by Celeste Raye
Reginald felt an odd happiness due to her enthusiasm. He had long since forgotten how it warmed your soul to make someone else happy. It was an added bonus. He would get Valeri out of the experiments for a while, stop her questions, and get to revel in her appreciation besides. Lunch became more festive for them both after that.
Valeri was given a blue lab coat. It was for her honorary admittance to the new lab. The scientists from the experiments were distinguished from the techs by blue lab coats. It made the techs a little standoffish, but Valeri's excitement and willingness to defer to their way of handling matters changed the atmosphere. She was soon welcomed into their world.
Each day was an adventure. New potions were brewed, refining the formula after each trial. They were using brains from cadavers to experiment with the formulas. Just a few drops on one and the lesions left behind by the disease disappeared. Unfortunately, so did a fraction of the normal brain tissue.
Valeri's suggestions were welcomed and used in the refinements. She couldn't wait for each day to begin. Her love of science was returning, and her depression lifted. She even went out for drinks with the techs after work. Laughter was once more a part of her life. No pain-filled faces greeted her in the mornings. She didn't have to hurt anyone or put noxious fluids into already ravaged bodies. She was finding a cure that would gain millions a happy life with their families. Maybe she had imagined all the bad things about the experiments. This part of it was certainly legitimate.
At night, as she lay in her bed, it was a different story. Away from the excitement of the techs, alone with her thoughts, Valeri worried about the aliens. Was Akeila over his pain from the cancer? Were the tumors dissolving, or had she given him a disease he couldn't overcome? Had Ohber been harmed? Was he a part of another awful experiment? Did he and Akeila think she had abandoned them to their fates? Her heart ached for them. They had become her friends. Friendship with an alien was much the same as with a human. You enjoyed seeing them, and you worried about their welfare when you were apart. It was an odd situation. She longed to help them, but didn't quite know how.
She never mentioned the aliens to the lab techs. They had no contact with them and would not understand her feelings for them. The samples they worked with were just pieces of a puzzle, not parts of a flesh-and-blood entity. It was for the best. It allowed them to work unhampered by the knowledge of the painful ways those samples were obtained. They were enthusiastic and really great at what they did. Valeri made friends with them as well, though it was a very different dynamic than the friendships she shared with the aliens.
Her week of adventure would come to an end soon. She hoped the cure was refined to perfection before she had to leave. She wanted to stay in this happy atmosphere and forget about the dark one on the floors below. Or did she? She was definitely torn by her love of research and her need to care for her friends. She felt a deep responsibility for their wellbeing. If she could split herself in half and be both places, she would. Perhaps, if she pleaded, Reginald would allow her to spend time in both labs. She would avoid lab number two at all costs. Seeing the aliens hooked up to life support once was more than enough.
She squealed with the rest of the techs when a new refined formula was ready to try. They all gathered around the table to watch the test. The vial containing the sample was handed to Valeri. She was told, "It's your last day here, at least for now, so you do the honors." Valeri let three tiny drops hit the small portion of diseased brain tissue. She watched with an anxious heart as they ate away at the lesions. For just a moment, the progress stopped, and she thought they had finally done it, but then the good tissue dissolved along with the bad. Her face fell, as did those of the techs. They sighed and went back to start over again. They would never give up. Neither would Valeri.
Victor invited Valeri to spend the weekend at the beach with a group of his computer geek friends. She decided to make the most of it, packing shorts and a bikini. Her days were spent swimming, playing volleyball, throwing a Frisbee, and getting a tan. The evenings were fun. There were bonfires, delicious food, and sing-a-longs. Every minute was a blast, until she sat alone watching the tide come in as the moon rose. The sight brought to mind the description of Milisaria. It had green seas and four moons. Guilt slammed into her chest, taking her breath with it. Ohber was locked away. He would most likely never see the seas or the moons again. In fact, he might never see any sky again. She could come and go as she pleased, eat whatever she wanted, and bask in the sun. He couldn't. None of the aliens in the experiment could. Their choices and their freedom had been stolen.
Victor plopped down in the sand beside her. He asked, "What's wrong? You were laughing and singing with us just moments ago, and now I see tears in your eyes."
Valeri hated to drag her brother down into the dumps with her, but who else could she talk to about the program? Technically, she wasn't supposed to share information with him either. She knew Victor would hold his tongue, even if tortured, to save her. She began, "This week was great. It reminded me of why I became a scientist. This weekend with you and your friends was fabulous. None of it feels real, though. Reality is waiting for me in the experiment room. Sad faces, sick bodies, and lonely hearts are my reality now. I look at this beautiful blue ocean and the full moon, and I see Ohber, the Milisarian, who longs for his home filled with greens seas and four moons. I look at you and remember the family that the Reptilarian left behind. Lightning brings to mind the Voltuni. Old people in the stores or strolling on the beach remind me of the old Arkani we gave cancer. It makes me wonder, how can I justify this program? Then I think about the cure we came so close to refining this week, and it all makes sense. I don't know what to believe anymore."
Victor put his arm around her shoulders and drew her close. He said, "I'm so sorry that dad ever put you in this program. It's tearing you to pieces. I'm sorry to have to say it, but he knew it would be hard for you. He did it anyway. You've got to get out before it destroys you completely."
"I've considered asking to work upstairs with the techs for at least a couple of days a week. I don't know if dad would go for it or not. What do you think?" She looked up into Victor's face for an answer.
He sighed and replied, "It doesn't matter what he would do. Don't you see? You would still worry and grieve over these aliens no matter what department you worked in. You're sitting on a beach in the moonlight and worrying about them. You either have to get completely out of the program or get the aliens out."
"I know. It's just so hard. Good things are happening with the research, but cruel testing can't be the way to gain information." Valeri curled up in his arms and added, "Will you help me decide? Dig deeper into the program. Find out where the money comes from. The nurses implied that something awful happened to those not fit for more experiments: something worse than what we saw in the second lab. I need all the facts before I try anything."
Victor replied, "You know I will do all I can to help you. You are so important to me. Mom's gone. Dad's lost my respect, and I think he's losing yours. We have to rely on each other. If it comes down to it, I will get those aliens out myself. Tell me when and where and I will be there. In the meantime, I will dig deep into the program. They can't cover all their tracks. I am very good at what I do."
Valeri smiled, "Don't get caught. Dad would prosecute. I need you out here with me and the aliens."
Victor couldn't help but laugh. "What a sight! The two of us, a Milisarian Knight, an old Arkani with wings, a woman that can electrocute us with her touch, and a very big lizard with a sense of humor forming our own army. Did you ever watch the old movies about the humans with special abilities? I think they were called X-Men. We would fit right in."
Valeri joined in his laughter and said, "I haven't seen them, but I bet the Reptilarian would get a kick out of them. I need to see if I can find some copies. He needs something new to laugh at. I'm sure he's sick of Godzilla."
Chapter 8
The lab was quiet when Vale
ri returned to her floor. She had gotten used to the chatter and laughter of the techs. In only one week of being away, this lab had become a mess. Stacks of blood samples filled the cooler, waiting to be run through tests. The computer was full of data that needed to be organized. No one had sent the trash through the recycler. Even the floors were dirty. Where was maintenance? Where was everybody?
Valeri went to search for the nurses. She couldn't find even one. Her father's office was open and empty. Voices were coming from the conference room, so she went to investigate. She slid the doors open and found Reginald and the rest of the scientists arguing. She caught her dad's words before everyone noticed she was there. He said, "The nurses and Valeri will be back today. Stop complaining about the extra work. You know we needed them gone so we could do what had to be done. You'll be paid for it."
"What had to be done, dad?" Valeri didn't like what she had heard.
Reginald snapped, "If it was any of your business, I would have kept you here. You're behind in the lab. Mind your own business and get to work."
Valeri backed out. She should be angry and hurt, but she was more worried about the aliens. If the nurses were gone, how were they being cared for? The lab could wait. She hurried to check on her friends.
The Voltuni's voltage had been turned way down. She was lethargic and had lost much of her shine. It was obvious that the scientists had wanted her to remain passive while the nurses were away. Valeri changed the settings and hoped the low voltage was the only problem.
The Reptilarian was lying on top of the sand. His television was off. She glanced at his chart and saw nothing written there. Taking a chance, she picked up the passkey and opened his room. He barely lifted his head. She went inside and discovered the skin patch she had put on his arm was torn and the wound infected. Without a nurse, he had been ignored except for the food (bugs and worms) that had been shoved through the feeding slot. She cleaned and disinfected the wound, put on a new skin patch, gave him a large dose of antibiotics, and switched on his television. He hoarsely whispered, "Water. Need water." That's when she noticed the sand was dry. She was furious. She put some water in a dish and held it for him to dip his tongue in. He absorbed it within seconds. She turned on the irrigation system that kept the sand dampened and hurried to the next alien.
By this time, the nurses were arriving. Valeri stopped them and explained the situation. They were horrified. They had been told to take a vacation and that substitutes would care for their patients. Each hurried off to care for their charge. Valeri went with Akeila's nurse. The old man was doing well, considering the circumstances. He had plenty of nutritional paste, so he wasn't starving. He was tired, dirty, and in a little pain. He had not been given any pain medication, but the tumors were shrinking. He was fighting off the cancer. Valeri left him with the nurse and headed for Ohber.
She dreaded this. She was sure Ohber was going to be angry and combative. She was right. His glare made her skin crawl. The nurse was taking his pile of dirty laundry to be washed. It reeked from sitting there. No one had washed any of his clothes or bedding while the nurses were away. He was still wearing the shirt and pants from the last time Valeri had seen him. He smelled bad as well. There was dried blood all over his body. Without the salve, the scabs had itched, and Ohber had scratched his sweaty skin until he bled. He looked ill. Valeri reached up to touch his forehead, and he shoved her hand away. She said, "I was just going to check your temperature. You look sick."
Ohber growled, "What do you care? You abandoned me like everyone else. I am alive and ready for more tests. That is all that really matters to any of you."
Valeri tried to explain, "I didn't abandon you. I was assigned to a different lab for a week. I didn't know the nurses were going to be gone."
"If you truly cared, you would have checked on us at least once. You would have seen that we were alone and untreated. Bring me water. I need to wash. Do not concern yourself with any of my other problems," Ohber snarled.
"A bucket of water won't do. You need a shower. I'm taking you to the men's locker room. I'm also going to find out why you are sick." Valeri tugged at his hand, trying to make him get up.
"Ask your father what the illness is. He gave the same one to each of us. He wished to know how it would spread in different species. Stop pulling at my hand. I cannot get up. I am locked to the bed." Ohber lifted his shirt to show her the wide band across his chest. "They did not like my attitude. I tried to get out and see to the others’ needs. They locked me down."
Valeri was sickened by what she heard. She would not be asking to work elsewhere. The aliens could not be left alone with the scientists ever again. She told Ohber, "I'm going to get the key. I promise to come right back."
The key wasn't in the lab. She searched the experiment room and finally found it. She ran down the hallway, not stopping when she heard Reginald yell her name. He would stop her from unlocking Ohber, and she couldn't allow that to happen.
Valeri raced into the room and quickly unlocked the bar. There was a bloody mess beneath it. Ohber had obviously struggled to get loose. He must be in a lot of pain. She asked, "Do you want any pain medication? It might make the shower easier to bear."
Ohber grimaced as he sat up and the bloody skin was pulled taut. He replied, "The pain feeds my anger. Let it be. Take me to the shower. I have been lying in my own filth for days."
Valeri was helping him stand when the nurse came back. She ordered, "Strip the bed, burn the mattress, and get him a new one. Have the salve ready when I bring him back from the shower." She walked slowly through the hallways with Ohber limping at her side. He stopped frequently and leaned against the wall. His strength was waning.
One of the scientists was in the locker room. He protested, "You can't bring that creature in here! He's filthy and disgusting. He could give us all a nasty illness. Besides, Reginald had him locked down for his insolence."
Valeri's anger exploded, "He's filthy and disgusting because none of you saw to his needs! You were all too lazy to do your jobs, and yet you complained to dad about extra work. You didn't do any extra work, and yet you expect to be paid. You can be sure he will be told not to pay you. If Ohber has a nasty illness, it's because dad gave it to him. Get out of my way!"
Valeri turned on the water, set it to warm, and helped Ohber into the shower, still wearing his dirty clothes. She heard him moan in both pain and pleasure as the warm water ran over him. He threw the filthy clothes over the shower door. Valeri shoved them into a plastic bag for the laundry. She was afraid to throw them away. They might not be replaced, and Ohber had few changes of clothing. She readied a large towel for him to wrap around himself for the long walk back to his room, then sat down and let him soak in the shower for as long as he wanted.
Thirty minutes later, they had returned to Ohber's room. A new mattress and clean sheets adorned his bed. Clean clothes sat on a chair, along with the salve. Valeri began applying the soothing salve to every scratch and sore. She was interrupted by a summons through the speakers. Reginald's demanded, "Valeri, I know you're there. Come to my office immediately." She left Ohber in the nurse's capable hands and went to do battle with her father.
Reginald was on the phone and made her wait for almost an hour. She knew it was deliberate. He was reminding her that he was the boss and in full control. He finally acknowledged her presence and said, "I was told you unlocked the alien without my permission and then took him to our showers. Have you lost your mind? He could have overpowered you and escaped! He most likely contaminated the shower and the hallway. There are blood smears on the walls. Just because you are my daughter doesn’t mean you can overrule my decisions. In fact, I expect you to set an example."
Valeri controlled her anger and replied, "Are you done yet? I don't need you to tell me what I've been doing. I need you to listen to the reasons I did them. Your precious scientists complained to you about extra work this morning. What extra work? No one did anything for the aliens while the nurses
and I were away. The Voltuni could have died with her voltage so low. The Reptilarian's wound was infected, and his sand was dry. He was too dehydrated to move. The Arkani was dirty and hadn't been given any pain medication. The Milisarian was a bloody mess. No one had put salve on his skin. He clawed himself, and his chest was raw and bleeding from you locking him down. He was too weak to attack anyone. You ignored it all and gave them an illness on top of it. How could you allow it?"
Reginald responded, "They were fine when I gave them the shots. It was Monday, and everything looked normal. It was just a virus to see how each species differed in handling it. I trusted my scientists to do their jobs. They swore the aliens were being cared for. I was too busy with the business side of things to check. They will be appropriately reprimanded."
"Reprimanded? That's all? A little slap on the wrist and a ‘bad boy’ is all they get? Think about it this way: your program could have been ruined by their inaction. You might have lost some money and the aliens. Does that make you care more?" Valeri asked.
Reginald declared, "The aliens are replaceable. We are almost done with this group anyway. As I've told you repeatedly, mind your own business. I control this program and the scientists. Go back to the lab and put it in order. Don't ever take matters into your own hands again. I'll be watching."
Too frustrated to organize the lab, Valeri went back to check on the aliens. The nurses were working double time to fix all the messes. Even the young gigglers were working hard. Ohber was eating. His skin was covered in the salve. He still wore only the towel, allowing his skin to soak up the medication. He raised an eyebrow in question as she entered the room. Valeri sighed, "He just wanted to yell at me. I unlocked you without permission. We contaminated the shower, and you bled on the hallway walls. No big deal. He's always mad at me now. Are you feeling better?"
