AN: Thanks to all who have commented thus far - I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far. These next few chapters are still just "setting" the scene...
All previous disclaimers still apply - even though I've forgotten to note them in other chapters!
Missing
VI.
Mhari was awakened the following morning by Brett pulling on her arm. Groaning she reluctantly opened her eyes to find his young, angry face glaring at her. Sitting up, she discovered the bed next to her was empty and cold; Alex was obviously up and out working already. She turned to her son.
"What is it, Brett?" she yawned, glanced at the chrono by the bed and realised she had over slept.
"I'm hungry!" he stated, indignantly. "When's breakfast?"
"I'll be there in a minute; let me dress."
Brett flashed a sudden smile and rushed off as Mhari slid out from under the sheets. Quickly, she dressed and spread up the bed, before hurrying after her son. She paused in the corridor outside the spare room, wondering if she should see how Tamara was coping. Quietly, she opened the door. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from the lamp over the bed. Tamara was sleeping, her head resting on the edge of the bed, her hand firmly grasping that of the ill Rebel. Mhari crossed the room to the window and flicked the switch to return the glass's transparency. The morning light flooded the room. She switched off the bedside light and gently wakened her daughter.
Tamara sat up with a groan, regretting falling asleep in that position; her back was stiff and sore. She eased her hand from Ryder's and stretched, trying to rid her muscles of their ache. She rubbed her eyes to remove the crust of sleep. "He woke last night," she remembered, as her mother felt his forehead and cheeks.
"He's still burning." Mhari glanced around for the cloth and water basin to wipe his face and chest, to cool his skin. Tamara handed her the wet cloth. "Was he awake long?"
"No, not really."
Alex appeared at the door. "How is he? "
"No different," Mhari answered, anxiously. "Have you gotten in touch with Denrick?" The boy moaned softly, his breathing quiet but harsh.
"He'll be here before noon."
Tamara looked to both of her parents, confused and concerned. "You're getting the doctor? But won't he—?"
Alex shook his head, not wishing and argument with his daughter. "You tell her; I've got work to do." He left, trying to focus on the work needed completed on the farm and not on the worries created by their unexpected guest.
Mhari turned to Tamara. "Your father assures me that Denrick Janis won't ask any questions; that we can trust him." She looked at the sleeping boy in the bed. "Besides, we really don't have any choice; I think he'll die without medical help."
Something smashed in the kitchen; obviously, Brett was trying to make his own breakfast. Mhari knew he'd grin endearingly at her, plead that it wasn't his fault, that the dish just jumped from his hands. She also knew she had to maintain the stern mother image and make him clean it up while he fussed and whined.
"I think I'd better get in there, or Brett'll destroy the kitchen. Get dressed and come to breakfast; afterwards, you can help me change the bed sheets and Ryder's clothes."
Tamara headed for her room to dress as her mother headed toward the kitchen, and a show-down with Brett.
ooOOoo
Brett giggled in delight as he shot down yet another pirate ship trying to penetrate his blockade. The computer-game in his hand made the appropriate explosive noise and played the usual victory tune, before resuming the action. The sound of a nearby landspeeder took Brett's attention from the game for only a moment — but it was long enough for the next pirate to blast his way through Brett's blockade. He frowned as the game flashed his score at him, his lowest yet. Disgusted, he flicked the game off and tossed it into the corner of his room, among his other discarded toys.
He turned to the window, curious to see if the 'speeder was coming to their home. It was. The large vehicle slowed as it approached the house, finally coming to a halt outside the main entrance. Brett thought he knew the man who drove the 'speeder, but he didn't know where he had seen him before. He watched as the visitor was greeted by his father; the two men exchanged a few words before entering the house.
Brett ran to the door of his room and silently opened it; he peeked out into the corridor as the men appeared and were met by Mhari. He couldn't quite hear what they were saying, as they spoke in low whispers, but the occasional words filtered through to him. "Ryder," "nephew," "farm accident," Brett frowned. What farm accident? What were they talking about?
"Is that Brett?" the stranger asked in a louder voice, as he spotted the boy's inquisitive face peering around the door.
Alex nodded, smiling. "I'm afraid so." He motioned to his son to approach, "Come and say hello, Brett."
Brett decided to play his "I'm shy" act. He hid behind Mhari, gazing at the stranger with large, frightened eyes. The adults laughed.
"He's not usually like this, believe me." Mhari smiled down at her offspring. "Brett, don't you remember Dr. Janis?"
Brett shook his head, his gaze going to the large medical kit the man carried.
Denrick Janis laughed. "I'm really not surprised; I'm a forgettable person." He became serious. "Can I see Ryder now?"
"Of course." Alex looked to Brett. "Go out and play now."
Brett scowled. "I don't want to!" His shyness was gone, now.
"We're going to be very busy, Brett, and you'll be helping if you go and play." Alex fought to keep his voice calm, appealing to his son.
"But I've no-one to play with…" Brett moaned.
"I'm sure I could find some chores for you," Mhari stated, with some humour to her voice.
"But…" Brett stopped already knowing his fight was lost. He sighed, petulantly. "Okay…"
He sniffed back tears and ran to the yard door as his parents led Denrick Janis into his cousin's room. Outside, he threw himself down on the grassy bank by the storage barn and sobbed. It wasn't fair, he told himself; Tamara was getting to stay in, he knew. He was always being shoved out of the way because he was "too young," or because "Ryder needs his rest." Lately, Ryder always came first, and Brett came last; no one had time for him, but they had plenty of time for Ryder. Why were his Mom and Dad putting a strange cousin above him? His tears came thick and fast. He was alone; even Tamara, who used to play with him, was spending all her time with Ryder, and hiding things from him.
Abruptly, his sobs ceased, and a smile settled over his lips as he remembered the hidden gun belt. He wiped his tears away with the edge of his sleeve and looked toward the house. No one was about; they were all busy with Ryder. He pushed himself to his feet and ran across the fields to his secret treasure. He'd pretend to be a spacer, and blast all the pirates. If only he had a real blaster, to go with his real gun belt!
ooOOoo
Luke laughed as he chased the small, frightened rodent across the sand. His foot caught on a small rock and he fell, sprawling on the grainy surface. He rolled onto his back and closed his eyes, letting the twin suns' heat waft over him; even with his eyes shut, he could make out their images. The heat was a little bit uncomfortable now, but he knew in an hour's time it would be unbearable, and he'd have to go in, to spend midday in the shade. He pushed himself to his feet, looking around for his quarry. He grinned when he spotted a small lump in the sand; the lump moved. Clearly, the animal had sought shelter under the sand. He crept up on it.
"Luke!" A woman's voice called to him from the homestead's courtyard. "Time to come in!"
He frowned and ran to the edge of the courtyard. He saw his aunt walking toward the kitchen. "Aunt Beru?"
She turned and shaded her eyes with her hand as she looked up at her nephew, "yes?"
"Can't I stay out a little longer, please?"
"I don't want you sun-scorched, Luke."
"I won't be. Let me stay out until Uncle Owen gets home. "It's not midday yet."
With a sigh she gave in to him. "Very well, but you come in as soon as he arrives. Do you hear me?"
"Yes." Luke turned his attention back to his game of "find and annoy a defenceless little animal." He wasn't too pleased to discover that the lump in the sand had gone. He looked around the sand's surface for a few moments before deciding that the rodent had escaped him; thanks to his aunt. He may as well go in now. He started toward the main dome.
A movement caught his eye and he gave a silent cry of triumph; there it was, a bump in the sand. Once more he crept toward the animal. The grains began to erupt - it was re-surfacing! Luke lifted his foot, ready to give it a gentle kick, to start it running again. The creature's head emerged from the sand. Luke froze, his eyes wide in terror; despite the desert heat, a chill settled over him. It wasn't the harmless rodent that appeared, but a sand-viper.
The lizard's head was oval and coloured white, to reflect the suns' light. The red eyes, full of malice, carefully watched the boy's foot above them. The lips drew back, revealing vicious, hooked teeth. The rest of the creature's three-meter-long body lay hidden in the sand. It lay as still as Luke stood.
Luke's mind raced over all he'd been taught in his Desert Survival Classes; stay still, stay calm, stay silent. Let the viper lose interest in you and when it turns from you, slowly move back. Easy to say when you're an adult; harder to do when you're a ten-year-old boy who's seen a friend die from a viper bite.
Thankfully, the lizard turned away from him. Hardly daring to breath, Luke slowly lowered his foot to the ground. The movement drew the 'viper back to him. Once more, Luke stood statue-still. He felt like crying, but he knew he couldn't. Long seconds passed; cold sweat formed on his upper lip, tears welled in his eyes, he fought to control his breathing. Why didn't it go away? Why didn't it leave him alone?
"Luke!" his aunt called him.
Luke jumped at the sound of her voice, and immediately he knew he'd made a mistake. The 'viper lashed out, sinking its teeth into his ankle. He screamed as he fell to the ground.
ooOOoo
Denrick Janis carefully removed the dressing from the boy's injured ankle. His patient groaned as the bandage lifted away part of the scab. "Give me a swab." Alex handed him one, and Denrick cleaned up the new blood which welled from the torn flesh around the protruding bone. The boy's eyes flickered open, but Denrick knew he probably had no idea where he was, or what was happening. Mhari and Tamara fought to keep him calm as Denrick spoke to Alex; they were losing the battle.
"Fibula's broken. Quite a bit of infection, too," he said, throwing the soiled swab down. "This boy really should be in the medi-center."
"No hospitals." Mhari spoke too quickly, but Denrick seemed not to hear her fear as he set about cleaning the wound.
"We can't afford medical bills," put forth Alex, trying to explain. "Our harvest was poor last year."
"Hand me another ring pad, please." Denrick concentrated only on redressing the boy's ankle. As the bandage was tightened around the injury, the youth cried out, once again struggling against his restraints.
OoOOoo
"Aunt Beru!" Luke screamed for his aunt as he pulled on the wriggling body of the 'viper, trying to tear the teeth from his flesh. The animal had a firm hold, its neck glands pulsating as it pumped venom into Luke's veins. Luke beat upon its back, calling upon his guardian to help him. Why didn't she come? Blood flowed from between the lizard's lips, and Luke's fingers to dribble onto the sand.
Strong hands took him by the shoulders, keeping him still as a blaster bolt killed the attacking creature. Soon Luke was up in his Uncle Owen's arms, being carried back into the homestead.
"Perhaps this will teach you not to play with the desert animals," his uncle scolded, not entirely unkindly.
Luke just sobbed.
ooOOoo
Gently, Alex and Denrick untied the boy's bonds and rolled him over onto his right side, giving Janis better access to the burn wound. He removed the thin plastic covering. "I'll have to remove that scab before I apply the bacta dressing," Denrick thought out loud. "Otherwise he'll scar badly." He chose his words carefully, watching the Lasjows' reaction. "He was shot from a distance; the blast wound isn't that deep. If the person who shot him had been nearer, his internal organs would've suffered, too. He's been quite fortunate." He smiled at their shocked stares. "I may be a back-world doctor," he explained, "but I wasn't born yesterday. I've treated blast wounds before."
Alex slowly handed him the container of burn lotion, unsure of what tosay now that their carefully crafted story had been shattered.
"He's one of the Rebels," Janis stated, as he applied the cool liquid. "Am I right?"
The family exchanged glances; Alex nodded, slowly. "Yes."
Denrick covered the blast wound with a fresh plastic sheet. "I'm not a lover of the Empire; you don't need to fear me informing on you."
Relief was clear on all of their faces.
ooOOoo
Luke felt strange. His world was a mixture of loud, slow sounds and blurred figures. He felt afraid and lonely. He reached for his aunt, who, he knew, was standing nearby. "Aunt Beru?" he asked for her. No one took his hand, and his fear grew. He tried to sit up, but his limbs wouldn't answer his commands. The only thing he was aware of was the slow, steady throb from his ankle and his side. He frowned; why his side? The 'viper had only bitten his ankle. He concentrated on forcing his hand to move to his side, to find out for him what was wrong, but his arm didn't budge. "Aunt Beru?" He questioned desperately. She had to be there.
She came to him, taking his hand, her touch giving comfort.
"I'm hot," he told her, his words slurred.
"He's convulsed like this before?" someone asked.
"Yes," someone else answered.
ooOOoo
"He's convulsed before?" Denrick retied the last restraint.
"Yes," Alex picked up the soiled dressings and swabs and handed them to Mhari.
Denrick frowned. "We need to get him stabilised, get his temperature down. I'll set up an IV of fluids, give him a course of strong antibiotics for the infection. Some analgesic for the pain. I'll reset his ankle once he's more stable, but I'll need to immobilise it so he can't cause himself anymore damage in the meantime."
Tamara stood to the side watching the doctor work as he set up the field IV he had brought with him, as he inserted the needle into the back of the youth's hand and carefully watched the device's monitoring system as it began delivering fluids and medication to his patient.
"How did you know what to bring?" she whispered.
Janis smiled at her. "Farm accidents can be quite nasty, can't they?" He rummaged in his med-kit bringing out a vial of honey coloured liquid and a syringe. He injected a small amount of the liquid into his patient's thigh. "A strong local anaesthetic," he explained to Tamara. "It should help keep his leg still until I can return tomorrow with the equipment I'll need to properly treat his injuries."
He turned stared to pack away his gear, speaking to Alex and Mhari as he did so. "I'll leave some more fluid pouches and medication. Only 10ccs of each to be added when the pouches need changed." He hefted his kit up and paused on his way out. "Take that frown off yourface, Tamara. As far as I'm concerned, he's your cousin Ryder, and no one else. I'll see you all tomorrow."
ooOOoo
It was quiet now. Luke found the silence more terrifying than the slow noises, and Aunt Beru was gone again. He was afraid of being alone, with no contact. He didn't want to die alone. He knew he was dying. He knew of no one who had survived a 'viper bite; Dru had died, Biggs's little sister had died, and now he was going to die, too. He didn't like how dying felt, and he cried in despair. The heat from the suns added to his misery. If they would just go, he knew he'd feel a lot better.
Where was his aunt? Why didn't she come? Why did she leave him alone? Didn't she care? "Aunt Beru!" He pleaded with her to come to him; sobs shredded his words. But she heard him, her hand took his and she cooled his brow. Luke was relieved. She wouldn't leave him, ever; she'd stay until he was well.
"Suns are hot," he told her. "Turn them off." He knew once they were off, his heat would be gone and the desert would cool; then he could go back out and play—if he didn't die.
ooOOoo
Tamara turned to her father. "What does he mean?"
Alex shrugged. "I don't know.""
ooOOoo
Luke heard his uncle's voice. Now there was someone who could help; his uncle could do anything. "Uncle Owen, please—turn the suns off."
There was no answer.
"Turn them off." The warmth built up around him, smothering him like a heavy quilt. Tears formed in his eyes, taking much-needed fluid from his body. Luke knew death was a certainty if his uncle didn't do as he asked; the heat was unbearable.
ooOOoo
Mhari relieved Tamara and told her to fix something to eat for herself and Brett—if she could find him. Mhari took her daughter's place. The Rebel looked up at her as she sat down. His eyes implored her to help him, to ease his discomfort.
"Turn the suns off," he begged her.
"I wish Denrick had stayed." She had no idea what to do; now the fever's peak had been reached. If it broke that night, the boy would live; if it didn't, his body's catalysts would de-nature, his cells' functions would cease, and he would die.
"He would only be doing what we're doing now," answered Alex. "Watching and waiting."
Mhari could hear Tamara outside, shouting for her little brother. "Why don't you go and help Tamara find Brett? Or try and fix that 'speeder? We don't both need to be here."
"You'll be all right?"
"Put them off," Ryder mumbled.
Mhari nodded in reply to Alex's question.
"Okay, then."
ooOOoo
Luke was nearing the end, his fevered despair reaching a peak. He couldn't understand why no one would help him; couldn't they see how hot he was? Didn't they understand? Were they just going to let him die? "Turn the suns off."
"You'll be all right," his uncle told him.
Luke felt a flicker of hope in his racing heart. Was he going to help after all? "Put them off," he told him again.
"Okay then."
Luke cried with joy; his uncle was helping, he was turning the suns off. The desert would cool and so would he. He relaxed with relief and allowed his fatigue to close his eyes. "Thank you," he whispered. The sleep he fell into was deep and healing.