Joe had awakened in Cross’s quarters that morning stiff and confused after sleeping in the none too comfortable chair beside her bed all night. After he had somewhat gained his senses to the point where he at least remembered what had happened and where he was, he rubbed his eyes and then turned toward Cross’s bed only to find that she wasn’t there.

As her self- appointed guardian, he had nearly come unglued. He had immediately searched her cabin before he remembered that all he had to do was to ask the computer to find Lieutenant Cross’s bio signature. He was soon feeling a lot better when he found her to be in sickbay and at work already. After only a small bit of cursing he had proceeded to his quarters to shower, change and shortly thereafter have a breakfast of nearly everything no human was supposed to eat followed by a steaming cup of coffee.

Now here he was in the officer’s lounge holding his third cup of steaming coffee as he sat looking out of the viewport and pondering their next assignment. Taking another sip of his coffee he proved to himself that he wasn’t quite awake as he should be by burning his lip.

Lt.Cmdr. Joe Milligan XO