Fellowship & Fairydust

~ by Laura Cynthia Chambers

Albix sat on the edge of the bed, one arm hanging out of his robe as McCoy closed his wound. “That should do it,” he drawled, handing the tissue repairer to a nurse who took it away and handed him a hypospray. “You didn’t lose too much blood, but you’ll be sore for a few more days.” He injected the man in his good arm. “That should help with the pain.” The nurse took the hypo from his hands too. “I want you to take it easy for a bit.” He smiled. “No offense, but I’d prefer not to see you here again any time soon.” He helped Albix manoeuver his arm into the sleeve of his robe again. Albix winced as he stiffly eased the arm through, before sliding off the bed and onto his feet.

Descin and Kirk stood by the door, watching as he came towards them. Kirk crossed his arms behind his back. “Are you sure you still want to return home tonight?” he asked.

“Yes, Captain. I haven’t slept in my own bed in years.” Albix yawned. “Not to mention with both eyes closed.” He brought his hand to his mouth as he realized what he’d said.

Kirk didn’t flinch. “Believe me, we’ve had more than our fair share of sleepless nights here.”

McCoy joined them in the doorway. “Oh, and before you ask, the man who shot at you is going to be fine. Thwarting the attack seems to eventually break the spell. One of the mysteries of the subconscious mind.” He leaned against the doorframe. “Good night.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” The three men headed down the hall.

“Let’s try this again, shall we?” Kirk asked. The corridors were empty as they strolled towards the transporter room. “This time, there won’t be any incidents. I’m going to operate the transporter myself.”

They entered the room and Kirk stood behind the console while Descin and Albix stepped onto the platform. “I hope Todar isn’t too worried about you,” Kirk muttered.

“Don’t trouble yourself, Captain. I’m sure my brother is sleeping quite soundly.” The words sounded sad, more painful than Albix’s wound. Descin looked in his son’s eyes briefly before turning away.

Kirk engaged the transporter and the two Agapeans beamed away.

* * *

Albix lay in a large bed covered in blue satin-like sheets, asleep. Fading starlight winked through the open window, as the sky showed the first glimmers of sunlight. He turned onto his injured side, moaning, and quickly flopped over on his back.

He fisted the end of his pillow in his good arm’s hand, then sat bolt upright, gasping. His breathing slowed as he realized he was not in any danger. Instead, the sound of leaves and fruit swaying in the gentle breeze calmed him.

Sliding out of bed, he got up and padded slowly down the hallway of his home towards the staircase. His robe rustled as he descended the familiar steps and ended up in the front hallway. Light pooled near the office door and he opened it, expecting his father.

Instead, Todar sat at the desk, drinking breesin, his head propped up on his fist. He glared at Albix. “Trouble sleeping, brother?” His lips twisted into a grimace as he looked Albix from head to foot, noting his damp, messy hair and wrinkled clothes.

“I did not mean to disturb you. I thought Father was….”

“You thought. Pity you didn’t think of our father more often.” He took another drink from the bottle, draining it.

Albix stepped backwards, eyes downcast in shame. “He has forgiven me, though I know I don’t deserve it. I suppose it would be asking too much for you to do the same.” He turned to go. “I might as well get a head start on working this morning. Even with one good arm, there must be something I can do to help around here.”

A side door creaked, and both men turned to look at it, but nobody was there. Todar returned his glare to Albix. “You could have helped by staying away, but it’s too late for that, now, isn’t it?” He stood up and walked towards his brother, a pruning dagger in his fist. “Far too late for that.” He held the dagger between their faces, turning it in his hand. “Go, then, brother…I believe the trees on the east side need watering. I’m sure you haven’t forgotten how to pour water out of a bucket.”

Albix backed away, slipping through the door and running out the front door, Todar watching him. “Run, brother…” he sneered, laughing. “I shall have you yet.” He waited for a minute and then followed after him, dagger swinging.

* * *

Albix slowed down as he neared the pressing shed. He ran to his left, past two empty crates until he came to a water pump. He picked up a bucket and started cranking the pump handle up and down, until water spilled out, filling the bucket halfway.

Groaning, he paused to rest, wiping his brow with his sleeve. A shadow loomed over him, and he turned around slowly. “Who’s th-“ A fist slammed into his jaw, snapping his head backwards. He slumped to the ground with a thud, blacking out.

<Previous | Next>

Image Credit