The Program [COMPLETED]

Chapter Forty-Six

"Imogen!" Farley called as he, Aiden, Zariah, Kerian and Virgil neared the Foyer.

Imogen Mairead spun around upon hearing her name, waving over to Farley and relaxing upon noticing that he had Aiden and the others with him. She dismissed the soldiers she'd been talking to only moments prior before running over to them.

"Glad to see you guys, I'm happy you all made it out alright. Where's Xylem?" she narrowed her eyes.

"Farley sent Osric, Jace and Darius to keep an eye on him. He should be in a cell by now," Aiden replied informatively.

"I've been covering for you guys up here while Farley came to retrieve you. I'll admit, it's wearing me down quite a bit. I'd appreciate if one of you guys covered for me. I'm forming little squadrons to hunt down the Officials and start locking them up," Imogen explained.

"That's what we're here for," Aiden nodded. "Zariah, take over for Imogen. Virgil, Farley, Kerian, get started on leading those patrols. I'm going to check up on Theo and then see about contacting the other Units."

The four soldiers promptly took off to complete their tasks while Imogen dipped her head to him appreciatively.

"You get some rest," Aiden told her. "You've done plenty for now."

"Thanks, Aiden. I'm a lot better at taking orders than giving them out," Imogen admitted.

A sudden thought crossed Aiden's mind, and he stopped for a moment. "Where's Colonel Asphodel?" he thought aloud.

"She's in a holding cell within the Pit. Didn't put up much of a fight. I think she was just as shocked as we were when we heard the truth," explained Imogen. "Why? Do you need her for something?"

"I might use her to help me contact the other Units. With the amount of time she spent with Xylem, I'm positive that she must know something," Aiden elaborated. "For now though, I should go check on Theo. Thanks for all your help."

***

Aiden's footsteps echoed down the hallway as he strode into the Medical Bay, scanning the large room for any sign of Theo. He saw Dax and Rania sitting by a bed concealed by a thin cloth curtain, and Aiden didn't hesitate to approach them.

"How's he doing?" Aiden inquired, hopeful that the news would be good.

"He's good, for someone who just got shot three times in the chest," Dax pointed out. "Even if they were only duds."

"I'm fine," Theo grunted from where he lay on the hospital bed. His heart monitor beat rhythmically as he peered at Aiden with restless eyes. "Except for the fact that no one else seems to think so. Aiden, you've got to tell them to release me."

"Colonel Lycroft doesn't dismiss you," a voice reminded him from nearby. "I do."

"Dr. Bryden," Aiden recalled, jogging his memory for the name behind the doctor's voice.

"Hello again, Colonel. How are your ribs?" the doctor gazed at him through his wire framed glasses.

"They're doing well," Aiden reported. "No issues so far."

"I'm glad to hear it," Dr. Bryden flashed him a sincere smile. "How're you feeling, Sergeant Ines?" The Medical Official glanced at him, picking up Theo's medical chart from his bedside table.

"I'm fine," Theo repeated, wincing as he tried to sit up.

"Mhm," Dr. Bryden said nonchalantly, flipping through the papers. "You have severe bruising to your abdomen and chest cavity. You're in no position to re-enter the field, Sergeant."