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Chapter 3
Dallin reluctantlywalked along the corridor, away from his lab. The atmosphere on the Apocalypse was unpleasantly tense, and his ears were already ringing and his head throbbing.
He’d tried to stay in his lab as much as possible to avoid contact with too many aliens, but everywhere he went, he was being asked about the progress of the tests and when an antidote would be found.
He didn’t have an answer that was good enough, and so felt like a failure. But failure wasn’t an option, not when Sloane’s life was at risk.
Dallin stopped at Angel’s medical room and poked his head inside. She looked up and gave him a weary wave. “Give me a minute and I’ll be right with you.”
He inched inside the door and partially concealed himself behind a privacy barrier. He scrubbed his forehead to lessen the headache raging behind his eyes.
Dallin had only grabbed a few hours’ sleep over the previous four nights, and his dreams had been plagued with failed tests, dying crew members, and Siblet poison.
Angel appeared, the tiredness clear on her face, and her pink hair scraped back in a messy bun. “I’ve had two more patients come in with serious poisoning symptoms. Both of them Apexians.”
“They’re not responding to any of your treatments?”
“I’m making them comfortable, but it’s not looking good for them. We need to be at the waystation now so we can find that poison and reverse engineer an antidote.”
“We’ve got another day before we reach it,” he said.
“I know.” Angel tugged on her bun. “I’ve been doing the rounds with the crew to see how everyone is holding up. Amazingly, the humans seem to be doing better than the Apexians.”
“I’ve not seen any Apexians about. Are they struggling?”
“They are. And it makes sense they’re getting hit hardest with this poison. You’re the Siblets main target, and it’s been engineered to attack you.”
“And our natural healing ability is having zero effect on stopping it?”
“Not that I can see. Although it could slow the poison’s progress. It’s as if it’s been designed to take its sweet time, so maximum pain is inflicted.”
Dallin growled. “Why am I not surprised to hear that? Everything the Siblet touch turns rotten. Focus on treating the humans. We can recover from almost anything.”
“Not this,” she said. “Dallin, I’m worried about the Apexian crew. I’m even considering putting them in induced comas. It’ll slow down their heartbeats and possibly the spread of the poison.”
He nodded. Apexians did this to themselves when they were wounded. They shut down everything but essential repair systems to ensure their survival. “Have you run this idea by Cleo?”
“Yes. She’s not keen, but she’s willing to do it if there’s nothing else available.”
“Hold on to that thought.” Dallin clenched his hands, his palms slick with nervous sweat. “I’ve also got an idea that’ll speed things up.”
Angel cocked her head. “I’m open to all suggestions. I’ve got one more patient to check on, then I’ll join you in the briefing room with the others.”
“I’ll let Cleo know you’re on your way.”
Angel touched his arm. “How’s Sloane doing? Any bad effects?”
“She’s suffering, but is hiding it from me. I don’t think she wants me to worry about her.”
“Which, of course, you do. She’s only been by to see me once to get something for her headaches. Sloane’s made of strong stuff,” Angel said. “But make sure you look after her. Don’t get lost in the science and forget the human standing right beside you.”
“I have no plans to ever forget Sloane.” Dallin left the medical bay and headed to the briefing room. The mission crew were packed around the table, along with a few support staff. No one looked happy to be there.
Sloane was in her usual seat. She gave him a smile, but it looked strained.
Dallin’s fingers flexed as he nodded at her. There was no way he’d allow her to suffer, and even though the idea he had to speed things up was making him sick to his stomach, he had to do this. It could help everyone survive the poison.
“Let’s make a start,” Cleo said. “There are a few more crew who haven’t yet arrived, and I know Angel is tied up with patients.”
