"Sounds like maybe it's time to think about stopping those changes, if you can," Nell replied gently. "Stop going back. Stop them from going back, as well." She smiled, turning her head so she could wink at him. "But, we'll figure out what we can do. Between you, me, John, and Brian we should be able to come up with what you need and how to get it, then keep it."
Oh.
Okay. That was a bit clearer.
Her eyes widened a little, though her lashes fluttered slightly, as he touched her breast and she breathed a sigh when his hand moved away. "What about my stories?" she asked softly, before chuckling at his version of stargazing.
But, his question trumped reminiscences for the moment. Shrugging one shoulder sheepishly, she bit her lip. "Because you said I wouldn't? I haven't ever thought about it before then, honestly. But, I still would. I didn't get involved in the work I do because I wanted to fit in. Do you want to know what my other choices were before I became an analyst? Investigative reporter, preferably in politics, or the Navy like my brother James. I have never cared about fitting in anywhere in my life. I'd rather stand out and I'd rather do something that could really have meaning and help people. Before I landed here, I'd even started considering the possibility of working my way into being an agent myself instead of strictly an analyst. I am smart. I'm one of the best analysts in NCIS and I have the highest IQ of anyone in the agency. I love my books and knowledge and learning everything. But, all of that knowledge is pointless if there isn't a way to use it.
"I don't know. I'm torn. Because I do miss my family and I love the people here. But, we don't know what's going to be waiting for us at home. We could be greeted with the business end of a couple dozen canons for all we know. We might have to retreat and find other worlds. We could end up in some weird cross between Gallactica and Voyager, always wandering from world to world until we die. But, if I went with you, I could do something that would actually help someone. Not just with my power, but with all that knowledge that's been lost, with the skills I've gained as an analyst and what's been taught here. I was never cut out for the barefoot and pregnant gig. But, really, it boils down to the fact that we're friends. That I care about you and if you need me, I want to be there for you in what ways I can." She smirked up at him. "And, besides, I wouldn't have to worry about you the rest of my life and whether you found any peace after your war was over because I'd be there to make sure you did."