Nightfall.

As you trudge along in the direction of the smoke, it begins to become apparent to you that you are not going to reach it before the sun sets. Your pace has slowed down considerably now that you have Serena in tow. You certainly can't blame the girl though. It's not her fault that she's been stripped virtually naked, with not protection from the elements. Considering what she's been through, you feel that she's been holding up rather well. Dodging past several of the alien trees has also slowed you down as well. So you when you come to a small brook after exiting the forest, you decide it's time to set up camp for the night.

Serena takes needed breather, rubbing her obviously pained feet as you take the time to set up the camp. Soon you have a small fire going, and have scouted the perimeter to ensure there are no surprises waiting for you. Its been a long day, and your uniform is soaked through with sweat. Shrugging your way out of it, you rinse it and your underwear in the creek before hanging it on a branch to dry. You shake your hear ruefully. In all of your training scenarios back at the Academy, you can't think of one that ended up with two nude woman stranded and alone like this on an alien planet. Handing a packet of you rations to the Ensign, you both sit back and eat your meal quietly pondering the day's events.

As the night deepens, you both prepare to get some reset before continuing your journey the next day. As you are about to nod of, the Ensign sidles up beside you and lays her head on your shoulder. She mutters something about that with everything that happened to her she doesn't want to be alone tonight. You nod drowsily, only half paying attention to her as you are on the verge of trying to fall asleep. She says something more that you don't really pay attention to as you drift off. But what you do pay attention to is when she presses her lips firmly against yours. You are suddenly fully awake, looking up at the Ensign who stares down at you with an expectant expression on her face. Your blue eyes go wide as she says, "Well....would you...like to?" The way she looks at you leaves no doubt in your mind as to what she wants...