by Celeste Raye
Ohber realized he missed talking with Valeri. Her soft, kind voice gave him hope and made him feel less alone. The nurse continued to put salve on the blisters, but her hands were not as gentle as Valeri's, and her conversation was far less interesting. Ohber looked forward to seeing her again, as he was wheeled into the lab. His hopes were dashed when Reginald stepped to the gurney. He roughly grabbed Ohber's arms and scrubbed at the scabs left behind after the blisters burst. He became angry when some of the translucent skin tore away with the scab and shouted at the nurse, "Why are these not healed? I can't use him today. These must be gone before I can administer the next experiment or the findings will be compromised. Double his medications. I want him well."
The nurse replied, "He will never be truly well. You know that."
Reginald shouted, "I don't care what damage is inside!" He lowered his voice to a whisper and said, "The outside appearance must look normal, or the government won't pay. Don't call me in until the skin is cleared." He stomped his way across the lab to where Valeri was examining the Reptilarian. "Move; I want to deal with this one myself. I hear it has an issue with human's portrayals of monsters, especially lizards. Maybe if I get enough of his DNA, the movie industry can make the real thing." He jerked Valeri aside and picked up a scalpel. The Reptilarian screamed as Reginald sliced off a piece of his scales.
Valeri shouted, "Dad, stop it! He hasn't been numbed yet. There is no need to cause him pain. If you give me a minute, I can numb his arm."
Reginald snapped, "Too late; it's done. Patch him up and send him back to his television." It was obvious that Reginald held some kind of grudge against the alien. Ohber wondered exactly what was behind the scientist's anger. He breathed a sigh of relief when Reginald stalked out of the lab.
Ohber watched as Valeri used a computer-generated skin patch to cover the Reptilarian's wound. She showed no fear when the alien hissed at her administrations. Instead, she asked him about his home and whether he had a family. The alien used his implanted language translator to respond, "I left a mate and three young ones on Reptilar. The others had families as well. I have not seen them since our capture. Are they well?"
Valeri's shocked face told Ohber that she had not known there were others. She answered the Reptilarian, "I don't know how they are. I will do my best to find out and tell you. Would you like some pain medication for your wound?"
The alien replied, "No, the less of your remedies I take, the faster I heal. Thank you for your kindness. You are the first scientist to speak to me. All the others act as if I am an animal. It is sad, for I am from an intelligent species and could help without such barbaric tests."
Valeri asked, "Would you be willing to share your knowledge with me, if I come to your room? My sole purpose in becoming a scientist was to help as many as I possibly can." The Reptilarian agreed as long as she searched for the rest of his friends.
Ohber was ready for some conversation when Valeri came to his gurney. He immediately asked, "You did not know there were others, did you?"
She admitted, "No, I thought this was the only lab. Is there another Milisarian?"
"I do not know. I was unconscious when they brought me here. There were others on this planet when I was taken, so it is possible. I have been thinking about my capture, and I am beginning to have a suspicion that my king traded me, a damaged warrior, for some form of technology," Ohber replied.
"What damage are you talking about? I am not sure I understand." Valeri didn't see any imperfections except the ones caused by the experiments.
Ohber answered, "When I woke up, I was told the explosion had thrown me through the air. I had many broken bones and a torn aorta. It took many months to heal, and then the experiments began and caused further damage. King Shene would have seen no use in having a broken warrior aboard his ship. We were to protect him, not be a burden."
"There was nothing about your injuries in the files I was given. May I listen to your heart?" Valeri turned away to get a stethoscope. When she turned back, she found Ohber had raised his shirt to show her the scar on his chest.
Valeri could clearly see the heart beating through his translucent skin. She put the stethoscope to her ears and listened. His heart sounded strong, but different. There was a slight swishing sound. She told Ohber, "It seems they replaced your torn aorta with an artificial one. The blood sounds different as it flows through that spot. It is a wonder the electrical charge from the Voltuni didn't make it explode. That test can't occur again."
Ohber laughed. "I do not think my fate matters to these scientists. They will do whatever they feel the need to do. I am expendable."
Valeri declared, "Your fate matters to me. None of you are expendable. All lives matter, regardless of the planet they come from."
"You are different from the other scientists. You see us. They do not. Why did you become a scientist?" Ohber's curiosity was aroused by her naivety.
"When I was a little girl, my father showed me some childish experiments with household chemicals. They were fun. As I got older, I learned about some of the ancient scientific discoveries that changed our world. Vaccinations that kept children from getting illnesses, replacement parts for organs that had failed, and miracle cures for diseases meant to kill us. I wanted to be the one to find a new miracle." Valeri continued, "I want to make Earth better, give humans a longer lifespan, and free children from any suffering."
Ohber thought her speech sounded very noble. It just did not harmonize with the reality of these experiments. He felt it necessary to ask, "How does this program fit into that plan?"
"I am searching for ways to make our bodies stronger. There are differences in all of your bodies that could show us how to change ours. You heal faster; Akeila has an immune system that destroys our diseases. Each of you could hold the answer to one of our problems or even help each other."
Valeri seemed so sincere. Ohber knew she truly believed what she was saying. He tried harder to make her understand. "What about experiments on humans? Would you allow other species to conduct this type of program using your family?"
Valeri was surprised by the question. She took a moment before replying, "That wouldn't be necessary. I am sure our scientists and the government would willingly give the planets access to our knowledge and cures."
"Ours would as well. Akeila already has. The Reptilarian has offered. The Voltuni tried her best not to harm me. Your scientists never thought to ask for our input. They just started harming our bodies." Ohber's anger and resentment were overwhelming. He did not mean to take it out on Valeri. She was just a convenient target, and he knew she would not punish him for speaking up.
All talk ceased when the nurses came to return their charges to their rooms. Ohber caught one glimpse of Valeri's confused face. He had given her something to ponder, if nothing else.
Ohber discovered he had things to think over as well. Valeri was growing on him. He thought about her all the time. He had a longing to run his fingers through her long dark hair and see if it was as soft as he imagined. He wished to see what was hidden beneath the baggy lab coat she always wore. Her delicate neck and hands hinted at a slim body. Ohber could see down into her soul through those expressive eyes. She wore her feelings on her beautiful face for all to see. Today, he realized her love of science in its purest form. It had broken his heart to disillusion her about the program. She still held the notion that the experiments were a good thing and necessary to progress.
There probably had been a few new discoveries that would help the humans, but at what cost? Some of the experiments made no sense. They just seemed to be performed for cruelty's sake.
Valeri spoke as if she knew a different Reginald. The father of her childhood had found time to nourish his daughter's curious mind. He had taught her to love and honor his choice in careers. That was definitely not the man Ohber saw in the lab. Somewhere along the way, he had changed. The Reginald that tormented the aliens was angry and appeared to hold a grudge against all other sp
ecies. He no longer cared about the purity of the science he had shown Valeri. He just wanted results, good or bad, and he wanted them quickly.
Ohber needed to soothe his mind. If his body was to heal, he must remove all negative thoughts from his head. He took several deep; cleansing breathes and let his mind wander back to the beauty of Milisaria. As he imagined a cool green sea, the image of Valeri popped into the picture. She was swimming ashore and then stood, allowing the sparkling water to flow off of her pale skin. She glowed in the soft light of the four moons. She tossed her head, and droplets of water dampened his warm skin.
Frustrated by his thoughts, Ohber changed the scene. He saw himself standing in the marshes, practicing his swordplay. He dearly missed the feel of a heavy sword in his hand. It was almost as if he had lost an extension of his arm. Others practiced on each side of him. He could see Nabvan instructing a very young warrior. Perhaps, it was a beginner. He let his mind reach out to his other side, and there was Valeri once again. She was dressed in armor, her hair flying in the wind. She wore the face of a warrior princess, fighting for those who could not do so for themselves. The sight brought a yearning to Ohber's heart. One he had never felt before. He knew it would be best to wipe the picture from his mind. However, he could not. It was too beautiful, and it soothed his soul. Ohber fell asleep and dreamed of Valeri on Milisaria.
Ohber was not able to speak with Valeri in the lab the following day. The scientists were all present. She took orders from each one and did her duty without expression. Her kind smile was missing as she bent over him. They made her open one of the almost healed lesions and take a sample of the fluid beneath. A single tear slid from her eye as she saw him wince. She hurried to cover the newly opened wound with salve and to hide her face from the scientists. Ohber tried to get her to look him in the eyes, but she either would not or could not.
Ohber was asked to stand. That surprised him. In all the years he had been here, this was only the second time he had been allowed off the gurney. Valeri was given orders to test his strength. She led him to a set of large weights at the back of the room. Thinking they were alone, Ohber started to speak. Valeri shook her head to let him know there was someone else present. Reginald appeared at his shoulder. The man began, "Since we can't use you in the next technical experiment, we shall at least see if you are as strong as you used to be. Lift the smallest weight first and then keep moving to heavier ones. Valeri, please record the results. If he struggles with one, we will push him to try harder. I am sure he will try to make us think he is weak. I know I would try to trick my captor."
For Valeri's sake, Ohber did his best. He lifted the first weight easily. The second pulled his skin tight and tore open some lesions. The third was a struggle. It scared him to know that he used to lift it without effort. He managed to raise it, though it fell hard when he tried to set it on the floor. The largest one was impossible. His damaged muscles refused to lift it. Reginald scoffed, but Valeri stopped him. She pointed to Ohber's trembling arms and the broken blood vessels that were visible through his skin. She spoke up, "He is not pretending. He should not have lifted the last one, yet he did so that you would not say he was tricking us."
Reginald replied, "Fine, but I think you are too soft on these creatures. You treat them like pets. You need to toughen up. I'm sure you will at some point. Send him back to the gurney and let's try the Voltuni."
Ohber could not help but see the sadness on Valeri's face. She no longer saw her father through a little girl's adoring eyes. He knew it further saddened her to realize her father did not see her as his little darling, but as an employee. Ohber barely made it back to the gurney. His legs were strained and weak. If he ever made it back to Milisaria, his days of being a Milisarian Knight were over. All the medicines in the universe could not give him back the body he had when the spaceship landed on Earth. He would heal to an extent and would still be seen as superhuman to most species. Yet, he could never match the strength of a true knight again.
Chapter 6:
Valeri threw the soiled lab coat into the disinfecting bin. She scrubbed her hands with soap, even though she had been wearing gloves. She felt the need to wash away her involvement with the program. Her guilt for causing pain to the aliens was something that could not be washed from her soul. She wanted to believe that the experiments were a necessary evil. All her hopes and dreams depended on that being true. Deep inside, there was a growing suspicion that she was wrong. Her heart told her that it was all very bad and not the program that she had imagined. At least the aliens would remain untouched for the weekend. The scientists were going to a convention and would not step foot back in the lab until Monday. The nurses would rotate shifts and care for the aliens' needs.
Valeri had plans of her own. She was going to the empty lab over the weekend to find answers. With no one watching over her shoulder, she would look for the other aliens and any paperwork that told her what progress was being made by the experiments, if any. She knew there were cameras recording every move in the lab, but she also knew how to fix it so that no one would realize she had been there. Her palm prints were needed to open the doors, and her entrance would be logged into the memory. That could be changed with a little help from her brother.
Valeri's brother worked in the labs as well. His job involved the computers and medical equipment. He had no love for their father. They had been at odds for most of her brother's life. It was actually ironic that they worked in the same lab. They had not spoken to each other for years. Valeri loved them both. She refused to take sides.
Valeri stared up at the tall building. She was now aware of what lay behind its shiny exterior. She hated to know that she was out here enjoying the breeze and the sky full of stars while left inside were the pain-filled faces of the aliens. How many years had they been hidden away? They were probably not even aware of the year, much less the season. There were no windows to show them the sun or the rain. No way to feel the soft breeze on their cheeks. Guilt over their fate ate away at her mind. Her heart ached for the two she knew best. Akeila was so gentle and far too old to be fighting cancer. He was hanging in there and still optimistic. Ohber was young and deserved to live his life free from locked doors. He would really enjoy seeing this clear sky and breathing in the night air.
Valeri opened the door to her apartment. She hurried to each window and opened them as well, allowing the breeze and city noises to enter. She needed them that way to keep her from feeling locked away. She feared being put in a cage like the aliens. Ohber's question kept running around her head. Would she be okay with her family, or even her neighbors, being used in an experiment like the ones she was helping conduct? She wanted to be able to say that humans were different, but she knew that was a lie. Each of the aliens had parents, siblings, mates, and even children. They were alive, felt pain and sorrow, had dreams, and most of all had not agreed to this program. Their choices had been stolen. It made her realize that her life could change in an instant if someone out there decided she would benefit them in an experiment. Her own father was capable of it if she got in his way.
Valeri made a plate of snacks, sat on the sofa, and called her brother. Victor picked up on the first ring. That meant he was sitting at his computer. Perfect; she needed information, and he could find it quickly. His computer was so protected that no one would ever trace the inquiries back to him. He greeted Valeri with, "Are you ready to quit yet or has our father sucked you into the dark side?"
Not sure how to answer him, Valeri ignored the question. She told him, "I need your help. Are you willing to research dad's alien program? There are a few things that concern me, and I was betting you could help shed some light on the issues."
Victor roared with laughter. It took several minutes for him to calm down and speak. He shocked Valeri by saying, "I already have. I thought you might find a problem with what you saw, so I ran a quick search last week. I can go deeper if you want me to."
Valeri replied, "For now, just tell m
e what you've found. We can decide how much deeper to look later."
"Most of what I have is financial," he began. "There is a lot of money pouring into the program. It is then funneled into unnamed accounts all over the world. Very little goes back into the program. There also appears to be a second and third lab on the property. The paperwork claims that they are empty, yet the water and electrical bills are enormous. Dad is hiding something, or should I say someone. Nothing about this program feels legit. Get out before it's too late."
"It's already too late," Valeri answered. "I can't leave those poor aliens. I am the buffer between them and the scientists. I want to search for the other labs while the scientists are with dad at the convention this weekend. Can you help me get in without anyone being the wiser?"
"It would be a pleasure. Can I come with you?" Victor wanted to see the mess for himself.
The lab hallways were eerily quiet as Valeri and Victor searched each room. They found nothing in Valeri's lab or the experiment room. It was time to find the other labs. Doors that were usually locked and off limits were easily decoded and opened by Victor. Some contained old samples, and others were empty, smelling of bleach. They climbed the stairs to the next floor and carefully opened the steel door.
The hallways of this supposedly empty floor were brightly lit and reeked of illness. One nurse sat at a desk with her back to them. She didn't turn as they snuck through the hall. These rooms were unlocked, and they soon discovered why. All four rooms held an alien that was hooked to countless machines. Ventilators, dialysis equipment, IV's, and oxygen kept the poor souls alive. Valeri recognized a Reptilarian and a Milisarian, but the other species were unknown to her.