Mr. Jeffy smiled warmly at his beloved. "How long have I been unconscious?"
"Long enough to have me worried, Lovey-Kins.", Nurse Yahbo answered a bit stiffly.
Jeffy peered over her shoulder to see Lt. Schrader. "Hey Hound-Dog", the engineering officer managed, lifting his head imperceptibly, "I can't believe you sat at my bedside all this time."
He smiled and nestled deeper in the covers. "You're a real pal", he breathed as he settled into a peaceful slumber.
Nurse Yahbo tucked the blankets around his still form and listened to his even breathing before turning again to regard the pilot. Her expression spoke volumes, and
Schrader realized that her loyalties were
still with Mr. Jeffy, regardless of her seeming emotional turmoil.
"I..." she began, but Schrader shook his head, silencing her.
"I understand.", he said, trying reassure her. "Jeffy's a good man. Yer lucky ta' have 'im." That said, he turned to leave.
Nurse Yahbo reached out and grabbed his arm. Her touch was electric as she moved to stand in his way, and Schrader's mutinous heart skipped a beat.
"I didn't get to finish what I wanted to say.", she said softly but urgently. "I care for Mr. Jeffy deeply", she put up a hand as Schrader opened his mouth to interrupt, "but there are times",
she continued, "mostly when you're around, that I feel like there might be something else."
"That's what I'm talkin' about.", Schrader interrupted, but she pressed on.
"I realize that some people might think that those fuzzy feelings are the best parts of a relationship", she explained, "but I'm not one of them. What might be, can't be compared with what is."
She paused from her tirade. "Can you understand what I'm saying, Lieutenant?"
Schrader looked at his hands dejectedly. "I reckon, Ma'am.", he replied gloomily.
An uncomfortable silence fell over them. "Well", Nurse Yahbo spoke up, "I guess I'd better get back in there and check on my patient."
Schrader nodded distractedly. "Yeah, I reckon ya' should." He turned and began walking down the long corridor towards the bridge. He mulled over what she'd said, and had to admit it made
a good deal of sense. She was in a steady relationship with a high ranking officer, and he was a lowly fighter pilot from the future. With that revelation, a cold certainty crept into his psyche.
He'd never have Nurse Yahbo.
Lost in his thoughts, Schrader didn't notice the threat until he was grabbed from behind and thrown up against the wall. He started to swing an arm up in defense, but soon realized it wouldn't be necessary
as Nurse Yahbo wrapped he arms around his neck and pressed her lips against his.
