A thump hit the boat, causing them all to startle, and echoed through the cold steel of the nearly empty hold. They all held their breaths, some hope leaped into their hearts. Another echo, then silence. Tap, Tap! Harold grabbed a metal bar and tapped back, Morse code?
“It’s Xerxes!â€� Harold said after a few more taps. “Get ready!â€�
They could hear other sounds. Something attached to the boat’s hull. Up top, they heard excited shouts. Another boat was approaching them.
“Skip, jam the hatch.� Harold told him. Anthony used the old crowbar they had saved as a measure of last resort. It would not hold long.
The high-pitched sound of a drill became louder and the metal glowed red when it began to cut through the hull. It didn’t take long. Some water poured in before the Atlantians sealed it. Jessica was the only one grateful for the coolness, she sighed in relief at the water temperature, and everyone else gasped at the icy cold water.
Pericles looked through the hole and surveyed the conditions, his anger flared hot when he saw Jessica sitting listlessly with a dirty blanket covering her.
“Let’s go people,â€� he told them.
Gunfire broke out up top. Someone was shooting at the hatch. Harold picked up his daughter to pass her through the hole first and into Xerxes eager arms.
“Oh Lord!â€� He said when he touched her, seeing her pasty white face, and feeling the heat from her high body temperature. “I’ll kill him with my bare hands!â€� he swore. Now Xerxes was sure he would not be able to control himself, only his concern for his wife mitigated his rage.
“Only if you get to that damn bastard before me, son,� Harold told him through clenched teeth, their eyes held the same look of death for the traitor and in that instant the two men came to know and respect each other. They loved the same woman, though differently, one her father the other her husband, they became family.
Maureen went next, helped through the escape hatch by Merk. Harold looked through the hatch and surveyed the crowded conditions his eyes met those of the worried Atlantian Lord.
“Xerxes, give me a weapon.â€� A retired Seal from his youth, Harold’s voice was a low growl, reminding Xerxes of his own father.
“Mr. Carter - Harold, No!â€� Xerxes exclaimed, fearing for father-in-law’s safety. “We’ve enough people up there, they won’t know you.â€�
Harold looked Xerxes sincerely in the eyes, “Son,â€� he said, “take care of my daughter and wife. Now, give me a weapon, it’s too crowded in there.â€�
“Me too!â€� Anthony agreed. “I’ve a score to settle.â€�
Desperate to get Jessica back to Barrous’ ship, although the doctor had accompanied them and was beginning treatment as they argued, Xerxes didn’t argue further. Quickly Merk explained the simple workings of an Atlantian laser rifle, while Pericles notified the surface team of the two new friendly presences and their description, hoping to prevent an accident. Harold kissed his wife, and he and Anthony went to find Marcus. Pericles sealed the sub’s hatch as Harold and Anthony began firing through the hold’s hatch to clear anyone trying to come through.
Xerxes hoped they would make it. He glanced at Maureen who sat next to him with worry clear on her lovely face. Xerxes cradled Jessica while the doctor carried out her gentle ministrations. With his other arm, he hugged his mother-in-law. Surprised, Maureen looked up at her new son-in-law.
“He is a brave man,â€� Xerxes said, “He’ll be okay.â€�
“I hope so,â€� Maureen said, amazed at Xerxes’ sensitivity. “I’m not as sure…â€� she looked at her daughter and tears began to run from her eyes. Xerxes pulled her closer to his free shoulder.
Xerxes whispered softly into Jessica’s ear words of love and of how much he had missed her. Among the brave team of Pericles men, none missed the stray tears that occasionally slipped into Jessica’s hair from Xerxes eyes. Their High Lord’s show of emotion for his wife heightened their respect for their leader, and they did their best to keep their eyes averted. They had come to love her too. Everyone just as concerned about the woman that was now their High Lady. Maureen sat up, patting Xerxes on the shoulder in a motherly way.
Barrous—knowing in advance about Jessica’s condition - insisted his senior ship’s physician accompany the sub’s team and his prudence made a vast difference. The doctor instantly began heavy doses of a drug similar to Earth’s antibiotic, but these little microbes configured themselves to stimulate each individual’s immune system. The alien doctor also used a syringe of an ugly green slime on the wound to cleanse it. This alien concoction bubbled, giving off a horrible smell, which the sub’s air system managed to handle, barely. Maureen turned away, unable to watch. The doctor quickly wiped the residue away as it turned to a nasty brown color then sealed the materials in an airtight bag.
Xerxes continued to talk to his wife, “Jessica my love, wake up.� He half begged.
Adjusting Jessica’s medication minute by minute, the doctor kept close watch on her patient, stopping only to alter the new alien dressing on the wound. This type of injury, treated with alien drugs that medically attacked with both internal medication and externally with an alien creature that drew the poison from the site of the wound. Earth medicines have only recently begun to use a similar creature again.
“Please Jess, wake up, just for a minute honey!� Her eyes fluttered open, she stared into Xerxes eyes and smiled a drained, weak little smile.
“Dreaming again,â€� she mumbled. “I’ll never see you again.â€� She started to cry. Xerxes kissed her face, marveling at how hot she felt. “Love you…â€�
“You aren’t dreaming! I am here, you’ll be okay!â€� he assured her. She gazed into his Aquamarine eyes.
“Those eyes, always safe when I see your eyes.� she fell asleep.
Pericles signaled all clear to the surface vessel and pulled rapidly away from the doomed boat. A sudden jolt told Xerxes the sub was on its way to docking aboard Barrous’ ship and lay his head back against the seat, closed his eyes and offered a prayer for his wife’s life. He held her closer to his heart and Maureen rested her head on his shoulder.
Harold and Anthony knew the fighting was going on topside. Both figured Marcus would be as far from there as possible.
“Let’s go check the staterooms.â€� Harold said with some confidence.
“Sounds right,� Anthony agreed, knowing Marcus to be a coward.
With caution, they worked their way to the largest cabin aft of the crew’s quarters. There they found Marcus hiding in the Captain’s locked stateroom. With one discharge of the Atlantian laser rifle. Harold blasted the door into splinters.
“Marcus,â€� Harold said with a disgusted sneer, “You are a pig.â€� Harold’s ham-sized fist found his face. “I’ll tell you now, if my daughter dies you won’t have to worry about what Xerxes will do to you.â€� Harold explained to him as he cinched up Marcus’ hands with some thin rope and shoved him through the splintered door, ignoring the shocked and surprised look on Marcus’ lunatic contorted face.
Harold and Anthony heard running feet and knew they were near the open deck. Ross came towards them with Pisces close behind. Ross, with a nine-millimeter pistol in his hand shot Anthony before any of them could react to stop him. He took aim at Harold but Pisces dropped him with one of the Atlantian weapons. Anthony was bleeding badly, but conscious and able to walk as the bullet had hit him in the right shoulder. Ross was dead. Marcus dove for the deck when Ross shot Anthony and managed to grab the pistol without notice when Pisces killed Ross. Harold jerked Marcus to his feet and pushed him forward, Marcus concealing the pistol for the right moment. They made it to the rest of the assault group when Marcus taking deadly aim at Harold despite his poorly bound hands and fired. Pisces saw him at the last second and sho
ved Jessica’s father out of the way taking the bullet in the side. He dropped to the deck. Enraged, Harold tore the gun from Marcus’ hand and struck him with the pistol. He was on the downswing of the next blow when Ainu firmly caught his arm. Harold turned to see who would dare stop him and saw Ainu. He respected this young man.
“I too would enjoy beating the living hell out of him Harold, but what awaits him in Atlantis is a more satisfying justice.â€� Ainu told Harold. “Let’s go see how Jessica is.â€�
Harold straightened, giving Marcus a look that promised death, “Yes, I see you are right.�
Two of the assault team, who just happened to be Marcus’ nephews, roughly pulled Marcus to his feet and put more secure restraints on his hands and feet. They did not speak to him. Anthony who could no longer stand, and Pisces who was unconscious, quickly came under the care of the medical teams. Both placed on anti-gravity stretchers, they took priority on loading and rushed aboard a shuttle that would dock with Barrous’ ship. Marcus, taken to a secure cell and put in suspended time to ensure he could not escape. The attack squad, Harold and Ainu left the sinking boat as the icy waves were beginning to lap at the deck.
Knowing Maureen would be worried about him and as he was also very concerned about their very sick daughter, Harold asked where they were. Ainu escorted him to sickbay. Maureen greeted him with a somber but warm hugs and kisses. Ainu hugged his older brother.
“How is she?â€� Ainu asked but the look on his brother’s worried face told the discouraging outlook.
Xerxes sank back down on the couch in the waiting area. “Sick Ainu, real sick,�
“She will make it, Xerxes, Jessica’s a strong woman.â€� Ainu told him to reassure his older brother. He saw her parents and hugged them both before they sat down. Ainu too had started to think of Jessica’s parents fondly. He missed his parents as much as his brother did and Jessica’s parents were much like them.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Ainu filled Xerxes in on what had gone on during the raid topside. Luck had been with them and their men sustained only minor injuries. Ainu briefly mentioned Harold’s encounter with Marcus after he shot Pisces and let him expanded on that part about Marcus’ capture.
“I hit him.� Harold said without remorse. “And I will not apologize for it, either time.� he said more firmly. “If Ainu had not stopped me on the deck, I might have killed him.� Harold stood, realized he was a bit unsteady and sat back down. “God knows he deserved it.�
The group had fallen silent when an attractive, young Alpha-Centaurian Lieutenant respectfully approached and introduced herself as Lieutenant C’lar. “Sir Carter, Lady Carter,â€� she addressed Jessica’s parents, “Ambassador Barrous has asked me to show you to your quarters so that you may refresh yourselves and rest. Lady Jessica will be fine but will need to recuperate. He thought you might need to rest.â€� She told them with confidence they hoped was more than politeness. Bruce joined them, Barrous had assigned him a suite also.
Jessica’s parents looked a little bewildered, “Xerxes,â€� Maureen asked, “Where are we?â€� Neither of them knew they were on board Barrous’ ship.
Xerxes looked to the Lieutenant then to Bruce. “Would you escort Sir and Lady Carter to a viewpoint before they go to their quarters and explain why we must remain out here for a while?�
“Of course, you’re Highness.â€� The cute, petite Centaurian said with a slight smile. “This way please…â€� With a last look at Xerxes, Harold and Maureen followed their escort, just beginning to understand how important their son-in-law was. Bruce accompanied them and stayed with them to converse quietly with the Lieutenant while Harold and Maureen stood arm in arm and stared out a huge view window at Earth in amazement.
Harold turned to Bruce after awhile, “They found you on the island? How long after Marcus took us?�
“Only about an hour,â€� Bruce told him. “I was sure glad to see Ainu’s men. At first I was afraid Marcus’ thugs had returned but the ones that were wounded told me different.â€�
“How many were killed?� Maureen asked.
“None - one was close though. If it had been another hour, I don’t think he would have survived.â€�
“Do you have a room here too?� Harold asked as Africa disappeared below them.
“Next to yours,� Bruce told him and sighed.
After a few more minutes, they let their escort show them to their rooms.
“I know you are worried about Lady Jessica.â€� Lieutenant C’lar once again assured her parents. “Try not to be. We have the best medical technicians in our system. Your daughter will recover, but it will take time.â€� Lieutenant C’lar then showed them how to access the medical room where Jessica’s treatment was on going so they could get updates on her condition. Jessica condition still listed as critical.
Xerxes watched Harold and Maureen follow the Lieutenant then he sat back down, his face in his hands. He lost track of time. At some point, a nurse gave him a drink. He thanked her for the refreshment then returned to the same position. Xerxes had not changed clothes and he wore the drab Khaki uniform he had worn beneath the scuba dry suit on the rescue mission. His long blonde hair, now free of the usual tie was in disarray. Xerxes in no way looked like the forceful and commanding High Lord of Atlantis. He was lost in the possible hell of life without his wife, and could not see beyond life without Jessica.
Pisces, weak from blood loss and sick of conscience forced himself from bed and left his room without the knowledge of the medical team assigned to his care. He saw Xerxes sitting forlornly alone.
“My Lord?â€� he addressed Xerxes. Xerxes didn’t hear the boat captain he was so engrossed in his own agony. Pisces cleared his throat, well aware of the trouble he was in and the fact that Xerxes might just snap his neck. He was certainly big enough. “My Lord!â€� Xerxes slowly looked up.
“Yes, what is it? Who are you?� Xerxes voice was gruff.
“Forgive me,� Pisces said and bowed. “Unfortunately, I am the boat captain, Pisces.�
Silence hung, Xerxes glowered at him, and then remembered what Harold had told him. “I am told that my wife would be dead without your intervention.� Xerxes said in a restrained but civil tone.
“I am undeserving of any credit. I can only say when that traitor retained my services I did not know what I was going to be doing. My men had already been paid so I didn’t have many options. They were upper-worlders, mostly thugs. Later, I found Marcus had paid them extra to follow his orders over mine. Still, I do not mean to make excuses. I only hope your Lady will recover. I will hold myself at your disposal milord for what ever your pleasure. I make no defense and will testify against Marcus.â€� he bowed unsteadily and went back to his bed.
Xerxes could not wait any longer as he was aching for news of his wife’s condition. He walked to the room she was in and quietly opened the door. Two nurses hovered around her and the same doctor who on the sub attended.
The doctor looked up, “Milord, you should not be here.�
“I couldn’t stay outside any longer,â€� Xerxes said in a quiet voice, whatever the outcome he would be with her.
Jessica had become aware of sounds. She didn’t open her eyes because the lights hurt her eyes but she floated in the hot darkness. In her feverish state, she could again hear the chanting of the pagan Aztecs. Jessica heard his voice again too. This time that voice had a name. “Xerxes!â€� she moaned, in her mind she called out loudly but her voice was a low moan. Xerxes went to her side despite the doctor.
“I am here, my love. You are safe. I won’t leave you or allow you to leave me again.â€� Xerxes said, kissing her face.
Jessica drew a deep labored breath, but kept her eyes closed. “I
love you Xerxes. I didn’t tell you before but - I love you!â€�
“Jessica,â€� Xerxes kissed her hot hands, “I love you too, don’t ever leave me again,â€� he begged her. Fearful, even now, she was slipping away from him.
“I won’t,â€� Jessica smiled her eyes serenely closed, frightening Xerxes.
“Look at me, Jess.� Xerxes entreated.
Her eyes fluttered, “Lights!� Jessica exclaimed.
“Lower the lights,â€� the doctor ordered, and turning to Xerxes, bade him stay. She directed her assistants, “Continue the treatment and up the antibody drip.â€� Jessica’s vital signs closely monitored at all times, the alien physician knew Jessica’s temperature remained at a dangerously high degree, but the doctor was heartened and surprised Jessica had regained consciousness. “Inflate the negative atmosphere bags and set the negative space air at just above freezing.â€�
These bags would work in a similar fashion to icepacks but were more gentle and controllable. The bags would reduce her body’s temperature slowly, they would work with her body and reduced the stress gravity and the illness had put it under.
Xerxes watched, holding his wife’s hand, as a clear plastic suit inflated around and under Jessica with the exception of her face and hands. Jessica’s eyes slowly opened to look into Xerxes. She smiled, her eyes glassy.
“Jessica you must stay with me.� Xerxes beseeched, kissing her lips then her face, “I cannot rule Atlantis without you. Please Jessica,� he kissed her hair. “Remember my love, it will be our children that will rule when the rest of the earth learns of Atlantis. They will need a mother such as you to guide them.�
“So hot!â€� she whispered. “Xerxes don’t let the Aztecs get me again.â€� A fearful, worried look came over her face that tugged at his heart.
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