Skullduggery

Chapter 4

"This just won't do. He has to be able to carry out the next step."

"You knew the risks of the procedure Marcus. This was the only way to save him. Anna will be sure to check the brain scans herself. They will support the claim that he had no control over his actions."

"You are correct, Salina, but he must be able to play the penitent convincingly."

"I cannot guarantee that, Marcus. Joshua is strong, but his body and mind must rest, or the damage may become permanent."

Joshua rose up on one elbow. "Might I suggest the K-24 serum? 2nd shelf, next to the entryway. Not a permanent solution, but if you need my services in the short term it would be adequate."

Marcus raised one eyebrow. "Why are you not questioning my motives? Why are you cooperating?

"Because," Joshua answered wearily, "you obviously need me in your ploy to deceive Anna. In cooperating, I am doing what is practical for me as well. I have many questions, Marcus."

"And they will be answered in due course," Marcus replied He looked up sharply, and sniffed the air.

"We are out of time. Anna is on her way here. Lisa is with her."

"I suppose I will have to improvise," Joshua said softly. No time to carefully craft my performance. You will have to trust me. I need that K-24 injection now."

"Hey Decker, you've been staring into space for two hours. Why don't you go home? Or better yet, pay Anna a little visit, and find out what's up with the red sky. What's the status of your relationship anyway? She may be High Commander, but she is one fine woman."

"Shut up Marvin or I just might have to tell your wife about the new intern-"

"Okay, Okay, Gee, so touchy. Give it a rest man. Go home and unwind."

Chad Decker snorted. His producer had no idea. No idea at all. For the first time in his professional life, Decker was unsure what his next move should be. The Vs were most certainly the cause of the metrological phenomenon. He rubbed his forehead. His temples had throbbed since he had left St. Josephine's.

Anna had played him like a violin, and he had let her. He had actually liked going toe to toe with her. Now he was wondering how he had been so gullible. Joshua had challenged him, and Chad was appalled at what he'd seen.

His behavior had very likely cost Joshua his life, and Chad wanted to atone for his sins. Perhaps he would speak with Father Jack Landry. He decided to take a walk to clear his head. There was one statement Joshua had made which chilled him to the bone.

"Anna didn't cure your aneurysm. She gave you one."

The headache. In a split second, Chad Decker knew where he had to go. When he stood up, the floor shifted and he grabbed the corner of his desk for support. The pain intensified, and he dropped to his knees, holding his head between his hands.

"Decker! What's wrong? Hey, let me take you to one of the healing centers!"

"The "V"s! They didn't fix my aneurysm! They gave me one! Call 911!"

Anna gave a cursory stare at the brain scans, before she turned her attention to Joshua. "I want to believe your loyalty, Joshua. The brain scans seem to support involuntary action on your part. What do you remember?:

Joshua's face took on a pained expression. "I seemed to be watching myself do things which are abhorrent to me! I tried, but I couldn't stop.! I only wish I could have given my life in the effort to stop the insurrectionists I shame my profession.

"Enough groveling. I believe you. The true traitors are dead. You are much more valuable to me alive, than dead. Did Marcus explain the nature of my personal problems, as well as the effect the malfunction of the communications array?"

Not giving Joshua time to answer, Anna exploded for the second time that night. Joshua was careful to show no emotion. Lisa had to turn away to avoid smirking. Anna didn't notice. She was too wrapped up in her diatribe.

"My own people conspire against me! My children murdered! I cannot produce the Bliss! What will the people think? My head, it hurts so much! I cannot think! I must contain the threat, but I cannot feeling like this! Please help me Joshua!"

Lisa's eyes widened. She had never heard Anna ask for anything before. This could be a time for the Fifth Column to seize control. Then again, she did not know how many of her kind were loyal to her mother. Lisa was not in favor of unnecessary bloodshed. There was another way.

"Mother, the people are in hand. I cannot produce the Bliss. However, they seemed to take what i said in earnest. I explained that you were ill, due to the events of the past few days, and the attacks on our family. I also told of Mrs. Evan's involvement in stopping the Fifth Column. The people still have confidence in you, and they believe they are safe."

"She is right, Anna," Marcus interjected. "She was able to project to all 29 ships. Not in the same way as the Bliss. Nonetheless, the anxiety level has dropped considerably.\ At least on the ships On the ground is a different matter."

Lisa raised an eyebrow. Marcus had not said a thing about her ability to project her thoughts and speech. This was new knowledge

Anna looked at her daughter, crossing her arms. "Well done, Lisa. Now, Joshua. I need something for this pain!"

Joshua nodded and slipped off the med bed. He was thankful that the injection he had previously received was providing him with the strength and the clarity he needed. He walked over to a cabinet, searching for a few minutes until he found what he wanted.

Anna closed her eyes and allowed Joshua to give her the injection. She began to relax almost immediately. Lisa took her mother by the arm, and began to lead Anna to her quarters.

"Just a minute, Lisa. Joshua, I am feeling better already. Will I be able to produce the Bliss?"

"That I cannot say. You must have complete rest for the medicine to work properly. A a good night's sleep, you should feel clearer, and calmer. Allow your body to heal itself. As far as the problem on the ground, I think we already had something in supply which will stop the physical problems our people are experiencing. The antidote may need a slight alteration. We should be ready to test the vaccine within the hour."

"Good. If it works, have your staff coordinate with the mother ships for its distribution. The medical centers need to be closed temporarily."

"Marcus, prepare a statement for the press. I do not think we can wait until morning. Give the explanation we discussed; but add that we are aware of the physical distress the mist is causing the humans. Say that we are developing an antidote, and it will be ready for dispersion in the morning. Advise the humans who need immediate attention to go to their hospitals."

"Will do. Should I ask for Mr. Decker?"

Leaning heavily on Lisa, Anna shook her head. Suddenly she was very tired. Maybe Joshua was correct. All she needed was rest.

"That will not be necessary. He will be at home this time of the evening. Do have an emissary deliver the message to his station, however. Joshua, you and Lisa, will be leaving in the morning with the shipments of the antidotes. Be ready. Please contact Mrs. Evans, Lisa."

"That I will do, Mother. Let me assist you to your quarters. You can barely stand."

As so as those words were uttered Anna collapsed on the floor of the medical bay. Marcus motioned for two security officers to come forward. They lifted Anna onto a stretcher.

"You're sure she won't remember this?"

Joshua allowed himself a smile. "Not a thing. She will sleep at least for twelve hours. Take her out the back way to her quarters."

The officers glanced at Marcus, who nodded his approval.

"Marcus, I need to rest," Joshua asserted. "So does Lisa. Before we leave the ship, you must be willing to share what you know."

"I will give you what you need," Marcus returned. "Someone on the ground will be able to give you more."

With that rejoinder, Marcus left the medical bay, with Lisa and Joshua staring after him.