FanFic

CHAPTER 2

They were discussing call signs when Shane reached the table. At least Witt and Grant were. James was reclined back in his chair, his gaze on a nearby port, apparently paying little attention to the conversation. She sat down quietly, not wanting to interupt the discussion.

"Hey, Shane." Nathan automatically shifted over slightly to give her more room. "What made you decide to come?"

"I guess I'm too tired to sleep." Shane shrugged and sipped her beer. "Have I missed anything important?"


Nathan simply shook his head. Shane motioned silent toward James and Nathan responded with a shrug. Whatever was going on with him hadn't happened in the short time he'd been with the rest of the 58th.

"So, Lt. Vansen, what do you think…" The formality brought Shane out of her inspection of James.

"Oh, please, Witt, we're all the same rank. Call me Shane or at least drop the 'lieutenant'."

"Thanks, Shane." Witt smiled in an open, natural way that made Shane think she did it often. "What do you think we should do about call signs?"

Shane shrugged. "You could always draw cards if you can't pick something you like. It's really up to you."

Wang finished his beer and stood up. "How about 'Double Deuces'? Witt could be the two of hearts and Grant could be the two of diamonds. I'm going for another. Anyone else want anything?" No one did and Paul set off towards the bar.

"I like that." Witt turned to Grant. "What about it, Kevin?"

"Sounds okay to me but what about James?"

James ignored their attention for a few seconds before turning to face them. "You two can do whatever you want. I've already got my call sign and I'm not changing it."

"What's your sign?" Cooper made it more of a demand than a question.

"JJ."

"JJ? What kinda call sign is that?"

"What's it to you, Tank?" James glanced at Cooper, a cold sneer on his face.

For a moment everyone at the table was too stunned to react, including Cooper. That more than anything kept a fight from breaking out. Nathan recovered first and grabbed Coop's arm as Shane stood up. She stopped Cooper's struggles with a look before placing her hands on the tabletop and leaning towards James.

"Listen, James, you can use whatever call sign you want. That's fine but you'd better hear this CFB - Cooper is a member of this squadron and you are not to use that…word again. Got it?"

"I'll use whatever word I want to, Vansen. You aren't my CO…"

"No, but she's your squadron leader. Besides, in case you didn't know it, McQueen's an In Vitro…"

"I know all about McQueen, West. I'm not afraid of him." James stood up, his hands clenched tightly by his sides.

Damphousse shook her head. "We aren't afraid of Col. McQueen, James. We respect him. He's more than earned that respect and if you can't see past the fact that he's an In Vitro…well then, you don't know as much about the man as you think you do."

"And maybe I know things you don't." James turned on his heel and left, slamming through the swinging doors hard enough to slam them against the wall. Everyone in the Tun noticed his departure, including McQueen.

"What the hell is his problem?" Cooper broke the tense silence around the table.

"Who knows, Coop, and who cares? Don't let him get to you." Nathan's attempt to reassure the In Vitro brought a grin to Shane's face. It wasn't that long ago that he'd called Cooper a Tank himself. "Besides, if he keeps it up you know McQueen will deal with it. Just let him hang himself."

"Oh, yeah. You got that right." Cooper sat back, a grin on his handsome face. "I just hope I'm around the see the Colonel deal with it."

Damphousse waited a moment before skillfully restarting the conversation at the table, this time centered on flight school and Bougus. Shane stayed out of the conversation for the most part, concentrating on what the hell she was going to do about James instead.

***

It was like living in an armed camp. Ever since the scene in the Tun things had somehow gotten worse. No one had mentioned the incident but still, somehow, their quarters felt like anything but home. Everyone seemed to be walking on tiptoe, not wanting to start anything. James only spoke to any of them when they were in their Hammerheads. Any other time, he simply ignored them. Shane knew it had to stop. She just didn't know how. She thought, briefly, about taking it to McQueen but decided against it. What could she tell him? 'He doesn't like us?' She didn't think McQueen would be impressed.

Everyone was being affected by the tension, even 'Phousse who was usually the calmest of all of them. Vansen knew that the tension was showing up in the way they talked to each other while out on patrol, all of which was over-heard by both McQueen and Ross, and in the way they acted around each other. She knew that if it went on much longer, it would start to have a detrimental affect on the squadron. One she couldn't allow to happen. It left her with a sinking feeling.

That feeling was increased by the fact that McQueen was waiting for her when her cockpit rose through the deck after their third patrol together. She tried to judge his mood by the look on his face but that, as always, was futile. She sighed, handed her helmet to a member of the flight crew and climbed out; searching her thoughts for some sort of excuse that McQueen would buy.

"Sir, I…" Shane stepped forward with little of the hesitation she felt showing.

"Debrief in 20 mikes, Lieutenant. After that the 58th has 24 hours down time. I suggest you use it to get whatever the hell is bugging all of you under control. Is that clear?" McQueen spoke quietly, clearly intending his words for her alone. Shane could tell he was far from happy.

"I…" She hesitated, thinking again about asking for help.

"Problems, Lieutenant?" This time his voice carried a slight edge.

"Sir, no, sir. Thank you for the down time, sir." Shane came to attention automatically.

"Don't thank me, Lieutenant, thank the Chigs. They're the ones who've disappeared for the time being." McQueen studied Vansen carefully, trying to figure out what the problem was. "What's going on, Vansen?" He stepped closer and his voice carried less command and more of his concern.

"Nothing I can't handle, sir." Shane relaxed and glanced at the man in front of her. "Really, sir. I'll get it taken care of."

McQueen remained silent for a few seconds. "All right, Lieutenant, see that you do. Dismissed."


Once the debriefings were over and they were all back in their quarters, Shane decided that her best plan of attack might be the simplest. She sat up on her bunk and looked over at James, who was staring up at the bottom of the bunk above him. It was up to her to extend the proverbial olive branch.

"James?" He looked over at her but remained silent. "Look, we got off on the wrong foot and I think it's time to put it behind us. All this tension is starting to affect everything we're doing as a squadron. McQueen's noticed it…"

"So? You think I give a damned about any Tank's opinion?" The disdain was evident in his voice. Shane saw Cooper bristle and waved him off.

"So has Commodore Ross." There had to be someone's opinion that mattered to the man. There just had to be.

"You talked to Ross?" James sat up. Ross could do serious damage to his career.

"No. That's my point. All this…tension is starting to show. If you're as miserable here as you seem to be, why'd you transfer in and why don't you transfer out?"

"After three days? Don't think so, thanks." James lay back down. McQueen's opinion of him didn't really matter; he could deal with any fallout that might result from it.

"Why the hell not?" Cooper stood up, clearly angry. "Why don't you just go back wherever you came from?"

James didn't even glance at Cooper. Shane thought about letting Cooper beat some sense into him but it was only a thought.

"Where did you come from, James? What squadron where you with before transferring here?" Maybe that might help her understand.

James ignored them all for a moment, deciding on how to answer her question. There was the full truth and there was the truth. He decided to give her the censored version of the truth and sat up.

"I've been with the 128th. For six months before that I was recuperating from a broken arm and leg."

"Battle injuries?" Shane relaxed slightly. Maybe this would work after all. If she could get him into a friendly conversation they might all be able to relax.

"How do you think I'd get them - in a bar fight?" James couldn't keep the sharpness out of his voice. Shane stepped back, slightly surprised.

"I didn't mean anything…"

"I'll just bet you didn't." James abruptly stood up. "I'd be surprised if you meant anything you said."

Cooper and Nathan were immediately at her side, Wang and 'Phousse ready to jump in if needed.

"What the hell does that mean?" She was too surprised to really be angry.

"You're the hot-shot Wildcard, Vansen. You figure it out."

"Figure it out?? How am I supposed to do that!? Damn it, James, I don't know you well enough to figure you out…"

"Vansen, you never will. You want to resolve this 'tension'? Fine. It's resolved. I'll follow your orders as squadron leader. I'll play all the games necessary to put Ross at ease while we're in the air. But that's it. Just leave me the hell alone and we'll get along just fine." He turned abruptly to face Cooper. "And not that it's any of your business, Tank, but I'm not transferring out of here after three days because of what that would look like on my record. I'm here and we're stuck with each other. Live with it."

He left their quarters, slamming the hatch behind him. Shane stared after him completely surprised by what he'd revealed. It was suddenly very clear to her that his problem was with her. His attack had felt too personal for it to be anything else.

"Shane, don't let him get to you. He's a jerk." West sat down and started to put his boots on.

"I can't just…ignore it, Nathan. McQueen's noticed it and he told me to deal with it. Now. What am I supposed to tell him?"

"That it's been dealt with." Wang reached out and squeezed her arm reassuringly. "James said he'd play the game and get them off your back. Let's let him do that and to hell with the rest of it."

"Thanks, Paul, but I don't see that working for very long." Shane sat down and rubbed her temples tiredly.

"Why not?" Vanessa sat down next to her. "He seemed sure he could do it. Let him. McQueen and Ross will know he's the problem."

"'Phousse, it's my job to deal with these problems so they won't have to. Besides, I don't want…anyone to get into trouble because James doesn't like me." She knew that the others would know she meant Cooper.

"Let's at least give it a couple of days, Shane." Nathan finished lacing up his boots and stood up. "I'm going to the Tun. You guys coming with me?"

It took several minutes to sort things out but they all finally decided to go, Shane deciding she didn't want to sit and brood. As they all headed toward the hatch however, Cooper caught her arm and motioned for her to wait. Once the others were gone, he leaned against the hatch, a hesitant look on his face.

"What's up, Coop?"

"It's me you're worried about, isn't it? Gettin' into it with James, I mean."

"Coop, I'm worried about all of us…"

"But you think it'll be me 'cause he keeps calling me a Tank." He spoke quietly, his uncertainty clearly on his face.

"Yeah, Coop, that's a big part of it, but it isn't all of it. Honest. I mean, I'd like to hit him myself."

"I don't blame you, but I wanted to tell you that you don't need to worry. I'm not going to do anything stupid. Like West said, if he keeps it up, McQueen'll deal with it and I'm okay with that. His opinion don't mean squat."

Shane studied the man in front of her, amazed by how much he'd grown since boot camp. "Okay, Coop." She smiled briefly. "Can we catch up with the others now? I think I hear a poker game calling my name."

"Yeah, let's go."

***

McQueen was already in the Tun when James stormed in, clearly angry about something. He stopped at the bar long enough to get a drink and then moved away, not bothering to acknowledge McQueen's presence in the least. McQueen watched him stalk over to a table and sit down. It was becoming increasingly clear that James had decided to be a problem. Now all he could do was hope that Vansen and the rest of the 'Cards would be able to deal with it.

The rest of the 'Cards came in a short time later, laughing and joking with each other like normal. McQueen noticed that Witt and Grant seemed to have made it into the group with little trouble, both of them involved in the good-natured kidding taking place. He caught Vansen's eye and received a nod in return. He took it to mean that she was dealing with whatever problems there were.

He continued to study the group as they took over a table and noticed that none of them glanced over to where James was sitting. Their failure to acknowledge a member of their own squadron spoke volumes to McQueen and reminded him of the times he'd been excluded. He had enough experience with the situation to know that, while it wasn't a good one, it often worked.

Fifteen minutes later he'd finished his drink and was debating whether to join the poker game that was being organized. Maybe joining them in a relaxed atmosphere would give him more insight into the situation. He crossed over to them and stopped with his hand on the back of an empty chair.

"Mind if I sit in?" He knew the request would surprise them. They normally invited him.

Shane glanced up, surprise momentarily on her face. "Not at all, Colonel. Pull up a chair. We…"

"Lt. Colonel Tyrus McQueen as I live and breath. I'd about given up on finding you." The voice belonged to a woman and Ty knew it was familiar but as he turned to face her, he wasn't able to place it.

She was standing a few steps behind him and Ty recognized her immediately. She hadn't changed much in the years since he'd last seen her. The fact that she was wearing a Navy uniform didn't even register at first. He was too stunned by her completely unexpected appearance.

"Torie?" He stepped towards her and was quickly engulfed in a brief, tight hug.

"Don't tell me I actually surprised you. I thought you saw the replacement rosters for the Saratoga." Her voice was warm and held only a trace of the southern accent it'd once had.

"I do. I just don't…" He stopped as he finally noticed the nametag on her uniform. "Meese. Victoria Meese. I'd forgotten you were married. It didn't click."

"Well, I don't know if I should be insulted or what. I thought Pop was keeping you up-to-date better than that." She slipped her arm through his, ignoring the stares she was getting from those seated around the table. "You can make up for it by buying me a drink."

Ty felt completely off balance. Torie was right; the name still should've clicked. "It'd be my honor, Captain Meese."

"Oh please, Ty, if you're going to use honorifics, at least use 'doctor'. I'm still getting use to the whole Navy thing."

"I find that a bit hard to believe, Torie." Ty glanced back at the table, ignoring their obvious curiosity. "I'll take a rain check on the game."

He and Torie moved away toward the bar, leaving a stunned silence at the table. When the 'Cards felt it was safe, they all started talking at once.

"She hugged him. She actually hugged him." 'Phousse sounded totally incredulous.

"She called him 'Ty'. Ross is the only one that calls him that." Cooper was clearly indignant. Whoever she was, she'd clearly taken liberties that Hawkes didn't think were right.

"That's one beautiful woman." Wang almost sounded envious.

"What's wrong with them being friends?" Witt looked around the table, still trying to understand the dynamics of the group. It was far more complex than she ever would've thought.

"Nothing's wrong with it and it's none of our business. Let's play cards." West, as usual, stated the obvious.

Shane was the only one to remain silent but she continued to watch the two of them as they took a seat at the bar. It bothered her that this…woman could suddenly appear and have some sort of claim on their colonel. She didn't care if it was simply friendship. She didn't like it.

***

Torie was very aware of the fact that she and Ty were being stared at. It both amused and bothered her. Once they had their drinks, she nodded back toward the table.

"So, who are your friends and why are they staring at us?" She sipped the wine and turned to face him.

"They aren't my friends, Torie. I'm their CO." Ty glanced at the table and wasn't surprised when the unwanted attention ceased immediately.

"They're the famous 58th?" The surprise in her voice brought Ty's attention back to her and he nodded as he sipped his scotch. "But…they look so young…"

"They are young, Torie, too young at times. But they're damned good." The obvious pride in his voice brought a smile to her face.

"As good as you?"

He glanced at the table again. "Almost. They'll be better if this war doesn't get them." He paused for a moment. "You haven't changed, Torie."

"Good God, TC! I certainly hope that isn't true! You haven't seen me in almost 10 years and I was just a kid back then." She shook her head and chuckled softly.

"You weren't a kid, Torie." The soft statement made her want to blush as it sent a shiver down her spine. She hadn't expected this discussion to happen quite so quickly.

"You told me I was." She turned away from him, not wanting to see those incredibly blue eyes.

"No, I didn't. I told you that you were too young to know what you truly wanted. I certainly didn't think of you as a kid." He thought about continuing but decided against it. It wasn't a conversation he was prepared to have and he certainly wasn't going to have it in the Tun.

"That isn't what I heard." She couldn't help sounding defensive. He still made her feel like a kid and an awkward one at that.

"You heard what you were able to hear, Torie." He tossed back the rest of his drink and stood up. "It's good to see you again but I've got paperwork waiting for me."

Torie stood up quickly, placing her hand on his arm to stop his abrupt retreat. "TC, don't go. I'd really like to talk about this…"

"Not today, Torie. Give me a chance to catch up with the idea of your being here first." He covered her hand with his briefly. "The 'toga's not that big. We'll see each other again."

"You can count on that, TC." She fought back the sudden tears and quickly kissed him on the cheek. "Sooner than later."

Ty didn't trust his voice so he simply nodded and walked out, ignoring all of the stares and whispers that followed him.

***

Shane saw McQueen's abnormally hasty departure and her opinion of Captain Meese dropped even further. It was clear that whoever she was she'd managed to upset McQueen. To Vansen that meant she had to be discouraged from having further contact with him. She wasn't about to stand by and see him hurt by anyone else. She threw her cards in and headed for the bar.

Meese was still seated there, toying with the wineglass she held. Shane stepped up to the bar and ordered a beer. While waiting for it, she studied the woman, not caring if her attention was noticed. It took her a few seconds to realize that Meese was fighting back tears. Shane quickly reevaluated her opinion and decided that maybe she really didn't have enough information to form the opinion she had. After a few seconds, she cleared her throat and when Meese glanced over at her, Shane held out her hand.

"I'm Lt. Shane Vansen." She deliberately kept her tone neutral.

Meese hesitated for several seconds before shaking Vansen's hand.

"Dr. Victoria Meese." In spite of the emotional turmoil she was clearly in, her voice was clear and strong. "What can I do for you, Lieutenant?"

The directness surprised Shane. "Nothing, Doctor. I just wanted to introduce myself…"

"Bullshit." Torie's laugh held little humor. "You came over here wanting to do a little…what the hell do you people call it? Recon?"

"Maybe." Shane picked up her beer. "And maybe I just wanted to introduce myself. I know how intimidating this all can be to someone who isn't familiar with it. Sorry if I stepped in where I wasn't wanted, Doctor." She turned to go back to the poker game.

"Lt. Vansen, wait." Torie stood up as Shane turned back. "Can I ask you a question that may be out of line?"

"You can ask, Doctor. If it is out of line, I might not answer it."

"I…is TC…Col. McQueen happy here?"

"Happy, Doctor?" Shane wasn't sure she'd heard Meese correctly.

"Yes, Lieutenant, happy. You sound like it's a foreign concept or something."

"Not foreign, Doctor, asinine. We're fighting a war, for God's sake. None of us are 'happy'." Shane sipped her beer, trying to control the irritation she felt. "I can tell you that Col. McQueen is a valued and respected member of this crew, an excellent CO, and a damned fine Marine. For anything else I suggest you ask him."

"I guess I asked for that. You're a member of his squadron, right?" Shane simply nodded. "How do you feel about him?"

"I have the utmost respect for him, Doctor. We all do and we'd all follow him to hell and back." Her attitude softened slightly when she realized that Meese was concerned about McQueen.

"Good." Torie flashed her a brief smile before walking away.

***

Ty had told Torie the truth about the paperwork; there was always paperwork to do, but he had no intention of doing it at that moment. Instead of heading for his office, he headed toward his quarters, memories from ten years earlier threatening to overwhelm him. Her appearance had been so totally unexpected, leaving him unprepared to deal with the situation. He couldn't believe that Ross hadn't told him, hadn't warned him. He wanted to believe that it was an oversight on the commodore's part…but then he remembered that the replacement roster had simply been left in his office. Ross obviously hadn't wanted to discuss her presence with him. Ty didn't even want to try and guess what was behind that reluctance.

Once safely in his quarters, Ty stood staring out his port without seeing the stars. He thought about the last time he'd seen Torie, remembered how upset she'd been when he'd told her they had no future together. He hadn't told her just how much he wanted it to be different. There would've been little point to it. She was only 18, headed for college and medical school. She didn't need to be hampered by him…

He turned from the port and with a sigh forced the past back to where it belonged. It had been ten years ago. He'd been a POW, gotten married and divorced, lost the "Angry Angels" and been grounded during those ten years. He wasn't the same man he'd been then and it was almost a certainty that Torie wasn't the same woman. They would both need to accept that the past was the past and move on. It was the only solution.

The decision made, Ty left his quarters and started on what had become his rounds. The temporary lull in Chig activity had given him a chance to catch up on several minor things that had been put off. When he finally finished, he was somewhat surprised to find himself in front of Ross' hatch. It was the last place he'd planned on being. As he turned to leave, the hatch was yanked open and Ty quickly stepped aside to allow an extremely angry Dr. Meese to storm away. She didn't bother closing the hatch nor did she notice him. Ty glanced inside and noted that Ross was in no better humor. He hesitated for a moment and then stepped inside and shut the hatch.

"I don't recall giving you permission to enter, Colonel." Ross snapped as he turned away.

"That's good, Commodore. I don't recall asking for it." Ty remained near the hatch, one hand on the handle, the other on his hip. Ross turned back, clearly astonished. "Why didn't you tell me?" He somehow kept his voice calm.

"Tell you what, Colonel?" The warning note in Ross' voice was unmistakable.

"That Torie…Victoria had been assigned to the Saratoga." Ty ignored the warning, knowing he was on very thin ice.

"You receive the replacement roster, don't you?" Ross moved over to perch on the edge of his desk. Everything about him was abnormally tight, almost defensive.

"Yes, sir…"

"Then I don't see what you're bitching about…"

"I deserved more than that and you damned well know it!" Ty dropped his hand from the handle and took a step forward. "You knew I wouldn't recognize the name…"

Ross straightened up to face him, his hand on his hips, his anger clearly getting the better of him.

"Watch yourself, Colonel. We're still on the record here. You don't get to call me a liar, friend or not."

Ty took a deep breath and decided against the angry retort he'd been about to issue. "I'm not calling you a liar, Commodore. As a friend I know you aren't. I…" He stopped and glanced around, his gaze coming to rest on the collection of photographs Ross had on display. "I'm just trying to understand this. She…blind-sided me in the Tun a couple of hours ago. Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't realize it was my job to simplify your life, Colonel. I…" Ross stopped, the anger suddenly dissipated. "Ah, hell, Ty. I didn't know how to tell you." Ross moved over to a chair and sat down, motioning for Ty to join him.

"You've never had that problem before, sir. You've always managed to be pretty damned direct." Ty sat back and tried to relax. "When did she join the Navy?"

"Three months ago." Ross shook his head. "I'm still finding it impossible to believe."

"Why? I would've bet the Navy was in her blood."

"Because she's my daughter?" Ty simply nodded. "It's because she's my daughter that I would've bet my last dime against it. She's always hated the Navy for taking me away from her…and the Corps, too, because of you."

"Me, sir?" Ross' statement took him by surprise.

"Yes, you, Ty. She was, what, fourteen the first time I dragged you home to dinner?" Ty again nodded. "We both know she fell for you that first night and never did get over it."

Ross paused to pour them both some rum. Ty picked up the glass and took a sip. He hadn't been aware of Torie's feelings until a couple years after that first meeting.

"She never did tell me what happened that last time. She just stormed into the house, called you every name in the book and told me that she hated the both of us." Ross spoke quietly, almost casually, but Ty could tell it was still painful for him. It made him regret his part in the whole thing.

"Glen, I…we…" Ross held up his hand to stop him.

"No, Ty. It's water under the bridge. Hell, it was ten years ago. I knew what was happening between the two of you but I also knew you'd ultimately do the right thing and break it off."

Ty glanced up, surprised. "The right thing, sir?"

"Yes, Ty, the right thing. She was a still a kid in so many ways and she had school ahead of her. She didn't need a…romantic entanglement with a Marine complicating things for her."

Ty silently studied the man he considered one of his closest friends. Ross had backed him, fought for him, and fought with him more times than he could count…yet his words sounded hollow all of a sudden. Ty couldn't help wondering if Ross was being entirely truthful. He dismissed the feeling almost immediately. Ross had earned his trust.

Ross watched Ty study him and wondered what was going on inside his friend's mind. He knew how his words must have sounded to the In Vitro. He also knew, or hoped he did, that Ty would know those words weren't meant that way. He set his glass aside and leaned forward just a bit.

"That's how I know you'll do the right thing this time, too."

Ty stood up abruptly, unable to remain seated any longer. The entire conversation had suddenly taken a turn he didn't like and would never have expected from Ross.

"Oh? And what would that be, sir?" He somehow managed to keep his tone level.

"It would be for you to stay away from her."

Ty turned to face Ross momentarily unable to believe he'd actually heard the man correctly. "Sir?"

"You heard me, Ty." Ross slowly stood up. "I want you to stay away from Victoria."

Ty felt like he'd been sucker punched. In spite of Ross' words of reassurance, this was, yet again, about him…about the fact that he was an In Vitro. It had to be.

"Yes, sir. I heard you loud and clear, sir." Ty bit back on his anger hard enough to make his teeth hurt. "With your permission, sir, I…"

"Permission denied, Colonel. Sit your ass back down. Now." Ross made no attempt to disguise his irritation.

For a moment Ross thought McQueen was going to disobey a direct order. When he finally obeyed, he did so stiffly, sitting on the edge of the chair, any pretense of being comfortable long gone. Ross sat down with a heavy sigh. He'd obviously handled this very badly.

"Ty, you know I didn't mean it like that…or you damned well should know it. I've never cared a lick about your being an In Vitro. Hell, half the time I flat out forget that you are. This is about Victoria, not you."

"How can it be about her?"

"She and Allen have only been married a little more than year. When she came aboard, she told me that the marriage was in trouble, that she's thinking about getting a divorce."

"What's that got to do with me, sir?" At least he didn't sound angry any more.

"It's only about you indirectly. You know what that first year is like. I think she needs to give it more time. I also know that she's still more than a little in love with you and if you don't stay away from her, if she thinks she stands one chance in a million with you, she'll never consider giving it another try." Ross reached over and clasped Ty by the shoulder. "I'm asking you as a friend, Ty, to understand. And yes, I know it's asking a lot…but I've got to ask. As Victoria's father, I've got to do what I think is right. Can you understand that?"

Ty remained silent, staring past Ross. A year ago, before the war, before his kids came into his life, he wouldn't have understood. Now, somehow, he did. He refocused on Ross with a slight smile on his face.

"Yes, sir, I can understand it. As for complying with your request…I'll have to think about it first."

"All right, fair enough." Ross sat back with another sigh. "I'm sorry I didn't warn you that she was here. I should've just explained it as soon as I found out she was being assigned here."

"I would've preferred your normal direct approach." Ty tried to let the anger go. It was harder than it should've been. "How'd she wind up on the Saratoga?"

"Her mother, I imagine. When I found out she'd enlisted, I did everything I could to make sure she stayed planet-side. My ex-wife obviously has more influence than I do. She also has some absurd idea that if Victoria's here, I'll be able to keep her safe."

"That's…" Ty stopped so quickly that Ross had to laugh.

"Crazy? Yeah, it is. I tried to tell her that there's no such thing as being safe anywhere out here, including on the 'Toga but she wouldn't listen." Ross shook his head. "My ex is many things, Ty, but reasonable isn't one of them. She wants what she wants when she wants it." Ross sighed and stood up. McQueen quickly followed suit. "I'm glad we got this settled. Was there another reason for your being here?"

"No, sir."

"All right, then. Go and get some sleep, Ty. Everything else can wait for a few hours."

"Yes, sir. Good night."

***

James had remained in the Tun only a short time after McQueen's departure. He'd watch the entire scene with mild interest and had noticed Vansen's brief conversation with Meese. It looked like Vansen had eyes for McQueen. It made James even more determined to find out what the hell had happened to John.

After leaving the Tun, he spent a couple of hours in the gym, working out some of his anger and frustration, and then wandered around almost aimlessly. When he finally went back to their quarters, he was surprised to find everyone there and asleep. Without an early mission briefing, he had just figured they'd keep the poker game going longer.

He moved quietly to his bunk and sat down to take his boots off. As he unlaced them, he heard a soft sound, almost like a whimper. He glanced around the dimly lit room and noticed that Vansen was tossing in her sleep. As he watched her, he heard the sound again and realized it was coming from Vansen. She was obviously dreaming and from the look on her face it wasn't a pleasant one. He thought briefly about waking her up and then decided against it. The bitch could deal with her own nightmares.

A few minutes later he watched as she suddenly sat up with a soft cry that sounded almost like John's name. She covered her face with her hands for a few moments and then pushed the hair back from her face before getting up and heading for the bathroom. James gave her a few minutes and then followed her inside.

She was standing at one of the sinks, gripping both sides with enough force to turn her knuckles white. James couldn't see her face, with her head down her hair hid it from him, but he thought she might be crying.

"Something wrong, Vansen?" He spoke quietly, aware of how the empty room would echo.

Shane glanced at him, clearly startled for a moment. She did look like she'd been crying. James was surprised and wondered what could possibly have moved her to tears. She didn't answer him, opting to splash cold water on her face instead. When she was finally composed, she straightened up and turned to face him, the Ice Queen firmly back in command.

"No." She spoke brusquely, hoping to get rid of him.

"Yeah, right. You just come in here to cry because everything's just fucking perfect." The sarcasm in his voice made her want to scream at him.

"James, I'm not up for this right now, okay? I came in here to get a drink and have a couple of minutes to myself. Just go back to bed and leave me the hell alone."

"You're not up for what right now? I just wanted to make sure you were okay…"

"Oh, yeah, right. You've already demonstrated that you don't give a damned about me so let's not do the concerned crewmate routine. Just leave me alone."

"Why were you crying?" James shifted to lean against the wall.

"I wasn't crying!" Shane couldn't help but snap at him. "Fine, you stay here and I'll go back to bed."

She started for the door only to have James move to block it. There was something slightly threatening in the gesture and Shane automatically took a step back.

"You aren't running away this time, Vansen. Answer my question."

Shane remained silent while she tried to decide what she should do. A scream would wake everyone up…and cause even more problems for them all. It took several moments for his statement to completely sink in. Running away? What was he talking about? She thought about asking him but then decided it didn't matter. She didn't care what he was talking about.

"I answered your question. Get out of my way. Now." She tried to convey the same aura of command that seemed to come to McQueen so naturally. It didn't work. James didn't move.

"No, you didn't. I want to know why you were crying."

"Why? Because you care so much about me? James, just leave me alone and let me go back to bed."

He didn't move and Shane wondered whether she could force her way by him. The thought of struggling with him wasn't any more appealing then the thought of answering his question.

"This is stupid. Get out of my way."

"Or what? You'll move me? Don't make me laugh, Vansen. You may think you're one bad-ass Marine but you don't scare me…"

"You don't move, Chig shit, I'll move you." Cooper was suddenly behind James. "You okay, Shane?"

Shane simply nodded as James turned to face Cooper, surprised by the In Vitro's completely silent approach.

"This is none of your business, Tank. We're talking…"

"I'm makin' it my business. Shane, you want to talk to him?" She shook her head. "C'mon then."

She moved by James without looking at him. He and Cooper remained motionless for several tense moments before Cooper followed Shane back to their bunks.

"Thanks, Coop. I owe you." Shane sat down with a tired sigh.

"Naw. You sure you're okay?" She simply nodded as she stretched back out on her bunk. "You goin' to…"

Shane cut him off with a shake of her head. "Forget it and go to sleep, Coop."

Cooper thought about arguing with her but he rarely won their arguments. He glanced toward James' bunk, a frown on his face, before getting back into his bunk. He wouldn't argue with Shane about James…but he sure the hell would keep a close eye on James.

***

TO BE CONTINUED