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“Distress beacon.” Joan leaned forward again and gripped the counter with both hands. “Message is pretty crackly. My guess is it’s being transmitted by one of the towers over the mines but that the tower’s gotten damaged.”
“You think they’re sheltering in the mine shafts?” Great, not only was Garrett going back to Thule, he was going to the damn mines themselves.
“Sounds like it.” Joan nodded. “It would make sense. Probably keeps them safe from the gas.”
“Yeah, it was probably their best bet.” Garrett set his razor aside and leaned over the sink to rinse the remnants of stubble and cream from his face. This was not a big deal. Like he’d told Joan. He didn’t need to process this or anything in the past.
“So, pretty simple job, honestly.” Joan reached around to open a cabinet on her other side, pulled a small towel out, and handed it to him. “Go in, rescue the civilians, come back. The Klah’Eel will run interference for you like this last time.”
“And I’m going because this is what I do now, and because I know the mines, I take it.” Garrett patted his face down and then inspected it in the mirror. Not perfect, but beyond better.
“Yup. And I was thinking I’d send Maxwell with you again.” Joan nudged his chin over and wiped away a piece of cream under the hinge of his jaw with her thumb. “You two always made a good team.”
They were good together. Garrett’s lips twitched in a smile. No matter what they technically were, they were good together.
“Alright, interesting reaction.” Joan raised an eyebrow and dropped her hand.
Garrett ignored that comment. “What about the clinic, though? Do we have another doctor?”
Joan shrugged and hopped off the counter. “Not as good as him, but the Cartel has others, and they’ve recalled a few back to help out. We can spare Maxwell for more urgent duties.”
Garrett dried his hair with the small towel and shrugged a shoulder. “You know best.” He wasn’t going to complain about having Maxwell by his side for longer. Or about having Maxwell farther away from Kurt Buck.
“You eat and sleep, and I’ll have your same ship maintenanced and fueled up.” Joan ticked off her thoughts on her fingers. “I’ve already talked to Patrick, and your lift-off will be the same time tomorrow morning. Sound good?”
Garrett didn’t mention how easily Patrick’s name rolled off her tongue, like he was just another member of the team rather than an enemy agent here to take away one of their own, sneak intel back to their old enemy, maybe sabotage them, or who knew what else. “Sounds good.”
“Perfect.” Joan crossed her arms. “Any questions?”
“Yeah.” Garrett tossed the towel into the corner and then crossed his arms at Joan and raised an eyebrow. “Can I please go get drunk now?”
* * *
“Doctor Maxwell!”
Maxwell set down the box of extra blankets and antivirals and turned to see Rhast charging toward him through the crowd and pulling one of the women they’d rescued behind him. His eyebrows rose to see him moving and yelling so confidently, a far cry from the shy boy Garrett had brought to the clinic just a couple nights ago.
“Doctor Maxwell, this is my mom!” Rhast pulled the woman to stand before Maxwell, and she and Maxwell exchanged amused glances. “Mom, this is the doctor that gave me the medicine.”
“We’ve already been introduced, sweetie.” Rhast’s mother ruffled his hair, and Rhast’s skin bloomed pink, then she smiled at Maxwell and touched his forearm. “But it seems I have yet another thing to thank you for.”
“You really don’t have to thank me.” Maxwell put his hand over hers. “I’m just glad I could help you both. Has anyone given you any medical attention yet?”
“Me?” The woman took her hand back. “Oh no, I’m fine. Other people need more help.”
“Just a quick examination.” Maxwell put his stethoscope in his ears and waved her to a nearby chair. He found people generally complied if they felt like he’d already started. The main prayer chapel of the temple had been converted into a shelter and was crowded with people, sleeping mats, packs, and crates, but there were always a few spare surfaces Maxwell could nab for an impromptu examination.
“It doesn’t hurt.” Rhast pulled his mom over, and Maxwell hid his smile as his mother opened her mouth to argue then closed it again. It was indeed hard to argue with a determined and adorable young child. Maybe Maxwell should recruit him to help persuade all his more reticent patients. “After this, you have to meet Garrett.”
“You just introduced us, honey, remember?” Rhast’s mother said between deep breaths as Maxwell listened to her back.
No rattle. She didn’t have what Rhast had.
“Oh, right.” Rhast’s face fell as though he was disappointed he couldn’t do the introduction yet again.
“He’s probably indisposed at the moment anyway.” Maxwell settled his stethoscope back onto his chest and smiled wryly. Already two beers and three games of pool in by now, Maxwell would bet. He hoped so too. Garrett deserved a little relaxation.
“Is he hurt?”
