“Mayday, Mayday!” the pilot repeated, before glancing over his shoulder. “Brace for impact! We’re going down!”
He fought for control, flicking switches, pushing buttons, and cursing like a trooper. To no avail. With a scream of the engine, the aircraft plummeted to the ground.
David’s stomach lurched, and he kicked against the back of the seat in front of him with both feet. Holding on for dear life, he closed his eyes and prayed. Please, don’t let me die. I don’t want to die.
“It’s going to be okay,” Tony said, his voice calm.
David wanted to believe him, but it was impossible. The emerald canopy of the primordial forest stretched as far as the eye could see. In the distance, a rocky ridge cut through the green ocean of trees and brush.
His eyes fixated on the highest peak, and he guessed it was Mount Rainier in Washington. It formed part of the Cascade mountain range that ran across North America, extending from southern British Columbia through Washington and Oregon to Northern California.
He’d learned that much in the schoolroom, even though he’d never seen it with his own eyes, and he filed the information away in the back of his mind. It might come in handy should they survive the crash, though he found that impossible to believe at that moment.
The ground sped toward them as they plunged toward the earth. The pilot attempted to steer the aircraft toward an open field, but they were going too fast. Engaging the air brakes, he tried to slow their descent.
David screamed as the trees rushed up to meet them, and he hunched up into a little ball. The plane cut through the top of the canopy, leaving a slew of devastation in its wake. Branches scraped across the body, and a thick stump broke through a window. Glass shattered and metal tore as the craft continued its rampage through the forest.
“Oh, shit. Oh, shit. Oh, shit!” David cried, his mind a blur of fear.
“Just hold on,” Tony said, his voice a lifeline amid the horror. “It’ll be okay. I promise.”
David clung to the words with desperate hope. They were all he had to hold on to. The only normal thing in a world gone wrong. Terribly wrong.
An earsplitting screech cut through the air like a knife as part of the plane tore away. The wind gusted through the cabin and plucked at David with icy fingers. His body was flung this way, and that, held in place only by the belt around his middle.
A man screamed, and David twisted around in his seat to get a look. The two crew members reached out to him as their seats were ripped from their moorings. Instantly, they were gone, lost in the blur of green and brown as the aircraft bulldozed through the trees.
David turned back in his seat. “Tony!” But Tony didn’t answer. He hung in his seat like a rag doll, his muscles slack and his eyes closed. Blood covered half of his face, and David shook his head in fierce denial. “No! Not Tony. Not him.”
With a thunderous roar, the plane burst through the trees and into the open field. It slid a few more feet before coming to a stop. As it settled into place, the metal groaned and creaked like an old man with a bad back.
Closing his eyes, David sent up a silent prayer to the heavens above. It was over. It was over, and he was still alive. Thank you, God.
But there was no time to waste. Tony was injured and bloody. He was an easy target, and who knew what prehistoric creatures lurked in the area? He, David, had to get both of them out of the wreck and somewhere safe. The pilot and crew too, if he could find them and they were still alive. And that was a big if.
Chapter 16 - Kat
Kat lay at the bottom of the stairs, unable to move. She stared up at the ceiling through swollen eyelids. Even blinking seemed like an impossible task. One hand lay on her stomach, and she prayed for the telltale flutter of life within her womb.
There was nothing.
Striving to remain calm, she cataloged her injuries. Her entire body ached, and it was difficult to breathe. Her shoulder throbbed, and it felt as if someone had driven an ice pick through her skull. There was something wrong with her knee, though it was hard to tell exactly what.
Plus, there remained the Red Flux. It burned through her veins and ate away at what little vitality she had left.
Despair filled her soul, and hot tears ran from the corners of her eyes. She couldn’t believe how stupid and reckless she’d been, acting as she had. I should’ve waited in bed. Sandi would’ve filled me in on the news, eventually. All I had to do was be patient.
But patience had never been a virtue of hers. All her life, she’d been hasty to act and hasty to judge. She’d rushed headlong into the fray, charging into situations, complications, and relationships without taking the time to think them through. It had meant her downfall more often than she could count.
Abandoning Rogue as a child, taking a job at a brothel, falling in love with Damien, running away, and becoming mistress to General Sikes. When had any of her decisions been good ones? Only once. Callum.
Callum’s face filled her mind, and the pain faded from her body. His smile, his eyes, the touch of his hands, the smell of his skin… it was enough to make her forget her hurt for a moment.
But it was not enough.
The darkness was drawing closer with each struggling breath, and the weight of her guilt lay heavy on her conscience. If the baby died, it was because of her. It would be her fault. No one else’s.
“Oh, my God. Mistress Mewes!” a voice shouted. Gentle hands touched her face, then her throat, feeling for a pulse. “You’re still alive. Mistress Mewes, can you hear me?”
Kat moaned, but she couldn’t respond. She could neither speak nor move. Her body was a prison, and her mind a captured bird within its confines.
“Just hold on. I’ll get help,” the voice said. The shadow looming above her disappeared, and Kat shivered, suddenly cold.
Thankfully, it didn’t take long for her rescuer to return with help. Several figures appeared from the mist that surrounded her, and voices filled her ears.
“She fell down the stairs.”
“Look at that knee. It’s twice its size already.”
“Somebody get a neck brace!”
“Where’s that stretcher?”
“Be careful when you move her.”
A light shone into her eyes. “Pupils are dilating normally, but she’s got a bump on her forehead. Possible concussion.”
Throughout it all, Kat lay silent while the chaos whirled around her. She imagined it was like being the eye of the storm.
Then a gentle hand touched her wrist. “Mistress Mewes, can you answer me? Can you speak?”
Kat swallowed, the tip of her tongue touching her dry lips. “I… I…”
“Come on, my dear. Say something,” the voice prompted.
“I…” I can’t. I just can’t. Her inability to speak frustrated her to the point of tears, and she choked back a bitter sob.
“Sh, don’t worry. I’ll look after you, my dear. It’s Dr. Bloomberg,” the voice said.
Dr. Bloomberg. The name of her doctor and friend was enough to calm the swirling vortex of pain, fear, guilt, loss, and worry within her. Whether he could help her or not, Dr. Bloomberg would try. He’d do whatever it took to save both her and the baby.
Bloomberg took her hand in his. “If you can’t speak, try to squeeze my hand. I need to know if you’re aware.”
I’m here. I’m still here, Kat thought, closing her eyes. Summoning every ounce of will she had, she squeezed the doctor’s fingers. It was the slightest of touches, but it was enough.
“That’s the ticket,” he said in an approving tone. “Now, try to relax. I’ll take good care of both you and the baby.”
Thank you, Kat thought, allowing herself to relax. The pain from her injuries washed over her in waves, and her body burned with the fiery touch of the Red Flux. But it didn’t matter. She was in capable hands. The very best.
Minutes later, the stretcher arrived, along with the neck brace. Dr. Bloomberg applied the brace, and they slipped the s
tretcher underneath her body. Secured in place, they lifted her into the air and carried her to Dr. Bloomberg’s practice on the upper floor.
The doctor followed, muttering reassuring words to Kat the entire time. Now and then, he’d reach out and give her hand a comforting squeeze. This helped to keep her calm even when the staff pushed their way through the crowded infirmary filled with the sick and dying.
Once they reached Dr. Bloomberg’s practice, he directed the orderlies to a separate room. It was small but private, a luxury afforded to few. Bright lights lit the space, and it smelled of lemons and disinfectant.
They transferred her to a hospital bed and performed a series of tests to determine the severity of her injuries. Afterward, a nurse patted her arm. “Don’t fret, Mistress Mewes. We’ll take good care of you.”
Kat blinked, astonished to find her body still capable of producing tears. One tear trickled down the side of her face and plopped onto the pillow below her head. Her mouth worked, and she produced a raspy whisper. “Th… thank you.”
“This will sting a little,” Dr. Bloomberg said, appearing next to her side. He jabbed a needle into her upper arm and injected a vial of clear fluid. “Don’t fret. This won’t harm the baby, but it will make you more comfortable.”
The medicine he administered took effect within minutes. It washed over her body, and the deep frown between her eyes smoothed out. The pain faded away, and it felt as if she floated in a sea of warm, nurturing water.
“There, there,” Dr. Bloomberg said, studying her face with close attention. “That feels better, doesn’t it?”
“I…” She did feel better, but there was a growing warmth between her legs that bothered her.
“No, don’t try to talk. Sleep, my dear,” the doctor said.
“But…” The baby. Something’s wrong.
“I’ll take care of you now. You’ve done enough,” Bloomberg said, his kindly eyes shining down at her.
Black encroached on her vision as the sedative took over. She tried to fight it. Tried to tell Bloomberg about the ache in her womb, and the growing patch of wet fluid between her thighs. But the medicine was too strong, and she surrendered to the darkness with a deep sigh.
Chapter 17 - Sandi
Sandi walked back to the infirmary with Paul at her side and a spring in her step. Behind them followed a long line of people. Casey and Lee were among them, chatting up a storm with their fellow Vancouverites. Patti, Moran, and a few members of the council were present as well, asking questions whenever they could get in a word.
Sandi didn’t care. She’d heard all she needed earlier, and her interest lay in the carts bringing up the rear. Each one was piled high with life-saving medicine and guarded by Bruce and other members of the Watch.
According to a letter sent with the pilot, this was the first of three deliveries negotiated by Seth. More would follow, and these would include food, clothes, and other necessities as well. Everything both Prime and the Exiles needed to survive the winter.
Sandi lifted her head and sucked in a deep breath of fresh air. Suddenly, the world seemed like a brighter place filled with hope and possibility. “I can’t believe they made it all the way to Vancouver.”
“I knew they could do it,” Paul replied. “None of them are quitters.”
“I know that, but they’ve accomplished the impossible,” Sandi said.
“Not the impossible. They just did what no one else, including me, had the guts to try,” Paul said. “Now, we know it can be done, and more people will follow in their footsteps.”
Sandi glanced up at his face. “Are you sorry you left the mission when you did?”
“No. My place was never with them,” Paul said, taking her hand in his. “My place was here. I simply needed to realize it myself.”
“That’s true. There are different kinds of heroes, my love. You can do more good here than you can over there,” Sandi said, leaning into his side.
“I’m just glad they’re all alive, though. Alive and kicking, despite their injuries,” Paul said, referring to Rogue. “Who’d have thought it? Wild dogs.”
“I know. It makes me wonder what else is out there,” Sandi said with a shudder. “At least they can come home now.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” Paul said.
“What do you mean?” Sandi asked.
“I’m pretty sure Bear has a thing for Jessica. Chances are he’ll stay in Vancouver with her, and Rogue…”
“What about her?” Sandi asked.
“She has a thirst for adventure, that one. I doubt she’ll ever come back,” Paul said with a shrug. “There’s a whole new world out there for her to explore and Prime… Prime’s in the past.”
“But this is her home,” Sandi protested. “And what about her mom, Olivia?”
“I don’t know about that. I’m just telling you what I saw,” Paul said. “As for Seth, he’ll go where she goes.”
“What about David?” Sandi asked, clinging to hope.
“He’ll return. I’m sure of it,” Paul said. “His heart lies with the Exiles. He belongs with them.”
“I guess that’s the best I can ask for,” Sandi said, downcast.
“Cheer up, love. Maybe we’ll see Rogue and Seth again one day,” Paul said. “Anything can happen.”
Reassured, Sandi smiled. “You’re right. Anything is possible. Just look at today!”
“Just look at today,” Paul agreed with a sage nod.
For the rest of their journey, he stayed silent, allowing Sandi to babble nonstop. It was something she did when excited, and she required nothing more than the occasional nod or grunt. It was the perfect way for her to vent about her doubts, fears, hopes, and dreams, and there were many.
Hanging onto Paul’s arm, she let it all out. Joy bubbled up from her core, and she couldn’t help but smile at everyone and everything she passed. Even if it made her look like a grinning idiot. For a short time, everything was perfect with the world.
“Look, we’re here,” Sandi cried when she spotted the infirmary. She ran to the back of the line and bounced up and down until Bruce and Moran noticed her.
“Yes, Sandi?” Moran asked.
“Paul and I can show the guards the way to the infirmary’s storerooms,” Sandi said. “The sooner we can get these meds cataloged and stored, the sooner we can start saving lives.”
“Of course, but a share must go to the Exiles,” Moran said.
“I realize that,” Sandi, sobering. “I’ll make sure it’s divided in half, packed, and ready for transport within the hour.”
“I’ll wait out here with the carts, and a runner can notify the Exiles. We should be able to meet them halfway before the sun goes down,” Bruce said.
“You’ll be careful, right?” Moran said, eyeing the supplies with a doubtful frown. “People are desperate, and they might try to steal the stuff.”
“I promise, I’ll be careful,” Sandi said. “The staff are good people. None of them are thieves.”
“Still, you should take a few guards with you. Better safe than sorry,” Bruce said, waving his hand at several of the Watch hovering nearby.
One of them was Terri, and he sauntered closer with a smirk on his face. “Have I been summoned?”
“Terri, guard these supplies with your life. Got it?” Bruce said. “Don’t let a single box out of your sight.”
“Got it,” Terri said.
“Ugh, not you again,” Sandi said.
“At your service, miss,” Terri said, unperturbed by her outburst.
“Fine, whatever,” Sandi grumbled as she entered the infirmary.
Inside, everything was much as she’d left it. Patients lined the wall, ready to be admitted, and nurses bustled around the space. Several carried clipboards, jotting down notes and information, while others administered to the sick.
Without wasting time, Sandi walked toward the storerooms. Along the way, she gathered up a small group of pharmacists, orderlies, and matrons.
With their help, she divided the medicine in half, jotted each item down on a list, and allocated amounts to each ward. The other half she counted, repackaged, and sent back to the wagons.
“That goes to the Exiles,” she said, handing the clipboard with the list to Terri. “Make sure they get it all.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said with a sardonic grin.
“I mean it. It’s worth more than you or I could ever be. Countless lives depend on this stuff,” she said, pressing her point home.
“I’ll protect it with my life, never fear,” Terri said with mock seriousness.
“Just remember, if that cargo goes missing, you’re as good as dead.”
“Bruce would never…” Terri said.
“Not Bruce. The mob,” Sandi said. “They’ll tear you to pieces if they find out you’re to blame for the loss of their precious medication.”
“You make a good point,” Terri said. With a couple of curt commands, he rallied the rest of the guards, and they carried the remaining supplies toward the waiting carts outside.
As soon as they were gone, Sandi turned her attention back to the infirmary and its needs. Already, the entire staff was abuzz with the news. It was with a sense of deep relief that she oversaw the distribution of fresh supplies. Items they desperately needed: Gloves, masks, overcoats, disinfectant, gauze, bandages, wipes, sheets, IV bags, lines, needles, surgical tools, tape, but most of all medicine.
She was almost done and ready to lock up the stores when Paul appeared in the doorway. “Sandi! Sandi, come quick!”
“Can’t it wait a few minutes?” she asked with a frown. “I’m almost done here.”
“It’s Kat,” he said, his face pale.
“Kat?” Sandi asked, and her stomach dropped. “What’s wrong with Kat?”
“She fell, and she’s hurt bad,” Paul said.
“She fell? How’s that even possible?” Sandi asked. “She’s supposed to be in bed.”
“No time to explain. You’d better come quick. Dr. Bloomberg fears the worst,” Paul said, urging her away.
“The worst? You mean… It can’t be,” Sandi repeated, shocked to the core. “And the baby?”
The Extinction Series | Book 7 | Primordial Earth 7 Page 11
