The state of the clinic was another thing that drove her to distraction. The lack of medicine and supplies was tedium that wore on her with every search for something lacking. She found herself inexplicably slipping away to some quiet corner to read medical manuals, pouring over them in search of answers that could not be found.
The medical supply ship made an emergency crash landing just before dark, about two miles from the clinic. Beth heard them go down in the strain and mechanical whine of engines. There had been a crew of three, but only one made it to the clinic alive. Setting aside her own policy about admitting people after dark, Beth let him in.
He looked to be somewhere in his mid-twenties, with light red hair and a square, stocky build. He said he'd been bitten by some people who'd arrived at the crash. When she examined his arms and torso, she realized he'd been bitten about ten times. The wounds were open, exposing the muscle beneath, and Beth desperately wished she still had some antibiotics. Unfortunately, her new supply was on the ship that had just crashed, and for all she knew, the cannibals had taken everything.
He said his name was John, and he gritted his teeth as she cleaned one of his bite wounds. “Are you running this place by yourself?"
"Afraid so,” she said, trying to sound cheerful. A sense of doom filled every dark corner of the treatment room.
"You think I'm going to make it?” he asked.
"I don't see why not. You're young and strong.” There was no need to reveal the true hopelessness of his situation. He might fight off the infection from the bites, but then, he might not. Beth dressed the wounds and leaned back to survey her handiwork. She gave him a smile she didn't feel.
"Are you a volunteer here or an inmate?” John lay back on his cot, trying to get comfortable.
Beth sat on the folding chair by his bed. She rubbed the tattoo under her collar and wondered, Why bother? What did it matter what he thought of her? “I'm an inmate."
He let out a stiff coughing laugh. “Can't imagine what a doctor could have done to end up here."
"I'm not a doctor. I'm a nurse.” Beth got up from her chair. She really wasn't in the mood to discuss her transgressions. “I've given you something to help you sleep. I'll come by and check on you soon.” She patted his shoulder. “Rest well."
As she walked away, thoughts churned in her head like black spells. She should have asked him about the medical supplies he was carrying, but it really made no difference. Even if they were only carrying cotton balls they were vitally needed. She needed Magnus’ help, if she was going to attempt a salvage mission. He'd need some convincing, but Beth was confident he'd do it. Hopefully, John would remain alive until morning, when she could question him further. She hoped he didn't fall prey to infection, which certainly meant death.
Chapter 16
The clinic looked deserted. A cold wind touched his face and neck, refreshing him. He stood still by the back door for a while, listening. He heard the faint sound of Beth stirring in her bed.
He moved along the side of the clinic until he found the spot where some barrels offered stepping stones to the roof and an intake air duct. Prying the grate off, he was inside in minutes. Breaking in here is much too easy. I'll have to fix that later.
Taking the larger of the two main ducts, he reached the cafeteria and lowered himself to the floor. He crouched and waited, listening to see if he'd been heard. When he was sure no one was alerted, he made his way to Beth's room in the back.
The electronic lock on her door was easy to crack with a scrambler. It clicked open quickly, letting the entrance slide open. The scent of her body filled him with riotous lust.
Magnus expected her to hear him, to jump up pointing her weapon at him, but she was too exhausted. Her deep steady breathing never faltered as he entered the room.
This was a kill. He grinned thinking how lucky Beth was he wasn't here for rape and murder. Creeping through the room, he took the weapon hanging on a hook by the bed and placed it in her closet. He breathed in, inhaling the scent of her clothes and hair. Pulling his gun, he pointed the barrel under her chin and leaned over her face.
"Wakey, wakey, sleeping beauty,” he whispered.
Beth's eyes shot open in stunned terror. “Magnus?” she said, some of the fear bleeding away.
He removed the barrel of the gun and let her sit up. She blinked a few times to clear her head. “I was starting to think you were never coming back."
He holstered his gun and took a seat by her bed, and propped his feet on the edge of her mattress. “I'm a sucker for a blonde."
"I'm glad you did.” Her voice was strained with the weight of so many bad experiences. “I need your help for something."
He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. “I can't wait for this one."
She sat up and wrapped her arms around her knees. “There's been a freighter crash only a few miles from here."
"Food?"
She wiped the sleep from her eyes with her sleeve. “Medicine ... maybe food."
He scoffed. “I'm not risking my neck for that. It's probably crawling with cannibals."
"You're the only hope I have of getting that medicine back here. I need you, Magnus."
"I appreciate the sentiment, but no way."
"I would be very grateful.” She draped her hair behind each ear and watched him. Her expression never changed, never hinted at what exactly that meant.
"Define grateful."
"You define it. What kind of grateful would get you out there?"
"Let me sleep on it and let you know,” he said, getting up to leave.
* * * *
Beth stared at him and her belly tightened. He had come to represent so much to her; lust, and sex, and death. He was the most aggressive and exciting lover she'd ever had. Gazing at his feral handsomeness, her mouth suddenly went dry. Images of his scalding kisses and his unquenchable lust filled her body with sinful fire.
Moving slowly, she slipped off the bed and stalked up to him. That smoldering look in his eyes told her everything. They belonged to each other in a way she could neither understand nor explain. She had never wanted anyone this desperately, this completely.
As she advanced, he kept his gaze on her. Circling over to the bed, he lay back on the mattress and surrendered to her will.
Beth moved up over him, straddling his waist. Grabbing the lapels of his trench coat, she planted a searing, hungry kiss on his lips. Lifting his hands, he placed them under her shirt and ran them up her back. She kissed him, deeper, harder, and he returned her passion with a burning kiss of his own.
She broke the kiss and caressed her lips down his jaw to the tender places on his neck.
He let a deep breath out his nose. “Beth,” he groaned.
She placed a finger on his lips. “Don't speak,” she whispered. “Don't ruin it."
He laughed warmly.
Grabbing his coat, she peeled it off his massive shoulders. Laughing like teenagers, they fumbled with each other's clothes, stripping pieces off as they went. Her hands feasted on his rugged, magnificent body. She explored every part of him, his nipples, his belly, and his magnificent thick cock. She tickled its swollen tip with her tongue, relishing the salty taste of his pre-cum. He moaned her name and opened his legs further for her.
Her pussy ached to be full by his hard, lusty sex. Taking his penis in her mouth, she ran her fingers into the plump flesh of her cunt. She closed her eyes, enjoying the taste of him and the rhythm of her mouth on his penis. She imagined the wonderful feel of her wet pussy slamming down hard on his cock.
Reaching down, he squeezed the base of his penis to stop his approaching orgasm. Before Beth could ask him what was wrong, he rolled over on top of her. Pressing his mouth to her ear, he said, “I want you to play with my cock while I'm fucking you."
A surge of wild desire broke through her. Lowering her right hand down, she grabbed the staff of his erection. She opened her legs and locked them over his buttocks; her breath came hard and
fast in her chest. Her left hand touched her throbbing sex, the pleasure so intense, she moaned softly. She opened her vaginal lips and guided him into her welcoming cunt. Soon his cock was buried deep inside her. She sighed.
Her body became all pleasure. Moaning louder, she played with his balls and the base of his cock as he pounded relentlessly into her.
Her orgasm came over her in a frenzied rush of ecstasy. Each savage stroke of his penis awoke new and indescribable feelings of pleasure. Then with a deep animal moan, he too climaxed and collapsed on top of her.
Chapter 17
Magnus whistled through his teeth as he walked around the clinic's stored shuttle—The Sunset Riser. The short jump shuttle was old, really old. In fact, he hadn't seen one like it in over ten years, an eternity in transport technology.
Beth stood by the hangar entrance twisting a lock of golden hair through her fingers. “One of the guards came back this morning. He told me this was here. What do you think?"
He looked back at her. Translation: Do you think you can get this hunk of crap to fly? Reaching out, he touched the hull and dragged his fingers along its rusting surface. “I don't know.” If he said yes, he'd be committed to fixing it.
"Will you try to get it running?"
Magnus finished his inspection and walked over to where she was standing. “Even if I can, the real question is, can I keep it running long enough to bring us back from the crash."
She ran her hands up and down her arms. “I've heard you're a wizard with mechanics."
"I'm rusty."
"What you're really saying is you don't want to fix it."
He looked her in the eye. “No. I don't."
She folded her arms under her breasts. “Please, Magnus. I need those drugs."
Her cheeks flushed a light pink. She wasn't used to having to beg for anything. He took a seat in a scarred metal folding chair and propped his boots up on the workbench. “Why make this trip? To help a few people who are gonna end up dead soon anyway?"
Beth stared at the ship and rubbed the back of her neck. “Because it's important. At least I can give them a fighting chance. But they won't even have that if you don't help me."
"That's very noble, Beth—but I have no intention of getting myself killed so you can feel useful."
She moved closer to him, her body swaying with a slow weightless grace. She was one of those women who were genuinely ignorant of their effect on men. Looking into her bottomless green eyes, he lost his resolve.
"Please,” she said softly.
He shook his head and smiled. “How can I ever say no to you? Let me look it over for an hour and I'll let you know."
"Thanks.” She kissed him.
* * * *
After Beth left, Magnus spent the better part of an hour going over the ship. It was a hard thing to look at. He hadn't seen one since he'd been on Earth.
He'd been seventeen and with his dad at a parts store. They been talking with the guys when Billy, the owner, pulled up outside in the parking lot, honking like crazy. He'd just picked one up, and its metallic paint shimmered under the smiling Montana sun. Magnus grinned remembering how thrilled they'd all been.
A river of pain flowed over him when he realized he'd never see his dad again. How many bad choices had he made to end up here? Too many to count. Drugs, theft, murders. Oh yes, dozens of murders. They were the main reason why he'd ended up a guest of the Feds. They never even knew how many murders there'd been. If they had known, he probably would have ended up snuffed too. Sorry, Dad. I was just never any damn good. Well, at least he never killed anyone who didn't have it comin'. Certainly no one any decent person would miss—just a bunch of lousy criminals like him.
Magnus climbed up onto the wing and jumped into the cockpit. The interior looked as new as the day it was delivered to Akron-Nine. He guessed that was about seven or eight years ago. On the outside, it showed a little more damage, where some bullets and mortars had grazed the hull.
Starting up the tow lift, he dragged the ship outside and tried to start it. It made some promising sputters and died out again after a few minutes. He scratched the back of his head and squinted down at it. A few minor parts changed out and some fresh fuel, and he just might be able to take this thing for a spin. Beth will be delighted.
Chapter 18
"I still don't understand why I need to go with you,” Beth said, as they approached the town.
Magnus slowed his pace, gently rested his hand on the butt of his gun. “Because I need you to watch my back while I look for these parts."
They moved past the main gate and walked to the right of the street, both watching for signs of trouble.
Beth gave a slight toss of her head. “Over there."
Two men emerged from the bar. One a white man in his thirties with a shaved head and slight frame, and the other a dark-skinned youth with sharp, angry blue eyes. They advanced on Magnus, each one approaching from a different side.
"Hello, Marshal,” the dark-skinned one greeted in a sing-song voice. “You bring your pussy out to show her off?"
Magnus gave them an icy smile and rested his hand on his revolver. “Don't put me in a bad mood, Glenn."
The man grinned and scratched the back of his head. “Well, Stone, I'd say the same to you. I hate your fucking guts."
Beth never saw Magnus move, but a second later, there was an explosion of gunfire and the white man fell to the ground. A crimson blossom darkened his t-shirt. Seconds later, the dark-skinned man too lay on the ground with a gaping, bloody hole in his head. All Beth could do was gasp.
From within one of the outbuildings, a man emerged. He was dressed in dark clothing, a butcher's apron, and was the oldest person Beth had seen on the planet. His arms were heavily tattooed. He moved with a strong steady stride toward the bodies, stopping just before he reached them. “Are you going to take some of their meat, brother?” he said to Magnus.
Magnus knelt by the bodies and lifted all the weaponry worth keeping. Without looking up at the man, he said, “No, you can have them.” He turned around and stalked back up to her. “Come on,” he said, putting his sunglasses back on. “We need to get those parts and get back to the clinic.” He headed toward a large storage building.
Beth fell into step behind him.
Chapter 19
Beth sat curled up in the shuttle's hanger reading an old medical book. She'd found it in Masters’ bedroom, sitting under a pile of old journals. It had quickly become her best friend, being the only distraction she could find in this hellish place besides sex.
Her stomach growled again and she forced herself not to think of food. There was no way she was eating anything here again that didn't come out of a can—she didn't care how hungry she got. Suddenly, she heard a loud clank and heard Magnus swear.
Beth looked up and scanned the shuttle. It appeared to be in good condition, even if it did need some mechanical work. Magnus was nowhere to be seen. “What's wrong?” she called out.
Walking around from the ship's far side, he said, “I keep having to modify parts to make them fit. That's what's wrong.” His grey eyes were paler today and Beth attributed his aggression to fatigue. They all needed some decent sleep. Unfortunately, it always seemed to be a luxury no one dared indulge, lest they wake up and become someone's meal.
Beth closed her book and rolled her shoulders. She wondered if the medical supply ship had been plundered already. This was taking them a lot longer than she thought. Don't give up.
"How much longer do you think it will take?” Beth tried to keep impatience out of her tone.
He stalked toward her, wiping his hands off on a rag. His frown deepened, making the corners of his mouth wrinkle. “I might be able to get it running by morning."
"Good.” Beth buried her nose back into her book. A silence passed over him and a strange intimacy hung in the air.
"You still upset I didn't want to get the meds?"
Beth kept reading and shook her head. “N
o, I'm fine. I understand how you feel."
He pulled up a chair next to her and sat stretching out his long legs. “A lot of people come here and just give up,” he said. “They decide quickly that they won't live like this and finish it. Then there are others who decide that no matter what life throws at them, they just won't quit.” He hung his head back and closed his eyes. “I'm glad you've found a purpose helping these people."
Beth closed the book. She smoothed her hand over the cover. She was afraid to say it, scared to admit she had a sliver of hope in the face of such hopelessness. “I'm going to make this clinic work,” she whispered, as if only to herself.
Magnus was quiet for a long time. She expected to hear him laugh that harsh laugh of his. After all, he wasn't much of a humanitarian. But there was nothing, only the pregnant silence between them. He looked at her with grey eyes dark from fatigue. “I love you, Beth,” he said.
She was so shocked she didn't know what to say. Then, without another word, he went back to the ship and continued working.
Chapter 20
Magnus had worked all night to get the shuttle running, but as dawn approached, it was obvious no amount of time would help it. He got it running, but it was unreliable, sputtering off every few minutes or so. Beth had curled up in her chair and dozed for a few hours but now she was up, pacing the floor and rubbing the back of her neck.
"So, what exactly are you saying?” Her tone bordered on yelling.
Magnus climbed out of the cockpit and jumped to the ground. “I'm saying it's not safe. The fucking thing is not staying powered. We go out there in this thing and we'll be dead inside two hours."
"I thought you said you fixed it."
"Well, I wouldn't say I exactly fixed it. I got it running, but it still has a lot of problems."
Beth shook her head. The dark circles under her eyes seemed even more pronounced as her anger deepened. “I don't see that we have much of a choice. I can't do anything for these people until I get some drugs. I need that shipment, Magnus."
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