Mantrin Imperial Guard - Pilot Episode - 001 Darkening Sky

Chapter 12: Until We Meet Again

When Raeth and Jirro arrived on deck four, they were confronted with the results of escape pod fishing. In the aftermath of one of the biggest battles fought over Solbrecht in the planet's history, the participants came together to pick up the pieces, take care of the wounded and mourn the dead.

The ship had two cargo bays and because the only load they carried with them were spare parts and additional rations, the tractor beam systems had filled up the remaining space with as many escape vehicles as possible. In the haste to get off their ship, some of the occupants had suffered minor injuries. Despite that, Salu and Moa had their hands full to treat the scratches, bumps, bruises but no one seemed to be in a life-threatening situation.

The Canai'yu's crewmembers had created some kind of orderly system. As Salu examined the more serious injuries, such as burns that were caused by chemical substances, Moa helped those that could treat themselves with tissue regenerators. With everything under control, or so it seemed, Raeth went looking for one survivor in particular. He found her last in line, leading up to Salu, letting every single member of her crew go ahead of her while clenching her teeth. Worynn still placed a fist on her chest to answer his and Jirro's salute with one of her own, forcing a smirk.

"I owe you one, Raeth," she said, coughing in the sleeve of her uniform.

Tiny droplets flew over her elbow and her voice sounded rather hoarse, having lost much of its strength. She seemed to have trouble standing on her left leg which was understandable given the condition it was in. One of her toes was bleeding, leaving her foot standing in a small pool of red. The leg itself was burned, the fabric of her pants charred around the lower and middle leg, molten and fused with her skin. Raeth remembered that humans had an after-death concept called 'hell' and she looked like she had gone through it to get here, and with success.

"We all owe you one, Worynn."

"Argh, could've been you. Could've been anyone. Someone had to do it."

She coughed again, causing her to bend over.

"Got lucky you guys were fast. Oxygen tanks of my pod got hit. I could barely breathe when I hit the deck."

"You need treatment," Jirro said. "Now."

"I'll be fine."

She was about to protest when another coughing fit came over her. The crewmember in front of her turned around and grabbed her arm as she threatened to lose her balance. When Salu noticed this, he signaled Moa. The Fjetanha girl first made sure that everyone around her could treat their mild injuries on their own. She then pushed the hover stretcher toward Worynn, everyone in her direct path clearing the way despite the crowdedness.

Supported by her officer, as she seemed to lose her strength, Worynn laid down her injured body on the stretcher. Gratitude showed itself on her pointy, hardened face as they helped her get her legs up. In a moment of utmost respect, all attendees placed their fists on the left side of their chest. Raeth, who stood next to the stretcher, gave her a nod. Worynn swallowed. Her yellow eyes glittered moist.

"Oh, knock it off! You're getting me all mushy," she said with a scratchy voice.

"I'll help you," one of her crewmen said to Moa. He was a Sogowan male who only had a small scratch on his cheek. "I'm qualified as a medic."

"Salu, I'm gonna take her to sickbay."

"I have faith in you, Moa. Treat her well."

She nodded, pushing the stretcher toward the cargo bay's entrance, accompanied by Worynn's officer. Worynn's crew kept their salute intact until she was out of sight.