Stepping Stones
by Joan Powers
Chapter 7 Hope
Author's Notes:
(1) In the previous installment of Stepping Stones (Deceptions), Dr. Heller discovered Elizabeth's medical files which described how she felt that the planet was rejecting them. In addition, Paul led Uly and True to a cave to search for Morganite. However, they encountered a group of hostile Terrians. This story continues with Julia's search to discover what killed the members of Independence colony, and the Eden Advance's efforts to locate the children.
(2) Special thanks to Vicki Firth and Paula Sanders for their greatly appreciated editorial comments, and the inspiration Vicki provided in her story, "Faith and Illusions".
(voice of John Danziger)
Hope, a four letter word which continues to mock me. It has always been a precious commodity which has never come naturally to me. Especially not to a drone, whose station in life is dictated to him. He has a limited role in determining his future, with essentially no opportunity to change his lot.
I was lucky enough to have met Elle and shared our brief time together. No amount of hope had ever restored her to my side. I had thought that my capacity for the emotion had left me. Yet when we crashed on to this crazy planet, it slowly crept back.
Without realizing it, I had started to believe in Devon's optimistic outlook regarding our future. That tomorrow could be better than today. That a man could take charge of his own destiny and establish a better world for his kid on this planet.
Tonight all of that is crashing down on my head. I have to face the fact that Devon is gone. No matter how I try to fool myself. She's gone. And now our children are missing.
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Baines, Walman, Magus, Bess and Yale congregated about the campfire as the glow of twilight was finally extinguished by darkness. A few paused to rest - pulling up crates or logs, while others refreshed themselves gulping down water from tin cups. They were pensive, avoiding conversation and even eye contact with one another, afraid to admit the truth - that the children were truly missing. No one had found them. Morgan had been the last to see them - that afternoon. Baines and Walman stared at the ground, feeling sick at the thought that those kids might be in trouble and Bess swallowed hard to choke down tears which were threatening to form in her throat.
The sound of footsteps heralded Danziger's arrival. He looked anxiously towards the crew, who could not meet his gaze. Needing no further explanation, he abruptly turned to retrieve some lights off the Trans Rover which would be necessary for continuing the search. As he strode out of range, Magus cautiously asked,
"Think we should see how he's doing?" Though she wasn't going to volunteer.
Yale advised, "No. Now is not the time for consoling, we need to reorganize and continue searching. We will locate them." The group got down to business and discussed how to divide the territory then formed new search teams, while Bess volunteered to coordinate their communications. Most of the absent Eden crew members were still at Independence settlement continuing their investigation.
Walman solemnly advised Bess, "I think you better call the others. Get them to pitch in. God only knows what could happen at night." He stopped himself before further elaborating about his fears, not wanting to make the situation worse. Earlier, he and Baines had privately shared their concerns that the small boy Paul really was a Council spy and that the kids might already be secreted away in some inaccessible location.
As Danziger passed by the group, Yale called to him, John, come here. We need to coordinate our efforts."
Reluctantly, he approached the tutor. The mechanic vacantly studied the flames of the campfire as he listened to Yale's summary of their efforts and plans, then he turned. The older man put his hand on his shoulder,
"I don't think you should go alone. Let me accompany you."
Danziger replied rather gruffly, "No, I'd rather be alone."
Before Yale could argue his point, Morgan and Cameron joined the group. The two men seemed excited, both wearing broad grins and walking with a bounce to their steps. The Eden crew members waited expectantly, some of the tension beginning to lessen within them.
Morgan proudly announced to his attentive audience, "Guess what? Yours truly has finally managed to crack the code to that lock on the refrigeration unit and right at this very moment Julia is examining those bodies." Morgan moved to take a bow, but noticed no one seemed enthused by his news. In fact, they were disappointed. Perplexed by his cold reception he asked, "What's going on? Didn't you hear what I said..."
Bess dashed over to her husband and grabbed his forearm in a cautionary fashion. Gauging the grim features about him, Morgan figured out what was happening. Puffed up with the giddy confidence of having cracked not one but two very difficult codes within the past twenty-four hours and lacking proper rest, he spoke before he thought, "I told you that kid was bad news. He's probably taken them to some Council outpost."
Total silence and aghast expressions greeted his comments. Bess dug her nails into his arm so deeply that she broke the skin.
"Hey, that hurts!" Turning to the others, he argued, "You know I'm right." Danziger glared menacingly at Morgan.
Using both of her hands, Bess yanked at her husband with all her strength firmly urging, "Morgan, let's go."
He hesitated, still confused.
"NOW" she growled.
Sensing the growing hostility of the group, Morgan wisely allowed his wife to lead him away to their tent.
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Alonzo was crawling on his hands and knees, pressing every square foot of the metal flooring that was within his reach. After covering the entire unit, he rose to stretch and give his aching knees a break. He was convinced that the children might have discovered some type of secret passage whose opening was in one of the housing units. However, it wasn't in this one. Undaunted, the young pilot vowed to move on to the next unit. As he turned off the lights and shut the door, a shining lumalight revealed the presence of another Eden crew member. It was Danziger. Alonzo was startled when he noticed his friend's worn-down appearance.
"How's it going?" Danziger dully asked. Since Alonzo had explained his theory earlier over gear, the younger man replied,
"No luck with the first unit, but I've got fourteen more to go, plus the large buildings. I will leave no stone unturned." He offered a mock salute to attempt to cheer him up, but it was in vain. Earnestly he added, "You know, if you really believe this is some harebrained idea, Julia and I will go where ever you need us."
Danziger was tempted but he absently replied, "Na, keep doing what you're doing. Julia's work is just as important. Keep an eye on her fly-boy, keep her safe."
Alonzo promised, "You know I will." In an attempt to distract them from their current worries, Alonzo commented, "Did Julia tell you she found some of Elizabeth's data on the disease that might have killed these people? Elizabeth had some type of 'planetary immune response' theory. I didn't fully understand it, but it gives Julia more information to work with."
"That's good"
The pilot could tell that Danziger wasn't really listening. His heart was tied up elsewhere. Placing a hand on his friend's shoulder he assured him, "We'll find them, I just know we will. They're gonna be okay."
"Still no contact with the Terrians?" Danziger was pulling at straws.
The younger man shook his head, "I've had some rather weird and disturbing dreams but nothing I can make any sense of." He shuddered just thinking about them - those awful inhuman sounds pierced right through him, he had never experienced anything quite like that. Danziger adjusted his pack and moved to resume his searching when Alonzo added, "Hey, what about you?"
Danziger shot him a puzzled look, "What are you talking about?"
Although Alonzo used a lighter tone, he was deadly serious, "Julia and I are looking out for each over, who's looking after you?"
The mechanic assured him, "I can take care of myself, buddy"
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Morgan was tossing and turning on his cot in his tent. Though he was exhausted, he could not sleep. His wife had threatened to disown him if he set one foot outside of their tent. He had rarely seen her this angry. Their time spent on G889 had revealed to him that Bess's seemingly sweet nature was deceptive. Beneath that gorgeous exterior was a strong woman filled with survival instincts and enough determination for the both of them. Fearful of further aggravating her, he obeyed his wife's directives and stewed over recent events as he attempted to rest.
A few hours later, he was still trying to make sense of the situation when his wife entered their tent. He sat up and called to her, "Bess?"
She wouldn't look at him.
Fear gripped Morgan in his gut.
She ignored him as she riffled through a pack to search for some item. Once she located the sweater she wanted, she pulled it over her head, straightened it out then started to leave.
Panic rose within him - he couldn't let her go, so he rose and begged her, "Bess, please."
She couldn't ignore his pleading tones. "What is it Morgan?" she answered in a monotone.
He took a step to try to close the distance between them, but she rapidly compensated by stepping backwards. She avoided eye contact.
"Honey, are you still mad at me?"
"Yes I am" she replied quietly.
Morgan stammered, "Can't we talk about it? Please?"
"I don't know. I'm still pretty upset." she explained, consciously maintaining control of her voice.
He came out asked her, "What did I do wrong?"
She retorted impatiently, "Do you really have to ask?"
He was shocked by her sarcasm. The only other time he had seen her act this way was when their marriage had been in immanent danger. Horrified at the prospect of life on this bleak planet without his wife's support, he swallowed his pride and replied humbly, "Yeah, I guess I do."
For the first time Bess raised her gaze to look into her husband's face. His eyes were filled with frustration, confusion and...sorrow. She took a minute to collect her thoughts and tried to express herself in a neutral fashion, "Do you think telling half of the camp that Paul was a spy and took the children was a very nice thing to do?" Her voice caught halfway through her statement and her eyes glistened with tears.
"But Bess, most of the camp is probably thinking the same thing. Don't you think I'm right?"
She shouted vehemently, "Damnit Morgan. It doesn't matter if you're right! What matters is that those kids are missing and it was heartless and cruel and selfish to throw that in Danziger's face tonight!" Her anger had returned in full force.
But he still hadn't gotten the message, "Let's face reality, I could very well be right - admit it."
She moved to leave, "I refuse to play these games Morgan. If your being right is the only thing that matters, then I hope you enjoy your own company." She continued heading towards the tent flap and Morgan launched himself at her, grabbing her from behind and wrapping his arms about her - effectively anchoring her in place.
"Don't go Bess, please. You're the most important person in the world to me. I can't make it here without you. Please, help me make things right between you and me."
She didn't reply, only stood solidly. In frustration and desperation he started to babble -saying whatever came to his head.
"Do you know how hard I've been working on setting up that computer system and decoding those passwords? I've barely slept for the past day and half. Seems to me that I've worked hard and sacrificed and nobody seems to be even acknowledging my contributions. I think I have a right to be mad."
Bess replied, "Morgan, sometimes you have to grow up and think about someone besides yourself."
He flinched at the impact of her words then decided to choose a different tactic. Trying to imagine what Bess might be feeling he probed, "Honey, are you upset because the boy might not be who you thought he was?"
She shook her head.
He continued, "I know that you cared a lot about him. That you're a kind and loving person who wanted to take care of that boy... regardless of who he was. Are you afraid that something might have happened to him?"
She nodded vigorously and turned to place her head against her husband's shoulder, as she began to sob softly. He readjusted his arms about her,
"I know how much you care for True and Uly too. I've been very impressed by the way you've managed and cared for them. Somehow, Bess you always manage to impress me." He caressed her back with one of his hands, his cheek pressed against hers as he spoke softly with sincerity, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I don't even know why you put up with me. I'm weak. It seems like no matter what I do, I mess up. I try. I really do. Maybe your life would be better without me."
Her heart melted upon hearing his words, she twisted her head to meet her husband's gaze, "Morgan, that's why I love you. Because you do try. Just keep trying." She sniffed then smiled warmly towards her husband. "Want to come help me coordinate the search?"
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Danziger used his lumalight to probe a dark cavity within a thicket of trees. The dense canopy of leaves didn't allow much of the natural light provided by the twin moons to filter through. He was meticulous in his search, driven by gut-wrenching fear which was festering within him. Images of his little girl lying prone with blood dripping down her face haunted him.
Granted, the kids had an annoying habit of wandering off on occasion but they always came back at dusk, or by the next meal. He had to reach them before it was too late.
Yet there was also another possibility, which he was stubbornly resisting - dragging his heels all the way. Ironically enough, the logical part of John Danziger would have been voicing Morgan's suspicions long before the government liaison had. Yet, his heart would not, could not accept the possibility of that being reality. He didn't understand it, but he felt as close to Paul as he did to Uly. Ruefully he wondered if his common sense had been frozen along with Devon in that cold sleep chamber. At least it was a warm night. But they were just kids. Young kids. He couldn't begin to contemplate life without them.
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Alonzo was crouched on the floor outside of the Medical lab while Dr. Heller proceeded to decontaminate herself. He sighed and rested his head against his knees, his search for secret panels had been draining...and futile. In addition, there had been no promising news from the others. The door opened and Julia leaned against the door frame, clearly at the edge of her physical limits. He stepped over to allow her to lean against him. His somber expression lead her to frown,
"Oh no. They're still missing?" The young doctor was clearly distressed. Alonzo wrapped a supportive arm about her and proceeded to escort her out of the building as they talked.
"Alonzo, what are we going to do? They've been missing over twelve hours. Something terrible must have happened."
Smoothing her hair with his hand, he answered her, "We've looked everywhere we could in the dark. We're going to have to wait until morning to continue." It was difficult to admit, but darkness and fatigue were undermining the effectiveness of their efforts. With regret, Bess called them back to camp.
Julia was thinking out loud, "But there are no other human beings within miles of here. We searched the area thoroughly the other day when we looked for Paul's parents. And if Reily..or.. Eve is manipulating some agent, they should know that Uly is most effective as the Terrain liaison when he is associated with us. This doesn't make sense."
Rather than poke holes in her arguments, he kissed her temple, "Sh...Querida, you need to rest. We're not going to come up any answers right now." To change the subject, he commented, "Tell me how the autopsy went."
Despite her fatigue, her doctor demeanor kicked in, "Considering the fact that those corpses have been in cold storage for over fifty years, I was able to get a lot of information. Although I've only performed one autopsy so far, some of the internal damage looks similar to what was initiated in Devon's system."
"Can you tell what caused the disease from your findings?"
"I have to perform a series of tests on the tissues. I've ruled out any microorganisms which Elizabeth could have detected with her equipment and I'm concentrating on tests which might confirm the presence of more recently discovered agents, along with some other types of tests. I just finished setting up some samples which will take several hours to incubate." A tiny spark of hope within her had been ignited, the diagnosis could be just around the corner.
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Bess pulled over a crate to join Yale who was sitting by the blazing campfire. Other than the crackling and popping of the fire, the night was still.
"Bess, you must be exhausted. Go get some sleep" Yale warmly encouraged.
She sighed, "I can't sleep. I just keep thinking about the kids." In a quite voice she added, "Maybe Morgan was right."
He replied, "That is a distinct possibility."
Feeling awkward and becoming slightly flushed Bess attempted to explain, "Morgan didn't mean what he said before... No, that's not true. His timing was just awful."
Yale leaned towards her, "Bess, you are not responsible for your husband's actions. He is an adult. However he didn't say anything that the entire group wasn't already aware of. As you said, his statement was um...inappropriate for that time."
Some of her embarrassment began to dissipate. "Is he back?" motioning towards Danziger's tent.
Yale nodded, "I insisted that he rest."
Bess's eyes widened, "And he did?"
Yale chuckled, "I can be very persuasive." While he had convinced the younger man to return to camp, he doubted he was able to sleep.
"He blames himself, doesn't he?"
The tutor shrugged, "Blame will not bring them back."
"How are you doing Yale? Devon and Uly were practically your only family."
Somewhat embarrassed by her scrutiny he stoically replied, "It's hard. Just when I was coming to gripes dealing with her absence, this happens. Thank you for your concern Bess, but I think it's a bit premature to anticipate the worst. We must keep trying."
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Complete darkness surrounded him. Was the chamber actually that dark or had the effects of the Terrian's lightening staffs not worn off? Blinking rapidly did little to improve his vision. True was slumped against him, he could feel the weight of her head against his shoulder and hear her faint snoring. He attempted to flex his stiff legs, but his restraints were still intact. Uly had lost all track of time - having no idea how long they had been captives. There had been no sign of Paul so he prayed that his friend had been able to escape to get help.
The Terrians had been periodically visiting the children, continuing to shriek and snarl at them. The noise was deafening. Being in their presence was even more terrifying than his dreams had been. The children had clung to each other through out the ordeal. At one point, True became so frightened that she started screaming back at the creatures until she made herself hoarse. This peaceful moment was a soothing balm.
However, Uly was anxious for the Terrians to return. For he was beginning to understand the urgency in their voices and the implications of their accusations.
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Negative, negative, negative - all of Dr. Heller's initial test samples indicated negative results. Yet she was not discouraged. Detecting actual viral material after such a prolonged storage period was admittedly a long shot. Her other tests would provide indirect evidence regarding the nature of the organism which had caused the disease and be more likely to provide promising results.
As she washed out some test tubes, she continued to ponder Elizabeth's planetary immune response theory. As far as she could tell, the earlier group of colonists had not been able to develop much of a relationship with the Terrians but they were able to deduce that this planet functioned as a living entity and was not necessarily identical to Earth. Elizabeth's theory suggested that G889 found humans to be a detriment, so it developed its own defense system to reject or remove the foreign invaders - similar to the human body's immune system. She hypothesized that the planet may have taken some time to devise the proper agent - which would explain how the people of Independence colony had been able to exist for almost 10 years.
But if that were so, how had the Council scientists been able to survive? Had they attempted to escape before they exhibited symptoms of the infection or had the Independence settlers discovered their treachery and thrown them out?
She froze in place as she wondered if Elizabeth and Franklin had actually died from the cold sleep syndrome. Dr. Anson's logs indicated that individuals varied greatly in susceptibility and in their response to the foreign virus - some rapidly declining and dying within two weeks while others suffered a variety of symptoms for up to a year.
Suddenly Julia swallowed hard and beads of sweat glistened on her forehead. If the analogy were valid, assuming that G889 behaved as a 'living organism', its immune response would be intact. Like the human body, once an antibody was prepared against any type of pathogen, the information to combat the invader upon re-exposure was readily available. Their arrival could have triggered the production of those 'anti-human antibodies' which the planet could be actively releasing - even now. It was just a matter of time. Devon may have been the most sensitive to the agent which would account for her rapid decline. She sank down onto the floor and curled up, hugging her knees against her chest.
We're dead. Devon was the first. We're all going to die here. Closing her eyes tightly, she attempted to stop shaking and slow down her breathing. She choked down a sob which threatened to rise in her throat then began to berate herself,
Think Heller, think. You're a doctor - you can do better than this.
What was happening to her? She wasn't generally given to such irrational emotional outbursts. In fact, her chromosomes were skewed against this type of reaction. If Dr. Heller had paid as much attention to her own health as to her charges, she would have readily diagnosed that she was suffering from severe fatigue.
Think. You're missing something. Look objectively at the facts. Do they support these conclusions? There's got to be a logical explanation.
As her breathing became more regular, she was able to calm down and think clearly about evidence which might contradict the theory.
Almost immediately it came to her. What about the penal colonists? She had asked Elizabeth about them but not received a satisfactory answer. If G889 had an overall immune response to reject all human invaders, they should be dead. But they were not - in fact some had lived on this planet up to 20 and 30 years.
Perhaps this immune response could have been a local phenomena. After all, there were no other living creatures for miles. She wondered what those colonists might have done to initiate such a drastic response from the planet. And since the Council ship was not in the immediate vicinity, how could Devon have contracted this disease? Most importantly, how long could they safely remain here before they too became ill? The children had been the first victims in Independence, perhaps it had already started.
TBC
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