“Ah. Bellatercio said that she had shared a copy of Hovard Zen’s history. It makes for interesting reading.” Felipesegundo strolled in, another cup of medicine in his hand.
“I’m not much of a history person,” admitted Madeline, “but from what I’ve read, it tells a very different story of the Onin Rebellion than anything I was taught.”
“Indeed.” Felipesegundo handed her the cup of medicine. “Drink up,” he encouraged.
She did so. “Felipesegundo,” she murmured. “I’m not going crazy, am I? ThisistheStella Maris, come to ground?”
The Treb chuckled. “You are not mistaken,” he replied. “With the help of your brother, we stole the ship and brought it planetside. It will form the core of our new city and hopefully a beacon for Trebs everywhere. A place where we can live free from the oppression of those who seek to exploit us.”
“My goodness,” was all Madeline could manage. “I mean, I thought I knew a fair amount about how the galaxy works, but I had no idea the Trebs were treated so poorly.”
Felipesegundo shrugged. “The weak are exploited by the strong, until the weak learn to fight for themselves. Sadly, it seems to be the way the galaxy works. So the Trebs are trying to become stronger.” He raised his hand to indicate the sleeping Enoch. “He helped us to learn. It is why we will never forget him.”
The little orange-furred creature shook his head. “This one digresses. It is the presence of one of this one’s heroes, here in the flesh, that is so distracting. Back to the point. Yes, this is theStella Maris, secretly landed and camouflaged on a planet with limited sentient life. Very few people know its location. One of them, however, is your brother, and he is speeding to this location even now.”
“Jack?” cried Madeline, sitting up straight. “Jack’s cominghere? So he’s okay…oh, thank goodness.” She sank back into the bed.
Felipesegundo chuckled. “He is, indeed. It is this one’s understanding that Jack was able to contact the crew of his ship, theMaracaibo, and they rescued him promptly. As soon as you and the Lord Peregrinus arrived, we contacted theMaracaiboand informed them of our new guests. They should be here within a few days. This one looks forward to seeing the crew and captain once again.” The Treb rubbed his furry hands with glee. “So let’s get you all better, yes? So you can enjoy many happy reunions.”
“Many happy reunions,” repeated Madeline.Well, there will be those. I’ll also have to figure out how to stop Jack and Enoch from killing each other, I suspect. And then we’ll have to find out what the hell happened back on Tarma, and what we’re going to do about it.The thoughts were exhausting.
Felipesegundo watched the thoughts pass across the CEO’s elfin face. “No borrowing trouble, lady,” he scolded gently. “This one can tell you from experience, it is better to deal with what is in front of you. For right now, there is healing. For later, there is reckoning.”
“Healing does sound good for now,” admitted Madeline. “How is Enoch?”
The Treb’s brows furrowed. “His system has suffered,” he said sadly. “The Lord Peregrinus, as this one understands him, is a man to ignore pain and suffering while he pursues his goals. This time, it appears that the cost of such an approach has caught up to him, and the bill is extensive.” He patted Madeline’s hand. “Still, his body is mighty and is matched by his soul. This one believes that the worst of it is over. His spirit has decided that he will leave. Now he makes the return journey back to us.”
Madeline eyed the furry creature. “You’re a bit of a poet, aren’t you?” she lightly teased.
Felipsegundo grinned in return. “All Trebs have poetry in their souls.”
“If Jack is on theMaracaibo…can I talk to him?” asked Madeline.
The Treb patted her hand again. “Soon,” the creature promised. “You have just had another dose of medicine. You must rest first. But afterward, yes, of course.”
Madeline closed her eyes and let the Treb medicine continue its healing work on her body. “Sounds like a great idea…” she said muzzily, before falling off to sleep once more.
***
When Madeline awoke, she felt greatly refreshed; better than she had felt in quite some time.That Treb medicine is absolutely amazing.Thirsty, she sat up in bed to reach for a cup of water. Looking around, she realized that the bed next to hers was empty.
Enoch was gone.
Feeling a mild sense of alarm, Madeline felt for her slippers and swung out of bed. She felt more steady on her feet than she had since she had been bitten by that horrible creature, and was pleased with the progress. Still moving gingerly, she poked her head around the door, looking for Bellatercio.
The little Treb was at the nurse’s station and rushed toward Madeline as soon as she saw her. “Yes, lady?”
“I was…I was wondering where Enoch was.”
“The Lord Peregrinus has been recovering quickly. He is in the therapy and rehabilitation room. Would you like this one to take you there?”
Madeline nodded. “Yes, please.”
The Treb placed her small, furry hand in Madeline’s and led her down the corridor. She paused before a door marked Physical Therapy.
“He is in here, lady. This one will leave you, but there is a call button should you need anything.”
“Thank you,” replied Madeline and went into the therapy room. She closed the door, turned toward the equipment, and froze. Sitting on a bench facing away from her, Enoch Immanuel was working with a lat pull-down bar, clad in nothing but a pair of gym shorts.
