Exodus by M R Forbes

Author:M R Forbes [Forbes, M R]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-04-28T00:00:00+00:00

34

Cross

Pioneer. Sickbay. 11.12.2052. 0500 hours.

“Well, Guardian Prime,” Doctor Okoye said. “You heard the Captain. You are free to go.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Joseph replied. “And for your help getting my energy back up.”

“That’s why I’m here.”

Joseph threw off the blanket over his midsection and slid out of the bed at the same time West re-entered the room, clutching a fresh pair of black utilities and underwear.

“These should fit you, Prime,” she said, tossing them at him. He caught them cleanly before dropping the stack onto the bed.

“A little privacy?” he said.

West smiled, turning and leaving the room. Okoye followed her out.

Joseph pulled off the thin gown, grabbed each item of clothing in turn and quickly got dressed. He walked out of the room, finding Okoye and West chatting quietly at the other end of the passageway, near room six. They noticed him, with West offering an amused smirk as he approached.

“You could have brought me some boots,” Joseph said, looking down at his bare feet, cool on the metal floor. “And socks.”

“You’re a big boy, Prime,” West replied. “I figured you could handle that much.”

He noticed a red LED on the wall next to the door to room six, indicating it was occupied. “Is that Morales or Nori?” he asked.

“I walked Morales back to the barracks already,” West said. “You’re the slow one.”

“That’s Guardian Nori’s room,” Okoye said.

Joseph leaned over, peering in through the small window. Nori was in bed, an IV in his wrist. His eyes were open. He looked bored. “Can I go in?”

Okoye glanced into the room. “He’s awake. I think he would be happy to see both of you.”

Joseph opened the door and stepped in. Nori’s head didn’t move, but his eyes slid over, looking at him. A grin slowly spread across his face until it had taken over.

“Sarge,” he said. “It’s good to see you.”

Joseph approached the side of the bed, putting his hand on Nori’s shoulder and squeezing. “It’s damn good to see you, brother.” He used his free hand to bump fists with the other Guardian. “How are you feeling?”

“I have a whopping headache,” Nori replied. “And Doc Okoye tells me my heart isn’t in the best shape. I asked for a synthetic, so I can get back with the team.” He paused, needing a moment to catch his breath. “We didn’t bring any. Can you believe that?”

“The Marines back home need them,” Joseph replied. “We weren’t supposed to need them too.”

“Copy that. Still, I owe you my life, Sarge.”

“No. I owe you an apology. I should have taken that bastard out before he got to you.”

“Give yourself a break,” Nori replied. “I was there. You did everything you could.” He looked over at West. “Didn’t he, Queen?”

“Of course he did,” she replied. “He practically threw himself into space to save your skinny ass. And martyr that he is, now he needs to apologize.”

“I’m not a martyr,” Joseph said.

“Yeah, right. Sergeant Joe Cross. Excuse me. Guardian Prime Joe Cross. Never met a person he didn’t want to help.

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