Adding in a third nonaligned enemy sends the first two groups of pilots into the chaos he hoped. Some beg for new orders. Others fill the comm channels with new target locks, creating rational combat thinking on their feet. If Admiral Easter’s strategy goes according to plan, his troops will see battle soon.
“COMMANDER, GET HER out of here,” JC orders through gritted teeth. Even though JC is unable to read her mind, the panic Australia gives off over her worry for Scott’s life interferes with her own concentration. “Too much! Everyone stop thinking.”
Australia clings to her lover as what’s left of his blood drains onto the examination table. Medical scanners wash over Scott creating a holographic image of him above his body. “His kidney is gone!” she wails.
Reynard carries the ninety-pound Nysaean to the door. It slides open at his approach. “You won’t do him any good panicking.” He places her down in the hall. “Athena, secure the medical lab.”
Ker-clunk! The bolts in the door lock into the frame between them.
“Athena, initiate synthetic plasma creation,” JC instructs.
A robotic arm extends from the table, attaching to Scott’s left arm. A needle inserts through the skin into his vein.
“Major trauma to right kidney will prevent plasma circulation and the filter of waste product,” the computer explains.
“Can you repair his kidney?”
“Negative.”
Her field medic training has limits and lacks most invasive practices. JC doesn’t know how to help the dying engineer. Exhaling, she calms down. “Cauterization of the bleeding is priority.”
“Actualize reconstructive replication of a duplicate kidney?” Athena asks.
“You mean clone him a new one?”
“Utilizing cells from the functioning kidney to regrow the damaged one requires minimal processing.”
“It’s possible to grow a new kidney?” Reynard asks.
“Cell replication is possible in this instance,” Athena clarifies.
“Then do it before he completely bleeds out.”
A robotic arm grows from under the table and injects a needle into Scott’s lower left side. “Sample tissue received. Analyzing…”
“Hold on, Scott. We’ll repair you.” JC considers placing reassuring thoughts into his mind, but she needs to focus on the medical treatment.
Three more arms extend from the table and prepare to place cell after cell into the hole in Scott’s abdomen. As blood vessels and muscle tissue are repaired, his vital numbers climb. “Kidney replication will now begin.”
“Unlock the door.” JC breathes a moment of relief.
Reynard types an override code into the keypad next to the door. It slides open.
Australia slides inside, fighting her urge to embrace her damaged lover.
“Australia, watch over him. Athena’s regrowing his kidney,” Reynard says.
“What happened to him?”
He pushes past her out of the medical bay. “I’ve got to get the Dragon out of the Aurora system.”
Reynard catches part of JC’s explanation before the medical bay door closes behind him.
“The medical system cloned a new kidney. When complete it will be like the impalement never happened. I’ve seen medical facilities science clone organs in days, but our ship can do it in minutes, which will be the reason he survives.”
THE PRINCESS STRUGGLES to break Amye’s grip, but her petite arms haven’t the meat to combat Amye’s strength. Her wedding dress adds too many layers to allow her to get a forceful kick in either.
“You’re only going to wear yourself out if you keep struggling.” Amye lifts the bride-to-be from the transporter cubical. Stupid telepaths should have given her a stronger stun jolt.
She summons all her royal authority. “Release me.”
Her struggle increases as Amye contemplates pinning her on the ground.
The delicate skin of the bride’s arms reddens as she twists and turns in a vain attempt to free herself. Amye knows she’s going to have to let go soon or the girl will bruise.
Reynard bounds from the transporter cubical, supporting a bleeding Scott. He struggles to drag the muscular man toward the door. “I see you have boarded with our guest.”
“She’s reluctant.” Amye moves the princess’s arm so pain shoots through her in order to march her to the corner of the transporter room.
The princess reduces her struggle, and the pain ceases. “Where do you want her?”
The transporter activates, filling the chamber with blinding white light.
Scott tumbles from Reynard’s grasp.
Joe and JC materialize. They grab the engineer under his armpits before he collapses from the gaping wound in his abdomen.
Struggling between his bleeding comrade and the mission, Reynard answers, “Locked in her new quarters would be prudent, but bring her to the bridge. We’ve got to escape the solar system first, after I get Scott to the Medbay.” Reynard lifts the Lieutenant by his feet.
“If you do not return me to my husband…” the princess demands in a huff.
“He’s not your husband, and he’ll hunt us down and fillet the flesh from our bones. We knew the repercussions of stealing you before we took the task,” Reynard mocks as he carries Scott from the transporter room. With Joe’s assistance, JC slips past them to prep the medical bay.
“My mother will pay any ransom you demand. You perform a simultaneous transport exchange. If you hurry, before the Mokarran launch fighters, you’ll elude capture,” she pleads.
“Your mother’s already paid me a ransom for you,” Reynard’s voice trails down the corridor. His priorities focus on Scott’s prompt medical attention over the wailings of a teenage girl.
The princess’s face reveals her lack of understanding as she bundles up the bottom of her dress to prevent pooling blood from ruining it.
The transporter activates again.
REYNARD LANDS IN his chair. “Athena, everyone accounted for?” He snaps the seatbelt harness into place across his shoulders.
Amye presses the princess into the control station chair across from her post. “Athena, disable all controls at this station.”
Doug pulls the shoulder strap and locks it into the buckle at the communications controls.
Amye slides into her chair and punches in her own
