Phoenix

Crush?

More days passed. Andromeda continued her observation of the medic, Ratchet. He was different from the others. He wasn't their best―not the fastest, not the strongest, not the most experienced. But he was different. He was quiet. Intelligent. Keen both in combat and medical skill.

Not only that, but he acted differently. Especially around her.

"What do you think about it, Lieutenant?" She asked Surefire as she overlooked the training. Ratchet looked up from his corner of the room, meeting her gaze. Quickly, he turned away again.

"With all due respect, Captain," Surefire replied, "everyone else finds it painfully obvious. Pardon the term, but I think he has a crush on you."

Andromeda stared at the Lieutenant, then smiled a little, shaking her head.

"Very funny," she said.

"I'm serious, Captain," Surefire insisted. "Maybe now you will begin to see it for yourself."

xxx

At first, Andromeda was determined not to see it. The medic didn't have a 'crush' on her. It wasn't possible.

Nonetheless, she watched him more closely now.

"Tell me more about him."

The Commander thought for a moment, tapping one digit against the counter.

"There isn't much to tell, really." He sighed. "Ratchet's only been on the team for a month or so. Smart for a rookie. He had some education before the war started. He trains hard, and earned his place with the Runners."

Andromeda took note of these things, taking a long drink from the canister in front of her.

"Why him specifically, if I may ask?" The Commander inquired.

"You might say it's an experiment." Andromeda replied simply.