Chapter 25

Ruskov let her go, "Feel free to catch up."

Rachel quickly went toward them and the three of them embraced, tears flowing freely.

Soon the tears lessened and Rachel's eyes widened as she saw Kelly's neck covered in bruises, some looked like fingerprints.

She then saw Kelly's wrists just as bruised and Rachel felt rage and sorrow as she realized what Kelly had been suffering through.

Another crew member appeared at the door, "Ava" Ruskov said, "Why don't you go up to the deck with Yuri and get some air."

His tone indicated she had no choice.

Ava went to the door and was soon out of sight.

Ruskov stood by the doorway entrance, "Pretend you have privacy, I'll let you both chat to a certain extent."

Rachel sat with Kelly on the couch, "I'm so sorry Kelly."

"She wouldn't look that way if she hadn't resisted as hard." Ruskov broke in.

"Who can blame her?" Rachel spat, then a horrifying thought occurred to her.

"Ava?" She whispered.

"She's a child whose been left alone, she has a number of years before she'll be really useful." Ruskov spoke, pride with himself evident in his voice.

Rachel knew in that moment when the rescue team came for her she'd have to fight with everything she had to get them to come back for Kelly and Ava.

"Captain Chandler was brought in earlier." Kelly said, "He looked to be all right besides sunburn, was he really telling the truth? Is Quincy alive? Is he really on the navy ship?" Rachel's heart broke at how Kelly was asking so hesitant, clearly trying not to be too hopeful after everything she'd been through.

"Yes, he's been with me onboard the James, very worried for both of you." She knew she couldn't reveal how he had tried to take her hostage at gunpoint and how he was now under constant guard.

Kelly looked relieved, gratitude shining in her eyes and the two women embraced.

The two women jumped as Ruskov appeared and grabbed Rachel by her arm and smiled at Kelly, "Never fear other crewmembers will find you useful."

Rachel nearly tripped as he dragged her out of the room and locked the door.

"I really should get back to the la..." She was cut off as Ruskov slapped her face hard.

"As of now you are not to speak without my permission."

Holding her cheek, Rachel nodded.

"Glad we got that sorted out, but since we are at an important point in the testing we shall return to the lab."

+++
They soon arrived, "Anything new?" He asked Sorensen.

"He's starting to feel lethargic, so the virus is spreading."

Ruskov turned to her, "I shall leave him in your hands and return to the bridge."

After he was gone Rachel looked at her watch and it only said 9 am.

Never had she been more eager for nightfall as she was on this day.