Captain Kallan James, pilot and IRO officer rarely managed a night away from her tight knit squad. A position within one of the world's élite rescue team's meant being on call twenty four seven with two rostered days off every five weeks. Tonight, being a weekend, she intended to break out of her usual routine and take the opportunity to get out among the general population. Anticipating her free time, the boys tried to entice the only woman with invitations to stay close to their base at Acrology and the team in case an aquatic emergency should develop.

JJ's South American heritage gave him a love of Salsa clubs. Visiting them at every opportunity he'd issued an open invite to the team. If they went out together, invariably someone would recognize them. Captain's Rigel and Beyda refused immediately. Jesse would be out with one of his many female types or at a movie. It wouldn't be the first time the Texan's sled zoomed into a theatre in the middle of a film infuriating the other patrons. Dylan, on the other hand, remained distant and aloof about his plans, even though he'd been on the team for two years. Grant begged off, wanting to spend time with his family. He'd encouraged Captain James to take the first transport leaving Acrology to anywhere, knowing Jesse and Dylan would temp her to stay.

'How many times,' Kallan asked the reflection in the mirror, 'have you waisted off duty hours, hanging around and waiting for a call up. Well not tonight young lady. Tonight you're going to that new club, you're going to have a drink or two, relax, dance and maybe even find a little romance.'

Smiling at the unintentional rhyme, the blond gazing back appeared comfortable in civilian clothing. Dressed in blue to bring out the colour in her eyes, Kallan knew the spaghetti strapped thigh length dress suited her trim physique without giving the wrong impression. Hair pulled back into a clip and make up lightly highlighting her face, she hoped no one would guess her identity. Tonight she'd be plain old Kay Smith. The entire team had an alias based on their real names. The media could be very intrusive, forcing Commander Simpson to extract her from the situation and cancelling her days off.

Taking her time, Kallan walked to the Club themed from the nineteen fortes. She enjoyed being out, strolling down one of Acrology's many plazas and concourses. The amazing structure thrilled the engineer, it massive design a marvel of modern construction.

Finding the club, she entered the through a muted foyer. Inside a bar ran along one wall. Tables littered the open space before the stage. A modern mechanical orchestra played instrumental pieces while the crowd built. The main attraction, a female vocalist would appear after twenty one hundred hours. Even off duty, Captain James referred to time in military standard. She had an hour and a half to wait, long enough to get a drink, find a table and order dinner.

Approaching the bar, Kallan noted the number of patrons. Obviously others had the same idea. Unsure what to order, she took an old fashioned paper menu and began to peruse it. Rarely drinking, she looked at the extensive collection. A tall, good looking individual squeezed in next to her while she examined the list of options.

'Do you come here often?' Kallan turned her head to the man standing next to her. Intending to ask his opinion, her eyes flared.

'Often enough to know a lady as exquisite as you doesn't,' he turned to look directly into her blue eyes. They sparkled with mischief at his obvious pick up line.

'Exquisite,' a bright smile erupted on Kallan's face to match the teasing in her gaze sweeping him from head to toe, 'now that's one I haven't heard before.'

'There's a lot about me I bet you've never heard,' an answering grin lit his features. The music pulsed behind as the band started a rendition from The Glen Miller Band, making conversation difficult. Inching closer to the pretty blond, he gave the woman his full attention.

'A lot,' Kallan lent in slightly, dropping her voice so he'd do the same. Deciding to extend the conversation, she offered, 'well I guess that might take all night then.'

'I'd rather take all night,' a speculative gleam entered the chocolate brown eyes, 'to talk about you.'

'I'm afraid,' Kallan bantered quickly, 'there's not much to tell.'

'I can't believe that,' the man returned, his appreciation for the woman increasing. 'I gather you've never been to The Seashell Club before.' His words greeted with agreement, he asked, 'have you booked a table?'

Giving him a calculating glance then looking around the room, Kallan appreciated her mistake. Shaking her head in the negative she reinforced, 'no. I didn't realise I'd need too.'

'I'd be please if you share mine,' offered the man, his expressive gaze giving her the option to agree without expectation.

'Thank you,' Kallan blushed, 'that's very kind of you, but aren't you waiting for someone to join you.'

'I think I've found her,' he smirked. 'I hope I'm about to get to spend the evening with the most beautiful woman in this establishment. There is nothing kind about the offer, it's completely selfish.'

'I wouldn't go that far,' Kallan taunted, 'but thank you, it would be lovely to have some company.'

'What,' he pointed to the menu still in her hand, 'would you like to drink?'

Shrugging her shoulders, Kallan confessed in a light tone laced with a hint of self-mockery, 'I don't get out much, so something light but most defiantly with a little alcohol in it.'

'A light weight I see,' a gleam of supressed humour lanced through is orbs. 'What about a Mimosa, bubbles with orange juice. Technically it's a cocktail, but on the lighter side.'

Nodding, Kallan watched as he signalled to the robotic bar attendant. Handing over a credit chip, he ordered them both a drink before indicating the table. Offering his arm in an old world gesture, Kallan found herself slipping a hand through his elbow without hesitation. Feeling safe, she let the man lead her towards the seating area.

'Shall we dance,' he offered, hesitating before the table and allowing his companion time to drop her bag onto her seat, 'while we wait for our drinks. Then we might be able to order dinner and watch the first set. Ata Te Kanu is well worth listening too, especially if you've never heard her before. Descended from the Maori people of New Zealand, she has an incredible vocal range.'

'Obviously,' Kallan couldn't hold back a nervous chuckle, 'you're a regular.'

'Regular enough,' he answered, a smirk playing about his lips. Arriving at the edge of the dance floor, the jazzy number still played in the background. Requesting Kallan's hand, the man placed a palm on her waist. 'The club opened six weeks ago and has been gaining popularity. Before we dance, there is one or two thing's I'd like to know.'

Raising an eyebrow, Kallan wondered what he would ask. 'Yes,' she allowed a note of anticipation linked with caution into her tone.

'Can you dance?' That twinkle of amusement appeared in his liquid chocolate eyes again. 'By dancing, I mean the kind popular in the nineteen forties. The owners of this club have tried to keep everything true to the period.'

'I believe,' Kallan smirked, 'you'll find your feet safe. I'll try not to stand on them more than necessary.'

'Not very encouraging, Captain James,' he rebuked, but with a hint of joviality. Noticing the frown creeping into her expression, the man shook his head. Pulling her in close, he started to move to the music. Placing his mouth close to her ear, he spoke barely above a whisper. 'Even in that dress and with an attempt to hide your identity, you're easily the most vibrant person in the room.'

'As you seem to know me, what do I call you?' Kallan asked.

'Now that,' his strong accent finally came through, 'is the sixty four thousand dollar question,' once again those eyes sparkled down at her. 'Joshua, my real name is Joshua, although my friends and colleagues manage to call me a lot of other names.'

'I can imagine,' Kallan could stop the giggle bubbling up. 'With those rakish good looks and smooth moves you demonstrated at the bar, I'm sure you've got a reputation with the ladies.'

'Only beautiful ones,' he returned.

'Oh, my, fickle aren't we,' Kallan didn't even try to hold back the giggle this time. She felt amazingly free in Joshua's embrace as he shrugged his shoulders.

'I admit I like beautiful things,' he returned. Turning a little serious the man stated, 'Beauty is something you can't necessarily see, it's a concept that goes deeper than a person's skin, Kallan.'

'Oh,' Kallan pulled back. Narrowing her eyes, she scrutinised the man before her as though she'd seen him for the first time. Joshua's face set in a grim line of determination stated he'd told the truth. 'Then I'll take your interest as a complement.'

He pulled her back into his embrace, 'good, we're here to enjoy a night out, dance, relax and maybe get to know each other a little better.'

They fell into silence. Kallan allowed her head to rest lightly on Joshua's shoulder feeling safe in his company. The man's hands never moved from their socially acceptable position. At the end of the number, he pointed out their drinks waiting on the table.

'One more,' Kallan asked, hope in her eyes. It had been so long since she'd felt this free and relaxed, she didn't want to lose the moment. Returning to the table meant conversation and the possibility of the night spiralling into less than she wanted and more than she expected.

'Whatever the lady wishes,' Joshua agreed easily, changing the rhythm of his steps to suit the music. A slower number, he intended to enjoy this as much as the earlier dance.

'Well,' Joshua asked, the night now at an end.

'I'd like to come again,' Kallan offered easily. 'I can see the attraction and why so many people return.'

After three drinks, she reverted to her usual water. Sipping the first Mimosa slowly, she'd finished it with her meal. The second disappeared as she listened to the incredible voice of Miss Te Kanu. Getting up to dance on the crowded floor, Kallan found herself plastered to Joshua. Not minding the contact, she felt alive for the first time in years. Before she'd become the primary pilot for TB4 and Dylan's co-pilot in TB1, Kallan James had a life. Tonight reminded her of that life.

Prior to this position at the IRO, she'd easily attracted male attention with her wit and personality. Tonight she'd found conversation gruelling at times due to her limited social exposure and inability to discuss her work. Being part of the Thunderbird team set limits she'd not recognised prior to this night out. Her tenure in the public spotlight had stunted her social skills.

'I'd like to accompany you,' Joshua hesitated, exploring her expression for an answer, 'if you'd agree to another date.'

'Walk me home,' Kallan knew what she asked. Not inexperienced by any means, she'd managed a couple of dates early in her time at Acrology. Nothing worked because of her unique schedule.

Sending an eyebrow heavenward, Joshua asked, 'you're sure? Kallan,' he attempted to find the words, 'I want to know we're on the same page.'

'I'm sure you understand how my time is limited,' she stated, lowering her head.

'I think I understand better than almost anyone could,' Joshua allowed a hand to reach out. Placing it on her chin, he lifted her eyes to meet his. 'My job is as demanding as yours.'

'I don't know if or when I'll be able to do this again,' Kallan considered how any kind of relationship could work between them. The fact she even considered it surprised her battered and bruised heart. She'd never been lucky in love.

'If you really want to,' Joshua's eyes twinkled with suppressed mirth, 'you'll find the time. I know I do and I'd like to get to know you better in a social setting.'

'I've enjoyed your company tonight,' Kallan confessed, more than she'd anticipated her heart told her, 'and I don't want the night to end just yet.'

Nodding, he called the waiter over to pay the bill. Handing back his credit chip, Joshua pulled Kallan's chair out for her. Once again offering her an arm, she took it without a word. They exited the club together, taking their time to stroll towards her apartment in one of the most secure areas of Acrology.

'Are you coming in?' Kallan noticed her companion hesitate at the door. It bought a shy, disappointed quiver to her lips.

'I'm going to sound like a broken record,' he stated, eyes boring into the blond woman, 'but are you sure about this?'

'Not really,' she confessed, still able to hold his eyes with her clear, open gaze. It gave away so much Kallan usually hid under layers of professionalism.

'I didn't think so,' Joshua frowned, unsurprised. 'What happened between you and Dylan?'

'Jesse,' Kallan sighed, unable to look her teammate in the eye as she switched to the name she'd always called him. She'd really enjoyed tonight until he'd brought up this subject. It killed the soft, romantic mood developing between them. 'I guess you'd better come in. I'll make coffee and explain because I know you're not going to leave until I tell you the whole story.'

'Dam straight,' a subtle anger laced is words. Deliberately leaving the door unlocked, Jesse's gaze demanded answers to long held questions he'd dared not ask. 'Do you have any idea how much I've admired you, for how long. At first, you flirted with the entire team and we just thought it was you're way of coping with four males. About a month into our training, Dylan states he's going to marry you one day.'

'That's why,' Kallan's shocked tone demonstrated she linked the dots and felt anger towards her Japanese teammate, 'I suddenly got the cold shoulder from you. What on earth lead Dylan to make such an untrue statement?'

'Because he'd been telling us how he'd fallen head over heels for you the day you entered the training room. JJ and I treated it as a joke at the time,' Jesse explained, following Kallan into her kitchen. Watching her nervous hands prepare the coffee, it didn't take long for her to hand him a cup. Leading the way back into the living room, they sat side by side on the couch. 'I watched you're reactions carefully and thought you considered both of us as possible love interests but even then I could see a preference for Dylan. I decided to bow out gracefully.'

'It didn't take me long,' Kallan explained, her hands wrapped around the mug, 'to find out about Grant's marriage. Johnny's never kept his sexuality a secret. I knew finding someone outside the team would be difficult after the first week on the job.'

'I right, aren't I? You considered both of us, didn't you?' Jesse questioned, sounding annoyed. He'd given Dylan his chance. Tonight proved Captain Beyda miss the opportunity but Jesse's honour demanded he make sure of Kallan's emotions. 'I wish I'd followed my instincts back then.'

'Initially, yes, I flirted with both of you to test the waters. You shut me down pretty effectively. Now I understand why. But Dylan,' shaking her head, Kallan wondered, 'there have been so many times I've made suggestive comments and he ignores them. At first I considered it just part of his personality, his Japanese heritage. I did some investigating and found the cultural differences could be the problem. After a while it became a game, to see if I could get a reaction from him.'

'Are you saying,' Jesse placed the mug on the table and an arm on the back of the couch behind Kallan, 'you've no longer interest in Dylan romantically.'

Standing in agitation, Kallan began to pace the room. She liked Jesse. Tonight proved they could go out socially and enjoy themselves. Captain James invited him in for one express reason. Confused, she wondered what to do. In many ways, Jesse's more open and extroverted personality matched hers perfectly. They didn't argue, yet her heart now wondered about the man in the apartment next door.

She'd heard through Grant about Dylan's philandering with the Tour Guide on the Snowlander proving him capable of flirting. JJ often teased Captain Beyda for being so solicitous of Kallan's welfare in a tight situation. Jesse had asked why Dylan relied on Kallan to get him out of the scrapes he managed to get into. Captain Beyda looked back at his teammate with an astonished expression saying "do I", as if this came as a surprise to him. Those times gave Kallan hope Dylan might feel something more than friendship towards her. Yet he'd never showed it.

In the last month, her hope died, leading to the decision to go out tonight. Captain Beyda became increasingly distant. Most of the missions required Kallan to take out TB4, limiting her time in the cockpit with the object of her affections. Working together in separate vehicles just didn't feel the same. It placed even more of a distance between them.

'I don't know,' Kallan couldn't keep the note of confusion out of her tone. Falling into the seat beside Jesse, she threw herself back onto his arm. 'I was, once but I think that's starting to fade. It's hard to feed your emotions when only one of you shows any.'

'What would you do if I called him now?' Jesse asked.

Horrified, Kallan's expression gave Jesse the answer he needed. 'That's what I thought,' he stated with a frown. Reaching over, he pushed a button on Kallan's bracelet as he took her in his arms. Placing a chaste kiss on her forehead, he counted down the seconds. 'Right on time,' Captain Rigel pulled away as an angry man appeared in the open door way.

Pulling Jesse up by the front of his shirt, Dylan fury became obvious in his expression. Not waiting, he drew back his fist and landed it on the side of Jesse's face. Reaching for Kallan, he pushed her behind him for protection. Breaking away, she went to Jesse, who'd crumpled back onto the couch, rubbing the side of his face.

'I'm going,' Jesse announced, holding his cheek. 'I think you have some things you need to discuss with Dylan. When you've sorted them out Kallan, you know where to find me, if you'd like to go out again sometime.'

Nodding, Kallan's eyes flashed with rage. Not the first time he'd hit Jesse, the last time the man had been knocked out cold in TB10's launch bay. Dylan had also pushed her with one of his crutches. Admittedly he'd been injured and angry but that became the problem. Dylan either lashed out in anger or showed very little in the way of emotion.

'Go, Dylan,' Kallan fell back into the couch, still warm from Jesse's body heat, 'just go.'

'You sent me a distress signal,' he looked astounded. 'I come in here to find a man mauling you,' drawing closer he gently replaced the strap of her dress back on her shoulder, 'what did you expect, because I'll tell you now, I didn't expect to see you in Jesse's arms. I thought you knew how I felt, everyone else on the team does.'

'How,' Kallan looked up at him, 'do you expect me to know? I flirt, you ignore me. The first time in almost a year I go out on a date and actually enjoy myself, you come barging in here and scare him away. How was I to know you had any feelings at all, let alone towards me? It's only because Jesse…'

'I get it,' Dylan sighed dejectedly, 'you're falling in love with Jesse.'

'Dylan,' Kallan's eyes followed him to the door. Back ridged, he turned, bowed in a traditional style and left.

Silence encompassed the room while Captain James heart thundered in her chest. Feeling like she'd just completed an intense and difficult rescue, adrenalin pumped through her blood stream. Investigating the reason why, she didn't like the answer. Starved of love for so long and finally finding the chance to form some kind of relationship, Dylan walks back into her heart, confusing her mind.

Pacing the room, she heard voices. Standing with her ear to the door she listened intently. Outside, Jesse lounged against the wall. Arms crossed over his chest in a defensive posture he waited. Sighting his quarry, he struck.

'You've had two years,' Jesse spat, a fire igniting deep in his brown orbs, 'to make your intentions known. Hit me again, and I won't hold back Dylan, even if it gets Kallan off side.'

Nodding, Captain Beyda prepared to walk away. Grabbing at him, Jesse swung the younger man to face him. The expressions crossing Captain Rigel's face displaying his determination to see this through to its conclusion.

'I've let you be the only beacon for Kallan to triangulate her emotions,' Jesse hissed. 'Tonight I've come to realise it doesn't work that way. Kallan needs two signals to find the love she'd looking for. I'm no longer willing to stand on the side lines while she puts her heart on the line time and time again only to have you ignore her.'

'She's in love with you,' Dylan didn't trust himself to say more. His hand clenching, he had to work to keep it at his side.

'If that were true,' Jesse smile didn't reach his eyes, 'I'd be doing more than standing in a hallway outside Kallan's apartment talking to you.'

Surprised, Dylan finally glanced up. Noting the pain flashing across his teammates face, he knew the final decision rested with Kallan. In the meantime, they all had to work together.

Inside the apartment, Kallan's back rested against the door. Head lowered, wondering what she'd just done to the team dynamics, tears started to roll down her face. Slipping, inch by inch to the floor, she stayed there for several hours. Her mind worked on the problem of how to work with Dylan and Jesse after the events of tonight.

AN The scenes from Nightmare where Dylan hits Jesse and Childs Play where he knocks Kallan down were removed from the less violent American version of TB. I've used these and the more aggressive Dylan alluded to in the Japanese TB. Please bear with me, there is method in my madness.