This is a work of fan-fiction based on characters and situations created by Rockne S. O'Bannon for the 1990s television series, seaQuest DSV. The seaQuest DSV concept and logo are registered trademarks of Amblin Entertainment and Universal Television. I claim no rights to their intellectual or commercial property. Offered for entertainment only and in sincere tribute to their much-beloved creation.


Chapter 5


Wendy stood back a ways when Father Baker boarded seaQuest. Tim should have a moment alone with his priest before having to share him. Captain Bridger stepped in silently beside her. The captain didn’t have to meet him for any military courtesy, but after the unscheduled surfacing, he was evidently curious about the man he’d done it for. Wendy glanced at him and smiled. He’d changed from his navy blue seaQuest jumpsuit into the slightly more formal khaki uniform.

Salty sea air wafted through the exterior hull door and Wendy heard the jet copter’s blades whirring outside. Father Baker appeared in the doorway alone, dressed in khaki’s to match Nathan’s, decorated with the rank of lieutenant. He carried only a small black duffel, which he dropped the moment he stepped onto the deck inside. Tim bent to pick it up, but Father Baker precluded it with an embrace. The communications officer was caught off guard at first, but he appeared to reciprocate shortly. Wendy felt affection radiating off them both. After their reunion, Tim picked up the duffel and both of them proceeded toward where Wendy and Nathan stood. Tim’s face registered surprise at seeing the captain with her. Father Baker stopped his trek and saluted. Not bad for the beach bum she’d first met on vid-link. Wendy didn’t even give a sideways glance to know with certainty that the captain returned the salute.

“Captain Nathan Bridger and Doctor Wendy Smith, this is Lieutenant Stanley Baker,” Tim said formally.

Wendy sensed that the chaplain wanted to follow his gentlemanly instincts and greet her first, but he quashed them in favor of military protocol. After the salute, he extended his hand to the ranking officer. “Captain Bridger. Permission to board?”

The two shook hands while Nathan chuckled. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t after I raised her for you.”

“And I thank you for that, Captain.” The chaplain turned to Wendy. “Dr. Smith, a pleasure.”

Wendy decided to refrain from shaking hands. It would take too much mental energy to block all his emotions while touching, and she was trying to save that energy for the hypnotism. From what she’d gathered, the chaplain wasn’t the type to extend his hand to a lady when she didn’t extend hers, nor was he likely to interpret it as any sort of slight. If anything, he respected her for holding to traditional femininity. She simply smiled. “Father Baker. Welcome aboard.”

“Mr. O’Neill, you may escort the chaplain to guest quarters on B-deck.”

“Thank you, Captain,” Tim said.

Wendy knew his thanks were for much more than just assigning some guest quarters. It was too bad Nathan barely gave it a second thought. O’Neill and Baker headed to the mag-lev corridor. Wendy called to their backs, “After you get settled in, I’d love to give you a tour of Medbay.” Neither Tim nor the chaplain wanted to wait until morning before they took care of spiritual business. This was the politest way she could devise to offer to do the hypnosis tonight.

“I’d like that, Doctor,” Father Baker said.

“Please, call me Wendy, Father.”

He grinned back at her. “Only if you’ll call me Stan.”



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