Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 268
(5/27/02 8:42 am)
Re: Baby Blues
Meanwhile, on Brim Star, Astrala paid another visit to Glycerin's lab. To her delight, the assassin found her friend holding a small vial. "It's ready?" Ala eagerly asked.
" Ja, mein fruend." Glycerin replied. "One small vial of custom poison."
"Custom?"
"Opu Barani und keira root."
"You diluted the poison with a narcotic?!"
"Hold it, Ala! Keira root's a Mykari narcotic, ja, but it's fatal to humans."
"And that little Hawk's part human. But even so, it takes longer for keira root to run its course, right?"
"Tvelve hours, but mixed vith opu barani, it von't matter; your victim vill be in tremendous pain, like you vere that day."
"Hmm, I guess you have a point there. All right, give me the vial." Rin handed Ala the vial. "Now all that's left is to wait." Ala left the lab, vial in hand, in a hurry.
Re: Baby Blues
At the time, Camiel was in her eighth month. It was time for her to return to her doctor for a check-up. Her appointment wasn’t until the next day. That morning, she got a call from a dear friend from the planet of the Mimes.
{Lady Baca! What a pleasant surprise! How is everything at the Temple of Love?}
{All is well here, my child. Unfortunately I haven’t called you for pleasant conversation. I’ve called to give you a warning.}
{A warning? About what?}
{Someone is planning to do you great harm.}
{Who, Baca?}
{Perhaps I should explain how this all began…}
Edited by: Detia1 at: 5/28/02 7:41:38 pm
Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 269
(5/27/02 2:03 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
Camiel listened eagerly at what Baca had to say. {While I was taking a short nap, I had the most dreadful vision.}
{A vision?} Cami asked.
{It's part of the kyven, my dear. When a Holy Elder dies, his or her powers move into the body of their one true love, if the kyven is sealed. When Hajin died, I assumed his oracle-like abilities and have been having visions of the future, and this one speaks of grave danger for you and your children.}
{Tell me.}
{I saw a woman, a human woman, with child and a mace-like weapon sticking into her abdomen. I also saw her stabbing you in the stomach, in your current condition and watching as the nine of you succumbed to death. I couldn't understand her words, but there was a painful look about her.}
{Can you describe this woman?}
{Only that she was human. That was it.}
{All right. I'll be more cautious about that vision. Thanks, Baca.}
Re: Baby Blues
When Sh'Ekrah got home from the military base, Camiel told him of Baca's vision.
"So, she couldn't give you a more specific description of this person?"
"No, kesobo. She could only tell me that the pseron was a human female who was with child."
"Damn it! Who could this person be? I can't watch every pregnant human female that comes your way!"
"My spirit guides haven't given me any more information than Baca has. Then again, my connection to them has been weakened because of my condition."
"Well, no matter what, I'll be by your side to protect you. I've taken tomorrow off so I could go to the doctor with you anyway. I'll just have to be even more cautious. Don't worry, alixia. You know I'd give my life to keep you safe."
Edited by: Detia1 at: 5/28/02 7:29:31 am
Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 270
(5/27/02 7:46 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
"I know."
"Okay, on a lighter note, how's our little regiment doing?"
"Your little regiment has been kicking up a storm all day!"
"Don't worry about it, Cami. They'll come out soon." Sh'Ekrah stroked his love's now-huge stomach, causing Cami to feel very uncomfortable.
"Stop that! You know they kick when you do that!"
"I guess they must really like me."
"Or they take after you. That's gotta be the case!"
"Well, they are half Hash'a'Glith, so it's likely."
"Yea..." A small wave of depression rushed over her.
"What is it, Milady?"
"I am going to be so fat when this is all over. Bad enough I look like a blimp now!"
"You'll work off the extra weight, Cami. And as for right now, you're the sexiest, most beautiful mother-to-be ever."
"You really think so?"
"Of course not. I know so."
"You're the best, Sh'Ekrah."
"I know."
"So, how's the octs' room coming?"
"A little more work and it should be done by the time they're born."
Re: Baby Blues
The following day, the Brightlights went to see Cami’s doctor. After her check-up, the doctor informed them that Camiel was scheduled for a Cesarean in two days. After the appointment was complete, the doctor gave them a copy of the sonogram and sent them home. On their way to their vehicle, disaster struck without warning. Neither one of them really noticed the slender human female heading towards them. After all, they were warned the female would be with child. Unfortunately, they became aware of her presence too late. The woman quickly stabbed Camiel in the belly and ran off. Sh’Ekrah had to make a split decision; chase the female down and catch her, or get his mate back into the hospital.
Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 272
(5/27/02 9:22 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
After a brief moment, Sh'Ekrah decided his mate's safety--and the safety of their children--was more important. So, he rushed her back into the hospital, and ultimately the emergency room. It was later found out that Camiel had suffered a knife wound, but the weapon itself had been poisoned by two foreign toxins, which couldn't be identified. Sh'Ekrah immediately sent for Chatterbox, whom he knew to have expertise in poisoning. While waiting for the parrot, Sh'Ekrah went through the recent event in his mind. Something about that woman was familar, he thought. Then it hit him like a ton of bricks.
Re: Baby Blues
In the meantime, the poison was taking it’s toll on Camiel’s body. She screamed in pain as death entangled her in its icy grip. The medical team working on her was trying to get her to stop screaming so her heart rate could go down and slow down the rate the poison was spreading throughout her body. After a while, she couldn’t scream any longer because paralysis set in. Once Chatterbox arrived, he was able to identify the toxins as opu barani and keira root, one deadly to Mimians and the other deadly to humans. An antidote was produced and administered to the patient. At first it didn’t look like it was working, and at one point Camiel’s heart even stopped for a moment. The octuplets had already been removed from the mother’s womb and rushed to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). After the antidote ran it’s course, Camiel was no longer paralyzed, but she was still in critical condition. She kept going in and out of conciousness, at times asking where her babies were. After about an hour’s time, Camiel was stabilized and exhausted. The doctor finally allowed Sh’Ekrah to come see his mate.
Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 273
(5/28/02 1:03 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
Meanwhile, Sapphire, who was waiting in the waiting room, sensed something amiss. Fearing the worst, she hopped into the metaphysical realm and immediately cast a viewing spell. She quickly rushed to the NICU, where a second medical team was working frantically to save one of the octuplets. Sapphire then realized that the poison had a more immediate effect on the other seven babies, and this one was going fast.
"There has to be a way to save that baby." She thought. "It was lucky enough to survive that long." She then got an idea. "My Darkstar can keep her alive long enough for the doctors to take out the venoms, but what if she ends up like me? Plus, with her mother a Light Element, there's a chance I'll do more harm than good. A slim one, but it's a chance."
"I can't worry about that now." she said to herself. "At least, there's a chance Camiel won't lose all of her babies." Summoning up all of her energy, she formed a black four-pointed star, which made its way into the physical realm and into the suffering baby. "Please let this work." Sapphire prayed.
In the physcial realm, the medical team was administering the antidote to the only surviving octuplet, a baby girl. Her five brothers and other two sisters were stillborn thanks to the poison that infected their mother. No one knew how this small child survived what took her siblings, but they believed it was a miracle. As soon as the child was completely stabalized, they all pretty much saw the source of this miracle as Sapphire suddenly appeared in the NICU room and collapsed.
Re: Baby Blues
Back in Camiel’s recovery room, Sh’Ekrah tried to comfort his mate. She was in great distress because she didn’t know what happened to their babies.
“Sh’Ekrah, did they say what happened to the babies? Are they all right?”
“They haven’t told me anything yet, my love.”
Camiel grabbed the Brigadier’s arm and groaned as she was overcome with a wave of dizziness.
“Cami, what’s wrong?”
“I don’t know, I feel…so empty. Why won’t they tell us what happened to our babies?”
“They might still be working on them in NICU. Just be patient, alixia. I‘m sure the doctor will tell us something soon.” He gently kissed her cheek and stroked her forehead, trying to get her to relax.
Edited by: Detia1 at: 5/28/02 7:38:54 pm
Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 275
(5/28/02 7:42 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
After what seemed like forever, the doctor came into the recovery room. From the look on his face, it was obvious he had grave news. Camiel immediately asked him what happened to her babies.
"The poison sapped into them very quickly." the doctor explained. "I'm so very sorry." For a moment, Camiel felt like her heart was torn out of her. She gave out a mourning scream that shattered nearby windows. Sh'Ekrah immediately embraced her, trying to offer some comfort to their mutual grief.
"They're all dead?" Sh'Ekrah asked the doctor.
"All but one, and she barely survived. I don't know how that is, but you two have a strong baby girl."
"A daughter. We have a daughter." But Camiel was too busy sobbing to hear the glimmer of good news. "Can we see her?"
"As soon as she's transported to a regular nursery, or I can have one of the nurses carry her in."
Re: Baby Blues
“We would like to see her now…please.” The doctor nodded and went to get a nurse. Sh’Ekrah looked down at his mate, who looked as if all her strength had been sapped from her. “Cami, they are going to let us see our daughter.”
“Our…daughter?”
“Yes. One survived. She must have her mother’s strength.” At that moment, a nurse carried the tiny infant in. She was so tiny she was almost swallowed up in the pink blanket she was wrapped in.
Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 276
(5/28/02 8:13 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
"Oh Vasah. She's so beautiful."
"She looks so much like you."
"Thank the gods she didn't end up like the others."
"Yes, indeed. What do you want to name her?"
"We agreed on one Mimian name and one Hash'a'Glith name, right?" Sh'Ekrah nodded. "For her Mimian name, I'm going to call her Navara (survivor). What do you have for her Hash'a'Glith name?"
"Ke'Rika (lucky miracle)."
"Ke'Rika Navara Brightlight. It sounds perfect. Welcome to the world, my lucky miracle. My survivor."
Re: Baby Blues
Ke'Rika certainly lived up to her name. She only had to stay in the hospital overnight. She had made a complete recovery, which baffled doctors. She was truly a lucky miracle. When Camiel's family heard what happened, everyone wanted to rush to her side immediately. However, her mate asked them to hold off to let Camiel and Ke'Rika rest. Sh'Ekrah did all he could to comfort Camiel, who had gone into a deep depression. While Dani took care of Cami, Sh'Ekrah took on the difficult task of planning their seven other babies' funeral.
Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 277
(5/28/02 8:55 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
Sapphire came over to visit. After recovering from her energy drain at the hospital, she took a taxi over to see Cami. She had to tell them about Ke'Rika and she had to tell them now. When she got there, she immediately sensed a strong power source. "Courage, Seska." she said to herself as the door opened. "Hi," she greeted Sh'Ekrah. "Is Cami taking visitors?"
"Sorry, Seska." Sh'Ekrah explained. "She's still resting."
"How is she?"
"Still depressed. I'm just grateful that she and the baby are all right."
"Can I see her? The baby, that is?"
"She's resting now. But it wouldn't hurt for you to take a peek." As Sh'Ekrah led Sapphire to Ke'Rika's room, she felt the power source growing stronger. The instant she saw Ke'Rika sleeping in her hand-me-down cradle, her worst fears were realized.
"Oh, no..." Sapphire said softly. "By the gods, what have I done?!"
"Seska? Seksa, what's wrong?"
"I have to tell you something, and I doubt you'll like it." They went back downstairs. where she explained everything that happened in the NICU that day. "Now your daughter's mutated because of me! I was afraid this would happen!"
"Seska, relax. From what you've told me, there was no other alternative. You did what you felt you had to do, and you obviously saved her life. I am grateful."
"Sir, with all due respect, I--"
"Not another word. Maybe you feel guilty about what you did, but I don't. Camiel and I both owe you our daughter's life."
"There is a chance that she will develop powers like her mother's, only they'll be drawn by shadows."
"I understand. We'll deal with that when the time comes."
"I just can't help but feel guilty about all of this."
"Is it because of the source of your powers?" Sapphire looked at him in shock. "Yes, Seska, I know about your biological relationship with Mon*Star."
"Cami told you?"
"She didn't have to. I found out after observing your powers more closely. It's no coincidence that they're similar to his own...when he was stronger. But if you think I'm going to discriminate you because of that, you're wrong. I don't judge by blood."
"Thank...thank you, sir."
"I do need a favor from the SilverHawks, though."
"Oh? What is it?"
"The woman who attacked Cami and caused seven of my babies to be stillborn. I'm certain that it was Astrala. Just make sure that they catch her, before I get my hands on her."
Re: Baby Blues
Commander Stargazer ordered SteelWill and Condor to find Astrala and question her about her whereabouts on the day Camiel was stabbed. Moeba and SteelHeart were busy in the forensics lab working to identify any physical evidence linking Astrala to the crime. The families of the Meglouses and the Brightlights put up a cash reward for any information leading to an arrest. As all of this was taking place, the day had come for the babies’ funeral. Lady Dani had to hold Ke’Rika because Camiel was still very weak. The new mother really wasn’t paying attention to the ceremony. Her emotions were in turmoil. She struggled with feelings of emptiness, anger, and sorrow. Seeing all of the now extra baby furniture at the house hadn’t helped either. Sh’Ekrah decided to donate the extra cribs to charity. Camiel sat on the front row of the temple sanctuary half listening to what was being said. Her mate had an arm around her shoulders while her mother held her hand.
Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 278
(5/29/02 12:27 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
The funeral itself merged both Mimian and Hash'a'Glith traditions. The latter called for the cremation of the bodies to release the souls trapped within the now-dead shell back to the heavens. The former featured seven little candles--one for each baby. As soon as prayers and eulogies were done, the candles were blown out one by one. First were the grandparents, both maternal and patrichal, then Camiel's brothers blew two candles out. Then, it was one candle left, for the grieving parents to blow out. Camiel was still too weak, so Sh'Ekrah blew the final candle out himself. The entire funeral party made its way to the courtyard, where the pyre was all set and the smell of ash tulips were strong. Sh'Ekrah helped his mate towards the pyre, where seven tiny corpses lay. The parents, with a heavy heart, gripped the torch and lit the pyre. As soon as the flames went up, Camiel totally broke down sobbing. Her mate picked her up and carried her a safe distance from the pyre, and as they watched the remains of their stillborn children burn to ash, Sh'Ekrah made a solemn vow to find Astrala and make her pay dearly for this grief.
Re: Baby Blues
As Sh’Ekrah tended to his grieving spouse he saw some movement out of the corner of his eye. Seconds later he saw a dark figure heading straight for Lady Dani and the baby, who were sitting nearby. Fortunately, James saw the person too and apprehended the person before any harm could be done. After restraining the would be attacker, Bluegrass removed the face mask.
“Well, well, would ya looky here? I guess the Commander can call Condor and SteelWill back. We’ve got our suspect right here!” James read Astrala her rights as he cuffed her.
Edited by: Detia1 at: 5/30/02 2:26:49 pm
Charra Loon Registered User
Posts: 279
(5/30/02 2:32 pm)
Re: Baby Blues
Despite her restraints, Astrala continued to struggle and shouted out curses. Camiel cautiously approaced her, both shocked and enraged at her presence. "Why?" she whispered.
Astrala looked at her in a cold manner. "Oh don't give me that shocked grieving crap!" she snapped. "It wasn't like I was trying to hurt you, anyway; you were merely there. No...over thirty years ago, that bastard whom you call a husband took something very important to me, and I aim to even the score. Seven out of nine isn't exactly my personal best, but I'll finish the job to perfection."
Sh'Erkah gently moved his mate aside and confronted the assassin. "You bitch..." he started. "Do you see what you've done!?"
"Now you know what it's like to lose a child, Brightlight! See what you put me through all those years?! Go ahead and convict me; I got nothing to lose--thanks to you!"
Re: Baby Blues
When Astrala was taken to Hawk Haven she gave a full confession. She refused to tell them where she got the poison. Stargazer and Condor both had a feeling Glycerin was involved, but they needed solid proof. All of the forensic evidence was in, and along with the confession and witnesses to Astrala’s attack at the funeral, the DA believed they had a solid case against the Mob moll. The trial would be held on Bedlama, where the crimes occurred. Astrala would be charged with seven counts of first degree murder, and two counts of attempted murder.
Email This To a Friend
Topic Commands
Click to receive email notification of replies 
Click to stop receiving email notification of replies