Jack and the Beanstalk [SF YA]

CHAPTER ELEVEN - Jack be Quick - Part 2

"We are aware of the operation you are involved in, as is everyone else on the Moon." Joan chuckled. "In fact, Mother Goose's gang is one of the most widely known secrets around."

"I didn't say I was involved with any Mother Goose gang."

"Come, Jack, I am not stupid. I recognized Edwards. Now we can contact them and arrange for an exchange. Or you can work off the price of your rescue. Since you were sufficiently self-deprecating, I figure you're worth something to them."

"I wouldn't bet on that."

"I would." We walked the rest of the way in near silence. I asked her a few questions about herself. They remained politely, yet firmly, unanswered. I gave up and instead appreciated her ability to maneuver on the rough and unstable surface we traversed.

"We're almost there."

I nodded an acknowledgment. I continued moving carefully, as I didn't want to land on my seat or my face again anytime soon. We stepped into a lit passage as a scream of pain resounded off the rock walls. Joan broke into a run and I, a quick shuffle. I reached the source and found Frank, reclining on a cot, a grimace contorting his face. Under the pain some color had returned along with the twinkling eyes.

"Hullo, Jack."

"Frank, you all right?"

"Fine. The Mad Doctor, here, was just starting a transfusion. It 'urt a bit, but, a littel pain neve' 'urt nobody. 'sides, I 'ate needles."

"'at's the spirit," intoned the doc. "Jack, was it?" She gave me an amused smirk and offered her hand. "I'm Dr. Madeline Bruce. My friends just call me, Mad."

"It's a pleasure meeting you Doctor, uh, Mad." She had a gentle, firm grip.

"Now, Frank, no running or swimming for at least half an hour after you eat. These bandages need to be changed regularly and we need to watch for any signs of infection. This," she said as she jabbed him in the left buttock with a needle, "is an antibiotic." He winced, but said nothing. "I'm going to see if I can whip something up so we can get a cast on your fibula."

"Thanks, Mad." Frank said. "I owe you one."

She executed a slight bow and sauntered out with a nod to Joan.

Joan stepped forward and spoke, "Glad you're feeling better, Mr. Edwards."

"Yes, thank you. And you are?"

"Your savior." She laughed. "Joan. Going to see if we can arrange for your friends to pick you up."

"Thank you." He said to her retreating back.

"Frank, you're looking good."

"Thanks, Jack."

"It's great to have you back, for a time there I thought you were done for. Look, I'm sorry."

"Jack-"

"I'm always doing things without thinking them through, and-"

"Jack!"

"What?"

"Hush. Apology accepted. No harm done. We're even. We'll be out of here in no time."

"Frank. She intends to hold us for ransom or something. What are we going to do?"

"We are going to hope Mother Goose is in a generous mood."

"You mean he'll pay to have us returned?"

"We take care of our own here. You have to do something pretty horrible to not get rescued on the moon. Either you're good about reimbursing your rescuer or you're likely to find yourself back in the same position."