Heat Chapter 25

Alayna felt her eyes closing as she fought to stay awake. She wanted to be vigilant, to stay alert for any sign or clue about her husband's disappearance. Her body, though, was not cooperating.

The desert below was a reminder of how much work remained in Karnak's plan to renew the farthest ends of their domain and turn Aquila into an environmentally friendly planet. The trade mission to Medina was carrying research data and samples of the fruits, vegetables, and flowers which had already been bio-engineered and grown by the distant outposts. While she had been absorbed in quantum physics and space technology after the war of liberation, Karnak busied himself with the greening of the desert.

She rubbed her hand over her swollen belly and thought of her husband's passion for life. It was his firm belief that all living things were meant to thrive, to bring forth beauty. He saw the arid desert as only a temporary challenge. She remembered how excited he became when scientists discovered the underground river which now helped to irrigate the new wind farms and gardens. He had brought her a basket of produce from the very first harvest on XP001. She shut her eyes again and saw him standing in the doorway of their home, laughing and holding up the basket – so proud of his people's labor and success. He insisted that they prepare the evening meal with only what he had brought back from the outpost. So Alayna carefully cooked an immensely satisfying vegetarian dinner, complimented by a fruit compote. They dined alone that night, by candlelight. Karnak and she ate slowly, savoring the rich and somewhat exotic flavors and textures of their desert bounty. He reached for her hand several times and squeezed it lovingly. He was a man of many words and grand gestures, yet he could also be intimate and quiet. His eyes held hers as he stroked her arm, saying, "Woman, you are so beautiful. We are blessed by this bounty. We are blessed with each other. Come. Let us plant more seeds." He rose from the table, held out his hand, and beckoned her to their bed. After they undressed each other, he lifted her in his strong arms, placing her gently on the bed. He caressed her and waited until she was ready to receive him. It was one of their most fulfilling nights.

A tear slid down her cheek as she remembered how the lovemaking continued throughout that night. Their hunger for each other was insatiable. At dawn, they lay side by side, spent. Then Karnak turned and placed his hand on her stomach and whispered, "evergreen". He told her that he wanted this child to grow lush and fruitful, to be a source of life for others.

They had grown a child. For nine months, she had tended their garden, but he was always near - benevolent, proud, in awe of what their love had produced. She wanted him at her side once again. It was only a short time since she last saw him and yet it seemed an eternity.

She needed him now.

Alayna pulled her robe tight and watched a small foot pressing itself along the side of her distended stomach. Life was moving forward at its own pace and she could not control this baby.

"Soon, soon. We are waiting for your father."

Jack awoke first, slightly disoriented. The back of his head throbbed and he wondered why. He propped himself up on his elbows and saw his belt lying next to him. That was enough to bring him to full awareness. He gingerly felt the back of his head and the rough texture of the stitches which Sam had applied. His fingers were dry so she did well. Mission accomplished.Was there anything that woman couldn't do? He must have passed out. Jack hoped he went down with dignity.

God, it was hot. He had to squint at the strong glare penetrating the canopy. High noon.

Where was Sam?

He heard her before he saw her. She was moaning softly and he turned towards her. She was lying on her back, face very flushed.

Jack pushed himself up and went to retrieve another bottle of the buried water. It was tepid, not very refreshing, but it was their passport to survival. He stooped to check on Karnak. The man was hanging on, barely. Jack raised his head and let some water trickle into his mouth. Karnak sputtered but then opened his glazed eyes and seemed to recognize Jack.

"I know, buddy. I'm a sight for sore eyes. Can you speak? How are you doin'?"

Karnak's voice was barely a whisper and Jack had to lean in to understand what he was trying to say.

"I - I can't feel my legs. I am dying, Jack."

"I think we had this conversation already. Not on my watch, remember? We're all alive and gonna stay that way until help comes. Now, take another sip."

The critically injured man pursed his lips as Jack tried to give him more water. He shook his head and turned away.

"Hey! What about Alayna and the baby?"

"They … will go on, without me."

Jack was getting annoyed. This guy was bigger than life and here he was, throwing in the towel.

"Like hell they will. I'm not gonna be the one who delivers the knockout punch. Your lady is somethin' special. She needs you right now. I never thought you'd be a quitter. Come on, drink this water."

Jack grabbed Karnak by the shoulders and made him look into his face. Just as quickly, he let him go, startled by what he saw.

Tears were streaming down Karnak's pale face.

Jack was definitely not in his comfort zone. He was never good with that whole touchy-feely-male-bonding thing.God, he bit on a belt just so he didn't embarrass himself around Sam. Now here was a man whom he admired and respected and … crying like a baby! Damn.

Jack lowered his eyes; he felt like he was intruding.

Karnak feebly grasped his hand and forced him to watch.

"You are afraid of my tears. I am not ashamed. I would rather die a thousand deaths than to have to die like this, separated from my Alayna. Would you not cry if you were leaving Sam?"

Jack was the one who felt ashamed. Both men were weak and exhausted yet Karnak wasn't afraid to show his raw emotions. That took guts.

"You're something else. A better man than I'll ever be." Jack's eyes were now moist. He took a piece of gauze and gently wiped the tears from Karnak's face.

"Hang on, a little bit longer. There are two special ladies who need both of us, eh? Besides, who the hell is gonna teach me how to diaper a baby again? I still have a lot to learn from you … might wanna try that fatherhood thing myself."

Karnak coughed and Jack wiped the blood from his mouth. He managed a faint smile as Jack put the water to his lips.

This time he drank.