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SUMMARY: The senior staff is taking a vacation at Lucas's cabin, but two of them get caught alone in the middle of a snowstorm. CODES: SQ, B/W RATING: PG DISCLAIMER: Amblin owns the characters, the story is mine. NOTES: Set some time shortly after the boat self-destructs.
"The Cabin" Kristin Westphalen looked over at the man sitting next to her driving the car. "Do you think they'll believe that we just happened to be on the same plane?" "Why not? It's the truth," Nathan Bridger said. "Besides, it doesn't really matter what they think. Let them believe what they like." Kristin shrugged and looked back at the road. "I wouldn't like to have to drive this right after a storm." The car rounded two curves in succession. "With any luck we won't. What's the weather supposed to be like this week?" "Lucas said it should be cold and sunny to partly cloudy all week." "Is that his determination or the weatherman's?" "I don't know, we can ask him later." * * * Twenty minutes later they pulled up outside a large wooden building set far back from the road. "I thought Lucas said it was a cabin, not a mansion," Nathan said getting out. "I don't know, but it doesn't appear as if there's anyone here," Kristin said. Suddenly a scream came from behind the building. "I guess they must be out back," Nathan said. "Come on." As they rounded the corner of the house, their eyes met with a jovial scene. The senior officers and crew of the seaQuest were caught up in a free-for-all snowball fight. There appeared to be no organization or clear cut sides opposing each other, just everyone throwing at everyone else. Ben Krieg grabbed some snow and mashing it together, aimed for Jonathan Ford. Ford saw the projectile coming and ducked in time for it to fly past his head, hitting Kristin in the middle of the chest. "You're gonna pay for that one, Krieg," she yelled grabbing some snow. But Ben dived behind a pile of snow just in time to see it sail past straight into Tim O'Neill's back. O'Neill turned to see who had pelted him. Seeing Nathan doubled over in laughter, he flung the snowball in his hand at him, hitting his arm. Nearby, Lucas Wolenczak intently watched the scene playing out before him. Katie Hitchcock, Miguel Ortiz, and William Shan silently crept up behind him with large snowballs. Katie motioned with her hand, and right on cue all three bombarded Lucas in the back. He spun around to see the three of them rolling on the ground in laughter. "Yeah, you think you're so funny," Lucas said, "but just remember who invited you here." As he was speaking, Lucas bent down to grab some snow. He dropped it as he was hit in the back by a stray snowball. *** The fight continued for another hour or so until everyone was completely exhausted. "How about some hot chocolate?" Lucas suggested entering the kitchen. "Great idea," Ortiz said. "Why don't you make it and we can all change into some dry clothes," Kristin said. "OK," Lucas agreed. "The rooms are all upstairs if you haven't discovered them yet. There are only five so we're gonna have to share." "Only five?" Ben said. "Yeah," Lucas said, ashamed, "it's a long story." "Come on, Doc," Katie said, "we're rooming together, I'll show you where it's at." The two women walked out leaving the men in the kitchen. * * * Fifteen minutes later they were all gathered around in the living room with a lively fire and warm mugs of hot chocolate in their hands. "Lucas," Ford said, "this is a great house. Do your parents own it?" "Kind of," Lucas replied. "They had it built a few years ago as somewhere to hold parties. They planned to occasionally invite three or four other couples up for a weekend of skiing and rest. Unfortunately, by the time it was finished, so were they. Now this place just sits empty." "Well, at least it's getting some use this week," Kristin said. "Yes, thank you for inviting us, Lucas," Nathan added. "So, Cap, have you heard anything about the inquiry next week?" Crocker asked. Everyone got a nervous look on their faces. The UEO had been gracious so far, waiting for things to return to normal before looking into the incident, but would they keep their cool after hearing the official report of those involved? Bridger was especially worried. This had been the first ship under his command that he'd ever lost in his almost twenty years. But it was the only way, he'd been telling himself for the past two weeks, they have to realize that. "It's just a formality," Bridger finally answered. "They'll probably talk individually with each of us to determine what happened and make sure we did everything possible." "But Captain," Lucas said, "how can they think you didn't. We all know you only destroyed the seaQuest because there was no other way." "Captain," Ford said, "I think I speak for everyone when I say that we are all behind you one hundred percent." Bridger looked around the room as everyone nodded. "Well, thank you, I appreciate the support. But right now, I suggest we forget about the inquiry and enjoy this week." "That's an excellent idea," Kristin concurred. "Now, I don't suppose anyone can cook." They all looked around at each other. "Hmm, I guess I forgot to consider that one," Lucas finally said. "Mmmhmm. Why don't we split the duties than," Kristin said. "I'll volunteer to cook tonight. Anyone care to help?" Again, no one answered as they nervously shifted in their seats. "Don't all volunteer at once," Kristin said with a glance toward Nathan. "All right," Nathan acquiesced finally, "but just this once." Kristin rolled her eyes and pulled him up off the couch. "How gracious of you." As she literally dragged him toward the kitchen, Nathan looked back over his shoulder at the group and flashed them a pleading look. * * * In the kitchen, Kristin surveyed the pantry and cabinets in search of dinner. "Well, Lucas seems to have stocked up on plenty of food," Nathan said standing behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and began kissing her neck. "What do you say we forgo dinner for a little while." "Oh, that would be good," sarcasm crept into her voice. "I can just imagine what would happen if one of them walked in and found us." "Somehow I don't think we're fooling them anyway, so what does it really matter?" "Because Lucas is still seventeen and shouldn't be seeing that." She turned around in his arms and kissed him on the lips. "Now why don't you see about making a salad." He pulled back and saluted. "Yes, ma'am." Hearing her laugh, Nathan looked through the refrigerator for some supplies. "So what are you making?" "I was thinking a little spaghetti, salad, and rolls," Kristin said looking through the cabinets for a pot. * * * Meanwhile, in the living room the rest of the group was discussing their friends. "What was with those two?" Ford mused. "It certainly looked to me like they're more than just friends," Ben offered, only to find Shan's elbow in his stomach. "I think Ben's right," Katie agreed, causing a smug look on Ben's face. "Did you see the way they kept glancing at each other all afternoon?" "And they've been more or less joined at the hip since they arrived," Ortiz pointed out. "Yeah, and they arrived together, too," O'Neill added. "I still can't believe it," Ford said. Noticing the smug look on his face, Ben turned to Lucas. "OK, come clean, Lucas. Are they or aren't they?" "All I know is that right before the seaQuest went down, I interrupted a lively game of tonsil hockey in Bridger's cabin. Since then I haven't seen or heard of anything else." "Well, this should prove to be a very interesting week," Crocker commented. Just then a scream came from the kitchen. Lucas rushed over to the kitchen and was surprised by what he saw. Kristin was by the sink running water over a red hand as Nathan was chopping up a tomato with a guilty look on his face. "What happened?" Lucas said out of breath. Kristin looked embarrassed. "I forgot what I was doing and leaned on the stove." Lucas raised his eyebrows. "I'll get the first aid kit." He left and returned a moment later with the kit. "I'm not gonna ask why you weren't paying attention. I have a feeling that's a can of worms I don't wanna get anywhere near." "Thank you," Kristin said taking the kit from him. A minute later she had expertly bandaged up her hand and returned to the pot on the stove. "I am, however, going to suggest you pay a little more attention to dinner," Lucas said leaving the room. "And a little less to a certain captain," he murmured to himself. * * * Dinner passed uneventfully and they all gathered in the living room where conversations and card games helped pass the evening. Around midnight, people began heading for bed. Not feeling like following the others, Katie wandered into the kitchen to find a late night snack. As she entered, she was surprised to see Kristin sitting at the table. "I thought you went to bed," Katie said opening the fridge. "I did, but I couldn't sleep so I thought some warm milk might help." Katie stuck her head behind the refrigerator door so Kristin wouldn't see her eyebrows go up. "Having a hard time being in a strange place?" "Probably." Katie pulled out some things and began making a sandwich. "Kristin, can I ask you a personal question?" Kristin nodded, knowing what it would be. "Are you and the Captain ...?" her voice trailed off. Kristin smiled trying not to laugh. "I was hoping it wouldn't be that obvious, but I suppose that's impossible among friends." "Don't take this the wrong way, but I've suspected something for a while now." Kristin looked surprised. "Well, it's mostly circumstantial evidence, but there's a lot, and if you put it all together, well, there's one obvious conclusion." "Does anyone else suspect anything?" "Well," Katie looked ashamed, "most of us have a guess." "Wonderful." "It's not necessarily a bad thing. I mean, we all think it's great and we're all in favor of it." "That's nice to know." "So, what's he like?" "Katie!" * * * The next morning over breakfast everyone decided what they were going to do that day. "Do you have any skis around, Lucas?" Katie asked. "Yeah, I made sure I brought enough for everybody," Lucas replied. "Are there any good hills nearby?" Kristin said suddenly interested. "What kind of question is that?" Ben said coming into the kitchen. "There are all kinds of hills around, we're in the mountains." "Not every hill is good for skiing, Ben," Katie said, disgusted. "Some are too steep, or have too many trees." "There's one not too far that's great for intermediates," Lucas said, interceding. "And what about beginners?" O'Neill asked. "There are some parts that can pass for a bunny slope," Lucas said. "Anyone else care to join us?" "I think I'm going to take advantage of the snowmobiles I saw outside," Ortiz said. Shan, Crocker, and Ford agreed with Ortiz and the foursome began planning their day. "Captain, what about you?" Lucas asked. "Oh, I don't know, I think I'll stay here and keep the fire going," Nathan replied. "Come on, Captain, that's no fun," Katie said. "Yes, skiing's not hard, Nathan," Kristin added. "I can have you skiing like a pro by the end of the day." "No, that's OK," Nathan said shaking his head. "Have you ever been water skiing?" Katie asked. "A few times." "Well, than you have nothing to fear," Kristin said. "Snow skiing is the same thing." Nathan looked at her, meeting her dark brown eyes in an intense gaze that everyone noticed. Finally he gave up, "Fine, but if I'm not ready for the Olympics by dinner, you're cooking again." Kristin's face showed her anger as her hands found their way to her hips. "You have no authority to decide that." "Sure I do," Nathan retorted. "Lucas, kindly tell the Doctor that there will be no arguments to her cooking dinner tonight." Lucas squirmed as both Nathan and Kristin turned to look at him. "Um, I guess not." "Fine," Kristin said turning back to face Nathan, "but this is not going to be a one sided deal. What happens if you're skiing by dinner?" Hmm, this could be interesting, Nathan thought. "If, and it's a big if, I'm skiing by day's end, I have to do whatever you ask for the rest of the week." Everyone in the room, who had been intently watching the exchange, looked surprised at the last statement. Kristin, as well, was surprised, but recovered quickly. "Tell you what, let's make this a little more interesting and change the bet." "Oh," it was Nathan's turn to be surprised, "and what did you have in mind?" "The loser becomes the servant of the winner for the week." Snickers were heard from the back of the room, but Nathan ignored them as his eyebrows rose an inch. "Deal. Lucas, when do we leave?" "Uh ... I ... uh ... whenever you'd like, I guess," Lucas said, the shock still evident on his face. "You might want to be careful, Nathan," Kristin whispered as the group slowly returned to their planning, "I don't like to lose." * * * Katie skied over to where Lucas and Kristin were standing. "How are they doing?" "I don't know about Tim, but Nathan's starting to get the hang of it," Kristin answered. "I guess you won't be cooking dinner again tonight than," Lucas said and skied off laughing as Kristin gave him a withering look. "He's just stating the obvious," Katie said defending the teen. Before Kristin could reply, Nathan came walking over holding his skis. "Why aren't those on your feet?" Kristin asked. "Because I took them off," he said with a smile. Katie giggled and quickly skied off to find Lucas. "I certainly hope this doesn't mean you're giving up," Kristin said. "No, just heading back for some lunch. Care to join me?" She nodded. "Give me a minute to let Lucas know where we're going. Stay here, I'll be right back." Nathan watched her silently as she skied off amid the snowflakes beginning to fall. Damn, she looks good. After a few minutes Kristin found the others helping O'Neill up from the ground. "Uh oh, looks like someone is having some trouble here," she said coming over. "I swear I don't know how you people can do this," O'Neill said with a frown. Kristin laughed. "Nathan and I are going to head back to get something to eat." "OK," Lucas said, "are you sure you can find your way back?" "We should be fine," Kristin answered. "I don't know," Lucas said doubtfully, "it's kind of far. If you wait a few minutes --" He doubled over from the force of Katie's elbow in his stomach. "Well, the cabin's that way," Katie pointed. "Right, Lucas?" Lucas, still doubled over, looked up at where she was pointing and shook his head. "No, it's two hills over in that direction," he pointed in the opposite direction. "But --" "I think I've spent a little more time up here than you and should be able to find my own cabin," Lucas said forcefully, glaring at Katie, silencing her for the moment. "Hey, Lucas," they turned to see Nathan join them, "I thought it was supposed to be sunny all week." "Geez," Lucas said noticing the snow now heavily falling, "I guess the weatherman was wrong." "Yeah, but when is he ever right?" O'Neill mused, to which they all laughed. Nathan felt his stomach grumble. "Shall we go, Kristin, before I collapse from hunger?" She nodded with a smile. "We'll catch up with you in a little bit," Lucas said as they turned to go. "Well don't stay out here too long. I don't want to have to mount a search for you three," Nathan replied and skied off to catch Kristin. "OK, Lucas," Katie said as soon as they were out of sight, "what gives?" "What do you mean?" he asked innocently. "I know the cabin is that way. Why did you purposely point them in the wrong direction?" He started to smile broadly. "I thought I'd give them some needed time alone." "What does that mean?" Katie asked suspiciously. "I'll explain later," he said. "Come on, let's get back before this storm gets worse." "What?" O'Neill said, lost. Lucas sighed. "Let's just say that we're gonna get a lotta snow in the next twenty-four hours." "But what about --" Katie objected. "They'll be fine," Lucas assured her, "but unless we get our butts in gear we may not be. Come on." He skied off in the opposite direction from which Kristin and Nathan had gone. Katie shrugged and followed him, hoping answers to her questions would be forthcoming quite soon. "Wait a minute, guys, don't leave without me," O'Neill yelled after them.
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