Page 14 of Saving the Sautiitions

“We need a way to drop everyone off at the village, but these ships are much too large. I’m thinking we use the skimmers, drop everyone off by the lake, drop Jeff and Willa as well so they can help settle them while we dock the ships at the port, returning this one to its owner.”

“A smart idea, Captain. We’ll get right on it!”

She cuts the feed as I turn to Jeff and Willa. “Are you okay with that plan? I know I didn’t discuss it first. The thought hit me as it spilled from my mouth.” I give an awkward smile and a small shrug as I watch them glance at each other and chuckle.

“You’re the boss, Cap. We’ll follow your lead. If that’s what you’d like us to do, we’ll do it. Just be careful and come back safe.” Jeff nods to me, his arm sliding around Willa’s shoulders as she smiles.

“Always.” I nod back before turning to Vahru. He grins, dipping his head as he steps behind the controls, steering the ship toward the village. We fly in close enough to see it clearly from above, the lake spreading out for miles below. I still think it’s an ocean that they merely call a lake, but I’m not going to argue.

Jeff and I load up the skimmers, Willa and Vahru gathering everyone to file out to us so we can take them down. There are excited wails and songs of joy all around, and I smile as I load up the first passengers. As we drop them off, we drop Willa with them so she can get everyone gathered and coordinated before they storm the village for a welcome.

It takes an hour to finally get both ships unloaded, and many of the Sautii go for a swim while they wait for our return. I can’t say I blame them. If I had been cooped up on a ship after having been stranded on a dying planet, I’d be dying for a dip in some cool, refreshing water too.

It only takes a few minutes for us to reach the docking port; Vahru skillfully landing the ship back in its rightful place. Garvon is there as we disembark, walking around the ship to inspect the damage. Of course, there is none because we were careful.

“Seems you were right about your little friend. Not a scratch or even a fingerprint.” His voice booms in the open space, echoing off the metal walls of the chamber. A moment later, a flowy song can be heard from behind the ship, Tonya and Melodia scuttling into view.

I laugh as the translator catches up with her. “She begrudgingly accepts your apology and thanks. You’re welcome.”

He laughs as the girls stop next to us, staring up at the friendly giant. He drops to a knee and extends a hand to Tonya. “Thank you for taking care of my girl. And I’m sorry I ever insinuated that you couldn’t handle her.”

She stares at him for a long moment, studying him as he smiles awkwardly but brightly. I speak for her as the translator relays her words to me, “Thank you for trusting me with her in the first place. It was a pleasure to fly a craft that magnificent.” She wraps her tentacle around his hand, shaking it.

He stands back up, nodding to Vahru as he turns to me, a grin on his face. “As for you, Captain. You ever need a ship for your missions, you come find me. I may have done a bit of research while you were away. Someone with your accommodations deserves more respect than I gave. If your intentions are as you stated, you’ll need a reliable craft to complete your future missions. I’m honored to offer mine, as well as any services I can to help.” He gives a small bow as I thank him before he slowly walks off, back down the hall we first saw him come from.

“Let’s get back to the village. We have a party to prepare for.” Vahru winks at the girls, who giggle like teens, and ushers us all toward the exit. We all rush outside and to his vehicle, excited to get home for the festivities that are sure to follow.

It seems Tonya and Melodia very much enjoy being painted in neon colors and dancing around the fire. It makes them happy, and just remembering seeing them like that for the first time made me smile and my heart swell with joy. After all that they’ve been through, they deserve to do whatever makes them happy, and if it’s as simple as dancing around the fire, then I’ll paint them every night myself if that’s what they want.

The girls chatter excitedly all the way home as I hold Vahru’s hand, my other flying out the window in the crisp air as my hair blows around me. Tipping my head back, resting it against the seat as I study the other planet floating above us, the bright blue so vivid in the afternoon sunshine. I wonder if there’s anything on that planet, if it’s even habitable. I’ll have to check it out sometime.

When we park the car, the girls jump out and head off down the trail to the village, eager to reunite with the others and show them the wonders of this planet. I chuckle at their eagerness and help Vahru put our stuff inside before we stroll down the trail to meet up with everyone else.

As we round the last corner and enter the main part of the village, I hear my name yelled out as Willa comes running to us. “Kari! Vahru, hurry. It’s the chief, something’s wrong!”

Vahru drops my hand, sprinting for the chief’s home. I rush behind him up the steps, stumbling to a stop as Criido lies on the couch sweating and wheezing. He reaches for Vahru, who stumbles forward, dropping to his knees, his hands brushing over his father.

“Father, what happened? Who did this to you!? What made you ill?”

Vahru leans over, pressing his ear to his father's chest. Criido barely manages to whisper the wordpoison. Vahru jumps up, rushing into the next room, and I hear cabinets banging as he tries to find everything he needs. He pokes his head out the door and yells for Willa.

She steps into the room with him as they inspect what he has, rattling off all kinds of herbs, fruits, and other things before she sprints out the door. Vahru drops back down in front of his father, holding his face in his hands. “I’m going to fix this, okay. You just hold on. Fight for me, Dad, don’t give up. Willa’s grabbing the rest of the ingredients, and I’ll make this right. Please, hold on.” He kisses his forehead before running back into the other room.

I step over and grab Criido’s outstretched hand, hoping to soothe him as he struggles for breath. His eyes roll around, and when they land on me, they’re glazed and unfocused. He mumbles incoherently as his head lolls around. Willa runs in, arms full of leaves, fruits, nuts, and other things as Jeff rushes in after her, his eyes falling on me and Criido.

He runs into the room after Willa, coming back in moments with a bowl and a towel. He wipes at Criido’s forehead, patting his neck and chest to dry some of the sweat.

“Lahrulai, I’m so sorry. Forgive me, my love. Lahrulai, please.”

I barely catch a few of his words, Jeff’s eyes meeting mine as he whispers, “Who’s Lahrulai?” I shrug and turn back to Criido as his hand squeezes mine to the point of pain.

“Vahru! He’s convulsing!” I scream out, ripping my hand from Criido’s grip before grabbing his face in my hands to keep him steady. Foam comes from his mouth, sliding down his cheeks. There’s not much I can do for him until it stops, and I’m afraid that when it does, it’ll be before we manage to stop it ourselves.

Vahru runs into the room, Willa on his heels as he squeezes in beside me. “Try to hold his jaw open.” His voice is rough and commanding, a hint of fear making it sound frantic. Criido stops convulsing, his body going limp before us. I grip his lower jaw and pull. It opens easily, and my heart jumps into my throat as I fear that we’re too late.

Vahru pours a pasty liquid into his mouth, shutting his jaw and pinching his nose shut. Criido’s body fights, arching until he swallows. Vahru releases him and leans over, listening for his breath. He puts a hand to his neck, his other on his chest as we all hold our own breath.

“Come on, work, dammit!” He grits his teeth, and my hands come up to my chest. My eyes fill with tears as the anxiety overwhelms me.

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