Zion's Children - pt 39

"You did what?" Lily demanded when she entered the lab area. She gasped slightly at the sight of Miri unconscious on the cot in the corner.

"We didn't even know she was in the room," Marcus said, in what she thought was meant to be a calming tone of voice. "She injected herself before we knew she was even here."

"That doesn't make this alright!" Lily broke free from her spot and quickly crossed the room to sit on the edge of the cot next to Miri. She laid her hand to Miri's forehead. "How long ago? She's already burning up."

"Not even half an hour ago," Marcus answered. He glanced at Byrin, who was over at the work area of the lab. He dropped his voice a level and said quietly to her, "He hasn't stopped moving since."

"I can see that," Lily said just as softly. "She's advancing quickly. Does he have anything ready?"

"Close. We were talking about dosage and stages when she came in. She was trying to give us..."

"A volunteer."

"Exactly."

Lily sighed. "She makes me feel like such a fake."

"How so?"

"She freely wears her faith on her sleeve, Marcus. In her work, in her free time. She's even willing to sacrifice herself for her people."

Marcus sighed. "It's hard being a Christian and be in ConFleet at the same time. In their attempt to have religious freedom and equality, they bind all the religions to a strict code. We're not the only ones who have the 'no proselytizing' clause. I know that's little comfort."

"You're right, it's not."

"Is your faith real?" Marcus asked her. "Whenever we've talked, just the two of us, I've wonder if you really believe it or if it's just what you grew up with."

Lily's face twisted and she held in the tears. "I do believe Marcus. It's just not easy to show."

"Tell me how it happened for you. Salvation I mean."

"You first."