Traveller Probo

Despite her doctors’ instructions not to walk or engage in any strenuous activity, Tatae soon became restless. An examination showed her to be healing well and, though a small woman by modern standards, doctors were forced to concede that she was a lot tougher than she looked.

Michael and Tatae moved to the cottage they had bought near Welbeck but they looked forward to getting home. Hurley had finally been able to visit, though he looked troubled. Michael noted that Hurley hadn’t looked very happy for a while.

“What’s happening old mate?” asked Michael. He knew the Kiev Traveller project had been wracked with indecision, which had left Hurley with the odious task of dealing with ever more frustrated Ukrainian troops.

Hurley hunched miserably and shook his head in disgust. “It’s the politics of the Transporter, I’m afraid,” he explained irritably. “I shouldn’t care but I do. The Kiev Traveller crew are some of the best soldiers I’ve ever worked with but their patience is running thin.”

Michael nodded, “And you’re stuck in the middle.”

“Aye,” agreed Hurley, “I bloody well am. And because none of us want any more exposure of strangers to Tatae, I’m now to give you a summary of organising the medical mission so far.”

Wicks had also arrived and was making a pot of tea as Tatae headed for the shower. She adored hot showers. “Are you all right then my love? You need a hand at all?” asked Michael solicitously.

She stopped with a smile, “My love, don’t you think I know my body well enough to know how well I am? I only want you in the shower with me when these two are gone.”

Hurley snorted while Wicks, who was beginning to attain a nebulous grasp on the Saxon language, looked up in trying to decipher her words. Tatae gave Michael a kiss and then patted Wicks on the cheek before she left them to their meeting.

Hurley chuckled, “She doesn’t change does she.”

Michael smiled. “Never.”

“She keen to get back?” Hurley asked.

Michael nodded, “You know she is. If she could take wee Cynthia back, she’d be off like a shot.”

Hurley nodded. “Helen would fight her to the death.”

Wicks placed a pot of tea onto the table and they each took their own floral teacups full of the steaming brew.

“Okay, here’s the plan,” began Hurley. “In the next week or so, depending on Tatae’s health, you and Tatae will return and then a couple of weeks later Lieutenant Wicks here will bring the evaluation team. Wicks has just been seconded into the Saxon Traveller project.”

There were nods of congratulations as Wicks grinned sheepishly. “I thought the moustache was a giveaway,” added Michael.

Hurley continued, “Lacking the services of our American Delta Force friend, Sergeant Kitchener, the preliminary medical team will be accompanied by Sergeant Andy Poxon.”

“Hang on,” interjected Michael. “He’s in Turkey with Byzantium Traveller, isn’t he?”

“True,” nodded Hurley. “He’s seconded for the initial evaluation mission because the villagers know and have a soft spot for him.”

“He stayed after the battle of Giolgrave,” confirmed Wicks.

“Correct,” nodded Hurley. “He’s the obvious choice for the mission.”

“Sounds good so far,” Michael nodded. “Where’s Kitchener then?”

Hurley snorted, “Where indeed? Our American friends aren’t saying.”

Michael just raised his eyebrows at Wicks who shrugged. Hurley continued, “A team of four doctors with accompany Poxon and Wicks,” he explained. “Both missions, the preliminary examination and the final medical procedures, will be commanded by Dr Glenda Fitzgerald. She’s a civilian, ex-military and very highly qualified. She’s done a lot of humanitarian work in Africa and the Middle East. The team will examine every one of the villagers and, based on their assessment, will determine who will receive further medical treatment. Shouldn’t take more than three days.”

“And the medical procedures?” asked Michael.

“Well, that’ll be on an as needs basis,” added Wicks. “By then, I’ll lead the troops while the medical team gets their work done.”

***

Soon after the visitors left, Tatae emerged, her long hair still steaming and damp. “Good news my love,” smiled Michael. “We go home very soon, and then Poxon and Wicks will bring the medical people to help the villagers.”

“Good,” Tatae nodded as she contemplatively patted her bulbous stomach. “I want to go home.” She paused and smiled, “I do like Poxon. Some of the women will be so happy he is back to visit.”

“Oh? Anyone in particular.”

Tatae shook her head, then asked coyly, “Well, can you think of a wee babe born the spring after the battle? That’s all I will say.”

Michael sat, stunned, his mind racing. There had been so many babies.

“Have you noticed that Wicks is here a lot?” she asked.

Michael frowned, distracted. “Well, yeah, he’s on our security detail and is learning about home,” he responded with a frown. What else had he missed?

“He’s nice. He seems to visit whenever Olivia visits. Have you noticed?” Tatae added.

Michael screwed up his face in effort and shook his head but Tatae had already walked off to find some chocolate.