CHAPTER 5

DILLON

In the Research Center's main laboratory, the captive Terrellians lay upon the examining tables, unconscious. The combination of drugs and tests was a harrowing experience and the "subjects" frequently drifted in and out of consciousness.

Dillon, the larger of the two, opened his eyes and was shocked to find himself still in the lab. The white-coats (his people's name for the lab technicians) had already taken his blood, and this was always the last thing they did before letting them go. Terror gripped him further when he realized the straps had not been loosened, nor had the second dose of the paralyzing drug worn off. Were the humans planning on inflicting even more injuries? he wondered fearfully.

Dillon was unable to turn his head to look for Iris, who had been captured with him. He could, however, just make out a technician working nearby. The man was ignoring him completely, and he closed his eyes in relief, grateful for this sure sign that nothing more was planned. He even allowed himself to relax slightly.

Dr. Jordan led Jason into the main lab just as the technician was leaving. They had toured a small part of the facility, and Jason was already impressed. "I really must compliment you, Dr. Jordan," he was saying. "This is one of the most organized and well equipped facilities I've seen in a long time."

"Thank-you," she beamed. "And, please, call me Lilith."

Jason took in the room as Lilith explained that one of the many functions of the center was to observe and study the native lifeforms. "These are the creatures I told you about," she said, indicating the captives.

"The ones Dr. Terrell so modestly named after himself?"

"The very same. They really are fascinating creatures. A strange blend between plant and animal."

"Sustained by photosynthesis?" Jason asked.

"Partly. They're also herbivores."

"Really?" More than a little intrigued, the Alterran moved closer, seeing Dillon watching him with an intensity he found unsettling. The dark green eyes were a study in terror.

Noting how powerfully build this man-sized creature was, Jason inquired, "Would they be likely to've taken the Doctor? This one's certainly large enough."

"I hardly think so," Lilith replied amusedly. "They're really quite timid creatures, despite their size, and avoid contact with humans."

"I don't blame them," Jason said under his breath, touching the thick restraints. "Are they intelligent," he then asked. "I mean, where would you place them on an evolutionary scale?"

"Oh, I'd say they fall somewhere along the same lines as the primates of Earth," Lilith said thoughtfully. "They even seem to have a similar social structure as some of the ground dwellers."

Jacoby came to the door at that moment and Dr. Jordan excused herself, leaving Jason alone in the lab.

The Alterran turned his full attention to Dillon, whose golden hair had intrigued him. It appeared to have the same consistency as corn silk. Jason reached over to touch it, causing the terrified Terrellian to flinch, his body going rigid with fear.

Jason instantly switched into what the Doctor had dubbed "Healer mode." His face softened and he spoke in a quiet, soothing voice. "It's alright. I'm not going to hurt you. I only wanted to touch your hair." Gently stroking the captive's hair, he said mildly, "See? There's nothing to be frightened of."

The dark green eyes grew wide, but not from fear. They stared up at the young man in a combination of amazement, shock and skepticism. In his lifetime Dillon had seen only three kinds of humans, the brown clad colonists, the white-coated lab techs, and the hunters. Now, suddenly, there was this strange human in brightly colored clothing who actually spoke directly to him. He didn't ignore him or order him around like a mindless animal; and his touch was as gentle as his voice, which was so unlike the poking and prodding of the white-coats. In fact, this curious stranger was so unlike anyone Dillon had ever seen before that the longer he watched him, the more he realized he wasn't as afraid as he had been at first.

Jason had been astonished by Dillon's reaction to his words. He straightened, his expert eyes taking in his injuries in a glance. He then very gently examined him, speaking quietly the whole time so as not to frighten him further. He noted Dillon's hands with interest. They had long, sharp claws that retracted cat-like when not being used for digging or climbing. From Lilith's description, he had expected bulky monkey-like hands or large paws. The last thing he expected was the graceful and refined extremity he now held in his own hands. He closed the delicate fingers carefully, frowning at the same time. "So, you only rate with the primates," Jason said softly to the paralyzed Dillon. "Now, why don't I believe that?"

On further examination, the Healer found the ID number that had been burned into the captive's right forearm and touched it in horror. Then he scanned him, making a few more startling discoveries about the Terrellian's physical makeup. The list was appalling; unnecessary drugs, numerous injuries caused by the removal of tissue samples, and a massive blood loss.

"My Lord…" the youth breathed in horror. "What have they been doing to you in here?"

At that moment, Iris regained consciousness. Like Dillon, she was horrified to find herself still a prisoner and caught her breath. The drugs had worn off slightly and she was just able to look around. Jason went over to her and was greeted with a look of such abject terror that it broke his heart.

Iris closed her eyes tightly and whimpered pitifully, when the Healer reached out to touch her. "It's alright. I'm not going to hurt you," he reassured softly. Throwing an angry look toward the door, his voice hardened, "You've been hurt enough already." He scanned the trembling female, finding the same massive blood loss as with Dillon, but not nearly the number of wounds. "You as well," he breathed in anger. "Why take so much blood? Unless…? Unless…!" His eyes grew wide as a horrible thought struck him.

Lilith reappeared at that moment, apologizing for the delay.

Returning to Dillon's side, Jason asked casually, "Why are these…uh, creature's here? They're obviously terrified."

"They're just dumb animals, Jason," Lilith said reprovingly. "They don't understand what's happening, so naturally they'll be frightened."

"I'm afraid I don't understand, either."

Dr. Jordan smiled with effort. "We have to ascertain their state of health from time to time. The colonists are very devoted to maintaining the quality of life. An unspoiled environment, that sort of thing."

"By having hunters on staff?"

Lilith chuckled. "Actually, they're on my staff. We don't want to get too close to nature, now, do we? The colonists want to make sure they're not damaging the indigenous wildlife."

"In other words, they want to make sure their agricultural endeavors aren't killing them off," Jason replied pointedly.

"In a matter of speaking, yes. Mr. Ellis came across these two today, and, as you can see, they're not in the best of health." She failed to mention that she was the cause of this. She also failed to notice her guest's suddenly suspicious manner.

"So you just water them and put them out in the sun for a few hours, is that it?" the Alterran remarked acidly.

Lilith ground her teeth in annoyance. "Something like that." She was saved from losing her temper when a lab tech came to the door.

Jason returned his attention to Dillon, whose dark eyes were now a complex mixture of emotions. There was also more than a hint of intelligence in them. Were they actually studying him back?

Jason suddenly realized he was being spoken to and looked up sharply. "I'm sorry. I was lost in thought."

"Of course, how stupid of me," Dr. Jordan said apologetically. "Here I am going on about my work and forgetting all about your loss. Can you ever forgive me?"

The sudden reminder of the Doctor's abrupt disappearance stung the young man, who had succeeded in putting it out of his mind until that moment. "I…I can't help feeling responsible," he said sadly. "The Doctor needed me, and I…I just…left. I should've tried to find him. I should've done something!" Jason turned away in order to collect himself and hide the tears that were returning to his eyes. They did not go unnoticed by Dillon, who was able to move his fingers just enough to touch the hand resting on the table.

Startled, Jason looked down. "You do understand me, don't you?" he gasped in amazement.

Lilith was oblivious to this interplay and was trying to assure the young man that there was nothing that he could have done. She went on to say that he should be trying to rest, since it was obvious he was still suffering from shock.

"No," the Healer said quickly. "No, I need to keep my mind occupied." There was a slight edge to his voice when he added, "I want to see everything."

"Very well, if you think it'll help," Lilith sighed. "We need to be going, anyway. The handlers will be releasing these two soon, and my people will have to get them ready." With that, she breezed from the room.

Jason looked meaningfully into Dillon's eyes and squeezed his hand. "My name is Jason. And if you do understand me, then understand this. I will help. I promise you." To his delight, Dillon weakly squeezed his hand back.

The Alterran's eyes flickered, a ghost of a smile passing across his face. He turned and followed after Dr. Jordan, leaving behind a very perplexed Dillon.

Minutes after the Healer left the lab, the hunters came to collect the Terrellians. They took them to the customary release point and dumped them out onto the grass before driving off, leaving the helpless beings alone in the dark.

Dillon tried to sit up but the extended stay in the lab and the additional drugs had all but exhausted him. Groaning in pain, he fell back into the cool grass. He could see Iris lying nearby and called out to her, reaching out a hand. She took hold of it gratefully and held on tight.

It was over.

The sentries would alert their people and then help would come as it always did.