Part 4:

     "Dr. Rhodes?" Nikki Montgomery stood hesitantly at the door to Dr. Rhodes' office. "Yes? Is there something I can help you with?" asked the doctor. Nikki took another step into her office. "I was wondering...about Crow. How is he doing?" Rhodes closed the file she had open on her desktop computer and turned her full attention to her. "It was touch and go for a while there, but it looks like he's going to be just fine." "And the troops from the shuttle?" asked Nikki. "Well, I'm happy to report that those who survived the crash will eventually make a full recovery." Nikki nodded. "That's good." She turned to leave, then stopped. She hesitated again, then turned back to Dr. Rhodes. "Um, did he seem off to you when you saw him last?" "He was unconscious when I saw him last." replied Rhodes. "Right. Ah...well...was there any physical indication he was not in his right mind?" Rhodes rubbed her chin. "Yes, I suppose. He had apparently eaten some expired rations. Why are you asking?" Nikki shifted her stance in a way that suggested she was uncomfortable. "Its just that he said a lot of weird things when I found him. And, I was wondering how I should interpret them." Rhodes nodded her head. "Ah, and so we get to the heart of the matter. Look Montgomery, given the combination of food poisoning and the shock of being shot, he was most likely delusional when you found him." "Delusional?" asked Nikki. "Most likely, so I doubt he meant any of the things he said to you, no matter how sincere they sounded." "Really?" asked Nikki, trying her best to hide her disappointment. "Absolutely. I'm sure no matter how insulting and rude he sounded, he had no idea what he was saying." "Oh." replied Nikki. Dr. Rhodes tilted her head and asked, "That's a good thing, right?" Nikki quickly forced a smile onto her face and let out a hallow laugh. "Absolutely. Thank you, Doctor."

* * *
     Crow slowly opened his eyes and saw a blond-haired women leaning over him. "Jenna?" "No, but we have the same hair color." she replied. Crow blinked, bringing her into focus. "Jessie." "Still among the living I see." stated Powers. She eased her way back into the wheel chair behind her as Crow sat up in bed. "Barely." He glanced at Jessie, noting the various bandages. "You look how I feel." Jessie smiled, "That's funny, I was going to say the same thing about you." "Everyone make it?" asked Crow. "Everyone that survived the crash." replied Jessie. "What happened to the Captain?" "Made it back without a scratch. He lives a charmed life, I guess." Crow nodded, "Sometimes I think we all do." Jessie cracked a smile then began wheeling herself out of the room. "Where are you going?" "You have company." replied Jessie. Nikki was standing in the doorway, she stepped into the room so as to allow Jessie out. "Hi." she said. "Hey." said Crow. She walked over to his bedside. "So how are you feeling?" "Better, than before." "About before," began Nikki, "What do you remember?" Crow thought for a bit, then answered. "Everything up until I got shot. After that, it gets fuzzy." "Fuzzy?" asked Nikki. "Bits and pieces, some images, nothing definite." "That's it?" asked Nikki. "Well, I have a vague recollection that I saw my sister. Guess I was pretty out of it, huh?" Nikki shifted her weight from one leg to the other and nodded. Something he said seemed to be bothering her. "Did I say something I shouldn't have?" "I think so." replied Nikki. She looked hurt. "I'm sorry." said Crow, totally unsure of exactly what he was apologizing for. Nikki bit down on her lower lip. A sign of anger or sorrow, Crow couldn't tell which. "What did I say?" he finally asked. Nikki cleared her throat and grabbed hold of his hand. "Nothing important. Just some of your usual nonsense. Its okay though, you weren't in your right mind and I didn't take it personal." She gave his hand a squeeze then released it. "You get better, okay?" "Sure thing." replied Crow. Nikki began backing out of the room. "I'll see you around the ship, I'm sure. Take care." She spun on her heel and exited the room.

     Crow leaned back in bed. He tried to remember what exactly had happened after he'd been shot, but could not. The best he could manage was a vague remembrance of Nikki finding him. "I wish I could remember what I said." mused Crow. "Must have been a real doozy to get Nik all riled up like that." He signed and rolled over, intent on getting some sleep. "Probably nothing to lose sleep over. Heck, she even told me she didn't take it personally." He closed his eyes and began to fall asleep.

     Nothing important...nothing at all...
The End