She frowned, though, as she thought about how Cheryl would probably try to make something out of the innocent embrace Tom had given Tina just then.

Shaking herself out of this train of thought, Tina decided she really wasn’t worried about anything Cheryl was up to.  Even if Cheryl would try to put a nasty slant to it, and told Bette about it, she knew Bette would think nothing of it.

She decided to see if she could relax with other people in the compound, veering towards the common cafeteria that was screening a football game.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

“…So, I may stay here for a few more days, so that I can help assess the evidence, and see what they’ve got,” Bette was explaining to Tina.

“Is that something you can do back here, instead?” Tina asked, her voice betraying her worry about Bette being out in the forward camp.

Bette paused before responding to Tina.  She knew Tina was worried about her safety, and her heart condition.  She debated to herself about whether or not to share more about what was going on with Tina.  She decided she should, because, as her wife, Tina deserved being kept up to date about what Bette was facing, and she thought she ought to warn the blonde about something she and Mike had just discussed an hour before the call.

“Ummm…I’ve also been helping Mike’s team out, assessing the evidence that they and I gathered.  Their
specialist is still in serious condition, and not able to review things at all, so they’ve needed my help with various things, including organizing what they have, so that an analysis could be made.”

Bette drew a breath in before continuing, slowly, “In case the analysis shows a few more things will be needed from the other caves, I may need to go out into the field again.” She paused, and held her breath.

“Oh, Bette….,” Tina responded worriedly.  “Isn’t there anyone else in Mike’s team who can go out next time?  I mean, couldn’t you help them with the analysis back in the camp, and give the FBI or other guys out there suggestions on what they’ll need to do out in the field?”

Bette answered gently, “T, baby.  I know it’s difficult for you back there, worrying about me, wondering about what’s going on…”  She paused again. “I’m only thinking of a possible scenario, and what may happen…"