The Defiants, part two

"Why do I always see you in here?" Skye went to grab some bandages.

Cean, a Wanderer trainee, shrugged, "Because I'm a glutton for punishment?"

Skye rolled her eyes.

While she liked the younger Wanderers, primarily because they'd adopted human customs quickly and didn't see them as lesser, they were reckless with each other.

She dabbed some alcohol on the cut along his left browbone. "You're not useful to anyone if you kill yourself fighting before you even reach the battlefield."

Cean winced, "I know."

"You're just lucky I'm patient with you young ones." Because for some reason, neither Christine, Olsen, nor any of the nurses from the compound were fond of dealing with them.

But it gave Skye an invaluable opportunity to learn more about Wanderer anatomy and how to help them recover faster. So she was happy to work with them.

Although it would be awesome if they also had a Wanderer medic, so at least she'd have some help. Oh well.

After bandaging his brow and arm, she sent Cean on his way, watching him limp slightly. Skye shook her head. She swore they only injured themselves to see her.

It was both flattering and irritating as hell.

"Hey there, gorgeous."

Speaking of irritating as hell.

Cringing, Skye turned, not bothering to hide her disdain, "What now, Dom?"

Dominic, a human soldier, had been pursuing her ever since she'd made the mistake of sleeping with him once while being drunk.

"I just wanted to say hi," he stepped closer, "and wondered if you'd be interested in having lunch with me."

Skye made a face, cleaning up, "How many times do I have to tell you no?"

Dom smirked, "I like hard-to-get girls."

She almost threw up in her mouth.

"Dude," Evan almost yelled from the back side of the tent, "just go."

"Oh, like you're gonna do anything with her."

Skye made a fist, resisting the overwhelming urge to punch him in the teeth, "But he has a better shot than you."

Anger flashed in Dom's eyes, but he plastered on a fake smile, "Very well."

As soon as he left, Skye exhaled relief and moved to Evan. "You don't need to keep helping me with him."

But she didn't want to ask for help from the one person she knew would take care of the situation.

The recovering soldier looked up at her, "I defend my friends, no matter the way."

She smiled and began doing his daily review. While most of Evan's injuries had healed nicely, he still couldn't move how he used to and was doing P.T. daily.

Skye helped him stand and started his exercises. She saw how hard he was working to be able to serve again, but without proper medical equipment, she wasn't sure that would happen.

Nevertheless, Skye would do her best to help her friend.

After helping Evan with his exercises, along with treating a few more Wanderers with minor injuries, Skye finally found some time to sit and take a quick break.

Skye loved her job as a nurse, but it was exhausting, even with her newfound energy.

"Hey, Skye, ready for lunch?"

Lifting her head, she saw Ava standing over her, remembering their plans for today. "Shit, I forgot."

She laughed, then looked over, "Hi, Evan, how are things?"

"Gettin' better every day."

Ava grinned, "So lunch?"

Skye nodded, standing, "Yeah, just let me remove my scrubs."

They finally had enough people that she didn't feel guilty leaving Christine by herself.

She quickly changed into pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and jeans, the weather starting to cool down as fall approached.

When Skye walked back out, she found Evan standing with his crutches. "May I join you lovely ladies?"

Ava glanced her way, "Is it okay?"

"Christine," Skye called out, "I'm gonna take Evan for lunch."

Christine lifted her head, "Okay, just be careful, Mr. Smith."

"I will."

And with that, the three of them headed for lunch.

***

Waking from a somewhat fitful sleep, Galen groaned, glancing at the clock on his nightstand. 12:30 pm.

He'd returned to his quarters around six in the morning, but his mind had refused to let him rest peacefully. Luckily, Wanderers only needed about four earth hours of sleep to be optimally rested.

Stomach rumbling, Galen sat up, swinging his legs to the edge of his bed. He remained there for a moment, letting everything wake up.

Then he stood and went into his tiny bathroom, being quick about his routine. He hated overly small spaces, which had lessened with his time among the humans, but he still had limits.

Galen quickly dressed, choosing clothing from his new human-style wardrobe. With the raid on the compound, they were able to repair their replicators, so now they didn't need to scavenge so much.

Plus, he liked how casual some of their garments were.

No one was in the hallway as he strode his way out of the building, sighing once that fresh air hit him.

Despite how blinding Earth's sun was to them, he enjoyed the light and warmth the star provided. Their homeworld was cold and dark.

At least every soldier had certain genetic modifications which allowed them to adapt to different life-bearing planets, so the sun didn't hurt them.

Walking to the bases' marketplace, Galen watched humans and Wanderers mingle with each other, remembering how strained it had all been when the rebel base first started.

The smell of food pulled Galen from his thoughts, and he went to get some breakfast, or was it lunch? Even with his hours of studying human cultures, some customs tripped him up.

He moved to the other side of the marketplace, where they served the food, and heard a familiar voice as he waited in line.

It made his stomach flutter whenever Skye's voice filled the air.

Turning his head, Galen spotted her sitting at one of the tables, along with Evan and Ava.

While he got along with all the humans, Ava and Evan were two of the few he considered to be his friends, especially Ava, who had worked her way into his heart.

The three of them were clearly having a good time.

Then Ava lifted her head and noticed him. She tilted her head back slightly, beckoning him to join them.

Galen pointed to the line but nodded, grinning.

She smiled, then returned to the conversation.

Heart beating faster, Galen ordered his food and waited, excited. This was a great way to start the day.