Page 22 of Advance and Retreat
“In the earliest versions, yes.I’m aware.I’ve been given updates from the research teams as they’ve happened, and the latest adaptation had no lethal results.It’s already gone through two earlier groups of test subjects, and no one died from them.”
“Longterm quality of life issues are still concerning.”
“Those are rare.Two out of three hundred people are good odds, greater than you’d get anywhere in Dantovon’s gaming houses.”
“Your health isn’t a game.”Kuran wasn’t shouting, but he was loud.
“Neither is the survival of my people.”She looked at each man levelly, ending at Kuran.“It’s my choice.I love you guys, and I accept this upsets you, but I’m doing it.Any attempt to stop me won’t be welcome.”
In the end, Rihep nodded.“We won’t interfere.”His glance at Kuran was a warning.
The Nobek scowled, but he regarded his Dramok’s word as law.
Etnil exhibited his unease by pushing his half-eaten plate away.Nonetheless, he dove for his usual method of coping with what life sent in his direction.“I’m not up on all the side effects of the vaccine.If any include you permanently blowing up like a balloon, can I inherit your wardrobe?”
The mood was grim, and she wanted to respect it.She did her best not to grin at whatever typical Etnil foolishness was coming.Because she knew him so well, she failed.“Are you planning on dressing up in my clothes?Have you been doing so behind my back?”
His delight she played along to divert him from worrying shone in his face as he gave her a dose of puppy dog eyes.“Oh honey, just wait until you see me in your turquoise dress.I’m stunning.”
* * * *
Sitting in a chair, Stacy smiled up at Dr.Emilia Laine, one of the researchers who’d had a part in developing the vaccine against Dark Death.Dr.Laine, who’d spent a substantial portion of her morning passing the stringent boarding regulations to gain access to Alpha, was an engaging woman in her forties.She was currently addressing the vid transmitter sending the live feed to Earth II, New Bethlehem, and Kalquor...and hopefully Mercy, though getting any transmissions to the beleaguered planet was dependent on which factions were in control of its various arrays.
The dark-haired, blue-eyed Dr.Laine may have been talking to a vast audience, but her soothing and confident tone felt personal to Stacy.The rundown of the vaccine’s development, the encouraging test results thus far, and even the side effects, displayed her belief in its efficacy.By the time she pressed the injector to Stacy’s neck to send the vaccine into her body, the governor was convinced beyond all doubt she was doing the right thing.She was downright grateful to be among the first recipients.
“Thank you, Dr.Laine.”Stacy beamed at the scientist, then at the vid transmitter.“I’m excited for our people to put the virus and its terrible chapter in our past.I’m eager to return to Earth soon to be back among my fellow humans as we begin our recovery.I’ll be checking in via a video diary each day, showing you how I’m doing.As Dr.Laine says, it’ll be about a week for it to take full effect.I’ll be counting the hours until I can come home.”
She’d already told Clan Rihep the content of her speech, assuring them her real home...and heart...was with them.However, Earth II was also her place, and Earthers her extended family.As governor, she was responsible for them, and she wanted her fellow humans to be assured of her dedication.
She was also desperate to see Toni in person.Stacy needed to hug her little sister and be reassured she’d come through the worst safe and sound.When it came right down to it, accepting the vaccine during its trials and returning to Earth II as quickly as possible was a purely selfish gesture.Stacy felt no remorse for her motivations.
* * * *
Earth II
“Stacy took one look at what Dark Death did to me and begged for first dibs on the vaccine,” Toni joked.
The three members of Clan Imon, who stood next to her hospital bed as they watched the governor’s live vidcast, shot her disapproving glances.“You’re putting on weight and regaining your health.Trust me, you haven’t lost any ground where desirability is concerned,” Imon proclaimed.
“Women warriors who’ve fought as hard as you can’t help being exciting to Nobeks,” Wovir added.“The second you’re up for me to show my admiration, these clothes come off.”
He kissed her to put an exclamation point on his declaration.Though she was still weak, Toni had recovered enough to enjoy a surge of pure, clean lust at his passionate demonstration.
“I’m hoping to be released sometime this week,” she exulted when he stopped, leaving her lips tingling.
“Dr.Bowen told us it would be at least ten more days before he’d cut you loose,” Feru said.
“I have every intention of surprising him.”She grinned at her sister’s image as Stacy flexed her bicep to show how tough she was after receiving the injection.“Dark Death hit me hard, but my immune system fought harder.You know they used my antibodies to help develop the vaccine?”
“Like I said, you’re a warrior,” Wovir praised.“You overcome the odds and protect those weaker than yourself.”
Toni ordered the vid off.“Tell me the latest on the trip.”
The trio exchanged glances.Feru rolled his eyes, Imon smirked, and Wovir chuckled.
“The Coydidak aren’t the most welcoming bunch to outsiders,” Imon said.“The leader’s Nobek, who’s serving as the flagship’s weapons commander, was quite...adamant...about how we’ll have to direct our loyalty to his people over all other considerations.”
“I think the Coydidak are worried their way of life will be rejected once the expedition is underway.They suspect the Kalquorians used to our society will try to change how they do things,” Feru interjected.
