Chapter 16: Reunited

We landed safely at the spaceport.

“Commodore, if you will open the doors, I will carry the pilot,” I said.

“Sure,” replied Jem.

I followed her through the airlock and outside onto the landing pad.

Waiting to greet us was the ambassador and officer Burlarr, who was in a wheelchair.

As soon as they saw me carrying the dead pilot, two medics approached with a stretcher. I passed the body to them and they took him away.

“Commander, thank you for bringing back the body of our shuttle pilot. On behalf or Quard, I am sorry for what happened,” he said.

“I should have expected something,” I replied.

The ambassador turned to Jem.

“Commodore, welcome back to Quard,” he said.

“Thank you Ambassador, but we are not staying. We are taking the officer up to our vessel for medical treatment,” replied Jem.

I turned to the ambassador.

“Ambassador, would you care to visit our vessel? You can go with Officer Burlarr and pay a brief visit to your daughter,” I offered.

He looked to Jem, who smiled and nodded.

“I’d love to,” he said.

Between the ambassador and me, we moved officer Burlarr in his wheelchair through the airlock.

I secured the wheelchair and directed the ambassador to a seat beside him.

“Brian, why don’t you keep our guests company? I’ll pilot the shuttle,” offered Jem.

“Sure,” I replied.

I took a seat beside the ambassador while Jem sat in the pilot seat.

“Officer Burlarr, I promised you that when I found our vessel we’d take care of you. I didn’t expect it to be this soon,” I said.

“Thank you, Commander. To be honest, I didn’t expect you to return for me,” he replied.

“Officer, we’re allies. We take care of our friends and allies. If we didn’t, our alliance would be meaningless,” I said.

The ambassador smiled at that.

Our shuttle took off from the spaceport and ascended towards our vessel in orbit.

“Brian, Sergeant Elevon says he might have a lead on who planted the bomb,” said the ambassador.

“That’s encouraging news. If it doesn’t pan out, he could try from the other end,” I replied.

“What do you mean?” asked the ambassador.

“List everyone who knew we were on that shuttle. It should be a manageable size,” I replied.

“I see. If his lead doesn’t pan out, I’ll suggest that to him,” he said.

I smiled. It wasn’t my problem to solve.

We arrived back at Ship without incident. Jem parked the shuttle inside the shuttle bay and Ship closed the outer door and re-pressurized the bay. We exited via the airlock.

“We need to go via decontamination first, and then we’ll get Officer Burlarr his medical treatment,” said Jem.

“Attention, Commodore,” said Ship.

“Go ahead, Ship,” replied Jem.

“I placed a medical bed in the decontamination area for the officer,” said Ship.

“Thank you, Ship,” said Jem.

Jem led the way. The ambassador followed, pushing the wheelchair, and I followed behind him.

When we got to decontamination, he moved the wheelchair next to the bed.

I helped the ambassador move the officer onto the medical bed and remove his clothing. The medical bed sedated him, and a cover came over the unit.

“Ambassador, he will be safe here. We need to take care of ourselves now,” said Jem.

I showed him the procedure, and we soon cleaned ourselves and donned new jumpsuits.

“You can change back into your other clothes before you leave,” I said.

He nodded.

“How long will Officer Burlarr’s treatment take?” he asked.

“Ship, estimated time for the treatment?” I asked.

“Treatment will be complete in just over two hours,” replied Ship.

“We have time to visit with Laine,” I said.

He smiled.

We left the decontamination area and went to the main bridge.

We exited the elevator and arrived at the main bridge. Laine was talking with Saria and Mina.

“Father!” called Laine.

She jumped up and ran over to us.

“The Commander invited me to visit your vessel,” he said.

“Laine, why don’t you take your father for a tour,” said Jem.

Laine smiled. She took his arm and led him back to the elevator.

Jem and I walked over to where Saria and Mina sat.

“How do you like our vessel?” asked Jem.

“This vessel is amazing! Ship assigned me a cabin already. Laine and Mina took me around on a tour,” replied Saria.

“That’s excellent. We’ll work out various details later. Ship is treating Officer Burlarr for his injuries, and should finish in about two hours. Mina, would you like to take Saria to the main dining lounge and prepare a meal for seven people? You’ve got two hours,” asked Jem.

“Yes, Commodore,” replied Mina.

They stood and left the main bridge.

“Coffee?” asked Jem.

“You read my mind. I’ll fetch it,” I replied.

I got two coffees, and we sat on the sofa and sipped contentedly.

About two hours later, I was still sitting on the sofa in the main bridge with Jem. We spoke little. We just sat quietly together, watching the view of the planet on the tactical display. The closeness was all we needed.

“Attention, Officer Burlarr will be awake soon,” announced Ship.

“I’d better be there for when he wakes up,” I said.

We both stood up and left the main bridge, holding hands.

We returned to the decontamination area and approached the medical bed. The treatment was complete. The burns on his face and body were all gone.

Jem fetched a clean jumpsuit for him, while I helped him sit up on the side of the medical bed.

“How are you?” I asked.

He touched his hand to his face and looked over his body.

“I feel great! This thing even fixed my stiff knee,” he replied.

Jem handed me the jumpsuit, and I gave it to the officer. He soon dressed and stood on his own two feet.

Officer Burlarr walked around, testing his new body. He looked at the wheelchair.

“I won’t need that wheelchair,” he said with a grin. “Thank you, Commander.”

“Ship, please show a before and after image of Officer Burlarr on the display,” I said.

“Confirmed,” replied Ship. On a display on the wall, it showed two images of the officer. The change was significant.

“Wow! Thank you! Quard medical technology cannot do that,” he said.

“You’re fit to return to active duty, Officer,” I said.

“Ship, where is Laine and the Ambassador?” asked Jem.

“They are in the main dining lounge. Dinner is nearly ready,” replied Ship.

“Thank you, Ship,” said Jem. “Officer Burlarr, please join us for dinner.”

We left the decontamination area and took the elevator to the level with the main dining lounge.

We stepped into the main dining lounge. Laine cheered something in Quard. Officer Burlarr stepped forward and did a turn. Saria also cheered.

“My daughter is complimenting the officer on his amazing recovery,” said the ambassador.

“He is fit to return to active duty,” I said.

“Our medics will want to confirm that. I’m sure that Sergeant Elevon will be glad to get his officer back,” he replied.

“How did you enjoy the tour?” I asked.

“It is an amazing vessel. I especially enjoyed Laine’s beach and the garden,” he replied.

“This vessel is larger than it’s predecessor, so we have more room for amenities,” I said.

“I can see that,” he said.

By now, Laine and Saria had brought out plates of food and put them on a round table.

“This is a treat for me, freshly prepared food twice in two days,” he said.

We all sat down and helped ourselves to the dishes.

“I am extra hungry,” said officer Burlarr.

“That is because of the treatment. Your body needs nourishment to catch up,” said Jem.

“Eat lots,” said Laine.

We ate lots of delicious spicy Quard cuisine.

“How was the farewell to my partner?” asked officer Burlarr.

“Well attended by colleagues and friends. We spoke with many there,” replied the ambassador.

“That’s good to know. I couldn’t attend because of my injuries,” he said.

“I’m sorry for losing your partner,” I said.

“Thank you. That Lagaid weapon was terrible,” he replied.

I nodded.

“I gave the Sergeant a suggestion to protect your ground transports from such weapons,” I said.

“You did?” asked officer Burlarr.

“I don’t know if he will implement it, though,” I replied.

“I’ll have a word with Chief Inspector Ricks,” said the ambassador.

I nodded again.

We continued until the plates were empty.

Jem turned to the officer.

“Officer Burlarr, would you be interested in joining our crew?” asked Jem.

“I’m in your debt for getting my health back, but I have responsibilities and a family on Quard. I wouldn’t feel right to leave them,” he replied.

“Understood. I wish you success in your life on Quard,” said Jem.

“Thank you, Commodore,” he replied.

Jem stood.

“Commander, let’s take our guests home,” she said.

We returned to decontamination. Jem and I switched back into away team uniforms. The ambassador switched back into his clothes. Officer Burlarr kept the jumpsuit on since he hadn’t brought a change of clothes.

We entered the shuttle via the airlock.

Our return journey to the spaceport was uneventful.

We exited via the airlock. This time officer Burlarr pushed the wheelchair, followed by the ambassador.

“This is where we say goodbye. Thank you for your hospitality during our visit,” I said.

“You are very welcome, Commander. Thank you for the dinner aboard your vessel,” he replied.

Officer Burlarr faced me and we clasped forearms. I accepted this as a sign of respect.