He looked at her, bitterness burning in his face. “There is no point in returning,” he finally said. “The Soviets have won. The resistance is over. It was over before I arrived. Only an international intervention will help now. I am more than willing to give my life for Orlisia, but I will not throw it away needlessly.”
She felt her heart ache at his words. Orlisia was so beautiful, its culture unique. That the little country would become part of the homogenous Soviet empire devastated her. She couldn’t imagine how Michael must feel.
“You may yet be able to make a difference,” she said softly. “The resistance can continue on the diplomatic front. The UN can’t ignore this outrageous occupation much longer, no matter how economically important the Soviet Republic is to the world. The pressure on them to intervene is mounting daily. Your firsthand account of what is happening in Parnaas could be incredibly valuable in rallying public interest and support.” Michael did not reply, so she rose and busied herself around the infirmary.
“I apologize for my rudeness,” he said after a moment. “This is very difficult for me.”
“I understand.” The strange thing was that although his words hurt, she really did understand how he felt, far better than when he’d first left in July. “It’s extremely painful to stand by while something – or someone – you love beyond words is in grave danger.” Michael turned to look at her oddly. “What?”
“It is nothing. Or rather, it is not something for discussion right now. Come to me.” He patted the bed beside him. “Please.”
When she climbed on to the bed, he surprised her by pulling her into his arms. They sat together, his hand stroking her hair. She rested her head on his chest, cherishing the sound of every heartbeat against her ear. Michael, Michael, Michael.
“What was it like in the resistance?” she asked.
“Meaningful. I saved the lives of my comrades many times over. Good doctors were hard to come by, and my previous experience as a field doctor in Uganda helped immeasurably.” He paused. “It was also terrifying.” Sophie saw goose bumps breaking out across his arms as he spoke. “I was almost always afraid for my life. I had difficulty falling asleep at night because I feared I would die as I slept.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “I was so afraid, mana mila.”
“So was I. Every minute you were gone.” His arms tightened around her, and they sat there for a long time like that.
-
Sophie waited outside when the team returned from Parnaas. The Rev jumped out of the car and motioned her inside. Anjali and Will joined them.
“How much time?”
“Seven more days. The Commandant originally said four, but Sergei talked him around to seven. Not sure what you offered him,” said the Rev with a brief grin, “but it worked.”
“Knew it would.” Sophie tapped her lower lip. “Seven days isn’t too bad. I think we can make it happen.” She turned to Anjali. “Will Michael be able to travel within seven days?”
“For that, I need to examine him,” said Anjali with a smile. Sophie groaned. She had a bad feeling that this had as much to do with Anjali cross-examining him about his intentions toward her as it did checking his medical status. “Is he awake?”
“Not when I left.”
“I am now,” came a gravelly voice behind them. Michael leaned against the doorway in his scrubs, looking annoyed. “I do not like being spoken about behind my back.” Sophie rolled her eyes at him, and he glared back.
His eyes shifted to take in Will, looking him up and down a bit haughtily. “I do not believe we have been introduced,” Michael said. “Yet you seem very familiar to me.”
“That’s because I’m Will Temple.”
“Of course.” Michael shook Will’s outstretched hand. “We meet at last, despite Sophie’s best efforts to keep us apart. No doubt because she fears I will tell the truth about her.”
“Now, kids,” said Anjali, “save it for after school.” She slipped past Sophie, her face bright with anticipation. “You shouldn’t be out of bed, Vanguard. Come on, let me check you over.”
Michael followed her, pushing his IV pole. “Why does everyone call me by this name?” Sophie heard him ask as they vanished into the infirmary.
-