The Touch of Infection

Chapter 69: Apologies

Carisa slightly turned around and saw Marnik's legs, telling Bavyn she'd be right back. Standing up from her seat she walked over to him, his expression solemn until she stood in front of him. Marnik wrapped his arms around her, leaning down to her. When she looked up she could finally see the tears streaming down his face. His nose going slightly purple as he leaned to hide his face.

She reached up hugging him, "What happened?"

Marnik kept the words to himself only continuing to hug her, the tears staining her shirt. His hand grabbing a fist full of her hair, "Fallyn and Vasin will be speaking with you in a while... you should stay here with Bavyn longer." He sucked in a deep breath, "I need to... attend some matters... and Carisa..."

Seeing how he went quiet she asked, "What is it?"

"I'm sorry I've lied..." he pressed a hand against her cheek, wiping his tears quickly and turning around. Without another word he walked out the door, leaving her confused and bewildered.

Marnik took a deep breath outside heating the door open and seeing Carisa poking her head out, "Go inside, I'll see you later." He pushed her back in and closed the door. Shaking his head and hugging before getting on his way.

Marnik bit the inside of his mouth while keeping his eyes forward. His fists closed tightly, and his thoughts elsewhere.

"Marnik!" He heard his name called, turning to see Neda.

"What is it?" He asks.

Just as he was turning completely towards her Neda steps up and punches him square in the face, "That's for leaving Bavyn on his own, and getting Carisa hurt." She looked down at Marnik regaining his composure, "You screwed up. And listen closely, I care about Carisa as much as the next alaois does, but you can't just make such big decisions on your own. The moment you brought her here, everyone has a say in her life, not just you."

Marnik straightens up and glares down at her, "Where you here when everything went crazy?"

"YES!" Neda screams, "I was here! I was worried and scared. BUT I DIDN'T LEAVE! I stuck around through it, I helped get things straight, where were you?"

Marnik held his tongues as Zareb walked towards them, "I couldn't risk her getting hurt."

"Then you should have let her protect Bavyn, stay with him while you were out and helping everyone. She's not a child, she's not helpless. She's lived in a dying world long enough to know how to survive!" Zareb held Neda back as she continued, "You've disappointed us."

Marnik sighed, I looked down at the floor. He accepted what Neda said, "I'm sorry."

Neda fell silent. She hadn't expected him to say that. Zareb stood in front of Neda and held his hand out, "I understand your worries. But she is safe."

Marnik took his hand, it was a sign of forgiveness away. Looking up at Zareb, Marnik gave a nod, "She's safe and happy."

Zareb turned and walked with Neda in the opposite direction, as Marnik would go on. Stopping in front of other Alaois and paying his respects, as he asked forgiveness. Finally finding Amite and Ezhno after few hours of doing that.

"Don't." Amite told him before he could say anything, "I get it, you were worried. You've made that clear." She walked up and hugged him, "The commanders told me they'll be sending you off." She squeezed him, "I'll take care of her, we'll call, you'll be able to speak with her."

That was the least of his worries, he knew the planet didn't have a long time left, so when it died out, the ship would either leave or begin to revive the planet in small steps, "I know... and I'm grateful."

Ezhno stood beside them, looming over them, "Maybe it'll do you good. Being away from her is something I'm sure you've needed."

Marnik glared just as Amite dragged him a bit away, "Ignore him, I'll miss you so much. We've been working together for so many years... it's horrible to think we'll be on different ships."

Ezhno sighed, "I admit it'll be odd without you calling in as much." He looked away after saying, "I'm sure you have somewhere to be so... beat it."

Marnik sighed, while Amite smiled towards Ezhno, "He's not wrong. You owe a few apologies I believe."

"I know." Marnik looked away from them, "I'll be leaving in a month, today I'll apologize... and for those other days, I'll spend time with her."

While Marnik went on and on through HQ, paying respects Carisa spent her time with Bavyn. Hearing the door open she believed Marnik was back, instead, Fallyn and Vasin walked in.

"Hello, Carisa." Fallyn greeted, she walked over smiling, as Vasin leaned back against the wall.

"Hi." Carisa turned over to them, feeling Bavyn get on his feet. He looked up at his father and with one look of the eyes from Vasin he walked to his room.

Fallyn sat patting the spot next to her for Carisa. When they sat one besides the other Fallyn's expression turned to pity, "I suppose Marnik walked by."

"Yeah, any idea what was wrong with him? He didn't seem anything like himself." Carisa could close her eyes and see Marnik crying again, she felt so guilty about not trying harder to make him talk.

Vasin tilted his head to the side, "I thought he'd tell you, but it's good he didn't."

Fallyn didn't leave room for questions, "Marnik's actions to take you all of a sudden were wrong." Fallyn's eyes fell on Carisa's bandaged up arm, "You got hurt along the way... we've already had an unexpected loss. But his actions were rash."

Carisa looked between the two, "I know he did, and he's-"

"Carisa listen!" Vasin said quieting her.

Fallyn glared at him for raising his voice, "He'll be leaving in a month... you however will not." Instantly Carisa's expression changed, "You'll stay here, we'll find a cure. And don't worry you can still call him. Just to keep things comfortable for you, Vasin and I thought it would be best if you sat here after he's gone. Bavyn would be happy to have you, and Vasin is barely here anyways."

"But-" Carisa didn't know what to say, but Fallyn gave her time to process, "Will you also be sending Amite and Ezhno away? And Neda with Zareb?" Carisa looked away, "I love taking care of Bavyn don't get me wrong but..."

"I won't send Neda and Zareb. But Amite and Ezhno have work to do. They can change places every week, that way you can see them all." Fallyn said, reaching an agreement, "I'll make sure your stay with us is great Carisa. You're one of the team now, and we're going to look out for you the best we can."

Carisa nodded and Vasin made his way to stand in front of them, his hands crossed over his chest, "Now, I'd like for you to move over three days before Marnik's departure. Not to take away your time, but I'd like you to be costumed to it." Vasin looked uncomfortable saying all that.

Fallyn laughed, "I'd keep you with me, but I'm afraid you'd be too lonely. Besides I work long nights. Vasin will normally be back a few hours after sundown. So you won't be as lonely." Fallyn got up, "Now, if you don't mind. You can come with me, and help finds Marnik."