Silence.
Complete and utter silence pressed down on Abel.
Then horrible ringing tore into his ears.
A soft groan rumbled through his body. The sound muted, almost foreign, muffled by the continual ringing.
Abel squeezed his eyelids closed, until he could feel the scrunching of his skin.
What the hell happened?
He relaxed, forcing his eyelids from their scrunched shape to open.
A light flickered at the edge of Abel's vision.
The smell of smoke and blood overpowered the scent of new plastic and metal that had dominated the rest of the ship.
That was right.
There had been a murder and then—
Abel gritted his teeth.
He forced his eyes all the way open. Heat raced through his body from the slightest of movement.
It was nothing.
This was nothing.
The bloody scientists had done far, far worse to him over the years.
His finger's twitched.
The pain flared.
Air hissed from between his teeth.
It was fine.
Abel gasped as he forced his arm under him and pushed himself up.
Ruble filled the hall. Only one light flickered on the side of the hall Abel was on. A few blurred lights could be seen the through the haze.
"Lieutenant-colonel, come in."
Abel winced as a voice ripped through his ear.
His hand shook as he touched the radio.
"I'm here," he rasped.
Damn.
The voice sounded like Tabitha.
"I'll head for the medical bay," Abel stated.
"Understood, sir."
He'd ask for an update when he arrived. There was no telling if someone was listing over the radio or if any of those attackers were even part of the military. Just informing her he would be heading to the medical facility could prove treacherous.
Abel rolled onto his side.
He gasped, gritting his teeth as fire flared up one leg.
Damn it.
He pushed himself up.
The hall spun.
Abel gritted his teeth.
He gripped the wall and pulled himself to his feet.
The hall blurred.
His head spun.
Ragged, heavy breaths filled the air.
He glanced at his legs.
Everything seemed to swim as if his eyes couldn't focus.
Blood coated his legs.
But he could stand.
If he could stand then he could walk.
Abel needed to get to the medical bay regardless of the damage to his legs. The longer he delayed, the harder it would be to ensure the safety of his team and the civilians.
One step. That was all that was needed to get moving.
Abel forced his leg to move.
He gasped.
He took a step.
Fire coursed through him as he placed weight on the leg.
It didn't matter.
He had felt worse.
This was nothing.
He took another step, pulling himself forward with hand against the wall as well.
Faster.
Another step; then, another, and another. Small drops of blood trailed behind him. The stop tapping of his blood echoing his footsteps.
Sweat slipped down his face. Every breath pulled at him.
Damn.
Abel gritted his teeth.
He staggered into the elevator.
"Distention?" the computer asked.
"The medical bay," the words rasped against Abel's dry throat.
Damn it all!
The doors hissed shut.
His gut lurched as the elevator started to move.
Blood coated his pantleg, staining the once white material red. Shrapnel had logged itself into his calf leg.
His fingers fumbled over one of the many pouches around his belt. The clasp clicked as the bag opened.
At least Lilith had the foresight to ensure all of them had this on them.
Abel grimaced.
Yes, the foresight. Not even Lilith could have known something like this would occur. He pulled out several more items, including alcohol for cleaning wound. There wasn't time to fully treat it, but this would have to do.
He poured some of the alcohol onto a patch of GOS.
He carefully pulled out the shrapnel and pressed the GOS to the wound.
Air hissed between his lips.
Shit.
He placed a fresh piece of GOS to the wound and wrapped his leg in several fast deft motions.
The elevator made a soft jarring motion.
The space flickered before his eyes.
A hiss filled the room as the doors opened.
Abel took a deep breath, feeling the air as it steadied his shaking hands. He staggered out into the hall.
Each step he took caused searing pain to shoot through his leg.
Not good enough.
Abel gritted his teeth. His body protested as he broke into a limping run.
Gun fire echoed down the hall, sounding akin to thunder rolling over the barren landscape of Earth.
Damn it all!
Abel drew his gun as he rounded the bend in the hall.
He ducked.
A bullet thrummed overhead.
He returned fire.
The space was chaos.
Abel glanced around.
A flash of black hair caught his eye.
"Lieutenant!" Abel called.
"Get to the Lieutenant Colonel!" Tabitha shouted the order over the thundering sound of battle.
White filled Abel's vision as the soldiers formed up around him.
Damn.
This wasn't what he had meant by calling out to the second lieutenant. He didn't bloody need this protection.
Abel gritted his teeth.
"Sir!" Tabitha raced over to him. "Get into the medical bay. We'll hold off the enemy here."
"Like hell I will," Abel snapped.
"My top priority is your safety, sir. With the major missing you are currently in charge of the colony."
Missing?
Damn it, Cain!
There wasn't time to dwell on his missing brother. The colony needed defending.
Abel growled, but forced back the words he ached to scream. "We need to protect the civilians," Abel shouted to the soldiers. "Get the barrier back over the entrance to the medical bay."
He shoved his way out of the barrier around him and fired on the enemy racing towards the unguarded entrance.
"Form it now!" he snapped at the soldiers.
It was useless to protect Abel. He was enhanced. Those within the medical bay weren't.
"Sir!" Tabitha shouted.
Abel kept firing on the enemy.
He would protect the medical bay by himself if need be.
A click came from his gun.
Abel lunged at the nearest enemy. He grabbed their neck and slammed them into the floor. The man's helmet cracked.
Abel leapt back. He spun and kicked another away from the door.
His gun slammed into yet another's helm.
The soldiers raced over to Abel and began to fire on the on enemy. They formed a wall of bullets and bodies between medical bay and the onslaught of enemies.
Finally.
Abel grinned. "Push the enemy back!"
Together, Abel and the security force managed to push the enemy into a full retreat.
That was much faster than worrying about Abel's safety. Yes, far, far faster. Bloody UN and their laws over the high ranked officers having more value on their life. It was a waste of time.
"Check the medical bay," Abel ordered several of the soldiers.
"Sir!" They saluted and raced into the medical bay.
A bullet whistled through air.
What?
Abel whipped around to see the enemy had returned in force.
So much for that retreat.
No, perhaps it had been a feint. Those bastards.
Thud!
A soldier fell to the floor.
No, no, no!
Like hell Abel would loss more soldiers on his watch.
Abel raced forward. He replaced his clip and fired on the oncoming enemy.
"Stop the Lieutenant Colonel!" one of the rebels screamed.
Abel fired.
The rebel struck the ground.
"Damn it!" the shout came from near to where the rebel had fallen.
Another charged Abel.
"You should be helping us! We're the same."
Abel leapt back. A fist came close to his nose. He struck the enemy in the elbow.
The enemy's gun clattered to the ground.
"Never say we're the same." Abel kicked the gun away. He fired and the enemy fell to the ground.
"Retreat! Retreat!" the shout rose from the rebel forces. "We'll regroup." The rebels started to fall back.
Shit.
Abel gritted his teeth and forced himself not to follow. There were more important things to see to.
Abel turned to the soldiers who remained. His gaze locked on Lieutenant Barack.
"Lieutenant Barack," Abel called him over.
Barack ran over. He saluted. "Sir?"
"Take ahead count. Once we know how many remain take a third of the forces here and set up a barricade at the far end of the hall." Abel gestured in the direction he wanted Barack to setup the barricade.
"Yes, sir!" Barack raced off.
Solomon wasn't far from where Barack had been. He was leaning against the wall, but nothing appeared wrong with him. There was no sign of injury or anything else like that.
Abel moved over to him.
Harsh heavy breaths could just be heard from the younger man. His visible skin was paler than the last time Abel had seen him.
"Lieutenant," Abel started.
Solomon stiffened and straightened. "Sir!" He saluted, expression even as if he hadn't just been struggling to breathe.
Abel forced back the urge to frown. It would be wise to ask him what was going on. In the same moment, they were in the middle of a crisis. Every high-ranking officer was needed to ensure the safety of the civilians in the medical bay.
"Take a third of the forces and setup a barricade to the right of the medical bay."
"Understood, sir." Solomon saluted before he moved off. His steps were even, almost careful as if one step too fast would cause him to fall.
Odd.
A few moments passed as Abel watched his team work.
"Sir."
Abel turned to see Tabitha was before him. He blinked.
A frown pulled at her lips and gaze almost thoughtful.
"Lieutenant Williams."
"Did you assign Lieutenant Solomon as task?"
"I did," Abel stated. "I need you to setup the last barricade."
Tabitha's eyes narrowed. "Sir, we need to discuss a matter regarding Lieutenant Solomon."
"Lieutenant," Abel started.
"I will see to the barricade," Tabitha saluted and turned from him. "And, sir, for what it's worth, thank you."
Abel frowned as she walked off. What did she mean by that? It had sounded like she was about to lecture him and then the next moment she was thanking him.
Yet, there was something going on with Solomon. Abel was far from blind there. Granted the heavy breathing could have been explained from everything the man had gone through.
"Sir." It sounded like Barack.
Abel turned to him. "Yes?"
"There aren't many soldiers left who can fight." The young man's gaze dropped.
"How many?" This wasn't good. Depending on the number there might not be enough left who could guard the medical bay.
"About a fourth of our soldiers are wounded and another eighth are dead."
Abel closed his eyes.
Damn it all! He hadn't been able to keep down the casualties at all. No, no, he needed to focus on the task at hand. "I'll aid with gathering the wounded and dead. The wounded need to be taken to the medical bay. Get Lieutenant Williams and Solomon to aid us as well. The Remaining forces will need to be divided between us for protecting the medical bay."
"Understood."
This wasn't good. Well, the entire situation wasn't. Still, there was also what Tabitha had mentioned when Abel had first arrived. Can was missing. This meant that Abel also needed to track down his brother.
If Cain had gotten himself captured, Abel would be forced to rescue him. But what if Cain had sided with this group?
Abel's heart flickered.
It would destroy Abel's and Lilith's plan to gain support among the people. It would lead to—
No!
He wouldn't believe his brother would do such a thing. Get captured, yes. Side with these rebel forces, hell no.
Abel shook the thought from his mind. His hand moved to his radio. "To all members of the security force," he started, "make certain all civilians are secure. Protect them. Make certain not a single civilian is lost."
"Sir, yes, sir!" a few replied.
"That's the last of the injured," Barack informed Abel. His dark eyes glittered in the artificial light. "I'll take a third of those who remain and finalize my section."
"Good," Abel nodded to the younger man.
Barack saluted and moved off.
"Sir, I've set the barricade at two of the locations," Tabitha informed him as she approached.
Two of them?
Abel shoved the thought down. It meant she had sent Lieutenant Solomon away. There was no point in demanding why in the here and now.
"I can command both of them," Tabitha continued, eyes flashing and jaw set.
"No need, I'll take the one Lieutenant Solomon was meant to command."
"Sir," Tabitha started.
"We need to finish setting up before the enemy returns."
Her gaze flickered to his bloodied leg. "Very well, sir, but as your second I advise you see a doctor before the next battle."
"I can fight while injured," Abel stated.
"That maybe, but it would be for the best you at least get your leg checked." She nodded to him before moving to her third of the remaining security force. Her eyes flashed she looked back to him.
Abel shivered. That look he knew well from Lilith. It meant he had better follow Tabitha's advice or there would be hell to pay later.
Still, wasn't he the commanding officer?
Oh well. Perhaps getting the wound looked at wouldn't do any harm.
Abel stepped into the medical. The space was crammed with more than just the injured soldiers. Civilians were spread throughout the space.
Doctor Kayson Williams was further back by a bed. Solomon's dark, lightly curled hair could be seen on the bed. Kayson's expression was grim.
That confirmed it. Solomon wasn't well. It would be a matter to watch in his third in command. Perhaps it was even why Mahir had attempted bribe Abel. The young man hadn't protested at his assignment. Thus, it would have been Mahir who was concerned about his son.
Concerned?
No, that wasn't quite right.
Concerned was what Lilith was whenever Seth was injured.
The rep had seemed desperate, but not about his son's wellbeing.
Abel's lip twitched.
Damn UN.
That man must have cared far more about his appearance to the rest of the UN than his own son's wellbeing.
Abel made a mental note to speak with both Doctor Williams and Lieutenant Solomon later. He would need to find a compromise and see what Solomon wanted to do.
"Abel?"
Abel tore his gaze from Solomon to see Lilith was standing before him.
"What's wrong?"
Abel shifted. Should he confess his leg was injured? Lilith might just try to keep him from the battle which wouldn't be good. How else was his supposed to prove to the colony he could be a good leader? None.
"Nothing," Abel lied, his gaze flickered away from Lilith.
"Abel," a sternness settled in her voice.
"I'm fine, I just came in to check on the people here."
Lilith cocked a slim eyebrow. "And that blood on your leg isn't yours?"
Abel shifted.
"I thought so. At least let me dress the wound properly before you go charging off."
"What?" Abel gaped at her.
Lilith sighed. "Honestly, I know you're needed out there, Abel, but that doesn't mean I'm going to let your leg go untreated."
"Fine," Abel stated.
Lilith led him over to a free seat and gestured for Abel to take it.
He did so. His gaze moved back to the bed where Solomon was. The drape had been drawn around it.
Doctor Williams was tending other soldiers now.
Damn it all.
What would have happened if Solomon had actually obeyed Abel's order?
Death?
Abel suppressed the urge to shudder.
That was the last thing he wanted. Sure, he barely knew Solomon, but what little had seen of the man, he wasn't someone Abel should ever direct his anger towards. Solomon was a dedicated to the project.
"Done," Lilith's voice broke through Abel's thoughts.
He jerked when her warm hand touched his face. "Be careful, Abel."
"I," Abel stammered and cleared his throat, "of course I will."
Her warm golden eyes froze Abel in place. He couldn't breathe.
"Good." Her thumb rubbed his cheek before her hand slipped from him. She straightened.
She moved off to tend the rest of the injured.
His heart flickered as he touched his cheek. What had that been about? It wasn't a bad feeling. A part of him wished she had lingered a little longer.
No.
Abel shook his head and stood.
There was a battle raging for the control of the ship. He couldn't be distracted from it, no matter how warm that feeling had been.
Abel left the medical bay and skimmed the three groups of soldiers. Tabitha commanded the group ahead of the medical bay and Barack was to the left.
Good. There teams looked ready for what would most likely come.
Abel walked over to his own group. "Any sign?" he asked the soldiers there.
"None, sir."
"Good." Abel touched his radio. "Sargent Kudza, what's the situation on the rest of the ship?"
"The rebel forces haven't managed to take any notable locations," the Sargent replied. "Captain Nightlord is leading the security team near the bridge in its defense."
Seth?
Abel blinked.
What the hell was his little sister doing so close to the bridge?
A thought for later. For now, he had to trust his sister had the situation well in hand.
"Another group is heading towards the medical bay from the starboard side," Sargent Kudza continued the report.
The group was heading for Abel's team then.
"What about the engines and the security office?" Abel asked.
"Only a small skirmish has happened here. There has been no sign of activity near the engines."
"Are any of the security team near to the engines?"
"A small group," Kudza reported. "They've set up a barricade and are holding there."
"Good. Have you seen any sign of Major Nightlord?"
"He appeared briefly. It looked as though the enemy has him captured and were heading for the cargo hold."
"Understood, keep me informed, Sargent."
"Sir!"
Damn it, Cain! Abel gritted his teeth. He'd have to secure this area before rescuing his idiot brother.
"Be ready," Abel instructed the soldiers around.
They readied their guns.
The sound of boots echoed off the metal walls, clear as day to Abel. The group wasn't even trying to hide their presences.
"Fire!" Abel's command was followed by a thunder of guns firing.
The bullets sprayed out.
Screams sounded from the rebel group.
"Retreat!" the voice came from the back of the group.
Not yet!
Abel darted passed his soldiers and grabbed the rebel who called for the retreat.
He pulled the man back behind the barricade before his group could even register what had happened.
The man struck the ground with a resounding thud.
"What cargo hold did you take Cain to?" Abel demanded.
The rebel gasped.
"Where?"
"Like I'd tell you."
Abel snarled. His gun clicked as the muzzle rested against the rebel's masked, right where his forehead would be.
"I don't know!" the rebel shouted. "We weren't told more than just the fact the major had been captured."
"Really?" Abel's finger moved to the trigger. His finger started to pull the trigger back.
"Nine!" the man stammered. "He was taken to cargo hold nine! Please, don't kill me."
Tabitha and Barack raced over to Abel's group.
"Take him into custody," Abel instructed the soldiers. "Lieutenant Williams, I am going to mount a rescue for Major Nightlord." Abel forced back the urge to scowl at calling Cain by rank.
"Understood, sir. I can gather a small group and head for his location," Tabitha stated.
"I'm leaving you in charge here, Lieutenant Williams. I'll go after the major myself."
"Sir, that isn't—"
Abel's look silenced her.
"Very well, sir, but take Lieutenant Barack and Private Asran with you."
The two might be more of a hindrance than a help, but a team of one wasn't a team.
Abel turned to Barack. "Where is Private Asran?"
"I'll get him." Barack raced off.
"Stay in contact with Sargent Kudza," Abel continued. "He will pass off information of the enemies' movements."
"Understood, Sir!"
x – Solomon – x
Gunfire and shouts were muffled only by the door and the distance Solomon was from it. His gaze remained locked on the door, flickering to Doctor Williams only to check the man's location.
The doctor had moved from Solomon in order to aid the few injured who had trickled in. Soft moans could only just be heard over the noise of the doctors and battle beyond the medical bay.
Solomon's gaze flickered to where Kayson was tending other soldiers.
The doctor kept glancing over in Solomon's direction. It would be impossible to sneak out and aid with the fight beyond the medical bay until Kayson stopped watching Solomon.
More soldiers appeared through the door. One was carrying the other in. Blood coated the soldier's face and stained the white of his uniform red.
Solomon couldn't look away.
His ears rang.
He was utterly useless to these men while in bed. He was the in command of the security team and yet he couldn't do anything to help them until the doctor stopped watching him.
Doctor Williams raced over to the two soldiers. The one released her injured companion. She watched for a time before Doctor Williams shooed her away.
All of the doctor's attention was on the wounded soldier.
There wouldn't be another chance for Solomon to leave the medical bay.
He slipped off the bed and moved carefully to the exit. None of the doctors noticed him and he managed to leave medical bay.
The thundering sound of gunfire pierced Solomon's ears.
Solomon blinked and glanced around. Many of the soldiers were racing in the direction of the elevator, leaving only a few to guard the medical bay.
This wasn't good. At this rate the civilians within would be left unguarded.
"With me!" Solomon called to the few soldiers not following Lieutenant Williams.
They glanced at him before nodding.
"Form a line between the enemy and the medical bay," Solomon instructed. His ring warmed on his finger.
A bullet whizzed passed his and struck the medical bay door.
Solomon turned. The warmth of the ring increased until a bright beam shot from the glass gem.
A scream was drowned in the sounds of gunfire.
The soldiers around Solomon had responded to Solomon's ring going off.
Solomon's hand shook from the ring's weight. He forced his hand steady and continued to fire on the oncoming enemy.
"We need to protect the civilians!" a voice shouted.
Solomon dared not glance towards the sound.
The enemy was pressing harder than ever to get at the scarcely guarded medical bay.
"Get the barrier back over the entrance to the medical."
A blur of white shot out from the soldiers who had pressed towards the elevator. The lanky figure fired on the oncoming enemy
Abel!
Solomon's lips twitched.
Good.
He fired, joining with his commanding officer from the direction of the medical.
Tabitha's shout was drowned by the sounds of the battle. Only a small piece of her voice could be heard to know she had shouted something.
Abel forced his way further into the enemy line.
"Provide cover fire to the Lieutenant Colonel," Solomon ordered the soldiers around him.
Their fire changed to cover Abel's advance.
Solomon forced himself to watch both Abel's position and that of the oncoming enemy.
Abel was a one-man army and here Lieutenant Williams had been dead set on protecting him. Out of everyone here, he was the last person who needed protection.
"Forward," Solomon pushed himself into a run as he followed Abel.
If he moved out of range, then the soldiers around Solomon and Solomon wouldn't be able to provide cover fire for him.
"Push the enemy back!"
Fire seared through Solomon as his body strand to keep pace with the Lieutenant Colonel's orders.
A breath shuddered from his lips. He wouldn't let his condition stop him now. Not when there was a threat against the colony.
Solomon forced himself to keep firing his ring at the enemy out of Abel's reach. There was no way in hell he would let this commander die.
Inch by agonizing inch the enemy was pushed back. The enemy was forced into a full retreat.
Air tore at Solomon's lungs. He leaned against the wall. The pain stabbed through his entire body. The raw flavor of blood trickled into his mouth. He swallowed, forcing back the urge to pant while the blood was in mouth.
His arms shook.
There was more to come, and he needed to help take charge of the situation. He couldn't move. Every fiber of his being protested against the mere thought of continuing the battle.
Breathe.
Solomon's breath sounded harsh, uneven, horrible.
"Lieutenant."
Oh no.
Solomon's body stiffened against his will. He forced his pain reddened muscles to relax and straightened. "Sir!" Solomon saluted his commanding officer.
His gaze locked on Abel's. A flicker of concern was reflected there.
It could be Abel had seen through Solomon.
"Take a third of the forces and setup a barricade to the right of the medical bay."
"Understood, sir." Solomon saluted once more. He moved off, keeping his steps even, careful of the fire coursing through his body.
"Stop right there." Lieutenant Williams stepped into Solomon's path. Her eyes flashed in the light of the hall; arms crossed. "Lieutenant Solomon, go back into the medical bay."
Solomon opened his mouth.
"Now," she ordered. "I will see to your barricade."
Solomon didn't move. His ring warmed on his finger as his hand balled into a fist. He had been given an order by the Lieutenant Colonel.
"If my husband has to come out here in the middle of a battle searching for you, I swear I will flay you alive," she snapped, gaze harsh.
"Understood." Solomon nodded to her and moved back to the medical bay.
He really was useless. If only he was helpful. Granted, if he was, he might never had joined the military in the first place.
"What were you thinking?" Doctor William demanded.
Solomon barely noticed the doctor or the fact he was stirring Solomon back to the bed he had abandoned.
There had to be something more Solomon could do. Anything at all to just be of use to the colony and more importantly to Lieutenant Colonel Nightlord.
Fire still burned his muscles at the slightest motion. His body strained to keep him walking.
In the here and now, Solomon would be useless to both his commanding officer and the colony. He had to face the fact he wasn't healthy. He would never live up to the trust first shown him earlier today.
"Here." The doctor forced a plastic cup into Solomon's hand.
Familiar pills were within.
The doctor sighed. "Look, Lieutenant," he started, "you honestly shouldn't be here."
Solomon looked at the doctor. "Pardon?"
"It was clear to the UN you hacked your way into the colony," the doctor's voice dropped.
It was? Then why had they let him leave without issue?
"Your too great an asset to them for you to have been removed no matter your physical health."
Ah, that was it. His skills were still needed which was why he was to aid both security and the science team.
"If you're not careful, you could lose what little time you have left."
What did it matter if he only a few months rather than a year? In the end he would die.
"Try to get some rest. When the fighting has died down, you should contact your family. They'll be worried about you."
That was a laughable statement. His parents hadn't been "worried" about Solomon in years. It would only be a worry about how Solomon's health impacted his father's image.
"Thank you for the advice," Solomon stated, "but it is for the best I don't contact them."
Kayson's eyes narrowed.
Solomon laid back on the bed.
He couldn't even get through out battle without having to pulled back into the medical bay.
Useless, that was what he was. Utterly useless.
(Author's note: All right, so the scene between Abel and Lilith. In the original write I had taken this scene from the manga where Lilith talks about him starting another fight. Looking back at it now, it doesn't make sense one bit. So we'll just say that scene is much earlier in Abel's life (like several months before this story starts).
Also anyone wondering where the Kudza name comes from it is one the spellings for Enderless Kudza or Endre Kourza depending on the material in question. He was the antagonist in the From the Empire arch. Thus, the Sargent Kudza is his ancestor.)