Excerpt The Tells of Cutezar

Excerpt The Tells of Cutezar

By Jo Bower

CHAPTER THREE

“If it weren't for a weapons specialist, I wouldn't be here right now.”

Captain Brodsky grew concerned as he listened to Craig’s explanation of laser’s destruction.

“For some reason I remembered what Dorinda said about the engineering glitch. Did they figure it out?”

“Yes and no,” the Captain said, thoughtfully. “They decided it was a power surge. But no one has encountered anything like it before, so protection wasn't built in. So far we haven't figured out where it came from. LaShonya thinks it and the power burst yesterday are related. She and her directors are on board now running more atmospheric studies.”

“Captain Brodsky to the bridge,” the Captain’s comm button summoned him. “I’ve gotta go. Check back with me before you return to the surface.”

They went toward the turbo lift.

“Chaplain?” Craig’s comm button spoke and they stopped.

“Lea here,” he answered.

“Craig, Oliver here. You’ll be pleased to know we found another set of moving stones. They are located five meters below the first set. They are located to the right of the others and open by pushing the upper left hand corner.”

“It’s a strange puzzle.” Craig answered. “Thanks for letting me know. I’ll make sure I check them out when I return.”

“You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?” The Captain observed, amused.

“Uh-huh, and the scientists are humoring me,” Craig smiled.

“Well, you’ve helped most of them through some sort of difficulty in the last year. And they like you.” The Captain entered the turbo lift. “Check back before you leave,” he repeated his order.

The crew came to attention as Captain Brodsky stepped onto the bridge. “As you were,” he murmured.

“LaShonya, did you find anything new?” he asked.

“Craig and I were sitting on the tell yesterday morning, and I thought the air felt charged. Kind of like before a storm,” LaShonya told him. Being raised in rural southwestern New Mexico, the Captain nodded in understanding. “So I’m running tests on the electrical charges in the air.”

“Anything interesting?”

She nodded. “For one thing, the charge grows stronger, then subsides. For another, something strange happens with the negatives and positives. It’s like they change places periodically. It’s not something that happens in Earth’s atmosphere.”

“Could this explain the engineering glitch and hand lasers spontaneously powering up?”

“Maybe. The switching releases a lot of energy.”

“Any danger to the people on the surface?” The Captain wondered.

“It could cause an energy build up, but I don’t think it’s dangerous,” she replied.

“Captain?” Lt. Phil Reecer interrupted, “Message coming through from security team three.”

“On screen.”

The picture flickered once then became clear.

“Captain Brodsky?”

“Brodsky here. What is it, Nuilla?”

“Sir, you’ll never believe what I’m looking at.” The security commander’s voice matched his incredulous expression.

“Reecer, scan the area and put it on screen.”

“Yes sir,” Reecer replied then spoke to the computer.

The bridge crew gasped as the picture materialized.

“Any sign of life?” Captain Brodsky’s voice sounded strangled.

“No, sir,” Commander Nuilla replied. “But there seems to be some sort of force field around it. I can’t get close enough to touch it.”

“What is it?” Commander Houng, second in command, asked.

Captain Brodsky suddenly came to life. Swiveling his chair around, he started issuing orders. “LaShonya, get every scientist on board up here, and tell surface personnel to view this with us.”

“Yes, sir!” She went to the communication station.

“Captain, Lea here.”

The captain touched his comm button, “Craig?”

“I’m checking in. I’m on my way to transporter room one. You wanted to talk to me?”

“You’re not going anywhere. Report to the bridge immediately. Brodsky out.”

“What happened?” Craig asked the air.

He started to announce himself as he stepped out of the turbo lift, but words refused to form. All he could do was stare at the viewing screen.

Pyramid-shaped buildings, clustered in groups of three’s, filled the screen. Their peaks protruded from clear dome-shaped awnings fastened to the buildings approximately three meters above the ground. Between the buildings the awnings extended to the ground, creating a plaza in the center of each cluster of buildings. Enclosed walkways connected the clusters.

Returning to reality, Craig became aware of the turbo lift doors swishing behind him as more people joined the scientists already crowding the bridge. Voices from the surface jammed communications frequencies, echoing the same questions people on the bridge expressed.

“Is it inhabited?”

“Any signs of life?”

“Why didn’t it show up on our scans?”

“Isn’t this planet supposed to be uninhabited?”

The Captain broke into the curious chatter. “Get the co-ordinates of the team and lock on in case we have to remove them quickly,” he ordered.

“Yes, sir,” the tactical officer acknowledged. “Locked on.”

“Where are they in relation to the tell?” The Captain asked without taking his eyes from the screen.

“One hundred degrees due east, sir,” the tac officer replied.

“Sir,” Commander Nuilla broke in. “The force field is down. I’m touching the dome.”

Another round of speculation began on the bridge and the planet’s surface.

Suddenly the picture broke up.

“Reecer, get it back!” the Captain barked. “Commander Nuilla, are you there?” he asked the security team leader.

“Yes, sir. Anything wrong?” The commander’s voice came through clearly.

“We’re losing the viewing screen. Stand by. And be ready to beam aboard.”

“Standing by, sir,” the Commander acknowledged.

The visual static cleared. But instead of the city filling the viewing screen, two beings appeared.

Deafening silence reflected the mute astonishment of everyone on the bridge.

They were small beings, dressed in white robes, with angular heads, seemingly too large for the size of their bodies. Their features were also large: low foreheads, large eyes and mouth, and straight, protruding noses. They had no hair.

Between the two beings stood a black box about the size of a small chair, and the beings rested their small hands on the top of it.

One of the beings spoke. The lips moved and humans heard high clicking sounds and guttural syllables. After a short delay an electronic voice spoke English.

“We monitored your communication and obtained enough samples to program this translating unit to speak your language.”

“Like a video out of sync with its sound.” Craig thought.

“We concluded you have not come to harm us. Yet you act strangely according to our customs. When your people found our city we knew we must establish communication.”

“We could not find any trace of civilization when we studied the planet. We hope we have not offended your civil laws in any way,” the Captain responded.

Silence.

The box spoke the being’s language. The second beings lips moved, and presently the box translated.

“We developed ways to avoid discovery. We are a very private society, wishing to keep to ourselves. What is your purpose in uncovering the old structures?”

“We are a scientific expedition. Some of our people train others to learn about ancient cultures by studying that which they left behind,” the Captain carefully explained.

Silence. Translation.

The first being spoke. Slowly words issued from the box. “Our device does not yet have adequate data to translate all your concepts. It cannot tell us much about certain subjects. There is much we need to know. At the next period of light we will speak again. You are welcome here. Beware of the disruption. We must now put our protection in place.”

The communication ended abruptly.

Conversation suddenly returned at full volume.

“All the studies stated with certainty this planet is deserted.”

“Where have they been all this time?”

“What kind of device do they use to avoid detection?”

“What relation are they to the beings who dwelt at the dig site?”

“They built the same shaped buildings.”

“They have concept translation devices!”

“Obviously highly evolved beings.”

“They’ve been watching us.”

“Why did they wait until now to contact us?”

“We found them. Maybe they hoped we would just go away.”

Craig got tired of the conversations swirling around him and sought out LaShonya as Captain Brodsky ordered the security team aboard.

“’Shonya, what now?”

She looked up from her station with a smile. “Negotiations, I suppose. We’ll need permission to continue the dig. It may be helpful to come to our conclusions, then compare them with any records the culture kept. That is, if they have a recorded history.”

Her excitement was under control as she kept busy plotting co-ordinates, scanning the location of the beings’ city, and pushing sensor pads. But her eyes were sparkling green lights. She touched his arm. “Vespers better be short this evening. We have a lot of new data to analyze.”

That brought him back to reality. “Vespers!” He checked his watch. “I’ve got a lesson to finish.” He turned then returned. “Can you get away?”

“I’ll be there, and I’ll keep you posted.” She saw the pleasure on his face and experienced a confused urge to touch him.

Joining some of the scientists, he beamed back to the planet’s surface. Speculation was suspended long enough for the transfer but resumed immediately as they materialized on the surface.

“It’s fun to see these calm, sober intellectuals shocked into excited chatter,” Craig thought with a smile as he headed for the chapel.

The spirited discussion following vespers focused on the Cutezarians as part of the universal creation. Few of the scientists retained the human tendency to think God existed for humans only. Yet many of them had not thought much beyond God as the creator of the universe and everything in it. Everyone left more thoughtful than they came.

As his congregation filtered out into the night, Craig briefly wondered about the content of the evening’s discussion under Andez Ronger’s leadership on the ship.

LaShonya interrupted his thoughts. “Craig, can we use the chapel in about an hour for a general discussion time?”

All Craig wanted after the emotionally charged day was an early bedtime, but he capitulated and gestured around the room. “The neutral corner’s all yours.”

______________________

The scientists returned bringing computers, cups of coffee and snacks, prepared for a marathon discussion. Craig watched in amusement as chairs became desks, tables, and footstools.

He heard their expressions of despair that the dig might not continue mixed with the hope of enlisting the beings to help. And he considered their speculations about the city, the beings, and their plans to get into the structure. Watching them gesture, discuss and drink, Craig leaned against the doorframe, feeling a sense of history.

LaShonya walked by and paused. “You look tired. What’cha thinking?”

“About the historical implications of this occasion,” Craig replied to her puzzlement. “The thousands of times people like these have gathered like this to brainstorm,” he explained.

“Romanticism?” Puzzled, she frowned.

Craig grinned and shook his head. “Um, no. More a sense of continuing community.” He stopped. “Sorry, maybe there’s touch of romanticism in me.” Smiling he added, “I wouldn’t admit that to just anybody. And I’m tired.”

She laid a hand on his arm. “Never mind. It’s okay.”

“Hey, in the excitement, I forgot to ask about the air sample,” Craig suddenly remembered.

“So did I.” Snapping her fingers, LaShonya turned around. “Oliver, what did the air samples turn up?”

He nodded and consulted the computer in front of him. “The composition closely resembles present air, except it approaches a state that can only be described as supercharged. There is no measurable pollution,” he reported. “Nor does present day air contain more pollutants than the structure’s air.”

Routine, even in Oliver’s expansive language. Everyone nodded.

“If it gets too late, I’ll close the chapel.” LaShonya volunteered. “With operations temporarily suspended we can sleep in tomorrow, and you have your regular duties.”

“Okay,” Craig nodded. “I’ll drift away if it gets too technical. For now, I’ll listen to their theories.”

She laid her hand on his folded arms. “Get some sleep, I’ll brief you later.”

“Yes ma’am,” he grinned, trying to deny he liked her attention. However, he did admit his combined activities as chaplain and amateur scientist were getting the best of him.

Although he fell asleep as soon as he crawled into bed, strange, unsettling dreams made him restless. Great electrical storms popped, crackled, and disturbed the air around him. The dream bewildered and frightened Craig, but he was drawn to the beautiful streaks the electricity left in the air.

Little by little, he became more afraid than fascinated. All at once he couldn’t breathe. His skin burned and itched. Tossing and twisting, he tried to get away from the storm’s irritation. In anger, he threw his pillows and bedclothes off the cot.

Someone touched him. And he felt warm and comfortable.

“Craig!” Her voice came through the fog.

____________________

LaShonya was engrossed in discussion with Quantro Smith, Oliver Zamwashi’s PhD student, and was about to ask his ideas on the best way to obtain viewing privileges of the historical records when the lights flickered off and the computers suddenly powered down.

Silence.

After some minutes, Daniel Kobee expressed their thoughts. “There’s something eerie about the atmosphere.”

“It felt like a mild electrical current going through me,” Quantro added.

Silence.

They drew a collective breath of relief when power returned.

“I think we’d better call it an evening,” LaShonya took charge. “Anyone lose anything?”

“I wasn’t working,” Oliver said.

“Me neither,” Daniel affirmed.

“I’m out,” Forest spoke up.

“Good. Let’s put Craig’s chapel back into order. I’ll tell him we’re leaving.”

“Craig?” ‘Shonya called, pushing back the curtain. In a sudden rush of panic she noted his shallow breathing. “He looks like a kid having a nightmare. Or he’s ill,” she said as she retrieved the blanket and pillow. She covered him and touched his moist forehead.

“Craig?”

As she checked his pulse, first at his wrist, then his neck, he tried to wake up. All he wanted was to tell her he was tingly all over but okay. It just wouldn’t work. The switch from his brain to the rest of his body seemed stuck in the off position.

“God, no, please no,” LaShonya silently cried as childhood memories flooded her memory. Angrily she shook them away, knowing Craig wasn’t going to die. “He’s just ill,” she said aloud to re-assure herself.

Tearing her gaze from his face, she crossed the room and pushed the curtain aside. “The Chaplain’s ill. Someone help me get him back to the ship.”

The scientists scrambled to the back of the building. LaShonya knelt and checked Craig’s pulse again.

Her touch ended his mental drifting. Fighting for strength, he managed to take her hand.

LaShonya grasped his fingers. “That’s an improvement. When I first came in, he wasn’t moving at all,” she told Oliver as he knelt beside her.

Craig tried to open his eyes, but the effort was fruitless. Giving up, he drifted back into the comfortable grayness as it settled over him. His grasp loosened, and his hand slipped out of LaShonya’s.

“We’ve lost him again,” she sighed.

Oliver stood and tapped his comm button. “Transporter.”

“Lt. Commander Cooper,” the answer was short and terse.

“Dr. Zamwashi here. Three to beam up. Get a transport and medical team. Notify the Captain the Chaplain is ill.”

“Yes, sir.”

Oliver bent down and, because of his height, easily lifted Craig from the cot. “Ready, now,” he said

“Transporting.”

Craig felt the jolt as they laid him on the freestanding transport and couldn’t stop a small sound from escaping.

“Careful, Oliver,” LaShonya said. “At least he can feel it,” she thought.

Dr. Jeffery Keal, chief of medical staff, hurried into the room and ran the small life signs reader over Craig’s body. “His breathing’s shallow, heart rhythm irregular, and he’s in shock. Let’s get him to sick bay.”

Far away, Craig could hear them talking above him as he floated along.

“How long has he been like this?” Jeff questioned LaShonya.

“Can’t have been that long,” she replied. “It wasn’t more than an hour and a half after he went to his quarters that the lights and computers went off. And I heard him moving around for a while, so forty-five minutes.” She thought a minute. “Probably less than that. When I touched his forehead, his hair was still moist.” She reached down, brushed Craig’s hair back, and touched his face. “See the moisture from the pain of moving him is already gone. On the planet his forehead was still moist.”

Craig felt the touch and moved his head toward her to prolong the contact.

The doors of sickbay swished open and the med tech took charge of the transport.

“Do a full set of scans,” Jeff instructed the med tech. “I’ll be right in.”

“How did he look when you found him?” The doctor continued questioning LaShonya.

“He’d tossed his pillows and thermal sheet half way across the room. He was quiet, but sweating like he’d been tossing and turning,” she answered.

Jeff nodded. “I’ll let you know as soon as his condition changes or I know something,” he said, and disappeared after the transport.

Dorinda Brodsky hurried down the hall toward sickbay, but LaShonya intercepted her, leading her away from the door.

“’Shonya, how’s Craig?” she asked as she grasped LaShonya’s hands.

“We’re not sure.”

“What happened?”

“We don’t know.”

“Has he been conscious at all?”

“On the planet he took my hand while I was checking his pulse. He made a sound when Oliver put him on the transport, and responded to my touch, but nothing coherent.”

Jeff ran every test he could think of. He checked the computer’s conclusions and then did another examination.

Some movement returned. Craig’s breathing became less labored. His muscles relaxed and the heartbeat became less erratic. But he showed no signs of regaining consciousness. As the doctor checked his readings one more time, Craig turned his head and sighed.

It sounded like “’Shon.”

“Craig,” Jeff called.

No response.

“Brodsky to sick bay,” the comm button broke in.

“Dr. Keal here.”

“What’s the Chaplain’s condition, Jeff?”

“Stable, Captain. Some movement has returned, but he’s not yet awake.” The doctor hesitated. “Can you come down?”

“Be right there.” The Captain replied. He turned to his first officer. “Houng, you have the conn. I’ll be in sick bay.”

“Alan?” Commander Houng stopped him. “You’ll let us know?”

“As soon as I know something.”

The captain greeted the two women in the corridor before entering sickbay. “’Shonya, any news?”

She shook her head. He put his hand on her shoulder and leaned over to kiss Dorinda. “Hi.”

“Hi,” she smiled softly.

“You ok?” he asked.

“Yeah.” She smiled at his concern.

“Dorinda had a couple of twinges earlier this evening,” he explained.

“Did Ruth check you out?” LaShonya asked.

Dorinda nodded. “That’s how I knew about Craig. We’d finished the exam and were just chatting when the call came through. I’m fine.”

“Jeff asked me to come down,” the Captain changed the subject.

“You can come in now.” The med tech summoned from the door.

Craig moved restlessly on the monitoring table. Every so often a small sound escaped as he moved his head.

“He’s trying to regain consciousness,” Jeff said, watching the fluctuating graphs above Craig’s head.

LaShonya reached toward Craig, but drew back.

“It’s okay,” Jeff assured her. “He responds to touch.”

With a small nod, she put her hand on his chest. “Craig, wake up and tell us what happened.”

At her touch he became quiet and his breathing deepened.

Jeff looked down from the panel. “I didn’t have that effect on him.”

Captain Brodsky slipped his arm around his wife and quietly asked, “Is there something going on here I don’t know about?”

“’Shonya and I aren’t sure. They’ve been getting closer lately,” she smiled back.

“Alan,” Jeff spoke, shaking his head. “I’ve checked and re-checked the data, and I’d swear Craig was struck by bolt of lightening. Under these conditions, I don’t know where he got that kind of charge. As far as…”

Movement caught his attention. Slowly Craig turned his hand over and closed his fingers around ‘Shonya’s hand.

“As far as I can tell,” the doctor continued with a smile. “He should recover.”

“Glad to hear that, Jeff.” The Captain turned to go. “I’ll be on the bridge.”

“Wait.” LaShonya spoke absently. “Jeff, could this have anything to do with the power surges? Dorinda, what time did you feel the twinges?”

“About ten fifteen,” She said, suddenly anxious. “Why?”

“That was about the time the power went off.”

“But if the atmosphere effected Craig, why not the rest of you?” the Captain wanted to know.

“Wait a minute.” LaShonya thought back through the incident. “Both Daniel and Quantro remarked on how charged the air felt.”

“But why Craig?” Captain Brodsky repeated.

“Maybe his system was already shut down. So he couldn’t resist the electrical current,” Jeff speculated.

“I assume he was sleeping soundly,” LaShonya added. “He was exhausted.”

“And Dorinda, being pregnant, is more aware of her muscular reactions than the rest of us. If we felt anything, we probably ignored it.” That brought another thought to mind. “Dorinda, are you the only pregnant person aboard?”

“No, Lt. Reecer’s wife is much farther along than I am, and there are a couple of others.”

“Bill, call Dr. Canady and have her check with her other pregnant patients,” Jeff addressed the med tech.

“No need to do that, Jeff.” Dr. Ruth Canady came in looking as if she had been aroused from a deep sleep. “Gina Reecer’s on her way in. We’re going to have a baby tonight.”

“Is she due?” Dorinda asked.

“A week early, but it’s okay.” She noted Craig’s fingers still clenched around LaShonya’s hand. “Some improvement, I see.” She nodded toward Craig.

“He’s moving and responding to touch,” Jeff affirmed.

“Good. I’ll be in OB.” With a yawn, she crossed the room to the surgery suite.

“I need to get back.” The Captain stood at the door. “Call me when he wakes up.” He paused in the open door. “I’m moving the ship to a higher orbit just for precaution. Then we all need some rest, don’t you think?”

______________________

Sickbay was deserted.

The Reecers had a new baby girl. Gina was sleeping ahd Phil was sitting quietly in her room, watching her girls.

Several hours ago Jeff had left orders and finally went to his quarters to get some sleep.

LaShonya alone remained, unwilling to pry her hand from Craig’s hold. She alternately prayed, napped, and talked to him.

Slowly the grayness in Craig’s head separated from the light, like a dimmer switch bringing lights up in a theater.

Gradually he became aware of the hand he held and a pressure on his right arm. Painfully he turned his head and willed himself awake. He touched ‘Shonya’s head with his free hand, not knowing why she slept there.

“’Shonya?”

A voice was repeating Craig’s shortened version of her name.

“’Shonya?”

She assumed the doctor or the med tech had returned. Opening her eyes, she prepared to explain Craig wouldn’t let go of her hand.

But no one was there.

It was Craig’s hand on her head. Suddenly she sat up and found herself looking into his puzzled eyes.

“’Shonya? What are you doing here?” he asked slowly. “Where is here?” He added, looking up at the fluctuating graphs on the monitoring panel.

“You wouldn’t let go of my hand.” She held up their interlaced hands with a smile.

Suddenly flustered, he apologized, “Sorry.”

Although his grip loosened, he didn’t let go. Instead, he drew her hand to his chest, held it in both of his, and closed his eyes. Wonder filled his voice when he spoke again.

“It was. No, seemed important. Couldn’t lose contact. Not with you.” He frowned. “What happened? Sickbay. How long?”

Before LaShonya could answer the med tech came hurrying in. “Dr. Reed, the Chaplain’s readings are going wild!” He stopped and let out a long breath. “You’re awake, Chaplain!” he exclaimed. “The way the readings looked, I expected convulsions.” He touched his comm button. “Dr. Keal?”

“Keal here,” came the doctor’s sleepy voice.

“The Chaplain’s awake, Doctor.”

“I’ll be there in five minutes. Keal out.” Jeff checked the computer screen. It blinked six-thirty am. “Seven hours.” He marked Craig’s period of unconsciousness and touched his comm button.

“Captain Brodsky, Keal here.”

The Captain, wearily climbing out of bed in response to his wake-up alert, responded, “Brodsky here, yes Doctor?”

“Sorry it’s so early, but Craig’s awake.”

“I was just headed for the shower. What’s his condition?”

“I’m not sure yet, I’m leaving my quarters now.”

“I’ll be down as soon as I get the watch started.” He kissed Dorinda as she stirred. “Craig’s conscious. Will you go back to sleep and rest? Jeff will want to run tests before he allows visitors anyway.”

She nodded, and soon fell asleep.

“How is he?” Jeff asked as he entered the med tech’s station, noting LaShonya’s hand in Craig’s.

“He’s asleep again, Doctor,” the med tech replied. “He woke up, talked with Dr. Reed briefly then announced he needed a nap. But he hasn’t once let go of her hand.”

“That’s understandable,” the doctor smiled. “She’s his link to reality.” He stepped into the bed area. “Have you been here all night?” he asked LaShonya.

With a nod she touched Craig’s shoulder. “Craig, Jeff’s here, and probably wants to talk to you.”

Craig turned his head toward her and opened his eyes. He looked puzzled for a moment, and then smiled. “Hi.”

“Jeff is here,” she repeated.

“Could he tell you what happened?” Jeff asked.

She shook her head.

“Ah, Craig, do you suppose you could let go of “Shonya’s hand so I can examine you?” Jeff asked casually, consulting the monitoring panel.

“Maybe.” A tiny trace of humor came through.

Reluctantly he let go of her hand, but she didn’t withdraw it immediately. Finally, she patted his hand and turned to leave.

“’Shonya,” Craig stopped her. “Thanks.”

She lifted a hand. “Anytime.”

“I’ll be right back, Craig,” Jeff said and escorted LaShonya to the door. “He’ll be disoriented a few hours. Stop back by after you’ve rested.”

LaShonya nodded. “Call me if there’s any change.”

Although he was dozing when Jeff returned, Craig responded to touch. He woke, again, not quite sure where he was. The doctor didn’t like the dazed, puzzled look in his patient’s eyes.

After a few seconds, Craig acknowledged the doctor. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

“How do you feel, Craig? Do you hurt anywhere?” he answered with another question.

“Exhausted. Stiff. Hurt all over. My skin’s irritated.”

“Any tingling?” the Doctor asked.

“Um-hum,” Craig murmured, drifting back toward sleep. “Hands and legs.”

Captain Brodsky entered and Jeff motioned him to the table. He touched Craig’s shoulder again.

“Craig, stay with us. Captain Brodsky came down to see you.”

Craig lifted his head and greeted the Captain drowsily. “Alan. Hello.”

The Captain smiled at Craig’s use of his first name. Craig didn’t usually use it except when they were alone or with Dorinda. He laid his hand on his friend’s shoulder.

“We were afraid you wouldn’t wake up. Lots of people are praying.”

“Tell them thanks.” Craig closed his eyes.

“Craig,” Jeff prompted. “One more question. Then you can sleep.” Craig opened his eyes and nodded. “How much of last night do you remember?”

“Last night?” he asked. “How long have I been here?”

“It’s seven in the morning,” Jeff told him. “You’ve been out approximately eight hours. Now, how much do you remember?”

Craig thought back. “Tired. ‘Shonya ordered me to bed. I did some things, showered, and went to sleep. I remember hearing ‘Shonya’s voice and touch. I wanted to talk. Couldn’t. After that, confused voices. Gray. Floating. ‘Shonya’s voice. She touched me.” He paused, considering. “I have this lingering feeling, holding on to someone, for dear life.” Closing his eyes, he reflected, suddenly embarrassed.

“Shonya.”

The doctor nodded. “She stayed all night.”

“A lot to ask of a friend,” Craig observed drowsily. He closed his eyes and remained quiet so long Jeff motioned the Captain away from the table.

As they moved away Craig said, “The dream.”

“The what?” Captain Brodsky returned to the table.

“The dream.” Craig’s brain worked better with his eyes closed.

“What was it about, Craig?” Captain Brodsky prompted.

“Electric storms. The air popped and crackled. Frightening and beautiful. More frightening than beautiful.” He sighed. “’Shon, ah, ’Shonya and I talked about the air feeling like before it rains.” He drifted a minute. “I was hot, prickly all over, uncomfortable. Then calm. ‘Shonya touched me. I couldn’t talk to her.” He sighed again and murmured sleepily, “It’s. Confused.”

They let him sleep.

“He seems so tired and,” Captain Brodsky searched for the right word.

“Disoriented?” Jeff supplied. The captain nodded. “He’ll get over it. The scans don’t show any further deterioration in his EEG since last night. He absorbed just enough to scramble his system, but not enough to permanently damage it.” He paused before deciding to express his theory. “Captain, I don’t think it was just a dream. I think his subconscious interpreted what really happened. But I can’t explain it.”

“Captain?” the comm button startled them both.

“Brodsky here.”

“The negotiation team’s assembled in transporter room one,” Commander Houng reported.

“I’ll be right up,” he answered, then turned back to Jeff. “Dorinda will be down. Use your judgment about letting her see Craig. His disorientation will worry her. We don’t want her going into early labor.”

“He’ll be sleeping anyway.”

________________________

The dream returned. Craig was again on the planet. The air, popping and crackling around him, made him twist and turn seeking an escape from the irritation.

“Craig!” He heard his name and calmness settled over him. ‘Shonya checked his pulse, but it seemed different.

Rested, LaShonya stopped by to check on Craig before resuming her station. Alarmed to see him fighting in his sleep, she ran across the room and touched his face.

He took a deep, ragged breath and became still.

Hoping to trigger a response, she laid her hand in his and fought the tenderness that overtook her. “Craig, take my hand.” “He’s just bringing out the compassion in me,” she lectured herself as his fingers slowly closed around her hand.

Craig’s nightmare ended.

“’Shonya?”

His eyes held the same puzzled look as before while he struggled to remember. After a while, they cleared and he was fully awake.

“Well,” he said wearily between a sigh and a smile. “Here we are again. Me holding on, and you patiently enduring it.” He held up their hands. “It’s a nice fit, come to think of it.” He closed his eyes. “Can I borrow it a minute?”

Dr. Keal barged into the room. “The readings just went wild. What happened?”

“I suppose there was a recurrence of the dream. He was thrashing around when I came in. I touched his face, he took my hand and calmed down.”

The doctor looked down and smiled at Craig’s firm grip on LaShonya’s hand. “Again? Don’t stay all night,” he admonished.

He turned to go, but changed his mind and went to the med cabinet. “I think I’ll give him something to stop the dreams so he can really rest.”

Soon after he administered the drug Craig’s hold relaxed.

Flexing her hand, LaShonya remarked, “He’s got quite a grip even while he’s asleep.”

“Electric shock is a strange thing,” Jeff told her.

“You’re certain that’s it?”

He nodded. “His complaints and symptoms confirm it. But there are no burns, no entry or exit points. I don’t know how it happened. Did Alan tell you about the dream?”

She nodded and looked at the doctor earnestly. “Will Craig recover completely?”

“He should. I’m going to get him up when he wakes up and check his balance. I’m worried because he’s made no effort to get up or expressed hunger or thirst. He’s just drifting.”

Simultaneously they became aware of someone else in the room.

“Dorinda!” Jeff broke the huddle.

“Is Craig alright? You looked so solemn.” She asked anxiously.

“We were just talking,” LaShonya assured her.

“Can I see him?”

“Yes, but I gave him an injection to help him rest,” Jeff answered.

“Why?” Dorinda wondered aloud. “Alan said he’s sleeping most of the time anyway.”

Jeff led her to the table. “He’s been restless. I’m hoping to give his muscles some rest too.”

She nodded, reassured. Crossing the room, she touched Craig’s shoulder.

“’Shon,” he sighed.

“It’s Dorinda, Craig.”

“Ummm,” he acknowledged her.

Dorinda searched the doctor’s face for reassurance.

“He needs to rest right now,” Jeff responded. “It’s okay. He’s stabilized. But it’ll be several days before he has much strength.”

Jeff took LaShonya aside. “I’m glad he’s sleeping. Alan thought Craig’s disorientation would worry her.” Pausing in puzzlement, he added, “I didn’t know they were that close.”

“They’ve known each other most of their lives. Even went to school together before Craig went to the academy,” she replied. “They’re like family. Neither one had any brothers or sisters. They adopted each other, as Dorinda tells it. There was quite a celebration when he came aboard.”

Jeff still looked puzzled. “I never thought about it before, but is Dorinda younger than the Captain? She’s not my patient.”

“Almost ten years.” LaShonya smiled. “Craig wasn’t sure about it when they got married. But he’s accepted it. It’s a good marriage from his point of view. They’ve established a spiritually centered marriage. Since Craig’s been aboard, he and the Captain have become good friends. I don’t know who of the three is most excited about the baby.”

“One more thing I need to warn you about,” he stopped her as she turned to go. “For a couple of days to a week he’s going to be frustrated. His ability to concentrate simply won’t be there. He’ll be jumpy. I don’t think the symptoms should last long. But he should be encouraged to just relax for a while.”

“Okay. I’ll take him to the dig.”

“That should do it.” The doctor paused, thinking aloud. “I saw a couple of conventional electrical shock patients when I was a resident: both complicated by burns. It’s hard to predict how Craig’s going to react. Still, the less stress for a while the better. He’ll need all our prayers to help him deal with the frustration.”

“Thanks, Jeff. I’ll pass the word along.”

Dorinda joined them and took LaShonya’s arm. “How about lunch?”

“Lunch? Already?” Jeff checked the time, surprised. He made sure Craig was resting, left orders, and joined them.

_________________________

The negotiating team had spent the morning learning what they could about the beings, and in turn attempting to communicate the purpose of the mission.

“We are the Cutezarians,” had been the starting point. From that very basic statement they began branching out.

At first the translators worked slowly, making communications laborious. But as the exchange continued the expanded database allowed faster translation. By lunch break communications were progressing at an acceptable rate.

Captain Brodsky kissed his wife, greeted Jeff and LaShonya, and wearily slid into a chair next to her in the ship’s public mess hall.

“How are negotiations going?” LaShonya asked.

He chuckled. “They aren’t yet. We spent the entire morning learning the basics about each other.” He took a bite of his sandwich. “How’s Craig?”

“Sleeping,” Jeff told him.

“Tell us about the Cutezarians. Craig will want to know when he’s ready to talk,” Dorinda prompted.

“They’re fascinating beings. They’ve become secretive over the years, but wouldn’t disclose what caused it. They allude to the time of the ancient shame. They’re highly evolved beings with conceptual, spatial, and moral abilities. Their buildings float above the ground on a cushion of air. I’ve got to find out how they do it.”

“Dr. Keal, sick bay. You’d better get down here,” the comm button interrupted.

Jeff pressed the button. “On my way.” He looked at LaShonya. “I assume it’s about Craig. You’d better come.”

Dorinda started to get up, but the Captain eased her back into her chair. “It’s okay.”

“I’ll call if there’s a problem,” LaShonya promised as they hurried away.

They found Craig moving restlessly, resisting whatever was going on in his head.

“I can’t wake him, nor can I get him to calm down,” the med tech reported.

“I probably shouldn’t have given him anything.” Jeff bent over and touched Craig’s skin. “Hot and clammy.” He checked the panel and seemed satisfied with the readings. “Not any worse. Let’s wake him and see what we get.”

LaShonya touched Craig’s face, and then stroked his chest. Craig relaxed a little. “Come on Craig, wake up. It’s only a dream.”

Jeff administered a counteragent.

Craig gradually woke up, fighting his way through the electrical storm. “’Shonya, where are you? Where are you? Are you alright?” He called and called.

“Craig, I’m right here. I’m okay. Here take my hand.”

Slowly Craig reached out and slid his hand into hers. The tension ebbed from his body. He opened his eyes, again puzzled, struggling to remember, then becoming aware of his surroundings.

“Hi.” He regarded his hand interlaced with LaShonya’s and shook his head. “Getting to be a habit. Sorry.”

“I’m starting to like it, I think,” she confessed. “What was the dream about?”

He frowned. “The storm. Only you got lost in it. It scared me.” He stopped abruptly and shifted his attention. “Jeff, can I sit up?”

“That’s what I’ve been waiting to hear.” The doctor held out his arm. “Take hold of my elbow and pull yourself up.”

He did. Slowly and stiffly. LaShonya put her hand in the small of his back and assisted him. Pulling his legs up, he draped his arms over his knees for support and let his head drop forward.

LaShonya rubbed his back. It felt natural.

Gingerly moving his head from side to side, he smiled. “That feels good, ‘Shonya.”

“Everyone’s starting to call me ‘Shonya,” she complained as she massaged.

“It’s a perfectly good nickname,” he defended himself without looking up. “I feel awful.”

“Thank God you’re here to feel awful,” ‘Shonya answered, suddenly serious. The depth of her feelings startled her.

He lifted his head, sharing her surprise.

Jeff sensed the importance of the moment. “Ah,,” He cleared his throat. “Craig, could you drink something? We need to keep you from getting dehydrated.”

Craig nodded absently without shifting his gaze.

“Are you hungry?” ‘Shonya asked to distract herself as much as him.

“Yuck. No.” He dropped his head again working the tense neck muscles.

“I’ll get something with nutrition in it.” At the med tech’s station, Jeff keyed a formula into the food synthesizer, and called Captain Brodsky.

“Yes, Jeff?” He and Dorinda were on their way out of the public dinning hall.

“Craig’s okay. I think it was a reaction to the injection. Dorinda can come down. Visitors are welcome.”

He returned to find Craig again regarding ‘Shonya with wonder in his face.

“Here, drink this,” he said, breaking the spell.

Craig obeyed. The milkshake-like drink settled his burning stomach. “Good. Thanks.”

“And some water.” Jeff handed him another glass. “You’ll probably want just liquids for a while. I’ll leave orders for the med techs so you can have it anytime you want,” he explained.

“I’m going to be here that long?” Craig fought the fear that suddenly jumped at him.

“Umm-hum,” was the only answer he got. “Do you want to try standing?”

He stretched. “Maybe.” He swung his legs over the side of the table and gingerly shrugged into the robe the doctor handed him. Sliding off the table, he stood but immediately leaned back against the table in response to the sudden buzzing in his head.

“What is it?” Jeff steadied him with a hand on each shoulder.

Craig shook his head, trying to clear it.

“Don’t do that,” the doctor admonished quietly.

“Too late,” Craig groaned and closed his eyes to shut out the spinning room.

“Dizzy?”

“Definitely.”

Jeff grinned grimly. “Do you feel like you could walk if your head was clear?”

Craig opened his eyes and lifted his head to meet the Doctor’s concerned gaze. “Do I have strength in my legs?” he rephrased solemnly.

Jeff nodded, “Do you?”

Craig stood slowly and took a couple of steps. He nodded “yes” and instantly regretted it.

“Don’t do that,” Jeff repeated.

Retreating to the table, he was still leaning against it when Dorinda and the Captain arrived.

Dorinda hurried across the room.

Craig braced himself for her hug and heard ‘Shonya draw a sharp breath when she realized Dorinda’s intention. With a small motion, he assured her he could handle it and received Dorinda into his arms. She held him and he rested against her shoulder; for the first time grateful she was taller than he.

“It’s okay, Dorinda.” His voice was shaky. “I’m tired, but okay.” He faked a smile and changed the subject, “How’s the kid?”

“Moving all the time.” She released him with an affectionate smile and rubbed her stomach in the universal, content, baby-comforting manner of pregnant women.

Gingerly Craig eased back onto the table with ‘Shonya’s help. He greeted the captain and asked, puzzled, “What’s going on?”

“Negotiations with the Cutezarians. I’m on my way back after lunch break.” He stopped. “Are you ok?”

“Not yet,” ‘Shonya answered for him.

Craig gave her a look of gratitude and the Captain got the message. Checking his watch, he took Dorinda’s hand.

“Glad you’re up,” he said. “Don’t try to force it. Take it easy.” He addressed Dorinda, “See me off, will you?”

Dorinda smiled. “He doesn’t want me to tire you,” she whispered to Craig as she kissed his cheek. “I’ll be back.”

Craig grinned and returned her kiss. “Bye.”

The door closed behind them. Craig dropped his head and blew out his breath. “When is someone going to tell me what happened? How long I’m going to be here? And when will the dreams go away?”

“Jeff’s at the tech’s station. I’ll get him for you,” ‘Shonya answered.

“’Shonya?” He stopped her as she turned to go. “I think I’d better lie down.”

She helped him get comfortable, fleetingly wondering what it would be like to have Dorinda’s liberty to show her affection for him. She met his eyes and his expression made her wonder if he knew.

But he just smiled and closed his eyes.

“He’s right,” she thought. “Now’s not the time to deal with this.” Aloud she said, “I’ve got some studies running that I need to check on. I’ll tell the med tech to send for me if the dream comes back.”

He nodded, caught her hand, and held it briefly before letting go.

Stopping by the med tech’s station, she relayed his request. “Jeff, he wants to know what happened, how long he’s confined and when the dreams will stop. And I promised you’d call me if it comes back.”

“He doesn’t ask for much does he?” Jeff grinned and went to talk to his patient.

But he was already sleeping; calm and quietly resting.

“I’ll tell you the bad news later, Chaplain.” The doctor told the peaceful form. Returning to the med tech’s station, he reported, “I’m going to my quarters to get some sleep. Call if his readings fluctuate. I’ll be back about 1700.”

He paused at the door and considered Craig’s quiet body. “I’m afraid it’s more serious than I thought.”