The Cairo Saga, Book 2: The Solaris Irregulars
Part 23: Critical Condition
Tukayyid City
Tukayyid
Free Rasalhague Republic
Clark stood staring through the glass screen at the bed where his wife lay. Tubes and wires led from her to a battery of medical equipment. Doctors, their white coats mimicking her pale skin, went over charts as they discussed what to do.
Victor Davion ran along the corridor, Tiaret Nevversan easily keeping pace with the shorter Precenter Martail. Robert Dancer intercepted the two of them before they reached Clark, "Sir, I don't think it's a good idea for you to talk to him right now: he's in shock, and the doctors say Sinead only has a 50-50 chance of survival."
Victor looked into the hospital room "What's wrong with her?"
Dancer shrugged "What isn't? She has a ruptured spleen and eardrum, a crushed lung, internal bleeding and a broken arm. They say she's lucky to have go this far."
Victor slowly walked along the reminder of the corridor to where Clarks stood, "I'm sorry that this happened. We have increased security around the hospital and the barracks where the Irregulars are based. Isis Marik is looking after Jane."
"WHAT!" Clark span round, looking ready to floor the other man, "Her father is the lunatic leading the band of religious fanatics that just tried to kill Seined, and you giver her my daughter!"
Victor took a step back "Calm down. The Thomas Marik who's leading Word of Blake is not Isis' father, he's a double: ComStar substituted him for the real one back before the Clan invasion. I've known since '58, but kept quite because we needed the manufacturing capabilities of the Free Worlds League. I told Isis the truth at the start of the war. I trust her."
"I want back in!" Clark seemed to calm down slightly.
"Your in no fit state to fight." Victor shook his head, "You need time to get over this; and then we're talk about you rejoining the war."
"Look, sir, ether you let me back in as leader of the Solaris Irregulars, or I'll tack my Mech, my DropShip and my WarShip and I'll go attack Word of Blake on my own." Clarks eye's burned with rage, "I captured the Natures Wrath, and the way Isorla works means she belongs to me. I own my Mech, and I own the Wataru. Use me or get the hell out of my way!"
Victor gave up "Ok, your back in; the Irregulars are yours. I'll arrange for someone to take over as executive officer, until your wife is better." With that, he turned and left.
Clark turned to Dancer "Go back to barracks: Tell them I'm back. Tell them Cairo's back." Dancer nodded, and walked-off. Clark turned to look at his wife, tires in his eyes. They changed, growing to the diamond-hard eyes of the man known as Steven Cairo. He pressed his face against the screen, "I'll make them pay for this; I swear it!"
To Be Continued...