(Twelve)
Once the Clan men were squared away, the group headed down to the workshop. Gambit offered to stay behind to do first watch on the Clan again. He didn't have much of a head for science and figured Henry would fill him in on what he missed.
Kimble carried Fallen down the stairs and lay her down on the bed, fussing over her until he was satisfied she was comfortable. He didn't like how light she was, but said nothing. He would make sure she ate and put on the weight she needed to get better. He could be very persuasive if he had to be.
Opposite the bed was a viewing screen. Seth was there in the control room, flipping switches and tapping away on his keyboard. He was preparing to run tests on the Kimble hologram.
"I want to do a regular hologram scan first," he said nodding at his brother.
Kimble picked up a metal bracelet from the work bench and put it on. Like the Med-strip, it flashed and winked out. Data from the scan scrolled up on a window in the corner. Seth looked at the data on a screen in his room, the words reflecting on his eyes as they buzzed by at a lighting speed no human could read by. He shook his head and rubbed his chin nervously.
"What," Kimble barked impatiently.
"Well, you're definitely not just a hologram anymore. I'm not sure what you are, actually. The hologram diagnostics don't even read you at all. They don't 'see' you because you're something else now."
"What does this mean?" Fallen asked.
"He probably won't be able to power off of the cubes even if they are restored, or even the batteries," He looked at Kimble. "Put a regular Med-Strip on."
Kimble removed the bracelet and borrowed the strip Fallen still had on her forehead. He put it on and it flashed and winked out.
Lucky began to recite. "Subject, Kimble. Height, 5' 9". 102 pounds. Species unknown. Gender unknown. Body temperature, unable to determine. Body density and structure unable to determine. Possible system failure. Diagnostic test recommended."
Seth shook his head again. "Guess Lucky doesn't really 'see' you, either. Touch Fallen."
Kimble grinned and lightly brushed Fallen's face with his hand. His fingers glowed blue from the contact and she smiled back at him. "You're getting a kick out of this aren't you?"
"I ain't complainin'."
"This is interesting," Seth said, trying to ignore them. "I can see the Ristle being absorbed by his skin on the infrared. Some kind of chemical reaction. It's heating him up. Interesting... Whatever. We already know he has to touch you to power up. At least he won't shut off or fade off into nothing as long as he keeps recharging."
"That's not a big deal," Fallen said. "This is only until he goes back."
Seth looked at her pointedly. "He's not coming back."
"Yer sayin I'm stuck out here?" Kimble asked. Privately, he was elated. He wanted to stay out, he just hoped it didn't screw things up with the ship.
Logan groaned inwardly. He'd been hoping Kimble would return to the system and he wouldn't have to watch out for him anymore. The idea of babysitting Kimble for a long period of time was not in the least bit appealing. Who knew what kind of mischief or mayhem Kimble was going to get into?
"Yeah. You're out there and I'm in here," Seth said quietly. He looked sadly at Fallen.
"Kin ya copy the hologram files sos you kin come out too?" Kimble asked, already knowing the answer.
"No. You took them with you. Even if I could rewrite them, we don't have the base material to create another hologram," Seth said, meaning the particles that allowed Kimble to be solid.
"Just what files does he have?" Fallen asked Seth while looking at Kimble nervously.
"He's got a lot. All the hologram files including a good amount of unopened memory files that were unlocked by the access codes. Who knows what's on those. We should check them out later."
Logan noticed as Kimble shifted uncomfortably at his brother's words. He said nothing, but his distrust of Kimble went up another notch.
"He's got all of his personality files. The pleasure files," Seth continued, looking at his brother with a grin. "Don't you even think about using those on Fallen, brother."
"That ain't up ta me," Kimble teased, eyeing Fallen suggestively.
"Kimble!" Fallen snapped at him irritably, she was in no mood for his games.
Kimble put his hands up in surrender, but he was laughing.
"Ooooh..." Seth groaned, scratching his chin nervously again. "Uhm...He's got the flight files. That could be a problem."
"No it ain't," Kimble answered. "I'll just link up with Lucky and do it telepathic. Whatever I ain't got you kin send me. Just like we done with the med files. It's still doable."
"You two share files?" Henry asked.
"Yes," Seth answered. "We can read each other's files, but they can't be copied. To a point I could learn what he knows, but I will never have his skill. He manages the power and flies the ship very well. He and Fallen are a good team," he said, proud of them. "His linking up with Lucky wouldn't be any different than if he was still in. We can still work together like we always have. Same thing only different, I guess."
"It looks to me like the two of you are still connected, but now split again because the split is physical. Are you going to be stable?" Henry wanted to know.
"Guess we're gonna find out," Kimble grunted.
"Can you guys switch? You know, trade? Even if it's just for a little while?" Fallen asked Seth, her eyes pleading.
"No, Fallen," Seth answered, sadly. "This split is final." He looked at her and his eyes grew wet. He started to say something but turned away, shaking his head.
Fallen stood on shaky legs and slowly walked to the screen. She put her hands up to Seth and started to cry as she spoke up at him in Siskan.
Kimble went over to her and put his hands on her shoulders. He looked up to Seth. "I'm sorry, guys. I really am," he said, meaning it. "I did what I hadta do," he insisted next as if the whole thing was just his idea when it wasn't. "I didn't know what wuz gonna happen. But even if I did, I'd do it again. I'd do it fer Fallen."
"This isn't all your fault," Seth said, excusing him.
"No, it's mine!" Fallen complained, sobbing.
"Baby doll..." Kimble started, but couldn't finish.
Seth looked at him. "Can you give us a minute? I want to speak to Fallen alone."
Kimble nodded and slowly took his hands away. He didn't want to go, but forced his body to move anyway. He went down the hall and the others followed.