Thanks all for the kind reviews.
As always I don't own Andromeda or its characters and I am making no money from this story.
Chapter 4
The next morning Trance came out of Medical and spoke with Dylan, Beka and
Tyr on command. The purple girl had an uncharacteristically serious expression. Dylan immediately interpreted Trance's expression.
"You look like you come bearing bad news Trance. Is it about Harper?" the
High Guard captain questioned patiently.
Trance took a deep breath and look up at the captain. "I managed to get Harper stable. His chest wound is healing up and he's breathing easier. What concerns me most is the shot that hit Harper is near his spinal cord. I'm not able to help him any further. Harper took a hit to his chest which I could handle myself if it weren't for the magog larvae.. I'm afraid his injuries require a specialist with the equipment to do the surgery and keep the magog larvae dormant. I'm afraid I don't have the right equipment here on the Andromeda. I arranged to have specialist on Sinti come and look at Harper."
The Beka and Dylan exchanged concerned looks. Tyr was unflinching and kept his face expressionless but he too was concerned for Harper. Beka was fighting to keep her emotions in check.
Beka advanced towards Trance and grabbed the purple girl. "Trance, tell me Harper is going to have a full recovery."
"I don't know Beka. It's too soon to tell, especially with the magog larvae inside Harper. The surgeon on Sinti is one the top surgeons in the field so Harper is going to have the best chance possible of a full recovery. I'll see to that."
It wasn't the answer Beka had wanted to hear. A more certain answer from Trance was the only thing Beka wanted to hear. "Harper had better get the best care on Sinti. He has to recover."
Tyr shifted his weight from one leg to the other and crossed his arms across his chest. "Beka, your outburst won't help Harper recover. I am satisfied that Trance has arranged for Harper to get the best care possible and give the Little Professor the best chance of a full recovery."
"Thank you Tyr. The surgeon will arrive from Sinti in a few hours. Fortunately there is a quick slipstream route from this sector from Sinti to our location," Trance stated with optimism.
Dylan tried to grab on to the purple girl's optimism. "That's some good news at any rate. Harper could use a little luck right now."
Trance shuffled her feet, anxious to get back to caring for Harper. "I had better get back to Medical. There are a few things I need to do in preparation for Dr. Mung's visit."
"Alright, thank you for the update on Harper's condition," Dylan replied.
As Trance walked back to Medical Rev Bem saw her down the corridor and trotted up to the purple pixie. Trance saw the Magog and waited for him to catch up to her. As Rev reached Trance's side he bowed his head. "I don't wish to keep you long Trance. I merely wished to inquire about Master Harper's condition."
"I've done all I can for Harper. I've sent for a specialist from Sinti," Trance answered, barely able to get out the words. "Rev, I'm busy right now, but could I talk to you later, after the specialist arrives?"
Rev Bem reached out and cupped Trances hands in his clawed hands and gently squeezed. "Of course Trance. I'm always available if you feel the need to talk. I'll be meditating in my quarters when you are ready."
Trance planted a peck on the Magog's right cheek. "Thanks Rev. You're a good friend."
The purple alien turned and headed for the Med Deck.
As soon as Dr. Mung arrived on the Andromeda, he was immediately led to Med Deck by Dylan and Tyr. Dr. Mung examined Harper and read the flexi with results of the tests Trance had performed.
Perseid physician finished reading the flexi and handed it back to Trance, shaking his head. "This is a most difficult case. To be perfectly frank Miss Gemini, Mr. Harper is in quite precarious health. My examination of Mr. Harper shows he is quite fragile, even for a human."
"Yes, we're aware of that Doctor," Trance replied as she guided the Perseid away from Harper's bedside. "Harper has proven to be quite resilient. He's stronger than people give him credit for."
"Oh of course you knew that. I'm afraid I got carried away for a moment with the novelty of a patient from Earth."
Tyr cocked his head and glared menacingly at the Perseid physician. "Do you mean to say that you have no experience treating humans from Earth?"
Dr. Mung caught Tyr's glare and immediately became intimidated. "Well, yes that's true. However, I have treated many spinal injuries," the Perseid stuttered in answer.
Trance immediately came to the doctor's defense. "Dr. Mung is a top specialist in his field. He has operated on many humans, just none from Earth with Harper's lack of immune system."
Trance's assurance satisfied Tyr enough that the Nietzschean back off and kept silent. Dylan's face showed his doubts about the doctor's abilities, but the High Guard captain kept his opinions to himself.
"I'm sure you want to get started Dr. Mung so we'll be going," Dylan announced with a glance in Tyr's direction.
"I'll stay and assist Dr. Mung," Trance informed both of her friends. "As soon as we're finished I'll let you know how everything went."
As soon as Tyr and Dylan left Medical Trance and Dr. Mung prepared to operate on Harper. Dr. Mung had brought his special instruments along with him. The operation took an hour, even with the latest Perseid instruments. They nearly lost Harper during one particularly difficult part of the operation.
When the operation was over Trance breath in deeply and nodded the doctor. "We just managed to pull Harper through the surgery. Thank you Doctor Mung."
Doctor Mung looked over at the purple girl with a satisfied smile. "You're quite welcome Miss Gemini. This was a challenging surgery and I'm glad it was successful. I'm happy to say whether Mr. Harper is going to fully recover. I must say I'm grateful for the opportunity to advance my skills. Oh, and thank you for your assistance."
Trance looked over at a sleeping Harper and let a tear trickle down her face. She was relieved that the surgery was finally over but everything was still up in the air. "I'm going to go tell the others that Harper is out of surgery."
"That's fine. I'll keep an eye on our patient until he is more stable. Why don't you take a break," Dr. Mung advised.
"I should let Dylan and the rest of the crew know Harper made it through surgery," Trance stated through a yawn.
After Trance had informed Dylan, Tyr and Beka that Harper was out of surgery, she went to Rev Bem's quarters. Rev Bem heard the alert, interrupted his meditation and strolled to the door. The Magog greeted Trance with a low bow of his head.
Trance entered the room and sat down on the mat on the floor. The purple girl crossed her legs and waited for Rev to follow suit. "Rev I wanted to talk to you about what happened to Harper. It's all my fault and I'm just heartbroken."
Rev paused for a moment as he carefully considered his answer. "Knowing a little of the events that resulted in Master Harper's injury I will offer what little advice I can. I know you well enough that I don't believe you would knowingly or deliberately allow Master Harper to be injured. That being said, there is no reason for you to shoulder the blame. You did not fire the gun that injured Master Harper."
"But I should not have been anywhere near Harper's location. I should have been heading for the Command Deck. If I had gone to the Command Deck then Harper would not have needed to shield me from the gun blast," Trance explained with sadness.
The Magog eyes looked on the purple girl with sympathy. "Trance, please do not put yourself in anguish over this unfortunate event that happened to Master Harper. It is the Dragans who bear the responsibility for Master Harper's injuries."
"You are quite right Rev the Dragons who did this to Harper must be punished," Trance stated fiercely.
The magog's eyes widened at the unexpected anger in the purple alien's tone. He rarely heard Trance speak a cross word about any living thing. "Punishment is for the Divine to mete out Trance. We should pray to the Divine that those responsible for Master Harper's condition to find true enlightenment."
"What if the Dragans aren't don't see the light and aren't repentant Rev?" Trance asked with passion.
"That doesn't sound like a question you would ask of me Trance," Rev asked. He was becoming even more concerned with Trance's line of questioning. The purple alien had never seemed to question Rev Bem's Wayist philosophy.
"I'm sorry to cast doubt on your beliefs Rev, but this time I can't just leave it to the Divine to see to it that there will be some justice," Trance replied, raising her voice.
"Trance, I am worried that you may take a path from which you cannot return. I will ask the Divine to give you wisdom and guidance," Rev offered
Trance uncrossed her legs and stood up. "Thank you Rev but I see we are of differing viewpoints."
The Magog stood up and walked Trance to the door. "You are quite welcome Trance. "Yes I fear you are correct. This means I will have to pray more fervently. I sincerely hope that you would choose wisely how you deal with the pain of Master Harper's injuries."
"Trance Gemini, come to medical immediately!" Dr. Mung's agitated voice called out over the com.
Trance's face grew a lighter shade of lavender as she realized Harper must have taken a turn for the worse. Rev realized the same thing and closed his eyes as he said a quick silent prayer. Trance quickly turned and dashed out of the room. Rev briefly opened his eyes and watched the purple girl disappear through the doorway.