Planet Vlad

I have something important to tell you.. for your Zoya..

I had found Arkady, he was seated with the guard outside the female quarters sharing a pipe in the cold away from the noise and laughter of the riders.

What is it Vladimir? he said, rubbing his left hand over his mustache and looking me in the eyes.

Can you spare a moment to speak privately, Lieutenant?

The lieutenant took a deep breath, stood and followed Vlad and Recoil, they walked away from the guard down the path and stood together looking down the mountain together.

Vladimir nodded to Recoil. Then she spoke..

Lieutenant - What if there was something.. a possibility of a miracle still here at Belokurikha that could save your Zoya. she said

The Lieutenant's eyes grew dim, again he breathed deeply.. there is no miracle he said.. we have chased all the miracles.. he replied looking at Recoil.

Recoil continued.. Remember.. before we separated from the enhanced... The great treatments.. The institutions/hospitals with their doctors who would diagnose and treat the ill... she said..

Well my grandfather, then my father they were from the line of these doctors.. They managed to make and keep some of these medicines.. even after we separated from the enhanced.

Then she said.. now there is only me..

And she drew out of her pack the last enhancement vial and held it out in the moonlight before Arkady..

and she said - this is the last of the great medicines hidden outside of the enhanced zones....