Ruby had left in a hurry to help Captain Chuck and Jade laid in Jaden’s arms. She felt chilled to the bone and her body was shaking from the cold. Jaden pulled her closer and caressed her body with his hands to warm her. Jade could not hold the tears back as they spilt down Jaden’s chest. He pulled her even closer giving her the warmth of the body and his heart. Jade listened as he cooed gentle words of encouragement into her ear.

Jaden held Jade and tried to quiet her tears. He had never seen her so vulnerable and docile. She was clinging to him like he was her savior. Jaden gave her all his strength and love. He would not leave while she could not defend herself and he knew at that moment she was totally helpless.

Jade sobbed as she realized that she had not seen that Nick was in danger, that the alien was using Captain Chuck and that an intruder had been on the ship. Her mind had only been on herself and what she may have to face on this voyage. She felt so selfish, she should have been thinking about protecting everyone. The warmth and love Jaden was freely giving her made her feel safe and protected. Jade knew she would have to face many things on this trip and one of them was to let go of her guilt. She would never be able to protect everyone and that she like the feeling of being protected.

Jade mentally wrapped her arms around Captain Chuck and pressed her face into his back. She sent the same feelings of love and strength that Jaden had given her. Jaden’s simple acted of compassion had shown Jade how to share herself instead of hiding her feelings. Jade opened her mind to everyone and her feelings to everyone.

“Sir, we are here for you. You did what had to be done and Nick is safe”, Jade whispered in Captain Chuck’s mind.