Disclaimer: seaQuest is owned by Amblin Entertainment. I'm not making any money... but it would be cool if I did.

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The sunset was calm, bringing to mind the old saying, "Red sky in the morning is a sailor's warning... red sky at night is a sailor's delight." If the sunset that graced the horizon was any indicator, the weather would be more than fair. Fiery red, the sun nestled among light wispy clouds of yellow, orange and pinks. It was so vibrant that it could take anyone's breath away.

It was a moment before even UEO Captain Nathan Bridger remembered to breathe.

He looked across the horizon from the top of the cliff, the light tinting his gray hair with the colors of dusk. The scent of sea salt, plankton and sand seemed to flood through every pore, cleansing him of the bureaucracy and burden of command momentarily, and leaving him remember far younger days. He had a proud career -- scientist, shipbuilder, Captain, teacher...

...husband and father.

The last were by far his proudest and most tragic accomplishments.

He took in the air again, slowly closing his eyes and letting the sights and sounds of the ocean carry his thoughts. He loved being beneath the surface, but there were moments when standing on the edge of the realm he had made his home, he was reminded exactly why.

Carol had loved the ocean. So had Robert. His late wife hadn't always had an easy time with his military career, but she had always understood his desperate need for the ocean. Once a sailor, always a sailor. She had tolerated his chosen career until Robert had died, and then she had begged him to get out. He loved her far too much to tell her no.

So for years he made his life on the surface. Held to his promise. She was gone, but that stuck in his mind... even now. Even as Captain of the seaQuest. There were a few times he felt like he was betraying her trust, though Lucas and Kristin both had reassured him. He smiled briefly when he thought of them... Lucas who was like a son, and Kristin... she was so like Carol, yet so different.

Opening his eyes again, he watched as the sun dipped below the horizon and the evening stars began their ascent. His eyes tracked onto one, a bright one, and his mind traveled back to his youth. His wife. His son.

Slowly, quietly, he whispered into the beginnings of night.

"I know I promised that I would never go back. And I've broken that promise, Carol. I held onto it for so long, trying to keep it, but I couldn't stay away from the ocean."

Taking a deep breath, he continued, "It reminds me of you, you know. The ocean. Beautiful, comforting..." he chuckled, "...occasionally unforgiving. Mostly, it makes me feel alive. Like you used to. I have a hologram of you in my quarters, but I guess I feel... I dunno, closer to you here."

A cool breeze blew in, ruffling his hair and bringing more salt and sand. "I want you to know that I'm doing this because it's right. Because I can't stay away from it for long without feeling lost. And I want you to know... know that when it's all over..." he took another deep breath, the sea air bringing courage and conviction, "...that I'll be with you. Please forgive me now, though, for breaking my promise to you."

The waves echoed across the shore, lapping up, retreating back, bringing pieces of life or rock. Down the way, a piece of driftwood floated in, rocking in the motion. He smiled, looking back out over the seemingly endless expanse of water. "I love you, Carol, Robert. I hope I make you proud."

Then, quietly, he turned and walked away.