When the Dust Settled

by Jeannie Meekins

  “I’m Commander Madison of the Bismarck. How may I be of service?” He had made it sound too personal and immediately wished he could retract his last statement.

  “Commander Madison,” she acknowledged him. Her voice was soft and enticing, almost like a purr. “I am Senator Bela of the Senate Council. We are in urgent need of a doctor. Our children are sick, and we can’t cure them. Please help.”

  John’s fingers fumbled with the intercom. “Bridge to sick bay. Doctor Dunlop, stand by.”

  “He’s not here, sir,” Gunston answered.

  “Get him.”

  McReidy’s head moved as she glanced to the bridge crew. Giacomo was frozen, staring straight ahead at the main screen, his mouth dropped open.

  Gillespie was leaning back in his seat, his feet stretched out in front of him and his arms folded across his chest. His clenched fists were telltale signs of increasing tension as he tried to remain calm. If he leant much further back, he would fall from his seat.

  Humphries was not so subtle. He leant over his console. Supporting his head on one hand, he was staring sideways at the screen, almost drooling. A glazed faraway look was in his eyes and a silly grin on his face.

  McReidy looked to John for support, but he was as bad as the others.

  “We’re due to visit your world tomorrow morning,” John continued.

  The Senator frowned, her head turning slightly to one side.

  “You’re not expecting us?”

  Her head straightened and she shook it, long blonde tresses wafting across her shoulders. “No.”

  “Doctor Dunlop here,” the voice barked over the intercom.

  “Medical emergency on Lushon,” John told him, then his voice softened as he spoke to the screen. “If you could send us all the information you’ve got, I’ll send you a medical team when we arrive and we’ll see what we can do.”

  “Thank you.” The whisper drew attention to her lips, which gave an inviting smile.

  Humphries’ head fell forward off his hand and it was only pure luck that stopped him from thumping his chin on the console.

  The transmission ended, but the men remained staring at the screen. McReidy let out a low growl.

  John cleared his throat, his thoughts becoming his own again.

  “Mister Humphries, we’re only a day away. Why did it take you so long to detect that message?”

  “It’s intermittent, sir, like I said. And it’s running across the frequencies. It just happened to come across ours.”

  “You are going to check this out.” McReidy’s statement came across as more of an order.

  “It’s on our list,” John couldn’t quite hide his smirk.

  McReidy’s eyes narrowed.

  “Of course I’m going to check it out,” he told her, his voice drifting with his thoughts. “Got all night to do it.”

  * * *

  Information came through from the planet and downloaded to sick bay. Dunlop retired to his office and opened the library files to research the race. Bismarck’s library had only general information. A couple of paragraphs on the anthropological history of the planet and its people was not going to help him.

  He needed anatomical, biological and physiological statistics. None of which were available. Physical description – okay, he could handle that. Men were pretty much non existent. Women were Amazonian beauty queens, by the look of this. All right, he was a doctor, he could handle it. Women were patients too; it was not going to be a problem.

  He turned and glared at Gunston hanging over his shoulder. “Go and find something to do.”

  “I can help you here,” Gunston offered, a silly grin on his face.

  “Get out of here before I forget you’re a medic.”

  “Yes, Doctor.”

  Gunston backed away, rising to his tippy toes to keep his view of the console screen as he did. Dunlop let out a sigh of frustration, wiped the sweat from his brow and tried to refocus.

  Oh yeah, his medical team was going to consist of women only!

  He had a couple of sensible nurses around here. Kat, for one, had a brain in her head and Wanda could certainly hold her own among these Amazonians in the looks department. As far as providing any information beyond the library went, there wasn’t a person on board who could help.

  He could contact Fleet Command, but their response time for something so ‘trivial’ would take well over a day. In that time he could have examined a patient and come up with his own conclusions. And who better to ask than those in the position to know – the people themselves.

  He checked the clock on the wall above his desk. He had a good ten hours – if he wanted to stay up all night.

  Back to top

  Chapter ten

  The bridge crew were on edge as they neared the planet.

  “Landing party,” John considered thoughtfully.

  Regardless of the medical situation, he had a treaty to negotiate. It was always easier with worlds that had been contacted. The hard work of agreement had already been done and they were prepared to negotiate.

  The three men turned immediately to him, pleading looks in their eyes.

  “McReidy, Gillespie,” he decided without hesitation. “Giacomo.”

  “Yes,” Giacomo whispered to himself, clenching a fist and smiling with delight. The smile disappeared at McReidy’s instant frown.

  “Don’t make me regret it,” John warned.

  “I won’t,” Giacomo answered.

  “How old are you?” John asked Humphries.

  “Twenty three,” he answered proudly.

  John remembered himself at that age. “You’re not going anywhere. Mister Tan’s in charge while we’re gone.”

  Humphries was visibly disappointed.

  John hit the intercom. “Mister Tan, Mister Hartford, to the bridge.” He didn’t wait for the acknowledgements before switching the intercom off.

  Tan and Hartford were there in minutes. Giacomo set the ship in orbit and almost leapt from his seat. Humphries sulked as he took the helm. A quick warning from John about his behaviour and a threat to suspend him from bridge duties soon changed his mood.

  “Got the treaty?” McReidy asked as they headed to the transporter room.

  “Yes,” John tapped his jacket pocket.

  *

  The landing party transported into a large foyer. Warmth and sunlight bounced around them. The foyer was light and airy, appearing to be made of a marble-like substance. A landscape mural covered one wall, flowing into the view out the window beside it. The polished floor shone, reflecting the sunlight streaming through the open windows.

  Senator Bela and some of the Senate Council were there greet them. It was almost impossible for John to take his eyes from Bela, but he did note there wasn’t a male in sight.

  “Is it me or is it hot in here?” Dunlop asked quietly, lifting his chin momentarily and stretching his throat.

  John tried not to choke on his breath. Kat and Wanda looked around, their gaze meeting McReidy’s as they assessed the situation.

  Bela stepped forward, her eyes twinkling in their discomfort, and offered John her hand. “Welcome to our world.”

  John took her hand gently between his thumb and forefinger. The temptation to raise it to his lips was almost overwhelming. Instead, he gazed cautiously into her eyes.

  Two could play at that game, he decided. As long as he was careful.

  “We are honoured,” he answered politely. “My first officer, Lieutenant Commander McReidy.” He half turned to his crew, gesturing with his free hand. “Doctor Dunlop, Nurses Lockett –”

  At the introduction of the doctor, Bela withdrew her hand and strode directly to Dunlop. John shivered as her gaze left him.

  “Doctor, please, you must help our children,” she implored.

  “I’ll do what I can,” Dunlop smiled politely.

  Bela waved her hand, summoning two aides. “Take the doctor and his staff to the nursery. Give them whatever assistance the
y need.” Her voice held a power that was not to be questioned.

  The aides nodded obediently, lowering their eyes occasionally in their subservience as Bela spoke.

  “Yes, Senator,” they answered when she had finished speaking, and turned to the medical staff. Any sense of subservience disappeared as they followed their instructions.

  “Please make yourselves at home.” Bela had turned back to John. She was using her eyes to pierce through his exterior. “We have refreshments… entertainment… Our city is at your disposal.”

  He was aware of a dumb smile forming on his face, but had no power to stop it. “We would be delighted.”

  “Treaty,” McReidy hissed.

  John lifted a hand to brush her away.

  Giacomo and Gillespie had allowed their eyes to wander. And settle. Bela picked out their targets. “Entertain our guests,” she instructed.

  Giacomo was like a lovesick puppy and would have followed his escort anywhere. Gillespie as least had the decency to show some decorum.

  Bela stared at McReidy, as though summing up a rival. “I can find someone to entertain you,” she offered sweetly.

  “We have a treaty to discuss with you,” McReidy answered civilly.

  “I’m sure the commander and I can discuss this on our own.” Bela’s eyes melted through John.

  “I’ll… go and see if I can help the doctor,” McReidy chose discretion.

  Bela gave her an escort. That left her alone with John.

  Without McReidy, he suddenly felt defenceless. He wasn’t going to let Bela use her charms against him. He asked for a tour of the city, the treaty burning a hole in his pocket. Every time he broached the subject, she distracted him, pointing out the public library, town hall, botanic gardens or noting the warmth of the sunshine.

  He walked slowly beside her, his hands grasped behind his back in an attempt not to fidget. He tried to keep his eyes averted, but found them straying back to her body. Long, shapely legs led to a well curved figure and blonde hair fell halfway down her back. Her eyes were the most brilliant green he had ever seen.

  She caught all of his glances and smiled approvingly. This only caused him to feel more uncomfortable. She had a seductive power that hit his core, and made him want her like he’d never wanted anyone before. It was hard to think straight. It was hard to think of anything except the way she would feel in his arms…

  He shook his head. They’d only just met. Feelings that like weren’t real. Their intensity had him craving every word, every smile, every half sideways glance she threw at him. His chest tightened, his breath shortened, the blood thumped through his body and parts of him felt like they didn’t even belong to him.

  No. He had a job to do. There was a treaty to negotiate. But the words were drowning in his head, and faded away with her smile.

  She linked her arm through his and he felt himself tremble. Damn it! He tried to relax, focusing on the long breath he was slowly letting out. His lips were dry, but he wasn’t game enough to moisten them. Before he knew where he was, she had led him back inside. He found himself seated on a large bed. The scent from a vase of fresh flowers reached him.

  Bela’s eyes held him entranced. Her fingers gently brushed the hair across his forehead, teasing a bit at his temple that refused to sit still. Her touch was light and feathery. Every fibre of his body told him to give in. His mind told him not to. She didn’t care for him; she was just using him. He closed his eyes to try to break the hold she had on him.

  “I’m here to negotiate a treaty,” he began.

  “Later,” she whispered, her warm breath on his throat.

  Her body was gently pressed to his. He would have felt her heart beating if his own hadn’t been pounding so heavily. Her hands were sliding through his hair. He felt the silky material of the bed covering against his cheek as his arms folded around her body. His mind lost the battle.

  “Commander.” McReidy’s voice came over the communicator.

  John ignored her. She was persistent and he switched his communicator off, completely unaware of anything but the woman beside him.

  * * *

  The nursery was full of beds with only walking space between them. Chairs cramped the valuable space as some mothers sat with their children. Dunlop and the nurses had their medical scanners out. They moved from bed to bed, checking and comparing symptoms and any progressions since the data they’d received on the ship, and reassuring both mothers and children who needed it.

  And then Dunlop caught sight of her. She couldn’t have been more than five. In a lather of sweat, her skin was hot to touch with fever. Every few minutes she would throw herself about and then lie quiet and exhausted, panting heavily.

  It didn’t need the four women around her bed for the doctor to know she was important. There was no mistaking the golden hair and green eyes.

  Dunlop was drawn to her like a magnet. The women parted and allowed him close. He took her in: the glistening face reddened with fever, the sweat darkening her hair as it stuck to her face and neck and tousled across her body, the green eyes holding his.

  He ran his scanner over her, but didn’t need it to know she was worse than the others. Her fever was higher and the convulsions worried him.

  “Anyone else got convulsions?” he asked.

  “No,” came from various parts of the nursery.

  He had no idea what to make of it. The symptoms were that of a bad cold, but much more severe. He guessed that it was a virus of some sort, but he would know more after taking some blood samples and examining them. He had no sooner pulled a syringe from his bag than he was stopped.

  One of the women who’d been seated around the bed stood in front of him. Her eyes lowered almost apologetically, but she wasn’t budging.

  “If you will excuse me –” he began.

  “It is not permitted.”

  “I’m not going to hurt her. I need to take some blood.”

  “No, if you puncture the skin, the life force will escape.”

  “If you don’t let me do my job, she will die anyway.” Dunlop had a great respect for other cultures, but not at the risk of someone’s life – especially not that of a child. “Senator Bela said to give me any assistance I need and I need to take blood.”

  One of the aides who’d shown them to the nursery rushed to intervene. “Any assistance, yes,” she agreed. “To keep her alive, not to take her life force.”

  “I need to know what’s going on inside her.”

  He was still refused and turned to McReidy, who had crept up beside him. “You’re a woman, you talk to them,” frustration caused him to snap.

  McReidy did her best to try and explain. Unfortunately, she didn’t have any more success than he did. Not knowing what else to do, she switched on her communicator.

  “Commander.”

  There was no answer.

  “Commander.”

  Still no answer.

  She kept trying, to no avail. “There must by something wrong with my communicator,” she decided.

  Dunlop tried his. “He’s switched off.”

  “What do you mean?” McReidy frowned.

  Dunlop felt the reasoning was obvious and one side of his face screwed up as he squirmed.

  McReidy was horrified. She ran from the room, quickly tracing her steps back to the foyer. She was furious with John. She would wring his neck when she got hold of him. How dare he behave like this! If he had one tenth of Sean’s integrity – Where was he? She tried her communicator again to no avail. It looked like she would have to break down every door in the place to find him… and then she would happily strangle him.

  She ran through room after room, ignoring the startled looks she received. She came across Gillespie in a library, his attention taken by the walls full of books, much to his escort’s displeasure.

  “The commander?” she blurted out.

  Gillespie shrugged. “No idea, sorry.”

  McReidy backed out, pulling the door closed
and began checking more rooms.

  * * *

  The door flew open and McReidy burst in. Bela was on her feet immediately. John was unaware of the interruption, although he was surprised at the agility with which Bela disentangled herself from his grasp. He was on his back, his jacket undone. As he slowly rose and propped himself on his elbows, he caught McReidy’s glare. The urge to flop onto his back again was almost overwhelming, but he suddenly had enough sense to realise that her glare was not directed at him.

  “How dare you enter my bedchamber!”

  The icy anger in Bela’s voice flared through John. He suddenly lost all feeling he had for her. As he did up his jacket, he was glad he was not on the receiving end.

  “What is the meaning of this?”

  McReidy didn’t flinch. She could give as good as she got. “I was looking for him.” She nodded slightly over Bela’s shoulder, indicating John. There was no sign of respect, her voice full of contempt.

  Bela looked puzzled for a moment, then misunderstood McReidy’s answer. Her voice softened as she turned to John. “She is your mate?”

  John’s fingers froze. “No!” he chorused with McReidy. The thought was as distasteful to her as it was to him. He got to his feet and fixed his collar, his eyes avoiding both women.

  “I do not take another woman’s mate,” Bela continued.

  “Doctor Dunlop wants you,” McReidy explained, unwilling to be dragged into this line of discussion.

  “The children!” It was as though Bela had forgotten them. Without a second glance, she flew from the room, leaving John and McReidy alone.

  He slowly moved beside her, still fiddling with his collar. Captain Decker had turned him into a perfectionist. What he didn’t realise was that his discomfort had nothing to do with his uniform.

  “What did you think you were doing?” McReidy demanded. There was a small glint in her eye as she offered, “Let me do that.”

  John’s hands dropped to his side. He thought he’d been forgiven. “Improving relations.”