Being There

Ashraf Kahfre rushed into Paladin Medical Centre and ran through the hospital with directions he’d been give of where his sister was. He’d gotten emergency leave and travelled to Serenity as soon as he’d learned about what had happened to his sister.

Finally, he ran straight into Dr. William Hancock. “Uh, hello . . .” He said with concern. “Where are you going in such a rush ?”

“I’m looking for Rahel Kahfre.” He replied. “I’m her brother, Ash.”

Will raised an eyebrow. “You must have travelled quite a way.” He replied. “I’m Doctor Handcock.”

Ash nodded. “Yeah, but I had to see her. Has there been any change ?”

“Not yet, I’m afraid. She’s locked into some sort of dream state with another patient . . . Her twin sister apparently.” Will replied.

“She found her ?” Ash was stunned at this new revelation. The only thing he’d know was that something had happened to his sister.

“Yes and no.” William replied. “It’s more like some higher power has been working to draw them together. Here, let me take you to them.”

With that Will guided Ash down the corridor into the room where Karissa and Rahel were lying on beds.

Ash sighed, ran a hand through his dark hair and went to his sister. He took her hand.

“I’m here, Rahel . . .” He said softly.

He gazed at the other woman . . . she wasn’t exactly an identical twin. In fact, it was as if their looks were complete opposites. For a moment, he thought about the moon and the sun. He didn’t know why that thought came to him, but it had . . . Rahel with her golden hair and this other woman with her dark . . . Night and day.

“What’s her sister’s name ?” Ash enquired.

“Karissa Bentara,” Will replied softly.

Ash could sense Will’s feelings as well as hear the emotion in the man’s voice. “She’s your wife ?” He asked.

“Not exactly . . . well, to say we aren’t married. But we are a couple . . .” Will replied.

He wanted to marry her. There was no doubt in his mind, but he knew she wasn’t ready. Not yet and so he hadn’t asked.

“Is there any chance they’ll wake up ?” Ash asked.

“Your guess is as good as mine.” Will replied. “So far there hasn’t been any change since this happened on Christmas Day.”

“I told our parents.” Ash said. “They should be here in another few days.”

“I’ll make a notation in the file . . . You know, you look exhausted. You should probably get some rest,” Will replied.

But Ash shook his head. “That’s all right.” He said. “I think I’m going to stay right here for now . . .”

Will nodded with understanding. “There’s a couch in my office, it’s not too uncomfortable.”

We’re going to try and attempt to get through to them tomorrow, with the help of Zack Dare. He arrived a few days ago, saying that he’d heard them calling to him.

“Zack Dare.” Ash remarked. “Lieutenant Dare ?”

“That’s him…..” Will confirmed. “Do you know him ?”

“We all served on the *USS Leviathan-B* together…..” Ash continued. “….I do know that there was some connection between Rahel and Zack, but she wasn’t to forthcoming about what she knew.”

“Well he’ll be here tomorrow if you’d like to say.” Will suggested. “I’ll be back later to check on them. I have other patients to see.” With that he left the room.

Hours later a woman entered the office. Ash sensed her before he opened his eyes to look at her. When he did, he was very surprised. He was looking at an exact duplicate of the dark haired woman on the bed.

“Who are you ?” She asked with concern, not recognizing him.

“I’m Ashraf Kahfre….” He said. “….I’m Rahel’s brother. I arrived a few hours ago and Doctor Hancock said that I could use the couch.”

“OH ! I’m sorry, it’s just . . . It’s been a trying time for us…” Shara replied a bit embarrassed.

“That’s all right.” Ash said. “I understand completely . . . But I have to say I’m confused. If Rahel is Karissa’s twin, then who are you ?”

Shara smiled and laughed with a nod. “Ah . . . yeah . . . Well, I’m actually about five years younger than Karissa . . . I’m . . . made in her image.” She explained.

“What ?”

“Genetically engineered.” Shara replied. “We’re all guessing that I was made off a template of Karissa . . .”

His head swam, but he didn’t want to deal with that just yet. “So you’re not a twin . . .”

She shook her head. “But I am her sister . . .” Shara replied. “We’re genetically about ninety percent identical. So it seems you and I are both waiting on the future, hoping that our sisters will wake up soon.”

Ash nodded, finally taking in everything he had just heard.

“Was Will in here earlier ?” She asked. “Uh, Dr. Hancock ?”

“Yes..” He replied. “But it was awhile ago. Said he had other patients to see.”

“Yeah, he’s pretty busy.” She replied. “You know, if you stick around long enough, you’ll probably meet the rest of Karissa’s family . . . my family. They come and see her everyday.”

“They live here ?” He asked.

”Yeah, they moved to Serenity just to be with her and the twins.” Shara replied.

“That’s good . . .” Ash said, but his mind was on his sister. “I just hope she’ll be okay.”

“Everyone says to keep having faith . . .” Shara said. “We just have to believe they WILL wake up.”

He nodded and sighed.

“I’m hoping that our parents will be arriving before the end of the week.” Ash remarked. “Maybe we’ll have some good news by then.”

Suddenly Ash remember something.

“Where’s Logan ?” He enquired. “I’d think he’d be here.”

“He headed back to Earth a few days ago.” Shara replied. “Something about his daughter, I don’t know all the details, but I believe that he’s on his way back now. I’d better go see if I can find Will, how long do you have here ?”

“A couple of weeks at the most.” Ash stated.

“I just hope that they’re awake by then.” Shara remarked. “Would you like to go get some breakfast ?”

Ash checked the time and nodded.

“I’ll give you ten minutes to get ready and come back for you.” Shara stated. “There’s a bathroom down the hall, third door on the left.”

“Thanks.” Ash remarked.

Shara headed off down the corridor and Ash rose from the couch and stretched. Will had been right about the couch, it wasn’t as nice as a good bed, but as a stop-gap it was adequate.