"Dreams" by Michelle Vincenti August 31, 1997 OPEN ON INTERIOR SHUTTLE CS-13 Ben Krieg is in the cockpit, frantically attempting to send out a message. Unfortunately, the signal is barely getting out, but Krieg doesn't know this. KRIEG (frantically, into com) Mayday! This is civilian shuttle CS-13. I have a blown engine and I am dead in the water. Oxygen supply is low. Can anyone hear me? Mayday! He looks extremely worried. He takes a quick look behind him, then back to the communications equipment. KRIEG (to himself, frustrated) Damn! Why isn't anyone responding? CUT TO BRIDGE - SEAQUEST Captain Nathan Bridger is at the conn, Lieutenant (j.g.) Tim O'Neill is at communications, Chief Miguel Ortiz is at WSKRS and there are noncoms at other stations. O'Neill hears something over his headset. O'NEILL Captain! I've got a very weak signal and it's getting weaker by the second. ORTIZ WSKRS is tracking a shuttle at 150 miles off our port side. BRIDGER Let's hear what you've got, Lieutenant O'Neill. KRIEG (over com, weakly) Mayday, mayday!... (static) ...civilian shuttle CS-13... (static) ...emergency situation... (static) ...engine is blown.... (static) ...oxygen supply low... (static) ...extent of injury unknown. The transmission suddenly cuts out. ORTIZ (startled) That's Ben! BRIDGER (quickly) Ortiz, get a fix on his coordinates. O'Neill, reestablish contact. ORTIZ and O'NEILL (in unison) Aye, Sir. BRIDGER (softly) Hang in there, Ben. CUT TO INTERIOR SHUTTLE CS-13 Krieg is walking back to the cockpit from the rear of the shuttle, looking extremely frantic. He keeps glancing towards the rear of the shuttle, but there is no indication of what he's looking at. He hears a noise coming from his com panel and quickly puts on his headset. He can hear the incoming transmission, but still can't send out a message. O'NEILL (over com) Shuttle CS-13, this is _seaQuest_. We are tracking your coordinates and will attempt a rescue mission. KRIEG (relieved) Oh, thank God! _seaQuest_! CUT TO BRIDGE Crewmembers are running around frantically. O'NEILL I'm getting nothing but static! (beat, nervously) I'm not even sure if his com system's working anymore. BRIDGER (to O'Neill) Keep transmitting. (to Bridge in general) We have to keep trying until we can rescue that shuttle. CUT TO INTERIOR SHUTTLE CS-13 Krieg can hear the familiar sound of frantic shouting on _seaQuest_. A moment later, O'Neill's voice comes over the com. O'NEILL (over com) Shuttle CS-13, we have a lock on your coordinates. ETA approximately five minutes. Krieg sighs in relief. He quickly gets up and walks to the back of the shuttle. As he kneels down beside someone, he gently takes a hand and holds it. KRIEG (softly) Hang in there, honey. _seaQuest_ is on its way. We now see who Krieg is talking to - an unconscious Katherine Hitchcock. CUT TO DOCKING BAY, SEAQUEST Bridger, Doctor Wendy Smith and Lieutenant James Brody are waiting for the shuttle doors to cycle open. When they finally do, Krieg rushes out as quickly as he can without jarring the unconscious woman he's tenderly carrying in his arms. He's slightly breathless. KRIEG (anxious) Someone get Katie to MedBay! She's injured, but I really don't know how badly. A medteam rushes over and gently takes Hitchcock from Krieg's arms. They place her on a stretcher and rush her to MedBay. Bridger places a hand on Krieg's shoulder as Krieg tries to catch his breath. BRIDGER (concerned) Are you all right? KRIEG I think so. I'm more worried about Katie, though. BRIDGER (curious) What happened? Krieg has finally caught his breath. He shakes his head in confusion. FADE/OVERLAP TO A FLASHBACK Hitchcock is piloting the shuttle, trying very hard to block out Krieg's seemingly endless chatter. KRIEG (chuckling) So then the father goes up to the clown and says... HITCHCOCK (interrupting, slightly annoyed) All right, already! (beat, takes a deep breath) Look, Ben, you're distracting me. Why don't you go back there - (gestures to the rear of the shuttle) And find something else to do besides tell really bad jokes, 'kay? KRIEG (sulking) Fine. He walks to the back of the shuttle and Hitchcock shakes her head. She's trying to concentrate on piloting the shuttle, but something seems to be disturbing her concentration. An hour later, she looks like she's going to fall asleep at the wheel, so to speak. HITCHCOCK (sleepily) Ben, would you mind taking over for a while? I'm feeling a little tired and I'd kinda like to rest. KRIEG Yeah. FADE/OVERLAP TO SEAQUEST DOCKING BAY KRIEG A little while later, after Katie had taken a nap, she starts walking to the front of the shuttle. Out of nowhere, we get hit and that's when I called for help. BRODY (slowly, curiously) You didn't see _anything_ incoming? KRIEG (sighing) That's the problem. Nothing showed up on my sensors until it was too late and I couldn't do anything about it. BRIDGER (thoughtfully) There may have been a malfunction in your systems. I'll have Henderson check it out. (beat) Meanwhile, maybe we should get you to MedBay and have you checked for injuries. Smith nods in agreement and gestures in the direction of MedBay. Krieg and Smith walk off and Brody stands at attention. BRODY Permission to speak freely, Sir? BRIDGER Permission granted, Lieutenant. What's on your mind? BRODY (relaxing, suspicious) With all due respect, Sir, something seems a little fishy about his story. How could he not have seen anything until right before it hit? The civilian shuttles are equipped with sensor equipment advanced enough to detect anything incoming. Even with a slight malfunction she should've seen it. BRIDGER (not making excuses, simply stating a probably reason) He was probably distracted by Hitchcock. Something must've been wrong in the first place because Katie doesn't get sleepy out of nowhere. He might've missed the signal because of it. (beat) Besides, Krieg wouldn't lie when the only woman he's ever loved is in the condition she's in. CUT TO OUTSIDE MEDBAY Krieg is standing outside MedBay looking through a window, as the medteam rushes to help Hitchcock when he feels a hand on his shoulder. He turns around and sees Lucas standing behind him. KRIEG (wearily) Hey, Lucas. LUCAS Hi. (beat, concerned) How are you doing? KRIEG I'm fine. (beat) I'm more worried about Katie. LUCAS (reassuring) She'll be fine. Doctor Smith knows what she's doing. KRIEG (somewhat hopeful) I really hope you're right, Lucas. Krieg continues to stare into the window, numb. After a few moments, Lucas glances over at Krieg and sees how upset he is. Lucas puts a hand on Krieg's arm and he looks at Lucas, tears in his normally bright eyes. He looks back into the window at Hitchcock, who's still unconscious. Finally, the pain he feels overwhelms him. He leans against a wall and collapses to the ground, crying. Lucas is surprised to see someone he had always looked up to suddenly lose it. He crouches down beside him. LUCAS (soothingly) It'll be all right, Ben. Katie's going to be fine. KRIEG (trying to bring himself under control) I don't know if I can make it without her. (beat) We were just starting to get our relationship back on track... LUCAS (interrupting, confused) Ben, are you and Katie...? Lucas trails off, his question unfinished. Krieg understands what he's trying to ask anyway. KRIEG (nodding slowly) We started dating again about four months ago. CUT TO INTERIOR MEDBAY Several hours later. Smith walks to Hitchcock's bedside. Hitchcock is stil unconscious. SMITH (quietly) He is so worried about you. (beat) You're really lucky to have someone like him, but you already know that, don't you? Hitchcock stirs and opens her eyes. HITCHCOCK (weakly) Where am I? SMITH (gently) You're on _seaQuest_. HITCHCOCK (alarmed) Who are you? (beat, struggling to sit up) Where's Ben? Smith gently helps her back to a lying position and then raises the bed a little. SMITH (smiling) I'm Doctor Wendy Smith, CMO of _seaQuest_. (beat, gesturing to the hallway) And Krieg's out in the hallway. He's been waiting for you to wake up. I'll get him now. Smith walks to the hallway and peeks her head out of the hatch. SMITH Mister Krieg, she's awake now if you want to see her. Smith quickly steps aside as Krieg bolts in the doorway and rushes to Hitchcock's side. Lucas follows him in, but he's not running. KRIEG (relieved) Oh, Katie. He softly kisses her forehead. HITCHCOCK (smiling weakly, joking) Ben, I'm fine. Just a little bruised. Krieg laughs lightly as Lucas walks up behind him. LUCAS (smiling) Hi, Katie. HITCHCOCK Hi, Lucas. LUCAS How're you feeling? HITCHCOCK (lightly) I've had better days. Smith does a quick scan on Hitchcock and sees she still needs more rest. SMITH (gently) I think we should leave her alone for a little while. She still needs rest to fully recover. Krieg reluctantly lets go of Hitchcock's hand. KRIEG (tenderly) I'll come back later. I promise. He kisses her on the cheek and slowly leaves, Lucas and Smith following him. Smith shuts the hatch behind her. CUT TO HALLWAY KRIEG (concerned) So, how is she? SMITH She had a broken leg and some internal bleeding. (beat) But we've managed to stop the bleeding and her leg is healing nicely. (beat) She should be okay in a couple of weeks. Krieg breathes a sigh of relief and Lucas smiles. KRIEG (hesitant) Um, Doctor Smith, was there... (beat) I mean, is she... Krieg is unable to finish, but Smith senses his concerns, anyway. SMITH (happily surprised) I had no idea, Mister Krieg. I didn't even think to check, being preoccupied with her other injuries. (beat) I'll run a test and let you know shortly. Smith walks back into MedBay. LUCAS (confused) What was that all about? (beat) What does she have to run a test for? Krieg is unsure whether he should tell Lucas or not. He looks at Lucas for a brief moment before deciding to tell him , seeing as Lucas is almost like a little brother to him. KRIEG Katie's three months pregnant. A shadow from around the corner is seen walking away. CUT TO O'NEILL'S QUARTERS O'Neill, Ortiz and Brody are sitting around, talking. ORTIZ I still can't believe it. O'NEILL (skeptical) You sure that's what you heard, Jim? BRODY Yeah. That's what I heard Krieg tell Lucas. O'Neill and Ortiz are in shock. O'NEILL (surprised) Ben and Katie are back together? ORTIZ (incredulous) And Katie's pregnant? (beat) With _Ben_'s kid? O'NEILL C'mon, Brody. This is a little too farfetched to believe. BRODY Why is it so hard to believe? (beat) I know what I heard and what I told you is _exactly_ what I heard. ORTIZ (simply) Yeah, but you don't know Ben and Katie. O'NEILL If you knew them as well as we do, you'd find it pretty hard to believe, too. (beat, explaining) Ben and Katie almost never got along. Someone always had to stop an argument between them. ORTIZ (cutting in) Before Katie'd hit Ben. O'NEILL Exactly. Sometimes their arguments would get so bad it took me, Miguel, Lucas _and_ Jon to subdue _Katie_. _That_'s how angry she'd get. Brody let out a low whistle. ORTIZ Now do you understand why we're so skeptical? BRODY I guess so. O'NEILL There's only one way to find out for sure. ORTIZ Yeah, that's to ask Ben. CUT TO HALLWAY Krieg is still talking with Lucas and has just finished telling Lucas what happened. KRIEG Hopefully this whole thing hasn't harmed the baby... (beat) Or her... (beat) I know how much she really wants kids. Krieg runs his hands through his hair and starts pacing. He looks exhausted. LUCAS (concerned) Ben, why don't you try to get some rest. You look absolutely worn out. KRIEG I can't rest until I hear about the baby. I need to know. (beat) Hell, Lucas, I'm the baby's _father_. (beat, laughing nervously) Imagine that. Me, Ben Krieg, a father. I never thought it would happen. (beat) But now, with Katie, it just feels so...right. So perfect. As if this were the way it were meant to be. Smith comes out of MedBay and Krieg looks at her anxiously. KRIEG (nervous) Well? SMITH It's still too early to tell if any permanent damage has occurred... Krieg's expression falls, as if all his dreams had just gone up in flames. SMITH (continuing) But preliminary tests look positive and promising. (beat, reassuring) Mom and baby are going to be just fine. LUCAS (relieved) Oh, thank God. (beat) I told you everything would be fine, Ben. KRIEG Yeah, Lucas. You did. (to Smith) Can I go see her? SMITH (stating the obvious) She's asleep. KRIEG That's okay. I just want to be with her. SMITH (smiling) Go ahead. Krieg walks into MedBay, shutting the hatch behind him. He obviously wants some time alone with Hitchcock. Lucas is still in shock about Krieg's news. SMITH It _is_ wonderful news, isn't it? LUCAS Yeah, especially for Ben and Katie. (beat) I'm so happy for them. SMITH (sensing something) What is it, Lucas? LUCAS (raising an eyebrow) Are you scanning me, Wendy? SMITH (simply) I don't have to look very far. Your concern is written all over your face. LUCAS (thoughtfully) I can't help but wonder if things are going to be different for Ben and Katie this time. Y'know? (beat) I'm just hoping that history won't repeat itself. SMITH I can't say for sure, but I have a feeling things will work out just fine. CUT TO MEDBAY Krieg is sitting next to Hitchcock's bedside, holding her hand. KRIEG (whispering) I love you so much, Katie. (beat) I've never stopped loving you. Hitchcock stirs and squeezes Krieg's hand, yet doesn't wake up. HITCHCOCK (talking in her sleep, smiling) I love you, too, Ben. Krieg smiles slightly. He brushes some hair away from her forehead and gently kisses her. Hitchcock slowly opens her eyes and smiles at Krieg. HITCHCOCK (sleepily) Hi, Ben. KRIEG (gently) Hiya, sweetheart. (beat) Did you know you were talking in your sleep? HITCHCOCK (slowly waking up, curiously) I was? What did I say? KRIEG (hesitant) You said...that you love me. HITCHCOCK I did? KRIEG Yeah. HITCHCOCK (smiling) Well, you know, they say you only speak the truth when you talk in your sleep. Krieg isn't sure if he heard her right. KRIEG (incredulous) You mean you _do_ love me? HITCHCOCK (sitting up a little) That's what I'm saying, Ben. KRIEG (whispering) Oh, Katie. They smile at each other. CUT TO HALLWAY O'Neill, Ortiz and Brody are looking in the window of MedBay. BRODY What'd I tell you? As they watch, Krieg leans over and starts kissing Hitchcock. ORTIZ It's still so hard to believe, given their track record. BRODY Well, now you're seeing it with your own eyes. O'NEILL Yeah, but I'm still skeptical, even though I'm seeing it. BRODY (exasperated) What's it going to take to convince you guys?! ORTIZ Hey, with the way Ben and Katie are, you _never_ know what's going on between them. BRODY You two are ridiculous. (beat) Krieg and Hitchcock are practically making out right in front of you, and you still doubt they're together? O'Neill looks in the window again. O'NEILL I guess I can believe it, considering the way they're acting. BRODY (sighs in relief) Finally. CUT TO MEDBAY Two weeks later. Smith has just finished running some tests on Hitchcock. SMITH (smiling) Well, it looks like you're almost as good as new and the baby is definitely healthy. HITCHCOCK It's still too early to tell whether it's a girl or boy, isn't it? SMITH Yes, mostly because of your injuries, but give it a little while longer, then you should know. HITCHCOCK I want to be surprised, but I think Ben wants to know. Hitchcock is grinning widely. Smith returns the smile and helps her off the examining table. SMITH (teasing) Go find your knight in shining armor. Hitchcock giggles like a teenager. HITCHCOCK "Knight in shining armor?" What a way to describe my Ben. (beat, catching herself) _My_ Ben? I haven't called him that since we were in the Academy. She rolls her eyes and leaves MedBay, practically walking on air. SMITH (to no one in particular) She looks so happy. (beat) I hope she and Krieg stay that way. CUT TO SEADECK Two days later, Krieg and Hitchcock are sitting by the moon pool, holding hands. There is soft music playing in the background. Katie vaguely recognizes it, but it's quiet enough that she can't tell for sure. The room has been darkened so it looks almost like twilight. The only thing missing is the moon shining overhead. Hitchcock sighs happily as Krieg puts his arm around her and holds her close. She rests her head on his shoulder and he smiles at her. KRIEG (caressing her hair) You look so beautiful right now, you know that? Hitchcock looks up at him adoringly. Krieg looks into her eyes and knows this is the exact moment he'd been waiting for. He turns to face her and holds both of her hands in his, smiling. The sincerity is apparent in his voice. KRIEG (sighing) Katie, these last few months have meant so much to me. It hurt me so much when we divorced, I didn't know if I'd ever get over it. (beat) God only knows that I tried. But deep down in my heart, I know I never did. HITCHCOCK (interrupting, softly) Ben... Krieg puts a finger to her lips and softly shushes her. KRIEG Katie, please. Let me say this. I need to say it. (beat, slowly) I love you, Katherine Hitchcock. I've never stopped loving you. (beat) There has been something missing from my life and for the longest time I couldn't figure out what it was. Three and a half months ago, I realized what it was. (beat) You brought something to my life that no one else could. I know it's a cliche by now, but it's true - you complete me, Katie. There are tears forming in Hitchcock's eyes as Krieg speaks. KRIEG (continuing) You make my life full of joy and happiness. When we parted, I was hurled into darkness, but four months ago, you brought back the light. Krieg gets down on one knee in front of Hitchcock and still holding both her hands, looks into her eyes. KRIEG (tenderly) Katherine Hitchcock, will you do me the honor of spending the rest of your life with me? Hitchcock is crying softly. Krieg becomes worried he might've said something wrong. Hitchcock smiles through her tears. She's too choked up to say anything so she simply nods. Krieg stands and sweeps Hitchcock into his arms, holding her close. KRIEG I love you so much, Katie. HITCHCOCK (whispering) I love you, too, Ben. Krieg pushes her away a little and looks into her eyes. He gently wipes away her tears, smiling at her. He leans over and they kiss. O'Neill and Ortiz walk in and stop short in the doorway when they see Krieg and Hitchcock. O'Neill gently clears his throat. Krieg and Hitchcock look toward the door, startled. ORTIZ Hi. Krieg smiles and puts his arm around Hitchcock's waist. ORTIZ Is this a private party, or can anyone join? KRIEG (joking) Well, it _was_ a private party... (beat) But I guess we can let you in. O'NEILL What's going on? HITCHCOCK (smiling) Ben just proposed. O'NEILL (prompting) And? Hitchcock looks at Krieg and grins. Ortiz and O'Neill look at each other, confused, but once they see how Krieg and Hitchcock are looking at each other, they understand. ORTIZ (catching on) You said yes?! O'NEILL Congratulations! That's wonderful! KRIEG (grinning) Thanks. (beat) And this time, I'm not going to screw things up - at least I'm going to try not to. ORTIZ (genuinely) This is _wonderful_ news. I'm so happy for the both of you. CUT TO DOCKING BAY The next day. Krieg and Hitchcock are saying good-bye to everyone. Commander Jonathan Ford gives Hitchcock a quick hug. FORD Sorry to make this such an abrupt good-bye, but I _am_ on duty. HITCHCOCK (smiling) I understand, Jonathan. I've been there, remember? They hug again and Ford walks off in the direction of the Bridge. O'Neill and Ortiz each hug Hitchcock in turn. ORTIZ You'll keep us up-to-date on your wedding plans, right? KRIEG Of course we will. HITCHCOCK It's going to be much simpler than our first wedding. That was a little _too_ elaborate. O'NEILL Well, you're still going to have to let us know about the important stuff. KRIEG (innocently) Oh? What "important stuff"? O'NEILL The date of the wedding, where it's going to be... ORTIZ (cutting in, teasing) Where you're going on your honeymoon and how much of the place you'll actually see besides the hotel room... HITCHCOCK (grinning at Krieg) _That_ part is classified. Everyone laughs. Lucas is hanging back, looking slightly uncomfortable. Krieg notices this and walks over to him. KRIEG Lucas? (beat) What's wrong? LUCAS I don't know. (beat, uncomfortably) Ben, is there any way I can convince you to stay at least until tomorrow? KRIEG (confused) Why? LUCAS I can't really explain it. I just have this feeling that if you leave now, something's going to go wrong. KRIEG That's not my decision alone, Lucas. He glances over at Hitchcock who is talking animatedly with Ortiz, O'Neill and Bridger. KRIEG (calling over) Katie, Captain Bridger, could you come here for a minute? Bridger and Hitchcock approach, confused. HITCHCOCK What is it, Ben? KRIEG (prompting) Go on, Lucas. Just tell them what you told me. LUCAS (taking a deep breath) Okay, I can't explain it, but I have a feeling if Ben and Katie leave now, something's going to go wrong. BRIDGER Why do you say that, Lucas? LUCAS I don't know. I just have this feeling about it. (beat) Please, Captain. Is there any way we can delay their launch -- (beat) Even for twelve hours? BRIDGER It's up to them. They're welcome to stay another day if they'd like. HITCHCOCK (glancing at Krieg) It'll only have to be for twelve hours. We have a few appointments set up for tomorrow morning. (beat) I trust you, Lucas. If you have a bad feeling about it, then we'll delay our launch. KRIEG Definitely. Lucas sighs in relief. LUCAS Great. (beat) I wish I could explain this feeling, but I don't understand it myself. CUT TO LUCAS' QUARTERS Two hours later. Bridger enters, Krieg and Hitchcock behind him. BRIDGER Lucas, how'd you know? LUCAS Know what? BRIDGER That Krieg and Hitchcock were in danger. LUCAS I told you before, I just had a feeling. (beat) Why? BRIDGER (sitting on Lucas' bunk) A shuttle, traveling along part of the same course that Krieg and Hitchcock had planned, has just been destroyed by an undetected mine. Lucas is shocked. LUCAS What? (beat, defensive) Okay, I don't _think_ I'm psychic... HITCHCOCK Did this feeling come to you in a dream, by any chance? LUCAS (thinks for a second) Yeah, I think so. HITCHCOCK (smiling) It's a precognitive dream. I used to have them when I was about your age. I don't have many these days, but I still do every once in a while. (beat) How often do you get these feelings, Lucas? LUCAS Um, not very often. KRIEG (interrupting) Waitasec. Katie, how do you know so much about this? HITCHCOCK When I started having these dreams, I did a some of research on it, so I know a thing or two about it. BRIDGER At any rate, it's a good thing that Lucas had that feeling. KRIEG Definitely. (beat) Thanks, Lucas. You've given me and Katie a _third_ chance at being together. CUT TO SEADECK Krieg is alone, playing with Darwin, as Henderson enters. She walks over and sits on the edge of the pool. HENDERSON (somewhat seductive) Hi. KRIEG (nonchalantly) Oh, hi. HENDERSON So, how are ya? She's very obviously flirting with him, but Krieg doesn't pick up on it. KRIEG I'm doing all right. HENDERSON How long are you visiting for? KRIEG I'm leaving in a few hours. HENDERSON (moving closer to him) Oh, that's too bad. I was hoping I could get to know you better. KRIEG (absently petting Darwin) Yeah. It's too bad. HENDERSON (moving to stand behind him) You look really tense. (beat, putting her hands on his shoulders) Let's see if I can do something about that. At this point, Hitchcock walks in and stops short in the doorway. She's too angry to even react, but is pleasantly surprised when she sees Krieg's response. KRIEG (shaking Henderson off) Look, knock it off, all right? HENDERSON (slightly annoyed) What? You're not married, are you? KRIEG No, divorced actually. HENDERSON (still persisting) So what's the problem? KRIEG (backing away, determined) I happen to be engaged to the most wonderful woman in the entire world. _That_'s what my problem is. HENDERSON (sullenly) Oh, okay then. She starts to leave and Krieg goes back to playing with Darwin. Hitchcock stops Henderson in the doorway and speaks quietly, but forcefully. HITCHCOCK If you _ever_ hit on my Ben again... (beat, reining in her anger) God help you. That's all I've got to say. Henderson barely blinks at Hitchcock's threat and simply walks away. Hitchcock quickly calms down and walks over to Krieg. She puts her arms around his shoulders and kisses him lightly on the cheek. KRIEG (without turning around) Look, I told you to go away, didn't I? HITCHCOCK (softly) I'm not so sure you want me to do that. Krieg quickly turns and sees Hitchcock standing behind him. KRIEG (relieved) Katie. I'm so glad it's you. HITCHCOCK (feigning innocence) Why? KRIEG (quickly hugging her) No reason really. I'm just really happy to see you. CUT TO INTERIOR CHURCH Several weeks later. The ceremony is just ending. MINISTER You may kiss the bride. Krieg grins at Hitchcock and he gallantly takes her in his arms and kisses her. CUT TO RECEPTION HALL Two hours later. Krieg walks up to the DJ and whispers something to him. Krieg walks back to Hitchcock's side and puts his arm around her. DJ Okay, it's time for the traditional first dance for the bride and groom. The groom has requested a special song for the both of them. The DJ starts the music and Krieg leads Hitchcock out onto the floor. He puts his arms around her waist and smiles at her. Hitchcock looks up at him, her eyes glowing, as she slides her arms around his neck. They hold each other close, wanting to remember these moments forever. MUSIC When the white bird flies From your heart to mine I surrender every part of me To the tenderness. Could it be the wine In your eyes stars shine And I'm feeling like a child again. Oh, it's taken me a little time To find words to say Stay Make this forever And lay love in my life Come what may Cherish each moment of love As dreams go by. At this point, Hitchcock recognizes this song as the one playing in the background when Krieg proposed to her. MUSIC (continuing) If the first glow fades From the love we've made I will hold you closer In the night Under heart and key When there are hills to climb And your world won't rhyme I will fight until I get it right 'Cause you're part of me The heart of me If only you'll stay O'Neill, Ortiz and Lucas are watching Krieg and Hitchcock in each other's arms. They can't stop themselves from grinning. ORTIZ (whispering) They look so happy together. LUCAS (softly) Yeah, they do. MUSIC (continuing) The trees and the towers are burning Fear walks on the sea My soul on the wasteland is yearning What does tomorrow hold for me What can I say Just that I need you With you here by my side We can turn even the desert Evergreen, as dreams go by. The song ends and someone starts hitting a glass with a piece of silverware -- signaling that they want to see some sort of sign of affection exchanged between the newlyweds. Krieg looks tenderly at Hitchcock and smiles. Hitchcock rolls her eyes, but she's smiling right back at him. Krieg leans over and kisses her and everyone starts cheering. When they part, Hitchcock starts giggling. HITCHCOCK (to Krieg) Can you believe that just a short time ago, some of them actually enjoyed watching us fight? KRIEG Yeah, now they can't wait to see us kiss and make up. He leans over and kisses her on the cheek. Several hours later, they're saying good-bye to everyone. KRIEG We'll call when we get back. ORTIZ (joking) We won't be expecting you for a while. HITCHCOCK (laughing) Miguel, what do you expect us to be doing? Especially since I'm about five months pregnant. (beat) You know I won't do anything to endanger the baby. LUCAS Who said it's bad for the baby? Krieg raises an eyebrow. KRIEG I think we'll be waiting for the baby to be born before we can have a "proper" honeymoon. (beat) For now, it's just a vacation of sorts. ORTIZ (laughing lightly) Yeah, whatever. CUT TO HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM Four and a half months later. Krieg is pacing around nervously. Lucas, Bridger, Doctor Kristin Westphalen and O'Neill rush in. BRIDGER How is she? KRIEG I don't know. They won't tell me anything. (beat) They won't even let me be with her yet. A nurse comes out of a set of double doors and looks toward Krieg. NURSE You can come in now, Mister Krieg. KRIEG (hurriedly) I'll see you guys later. He rushes through the doors and Bridger laughs. O'NEILL What's so funny? BRIDGER He reminds me so much of myself. WESTPHALEN How so? BRIDGER That's the way I was before Robert was born. An hour later, Krieg comes out the doors, in shock. Westphalen leads him to a chair and he eases into it. WESTPHALEN Ben, what is it? KRIEG (numb from shock) I'm a father. LUCAS (happily) Congratulations, Ben! O'NEILL Is it a boy or a girl? KRIEG Yes. WESTPHALEN Which is it? KRIEG Both. (beat) We've got twins. LUCAS Twins?! BRIDGER Ben, that's wonderful! KRIEG Yeah, a boy and a girl. (beat) I wanted a girl and Katie wanted a boy. It looks like we both got our way. NURSE You all can go in and see her now. Krieg slowly gets up from the chair and they head into Hitchcock's hospital room. CUT TO HOSPITAL ROOM They enter the room and find Hitchcock sitting in bed, smiling weakly. The glow of motherhood radiates from her. HITCHCOCK Hi everyone. WESTPHALEN Katie, we just heard the news. (beat, slightly teasing) Congratulations, Mom. BRIDGER It looks like motherhood is agreeing with you so far. HITCHCOCK Yeah, now I've got three of them to worry about instead of just two. Krieg sits on the bed next to Hitchcock and puts his arm around her. LUCAS Three? HITCHCOCK Yeah, the kids _and_ Ben. Krieg looks at Hitchcock, raising an eyebrow. O'NEILL What are you going to name the kids? HITCHCOCK Our little girl is going to be named Amanda Jo, so we can call her AJ. (beat, smiling at Krieg) And our son is going to be named Benjamin Michael. We were going to name him after Ben, so he could be Ben Junior, but what would I call him if he got into trouble? I mean, how would anyone know who I'm talking to? Everyone laughs as two nurses enter the room, each carrying a baby. Krieg takes the girl into his arms and holds her gently. Hitchcock takes the boy and immediately starts cooing at him. HITCHCOCK Aren't you just the most adorable little baby? (turning to her daughter) And you're just the most beautiful little girl I've ever seen. BRIDGER (teasing) Who knew that a baby could turn a Lieutenant Commander, well on her way to getting her own command, into such a soft-hearted fool? HITCHCOCK Hey, I have a good reason to be a soft-hearted fool. (beat) Wait, no, I have _two_ good reasons. Krieg softly kisses AJ on her head then smiles at Hitchcock and their son. LUCAS (whispering to O'Neill) Speaking of a soft-hearted fool... BRIDGER (slightly amazed) I've never seen you act so carefully with anything unless it cost you a lot of money. KRIEG Well, AJ and little Ben didn't cost a lot of money, but they are the most precious things in my life. (beat) Next to their mother, that is. Krieg looks tenderly at Hitchcock and their son. KRIEG (continuing) I can hardly believe it. Over this past year, I've accomplished more than I'd ever hoped to accomplish in a lifetime. (beat) I'm married to the most wonderful woman in the world, for a second time, and I have two beautiful children. (beat) I must be the luckiest man in the world today. BRIDGER We'll go outside so you two can have some time with your kids before the nurses come back. (beat, leaning over) Now, AJ, little Ben, you two behave okay? WESTPHALEN (shaking her head, smiling) Nathan. O'NEILL Hey, if the kids are anything like their dad, I can understand the captain's point. KRIEG (sarcastically) Thanks guys. Thanks so much. I really appreciate that. What a great first thing for the kids to be hearing about their father. I've just lost any ounce of respect they'd ever have for me. LUCAS (laughing) Ben, you lost it the second they were born. WESTPHALEN (trying to usher Bridger, O'Neill and Lucas out the door) Don't listen to them. They don't know what they're talking about. They leave and Krieg and Hitchcock are left alone with their kids. KRIEG I'm glad AJ has your beautiful blue eyes. I was hoping she would. HITCHCOCK Ben, all babies' eyes are blue when they're born. KRIEG (determined) They're blue and they're going to stay blue. HITCHCOCK (laughing) Yes, Mister Rhett. KRIEG (confused) What? HITCHCOCK Never mind. They look at each other happily and then at the two now-sleeping babies. HITCHCOCK They're so beautiful. KRIEG (sincerely) As beautiful as their mother. HITCHCOCK We're going to be one happy family, I can feel it. (beat, full of emotion) I love you Ben. Krieg leans over, trying not to crush AJ and little Ben, and softly kisses Hitchcock on the lips. KRIEG I love you, too, Katherine Hitchcock. I always will. FADE TO BLACK THE END "As Dreams Go By" is copyright 1988 by Chrysalis Songs (and probably a few other people, too) It was found on Bette Midler's CD "Bette of Roses", copyright 1995. No copyright infringement is intended. (Really! I love the song too much to do that!) Thanks for the inspiration! :) Return to {fanfic page} Return to {main page} ------------------------------------ This page hosted by {[gc_icon.gif]}Get your own {Free Home Page}