Chapter 2
Preed stared down at the mangled, stagnant body. If not for the medical device, Preed would have believed it to be dead. The neck was twisted at an impossible angle; turned as farther left than was possible, and bent backwards. The exposed flesh was pockmarked with bits of debris, and thick blood oozed from most of the indents. The radius and ulna of one arm were obviously broken, poking through the flesh. The clothing was rent and scorched from a vicious blast. The exposed flesh was raised and blistered from the some tremendous energy source.
Most likely the Drej blast. Preed continued to haul away seared metal pieces.
Akima watched as Preed appeared in the opening, hauling something that looked vaguely human. "Holy fuck," she whispered as the body was dragged out. "Are you sure this one's even alive?" she asked a sickly-looking Preed.
Unlike his usual self, he said nothing. He looked only too happy to have an excuse to look away from the gnarled body. Gune gave a series of squeals and tried to cover his eyes. Korso stared at it stone-faced.
Stith appeared in the doorway. "Whaddi miss?" she said, wiping her hands on her black poly-vinyl pants. When she saw what everyone was staring at, she sobered considerably.
The whole atmosphere jumped as Akima suddenly grabbed the body and started carrying it to Stith. "Quick, into sickbay," she commanded as Stith lifted it from her shoulders.
Korso, Gune and Preed watched from outside the open doorway as Stith helped Akima work madly to preserve the two people's lives. Even though they knew Akima had a rebellious side, the long stream of curses she let slip regularly astonished even Gune into silence. It seemed hours before Akima stopped, and placed all the medical tools in the disinfector. Stith walked past them, looking grimmer than usual. Gune followed her, prattling on and on about some possible ways the people were injured. Akima walked out of the room, her face set in a bleak façade.
"He will most likely survive, but it doesn't look like she'll last the next couple of hours." She turned and habitually sealed the door.
As they headed down the hall, Korso noticed that Akima wasn't following. He turned and saw her fast asleep on the cold, mesh flooring, leaning against the door.
Preed stopped to see what was taking Korso so long, and saw Akima sleeping against the sickbay door. " 'Every door can be shut but death's door,' " he quoted austerely.