Atlantis Vortex
Page 45
“Never again,� Xerxes promised her, tears in his eyes.
“Oh, Xerxes, don’t.â€� Jessica said, sadness evident in her voice at seeing his tears.
“You must get better then.� Xerxes told her and tried to smile but ended up sniffing.
“I will.� Her voice was weak but filled with emotion. “Mom and Dad - okay?�
“They are fine, both in their room resting. We are on Barrous’ spaceship, when you are better you can look out the windows and see Earth from space.â€�
“Let her talk if she can.� the Doctor advised him.
“I want to see that.â€� Jessica’s voice held some enthusiasm.
“As soon as you are well enough.� Xerxes promised.
“Take me to Alpha-Centaur….� she slept again. Xerxes started to wake her.
“No it’s okay, her temperature is down a little, let her sleep, but stay here should she wake.â€� the doctor turned to the nurses, â€�Ease the temperature in the cold suit up slowly as her temperature comes down. Call me should her temperature begin to go back up.â€� Jessica’s breathing gradually grew less labored as her temperature dropped. The doctor called Xerxes out of the room.
“Generally I don’t let family around my patients when they are this sick, but earth humans are a bit different, I am finding. They respond to their families if their families project a positive demeanor. Jessica has been fortunate she did not go into convulsions, though how I do not know. When you came, I was afraid she was about to. Go sit with her, talk to her, even if she is asleep. Hold her hand if you wish, she seems to respond well to your touch.â€�
Xerxes was relieved the doctor allowed him into Jessica’s room and asked a nurse to inform her parents. He felt her Mom and Dad should be there also. Xerxes would have climbed into her bed had there been room and would have made room had the nurses left. However, the doctor had left instructions for Jessica’s condition monitored constantly. Xerxes knew Jessica had come very close to death and now that they were reunited, nothing would make him leave.
Feeling a presence beside him, he glanced up to see her parents. “Sonâ€� Harold said, “Go lie down for a while, we’ll sit with her.â€�
“Thank you, Harold.â€� Xerxes’ voice broke. The young man had obviously shed a tear or two. “I can’t.â€�
“I thought you’d say that.â€� Maureen said and handed him a man’s toilette kit and a change of clothes, “freshen up and you’ll feel better,â€� she indicated the small bath adjoining the room. “If Jessica so much as sniffs I’ll call you. Now go on.â€� Mother’s have a special command in their voices and Xerxes did as she told him. Harold and Maureen exchanged glances, they no longer had any doubts of Xerxes devotion to their daughter and both had decided they liked him for a son-in-law.
Maureen took her daughter’s hand. “Hi honey, Mom’s here.â€� Jessica’s breathing eased a little more as it did when her Dad spoke to her.
Ten minutes later Xerxes rejoined, them having done as instructed and kissed his wife’s forehead. Jessica opened her eyes to stare into his. Her temperature had dropped another full degree and the cold suit removed.
“Where am I?� Jessica asked weakly, not remembering Xerxes telling her before.
“You are in Ambassador’s Barrous’ Starship in orbit outside our moon around it and Earth.â€� Xerxes told her.
“I always wanted to be an astronaut.� Jessica smiled. “Thirsty.� One of the nurses gave her a drink. “Thanks. Tell me what happened after Marcus tried to sell us to the terrorists.�
“Terrorists?’ Xerxes questioned. Harold related the facts up to their rescue.
“Pericles?� Jessica said weakly.
“He’s okay. Anthony will be, as will Pisces.â€� Xerxes explained to her.
“Good.� She was holding Xerxes hand, watching him most carefully. “You need to sleep. How long?�
“Not long.â€� he fibbed, “I’ve just been sitting with you.â€�
“The High Lord of Atlantis tells fibs.â€� Maureen told her daughter, Jessica caught Xerxes’ scowl and managed a laugh.
“I know. Xerxes, please for me. Get some sleep.â€� Jessica kissed his hand. “I know I’ve been like this for a long time.â€�
“Very well,� he conceded and turned to one of the nurses. “Can you place a cot in here?�
She looked startled but saw the determination in Xerxes eyes. “I’ll see what can be done.â€� She left.
“Tired, sorry,â€� Jessica’s eyes closed and she slept. The doctor returned to check Jessica’s vitals. “She will recover! I am sure now.’
“You weren’t earlier?â€� Xerxes demanded, his voice wavering.
“No. At one point, no. It was close. When you came in, well, it seemed to make a difference.�
“Is there some way you can put a cot or a couch in here?� Xerxes asked her.
“My nurse told me you were asking for that. I’ll do you one better.â€�
Jessica’s parents, feeling much relieved their only child would recover, returned to their suite where they could now actually rest. Doing so after they shared a light meal, they lay in a comfortable bed gazing up through a view port over the bed to fall into a restful sleep for the first time in many days.
The doctor moved Jessica to a room with a double bed and allowed Xerxes to sleep with his still very sick wife. “Your presence seems to have a healing effect on her. Just don’t mind the nurses that must be with her.â€�
“Believe me doctor I won’t know they’re here.â€� Xerxes lay next to Jessica and holding her free hand was soon asleep.
Jessica woke frequently, as people with a fever are wont to do. Finding her husband next to her the first time she woke was such a happy surprise, she cried. Her nurse, at first alarmed, soon realized the release of tension was good, and only lasted a few moments until her patient was once again asleep, a little smile on her lips.
Bruce informed of Jessica’s recovery but was told he had to wait until the couple was awake until he could see her. At first disappointed, Bruce had found a pretty, young Centaurian lady to show him around the Starship and was enjoying her company. He would see Jessica later when she was better. He and Lieutenant C’Lar met Maureen and Harold as they walked back to their quarters and they informed him her condition was greatly improved. With his mind eased from worry on his friend’s account, Bruce devoted more attention to his new friend. He sincerely hoped to visit her one day on her World.
Encountering Ambassador Barrous along the way, Lieutenant C’Lar saluted him respectfully and the Ambassador addressed her by her rank of Lieutenant. She introduced Bruce, whom he had already met briefly.
“Mr. Lanceee, I hope you are enjoying your first trip in outer space?�
“Yes Ambassador, I am.� Bruce assured him politely.
“Let us hope it is not your last. I will speak to Lord Xerxes and request that he brings you when he visits us. After all I can see my niece has taken a fancy to you.�
“Thank you sir, she has been very hospitable.� Bruce returned with a smile.
“I shall speak to him.� Barrous left them with a little smile.
“You did not tell me Ambassador Barrous was you uncle.�
“He is, but on this ship he is my Commander.� she explained, “He is very careful not to show favoritism.�
“Understandable.� They continued their tour.
*
On the planet below, Ms. Simon and General Grill were still looking for their missing scientists, without a clue as to their possible whereabouts. Ms. Simon’s filled out her reports, called General Grill, reporte
d her lack of success, and prepared to leave for Florida.
From his office window, he could see the private Gulf Stream, G-5 with the logo of Kallias Enterprises emblazoned on the tail landing and taxiing to the Executive Airport. Ms. Simon had said the CEO of that Company had refused to press charges against the pilots who had flown the stolen plane from West Palm Beach. General Grill shook his head, wondering if he would ever know the truth of what had happened with the Dig at Okeechobee and the disappearance of his scientists. It occurred to General Grill that Kallias had been the name of the man he had accosted at the trailer while trying to find Ms. Carter. He hated mysteries; he wouldn’t even read mystery novels.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Xerxes woke after sleeping four hours to see his wife sitting up in bed and awake. Both nurses were gone and for the first time in many days, they were together and alone. Jessica had eaten her first meal, which had been simple soup and some type of tea. Her color was terrible but her body temperature was a tolerable one hundred and one point five, and she was recovering. Xerxes sat up and kissed her, his lips lingering on hers until he heard the door open admitting her parents and Bruce. He quickly got out of bed, feeling ill at ease in the presence of Jessica’s family though he was dressed in pajamas.
“Good to see you both awake at the same time,� Harold teased.
“Yes sir,� Xerxes said with an embarrassed smiled. Jessica was amazed at the reaction her husband was having to the presence of her father and smiled.
“Xerxes, I am told you have already been introduced to my parents and Bruce has had the pleasure to visit Pacifica. Bruce, I am happy to see you, though a bit amazed that you found my parents and are here. I guess you will all be making your homes in Atlantis now.â€� Jessica commented, her voice trailing off breathlessly, her strength weak, she fatigued quickly. Bruce gave her a long hug regardless of her husband and Jessica noticed Xerxes didn’t seem to object. In fact, he seemed pleased.
“These are matters that will be addressed after Marcus’ trial,â€� Xerxes voiced, his manner quickly becoming the authoritative ruler that she was accustomed too. “I have not been in close contact with my sister since Jessica has been so ill. I really should take care of those matters, if you will excuse me.â€� Giving Jessica a kiss on her forehead, Xerxes left them to catch up on family matters.
“I think you’ve embarrassed him,â€� Maureen told her daughter.
“Not Xerxes, it isn’t possible,â€� Jessica commented dryly.
“Oh yes it is,â€� Harold observed smugly. “We have seen a very different side to him than you have. I’ve never seen a young man as worried about anyone as he has been about you.â€�
“What ever gave you the idea that he would not want you back, or that he would order your death, Jessica?� Bruce quizzed her.
“While I was in Atlantis, things got rather tense a couple of times because of Marcus. He had Xerxes in an extremely tight situation as far as security was concerned. It seems to be Marcus’ specialty. He was attempting to force Xerxes to choose between Atlantis and me in order to prove Xerxes an unfit ruler.â€�
“Tell us about it,� Harold boomed. “How much do you remember?�
“Not much after the thing with the terrorists,� Jessica admitted.
“Probably just as well. The situation became extremely desperate for a while,â€� Maureen said. “Xerxes and Pericles rescue by cutting through the ship’s hull was pretty spectacular though.â€� In addition, she related the details so her daughter would know just how distraught her husband had been. There was a knock at the door and Pericles and his squad poured in.
After two major rescues and several smaller skirmishes, Pericles and his squad were all glad to see Jessica on the road to recovery and in a safe place. Finally, proper introductions made their short visit begin to resemble a party until the doctor kicked them all out. Jessica, giving in to exhaustion, took another long nap. When she woke, she found Xerxes straddling a chair, turned backwards, his chin resting on his hands on the back of the chair next to her, watching her sleep.
“Hi!� Xerxes greeted her, his warm gaze devouring her enjoying the blush on her pale cheeks.
“Hi yourself.� she returned with a shy smile.
“We need to talk.� Xerxes said seriously, he watched his still seriously ill wife become nervous.
“I guess we do,� Jessica agreed.
“Many things have changed.â€� Xerxes scrutinized his wife’s face carefully, what he saw was close to panic. “First of all.” he rose from the chair and came to sit next to her on the bed. “Whatever gave you the idea that I would not want you back?â€�
Xerxes was back to the commanding, charismatic man Jessica knew that made her blood run hotter than any fever she had experienced, but beneath his demeanor was a definite tone of hurt. She was silent for a moment just drinking in his face, convincing herself he was real and she wasn’t delirious. For so many days and nights, she hungered for him, his touch. Then while she was sick and Marcus’ prisoner and knew her body was dying she called out for him just to be able to tell him she loved him before she died.
“I, ah, well, when I left, I figured you would think I had betrayed you. You had told me that to leave would mean a death sentence. I had to find my parents… I guess, well I panicked.� Jessica looked from his penetrating eyes down to the place where an I.V. had left a bruise.
Xerxes looked passed her out the small view port behind her bed. “Jessica when I said that I was under a tremendous amount of pressure, it was because of Marcus. You must understand, he was demanding that I order not only Bruce’s execution but also yours since you discovered the Pyramid. No one in the Council would support it and I vetoed it outright but he was making a big issue of it. I was angry with you and afraid for you at the same time. I admit I wanted to frighten you into,” he looked into her still beautiful but reddened eyes, “well, into submission. I now know that isn’t possible with you.â€� He took her bruised hand and kissed the bruise. Gently he tilted her face back to draw her eyes back to his when she looked down at the bruise. “When Ainu marooned your parents we had no idea you would do something such as you did.â€�
“I wasn’t angry with you any longer. I appreciated the phone call to my parents but I did not believe you could help me find them if I asked you. I knew your problems were greater anyway. Your first responsibility had to be to Atlantis, I knew that.â€� Jessica’s pale face managed to turn a little pink. “I was sick with worry about them and I didn’t think you knew. I didn’t think my leaving would put Atlantis in jeopardy. I only thought about finding my parents. Perhaps, Xerxes, I would not make a good…â€� Jessica admitted with a sniff, remembering the way she had felt. “I put Atlantis at risk.”
“Jessica, I love you. I have since the day on the Mitzpah. I just about went crazy when you left. If that damn Marcus had not taken the Vortex Stones you would never have gotten out of Atlantis. Actually, if you hadn’t left, we would not have known the Vortex Stones were gone as soon as we did. In a way, by leaving, you foiled his plan. As it was, we initiated an old back-up system. When he forced Anthony to try to reveal Atlantis’ location, nothing showed up. I was coming to take you to Hawaii when you left. Had you waited…â€� Xerxes had missed her so much he stopped in mid-sentence to kiss her feverish lips, a kiss Jessica returned with her entire being.
“I’ve never had to trust someone like this before. Mom and Dad were always reliable, but I’ve never loved someone like this before.â€� Jessica admitted. “I must admit I feel like a fool, after you risked your life to save me from the Aztecs and your position in Atlantis, I still didn’t trust you. Why didn’t you just tell me?â€�
Xerxes looked embarrassed, “I wanted to surprise you. Bruce tells me that isn’t a good i
dea with you,� he held her closer.
“No. Xerxes, I hate surprises, I guess I’m a little weird that way.â€� Jessica looked at her wedding band, “Let’s not do that again. Did Marcus’ nephews return the Stones?â€�
“Yes and just in time too.� Xerxes looked at his wife quizzically, “How did Bruce find out about me?�
“He knew already,â€� Jessica told her husband, “how I’m not really sure. After the Coast Guard rescued me and they let me out of the hospital, I went and sat on the beach and just stared out to sea. Those tiresome Aztecs found me again.â€� Jessica started to laugh and related the event to Xerxes. “Bruce found me at the same time and we went back to my parent’s house where he was staying. Bruce can be very demanding. Then he told me he had seen you and that he knew you were from Atlantis and he saw this, “she held up her wedding band, “and he guessed we were married.â€� I would not tell him any more than he knew or figured out on his own. Bruce is highly perceptive.â€�
“I paid him a visit and got damn little information out of him, only the cell number you had called from when Marcus had you. Bruce is a clever chap. He has already inquired about doing some Archeological work on both Atlantis and Pacifica and wanted to know if there were other civilizations.�
“That sounds about right for Bruce.� Jessica confirmed. “Are you going to ask him to be the archaeologist for Atlantis?�
“More than likely, if the Ambassador’s niece doesn’t steal him away to Alpha-Centauri first.â€�
“What?� Jessica asked, astonished.
“Barrous’ niece C’Lar and he seemed to have developed a thing for each other,â€� Xerxes laughed.
“Turn my back for a few days and Bruce falls for an alien,� Jessica laughed. “Where is Skip?�
“Anthony was shot just before he left the boat.â€� Xerxes told her and seeing her concern hurried to tell her, “He’ll be okay. The doctor just won’t let him out of bed. He’s been asking for you too. He’s been told you’re out of danger.â€�