Contagion - Chapter 4

Posted on Sun Aug 27th, 2023 @ 9:44am by Commodore Keiben Haistro & Commander Peter Horn & Lieutenant Commander Melanie D’BrooNi- Haistro & Connor Horn & Ilyas Horn

870 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 6 - Point Of Enlightenment

ON

"C'mon dad you promised!" The youngest Horn child angrily tugged his father along. "You promised today we'd go look at that fish place, because you'd have a day off. I finished all my homework and did all my chores, like *I* promised!!"

Peter nodded slowly. The child had a point, he had promised. "But you did go places you weren't supposed to," he countered as he tried to slow the boy's pace a little.

"You never said I could not. Please hurry, I want to see the fish!" Ilyas tugged his father along, despite his innate talents, unable to get a passive read on his father unless the man allowed it. The boy sneezed once, twice, surprised by the intensity of the sneeze. "Oh look, there's the captain and the doctor." He raised his arm and waved wildly. "Captain!" He called enthusiastically.

Mel looked tense. Yes she was walking with her husband but she still could not shake that Keiben was really not himself or not even her husband anymore. He was so closed off and rude. She couldn't even put it down to work pressures. Whatever was going on if it didn't shift, she was seriously thinking about moving out.

"Hello Ilyas," she said softly to the young boy. "Commander. How are you both?"

"Dad and I are going to see the fish in that store" the boy smiled, "do you want to come with us?" He watched her for a moment. "Unless you don't like fish?"

Peter studied his old friend, instantly aware that she was tense. But she was also very pregnant so it could well be it was the cause. Even so, he could see she wasn't her usual self "we are well," he answered diplomatically, "and you? Are you still coping well? You must be getting closer to term now?"

Keiben hug back a little, already sensing the telepathic nature of the individuals talking to his wife. He could also sense something, a brewing weakness within some of the smaller individuals from the family unit. He remained silent and smiled pleasantly at the arrivals.

From a small distance, Connor observed the group, watching his little brother tug at his father's arm in utter impatience. He frowned as the younger boy sneezed again.

“A couple of months away,” Mel said. “I’m so fat. When Harley was pregnant didn’t you make her a special Vulcan tea? From scratch with no replicators?”

It was a complete lie. Or we’ll if it wasn’t Horn had never mentioned it to Mel. “Perhaps I could pop round and you could help me?” She held his eyes trying to convey she needed to speak to him alone. Without Keiben.

Sensing her concern, Peter nodded. "Yes, I can teach you how to make it yourself. I made it fresh, not replicated," he answered, looking down at Ilyas who was still tugging at his arm while suffering a coughing fit.

The boy gasped between coughs, looking at the green spots on his sleeve. "I don't feel so good," he mumbled, leaning heavily against his father, "I think we should go home...." The boy took another step then collapsed.

Alarmed, Peter crouched besides his son, catching him just before he hit the deck. "Melanie!" He called out. "Keiben, please keep Connor away. Please!" He saw the blood on the child's sleeve and trickle from the corner of his mouth and felt panic rise inside himself.

Keiben reached out, catching Connor around the waist and heaved him up into a hug so he couldn't see what was happening to his brother while Mel rushed forward.

"Sickbay now," Mel said. "Keiben take Connor back to Harley. Her brow furrowed. So far this had been confined to two officers. Niska had been clean when she had tested her after admitting Tia. But If it was out in the civilian population they really were going to have to lockdown. "I need to test Ilyas for something and fast."

"I am staying with Ilyas," Peter stated firmly, "if you are this concerned, it has to be bad."

Connor struggled against the strong arms that held him. "Ilyas!" the teenager howled, "dad! What's wrong with him, why are you so scared?" Of course he sensed his father's fear, how could he not? "Dad!"

Cradling his unconscious youngest son in his arms, peter turned. "Go with the commodore," he ordered, "and then go to your room and stay there. Do not disobey me." He nodded to Keiben. "Please sir, take him."

Keiben pulled the struggling child closer as he nodded at Peter, sharing a quick look with Mel he turned and started with a quick pace to retreat with the child.

"No!" Connor cried, fists pounding against the Betazoid's shoulder as he was carried off, "put me down!" Tears streamed down his cheeks as he turned his head, and as he did, he saw something protrude from the Betazoid's neck. "Yikes, what is that," he managed between sobs, never ceasing his struggle to be put back in his feet.

"Its nothing" Keiben said as he entered the nearest turbolift, placing the child back on the deck as the doors closed and whisked them away.

END

 

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