Gavin chuckled, happy to have Abby’s jest to distract from the blush upon his cheeks. 

“Well I certainly hope my condition wouldn’t be severe enough as to require euthanasia!” Gavin shrugged. “But, I suppose that would be up to Ms. Albright’s professional opinion. One can’t argue you with a doctor, Abby. We always know best. Even DVM’s.”

The time passed quickly as Gavin followed beside Abby, and they continued their lighthearted conversation. For someone eavesdropping upon them, it would have been difficult to tell that they were on their way to discuss a murderer’s habits with another cryo-tech. Especially when Abby dropped the last bit about Gavin still owing her a “real date.”

The doctor looked to the sergeant, a smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. “Abby,” Gavin said, his voice matching the quiet volume of hers, “I would count it as the best debt I’ve ever accrued. I shall make sure it is paid in full, and as soon as possible.”

With the bubbling warmth of happiness filling his belly, Gavin lapsed into silence as they arrived at Antoine Eadore’s quarters. Abby announced their presence to the closed door, and they pair hadn’t to wait long for their call to be answered.

It was apparent to Gavin from the time that Antione opened the door that he and Abby had interrupted a nap. And a pleasant one at that, from the looks of it. Gavin cringed in empathy. Any man worth his salt understood the value of a good siesta, and to bring one up short was simply cruel. 

Gavin reached forward to shake the man’s hand. “It’s good to meet you Mr. Eadore, and I’m dreadfully sorry for interrupting.” 

“We,” Gavin said, indicating both Abby and himself with a waggle of his thumb, “had a question regarding the cryo-sleep system. Specifically in regard…”

A very insistent beep on his mobile device interrupted his explanation, and he immediately gave both Abby and Antoine an apologetic look. “Excuse me one moment.”

Stepping away, Gavin took out his device, and read the message. It was a request from one of the medical technicians Gavin knew vaguely named Devika. 

[b]"Dr. Brock, you're needed as soon as possible to come take a look at one of our NI techs in the surgical ward. I know this is not your bailiwick, but your input would be invaluable - I'll explain when you get here."[/b]

Frowning deeply, Gavin looked up to Abby and Antoine. “I’m terribly sorry, but there’s a slight emergency that needs my attention. I’ll have to catch up with you both later.”

With that, Gavin spun on his heels, and made his way quickly down the passageway towards the surgical ward.

[center]* * * * *[/center]

In a few short minutes, Gavin found himself at his destination. Sliding inside the sterile interior of the surgical ward, he instinctively pulled a white lab coat from a hook on the wall, and slung it over his hoodie.

Stepping towards Devika, Gavin got straight to business. “What seems to be the issue, and how can I help?”