Three days of training flew by and everything was on schedule and going well. Steve and Kayce would have been having the time of their lives it if weren’t for the cumulative stress of the upcoming mission.

Steve could see the extra stress being absorbed by Kayce, her shoulders holding all the added tension from the lack of confidence and trust of her instructor. She wouldn’t share with her husband any of the details even after he pleaded with her to unload. Deciding he couldn’t do anything he kept a close eye on her especially when she interacted with her teacher.

One afternoon the small group was in the pre-flight briefing room. O’Brien had finished up with Steve and left the room. The former astronaut was busy reviewing the emergency procedures in the flight manual. In the front of the room Jefferson was attempting to get a point across with a diagram drawn on the dry erase board before them.

Steve glanced up as the conversation rose in volume and noticed the calculations jotted across the white surface. The instructor voice expressed his frustration. It was obvious that the tall man was expecting a different answer then the one Kayce was giving after reviewing the formula on the board.

Steve eyed the mathematical puzzle clearly displayed and hid his smile.

“Why is it you can’t see the obvious answer?”

Kayce glared at him as she uncapped her marker. “Maybe it’s because I’m answering your written calculation. If the answer is what you say it is your formula is wrong!”

She stepped up and crossed out the error in the complicated equation and simply added the correct numeric symbols above it. “Now that justifies YOUR answer Lieutenant!” She slammed the marker on the table. “I’m not as dumb as you think I am.” Turning on her heal she left the room.

Steve smiled covertly seeing Jefferson’s stunned and speechless. Quietly closing his book he calmly commented as he neared the exit. “Lieutenant, let me share a little piece of advice. Before you demand an answer from your students make sure you are asking the right question.” He didn’t wait for a response before the door closed behind him leaving the embarrassed man lost in his thoughts.

Kayce walked quickly to her quarters, her anger slowly dissipating with every deep breath. After stepping into the small area she shut the door. A few seconds later the door silently opened and, with her back to it, she didn’t see the person enter. The young woman was spun around in surprise by two familiar hands and her lips were smothered by his. It took a second to realize the amorous greeting of her husband. When she did she returned it with enthusiasm, her arms falling over his broad shoulders, the tension slowly leaving her body as it relaxed against his. Her mouth opened welcoming his searching tongue.

He broke off the contact with a wicked smile. “Do you know how hard it is for me to see you looking so cute in that flight suit and not have you?” She smiled, forgetting the past half hour and replied, “Really?”

He nodded and lifted her onto the desktop. “I’ve been watching you all day. It was just about killing me that I couldn’t just grab you on deck.”

“So, tell me, have you always been attracted to people in flight suits?”

“Only one.” He responded as he kissed her hard and she reciprocated by wrapping her legs around his narrow waist. The kisses quickly deepened from their pent up emotions until they were gasping for air. The masculine hands unzipped her suit and slid under her white tee shirt and along her back. She followed his lead doing the same to his muscular torso.

Kayce leaned back from the close contact to look at him. “What about the captain’s rules?” She asked as he went about kissing her neck.

“The way I see it we are equal in rank. I don’t have to take orders from him.”

She smiled but he couldn’t see it with his head buried at her chest. She could barely reply with her breathing so short. “So…following…his rules…is just…a …professional….courtesy?”

“Uh huh.” He mumbled, his tongue dipping down her cleavage. She gasped in reply, “Then what are you waiting for Colonel?”

His head came up and he wore a silly crooked grin as he lifted her over to the bed.

The two lovers lay spent in each other’s arms, sharing Kayce’s bottom bunk. They made the most of their afternoon break, two hours of uninterrupted private time. Their first sharing, lasting mere minutes, was an intense, fast-paced physical release that drove all the tension from their bodies. Shortly thereafter they enjoyed a slower, tender experience, which reinforced their love and support of each other. The third and final act was a playful exploration of each other’s body, reacquainting themselves as partners and soul mates.

Kayce lightly brushed her slender fingers through the thick hair that covered Steve’s tanned chest. She lay with her left side on the mattress and the rest of her body on her husband. The only things keeping her from tumbling off the narrow bed were his strong right arm around her and her slender right leg tucked between his two long ones.

Steve rubbed her back in a slow rhythm wanting to discuss the problems with the crew but he didn’t want to ruin the moment. Soon the two became involved in light conversation.

Steve’s soft voice caused her eyes to open. “So, do you feel better?”

“Uh huh.” She mumbled in a sleepy voice then lifted her head to rest her chin on his chest. “I’ll feel even better after talking to Kyle.” Steve grinned at the thought of his son. “I don’t think Oscar is used to providing his agents with ship-to-shore calls to talk with family.”

“Maybe he’s softening up?”

She felt the muscular body below her tremble as he chuckled. “That’ll be the day.”

The young woman let out a long sigh. “I’m just glad he’s allowing us to call home three times a week. I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t at least talk with my little boy.”

“I know what you mean.” The father replied before they both laid quietly with their thoughts on their son, a feeling of homesickness wafting over them.

“Steve, how do military pilots get their call signs?” Kayce asked in an effort to change the sensitive subject. Her question took Steve by surprise.

“Usually it’s the senior airmen who pick it for you near the end of your training. They find some quirk or habit you have and label you. Or sometimes it’s just a nickname taken from your last name. Why?”

“Well I guess I wondered if I would be getting one but if that’s the case it will never happen. These guys can’t even admit I can fly.”

Steve stayed silent hoping she would share more of her struggle to be accepted, a struggle she refused to allow him to help with.

“So how did you get your call sign, ‘Cowboy’?”

Steve shrugged and tried to remember how the name originated. “I guess because I grew up on a ranch and I was the only one in my class who knew how to ride a horse.”

“Why do I get the feeling there is more to it then that?” His only response was a charming lopsided grin.

“Maybe there is but I’m not sure I want to share it with you.”

“Why not?” She said in surprise that her spouse would keep anything from her. Propping herself up on her left elbow the sheet dropped off her upper torso, exposing her chest. She saw his wandering eyes and quickly pulled the sheet back up. “Oh no, none of that until I hear the WHOLE story Colonel.”

“Okay but you will be mighty tense for the rest of the mission.” He grinned, challenging her self-control.

“So you aren’t going to tell me?”

“No.”

“Fine.” She replied with a giggle and laid back down thinking maybe Rudy or Oscar knew the story. The two began to doze lightly when the mutual rumbling of bellies got their attention. Neither one wanted to leave the comfort of each other or the bed but they had put off eating dinner long enough. “What time is it?” She asked and Steve checked his watch.

“18:25. I guess we should go eat dinner so we have time to talk to Kyle before our night flight.”

Kayce groaned in disappointment and slowly untangled herself from her husband. The two swiftly re-dressed and headed down the passageway to the dining hall. Raised voices could be overheard as they approached the briefing room on their way to eat. The couple stopped 15 feet from the door when the men were heard discussing the only woman on board.

“I’m telling you O’Brien the colonel should just keep her barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen.” The words spat out in anger.

“Oh come on Jefferson that’s so 1950’s. It’s 1976 for god’s sake. Women can do a lot of things we never expected they could do. They should be allowed to do anything they want.” A voice, unfamiliar to Kayce and Steve, interrupted.

Steve immediately took a step to announce his high ranking presence and put a stop to this unfavorable discussion but Kayce’s firm grip on his arm stopped him. She wanted to hear their true feelings. Her mind couldn’t place the unknown voice of reason she had heard.

Jefferson kept on going. “Help me out here O’Brien! Do you really think Austin’s wife should be here and flying?” There was a long silence. “Well O’Brien?”

“I’m not getting involved either way. They are here to do a job and so am I. I prefer to keep my personal opinions to myself and I strongly suggest you do the same Jefferson.” He eyed his colleague a moment.

“Fine, go ahead and stay quiet and soon the military will be over-run by women. They only need one to blaze the trail and she’s it. Are your ready for that?”

O’Brien didn’t respond. He continued to put his books and papers into his flight bag. Finally the third member of the group couldn’t hold his tongue any longer. “Enough already! Do you hear what you are saying?” He eyed his fellow aviators. “Kayce Austin and the Colonel are here to retrieve a weapon that could easily kill any or all of us, not to mention pilots in other branches of the military. She’s only a civilian. I doubt she is under orders to fly this mission but she is here anyway and all you can do is make it twice as difficult because she’s a woman. Grow up Jefferson. I for one think she’s pretty gutsy to risk her life and even attempt this mission.”

Jefferson glared at the man who was forcing him to see the situation in the cold light of day. Angry and frustrated he turned and walked out. Exiting the room he was horrified to see Kayce and Steve standing in the passageway, Steve’s arms were crossed and his brow was raised, silently asking if the man had anything to say. The naval pilot stepped briskly around them without a word and made his escape.

The two men left in the room headed to the door and noticed the subject of their discussion walking by but not before glancing in their direction and moving on. Steve, on the other hand, hesitated. “O’Brien.” He greeted his instructor with a nod. He looked at the tall man next to him. “What’s your name Lieutenant?”

The man being questioned froze with fear. “Stephens, Sir.” He replied with more confidence then he felt. Steve eyed the brown haired man, seeing the wings on his flight suit and knew the voice was the one that was defending his wife. The colonel silently nodded his thanks and went to catch up with his wife.

Kayce was already in the food line and Steve popped in behind her grabbing a tray. He eyed her intensely trying to read her. She acted as if nothing had happened and casually commented on the food being served. Steve replied absently as he continued to scrutinize her. He followed her to the table where Oscar, Rudy and the Captain were eating. After she asked politely if they could join the trio and receiving affirmative answers the Austin’s sat.

Oscar inquired as to their evening flight and Steve answered each question thoroughly. Every now and then he glanced to his left to see his wife pushing her food around with her fork. After several minutes passed she quietly placed her utensil down and excused herself. Steve grabbed her arm as she turned to leave. “Are you okay?” He asked softly.

She gave him a weak smile and nodded. “I just need some air.”

“Want some company?”

“No. You go ahead and eat your dinner. I’ll be back soon.” She turned and walked away.

Waiting until the blonde was out of ear shot the Captain inquired as he cut his chicken, “Trouble with the Misses Colonel?” Not hearing an answer the naval officer looked at the air force pilot.

Steve was in no mood to have this type of discussion with the Captain. His intense glare at the Navy Commander did not go unnoticed by Oscar and Rudy. They wondered what had caused it. Slowly the icy blue of the eyes warmed a bit and he just replied, “There’s never any trouble with my wife Captain.” He quickly looked at Oscar and changed the subject. “So has any new intelligence come in?”

“No.” Oscar responded and continued to explain what he had up to now but Steve’s mind was on his wife who still would not allow him to help her, at least not overtly. It suddenly dawned on him why the Captain had chosen Jefferson as Kayce’s instructor, to make this cruise more difficult on her then it had to be. “Steve…Steve!” Suddenly the former astronaut’s head came up at his name being called.

“Did you say something Oscar?”

“I asked if everything was going smoothly.”

“Ah yes, everything is fine. Captain, I’d like to make a request.” The Captain looked at the OSI agent with curiosity. “And what would that be Colonel?”

“I want Lt. Stephens to replace Lt. Jefferson as Kayce’s flight instructor.” He asked and waited.

“Would you care to explain why?”

“No, but I think you already know why.”

The captain let out a loud exhale to express his annoyance at the request but Steve would not be dissuaded and continued to stare at the man. “You realize I can’t keep switching your wife’s instructor every time she has a tantrum.”

Oscar and Rudy shared a concerned glance waiting to see Steve explode. They were surprised when the brown haired man just asked his question again in a calm voice. “Would you please replace Lt. Jefferson with Lt. Stephens?” He continued to cause discomfort with his glare.

“Okay, fine. As of tomorrow morning Lt. Jefferson will be replaced. Will that pacify your wife colonel?”

“If you recall it wasn’t my wife’s request, Captain. It was mine.” With those few words he stood and left the dining hall.

Lt. Stephens wandered out onto the windy deck to check over his plane for his scheduled night hop. He never expected to find Kayce standing alone staring out over the vast body of water. As he watched her he felt a pang of guilt that he was seen associating with Jefferson while he was spouting off at the mouth. Taking a deep breath he moved towards her.

“Mrs. Austin?” Kayce turned toward the voice but kept her arms tightly folded across her waist.

“Yes.” She slowly recognized him as the one who was in the three-man discussion in the briefing room. “You’re the lieutenant from the briefing room.”

“Yes, Ma’am. I just wanted to apologize for Jefferson’s behavior. I realize he has a right to his opinion but his behavior was unbecoming for an officer and a gentleman. I’m afraid the man has very archaic views on women’s rights.”

“That is true Lt…”

“Lieutenant Stephens Ma’am.” She reached out a hand and he shook it, relieved to see her smile. She gazed at the six-foot tall aviator with brown hair and couldn’t help but be reminded of her husband when she first met him, the cause for his nervousness puzzling the blonde.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Lt. Stephens. Please call me Kayce. I’m not really into formal titles.”

The young lieutenant smiled brightly. “Alright, Ma’am, I mean Kayce. Please call me ‘Silver.’”

“Silver?” His warm brown eyes twinkled as a slight blush reached his cheeks. “Yes, it’s my call sign.”

“I see and how is it you got the name ‘Silver’?”

“It’s a long story, actually two stories. One of which I don’t think should be repeated to a lady.” Kayce laughed, for the first time in days, at his reticence. Her light hearted chucked wafted across the deck to her husband who was now on deck. He couldn’t help but focus his bionic eye on the two forms 100 yards away. He was surprised to see a genuine smile on her face. Yes, Steve had a strong feeling Lt. Stephens was going to be a godsend on this mission.

“So what’s the G-rated story?” Kayce asked with real interest.

“It’s short for Silverado.”

“Like the movie?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Well after you get to know me better maybe you’ll share with me the other story huh?”

“Oh, I don’t think I could ever do that.”

“Give it some time ‘Silver’. You’ll find I have the same sense of humor as the guys.”

“I’ll try to remember that.” He looked at her and displayed a brilliant smile. ‘Colonel Austin is one lucky man’ he thought.

After phoning their son and getting his non-stop, no-time-to-pause-for-a-breath report on his daily activities the two parents switched roles and headed out to their planes. O’Brien and Jefferson would be taking their students through a series of nighttime landings and take-offs. In the planning of the mission it was expected that Steve and Kayce, flying the two stolen jets, would be landing back on the carrier just after sunrise, with adequate light and before the afternoon winds and storms increased the risk of a safe landing. Knowing they could never count on optimal weather and visibility the two operatives would be put through every possible scenario they might face upon returning from Russia.

Oscar watched with Rudy from the bridge as the planes did one landing after another. Every now and then the two men would hear radio transmissions that simulated emergency situations to test the pilot’s abilities even further. The director and doctor just hoped the procedures would never be played out in a real life situation. Three hours had passed before the two planes landed. The long sessions were also a test of the pilots’ skills under physical and mental fatigue and that it did.

Lt. O’Brien and Lt. Jefferson were immediately pulled aside by their squadron leader as Kayce and Steve left the deck. She saw the small group conversing and wonder what it was all about. The tired pair finally arrived at their quarters near midnight and Steve informed Kayce of the changes that would occur in the morning.

At first Kayce was angry that Steve would step in behind her back and try to fight her battle for her. Then she realized how hard it must be for him to not get involved. Knowing how much easier the final stretch of her training would be with someone who treated her like a pilot and not a female pilot she reacted.

Steve was leaning against the desk with his arms crossed watching her back as she stared at the wall. He was waiting to deflect the fury he anticipated would come from her, knowing she would not be happy with his interference. Suddenly she spun and threw her arms around his neck.

The shocked look on his face as he caught her slowly turned to a smile as she thanked him. He held her tight feeling relieved that she wasn’t mad at his decision to take some action.

Early the next morning ‘Silver’ was anxious to greet his new student. The butterflies in his stomach would not be calmed as he thought of the pretty, intelligent blonde. Last night he read Jefferson’s reports on her flying abilities and had seen some of them first hand. She and Steve arrived top-side right on time and ready to go. Mother Nature was actually cooperating with the training by providing a long-lasting rain storm to challenge the pilots. With visibility limited and the ship pitching more violently then in calm seas the performance bar had been significantly raised.

The morning flew by with a less tense atmosphere in the cockpit. Kayce was able to relax and concentrate on her flying. She and Steve, with a few small interventions from their instructors, were able to complete four safe landings in the downpour before they were dismissed. While heading down to the dining hall for lunch Kayce got an idea to make the afternoon more interesting. She conversed quietly with ‘Silver’ before approaching her other half.

“So Colonel Austin, I have a proposition for you.” Hearing the melodic voice of his wife Steve looked up from his lunch with a wicked grin. His eyes went left then right at the pilots eating with them.

”Are you sure you want to share it right now?”

“Oh definitely.” She gave him a mischievous grin enjoying his nervousness. “This afternoon we have another set of take-offs and landings. “Silver and I want to make a small wager as to the outcomes.”

“Oh you do huh?” Steve replied and looked at O’Brien.

‘Silver’ smiled and looked back at Kayce. “We say we can beat you best of 7 landings by hitting the third wire.”

Steve and his instructor nodded at the challenge. The winds were still high and variable. The third of the four arrest wires was the ideal for landing and every pilot attempted to hook it. With the unpredictability of the speed and direction of the wind it would be a close contest.

“Okay, you’re on.” O’Brien chimed in having complete confidence in his student, “What are the stakes?”

“$500.00 gentlemen. I hope that’s not too steep for you.”

O’Brien, who was slowly warming to the idea of having Kayce around agreed with a smile as did Steve. The bet was sealed with handshakes and the contest was on.

As Steve was met by Oscar and Rudy on the way to the deck he casually mentioned the contest. Oscar and Rudy grinned at each other then made their own wager. Oscar’s money was on Steve and Rudy’s on Kayce. It would certainly be a tight race. The pair quickly made their way to a good seat ready to cheer their pilot on.

The contest commenced as soon as the aircraft were airborne. Steve’s first landing hit the third wire while Kayce came in too high catching the fourth. On the second attempt Steve caught the second wire. Not bad but close to being to low and too slow, risking hitting the edge of the carrier deck. Kayce hit the fourth wire again, still to fast on her approach. On the third try both pilots caught the elusive third wire. The radio was abuzz with teasing chatter between the two competing pilots, adding pressure trying to break the opponent’s concentration.

The fourth approach to the deck had both Steve and Kayce hooking the third cable. Kayce was now down by one. She could feel the tension creep through her body. Flying the downwind of the pattern she watched Steve’s landing, it was close she waited to hear the report from the bridge. “”Fourth wire” was called out and she let out a long exhale. While they stalled for time to get Steve’s plane out of the way on deck Silver tried to support her with a quiet voice, “You can do it Kayce, I know you can. Relax and just do it.”

Receiving clearance she banked the aircraft on final approach and took a few deep breaths. With her present speed she would have been expected to hit the fourth wire again but the wind pushed against the nose of the plane, dropping it a few feet early and the third wire was hooked.

The bridge and deck crew, now aware of the game being played, were all cheering the tie score. A few dollar bills could be seen changing hands as the final two landings would decide the game.

Steve quickly lined up with the carrier. He calmed himself becoming one with his machine. The altimeter wound down as the plane descended. He neared the deck at the ideal spot and the wind caught his tail for an instant, forcing him to the fourth wire again. He mumbled a few choice words and Kayce’s voice came though his headset. “There’s still one more Cowboy.”

Steve smiled into his mask, “Just remember we won’t accept a check and you must be getting awfully tired by now.” Steve got his plane repositioned on the deck and waited to hear Kayce’s landing. Just as she was approaching the deck he heard the signal crew calling her position. “Add power, you’re too low.” She did as ordered and caught the second wire. She heard Silver let out a breath. She didn’t need to be told it was too close to the deck’s edge.

It all came down to the final landings. By this time Oscar and Rudy were at the window, the excitement bringing them to their feet. Oscar looked at his friend, “Are you sure you don’t want to change you mind?”

Rudy laughed, “Absolutely not! She can do this.”

Oscar grinned, “So can he.”

Steve glided in, the wind tipping his wings. The nose began to yaw and he quickly adjusted with rudder control as the gear touched down. The voice came through the headset causing some of the on-lookers to grumble. “Third wire!” Steve released the pressure with a few long exhales which included some unintelligible words. O’Brien cued his mike so all pilots could hear. “Catch this one and it’s onto sudden death.” The foursome had agreed that if the contest ended in a tie the planes would each take landings until one of them caught a three wire. The flip of a coin before take-off ensured Kayce would have first shot in a tie breaker.

The pressure was smothering. Kayce took Silver by surprise by suddenly veering off to the north, away from the carrier. She needed a few minutes to calm herself. With the fatigue, mental and physical, catching up to her, she needed to make this one count. Silver, sitting quietly behind her hoped he wouldn’t be out of $250 in the next half hour.

“Ready Silver?” She asked in a strong voice.

“Ready.” He replied with excitement as she smoothly banked the winged craft back to the carrier. By now Steve and O’Brien were out of their aircraft, with their helmets and parachutes left behind, watching from the deck, wondering where she was flying off to. They saw her turn back and held their collective breath.

Oscar and Rudy headed down to the deck to get a better view. As they arrived Kayce had just made her turn back towards the carrier. She gingerly moved the stick and rudder to compensate for the changing wind direction and speed. She kept her eye on the lighted ball that was displayed to the left of the moving landing deck to assure her position was perfect. The aircraft sunk slowly and Silver began to grow a huge grin on his face, knowing she nailed it.

The landing gear of the immense, heavy aircraft contacted the deck at the usual landing speed. The tail hook grabbed onto the third wire causing the spectators to whoop loudly. The thick metal rope slowed the plane down but a sudden jolt, unforeseen and unexpected, sent the bird forward as the arrest wire snapped sending the ship’s crew members ducking and diving to the ground in an attempt to avoid decapitation.

Kayce, still concentrating on controlling the machine, felt the immediate change in forward movement and shoved the throttle forward, knowing there would not be enough room for stopping without the wire. The plane lurched forward and accelerated before dipping off the end of the ship. Keeping the nose even with the horizon and hoping to gain the lost airspeed needed to climb Kayce quickly realized it wasn’t enough. The plane was struggling to gain the lift it needed and she heard the order to eject. At only 500 feet above the water the plane was beginning to stall.

Steve was off to the side and saw the plane rush passed. Everyone on deck watched as the metal bird seemed to crawl down the deck without enough speed to carry it safely back into the air. Steve held his breath knowing what was about to happen. He didn’t notice the rescue crews scrambling to the helicopter or the rotors beginning to spin. His eyes remained locked on the wounded bird and tensed when the canopy broke away and the ejection seats launched with the plane at a low altitude and almost perpendicular to the water. Oscar and Rudy grabbed binoculars from a storage shelf and ran to the deck’s edge near Steve.

With the magnifying lenses to their faces, the two men watched intently as two helmeted forms impacted the ocean hard. As soon as they hit the cold water one was seen swimming frantically toward the other. Their binoculars were limited in range and neither one could make out any details. Steve on the other hand had a clear focus through his sunglasses on the two downed crewmembers as he zoomed in with his bionic eye.

The rotor blast was making small white caps as the chopper came to hover over the two in the water. Rudy could only make out one form moving over the other. “Steve I can’t tell what’s happening. It looks like one of them is injured. Can you make out who it is?”

He waited while still peering though the binoculars. When he didn’t hear a response he and Oscar turned to look at their friend who was pale as a ghost. “Steve?”

Steve had watched as the limp form was rolled face up in the water. He then caught sight of Lt. Stephens’ face under his helmet as he looked up and waved towards the hovering rotorcraft. Steve’s voice was tight as he choked out the details, not taking his eyes off the scene in the distance. “It’s Kayce.”

“What is Stephens doing?” Oscar asked with frustration.

Steve swallowed hard before responding, “Looks like mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.”

Three hearts were pounding in tight chests as they turned back to see Kayce, lifeless as a rag doll, being pulled from the water by her parachute harness. Since the chopper was so close to the ship it didn’t take the time to hoist the injured woman into the chopper. Moving smoothly over to the deck, the water soaked form was carefully lowered into the arms of the waiting rescue crew, which included Steve. Rudy stepped closer but Oscar froze at the sight of Steve cradling Kayce’s floppy body, water pouring off her onto the deck and soaking Steve’s flight suit until the tether to the rescue chopper was detached. It would be a long time before the director would get that sight out of his mind. The helicopter efficiently sped off to collect a shivering Silver floating in the cold water.

Steve felt like time stood still for a moment. His chest clenched in fear as he looked at his wife’s head hanging lax from his forearm, her arms and legs dangling free. He noticed the blue tinged lips and blinked hard, he couldn’t lose her, he just couldn’t.

The young woman was carefully placed on the hard deck. The ship’s physician, Dr. Sandler, relayed to Rudy there was a pulse but the doctor could not find any respirations. Her helmet was removed and mouth-to mouth was started on the bluish lips a second time. Steve held his breath watching Rudy attempting to get his wife breathing again. It only took three breaths before she began coughing. Steve let out a breath not realizing he wasn’t breathing until his wife was. The patient was swiftly rolled onto her side where she convulsively expelled the water that was trapped in her lungs. Steve had a moment of reprieve but his fear instantly returned. After the reflexive coughing subsided the young woman remained unconsciousness, her body lax, as she was moved to the stretcher.

Rudy held the oxygen mask lightly over her nose and mouth while crewmembers carried the stretcher through the ship. Steve followed closely and adamantly refused to leave the sickbay at Rudy’s request. He stood in the corner, arms crossed at his chest, trying desperately to keep his panic at bay.

...Continued