Chapter 12- into the flame
Doctor Fine sat in her small office on board her ship. For the first time she appreciated this small private space. Being around the Robinson children was intense and it was nice to have a break, even if it only was for a short while. She had activated the medical log on the ships computer to check on all ailments, that passengers had reported over the last 4 years. What she had gotten back, was the expected massive number. She could not search through all of those records, so she had to eliminate some. Next she restricted her search to those who had any of the symptoms of the contagious ailment. This time the results were different, there were no logged entries for the disfigurations that were prime part of the illness on this world. She sighed, it looked like it was probable she was wrong and the ailment had not made it off world.
Thumping her tentacles down onto the ground in frustration, she wondered if it was still worthwhile interviewing the 3 passengers that had been coming to this world for over 3 years. What would they add to this picture. One tentacle hovered over the intercom button, she should call them and say the meeting was cancelled. The more she thought about though, the more odd it seemed that this ailment was only restricted to this world. There were no rigorous screening procedures for any ailment in place on this world, because that type of thing might put people off coming. It was up to medical staff or passengers on board the ships to report problems and take measures.
So she did not call off the meeting and waited anxiously for her first interviewee to arrive.
He was a small alien from the Planet Yaxtar. It was a world mostly covered in swamps. So it was not surprising that the man resembled a giant frog, his colouring was a mix of the greens and blues that made up the swamp vegetation. He even croaked as he spoke, 'what is it you want Doctor Fine". She hurried to get her thoughts in order, asking rambling unclear questions, would achieve nothing. "Well I just wondered if you noticed any very sick passengers on the ships, about 3 -4 years ago", she asked. He looked rather put out as he croaked, "you can look at medical records for that type of information Doctor". 'Yes, but they aren't always complete", she countered, "thus it is better to ask for first hand knowledge". "I guess so", he agreed. "Well let me think, "very sick you say, well there are always drunk people who can barely move. Sometimes others have to carry them back to the ship. Then they spend days in their cabins. Alcohol poisoning is not always reported to the medical services on board, for various different reasons. Is that they type of thing you are looking for", he asked.
She was going to say no, yet when she thought about it, maybe alcohol posioning could potentially be something else. So she showed him her list of signs of the ailment. He scanned it, 'hmm, I have not seen anything as bad as disfiguration, even of the most mild kind. Having a massive sore on your skin would be something you would report, unless you were an idiot. "He tapped the first symptom on the list," lots of passengers present with this though, including some of the sicker ones. In fact my friend, Tomar left this world with a very nasty rash. It did not get worse though and faded out after 2 days".
Doctor Fine, blew out a breath, she felt disappointment hit again. "I don't think it is related then". The ailment I am thinking about is progressive. Thanks for your time Vestar, I 'll let you get back to your entertainment". Vestar shook his head, "it was not a problem Doc, especially since we have been recalled to the ship".
For some reason a very cold feeling came over Doctor Fine then. "Who do you mean by we", she asked. "Everyone Doc, all the passenger and crew from the ship and we are not the only ones either. Others ships too have been told their applications to stay longer have been turned down. Apparently there is some major maintenance taking place soon and they are closing off the whole planet", Vestar explained.
She found herself beginning to pace then, because 'everyone' did not include those affected by the ailment. "Is the Administration staff leaving", she asked. Vestar snorted, "I doubt it, they would have to carry out this maintenance".
"Whatever they are doing will be carried out quickly or else they will lose too much profit. So I daresay the ship might just wait in orbit until we are told to come back down again. I do have unfinished business on the world, so I don't mind the delay", Vestar rambled.
She did not even notice when he left. Once more she turned to the ships computer and this time asked Administration to confirm the closure of the world. The answer came back immediately, " yes, the planet will be closed to all visitors ,sorry for the inconvenience".
Sitting down with a hard bump Doctor Fine slipped her tentacle in her mouth . She could feel something bad coming for the victims of the ailment. She should at least warn them that they were in danger. Taking the Robinson children or Doctor Smith would be a bad idea, their emotions would complicate things, so this would be a solo outing. With that thought in mind she hurried to leave her ship again.
The ships first officer was waiting by the hatch. "We are leaving the planet in one hour Doctor so any business you have left to conduct will have to be short, he warned. She turned to look at him and asked, "what if some beings are delayed".
He gave her a lopsided smile that was totally unpleasant , "some may get dragged back to the ship and others may even get left behind. I am sure Administration has a nice cold cell somewhere for those type of people", he stated with a shrug.
The way he looked at her, sent a strong message, this ship would leave without her. She had to hope the Robinsons kept their word and let her stay with them.
Hurrying past the first officer she headed for the quarantine zone.
xxxxxx
"What do we do?", Sebunan pleaded to Don. "I am guessing that you hold some type of position in your home worlds military, hence your title, so you must know many ways to help us".
So the burden of making a vital decision was once more resting upon his shoulders. In this situation he knew that all he was expected to do was his best. Yet a difficult decision loomed in front of him. He had to be open and honest, as clouding the truth would not help. Don looked around, "we are inside a quarantine zone Sebuanan, and I am guessing that if eradication is the plan of Administration, they are not going to come close enough to make contact. " His own voice shook slightly he realised. In his mind he thought through all the ways someone could wipe out an infected population. Gas would be effective, but would still leave all the bodies to be disposed of, and hence a chance of someone being infected. "Their methods would have to be totally decisive."
He could see Judy's pale frightened face, and feel her almost panic. As it occurred to him exactly what methods would be the most effective ,he felt like panicking as well. "Fire", the word slipped out before he could hold it back.
Sebunan sunk down to the ground and put his head in his hands, "they promised me when I agreed to let myself be infected that they would not take any extreme measures".
"They lied", Judy said it like a stinging slap. She knew all about being lied to, Zor's recent treatment of her was firmly in her mind. "Yeah obviously" , Sebuanan sneered in reply. "I am not looking for a lecture, just a solution".
"There are only two, we either submit to their will, or we fight back", Don told him. "Submit", Judy knew her face, now showed clear horror as she stared at Don. "Yes, Judy, because we don't want others infected", that is what would be expected of us, in this situation", Don stated.
She had dropped his hand he noted and was shaking. Judy would not want to believe that he could agree to everyone being wiped out, fighting was in his nature. But the reality was, that some here were extremely ill. He stepped closer to her and reached out to grab back her hand . He made his own opinion clear ,"of course, I don't agree with that, it takes away chances and choice". Now came the honest bit. He looked over at section 3, "however the truth is that some beings are unable to run".They will die and I don't think we can change that fact", he looked down as he said that ,as emotion hit him hard.
Judy realised she had done it again, shut herself off from him. He was being honest and forthright, about what they faced. This was who Don was, and sometimes that honesty grated because it made him seem unfeeling. But he was not. He was just used to have to maintain a facade. Now the cracks were showing and she needed to be clear about what she felt. She pulled him closer and wrapped her arms around him. He was trembling as he put his head onto her shoulder.
Sebuanan let silence hang in the air for a full two minutes. He had been so impassioned in the beginning about helping others. Once he had gotten in here though, he learnt he was just one of many who had infected themselves to try and find answers. Nobody had bothered to tell him that, which was a sharp blow to the guts. It told him how little those in charge valued life. He had decided to take a different stance, to fight for those within the zone. But it was not something he could do alone. He needed this young man's expertise.
Don pulled back from Judy and started looking about from a tactical point of view , "we are hemmed in practically", he remarked. 'They chose this quarantine space well".""Well this is the oldest part of the city, the first area where the ground was covered and living accommodation built. It is also where those who were infected first were found. So it was more like a natural choice", Sebunan explained.
Don was barely listening, he could see the city behind them . Since everyone was being cleared out, hiding there would be a choice. But it was also an obvious one. It would be likely Administration would have people all over the city waiting to pick them off if they tried to enter. So what did that leave. He looked in the other direction and swallowed, this was the bold or crazy move. "We could go to the water", he suggested. It was their only other option.
Sebunan stared for a minute, that was a crazy plan. It was however what they needed, something unexpected and bold. He had some knowledge to aid the plan. "That pool is artificial, with its tides controlled by administration, but if you can get beyond the breakwater, then it does go out into the sea. However they do have means to fire at us from the air." He thought about it, "if we stick to the coast line, we can use some of the natural caves for cover." Lots of people would probably be unable to make it".
"It is all we can do", Don agreed sadly "We can find whatever can float and make a boat". It would aid us in carrying some of the wounded. But you are right, all those in section 3 would be left behind." It was hard to say it. He knew though that those beings were probably beyond help. This was a triage like situation and he had to accept there would be some losses.
Sebuanan gulped down his own misery. It was time to fight for the rest of the beings in the zone. He felt hopeful that this plan gave them a chance of escape ."I will get some people to start collecting materials right now, at least we have lots of things that can float".We probably have a bit of time as they will not take action until the last vessel has left the planet."
He hurried off. Judy looked over at Don, "do we have a chance", she asked boldly. "It's not a very good chance Judy, Don told her honestly, "but it is better than the alternative".
"Lets go and see mom and dad", Judy said softly. "I want all of us to be together'. She pulled him after her.
John and Maureen, were working together in section one bandaging up the sores on beings arms and legs . They looked grim Judy noted.
"Judy", both of them rushed toward her and enfolded her in a mighty hug. She clung to them for a second ,and let herself revisit a moment of her childhood and cry on their shoulders. "Penny came to visit', her mother shockingly told her. "They are trying to help us". I admit letting her do something was a way of making sure she left". Now Judy saw the tears in her mothers eyes and she kept up the embrace.
John could see Don just hovering and looking at them rather sadly. He must feel excluded from this moment. John beckoned him forward.
Don realised he had never really had an warm hug from John Robinson before. So it was rather a shock when the Professor pulled him into the group and embraced him. He let himself savour that moment rather than trying to pull away, though every instinct was telling him he should be starting to fight for their lives.
In the end he had to say it, even though he was actually getting used to the hug."We think they are coming to set fire to the zone", Don told them seriously, as they held him tightly.
Maureen and John pulled back then, showing horror clearly on their faces. "The only way is to escape by water, so Sebunan is building a boat", Don finished.
"We will have to help him with that", John remarked. Maureen, scanned the people in the room, it was up to her to think of the more practical problems the others might overlook. "Does this water contain any type of predator, that is attracted to blood", she asked.
It was a very good question and one Don had to admit he had not thought about. He grimaced, "I am guessing they probably do, as most seas are inhabited by predators, why would this one be any different."
"Then we have to make sure all wounds are well covered", Maureen stated. Judy rolled up her sleeve and Don actually winced, she had said nothing to about the sores that had developed on her arms. They looked painful.
He found himself feeling lightheaded , something that normally did not happen when he saw blood. John recognised that fact and pushed him down onto the ground, whats wrong", he demanded. Don held up his broken fingers which were burning with an intense white fire. 'Geez Don, you could have said something", John berated.
Don just shrugged, "I felt like it was a minor problem in comparison to what we are facing", he replied. 'Well, its not a minor problem Don, we have to consider the welfare of everyone. I will put a more efficient dressing on that for you, as well as on other sores." John pulled back his sleeves to revel dressings on his own arms. "Both Maureen and I have had major sores appear upon our bodies. It seems the ailment is getting more aggressive', his voice dripped pain.
Now Don actually gave him a hug and managed a smile as John stared wide eyed in shock at him. "You hide your feelings almost as well as I do John", Don told him. "A hug just felt right".
John squeezed his shoulder gently. 'Did you and Judy work things out", he asked. Don gave him another smile, this one a more joyous grin that spoke volumes. "Good, I thought Zor was an asshole", John acknowledged.
Don laughed again then. It felt good. Though one look around him and the grim reality came back. Now he felt cold and scared. John noting he was still pale, said gently ,"just sit there while I go and get some scissors, I am not going to undo your shirt, just cut it off, it will hurt less that way".
While he waited , he watched Maureen treating Judy. He found his eyes tearing again as he took stock of the sores that were slowly and painfully appearing over her body. he focused upon her so far unaffected face. "Judy Robinson, you will always be beautiful", he yelled over.
Judy, who had been feeling like dissolving into a wet crying mess, felt a warmness envelop her. Her mother smiles at her and acknowledged, " I am guessing that means you two are back together". Judy's rather soppy smile as a response told her all she needed to know.
John, of course had heard the endearment , Don was being bold in saying things like that out loud. It did not bring a smile to his face, because in a way it seemed like Don just knew they were running out of time. He handed him a cloth, with a sad look that spoke of his own pain. Then started to cut off the old clothing Don was wearing.
Don realised he had not had time to check on the progress of the ailment upon his own body. He had been busy with everyone else. When he saw Johns startled face, he braced himself, perhaps his body was the worst affected of them all. He had not really noticed a lot of pain , but that did not mean anything, he was used to denying that as well.
"Don", John was still staring and so Don finally looked down at the arm John was holding in his own. 'Oh my", Don's gasp was audible. It turned Maureens and Judy's head toward him. Maureen actually dropped Judy's arm rapidly and came over to him. She looked rather intensely at his chest .The expression on her face, was not one he had seen before. Was it really that awful.
He braced himself then looked down at his own body . He let out a loud yelp of shock, there was not one mark upon him, no sores, no rash, nothing.
Suddenly he was conscious of the fact that everyone in section one had stopped what they were doing and were looking at him as well. Sebunan had been gathering large pieces of wood and dropped them, rapidly to the ground.
He came over to stare at Don. "Why didn't you say you had no side effects", he demanded. "I have been in the dark Sebunan and haven't bothered checking myself", Don answered honestly.
Sebuanan smiled, "well Major it looks like you got lucky, you must be immune".I should get in contact with Administration immediately, this might be the breakthrough we have been waiting for".
The little alien man went to move away, but found his movement suddenly restricted by John Robinson's arm firmly around his own. "No, John stated, we have no idea what the response will be. They could just take Don and leave the rest of us".
Maureen who was not normally the type of person to try and physically restrain others added her own force to stopping Sebunan. "I am guessing from your response that this has not happened before. If in the 3 years this ailment has been around nobody has been immune why would Don be?, she asked. "It could be that he is just a carrier of the disease and if he was taken out of here, he would still infect everyone". Do you want that".
Now Sebunan actually paled, he could have actually caused that to happen. He had just been so delighted that something had changed.
"We need to know if he is infectious or not", John added. Don felt like things were rapidly spiralling out of his control. He tried to keep calm and not imagine that he was going to become a medical lab rat.
"How are we going to find that out", Sebunan challenged.
He had only just finished saying that sentence when a young boy came to tell him a Doctor was at one of the barricades with an important message.
"Well it looks like we might have just gotten a volunteer", Sebunan stated. John and Maureen still held onto him, 'You can't just throw Don at this doctor Sebunan, you will have to ask first".
Sebunan grunted, "then we need to be very, very convincing. He pointed upward, where they could see a ship rapidly fading as it left the atmosphere. They could all hear the engines of another as it too made ready to depart.