Bess filled her lungs with the sweet smell of fresh air as she exited the tent and made for her own. She knew Morgan always stashed away an extra this or that. He'd be able to locate a spare blanket for her quickly. She was surprised to find him sitting morosely by the fire. He jumped to his feet when he saw her.

"Morgan, I need a few extra blankets."

"And, I need an explanation."

"An explanation about what?"

"An explanation about why you've decided to switch from being my wife to suddenly become Florence Nightingale? Why do you have to tend the sick? We already have a doctor to do that."

"Morgan, Julia's sick. She needed help. Besides, I was the only one who could show her how to use the flesh flies."

Morgan shuddered and threw his hands up, calling a halt to everything. "Don't! I don't want you to ever mention those....things again."

"Mention what? Maggots? Morgan, they're a part of nature."

"Bess, I fell in love with you because I saw you as a sweet, beautiful, delicate woman. I can't stand to think you would know about such things, much less...." He braced himself. "..much less, be an authority on such disgusting creatures. And then, you let me think you discovered a wonderful new drug. I was ready to name those things after us."

"Morgan, you were the one who insisted on that. Remember? You wanted witnesses to be sure no one stole it from us."

"You have to remind me!! You have no idea the slings and arrows I've been suffering."

"You're right, I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Oh, little snide remarks directed my way. Like, 'Your wife knows a lot about worms.' or 'There's a definite resemblance, you should name it after yourself.'"

His wife sighed. "Morgan, I have no time for this. If you don't know where I can find blankets, tell me. I'll look for them somewhere else."

"Bess, you know I'll move heaven and earth for you. You only need to ask."Morgan made an elaborate display out of turning and walking back to their tent. A few seconds after he entered, he came out and handed her a few blankets.

"Thank you."

"It's all right. I won't need them. You know I can't sleep without you," he said sadly.

"Morgan, I know I've been ignoring you, but things are worse then we knew. Alonzo is critical. Now, Julia is sick. I need to do what I can until Julia is well enough to find out what is suppressing their immune systems."

"I know. It's just this terrible waiting, not knowing what is happening...I want to be with you..to help...but my stomach doesn't like....well you know....and then my feet get afraid and it kind of works its way up. Bess, I miss you and I guess I'm feeling helpless...and lonely right now."

"Oh, Morgan." His wife threw her arms around him. "I miss you too. As soon as I can, I'll be back."

"Promise?"

"I promise. Thanks for finding the blankets."

She kissed him. He seemed a lost child without her at times, but that was part of why she loved him.

Danziger caught up with her as she returned to the medical tent. When he asked for an update, Bess was more than willing to answer any of his questions.

As he mulled over the information, she asked one of her own. "How are you? Julia was sure you'd be next."

"I'm fine. Tell her, I hope to prove her wrong. I think I'm beginning to heal. My hands are itching."

"No sign of infection?"

"Nope."

"Well, that's one thing to be thankful for."

"Bess, let me know if I can do anything to help. I know we can't go anywhere right now, but we can't stay here indefinitely either."

"I understand."

"Good." Danziger left her looking after him as he walked purposely away.

Bess looked from the mechanic to the hillside. She wondered, along with the rest of the crew, why the Terrians maintained their vigil over the camp. Since the mistake with geolock, both she and Morgan were uncomfortable with the creatures. They were too unforgiving to suit her. After all, anyone could make a mistake. Just look at how she had forgiven Julia for what she did to Morgan. Now, here she was helping her as if none of it had ever happened. The Terrians could learn a lot from our example, she told herself. Yale met her as she entered the tent.

"Is something wrong?" Morgan's wife looked in alarm from Julia toward the room which held Alonzo.

"Right after you left, Julia cried out again. Alonzo became very restless. I think he knew something was wrong."

"Did you tell him anything?"

"No, I didn't think that would be wise. He's under enough stress. I gave him more morphine. Enough to last until Julia wakes up, I think."

Together, they waited as the hours passed. Yale assisted Bess when the time came to clean the doctor's hand. Julia never moved during the whole procedure. Later, as they sat beside their charges, they both nodded with exhaustion.

Julia woke in the dim light of dawn. What time was it? How long had she slept? Sitting up too quickly, the room tilted, shadows spun wildly. She groaned, closing her eyes against a sudden vertigo and gripped the side of the cot. It took a moment for her to realize that, while stiff and sore, her hands no longer held the fire of the previous day.

"Julia, you'll be fine. Just take it slow. Okay?" Bess's voice penetrated the darkness and the other woman's hands were on her shoulders, easing her back down.

"How long.....?" The doctor tried to swallow. Her throat felt like the SandRail had driven through it.

"How about some water? I bet that would taste good."

Julia felt Bess's arm slide under her for support. The hard surface of the cup touched her mouth. She gulped the cool liquid greedily, ignoring the sting of cracked lips. Her body seemed to absorb the water as quickly as she drank, her thirst unquenchable.

"Easy, easy."

Julia relented only after she drained the cup. The doctor fell back panting, realizing she had forgotten to breathe.

"Alonzo...is he all right? What about Walman...Danziger...?

"Alonzo is still out. Yale has been giving him the dose you recommended. I haven't seen Walman but Danziger's hands are healing fine. There is no sign of infection."

"That's not possible."

"It's not only possible, it's true. I saw it myself."

Julia was so quiet, Bess thought she had fallen back to sleep. Finally, she said. "Help me up. I never checked the slides from yesterday. I have to do a comparison. I can't believe I've been so blind, Bess. It's been there all along and the Terrians.. they tried to tell me but I didn't understand.."

"Julia, you're starting to sound a little crazy. Why don't you lie back and rest awhile. The slides aren't going anywhere."

"No, I can't afford to waste any more time. The three of us will get sick again but, if what you say is true, then somewhere in Danziger's physiology lies the key. His body has beaten the toxin. I have to run tests, analyze the results to find out what it is and how it works."

"Yale! Will you give me a hand, please." Bess called out.

Julia took new blood samples from Danziger and Walman. She retrieved the koba claw and ran cultures. By the end of the day, she was confident enough to share the results with the others. She talked to Walman and Danziger over gear as Bess and Yale stood by.

"I'll simplify it by saying that the death-like state caused by the koba's venom also killed the plant's toxin. That's why your burns did not become infected like ours, John."

"You're sure."

"If you're asking if I'm sure to my hypothesis, the answer is yes. Test results have confirmed it."

Danziger looked over at Walman. "Looks like you get stuck after all."

"Hey, if you're sure it works, I'll be the first volunteer, Doc." Under his breath, he said to Danziger, "I don't think I could take another of Bess' cures."

"Julia, what's the possibility of all of you taking the injection so everyone wakes up around the same time. We need to get moving."

"It's not that simple." Julia beat back a rising anger. "Alonzo is in critical condition. He been receiving injections of a potent analgesic and narcotic drug for pain. The added stress of koba venom causing a total shutdown could kill him."

Danziger sighed. "Look, there's a reason why we can't stay here. I didn't want add more worry on top of everything you have to deal with, but Baines found tracks. The two that attacked Alonzo might have been part of a larger band. The sooner we get out of here, the better."

The mechanic saw the doctor doing some mental calculations.

"What's your best guess on how long it will be before you can give Alonzo the shot?"

"I need 24 hrs to clear most of the drug from his system. He'll suffer some withdrawal, plus the pain of his wounds. He'll have to be monitored closely."

"No chance of you taking the injection with Walman and letting Yale watch Alonzo?"

"Absolutely not!" Julia jumped up and began to pace. "Look, the best I can do is this; after I inject Alonzo with the venom, there will be nothing more I can do. Then and only then will I inject myself. I should recover before he does, so I'll be able to ease his transition back."

"So how much time are we talking?"

"I'll inject Walman shortly. In twenty-four hours, he should recover. In that same period of time, I hope to wean Alonzo off the morphine. If everything goes according to plan, then I'll inject Alonzo and myself. We should be down for the same period of time - total of forty-eight hours, give or take a few."

"And after that? Can he travel?" Danziger saw a strange look in Julia's eyes. "Julia?"

"I can't say. I'm not even sure he'll make it, but I have no other option. The koba venom at least gives him a chance.

Julia signed off and prepared the injection for Walman.

"Bess, I wonder if I can ask you to--"

"Watch over Walman till he recovers? Sure. I was about to volunteer. Morgan's feeling lonely and neglected, but I'm sure he won't mind watching Walman as long as we can be together."

"Bess, I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate all you have done. Please tell Morgan, I'll make sure you get credit in the medical log for the...what did you decided to call them again?"

Bess laughed. "This may be the one time that Morgan ever passed on receiving credit for anything. As for a name...just call them Bess' Medical Miracle Maggots."

For the first time in days, Julia returned her smile.

Later that night, as Bess and Morgan made up for lost time while Walman slept, Julia hovered over Alonzo. She had sent Yale off for some much needed rest, assuring him she would call him if Alonzo proved too much for her to handle.

The twin moons of G889 were somewhere on the other side of the planet. A sparkling array of diamond stars splattered a night sky the color of black velvet. Oblivious to the dazzling display above her, Julia worked in the halo of warm light cast by the lantern. She prepared the decreasing doses of morphine she would give Alonzo over the following hours.

"Alonzo?"

The pilot's head turned in her direction. She saw his bound hand open and reach out. The drug was wearing off. He would be looking for another dose to combat the rising level of pain. She wanted him to know of her plan while he was coherent enough to understand what was going to happen. She began to explain about the toxin, how it was necessary that they use the koba venom to eradicate it from their systems.

"Danziger is healing. Walman's immune system should kick in as soon as he wakes. As soon as I'm sure Walman is stable, I'll inject you and then myself. I expect to be here when you recover but I want you to know that, due to the severity of your wounds, there are risks. Do you understand?"

He nodded and tried to speak. The tube interfered. Julia detected frustration.

"I can remove the tube but only for a little while. Do you still want it out?"

He nodded yes again.

He tried not to flinch as the unyielding, hard plastic hosing passed over the delicate, inflamed tissue in his nose and throat. When it was free, he tried to ask for water but the sound was garbled. Julia's arm passed under his shoulders, supporting him as she helped him to drink. He felt every bit of the water's tortuous journey. He hoped the exchange would bring back his voice. There were things he needed to say, questions he needed answers to.

After resting a bit, he tried again. "Jul...need..."

"I know you need another dose of morphine, I want you to understand it will not have the effect you are used to..."

"Nooo...release me."

"The restraints?"

He felt the bonds loosen and he managed to catch her gloved hand in his. She tensed for just a second then became passive under his grip.

"Stay..."

"Yes, I'll be with you from now on. I promise. I'll be beside you when I take my injection. Your face will be the last and first thing I see." She brushed his hair with her free hand.

"Want..to see...you, too."

"I know." She bit her lip. "It's too soon yet. Because of the toxin, there has been no healing. Your corneas have been irritated remember? Your eyes need to heal and that won't happen right away. It will take a few days."

"Dream..."

"You had a dream, a Terrian dream?"

He swallowed and half nodded. He wanted to tell her about the dream, but the pain was gaining on him. Without meaning to, he groaned against a sudden spike.

Julia waited. She saw him grimace, his features twisting. The doctor pressed
the nozzle against the pilot's skin. "This will help. I'll be right here if you need me, fly-boy"

The spray brought instant relief. Alonzo drifted. He guided the shuttle toward the landing, gliding softly into New Pacifica. O'Neill would know he was as good as his reputation now. He looked to his right. In his mind's eye, it was Julia he saw, not O'Neill. She placed the diagnostic glove on the back of his neck and checked the readouts.

"Your reputation precedes you." An echo from the past.

What should he say to breach the wall between them?

"I don't have one."

"You don't have what?" Julia's was aware that the morphine might be talking. Above the bandages on his eyes, the pilot's brow wrinkled in confusion.

"Don't know. Think I went for a ride...wiped out."

"Yes, you did but you're going to be all right. I'm going to take care of you until you're well again."

"I know..you're the best doctor around.....I checked." A ghost of a smile touched his lips as Alonzo fell into a dreamless sleep.

Julia swallowed a rising lump. How long ago had he told her that? Time was a scrapbook of memories, full of the richness of friendships lost along the way.

Julia found herself thinking about the ultimate gamble that took them across the universe. Devon's incredible optimism. Her determination to save her son and a generation of sick children. She had led her people to the promised land only to be denied a glimpse of seeing her hope fulfilled.

Her legacy had been passed to Danziger. For the mechanic, a lengthy trip out of debt had turned into the unwanted responsibility of Devon's child and the success of her mission. John had no desire to be their leader, but he would honor Devon's trust to the end.

Alonzo moaned, bringing her thoughts back to the present. Had she brought him to this somehow? Their relationship had been stormy and had come about despite her initial resistance. She hadn't lied when she told him he frightened her. He was like some great magnetic force, drawing her into oblivion.

Alonzo, the sleep-jumper -- the man who refused to claim or be claimed by anyone or anything. He lived for the future, the unknown.

"You know the best thing about jockeying 'cross the universe?" he had asked her. "The future. Getting to wake up and be there. It was never the destination I looked forward to. It was the passage of time."

She hadn't understood. She loved a man she didn't understand and that frightened her. The doctor, the brilliant physician who understood how every atom and molecule were related in the great scheme of life.

Then again, he never understood her desire for order, the need to follow what was safe and sensible, to have a carefully thought-out plan.

"What's the use of making plans when you have no idea what to expect?"

"We can't just blunder forward with no preparation.."

"Why not? Take a lesson from the Terrians: Let nature take its course."

His voice startled her. "Julia?"

"I'm right here."

"Pain's bad...need something."

"It's not time yet. Try to hold on a while longer."

"It's time..don't torture me."

She tried to explain again why the drug had to be reduced.

He didn't answer her, couldn't really hear what she said over the thousands of screaming nerve-endings.

"Alonzo?"

"Please! Why won't you give it to me? Is it because I wasn't suppose to land? I'm not suppose to be here, am I?"

Julia's answer was silent, to herself. 'No, you're here because of me. Because of the fight we had.'

"Oh God...it hurts." Shaking and sobbing, he began to curl, trying to protect himself from the pain.

Julia held him back. "No! Alonzo, I'm going to have put you back in restraints."

"No!" He raised his arm against her "Why are doing this to me? I can't see! I can't see you." His hand moved toward his eyes.

She gave him another shot of the drug before he could pull the bandages from his eyes. She waited. Gradually, he relaxed into a semi-sleep. She straightened, then lightly wrapped the restraining belts around his limbs, tightening them gradually. After this dose of the drug wore off, his next reaction would be worse.

It came in the early hours of the morning, the scream that had them sitting up in their beds, full of the agony and terror that drives men mad.

Yale was up, almost ready to check in on Julia. He arrived breathless, without his coat. He found the doctor standing beside the pilot, Alonzo straining against the bed straps.

Julia looked up at the tutor. "This can't go on. I'm ready to put him down -- give him the venom."

"If you think it's safe."

"I don't know if it's safe no matter how long I wait. Some doctor, huh?"

"You're doing the best you can. Don't be too hard on yourself, Julia."

Yale saw she had arranged everything. Her cot was close beside his. The capsule containing the clear venom, loaded in the hypo-spray in her hand. She seemed to lack the will to take the final step.

"Would you rather have me do it?"

Her eyes became distant. "No. The responsibility is mine. It's just that...." She never finished her thought, instead she leaned forward and emptied the spray into the pilot's arm.

Alonzo stiffened, then crumpled against her arm. She saw the color drain from his face as it took on a death-like pallor. Fear seized Julia by the throat. She was suddenly weak as if struck by a mortal blow. Yale looked from the pilot to the doctor. He saw her hand tremble as she reached to check the pilot's vital signs.

Julia closed her eyes, forcing herself to breathe. 'Proceed with your carefully laid out plan,' she told herself. When she opened them, it was to settle herself on the cot beside Alonzo, load the hypo-spray and press it against her arm.

"Julia, wait!" Yale hurried to her side. "Is there anything else? Anything we should know?"

She looked up at him and shook her head sadly. In 24 hours they would have their answer. She pressed the trigger and felt the initial sting erupt into a spreading neuroparalysis. The scientist in her marveled at its awesome power even as the woman was swept away.

Yale sat on the cot beside her. Covering their seemingly lifeless bodies seemed a vain, worthless gesture. Neither she or Alonzo could feel heat or cold. The tutor felt like a player in the final act of a Shakespearean tragedy.

Around him lay the doomed lovers.

--end Part 9--