Chapter Twenty-Eight
The first group of Chandarans was delivered back down to the planet without incident. All-in-all it was very anti-climactic. As they stepped off the teleport platform, Corinne had a disappointed look on her face. She unstrapped the belt from her waist and let it hang by her side.
Vila called up to the flight deck to report success while the teleport operator readied another set of coordinates. The next group of Chandarans were already arriving. Soon it would be crowded again.
Vila asked, "Are you alright, Corinne?"
She said in a despondent voice, "I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
Despite her words, she still didn't sound very happy. "Yes, I'm fine."
Cally said, "Vila, I'm going to check on Avon. I'll be back before you go down."
Vila acknowledged her. "Right. I hope he's..." Cally had already rushed off before he finished his sentence. More Chandarans began to arrive and Vila greeted them.
Corinne was pacing slowly between the pad and the teleport controls station. She sighed.
Vila asked her, "Are you sure you're alright?"
She looked over at him and gave a brief smile. "Yes. Don't mind me, Vila. I just wished that I could be of more help. All of you have something to do but it just feels like I'm there to stay out of everyone's way."
Vila didn't know how to respond to that. Actually he was afraid to say that 'staying out of danger' was the role he had really assigned her.
Corinne said apologetically, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be complaining. You were very nice to let me come down with you."
Vila felt rotten. He had made Corinne feel useless and he hadn't meant to. All of his life people had tried to make him believe that Deltas were useless and worthless, only good enough to be used by people much better than they were. He never meant to make Corinne feel that way.
He was very apologetic when he said, "You're not useless, Corinne. I'm sorry if I made you feel like that."
Corinne sounded even more apologetic now. "No, it's not your fault. I don't have any experience and I am a liability. I shouldn't have insisted on going down with you. I just…wanted to help."
Vila knew he had to fix this. "You're not a liability."
"You're just being nice because you like me."
"It's not just because I like you. But, you're right, you don't have any experience and I wanted to make sure that you didn't get hurt. I'll tell you what. After this mission is over, you can train with us."
Vila thought that for once he might actually enjoy one of Argus's training sessions. He wondered how long he should wait before asking for another one.
The unhappiness disappeared from Corinne's face. "Really? Then next time you can give me something to do?"
"Yes. I promise."
The second Chandaran group was filling up the teleport room. The time for personal conversations was over.
**********
Cally rushed into the medical unit to check on Avon. She was surprised to find Marlena there looking at the life monitors by Avon's bed. There was a thoughtful look on the woman's face.
Marlena looked up and said, "I hope you don't mind. You're giving up your time helping the others. I thought the least I could do was to look in on your patients while you were away."
Cally said gratefully, "Thank you. I don't mind at all."
Marlena stepped aside to let Cally use the monitors. She reported, "Reya is progressing nicely. Sester seems to have caused some additional stress to his chest injury but I've applied a tissue regenerator and he should be fine."
Cally said absently, "Thank you."
"As for Avon…" Marlena had not been tending to Avon until now, Cally had. She had never seen the life readings for him before. There was a concerned look on her face.
Cally said, "I'm aware of his condition."
"What happened to him?"
Cally always found it hard to talk about what happened to Avon. "He…was a prisoner of the Federation."
A look of sadness and gentle sympathy crossed Marlena's face. "They tortured him?"
Cally's answer caught in her throat and the corner of her eyes felt wet. She knew that Avon was nearing the end but she hadn't wanted to face it. What was she doing running around helping other people? She should be here holding him, giving him comfort. She didn't want his last days to be passed in a drug-induced sleep. Cally hadn't told anyone yet because she knew that he wouldn't want her to. She knew she had to say something soon.
After Avon's last episode, when he was frozen and couldn't move as he held onto her and Vila, Cally had done another comprehensive brain scan with the Justice's equipment. What she found had alarmed her and filled her with dismay. There was marked deterioration in some major areas of his brain and his wave patterns were chaotic. Madness was closing in on him. Soon his mind would shut down altogether because it could no longer cope with the stresses that were tearing him apart.
She didn't know if it was a result of the brain injury or the shock of seeing Grant again and the revelations about Anna. Avon's episodes had been increasing but it had been a steady progression. Now it seemed that he had completely collapsed. She felt helpless and afraid.
Marlena reached out with a hand and touched her gently on the arm. "I know I'm a stranger but I'm here if you need me."
Drops slid down Cally's cheeks and her head bowed. "There's nothing you can do."
"He's dying?"
Cally could only nod. She put her hand on Avon's head, gently brushing it, trying to send comfort and peace into his mind. Even in sleep, she could feel the turmoil that seeped from his unconscious mind. Chaotic emotions that seemed to leave gaping wounds of pain wherever it touched. Even the sedatives were barely working. That meant that there was nothing left that she could do for him. She rested her hand on his head, trying to reach a mind that could no longer be reached.
Marlena said, "I'm sorry."
"We knew this might happen but we didn't expect it this quickly." Her shoulders were slumped and she was bent over him.
There was a thoughtful expression on Marlena's face again. "My people might be able to help."
Cally looked up quickly at the faint offer of hope. "How?"
"The Tellar Union is advanced in many fields, including that of medicine. Even before I was captured, we were already further ahead than the Federation in some areas. It is possible that they may be able to help."
This was a glimmer of hope but was it enough of one? "He doesn't have much time."
"How long?"
"I thought it might be a week but the sedatives are no longer working. He has two days at most."
Marlena's face fell. "Even with the speed of your ship, we need twice as long. Cally, you shouldn't help us. You should be here with him."
Sester had been making his way slowly toward s them. The two women were so caught up in their concern over Avon that they didn't notice him until he was near and said, "He has longer than that."
Cally directed suspicious and unfriendly eyes towards him. "What do you know?"
Sester had a chastened look on his face. "More than I should."
Marlena looked at him with a puzzled face. She was aware that Cally had hostility towards this man.
Cally asked brusquely, "What did you mean when you said Avon has longer?"
Sester let the sincerity and concern show clearly on his face. "What you need is for Avon to regain control of his mind. You have the means to do that." He went over to the table and picked up the small box that lay unnoticed there. Sester handed it to a suspicious Cally.
She recognized it before she opened it. "These are the drugs you brought from the Detention Centre."
"Yes. Some of them should help bring his mind back under his control. There's just a single dose of each. I couldn't find the rest."
Cally had a sickening feeling. "I destroyed the rest."
Sester sighed. "I was afraid of that. You can't replicate these, not even with your ship's technology. They're too complex. You're going to have to be very careful about keeping stressors away from him. If you do that then you should have more than enough time to reach Tellar."
Cally stared at him, the hostility lessened and she said, "I should have listened to you. I should never have removed all the drugs from his system."
"That's not important now. We need to help Avon."
**********
Cally returned to the teleport room with a less heavy heart than she had before but only slightly less. There was still no solution, only a temporary reprieve that pushed back the inevitable. She couldn't wait until this Chandaran business was over with.
As she made her way through the crowded corridors and entered the teleport room, she saw Vila and Corinne speaking together. There was no cloud hanging over their heads, just light banter and an eager exploration of the other.
Cally had a sense of melancholy. She was happy for Vila but she wondered if it was meant to be a balance of sorts. Just as Vila was gaining a potential partner, she was facing losing hers. She gripped her medical bag tighter, it wouldn't do to break down into tears here. These people needed her. Avon would tell her not to let sentiment interfere with what was more important. But for her, Avon was more important.
It wasn't fair. They barely had enough time to explore each other and their relationship.
Why did she end up losing the most important people in her life? Her own people, the rebels she fought with on Saurian Major, her crewmates and now, the most important one to her on a personal basis.
May you die alone. It was an Auron curse but it seemed to be the theme for herlife.
Perhaps I'm the curse. Everyone who is involved with me ends up dying.
Cally knew that rationally it was a silly thought but it was hard not to feel that she was a blight to everyone she cared about. She braced herself and straightened her back. They had a mission to accomplish.
**********
Argus had just directed Zen to go to the next set of coordinates when Marlena returned to the flight deck to join them.
Argus asked, "How's Avon doing?"
Marlena glanced over at her bond-mate and said, "How much has Cally told you?"
Sensing that there was something more serious going on, he leaned towards her. "She said that Avon had another episode and that it's getting worse."
Marlena sat down beside Brent. "Yes. That's correct. She didn't tell me not to say anything but I know that she wanted to tell you herself."
Argus shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "It sounds like he had more than just another episode."
"I'm afraid so but you had better ask Cally for the details. The only thing I can say is that we need to get Avon back to my people as soon as possible."
"They might be able to help him?"
"I'm hoping so."
Argus took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He was torn between saving a friend and defeating the aliens and helping the Chandarans. They were all were important.
President Brent said sympathetically, "If you could lend me a couple of your teams, I'll carry on and stop the aliens. You can take Avon to Tellar."
Argus shook his head. "No. You don't have a hope without the Justice."
"I have to try," said Brent.
Marlena interrupted. "We may be able to do both. Sester has…"
"Sester?" Argus tried to push down the old feelings of hostility and irritation at the mention of the psychostrategist's name. "What did he say?"
Marlena told him, "With his help, Avon's situation isn't as serious as it could have been. I believe he has given us just enough time to take care of both urgencies. From what I understand of what Sester said, the more successful you are at keeping stresses away from Avon, the more time he will have."
Argus was relieved that he wouldn't have to make a difficult decision but he hated having another thing that he owed to Sester. It looked as if the irritant of his life had come through again. He sat back in his seat. "Alright, we'll continue with our plans. I'll speak to Sester and Cally later."
**********
After the planning session, a tired Argus went back to the medical unit. He stood in the doorway for a moment, watching Reya's sleeping form. Avon was also resting, but that was to be expected. The only one who seemed to be up was Sester who was reading something on a datapad.
Argus approached Reya's bed. Sester noticed him and put down the pad. He asked with a smile, "You came to thank me?"
Argus held his temper. Making a promise to give Sester a chance, didn't mean that the man irritated him less. "Marlena said that you helped Avon?"
The smile disappeared from Sester's face. "No. She was mistaken. I was only trying to fix a mistake that I had made in the first place. Unfortunately, it's only a temporary solution. It only gives Avon more time."
Argus turned his eyes towards the other end of the room where Avon was sleeping. "If you can find a permanent solution, I might be able to forget my hostility towards you."
Sester studied him speculatively. "You would do that?"
Argus's head turned slowly back to Sester. "You heard me."
"He's that important to you?"
"You should know that."
Sester smiled. "Yes, I do. What I don't know is why."
Argus's brow furrowed in thought. He had given himself many reasons why Avon had become important to him but none of them had seemed adequate.
Sester could see the play of emotions across the other man's face. It was hardly difficult for someone like him. He remarked, "You don't know either, do you? That's very interesting."
"What are you talking about?"
"Just a psychostrategist's musings. Not something you would be interested in. I just needed to know what price you were willing to pay to help Avon."
Argus grimaced involuntarily as he was reminded of the price he had given to Servalan in order to keep Avon safe. "Now you know. Are you able to help him?"
"Oh, nothing is impossible if I put my mind to it." Sester wasn't about to tell Argus that he would have done it regardless. He wasn't enough of a fool to throw away an advantage if it was delivered into his lap.
The corner of Argus's lips barely avoided a snarl. The man was insufferably arrogant about his abilities.
Reya's sleepy voice asked, "Argus?"
Argus turned to her. "I'm sorry. Did we wake you?"
She rolled her body to face him. "I wanted to wait up for you. I guess I fell asleep."
There was a gentle smile on his face. "You didn't have to do that. You need your rest."
"Are you going to stay here tonight?"
"If you'll have me again."
Reya smiled. "I don't think I could stop you. You'd probably sleep on the floor if I said there wasn't enough space on the bed."
Argus grinned. "Probably."
Being cooped up in the medical unit, Reya had been feeling out of things. She hated being inactive when everyone else was doing something. "How are the plans? Have you decided on a way to expose the aliens and turn the Chandarans against them?"
Argus said, "Yes, we've outlined something. It's risky and the chance of success is fifty fifty at best. Brent doesn't have much influence anymore but it's our best chance."
"You're going to use Brent to gain access to the leaders of the coup?"
"That's the idea."
Sester's asked, "And what do you plan to do if they don't take the bait? As you said, Brent doesn't have much influence anymore. Why would they want to talk to him? It's not as if he has anything to give them. And after our stunt the last time, they're not going to trust any trade you propose, real or otherwise."
Argus said, "I know that. We were going to create a reason for them. "
"Something clever no doubt." Sester looked at Reya. "But why go to all that trouble when you already have a real reason?"
The way Sester glanced at Reya instantly put Argus on his guard. Something told him that he wasn't going to like this.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Reya asked, "Is there something I can do to help?"
Argus winced. Involving Reya was the last thing he wanted to do. It ranked right up there with other things that ended with, "over my dead body."
Sester said, "Did President Brent tell you the implications of being a Champion of Chandar?"
Reya struggled up to a sitting position while Argus helped her. He was staring daggers at Sester. Reya said, "No, he didn't."
Sester caught Argus's eyes. "I know what you're thinking. She's not going to be in any danger. All she has to do is to assert her rights as a Champion. You can do the rest."
The look on Argus's face told him that it had better be just that.
Sester gave him a friendly smile. "You know I would never risk Reya any more than you would."
Argus had to remind himself that Sester was only trying to help. He just wished the man wouldn't be so irritating while doing it.
Reya looked between the two men. She said with a none too amused tone, "Can you both include me in this conversation?"
Argus said apologetically, "I'm sorry. You're right."
Sester said, "It was rude of us. My apologies."
Reya asked, "What are these rights of a Champion?"
A smile appeared on Sester's face. "You'll find these interesting."
**********
While the soldiers scouted out the next location, Vila was watching Cally carefully as she concentrated on using her psi abilities. Corinne hovered silently behind them, keeping out of the way.
Vila asked, "What do you think, Cally?"
Cally opened her eyes. "I don't like it. There's far too much hostility at this location. I get the impression that they're waiting for something."
Vila asked nervously, "Or someone? Like us?"
Cally looked around the corner at the commercial plaza they were watching. Everything seemed normal but she knew that it wasn't. "It's hard to say with any certainty but attentions are far too high here. Any additional activity might raise alarms."
"We don't want to be doing that. We're going to have to find a better place to put them down. Somewhere a lot safer."
"I think you're right."
Vila pressed the comm button on his teleport bracelet. "This is Vila to team three; we're going back to the ship. This isn't a good location. Rendezvous back here." All of the team members acknowledged.
Vila said, "Corinne." He turned to look behind him. There was no Corinne in sight.
**********
Sester propped his pillow up and made himself comfortable as he told Reya and Argus about the significance of a Champion of Chandar.
He told them, "Another title for the Champion is the Guardian of Chandar."
Argus asked impatiently, "What difference does it make what they're called?"
"Oh it makes a great deal of difference. Guardian is actually a more accurate term. Function-wise."
Reya asked, "You mean that the title is more than ceremonial or an indication of achievement?"
"Yes, I knew someone might understand."
Argus glared at him.
Sester smothered a smile. Even though he was trying to help, he couldn't help needling the man.
"Oh much more than that. Because the Chandarans place such a high value on physical and military prowess, those whose achievements mark them as exceptional are entrusted with safeguarding the values and tradition of Chandar."
Reya said determinedly, "I'm not about to uphold anything they value here."
Sester resisted an urge to tell her that she was irresistible when she was being firm and dangerous. "I believe you also are entitled to some lands and various monetary compensations. And a seat on their ruling council."
Argus said, "I begin to see the value for us in this title."
Sester responded, "I don't think you do."
Reya asked, "What else is there?"
Sester gave her an encouraging smile, "There is one thing the Champions can do that not even someone on the ruling council can do. It has to do with their roles as Guardians. That means that you can call out anyone to a Challenge. It is usually a public challenge with full coverage by all the viz cast services. About 500 years ago, before the Champions became what they are today, the President then was a lunatic. He had to be removed but he was also a charismatic, vicious and vindictive man who had a lot of followers. Everyone was afraid of crossing him and no one was able to stand up to him. One of the Champions at the time was a man named Traber. He challenged the President. Traber died of course and not a pleasant death from the accounts but it sparked an uprising because he was a popular and respected man. The President was toppled and the next President instituted a formal role for the Champion of Chandar in light of what Traber had done. It's only been used twice since it became a formal office. If the Champion cannot prove his case and win, then he is stripped of his title and is banished. He has to be sure of what he's doing but there is one advantage, something they didn't bother to tell you. A Champion is protected from political reprisals. He cannot be touched or removed except by the President who installed him, by personal refusal, or by banishment as the result of a failed Challenge."
Argus looked at Reya. He could already tell from the set of her jaw and the fierceness in her eyes that she was determined to issue a Challenge. He was afraid for her but he also loved her even more.
**********
Vila was frantic. Corinne was missing and Cally was sensing a lot of hostility around them due to some unknown cause. The only place he knew she wasn't was the commercial square in front of them. She couldn't have gotten past them without being noticed. He was about to send the soldiers back out to look for her when Cally said, "Vila!" She pointed in the direction of the avenue which led to the commercial square. Vila nearly had a heart attack. Corinne was casually walking along as if she had all the time in the world.
Vila nearly pulled her around the corner when she came within grabbing distance. "What did you think you were doing?!"
Corinne became anxious. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. You and Cally were busy and I didn't want to disturb you. I saw someone I recognized, one of my father's old attendants. I thought I might be able to find out some information for you. I thought I finally had a chance to do something useful." She looked so guilty and unhappy that Vila didn't have the heart to be angry for long. Corinne had meant well but she didn't seem to appreciate the danger she had put herself in. He was going to have to keep a closer eye on her in future.
Vila said, "Corinne, next time can you tell me first before you go off? I was about to have everyone go back to the ship but I couldn't find you."
"I'm sorry I worried you."
Corinne still looked so unhappy that Vila said, "It's alright. I know you were trying to help. I was just worried is all. I don't want anything to happen to you."
Cally asked Corinne, "Did you find anything out from your father's old attendant?"
"Yes. He was surprised to see me but he told me that someone is going to go on the public viz cast tomorrow and declare himself as President. Not everyone is happy about it."
**********
Later that night, after the last of the Chandarans had been returned to the planet, it was time to help Avon. Only Marlena and Sester were watching as Cally administered the drugs from the Detention Centre. It was felt that the fewer the people the better when they did this.
Cally's perceptions were open, touching the shape of Avon's mind and being aware of any changes in the flow of emotions that were constant now. If it weren't for his innate protective wall that shut people out, she knew that she would be as overwhelmed as he was.
They all stood waiting and hoping as Cally gave Avon the last one. After allowing the drugs a few moments to work their way into his system, Marlena asked, "Any change?"
Cally could feel fewer bursts of emotions escaping from behind the wall of Avon's mental prison. There was still an active undercurrent of emotions but they were no longer overwhelming his mind. "It seems to be. The intensity of the emotions has decreased."
Sester said, "That's good."
Cally took another injector from the table. "I'll try to wake him up." She entered the settings for a mild stimulant mixture that had a heart stabilization component and applied it to Avon's arm. She could feel him come awake. His eyes moved beneath lids that were still closed.
Avon's eyes opened and he saw her looking worriedly down at him.
Cally felt a strong flash of love and concern from him, along with confusion.
Avon asked, "Cally? What happened?"
She asked, "You don't remember?"
"The last thing I remember is being here, trying to get some sleep."
"You don't remember talking to me or Vila?"
"No."
Cally could feel fear and frustration emanating from him as he wracked his mind for any recollections of what she was referring to. This was not the Avon she was used to. His emotions were much more controlled than this. She should not be able to sense every nuance of his response to what was happening to him, not until it became a much more urgent and he couldn't hold it back. Whatever the drugs did, it wasn't enough. She would have to be careful.
She tried to calm him down by sending him encouragement and peace as she said, "It's alright. Don't worry about it."
She realized immediately that Avon was not the kind of person who could let things go once it entered his mind. Especially not something that impacted him.
The fear in Avon's mind increased and began to override all other emotions. It was too late. He grabbed her arm. "Tell me!" The panic increased as he looked down at what he was doing. He let go of her in shock as if her arm had suddenly burned him. "Cally…" Feelings of guilt; and more panic and fear, this time for her. He couldn't protect her from himself. He shouted in desperation, the sound coming out in a choking cry. "Cally!" He was panting and his heart was racing so hard that it threatened to escape from his chest.
Through their connection, Cally was caught up in what he was feeling. The emotions were so strong that she couldn't think. The only thing she could do was to talk hold of his arm in return, trying to anchor him so that the emotions would not sweep away his mind.
Avon suddenly slumped forward and his eyes closed. The overpowering emotions faded, releasing them both.
Sester's voice was full of concern as he asked, "Cally, are you alright?" With surprise, she felt his arms around her shoulders, holding her up. He guided her to a chair nearby.
Marlena was checking on Avon. In her hand was a bio-injector. Cally realized that they must have put Avon out again.
Cally said, "I'm alright." She tried to get up to go to Avon but Sester gently held her down.
He said, "Not yet. Give yourself some time. You've suffered a great shock." Sester let go of her.
Cally asked, "I don't understand what happened. I thought the drugs were supposed to stop this."
Sester gave it some thought. "I can only guess but from what I understand about the drugs, they don't control Avon's mind, they control the circumstances under which it functions. The actual control still rests with him."
"That doesn't make any sense. If the control still relies on him then how does it work?"
"That's where the surgery comes in. There were things done to his brain that adjusted the way his mind works, such as his ability to process emotional responses. Normally Avon has a great deal of emotional control. It's one of his defining characteristics. It hampered greatly our efforts at psychological manipulation. Using microsurgery, the Centre specialists were able to interfere with that control, leaving him vulnerable. Other things were also done to adjust and train his mind to magnify emotional responses far beyond the point where he could handle them. It facilitated the effectiveness of the nightmares."
Cally said angrily, "That's monstrous!"
Sester grimaced at a strong stab of guilt. "Yes. It is. He left us no choice. If his mind hadn't been as strong, we wouldn't have had to employ such drastic measures."
Marlena had come over and heard what Sester said. "Are the adjustments reversible? Did they destroy areas of his brain in order to achieve this control?" There was no recrimination in her voice, just a desire to understand.
Sester faced her. "I don't know enough about it. All I know is that they started to give him the drugs because without them, it's very difficult for him to maintain control. They flushed the drugs from his system when we wanted to torture him."
Cally said with dismay, "That's what we've been doing to him?"
"I tried to tell you."
Her voice was tight with accusation. "No, you didn't. You only said not to remove the drugs. You never said why!"
"I didn't think you'd believe me. You were all very suspicious of anything I said or did. You still are but the situation is more desperate now. You don't have a choice."
Marlena asked calmly, "Why aren't the drugs working now?"
"Well, my guess is that they are. It's Avon's mind that is not. Subconsciously he must believe that he no longer has control. Even if he tries, he's convinced himself that it's no use and he's going to fail. Somehow it's bypassing what the drugs allow him to do."
Marlena asked, "You mean that he's doing this to himself but he doesn't realize it?"
"Yes. That's what I'm saying."
Marlena's quiet calm had helped Cally settle down and focus on a solution rather than the source of the blame. She asked, "Then what can we do? If I bring him around then his mind goes out of control. I can't reach him when he's like that. I don't have enough time to tell him what's happening."
Sester said, "You need to distract his mind."
Cally asked, "You mean with something that will not produce an emotional response? Something technical?"
Sester nodded slowly. "That might work. When you brought him around, for a few moments, he was stable."
"Yes."
"What was he experiencing?"
Cally remembered back to the sense impressions she got from Avon in those few moments when he was conscious. "There were emotions but calm ones. Love. Happiness…"
"That was when he saw you?"
"Yes. There was some concern because he recognized where we were. He didn't seem to remember what happened. Then there was confusion and fear."
"He was processing where he was and when he realized there was a problem, that was when the other emotions surface?"
"Yes."
Sester's mind was actively focused. "Then I don't think that merely presenting him with a technical problem or a puzzle to solve will be enough to prevent his mind from trying to understand his environment. That understanding is endemic to his survival. You can't stop it from happening."
Cally asked worriedly, "Then what can we do? How can I reach him?"
Sester looked at her for a moment, studying her face and her manner. He was trying to decide how open she would be to discussing something much more personal. "You still need to distract his mind but the distraction has to be strong enough to prevent him from thinking about his situation. At least long enough for you to be able to reach him. Something that will put him off his guard and make him more receptive to you."
Cally could see that he already had an idea but was hesitant to mention it. "What would do that?"
"When the two of you are 'together' does he allow you closer access to his mind? Is he less guarded and more receptive? Does he concentrate fully on you and nothing else? You realize that I'm talking about on a personally intimate level."
Cally paused. This was very personal. "Yes. That does happen."
"I had guessed as much. It's a primal instinct. It's one of the few times he's operating mainly out of the right side of his brain. He trusts you enough to allow you to get past the barriers of his mind."
"Yes." Cally looked over towards the subject of their conversation. Even now, there was stress on Avon's face. "I'll try it but not here."
Sester said, "Of course. We will still need to be with you for the beginning, in case you need us. But we'll leave once we see that it's working. Once he is relaxed enough to allow you access to his mind, you can tell him what he needs to know but do it carefully."
Cally nodded.
Chapter Thirty
Avon was brought back to his cabin and placed carefully on the bed. Sester and Marlena stood a distance away, out of his field of vision but near enough to observe.
The atmosphere was subdued as they waited. Neither one of them wanted to draw attention to what was going to be a private moment for Avon and Cally.
Cally sat down on the edge of the bed and looked down at him for a few moments. Tenderness came over her and she tried to still her own worried mind even as Avon's face reflected the turmoil in his. She reached across to pick up the bio-injector. This time they would use an even lighter dosage of the stimulant, just enough to suggest a path towards consciousness. She injected it into his neck.
With soft fingers she caressed his cheek while with her mind she lightly brushed across the surface of his consciousness. Gentle, calm, loving and with a hint of desire. Like a breath of fresh air for someone who had only known the tepid artificial atmosphere on a ship.
Involuntarily, Avon took a deep breath in, his chest expanding, almost as if he wanted to take in more of what she was giving to him.
Cally's projected thought was a whisper, * Avon. *
There was no answering response but there was an active awareness of her presence. His mind recognized this source of peace even as it struggled with the chaos.
* Rest, Avon. * Her fingers lightly traced down his neck to where the collar of his shirt separated. Unbuttoning it, she placed the palm of her hand on his chest, feeling the heat of his body connecting with hers. She closed her eyes and drew her hand gently down his bare chest while with her mind; she let him feel her need for him.
Avon instantly responded with his own longing; two desires recognizing each other. The turmoil began to fade in Avon's mind. His breathing was deep and calm. Cally could feel Avon push towards consciousness as his barriers began to relax in anticipation. She knew that he would reach for her soon. * Avon, keep your eyes closed. *
He still wasn't awake enough to answer her but she could feel his willingness to do what she wanted. His eyes remained closed.
Cally bent down, barely brushing his lips with her own. That touch brought Avon fully awake, his lips parted to receive her hungrily and he put his arms around her and pulled her down to him.
Sester and Marlena silently exited the cabin.
**********
Marlena helped Sester back to the medical unit. Argus, Vila and Brent were there talking to Reya when they arrived.
As Sester got back into bed, Argus asked, "How did they do?"
Marlena answered, "It should work. Avon responds very well to her."
Vila said, "Well that's a relief." Everyone else felt the same way as they all seemed to give a collective sigh.
Argus said, "That's very good to hear."
Marlena looked at the assembled men and then with her eyes on Reya, she said, "Perhaps it's time for someone else to be given some relief? The hour is late."
The men all looked at each other with puzzled expressions.
Reya, knowing why she was saying this, said, "I'm alright. I'm not tired."
Marlena gave her a stare. It seemed to cut through all denials to where Reya's body was trying to remind her that she was still recovering from trauma. Her voice was gentle but firm, "You look tired."
Reya stifled a sudden yawn that appeared from nowhere and insisted on expressing itself. "I suppose I am."
The men finally clued in and shared looks of embarrassment. Reya had seemed perfectly fine to them until now.
Vila said, "I should sleep too. It's been a long day. 'Night everyone." He headed out.
Brent took Marlena by the hand. They both nodded to Argus and Reya and left the room together.
Argus stood by Reya's bed. He felt awkward, wondering whether he should wait until she invited him before climbing onto the bed. "I'm such an idiot. I shouldn't need someone to remind me that you need rest. It's just that…I always see you as someone strong. You don't need anyone."
Reya sighed and said affectionately "You are an idiot." She reached out a hand for his and pulled him towards her. Having Sester in the next bed hampered their expressions considerably. She decided to mention it to Cally tomorrow. "I always thought that I didn't need anyone either until I met you." She placed her hand on his chest. Argus's breath seemed to catch as she did that. She asked, "Do you want an invitation?"
**********
Avon was eager and passionate as he and Cally explored each other. He let her deeper into his mind than he had ever before. Their desires mingled even as their bodies curled around each other. They were very good at giving pleasure to each other; Avon with the skills he had learned and Cally with her mind. They instinctively knew what the other wanted.
Being a man of the mind, the mental discoveries were just as potent as the physical enjoyment. For Avon, his greatest joys had always been in the achievements of the mind. To find that sensual desires could also be experienced on this level was a revelation that Cally was more than willing to share with him. Not to say that the physical component was not important; it became even more satisfying combining the two. It was a joining of mind and body, the pleasure in one magnifying the other.
For Cally, as an Auron, there was greater emphasis on the joining and pleasure that resulted in the mingling of minds. When you are able to touch the other on such an intimate level, the physical sensations were almost incidental. Avon taught her the joys that the physical experience of sex could also bring. The range and power of sensations that could be achieved amazed her.
Chaos and turmoil were forgotten things as they drove each other to greater intensities of pleasure.
Afterwards as they rested in each other's arms, Cally continued touching Avon's mind with her own. Lightly caressing him and feeling him respond with mental pleasure. Their hands caressed each other's bodies lightly, affectionately.
Avon was tired and he was still recovering his energy and breath but he had a sense of well-being and peace. Any type of physical activity tended to exhaust him quickly and one of this intensity and energy drained him even more. It was a good tiredness though.
* Avon. *
He hugged her, pressing their bodies tighter together. * Can I open my eyes now? *
She could feel that he was relaxed. There was a light playful quality where she was touching his mind. * I think you do very well with them closed. *
Avon chuckled. * We do seem to, don't we? *
* Avon. Can we talk for a moment? * She continued to touch him both mentally and physically, and sending along a sense of peace and contentment; keeping him distracted. This was somewhat of a mistake.
* Hmm? * Avon asked absently as he leaned forward to kiss her. Despite his tiredness, he still had not had enough of her. Cally discovered the same thing as they became caught up in each other again.
**********
Reya was leaned back against Argus as they conversed. He lightly traced his fingers down her right arm. He was trying to ignore that fact that Sester was in the next bed. At least the man had the decency to have his back towards them and pretend to be asleep. Argus doubted if he was asleep but he tried not to let that bother him. He was playing with the idea of asking him to move. Avon's bed was vacated. He doubted if he would need it again tonight.
Reya asked, "Argus, what do you think about me making a Challenge?"
"Are you sure you're up to it?"
She twisted around to look at him. "I want to do this."
"I know."
She stressed, "I'm the only one who can."
"I know that too."
Reya turned around and leaned back against him. "You'll be there with me."
Argus said fiercely, "Yes. I'm not going to let you out of my sight." He put his arms around her and hugged her as if to emphasize it. "No one is going to hurt you again."
"Argus." With difficulty, she turned around in his hug and faced him. "I want to do something more than just issue a Challenge."
Both Argus and the not-really-sleeping Sester blurted out, "No."
Sester sat up and looked at Reya while Argus stared at her.
Argus said, "Reya, you're in no condition to do anything other than issue the formal Challenge."
Reya had a hard set to her jaw. "We agreed that I'm the only one who can."
Argus shook his head. "But that was only to issue the Challenge. The rest of it has to be left to us."
Reya stubbornly pointed out, "You're still recovering from your wound."
Until she had mentioned it Argus had almost forgotten the laser pistol burn to his side. It was only a minor inconvenience that was easily ignored. "That's different. It's nowhere near as serious as yours and I can't even feel it anymore."
Reya unexpectedly pressed on the area that was not supposed to be hurting. Argus tried to stop himself from grimacing but was only partially successful; and definitely not successfully enough for her.
Reya asked, "You were saying?"
Sester said, "He's only thinking of you."
Argus had to keep reminding himself not to react negatively whenever Sester opened his mouth, especially when they both appeared to be on the same side this time. He only managed just the barest of glares as he said, "He's right. We're only thinking of you. We don't want you to get hurt."
Having two against one should have evened the odds somewhat but not where Reya was concerned. She said, "I have an opportunity to do something even bigger here. And show the Chandarans something they've never seen before."
Argus said, "But you've already done that, Reya. You've shaken the foundations of their society and shown them that women are not limited and worthless without a man."
Sester asked, "What did you have in mind?"
This time Argus managed a full glare at his nemesis.
Reya told them, "I want to be the one who stands up and exposes the aliens."
Sester's eyes narrowed slightly. "You want to fight them?"
She said, "Yes."
Argus and Sester both expressed the same sentiment, at the same time. "No! Absolutely not!"
**********
Avon's was almost exhausted by the time he and Cally finally finished. This time, it had been more a stimulation of the mind than the body. He couldn't handle anything more.
His arms surrounded Cally in an embrace as he rested his head on her shoulder. This time he had opened himself enough that she could sense the areas that were hidden. She didn't touch them, only noted them with curiosity and passed on. It made him trust her even more. She would not push him until he was ready.
Without thinking about it, he slipped into the more intimate communication of their minds. * Cally. You wished to talk about something earlier? *
There was a slight spark of apprehension as Cally was surprised by the unexpected question. This time, she did not touch him; she only sent him a wave of gentleness and peace. * Yes, there was something. *
Avon raised his head in order to meet her gaze. There was a touch of concern in his eyes. * Is there something wrong? *
Cally's perceptions of Avon were still very open and his guards had not gone back up yet. * You're in full control of your mind. *
Avon noted that she was not asking a question, she was stressing a statement of fact.
* As much as I can be with all that's happened. Is that significant? *
Cally said quietly, * Yes. * Peace and reassurance were rolling from her in waves towards him as she calmly told him what his memories would not allow him to recall.
Avon absorbed the information impassively. His eyes indicated that he was deep in thought when she finished. * I see. *
At first, Cally was relieved that he seemed to be taking it in stride. But this total lack of reaction was a bit disconcerting. She asked him, * Are you alright? *
* You were concerned? *
Cally replied, * I thought I might have to be. *
* That's what tonight was about? *
Cally said, * No. Tonight was about both of us. *
* You don't have to be concerned about me, Cally, though I realize it might be a futile thing to say to you. *
* I can't help it. *
A sliver of a grin appeared on Avon's face at this confirmation of what he had just said. * And I can't seem to help worrying you. It appears to be another skill I have acquired along the way. *
Cally asked, * Why aren't you more worried? *
* There is no point in worrying about something I can do nothing about at present. You've become used to my increasing lack of control over my emotions? *
Cally said with consternation, * I guess I have. You appear to be back to your old self. *
Avon touched her face gently. * Not completely. I doubt if you would want that. *
Cally asked, * But is it what you want, Avon? * Her eyes searched his face and her senses touched his mind; seeking for an answer that would satisfy them both.
Avon wasn't sure that he wanted it for himself but it had become an integral part of his relationship with Cally and Vila. He didn't want to lose it for their sakes. Avon just wished he had more time. The Tellaran's offer of help was appreciated but he had learned not to hope too soon.
There was a momentary memory from the cell he had shared with Reya. He remembered a lesson he had learned there, a lesson about last messages.
Avon said, * Yes, it is. *
**********
The dining area was quiet and deserted for once. The bulk of the crew had gone to sleep, leaving only those who suffered from a lack of restfulness; and Vila and Corinne.
It was a pleasant surprise to find that she was a night owl like himself. They had started sharing a late night snack together, when her father wasn't looking for her. It had almost become a ritual; although really it was only the second time they were doing this.
They were drinking hot tea and enjoying a plate of biscuits. The other thing Vila had been doing was introducing her to some of the best cuisine that the food dispensers were capable of producing. Her particular favourite were chocolate chip biscuits.
Corinne said, "I really am sorry about today."
This was the fifth time she had said this since they came back.
Vila said, "You don't have to keep apologizing, Corinne. I know you were trying to help."
"Sometimes, when I want to do something, I get impatient. I don't get to do much else that's interesting and exciting. Just study and exercise. My parents tried to be very careful so when I get a chance, I guess I can get a little carried away."
Vila said sympathetically, "It must have been boring."
"I know I shouldn't complain. I had it better than the other women on my planet."
"You're free from that now."
"Yes, thanks to you and your friends."
Vila's face brightened with an idea. "How'd you like to do something much less boring?"
"I'd love to."
There was a big smile on Vila's face as he picked up his cup and the plate of biscuits and led the way out.