[ For a moment, she'd considered it. For one singular moment, she'd actually given thought to what her life could be like if she didn't have the shadow of her ancestor hanging over her. But then the moment passed and she remembered how vital it was to protect the future. This is about so much more than herself.

And when it was all over and the device glowed green again, she nearly pressed the button. Nearly sent herself back to what would hopefully be her timeline once again. Seconds ticked by as she stared at the device in her hands... ]

James. [ His face clicked into her mind and she was running before she realized she'd even made a decision. If he was gone, she couldn't leave his body here. But what if there was a chance— Dodging guards took work, two left unconscious in her wake as she fought through the winding halls. How long had it been? Five minutes? Ten? She pushed herself faster, flinging herself through the final door and to the floor where he lay so very still. Lifting him up into her arms, she pressed the device into his hand, covering it with her own before pushing the button. Please. Please.

The hallway of the Enterprise might be the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen, seconded only by the pristine walls of sickbay. There was shouting, was it her crying out for help or Chapel? She could feel her mouth moving, hear her voice, but everything seemed so far away as she tried to explain he'd been shot, how long it might have been, how imperative it was that knowledge of his presence not go beyond this room.

That was hours ago. She'd watched them work and now she watches him, waiting for any sign that he really will be okay. Already she'd spoken with the captain, promising Chris a much more thorough explanation once James wakes up. Because he will wake up. He has to. ]