Chapter One: Jade

Linksano slumped against the cold stone wall, trying desperately to breathe. He clamped a hand over the gash in his stomach, nearly vomiting at the thick smell of his blood. Thank Tesla that soldier hadn't been a better shot, otherwise his guts would have emptied onto the mushy ground. He blinked as his vision doubled, then trebled, blood loss and exhaustion making him dizzy. The smell emanating from the sewer he had been forced to go into wasn't helping.

He had lost track of how long he had been running. Universes blended into each other until they became one, but always the same ending. Vyce found him, and he had to run. Just once, he'd like to find a place he could be safe.

Linksano heaved a breath, then coughed, his entire body shaking. On top of the stomach wound, he had not eaten properly in what seemed like days, and he knew he was heading for a collapse. But he had to keep going. He pushed himself off the wall, took two steps forward, then fell face-first into the stagnant water, unconscious.

When he woke up, the first thing he noticed was that he was in a bed of some sort. The next thing he noticed was that his goggles were gone, as well as the rest of his clothes. Luckily, he was covered by a blanket. He tried to sit up, but pains lanced through his stomach. He looked around the darkened room, trying to determine where in hell he was.

The door opened, sending a shaft of light straight into his eyes, and he held his hand up, yelping. "Turn that wretched light off!"

"Oh good, you're awake." came a woman's voice, relieved. "I was a bit worried. You've been out for nearly two days."

Linksano blinked, still feeling a bit wrong-footed. "Yes, well, could you do something about that infernal light?!"

"Yeah, sorry." The light dimmed and Linksano sighed, removing his hand.

"Thank you. Now, where am I, why am I naked, and who in Tesla's name are you?"

The woman came into the room. "You're in my house, I had to strip you to clean and sew you up, and you can call me Jade."

Linksano ran his hand down his stomach, feeling the unmistakable signs of stitches, then looked towards Jade's voice. "You did this?"

"Uh huh. Listen..ummm.."

"Linksano."

"I'm going to turn one light on. It's not bright, but it will let us see each other. OK?"

Linksano nodded, then spoke. "Fine." He shut his eyes as Jade turned on the light. After a few minutes, he carefully opened his eyes.

Jade was regal. That was the only word for her. She had dark red hair, an oval shaped face, and was wearing a blue shirt and black trousers, and had a bag in one hand. She was tall, almost six feet, and had an air of authority about her. He could also tell that she was in very good shape, and(he blushed) also quite well endowed. Linksano was transfixed. He cleared his throat a few times, then blurted out, "Where are my goggles?"

Jade looked confused for a second, then brightened. "Oh, those! They're on the nightstand next to you. I thought they might be important."

He turned and grabbed his goggles, slipping them on with relief. Jade watched, her expression stoic. "Why do you wear those, anyway?"

"For SCIENCE!"

Jade laughed. "OK, good enough reason." She tossed the bag onto the bed. "These should fit you. I had to kind of guess your size. Your old clothes were beyond saving. Too full of blood, piss, and shit."

Linksano made a face, then opened the bag and peeked at the clothes inside. "Thank you."

Jade shrugged. "It's fine. When you're dressed, if you want you can come have some breakfast. The dining room is down the hall." She turned to leave.

"Jade?" Linksano's voice was hesitant.

"Yeah?", she asked, turning back.

"Why did you save me?"

Jade smiled. "Why not?" With that, she left, closing the door behind her, leaving Linksano totally gobsmacked.