See Prologue for Ratings and Disclaimer.

And the next part. I've got a bit of time at the moment, so I'm hoping to get these things out a little faster. And once again, thanks so much to everyone who has reviewed so far, I really appreciate it and I'm glad you're enjoying it. I only hope I can keep it up!

Any and all mistakes are mine alone.

PART TWELVE - Standoff

"It got a little cramped, especially if my dad had his partners on board or whatever, but Rafe and I had our space."

Beka lounged on the couch as Rhade sat in a nearby chair, the same one he'd been in when Beka had left the previous day. If it weren't for the change of clothing, she would have thought he'd stayed there all night. Maybe he had.

They'd long since abandoned discussing philosophy, once the conversation had turned to Tarazed and, by extension, childhood. Rhade was rather pleased that Beka had decided to be more forthcoming, at least on some topics. Out of respect he had made no direct mention of mothers, or parents for that matter.

"Sounds like it was a good life," he commented.

"Says the man who grew up in a palace," she joked.

He pointed to her. "Not palace."

She rolled her eyes. "Estate, whatever."

"It got pretty crowded there, too. Politicians constantly in and out with their entourage, spontaneous dinner parties for no apparent reason, not to mention my own family. No wonder I spent most of my childhood in the gym."

Beka grinned. "At least it paid off."

Rhade shrugged…then winced at the pain of the movement. "Right," he groaned, his own amusement at the conversation forgotten as he remembered his current state.

There was an uncomfortable lull in the banter. Beka opened her mouth to break it when a chime alerted them to a visitor.

"Come," Rhade called, rather unenthusiastically.

The door slid open to reveal Trance, hands holding something behind her back. She moved into the room.

"Hey, Trance," Beka greeted.

"Beka," the other woman nodded. Then she turned her gaze on Rhade. "You were supposed to come to Medical earlier for your check-up."

"I forgot," he answered monotonously, not even trying to be convincing.

"That was the one condition to you coming back here so soon."

"Third."

Trance sighed.

"I've been there too long already," he explained. "Why would I want to go back?"

"Believe it or not I understand," the Medical officer told him. "But nonetheless, I need to make sure you're healing properly."

"I am."

"I'll be the judge of that. If Kylia won't come to the river…" she brought her hands back in front of her, brandishing a med-kit. It was Rhade's turn to sigh.

Beka fought off the smirk that threatened to come forth and stood up. "And that's my cue to leave. Telemachus, have a good day, and Trance?" She took a moment to look between the two of them. "Good luck!"

Without another word Beka quickly moved to the door, aiming to get out before her composure was lost.

Trance put her kit down and gathered her instruments. When she turned to Rhade, he simply sat where he was and looked up at her.

"I need you to stand up." He raised an eyebrow, and Trance shook her head in irritation. "You can stand, or you can go lay down on the bed."

Rhade hesitated a moment before giving up and pushing himself to his feet with, Trance took note, great help from the armrests.

She began circling him, scanning him with various instruments. He tried his best not to hide his annoyance.

"How have you been feeling?" she asked, exchanging her instrument for another.

"Fine."

"Have you been in any pain?"

As she rounded to his front, she caught the raised eyebrow and the exasperated look. She rephrased her question. "Any more so than normal over the past few days?"

He moved his gaze to stare at the empty space ahead. "It's manageable."

Trance continued with her examination. "Any dizziness or fatigue?" Rhade gave a slight shrug of his shoulders, careful to avoid excessive movement this time. "Telemachus?"

He sighed, resigned. "Does it really surprise you?"

"No," she answered, putting down the last of her equipment. "Sit down."

He did as he was told, and she took a seat across from him.

"So what's the diagnosis? Am I going to live?"

"Funny," came her unamused voice. "The nanobots are doing their job, and your immune system is getting stronger."

"Like I said: fine."

Trance looked at him intensely, and he resisted the urge to look away at the scrutiny. "How are the nightmares?"

Rhade's eyes snapped up to meet her gaze. "What nightmares?"

Trance shot him a patient and knowing smile. "I was with you in Medical for a week, Rhade. Twice, sometimes three times a night? It's no wonder you've been tired."

"I never said I --"

"It's a natural reaction," Trance explained, cutting off his protest. "Rhade, you were captured for six weeks, tortured for no doubt most of that time." She watched as he sunk further into the chair, and this time he did look away. "The nightmares are a way for your mind to heal itself, as your body has been doing." She hesitated slightly, but pushed ahead. "That process would go faster if you confronted it, talked about the meanings behind them."

"They mean nothing." He looked back at her, all pretense gone. "And when did you become my counsellor?"

Trance ignored his question, instead focussing on his previous statement. "They do have meaning, to you." She didn't let him respond. "You are not the best liar, Telemachus. You take after your ancestor in that way, just as much as you share his features."

That earned her an inquisitive frown from him. She ignored it. "Talking will help."

He raised an eyebrow in challenge. "Very well. In that case, why don't you talk to me."

"I don't follow."

"I've known you for many months now," he explained. "You've attended to my injuries before. What's so different this time?"

She looked confused. "Nothing…."

"Since I've been back you've been guarded. I know you're not the most open person, Trance," the sarcasm was clear in his voice, "But this is taking it to an extreme. And I'm the only one who has noticed, which leads me to believe it's only directed at me."

She looked at him in silence. She wasn't agreeing with him, but she wasn't denying it, either.

He leaned forward. "What is it that I should know?"

The golden alien looked down at her hands. "Things are happening that you can't possibly understand."

"Not unless you tell me." He dropped the challenging tone, and she could hear the exhaustion in his voice. "If it affects me I have a right to know."

She caught his gaze. "It doesn't. And it wouldn't matter if it did, it is an action that cannot be undone."

When he realized she wasn't going to elaborate, he shook his head. "What is it?"

She was silent, her face full of resolve. He looked at her stonily. "If that's how you want it then, Trance Gemini."

"That's how it must be."

"Then I guess we're done. I'll see you tomorrow for my check-up."

Trance sat for a moment longer, then stood and gathered her equipment. She walked to the door, then paused, half turning her head so she could just make him out in her peripheral vision. "About the nightmares," she saw him toss his head back in irritation, "If you won't talk to me, at least talk to someone."

And then she was gone.

To Be Continued...