Change Horizons: Three Novellas Read Online Free

Ilias is sick.”
    “He’ll be fine. We should let Dr. Meyer look him over as well, but my assessment stands. Rehydrate and give him some missing vitamins and some anti-inflammatory tea. You should have it too, as it will permeate the milk. You’ll see an increase in breast milk as well.” Ciel cupped the back of the little boy’s head. “He has your features.”
    “I know. That’s a blessing. He’s of mixed blood.”
    “So his father was Onotharian?”
    “Yes.” Tammas blinked repeatedly. “We were married.”
    “Where is he now?” Gemma asked as she ran her scanner over the boy. She examined the readings and was reluctantly impressed when her instrument concurred with Ciel’s diagnosis.
    “I don’t know. He and some of the other incarcerated Onotharians had to go into hiding when some militant people from Teroshem stormed the camp once the occupation ended. He had managed to save some money and other valuables for Ilias and me, but I don’t know what happened to him.”
    “I’ll take this information to headquarters,” Gemma said, and pocketed her scanner. “They need to know about illegal militia activities.”
    “How much farther to your destination?” Ciel asked Tammas.
    “To Emres? Maybe two more weeks. Three if the rains begin early.” Tammas looked determined but also exhausted. “I’ll have to wait until Ilias is better. That means the rains will have been under way for a while.”
    Gemma thought fast and looked around the room where at least some sixty people sat in chairs or on the floor against walls, and stood in line. So many people seeking help from a multitude of conditions while on their way to a place that used to be home.
    Straightening her back, Gemma began to create a solution to the problem. This was one thing she could do something about, no matter how many were displaced. She pulled out her communicator. “Commander Meyer to SC headquarters.” She repeated the page twice before a male voice responded. Relaying the details, she smiled confidently as the lieutenant at headquarters acknowledged and promised to send transportation. “I’ll report back as soon as we know if we need a mobile hospital unit to deploy,” Gemma said. She wanted to report the intel of rogue Gantharian militia groups but realized that would require more investigation before HQ could take any measures. She decided to record an initial report to Jacelon when she was back in her small office area aboard the hovercraft.
    “Tammas,” Gemma said. “I’ve requested transportation for you, Ilias, and everyone else in here who is in transit heading home. I’ll make sure you and Ilias have a bed at the clinic until the transportation arrives.”
    “Oh, thank you. Thank you so much, both of you.” Tammas’s eyes filled with tears. “You can’t possibly know how amazing that would be. I’m prepared to walk for as long as it takes, but I’m so worried about Ilias.”
    “He’ll be fine.” Gemma looked over her shoulder and saw a man and a woman approach. Guessing they were the administrator and the clinic’s chief, she stood and greeted them. Glancing at her companion, she saw Ciel pat Tammas’s shoulder and then walk from patient to patient, speaking with them.
    “Dr. Meyer.” The administrator beamed. “I’m Ms. O’Eso. We’re so honored that you are blessing us with your presence, but you’ve caught us at an inopportune time.” She smiled nervously, clearly trying to appease the visitors.
    “And by that you mean the reason why you’re not seeing any of these patients?”
    The placating smile disappeared from O’Eso’s face. “What? No. I mean, we’re not quite ready yet.” She didn’t sound so confident anymore. Lacing her fingers tightly, she turned to her boss. “Sir?”
    “Ah, yes. All in good time, Dr. Meyer,” he said, looking questioningly at his administrator.
    “God, this place is like a farce.” Gemma pinched the bridge of her nose. “You realize that I have the