Davron : The Universe Is Not Enough part 4
Gary Weston
Davron : The Universe Is Not Enough part 4 © 2015 Gary Weston
Chapter 65
Doctor Crowe had asked Major Burns to join him in the medical room. Akrins ignored them, staring at the green glowing woman on the bed.
'Can you explain what the hell is going on here, Doctor?' Burns demanded.
Crowe said, 'Not at all. All I know is that Nurse Golightly's condition has improved. Not much, but enough to hopefully keep her alive until we can get her to the hospital. I'm not sure what is going on, but even since the last time I saw her, her vital signs have improved.'
'Toby. Can you explain it?'
Akrins finally turned away from Golightly and looked up at Burns.
'It's what she does.'
Burns shared a puzzled look with Crowe, then Burns said, 'It's what who does, Toby? Not April, that's for sure.'
Akrins was being asked to explain something he nor anyone else fully understood. He decided it wasn't up to him to even try to explain it to anyone.
'April will live. That's all that counts.'
Burns realised he wasn't getting more from Akrins and with a nod of his head called the doctor to follow him outside. They closed the door after them leaving Akrins to watch over April.
'That...green glow,' said Burns. 'Ever seen anything like it?'
'Never. Perhaps he's right. She'll live and that's all that counts.'
Burns persisted. 'Is Akrins doing it?'
Crowe shrugged and replied, 'Anything's possible, I suppose. They're not from Earth. They claim to be human, but...'
'All medical tests confirm they are human. The Romulus is more advanced than any ship we have. But this...It's more like witchcraft.'
Crowe said, 'I heard rumours they might not be entirely trustworthy. Even with the aliens attacking us. After all, we've never seen the enemy. We have no idea what they look like.'
'Rubbish! These people have fought along side us. Risking their lives. I don't buy into that rumour.'
'Then how do you explain that green glow?'
Burns said, 'I can't. We'll get to the bottom of this once we get back to Earth. Keep an eye on April.' Then he added, 'And Akrins.'
With that said, he walked away.
Chapter 66
'She's locked herself in our room,' said Patrick. 'She just won't talk to me. What the hell have I done now? Help me out here, Liz.'
'You think this a woman thing?' asked Danders.
'Believe it or not, I've very little experience when it comes to understanding you women.'
Danders chuckled and said, 'Actually, I do believe it. But Jazz is a what you see is what you get kind of girl. Have you two had words?'
'Not that I'm aware of. Could she be ill?'
'She seemed ok to me. Just let her come out in her own good time. I really don't think you...' The screen suddenly changing caught her eye. 'Oh. Major Burns. How's the ship?'
'Good enough to get us home thanks to Toby. We do, however have a situation here. April Golightly has turned green. Does Toby Akrins have some kind of special powers I don't know about?'
Patrick said, 'He's a wizard with a tool-kit, but not much else as far as I know. Hang on. Did you say April is green?'
'Yes. Glowing with a green aura. Ring any bells?'
Patrick thought of a certain Jasmine Belle. 'Give me a moment to confer with our pilot.' He cut the sound and turned to Danders. 'Jazz. She's inside April. At least her spirit is.'
Danders agreed. 'She's risking her life to save April. That is so Jazz Belle.'
'Her body is on our bed but she is really on Burns' ship. That's why she hasn't answered me. But what do I tell Burns?'
'A tough one. My instinct is to tell him as little as possible. Bluff your way out of it.'
Patrick said, 'Not my strong point. Liz...'
'Oh, Patrick. Ok. I'll try.' She turned on the sound. 'Major Burns. All I can think to say is that it's the power of love at work. '
Burns said, 'Power of...what are you talking about? Do we have something to worry about?'
Patrick said, 'April. How is she apart from the green?'
'Actually improving. Doctor Crowe is sure she'll make it until we reach Earth.'
Danders said, 'Well, there you are, then. Never underestimate the power of love.'
Burns looked about to explode. 'You know something, don't you. You're not going to tell me, I can tell.'
Patrick said, 'My advice? Just leave them alone. Don't disturb them.'
'Is that all I'm getting?'
'Err...Yes, sir.'
'Right. Over.'
Chapter 67
'Toby. Toby.'
'Hmm? Oh. Oh, thank God. April. Ooh my back.'
April weakly squeezed Akrins' hand and with her free hand removed the mask. 'Have you been here all the time?'
'It feels like it. She's gone.'
'Who has gone?'
Akrins smiled. 'It doesn't matter. How are you feeling?'
'Weird. Like my whole insides are on fire. Do I have a fever?'
Akrins placed his palm on her forehead. 'A little warm. Nothing to worry about. We're on our way to Earth. The hospital can look after you then.'
'I remember the ship being hit. Anyone else hurt?'
Akrins said, 'Doctor Crowe took a blow to the head and Bruce Murray hurt his arm. You were hurt the most. April. I was so scared I'd lose you.'
'Hey. You don't get rid of me that easily.'
'Can I get you anything? Something to eat?'
April said, 'Nothing to eat. I still feel all mixed up inside. Water would be good.'
'Coming right up.' Akrins got water and gently lifted her head so she could sip. 'Enough?'
'Thank you. Have you eaten?'
'Come to mention it, I don't remember when I last had anything.'
April smiled and said, 'Then go and get something.'
'I will. Now I know you'll be ok. I'll send in Doctor Crowe.'
Akrins almost skipped out of the medical room and made his way to the flight-deck. Captain Castell and Major Burns both looked suspiciously at him.
'Akrins.'
'Major Burns. April's come round. She's going to make it. Great news, yeah?'
Burns deadpan expression didn't change. 'What did you do to her?'
'Me?'
Castell said, 'That green glow. What was that?'
'It wasn't me. Look. If you don't mind, I need to eat before I keel over.'
Akrins started to head off to the galley but Burns grabbed his arm.
'If it wasn't you, who did it?'
Akrins pulled Burns' hand off his arm. 'I think what's more important is April will live, don't you? Ask Doctor Crowe to see her. I'm off for a feed. If that's ok with you. Sir.'
Burns nodded and Akrins walked away.
'They're in it together,' said Burns.
Castell replied, 'He's right, though. April is what matters. I'll call Doctor Crowe to go and see her. Cut Toby some slack, ok?'
'Yeah.'
Chapter 68
For the remainder of the thankfully uneventful journey back to Earth, April was fussed over by the besotted Akrins and managed to eat a little and even braved a shower which Castell helped her with while Akrins was working with Bruce Murray on maintenance.
'Feeling better, April?' Castell asked.
'I wouldn't go that far. Better than I was. Doctor Crowe said I still require surgery and I mustn't overdo it.'
Castell patted the wheelchair. 'And I'm taking you right back to bed. At least you are in your own bed now. April. Do you remember anything about what happened in the me
dical room?'
'I've had enough of Major Burns and Doctor Crowe grilling me over that. And no. This green light. I don't remember it at all. I did feel a bit strange when I woke up, though. Sort of hot inside. Probably part of the healing process.'
'That was quite a remarkable thing Toby did.'
April sat in the wheelchair. 'Stop fishing. Toby said he had nothing to do with it and I believe him.'
They reached the tiny single bunk-room allocated to April and Castell helped her into bed.
'Interesting what Liz Danders said about it being the power of love.'
April eased herself into the sheets. 'That's what she said?'
'Yes. What do you suppose she meant?'
April grinned. 'That Toby loves me?'
'The way he lights up when he looks at you tells us that. And I don't mean lights up green. Can I get you anything before I go?'
'I'm fine, thank you.'
Castell paused by the door. 'A pity these rooms are so small. Hardly room for one, let alone two.'
'Go drive the bus. I need to sleep.'
Castell winked at her and closed the door as she left the room.
As she took her seat on the flight-deck, Burns said, 'Get anything out of her?'
'As a matter of fact I did. A load of tangles out of her hair. Let it go, Major.'
'Fourteen hours until we get to Earth. Wake me up when we get there.'
Chapter 69
Five fighters had taken off, four landed on the pads and His Excellency was going to make sure that loss was acknowledged. He stood with the families of those killed in space and led the applause as the survivors stepped out of the ships; a medical team waiting to take April Golightly to hospital. Paul Davron greeted her first, so she could be whisked away for surgery.
'We're all so proud of you, April. Welcome home. Toby. You did an incredible job with the ship. Go take April away and look after her.'
'My pleasure, sir.'
As the medical team took Akrins and April away, her father following them, Paul greeted the others.
'Patrick. Glad to have you back home.'
'Thank you, sir. I see you left Muffin behind.'
'Ah! About that. Actually, there's something...Oh. One moment. Major Burns. One hell of a job you did out there.'
'It isn't over yet, sir. Can we talk?'
'Of course. But not now. Fix up a meeting through Miss Fathershom for tomorrow. I want to spend time with my son...I mean, Patrick.'
Burns said, 'Of course. Tomorrow. I'll see to my people, sir.'
With Burns gone, Paul said, 'Patrick. I'd like you to come with me. Your friends, also. Come on.'
Patrick, Belle, Danders and Matlock followed Paul to his chauffeur driven vehicle with the security escort vehicles to the rear and front. Paul didn't give anything away until they reached the outskirts of the city and pulled up on a large empty car-park.
'The zoo?' Patrick gasped. 'You haven't put Muffin in the zoo.'
'Not exactly.'
The large gates opened up and the chauffeur drove them inside, parking outside the enclosure. The driver got out and opened the door for His Excellency. They stopped by the large toughened glass viewing screen into the chimpanzee enclosure.
'I'm not happy about Muffin being in a zoo,' said Patrick.
'Then I suggest you take it up with that chap.'
Muffin had seen the party of humans and had noticed Patrick. He approached the screen, but not alone. He proudly showed off his mate.
Paul said, 'I believe her name is Peaches. They make a lovely couple, don't you think?'
Muffin flapped his wings and took off, clearing the barrier and landed next to Patrick, jumping up to plant a wet kiss on his face.
'I don't know. I leave you alone for a couple of days and you find a girlfriend.'
Belle said, 'Can't blame him. Peaches is far cuter than you.'
'As you can see,' said Paul. 'Muffin can come and go as he pleases. He chooses to stay here with Peaches.'
'It sure looks that way,' said Patrick. 'Ok, Muffin. Don't keep your girlfriend waiting. You just come and see me whenever you can spare me the time, ok?'
Muffin kissed Patrick, jumped onto the top of the barrier and swooped down to Peaches and the hairy pair ran off together.
Belle said, 'They have the right idea. You and I should do the same. Come on.'
Chapter 70
Leaving three fighters fully manned and ready to take off in a minute, the others were celebrating the safe return of their comrades. Burns was sharing a table with Lieutenant Carver, who had downed a bourbon too many.
'Green?' said Carver, 'Akrins turned Golightly green?'
'He swears not.'
'I rest my case.'
Burns said, 'I didn't know you had a case.'
'Aliens. They gotta be aliens. They claim to have gone F T L through into another dimension, conveniently finding our Earth, and now things turn green. Major. Wake up and smell the coffee. Right this minute they're with His Excellency. A brilliant piece of deception if ever I saw one.'
'The D N A...'
'Nothing more than slight of hand. Like that...that turning green shit.' Carver downed his drink and leaned forwards on the table. 'Major. You tell me right now you don't have any doubts about this so called Patrick bloody Davron.'
'I'm keeping an eye on the bunch of them,' admitted Burns.
Carver signalled the barman for a refill but the barman shook his head, refusing to serve him.
'I got my own booze back home,' said Carver, standing up unsteadily to go.
Burns reminded him. 'We might have to take off at any time. Go easy on the booze.'
Carver saluted. 'Sir. I just hope nothing happens to His Excellency in the meantime. Goodnight, sir.'
Carver swerved his way awkwardly through the crowd and crashed his way through the door. Burns downed his drink and with his head full of fresh doubts he too made his way home.
Chapter 71
'Sleep well?'
'Yes, sir. Thanks.'
'Patrick. Believe it or not, but being called sir or even worse, Excellency, gets a little tiresome. Please call me Paul.'
'Paul it is. I'm a little confused by this place. Very nice indeed, but hardly palatial.'
Paul chuckled and said, 'Not what you'd expect royalty would live in?'
'Something like that.'
'There's many who would agree. But there is a four hundred year old castle I live in when I'm not here. I intend to take you all there once this alien threat has been dealt with. But I'm a hereditary monarch. All my ancestors lived there at the castle. Very nice if you like living in a museum. And of course many memories of your mo...my wife. No. Here I can be myself at least some of the time. It's ridiculously secure, conveniently positioned in the city, and it has all I need.'
Patrick said, 'My biological father loved all things modern. Our home was more like a laboratory and workshop. Clinical. No character. I see why you like it here.'
Paul searched the eyes of the young man who looked so much like his late son. 'Perhaps I would enjoy my castle more with a family there.'
Patrick didn't know what to take from that. 'I hope to have a family of my own, one of these days.'
'With Jazz?'
'If she'll have me. We need to make this planet safe first.'
Paul asked, 'Where is Jazz?'
'She's having a long shower.'
Paul said, 'A lovely young woman. Make sure you tell her. Often. One hell of an adventure you had out there.'
'It got a bit hairy at times. I expect we'll be going again before too long.'
Paul poured them coffee and said, 'Know that for sure, do you?'
'Do I detect something deeper in that question?'
'You're very perceptive.' Paul sat opposite the young man who inexplicably shared his D N A. 'One or two people don't quite know what to make of you and your friends.'
'And you?'
Paul was staring at Patrick's face
. 'Patrick. My son. He had a little scar. Here. Above his right eye. Fell off his bicycle as a boy.'
Patrick uncovered his knee. 'I did this the same way.'
'It would help me...help everyone, if you explain a few things. How did Toby Akrins turn April Golightly green, for instance?'
'Toby didn't. I did,' said Belle, still drying her hair. 'I did.'
Patrick said, 'Jazz!'
'Paul's right. Time to explain.'
Paul stood up and said, 'Juice or coffee?'
'Juice, please,' said Belle, sitting at the table next to Patrick. 'I was given a small device by my commander before we took off to hunt Patrick down. He was the equivalent of Burns here, but he was a general. He gave me the thing I used to help April. Don't ask me how it works, because I've no idea. It killed the inventor, I do know that much.'
'Paul gasped. 'Good grief. And yet you used it?'
'I won't make a habit of it. It was modified after the inventor's death. Made safer. It has the ability to tune in with my alpha waves so that I can leave my body. It works by holographic projection, so hence the green glow. Burns wanted me to kill Patrick. Using that device I was able to go from my ship the Venom to the Romulus to meet with Patrick. Doing this I realised he isn't quite the monster he was made out to be.'
Patrick grinned and said, 'Ah, shucks. Nice of you to say so, Ma'am.'
'Behave. Anyway, in that state it is possible for me to enter a sick or injured person and my energy helps them through it. I had to use it on Patrick.'
Paul said, 'He looks ok to me. So you risked using it for Nurse Golightly?'
Belle nodded and said, 'Toby loves April so much, I had to try. With luck she'll pull through.'
Paul said, 'I had an update from the hospital from Toby earlier. She's out of danger, had minor surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. '
'Great news,' said Patrick. 'Paul. Our Earth was in a bad way. You think you had a few wars here? Our Earth could be finished now for all we know.'
'So you took the Romulus to get away from it?'
Patrick said, 'Not exactly. Well, not Jazz or the others. I did that. I helped design that ship with my father. He built it in his company. My father wasn't anything like you. He was ruthless in business. I discovered he was supplying both sides with arms, perpetuating the war. People died so he could get even richer. I tried to do something about it. I got into the main factory to blow it up. The place was supposed to be empty. It wasn't. Somebody died.'
'I think I know who. Your father.'