{Reipon}

Just when Pablo felt like complete dog shit for ever developing that virus, Tameka spoke up and saved him. She was trembling with all her might. For love of her sister. For hope. Xelan took her hand in his and squeezed.

The warrior known as Fury repeated, “I don’t believe there’s no hope for her, and I say that because Pablo is brilliant—as you’ve mentioned. With a mind like his and Xelan’s and the technology we’ll find on Enki, we can save her.”

Sagan reached over and squeezed her other hand.

Razor stared at them from inside Korac’s body. He still looked grim. “I wish you luck. Here is your map. Are there any other questions? Korac grows impatient at the Seamswalker’s suffering.”

Sagan asked next, “How do we care for Triss through Echo’s delivery?”

Pablo muttered, “Thanks. I wanted to know.”

“It’s one reason I’ve asked to be there—to guide you. She’ll need Aegis blood from the Seam. There’s nothing to treat the pain. The coma seems to be working and was quite an impressive idea. Thank you, Dr. Suarez.” Razor gazed down at Triss with so much emotion in Korac’s face. “Not much longer now.”

“I want Korac.”

Pablo couldn’t blame Sagan. This must put her through the wringer. Especially given Razor’s reaction. When she spoke, Razor snapped to her with those extremely alien eyes. The torment in them softened as he said, “And he wants you. Sweet dreams, Kitten.”

Sagan winced, Xelan consoled her, and Tameka grumbled about bad guys having the last word. Pablo startled when Korac opened his eyes to their usual white with gray flecks.

“Sagan.”

Korac bolted from the chair and swept her in his arms. She clung to him, and everyone else in the room stepped out. Except Pablo. He checked Triss’ bones. Half-glass, they were broken shards earlier. Now they solidified and strained her tendons. He clenched his jaw at the state of her. “Sagan, I hate to ask, but can you please get her some Aegis blood soon?”

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They parted enough to spare him an appreciative look. She assured, “Of course. We’ll leave now. Do you have—”

Pablo handed her several IV bags to fill. “Thanks. Sorry, Korac.”

He nodded at the doctor. “Thank you.”

Poof. They were gone.

Alone, or so Pablo thought.

A knock sounded from the doorway. He stopped checking Triss’ vitals to find Lynn standing there in jeans and a tight t-shirt that almost melted him. “Hey.”

“Hey. Can I help? Never mind. I see something I can do.” She pushed away from the door and went through the drawers in the nightstand. Retrieving some fresh sheets, she went to change the bloodstained linens. “How is she? Did Razor help her?”

Pablo changed the subject and stopped Lynn from her chore. He took her hands and kissed both palms. The ambiguity of his actions frightened her, judging by her wide eyes and parted lips. He couldn’t think of how to soothe her because he was scared himself. “Lynn, for once I’m not worried about you in danger on a mission, but I am worried about me.” Brushing his fingers down her cheeks, he assured, “Don’t worry. I won’t break our vows again, but do you mind giving this letter to The Brethren? It’s for mi madre. She hasn’t heard from me since we fled Earth and Cinder.”

Lynn took the letter, and a tear rolled down her cheek. Breathy, she said, “We’ll be fine, Pablo. I’ll give this to The Brethren, but you’ll see her before too long.”

He pulled her close and kissed her forehead. “I know, but this means so much to me. Thank you, Lynn.”

They stayed that way a while, holding each other—

Scratching sounded from the Infirmary’s door. Lynn offered, “I’ll get it.” She took off, and from the hall, Pablo heard her say, “There you are, Thubgy. I lost you in the kitchen to Bones, you traitor. Now you want back in?”

“Let him in,” Pablo called.

The hefty Hellkitten waddled into the room with a belly so full he had to spread his little bat wings to fly onto the bed. There, he panted up at Pablo, waiting for praise.

Which he got, of course. “You’re such a good boy.” Pablo even scratched the scaly belly. After which, Thubgy melted into a puddle at Triss’ feet and snored immediately.

Lynn laughed in a way that Pablo loved. “I’m so glad Andrew talked us into keeping one of Pisces’ kittens.”

“Yeah, but what happens when he gets as big as Pisces?”

Pablo was finished in the room until Sagan and Korac returned, so they worked on their research. “I have to cure this virus and reverse the Weapon mechanics in Rayne’s nacre.”

Lynn prepped med-kits for Phase II. “Did anyone ask Razor about it?”

Pablo swallowed and tried to say this without alarming her. “He said the virus was permanent and that any attempt to tamper with Rayne’s nacre would detonate the Weapon.”

Lynn hissed.

Pablo understood.

This sucked.