A short reprieve.

Thanks to the quick action of Ch'Od the doctors were able to stabilize Atom enough for his healing factor to kick in and save his life.

The man spent the better part of a week resting in the med wing unconscious. He had frequent visits from the children and crew of the ship. But the one person who sat by his side the entire time was Rachel. The red headed woman spent nearly every single star day at the man's bedside waiting patiently for the man to reawaken.

Deep in his slumber the memory of the battle replayed over and over again in Nathan's subconscious mind torturing the man as he's forced to relive the death of his surrogate father over and over. Nathan's body thrashed around violently in the bed startling Rachel.

Seeing the man was in a panic Rachel used her powers to keep the man from moving and potentially reopening his wounds. Rachel gently got into the bed with the man and rested her head on his chest and began whispering to the man.

" I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for what you've lost. I know how you feel Nathan. But know this. You are not alone, nor will you ever be. I will be by your side all the way to the end. And when the day comes, we will both have vengeance for what the empire has done to us."

Rachel declared to the man.

Though unconscious Nathan's body seemed to relax upon Rachels gentle touch. His shaking stopped and his hand subtly found its way to Rachels waist where it rested for the remainder of the night.

The next day Rachel awoke to see that Nathan had regained consciousness as well. Upon seeing the man's eyes, Rachel shot up and immediately started questioning the man.

" Oh my god Nathan, are you okay?"

Rachel asked in a panic.

" Ugh! I wasn't. I really wasn't. But then you came in and saved me."

Nathan explained to the woman as he weakly raised his hand.

Rachel grabbed the man's hand and brought it up to her face and held it there.

" What do you mean I saved you?"

Rachel asked.

" I heard what you said Rachel."

Nathan stated.

" You did?"

Rachel asked

" Every single word."

Nathan stated with a smile on his face.

" Now, I'm still a little tired would you mind joining me again? I feel better when you're here."

Nathan asked the woman.

Rachel nodded her head and slipped under the hospital blanket with Nathan, and gently laid her head on his chest.

Nathan in turn wrapped his arm around Rachels waist and slowly slipped back into unconsciousness.