Hunter saw Cross in her office ,he was already concerned knowing the female doctor had seen Joe at the ‘Dragon Bar’. So without any additional hesitation he entered .

The CMO had apparently finished what she was doing and stood up to leave, with a form in her hand which Hunter alarmingly recognized ‘’What’s that form for?’’ he asked already having his suspicion ‘’For the Captain, I’m handing in my resignation, now get out of my way!’’ she retorted . Already about to dash out of the office Hunter was swift enough to stop her, grabbing her by her hair and shutting the door . Cross was furious and enraged ‘’ How dare you! its none of your business ‘’ she screamed at him while rubbing her scalp .

The male doctor was now holding her firmly with both hands ‘’ What a fool you are ,giving up everything you worked so hard for just so you could be with that man,who doesn’t even care about you …all he cares about is his own ego!’’ the usually soft spoken doctor raised his voice which if the door was not closed with had reverberated around sickbay and beyond .

‘’I love him,you Hunter does not even know the meaning of love ‘’ Cross was trying to wriggle out of Hunter’s clutches before the ship left the station.
‘’ Love? What’s love !’’ he exclaimed ‘’Someone who left you twice ? Is that love Cross ? The last time he left, did not even inform you because he’s indifferent to your feelings… remember ? He needed specialized care which according to the Captain was unavailable here ,so what might this mysteries illness be eh? Do you recall if he ever came once to sickbay ? Who decided he needed specialized care ..you? me? Stop and think with what brain cells you have left !’’ Hunter bellowed ripping the form from Cross’s hand and tearing it half.

Soon the vibration of the engines could be felt ,the USS Merrimack was finally leaving the station..... and for Hunter it could not have come soon enough.

Cross CMO.