approximately a minute and a half behind the Forester. +Taps+ Are there any casualties? There was moments puase before LtYork replied: +Taps+ Yes ma'am...one aboard La Rochelle....Dr Carpenter reports one...er...walking wounded...a marine private +Taps + I see..thankyou Lt..Summers out. Rangi smiled widely and gave a long sigh of relief, which ended in a small laugh. Feeling suddenly carefree, light and happy, she picked up the holograph from her desk, holding it for a moment pressed close to her chest. Looking at it once more, her smile lessened. She studied the XOs face, beaming up at her but with a secret smile in his eyes that was meant for only her.{'Tread carefully now'} her father had begged her at their last meeting and at the time Rangi had felt a tinge of uncertainty, following, as it did, on the rumours and the argument with Shane that had gone before. But now that was forgotten. She set the holograph gently back in its place."Welcome home" she whispered and turned to the door. "I'm in shuttle bay 1 " she called to Scott as she walked swiftly towards Sickbay exit. He raised his hand in acknowledgement and grinned back to her. ====== Shuttle Bay ====== Only from the distance seeing Keylor leaving with Athena he wondered if he saw right ... Athena seemed to be in some sort of Marine clothing ... and not even a proper clothing. Shrugging slightly he thought that Athena would be up for any joke ... His head slowly started to give him a headache and Shane had to think seriously if he really wasnt a case for the sickbay. He was sure that any doctor that would meet him, and Rangi especially would like to drag him there. Like a strike from about ... There she stood. Tall, clad in teal and smiling on him. Rangi, his beloved ... the woman he loved ... the CMO of the ship. A broad smile appeared on his face as he slowly stepped out the La Rochelle. "Hallo Commander" he said pretending to be official but in his eyes was a bright light of joy. Inclining her head to one side Rangi responded in the same vein."Welcome aboard ... Commander." She looked at him for a long moment feeling a huge rush of love for him then she straightened up, her eyes growing wide in concern, the teasing smile gone. "Shane!...what's the matter?" she asked covering the short distance between them with haste, reaching out to grasp his arm." You look terrible!...but they said you werent injured." Shane laughed shortly: "Hmm .. took you long to notice that I am not Mr. Muscle Model" Reaching for Rangi's hand he queezed it slightly: "I am OK Rangi, just a bit dizzy for a moment or two." Seeing the worried expression on her face he added: "Nothing a decent sleep wont bend right I guess". Trying to change the subject he asked: "What about you Rangi ... have you made any progress with the injured crew till now?" "Yes we have." she answered laying her hand against his forehead."....and please dont change the subject. You're not well...tell me what's wrong." Out of habit Shane was about to deny any health problems when he shrugged slightly. After all ... they were safe and sound back on the ship, the mission was over and even he deserved some rest ... so {why avoiding the unavoidable?} he thought. Shrugging again he said: "I dont know Rangi. To be honest I was feeling quite dizzy several times on the mission and the frequency of the dizzy moments increased in the last hour. I wouldnt bother you with such a little thing, but you asked ..." For a second, Rangi's lips formed a line of mild annoyance."It's not a little thing." she said"...I know you Shane and if you're willing to tell me about it without a great fuss of trying to dismiss it first, then that proves theres something the matter!" Ploughing on before he could work out the logic of her statement Rangi said: "Several times you say...and increasing frequency...can you walk or shall we beam to sickbay?" She took hold of his arm and looked up into his face. Shane smiled warmly at his beloved who knew him just too good. Shane could remeber the infamous argument the two of them had in teh sickbay several time ago ... about Shane's health status. This time he was not up for an argument and honestly he felt just weak enough for a day's stay in the sickbay. The best way would be not to resist the ship's CMO ... but would it be the same fun? Looking sideays at Rangi, Shane tried his luck: "What about all the reports i have to write for the colonel? And the status of the ship?" "Reports? reports can wai....." She cut of her stiff reprimand and sighed, recognising the 'too innocent' tone of Shanes voice."They can wait!" she continued with emphasised patience and taking a small step towards the exit repeated her question: "Are you ok to walk to Sickbay? we can transport there if you're not." Even as she spoke the lights, dimmed for many hours, brightened to normal level indicating the ship was getting back to full power. "Sure i ca ..." Shane's words were cut as the ship went back to normal power and the dim pulsing red alert lights dissapeared. The ship was back to blue status. Very glad about all the troubles beeing finally (at least it semed so at that moment) he gave up all plans for resisting Rangi. "Sure i can walk Rangi" he said, "lets lead me mighty Commander" he said with a grin in his face. "Come on then you poor old thing." she teased in return "Lets find you a nice comfortable bed. She looked down at the floor to hide her smile at the expression that had sprung to Shanes face.Mastering her own expression, she looked back at him and finished innocently "...I need to check you out." Shane raised an eyebrow but when he noticed the all too innocent expression his beloved was wearing ... he could only laugh quietly: "May it be your way my beloved" he said smiling. ===== End of log ===== LtCmdr. Rangi Summers CMO/2XO USS Chimera & LtCmdr. Shane Guzman XO USS Chimera