Page 5

Nell nodded. She didn’t meet anyone’s gaze.

“Let’s walk this way.” Maklr gestured down a hallway with two empty rooms on either side. “I thought these rooms could become therapy rooms, and the open area at the end, a lounge. Jana’s already added a few couches with plush pillows and blankets.” He pointed to three gray sofas in the center of the room. “She’s working with Cyok and Bavrilz to get a large video screen to act as a window or a display.”“What would it show?” Charlotte asked.

“The Earth Force sent Favien and Dara as many images as they could find and transmit. They’ve worked nonstop to upload them into our database. Jana wants it to project soothing scenes from different areas on Earth interspersed with locations on Klaga and other home planets of patients.”

“That sounds like something that could aid in recovery for some patients. I would be wary of images of Earth at first, though,” Charlotte cautioned. “Why?” Maklr’s eyebrows scrunched in confusion. Nell remained stoic.“Some of us can never go back to Earth. There’s nothing left for us there.” Charlotte sounded resigned. “Klaga is home now.”“Oh, Charlie, Nell. I didn’t think about it that way,” Maklr said, a deep flush creeping up his neck to his sharp cheekbones. “I’m sorry.” He tried to cover up the horrified expression that flitted over his features before either woman noticed. He cleared his throat and continued toward a set of stairs through the empty room. “I meant to say that my ultimate goal is to make this building a softer, less sterile place, while still providing top-notch care as well as a sanitary treatment facility.” “A noble cause,” Charlotte said, following Maklr’s lead up the stairs to the second floor. “One that will be appreciated by all citizens.” She glanced behind at Nell and gestured her forward.“Since Strels, Isir and Emily are in constant contact with Earth helping maintain the protective shielding, I thought perhaps on one of their visits they could gather some memorabilia from Earth to bring to Klaga.” Maklrpursed his rich purple lips. “Now I wonder if items would cause more harm than benefit.”

“Perhaps,” Charlotte stood between Maklr and Nell, squeezing both their biceps, “one of the mental health therapists could make that determination on a case by case basis.” She looked at Nell. “What do you think, Nell?”

Nell shrugged and pointed to the stairs. “There’s more?”

Maklr grinned at the soft sound of Nell’s voice. “There are thirty rooms on this floor, with another thirty with the same floor plan on the floor above. There is a basement area which is unfinished, but if either of you can think of a plan for its use, we can certainly do that instead of using it as storage.”

“Why this?” Nell gestured in the general direction of the transitioning center.

Maklr shot a quick look at her before turning his attention to Charlotte, silently seeking her input. “I believe Nell is asking why have a residential space here when the Klagan government built the Human Transitioning Center already.” Charlotte turned her attention to Nell. “Is that what you meant?”

Nell nodded.

Maklr smiled, softening his sharp features. “This center is meant to provide a transitional medical treatment space for humans who may need more extensive medical treatment rather than immediately joining the Human Transition Center and begin a more immersive integration into Klagan society with job training and moving to independent living situations. According to the Sovereign, the plan is to provide resources for all residents and citizens on Klaga to obtain training to become productive members of society, no matter how long it takes.”

Nell blinked slowly and nodded.

Charlotte turned to Maklr and mouthed, “I’m trying.”

“Nell, do you feel up to continuing?” Charlotte asked.

Nell linked her arm in Charlottes. Maklr led the two women around the empty rooms, describing his plan for making the rooms capable of providing medical services as well as decorating them so they became less clinical and sterile. He spared sideways glances at Nell, changing his decor ideas based on her facial expressions. “I think you’ve seen everything we’ve done so far.” Downstairs, Maklr raised his shoulders. “That’s about it. I’d welcome any suggestions you have to make this place more comfortable.”

“Thank you for having us.” Charlotte said and nudged Nell.

Nell pressed a few buttons on her tablet and placed it in her satchel. Wordlessly, she stuck out her hand.

“Incoming wounded,” a computerized voice announced through the loudspeaker. Red lights flashed, illuminating the crisp white walls.

Maklr’s head snapped toward Nell and Charlotte. Nell stood motionless, all color drained from her delicate features. He tamped down the urge to rush to Nell’s side and reassure her that she was safe with him, that he had everything under control. His arm raised from his side to take her hand in his. Just as he was about to step closer to her, three Klagan soldiers wearing field medic uniforms barged through the double doors. Carrying a wounded soldier in a fireman’s hold, one field medic bellowed. “More incoming.”

Chapter 4

Nell

Nelljumped,racedtothe wall, and pressed her body against it. She heaved a sigh of relief as the cool tiles touched her back, helping to soothe her chest, grounding her focus. Emergency lights flashed, and she clamped her eyes shut, covering her ears with her hands. In doing so, her tablet clattered to the ground. Nell’s heart pounded and she felt nauseous as bile rose in her throat.

“Nell!” Charlotte’s voice cut through the cacophony of the ward. “We need an extra pair of hands over here.”

Without opening her eyes, Nell shook her head.

Charlotte called out again. “I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.”

Nell’s eyes cracked open, searching for her friend and Maklr through the chaos. Charlotte stood near the doors, holding them open for stretchers to pass through. Maklr donned a lab style jacket and had gone into full triage mode. His commanding voice directed medics where to place the incoming wounded.

Another Klagan Nell didn’t recognize hurried to Charlotte’s position, relieving her of that duty. Charlotte sprinted around the medical equipment to Nell. “Nell,” she whispered, her voice filled with urgency. “We need you. I don’t know what’s happening, but it’s bad.”

Nell’s eyes, wide as saucers, remained unblinking.

“Can you help?” Charlotte placed her hand on Nell’s shoulder. “Focus. Breathe.”

“I can’t.” Nell shook her head. “Can’t someone else do it?” she whispered.