by Celeste Raye
"Are they the only two who are a mix? Have you considered having more? Sorry. I am being nosy. It's my biggest downfall,” Valeri stated.
Alexis replied, "All scientists are nosy. If we were not, nothing would ever be invented. To answer your first question, no, they are not the only two. There are several more and some on the way. The queen and I both want more children. It just hasn't happened yet. It scares Nabvan to think about it. He almost lost me with Nexxa's birth. I'm nervous too, but we have the vaccine now. No one has died since its discovery."
"Can you show me how you discovered it and how to make it?" asked Valeri.
"Of course. We need more anyway. One of the human women is carrying a girl. It's her third child. She swears it's her last. I think it needs to be. No one knows how many times a person can handle taking the vaccine without damage. That's something we must study. You can help us with it." Alexis turned to show a young Milisarian how to heat a serum, then added, "I want you to show me what you were working with in the lab. Maybe we can figure out how to stabilize it."
Valeri sighed, "We would need Arkani blood. It contains three times the number of disease-fighting cells as a human. Akeila, the Arkani in our lab, fought off many diseases. We were using his blood in the experiments. It destroyed the disease, but killed good cells too."
Alexis nodded, "Only the males have that ability. Their women got sick with a terrible virus and died. That's why they wanted wives from Earth. Their species was becoming extinct. They tried curing the females with the use of their own blood. For some reason, it doesn't transfer the antibodies. We can work on it. I have a limited amount of Arkani blood samples from when I helped them. Together we can brainstorm some ideas."
The queen rushed into the lab and announced, "The warship has landed. They set it down on a landing site as if they were there to trade. They are leaving for the lab now. Your brother was waiting in the marketplace. He will lead them through back alleys to the correct building. They don't want to cause a scene on the main streets."
Valeri laughed hysterically. "I can just imagine a parade of huge warriors, covered in tribal markings, dressed in armor, and carrying swords marching down the street among rich women shopping for designer clothes. They would either run away screaming in fear or swoon over the gorgeous men. I would pay to see it."
The others laughed along with her. They too could imagine the sight. Human males would quickly be pushed aside for the handsome knights. Alexis added, "I should have sent something to trade for coffee. I dream about it sometimes."
"Already done,” replied Queen Destiney. "I sent for coffee, sugar, and candy for the kids. Nothing practical, but I miss them. It also helps cover up why the warriors are really there. We should be getting another message soon. I will let you know." She waved goodbye as she walked out.
Valeri was curious. She asked Alexis, "What do you trade with?"
"Salt from our sea gets us many things. It is used in cooking, and it heals skin lesions. The flavor is quite different from Earth's sea salt. They also like mud and moss from our marshes. It is put in expensive face creams. I used to buy it for my mother. Now, I just walk outside and get all I want, but there's no Starbucks here, so it's a tradeoff."
They spent several hours making serums. The queen had not returned. Impatient for news, the ladies went to the communications room. Queen Destiney was not there, and the monitor was beeping loudly. Alexis brought up the message. It read: Guards locked up. Have all Milisarians and two Arkani. One knight very ill. FBI going in.
"That doesn't tell us much. I had hoped for more,” Alexis declared.
Valeri was happier. "At least they got Akeila, and they didn't say anyone got injured. That's all good. How old is the message?"
"According to the monitor, it came in an hour ago." Alexis stopped talking as a new message beeped and the queen walked in.
Queen Destiney explained her absence, "I was called away to diffuse a dispute between two merchants. It took a while. Did any messages come in?"
Alexis showed her the first message and then they all gathered around for the new one. It read: Leaving. Will drop off Arkani. Home in three days. Have beds ready for sick. One knight injured. Akeila says thanks to Valeri.
This message brought back their fears. If a warrior was injured, there must have been a fight. Which warrior was it? All three women held the heart of a warrior. How bad was the injury? Would they make it home safely? To take their minds off the questions that rushed through their heads, they went to the lab and began preparing beds for the sick and injured. Alexis raided the cabinets for bandages and medications. Valeri searched for needles and salves. The queen hurried out to the merchants for healing plants.
Warships were too large to land close to the capital. The knights and villagers joined in a project. A stone walkway was built over the wetland. It would reach from the landing zone into the capital. It was meant to ease the way for the sick and kept the worried throng occupied for the days leading up to the ship's return.
The entire city and most of the villages gathered to greet the warship. Many had been told their sons or husbands had died in battle. Each had hopes that among the returning knights they would find a miracle: their son or mate. They brought gifts of food and clothing for the captured knights. They were to be honored for their strength under duress. Queen Destiney provided a banquet for the rescuers. A party to celebrate the victory would continue until morning.
As the ship came into sight, Queen Destiney, Alexis, Valeri, and the children huddled together at the end of the new walkway. Behind them, knights stood ready to carry the sick and injured on their powerful shoulders. The large warship hovered overhead. The women decided that the king must be allowing the rescued knights to get a view of the planet they had been missing. They would also be able to see the mighty throngs waiting to welcome them home.
The ship eventually came to rest on the landing pad. The huge doors opened, and the throng got their first glimpse of the captured knights. A collective gasp went up from the crowd. Bandages covered seeping wounds. The smell of infection permeated the salty air. Those unable to walk were handed over to the waiting warriors. Families who recognized their kin ran alongside the men who carried the fallen.
Alexis took a moment to greet Nabvan, who was uninjured. She then hurried to catch up with the ill. Valeri was relieved to see Ohber. He appeared unharmed. The king disembarked last. He wore a bandage over his chest like a badge of honor. Queen Destiney rushed to him. He hugged her tightly and whispered, "Take me to Alexis. I need tending, but I will not appear weak in front of my people. It is not as bad as it seems. I will be fine in a short time." He walked proudly through the crowd, never allowing his pain to show. Ohber and Nabvan stayed at his back in case they were needed. The group left the crowds behind to begin their celebration.
Chapter 15
The lab was a hive of activity when the queen entered with King Siefer. Alexis, the doctor, and her young helpers were cleaning infected wounds and sewing up gashes. Nabvan and Ohber had done their best to treat the wounds aboard the warship, but they had become infected despite the warriors’ care. Queen Destiney called out to Alexis for help. She sat the king on an empty bed and unwrapped the bandage herself. A festering cut was seeping blood just above his heart. Alexis asked Nabvan, "Would you hold him still? I must pull the wound open a little farther and pour in the antiseptic. It will burn, and he will fight. I don't wish him to cause more harm by moving as I scrub away the putrid flesh." She turned to the queen and said, "It isn't deep, just nasty. From the looks of the others, I would say the instruments used to deliver these cuts were unclean. They may even have been tainted with some vile infection on purpose. It would seem, the scientists have been busy since Ohber and Valeri left. This was not for research. It was punishment.”
One of the warriors spoke up, "The guards came to take us for experiments, but we fought them. They were not allowed to kill us with their guns, so they picked up any available object t
o defend themselves. We were hit with rusty pipes and boards with large nails attached. A gas was sent into our prison. It rendered us unconscious. We awoke tied to gurneys. Our cuts were left untreated. Other wounds were made in the name of science, though we saw no actual testing."
Valeri had to ask, "Did my father, Reginald Cavanaugh, do this to you?"
The warrior replied, "No, he has not been seen since you took Ohber away. There has been no leader."
Alexis poured the antiseptic onto the king's wound. He fought to rise, but Nabvan held him tightly against the bed. King Siefer's body tensed and his veins distended with the pain, yet he did not scream. He was setting an example for his knights. Alexis scrubbed at the dead flesh surrounding the cut. When she deemed it clean enough, the doctor came forward and stitched it closed. Queen Destiney applied a salve and covered it with a clean bandage. She soothed his sweaty brow with a cold cloth. He drifted to sleep holding her hand.
The queen stared up at Ohber and asked, "How did my husband get wounded? Was there a battle after all?"
Ohber replied, "It was not really a battle. The guards did not see us enter. Victor let us in through the same door we escaped out of. They were spread in pairs over several floors. We split into two groups and each took a floor. A small resistance was made, but two human males are no match for ten warriors. We established control of two levels at a time, locking the guards away. Nabvan's group went to the basement to free the captives there. I went with King Siefer to the experiment room. The scientists were all standing over the Voltuni female. They were about to cut her open. The king charged forward, and the one holding the scalpel swung out and sliced his chest."
"In the basement, we broke open the prison doors,” Nabvan began. "The room was filled with sick and dirty aliens. It smelled so bad, we had to cover our faces. All the ones who could walk were led to the showers and washed down. No species seemed to fear us. They somehow understood we were there to help. I sent men to the floor you said held those on life support. Only the patients remained. Everyone else had fled."
Ohber continued, "The FBI came in then. They allowed us to take our warriors. Akeila begged them to let all the Arkani leave with us as well. They saw no harm in allowing it. The scientists were taken away along with the guards. Medics came for the other aliens. The Voltuni female escaped. She stole a small ship and disappeared. Akeila and I were questioned by the FBI. We told them everything. Victor had already turned over the information he had discovered. I think they would like to recruit him. They were digging through every room of the building for evidence."
"Did they find my father?" asked Valeri. She wasn't sure whether she wanted him to be arrested or just gone.
Nabvan answered, "It is my understanding that they found him at an airport. He was boarding a private plane. They took him in for questioning, but he had evidence on board the plane that condemned him also. He had information on the government officials that funded his program. They will be arrested, also. I do not know what they did to him after we left."
Valeri sadly shook her head. "They may be lenient on him if he gives testimony against the government. I don't quite know how I feel about it. He did terrible things to the aliens and should be punished. Yet, I know he was afraid to stop. They would have killed him. Then, I remember how greedy he had become. He was not the same person I grew up with. It is all so confusing."
Alexis asked, "Why were all the wounds infected? Did you see anything that would explain it?"
"The rooms were all dirty. When I was held there, they kept everything sanitized. That changed when Valeri and I escaped." He looked at Valeri and added, "The scientists no longer cared if the experiments did any good. They only wanted pieces of the aliens to give the government in return for money. Reginald had taken most of their shares. The instruments were not even washed between uses. Infections spread from one alien to another. I believe they were about to abandon the building very soon."
"The warriors would not have survived if you hadn't treated them during the return flight. They owe their lives to your care,” Alexis stated.
Ohber replied, "Nabvan and I must return to the ship. One warrior was lost to his illness on our way home. He is still aboard and deserves an honorable burial."
A deep sadness fell over the room with Ohber's announcement. One warrior did not make it to see his home world. It was heartbreaking. Valeri quietly inquired, "Who was it?"
Nabvan answered, "His name was Axel. He was trained at the same time as me. We found him on the life support floor. We kept him attached to the equipment, but the move was too much for his diseased body. He died without pain. We made sure of it. I will seek out his wife and parents and let them grieve. First, Ohber and I will clean his body and dress him as a warrior once more. We will not allow his family to see him dirty and unclad. He deserves much more."
Valeri tugged at Ohber's arm. "Before you go, tell me about Akeila. Did he make it home?"
For the first time since arriving, Ohber grinned. "He was the same as usual. He perplexed the FBI agents with his vague answers and still refused to give his age. We followed his orders for the best way to get to Arkani. He swore that there was a shortcut. We got lost twice. He sent you a gift." Ohber pulled a chain from his uniform pocket. An odd symbol dangled from it. "He wants you to have this. He hid it among his bedding. It is the symbol of peace on Arkani. He says thank you for treating him with dignity and kindness. You are forever his friend."
"The old man was happy to be home. I am not as sure that the other Arkani were happy to see him. He began giving orders the moment we arrived." Nabvan began to laugh. "I think there was one female that he took a fancy to. She could have been his great- granddaughter, yet he flirted with her outrageously. She was not impressed."
"It's a relief to know he made it. I will cherish the necklace. I thought he was adorable. The Arkani girl should have been flattered at his attention. He's a great catch for someone." Valeri meant every word. She truly loved the old Arkani.
The Milisarian warriors slept through the homecoming celebration. King Siefer did as well. It was a restorative sleep, without fear or anger. Their wounds began to heal, along with their troubled minds.
The celebration seemed endless. Voices rang out in song throughout the night. Fires roared toward the sky, keeping them warm and cooking food. They drank and toasted to the captives as well as the rescuers. Inside the capitol building, families waited impatiently for their loved ones to awaken. Queen Destiney sat vigil beside the king. Scyon slept at his feet. Nabvan had the sad duty of bringing the deceased warriors body to his family. He would be given a warrior's send-off after the celebration ended.
Valeri curled up on her bed, waiting and hoping for Ohber to join her. The celebration didn't interest her. Her heart and mind were too confused. She was happy for the rescued Milisarians and proud to be a part of it. Yet, she still felt guilty for it all happening in the first place. While so many had suffered and died, she had been partying with her friends and going to college. When she finally joined the program, she had allowed her father to draw her in with promises of miracles. She was ashamed of herself and her father. More confusing to her was the knowledge that she still loved him. How was it possible to love and hate someone at the same time? Where was Victor? Was he all alone now? Did he hate her for destroying his contented life? Did he miss her as much as she missed him? She desperately needed Ohber's comforting arms.
Ohber tried to join the celebration after he helped Nabvan wash and dress the deceased knight. He added his voice to the songs and drank until he was dizzy. But, his mind kept returning to Valeri. He wanted to hold her, comfort her sorrow, and declare his love. He was afraid that it would not be enough to keep her on Milisaria. Besides, he had no idea what the future held for him. A big, beautiful house awaited him in the village. How would he spend his time there? Most knights were very old when they retired. He was still young. He missed fighting and training. He did not care for growing food or harvesting sa
lt and moss. Ohber knew he could not remain a warrior. He was too weakened inside. His presence on the field of battle would endanger others. Yet, he could not just give up. There had to be something he could be useful for in the military.
Alexis and Valeri discovered the king and queen eating a hearty meal on the blanket covered floor of the lab. King Siefer was well enough to battle Scyon with a wooden sword. The Milisarian Knights sat up in their beds and enjoyed the show while they ate. The moons shined in the great window, reminding them that they were free. It would be a good day.
A funeral pyre was built for the fallen warrior, and he was placed gently on it. Children picked wildflowers from the hills and marshes and laid them beneath the wooden structure. The knights shined up their armor and braided their long hair. They surrounded the pyre, standing at attention. Villagers wore their best finery and left gifts for the warrior's loved ones. Benches were brought from the dining area and set before the pyre for the sick knights. They wished to be present for the final goodbye.
King Siefer stood upon a raised platform and called for attention. He announced, "We are here to honor and say farewell to one of our fallen knights. He died, not in combat, but in a battle of a different nature. He fought well and lasted long. I know he dreamed of home and family as I would have in his place. He made it back here, though not as he had wished. His death came amidst a celebration in honor of those that did make it home alive. Their fight was no less valiant, and they are to be honored also. We owe their lives to the brave knight that escaped and came home for help. Ohber would like to speak to you. Heed his words, for he speaks in my stead."