<br/>The remaining minutes continued to tick by while Katherine remained lost in the melancholy of her thoughts, but when Captain Hunter placed his arm around her, she instinctively relaxed against him, grateful for the gesture, and comforted by his warmth and strength.  In that instant, inexplicably, she felt a silent communication pass between them, a shared understanding that made words unnecessary, but when he pulled away, she straightened, suddenly aware of the inappropriateness of her reaction.  He was essentially still a stranger to her, and yet, his reply to what she said, simple words whispered gently, spoke volumes, and confirmed he felt the same worry, pain and admiration for the people below that she did.  Looking up at him curiously, Katherine studied the handsome and compelling man for a moment as though seeing him for the first time, wanting to say more, but instead she merely blinked and returned his empathetic smile with one of her own.<br/><br/>Then, entire room seemed to jump to life when the deadline arrived and the alien demand flashed abruptly on the screen.  Katherine’s heart started pounding again as her eyes flew to the countdown clock, and then to Dr. Heath as she shouted her orders, but in a flash, just as the enigmatic leader predicted, Discovery safely made the jump and they were finally out of harm’s way.  Everyone let out a collective sigh of relief, some clapped, and Katherine trembled slightly, overwhelmed by intense relief, a sense of victory, and the release of pent up tension.  Smiling now, she turned to Captain Hunter who also looked pleased and relieved, to the point he almost reached out to hug her, and then something else flashed across his face that made her think he might kiss her.  Katherine held her breath, pulse quickening, but it disappeared just as quickly, and he simply smiled.   She exhaled slowly, wondering if it was simply the intensity of the moment, her imagination, or something else.  Giving herself a little mental shake, she continued smiling and followed Captain Hunter’s gaze as he looked out at the rest of the crew.  He was undoubtedly satisfied with how everyone performed during the first real life-threatening situation, and she had to agree it was very encouraging; everybody stayed calm, cool and collected despite their heightened sense of panic. His newfound respect for Dr. Heath was also obvious, and not lost on the older scientist who began walking towards them.<br/><br/><em>Janet grinned at Captain Hunter.  He was the only member of the crew to instantly comprehend what her intent was in surrendering, and there was no question he had been thinking exactly the same thing, it was evident on his face the moment she gave the order.  The Marine Captain was shrewd indeed, and now she had little doubt about his ability to take command should the situation require it, which delighted her immensely.  Besides, she was convinced he would now make a positive report to the Colonel, giving the man no reason to question her authority.  Oh yes, everything was working out marvellously.</em><br/><br/>Dr. Heath stopped a few inches away from the Captain and Katherine, and crossed her arms, still grinning broadly. “I dare say we managed that rather well wouldn’t you agree Captain?  Perhaps after your team has surveyed the ship for damage, you’ll be able to join me in the communications lab.  I think it’s time I gave the Colonel a progress report, and I’m sure he’d like to hear your version of events.” She said enigmatically.<br/><br/>Dr. Heath didn’t look at Katherine or anyone else, and clearly had an agenda.  Nobody but Katherine seemed to notice the frown on Dr. Rahimi’s face as he watched the conversation unfold, and though she toyed with the idea of waiting around to see how everything would play out, she remembered Dr. Pike and the others, and took the opportunity to excuse herself. “Congratulations Dr. Heath,” she said with respect, “you handled it perfectly for which we’re all thankful I’m sure, but if you’ll excuse me, I want to check on the others.”  With a nod to the older woman, she regarded Captain Hunter silently for a couple of seconds, then smiled softly and quickly exited the room; feelings from both the strange encounter on the planet, and the unexpected connection with Captain Hunter moments ago, still lingering in awareness.<br/><br/>By the time she reached the observation deck, it was empty.  Concerned, she turned back to the corridor, running until she reached the infirmary, where there was a flurry of activity and her focus shifted entirely.  Several scientists were either lying or sitting on beds visibly injured, and Dr. Pike looked up with relief when he saw she arrived. “Oh good…come here!”  He said while waiving her forward.<br/><br/>Katherine started to explain what happened, but he interrupted. “You can tell me all about it later, right now I’ve got four people with either head contusions or lacerations of varying severity, and I’m trying to figure out these damn Ancient systems!” He let out a disgusted breath, clearly frustrated and in full emergency doctor mode.  “Dr. Ning was knocked around pretty bad during the first blast, and she hasn’t regained consciousness.  Stay with her while I see to the others, and if you notice any change in her vitals, tell me immediately, yes?” He stared at Katherine intently before switching his attention to Dr. Tsonis who had a nasty looking gash on his arm.<br/><br/>Nodding mutely, she gazed down at the pale young woman, shrugging out of her uniform jacket before gently picking up Dr. Ning’s wrist to feel the pulse, making sure it was normal.  It was, but head wounds could be so unpredictable, and Katherine watched carefully with concern in her eyes, gently placing the back of her hand against Dr. Ning’s cheek and waited.<br/><br/>How long she stood there she couldn’t say, but she began to feel the inevitable crash that always follows a harrowing event once the adrenaline wears off, and it was a struggle to keep her eyes open.  Eventually Dr. Ning started to come around, and Katherine felt a renewed rush of energy, quickly calling Dr. Pike over.  Shoving her aside, he checked the patient over and smiled, then turned to Katherine. “Ah, good, she’ll be fine, I’m sure of it…don’t worry.”  He looked at her closely and then waived his hand dismissively.  “Now…everything is under control here, so why don’t you go get some sleep?  In fact…Doctor’s orders!”  He grinned. “That goes for all the rest of the away team too, if you happen to see them on your way.  I may not be in charge around here, but I can still give<em>some</em>orders.” He winked.<br/><br/>Katherine chuckled, and gave a mock salute. “Yes sir doctor.”  Then more seriously, she said, “Are you sure? Everyone is fine?  I didn’t even get a chance to tell you all the details.”  She surveyed the room, but people were standing and chatting calmly, even the wounded. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling she ought to be doing something, even if it was just talking to people to ensure they weren’t traumatized by what just happened, but Dr. Pike was insistent and probably correct, she wasn’t at her best that was for sure.<br/><br/>“Yes, yes,” he said impatiently, “nothing too serious after all.  I’m going to find Dr. Heath and bring her up to speed, so I’ll find out what happened from her.  Now go before this curious lot decides to subject you to their version of the Spanish Inquisition.” He joked.<br/><br/>“Very well, but promise you’ll come and find me if you need more help ok?” She smiled then grabbed her jacket, and quietly slipped out of the infirmary before anyone noticed her leaving.<br/><br/>Once in the corridor, she walked towards her quarters, but when she passed the observation deck, the empty space and breathtaking view beckoned with a promise of peaceful solitude, and Katherine stepped inside.  Transfixed by the spectacular hues of brilliant colour rippling past the giant window, it allowed her to hold at bay the troubling thoughts that threatened to surface from the far reaches of her mind, if just for a moment, and she stood silently, hugging her arms around her chest, staring at the ribbons of light.  It triggered a memory, and the strange conversation with Alianne crept into her mind.  The implications of what the mysterious woman said about the nature of time travel fascinated her, but she sighed, quickly realizing that trying to analyze and make sense of it was nothing more than an exercise in vexation; she’d never truly understand it, so she let it go.<br/><br/>Determined to keep her thoughts neutral, she checked her watch, and was surprised to see two hours had passed since their escape from the alien vessels, but Katherine knew she wouldn't be able to sleep, not yet, so she decided to stay a little longer.  Remembering what Dr. Heath said about reporting to the Colonel, she wondered if there was still time to sit in on the meeting, and perhaps see the stones in action after all.  She doubted it, but was more than a little curious to find out what the brusque commander would think of the events since Discovery began its mission.  Smirking, she remembered her run in with him back on Icarus Base, and had no doubt whatever the Colonel’s opinion, it would likely prove entertaining at the very least.  Putting on her jacket, still enthralled as she continued to gaze at the awe inspiring beauty before her, she decided her curiosity just would have to wait a few more minutes.<br/>