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The Kirghiz Steppes - Chapter 4

Author - Mctrip7
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The Kirghiz Steppes

By Mctrip7

Rating: PG-13
Genre: Suspense, Angst, Romance
Archive: Trip
Disclaimer: I understand that all the characters belong to Paramount and will not be sold.
Summary: It only takes a moment . . .

~~~~~

Chapter 4

Days came and went for Trip. When the pain became unbearable, like lying on a hot skillet, he felt his breathing was going to stop. Then, nothing. When he opened his eyes again, he couldn’t move but the pain had subsided. He was thirsty, couldn’t get enough water. Anna always cautioned him not to drink too fast. She seemed to anticipate his every need.

Then darkness would cloud his mind again. He would try to twist and turn all the while shouting at someone named Mal or that’s what it sounded like. Beads of perspiration formed on his forehead and shortly all his clothes would be soaked. Anna would sponge him off, change his linens and put dry clothes on him. His rational moments would come and go. Once he grabbed Anna and pleaded with her to keep him from falling. Later, when he saw the black and blue marks on her arms, he asked her if her boyfriend had gotten ‘smart’ with her.

“Sometimes he gets a little carried away.” she would always tell him.

“Why do you go out with such a jerk? Trip wanted to know. “When I get out of here, I’ll set him straight. That’s no way to treat a lady.”

For a long time she didn’t tell him who it was that bruised her arms.

Trip’s outbursts were happening less and less often; however, his pain was becoming more intense. Dr. Chekov said more surgery might be necessary as internal pressure was building. After reading the latest x-ray, Dr. Chekov scheduled the operation. The next morning following the surgery, Trip seemed more relaxed. He remained in a state of semi-consciousness. Days stretched into weeks, but he was hardly aware of time passing. Dr. Chekov was becoming concerned when one morning as he was making his rounds, Trip greeted him.

“Hi, Doc. I’ve missed seeing you. Guess I’ve been asleep when you came by.”

“Yes, you have been rather drowsy lately. How are you feeling? How’s the pain?”

“Oh, it’s there, more like a dull ache now.”

“Can you reach for my hand? Dr Chekov asked, carefully watching Trip’s reaction.

Trip moved his arm easily and reached for Dr. Chekov’s hand with his left arm.

“How about the right one?” the doctor asked.

Hesitating slightly, Trip raised his arm to take the doctor’s hand.

“Was that painful?”

“No, I just felt like I had to concentrate on it.” The crease in Tucker’s forehead didn’t go unnoticed by the doctor.

“It’ll come easier next time, Trip. Don’t worry about it. You’ve been sleeping for days and you’re just a little rusty. Did you do any dreaming? Do you remember what was happening in your dream?”

“I remember seeing beautiful sunsets. Sometimes lush green foliage with tall waterfalls and bubbling streams. Once I saw a corridor with rounded walls and people were hurrying back and forth. They didn’t seem to see me, though.”

“Do you remember what they were wearing?”

“No. I can’t bring the image back. Do you think it might be important?”

“I think it’s a good sign that you will eventually remember your past. Don’t concentrate too hard, just let it come naturally. Now try to rest. Anna will be here shortly. She will have some exercises for you to do and then you can have something to eat. I think that you are coming along just fine now.”

At the end of two weeks it became necessary for Trip to leave the hospital. Too many questions were being asked about the length of his stay, the seriousness of his accident, etc. One night it was explained that his employer would pick him up early the next morning because he needed his truck for his daily work. No one questioned the arrangement.

On arrival at Dr. Chekov’s farm, he was put right to bed. “Hey, I’ve been sitting up most of the time, even walking back and forth in the hall,” Trip protested.

“After your truck ride I want you perfectly still for 24 hours, then we’ll see,” Dr. Chekov was adamant.

Trip looked crestfallen. “Whatever you say,” was his reply.
“It won’t be long now, Trip. Bear with me.”

By the end of the second week, Trip was able to have breakfast with the family every morning. He could also do some light chores, though he couldn’t lift anything. One morning as he was finishing his coffee, he noticed that Maman was fidgeting with the toaster.

“What’s the problem, Lara?” Trip asked. “Don’t burn your hands.”

“Sometimes it just doesn’t want to work. It is so frustrating.” Lara gritted her teeth as she looked at Trip.

“Let me have a look at it. I may be able to fix it.” Trip responded.

He took the appliance apart and mended the offending section. As he returned it to Lara, he hesitated.

“That seemed so natural. I wonder if I once worked with mechanical things.”

“Has any memory at all come back to you, Trip? Sometimes I see you looking off into space with a very somber expression. I wish I knew how to help you.”

“One of these days” was all Trip would ever say.

Right now he looked forward to sharing an evening of conversation with the men before retiring. His Russian was improving, and their English was pretty good. Anna came by occasionally to check on her patient.

As Anna was leaving one night, Trip walked her to her car. In their conversation, Trip quoted Phlox regarding some medical procedure.

“Who is Dr. Flox?” Anna asked.

“I don’t know. It just came out. Do you think it could be someone from that other life of mine?” Trip asked hesitantly.

“Possibly. Tonight say it several times as you’re going to sleep. Maybe you’ll dream something.”

“I’d rather dream about you,” Tucker said putting his arm around her waist. “I’ve never told you how much your visits at the hospital meant to me. I don’t think I could have made it without you.”

“You surely know how to make a girl feel special. I looked forward to each visit, and you were a very good patient, too. You always did everything I asked of you. That’s why you have made such rapid progress. I hear you are a fine repairman, too. Lara told me about the toaster. I’ll bet she has other things that could use a little repair.”

All this time Trip was maneuvering her closer to him. He relaxed a little, wondering if he was rushing her too much. She didn’t attempt to move away. As his lips touched hers, she dissolved in his arms. The fresh fragrance she wore reminded him of someone in a different time, but he couldn’t place it. This time his kiss was more passionate and complete. When he released her, he held her close slipping his hand under her blouse. As he held her, she unbuttoned her blouse and he gently caressed the softness of her body. Slowly, she raised his face to hers and returned his kiss.

“Trip, we’re in dangerous territory. Too much is at stake right now for us to throw caution to the wind. The Administrator is asking questions about you. He called Dr. Chekov and my father into his office yesterday and questioned them about your confinement. He felt it was strange that he hadn’t heard anything about an accident that caused such severe injuries. I think they satisfied his curiosity, but you will have to be careful.

Trip studied her longingly for a moment. Then with that quirky little smile of his, he said “I guess you’re right, but I’m not giving up.”

“I wouldn’t want you to.” She smiled back at him as she walked down the steps to her car.

Sleep that night brought restless dreams of the white room, but nothing more.

The following morning as Trip was helping with the repair work in the barn, he became aware of raised voices near the house.

Two men were questioning Sergi and they did not seem pleased with his answers. One of the men placed his hand on Sergi’s shoulder. Trip put down the pitchfork he was working on, ready to come to his assistance, if necessary; however, Dr. Chekov opened the back door to the house and stepped out on the patio. Trip could only understand about every fifth word. Something about Sergi not looking injured to them. . . and where was the damaged tractor? Dr. Chekov seemed to take his time, explaining the accident was somewhere else and the tractor had been sold for parts because it couldn’t be repaired.

He also explained that Sergi was his son and the injured man was a hired hand helping with the harvest.

“When he was well enough, he moved on saying that he really didn’t know too much about farm equipment and was going back to the city,” Dr. Chekov continued. “I explained this to the Administrator at the hospital.”

“Sometimes we feel it is necessary to see for ourselves. Things aren’t always what they seem,” the taller of the visitors commented. Perhaps you wouldn’t mind our taking a look around. You have quite an impressive spread here.”

Trip very quietly picked up what he had been working on; stored it and exited the back entrance, slipping into the corn field where it came close to the barn. He continued, going down to the nearby creek and hiding in the undergrowth. When darkness came, he made his way back to the farmhouse. As he got nearer, he listened carefully; but all seemed normal. He opened the back door quietly and entered the kitchen. Lara caught sight of him and came running.

“Are you all right? Did you see the men that came here?

“I’m fine. I hid in the brush by the creek.” Trip let her know.

Dr. Chekov heard them and entered the kitchen. “You must have heard some of their conversation. How much did you hear, Trip?” he wanted to know.

“I heard most all of it, but I didn’t understand everything they said. I was in the barn working on that broken pitchfork, but they couldn’t see me. I put the things away and headed for the creek. What would you like for me to do? I don’t want to get you in trouble.” Trip really wasn’t sure how this was going to go.

“Let me give it some thought,” the doctor said. “I have a cousin in Taraz. I believe we could darken your skin a little and dye your hair. You would look like a native! Then your coming to visit would not be questioned.”

“My cousin has worked in a machine shop. Your mechanical knowledge would be very plausible. You can still keep a relatively low profile and it should work out just fine.” Dr. Chekov seemed very pleased with his solution. Trip was a little less sure.

Alexi had joined them and agreed with his father. “Your injuries seem to be healing nicely, so you won’t be needing as much medicine. That should stem their curiosity about my needs. You’ve really come a long way, Trip. I have to admit I didn’t think you could make it when I first saw you. Whatever that uniform represented, certainly demanded that you be in good health.”

Trip nodded as he said “I have the feeling that every day was filled with exercise, work and lots of challenges . . . not much free time. Sometimes I feel like I miss a steady hum that should be there.

Lara reminded Trip that Anna was coming over for dinner that evening. “I think you need to look in the mirror before she arrives. You might want to freshen up.”

Trip smiled as he said “I sure wouldn’t want her to see me like this.”

“Why not?” Sergi asked. She’s seen you with clean clothes and with no chothes.”

“Sergi, that sounds awful.” Katya, who had just entered the room, replied. “You shouldn’t say things like that. Trip wants to look his best for his girlfriend. You always put a clean shirt on when Inga is coming over!

A dismayed Trip Tucker could feel the heat rising on his face but couldn’t think of any words to offer in his behalf. Girlfriend! How much was Katya aware of? He had only kissed Anna goodnight a few times.

Alexi stepped in and said “You two, cool it. Trip is our guest and you’re embarrassing him. Besides, what have you two been up to since I’ve been spending so much time at the hospital? Who is Inga?

Dr. Chekov’s strong voice interrupted saying “I think we’ve heard enough about your social life, Katya, Sergi. Let’s get back to the problem at hand. I’ll write my cousin and tell him to be sure NOT to come anytime soon. Then Trip will arrive and we’ll be safe for a while longer.”

“By the way, Sergi, have you been by Mr. Korbet’s farm to see if he needs any help with his chores? You helped him clean out his barn last Spring. He may need some help again.”

“I’ll stop by tomorrow, Father. His peaches should be about ready for picking now. Want to come with me, Katya? Mrs. Korbet may need some help, too, since she twisted her knee in that fall.

“I can’t, Sergi. Trip is teaching me English and I have to write a paragraph for tomorrow.”

“It can wait, Katya.” Trip said. “We’ll do it the next day if you want to go with Sergi.”

“No, I like having you for my teacher. I want to learn as much as I can.” she said as she gave him her best smile.

Trip felt a tinge of heat in his cheeks again. “See you all in a little while,” he said as he reached the door. “Dinner will be over by the time I get ready!”

Lara smiled to herself as some of her memories surfaced.

When Trip returned, he found Anna talking with Dr. Chekov, something about “gone a few days”. Anna looked up and smiled “I was beginning to think you were avoiding me”. She looked deeply into his blue eyes as she said “Dr. Chekov told me about the visitors. Trip, do be careful. With their suspicions aroused, they’ll be watching everything you do.”

Dr. Chekov spoke up “I haven’t told her yet about your becoming my cousin from Taraz.”

“You mean Todd? He does have some similar features and he’s about the same build, but. . .

“I told them that the injured man was an itinerant handyman and that when he was well enough, he moved on. They seemed satisfied. Trip is going to show up in a few days, saying he came to help with the harvest, as usual. He can feign a speech impediment; so he won’t be asked to make long explanations if they show up again.”

“That sounds like it might work. How good an actor are you, Trip?”

“I think I can handle this.” Trip said, as he smiled at her while taking her arm and leading her into the dining room.

Several days later Trip, alias Todd, arrived at the local bus station. He noticed the guard stationed at the door. With a “hot coal” in the pit of his stomach, Trip picked up his bag and headed for the door. As he neared the opening, some man hailed the guard, needing his help. Trip continued into the Station holding his head high. As he came out on the street, Dr. Chekov waved his hand motioning him to the waiting car. Safe inside, Trip realized he was perspiring. (in 50 degree weather!)

“Everything looks normal. I think you did it.” stated Dr. Chekov. “Let’s go home.”

Sergi and Alexi were waiting for them at the house. “You really do look like Cousin Todd,” commented Sergi. “He was a good pitcher, too. Can you play baseball?”

“I’ll have to pitch a few balls and see. Maybe we can do that in the morning.”

“Father, there may be a problem at the Korbet’s.” Alexi’s voice showed concern. “ Sergi and Katya stopped by today and they couldn’t get anyone to come to the door.?”

“We walked around to the back of the house and knocked, too,” put in Sergi. “Then we went out to the barn. It was a mess. The animals were so hungry. I don’t think they’d had any food for a couple of days.”

Dr. Chekov nodded, saying “I think we should drive over there before we put the car away.”

The sun was going down before they finished their task of searching the Korbet property. It appeared to have been abandoned on a minute’s notice. At the back of the house they had managed to raise a window enough for Sergi to slip through. He opened the back door for Dr. Chekov to come in. Trip and Alexi waited outside.

“I don’t feel right about this, Father, said Sergi. Maybe we should just wait till they come back.”

“I don’t think they will be coming back, son. Looks like they were in the middle of a meal when they suddenly left. See the broken glass on the floor. There’s Ed’s jacket on the hook there. Looks as though there was some sort of a struggle, too. I can see some furniture turned over in the living room.”

Dr. Chekov’s expression was solemn when he joined Alexi and Trip. “They’re gone. And this isn’t the only family that has just disappeared! Within a 20-mile radius, there have been five mysterious disappearances. I have a call to make tonight.”

The tone of his voice brought a sudden flash to Trip. He’d heard it before. Like Orders! He’d almost said “Yes, Captain.” That meant he must have been in the Military. Tryng as hard as he could, he still couldn’t bring anything more to mind. “I wonder if I’ll ever know?” he murmured to himself.

They had reached the Chekov house by now and the doctor was hurrying inside. Alexi was walking along with Trip. “Things have been so different since we’ve come back. When we lived here before, it was a wonderful happy village. People were always dropping by and once a week the men would get together at the school hall to discuss the economic situation as well as all the local problems. If anyone needed help, they were right there for them. Now, it’s like everyone is scared to be seen talking to anybody else. There are no more meetings. You feel like you’re being watched and yet there’s no one there.”

“How long ago did “the Others” show up?” asked Trip.

“I don’t know for sure. It was sometime while we were away. When we returned they were right in our faces until they learned my father was a doctor. Then they backed off a little. I still don’t understand how they managed to get control of most of the vital services here. They’re on all the Boards and in very strategic positions in other professions. I’d just like to leave, but Father says this is our country and he’s not going to stand by and let these people bully his countrymen. I’m really worried about the outcome. What could they possibly want here? The only thing here is open range; but they don’t seem to be trying to make use of it.”

Again, Trip had that feeling that he was going to remember something very important – then it was gone.

“Alexi you’ve been a good friend to me. You really helped me adjust to my changes. Your whole family has treated me like one of their own, and I’d like to repay them in some way. Is there any way I can help? Who was your Dad going to call?”

“He knows several men in the President’s inner circle. It was probably one of them. We might see some fireworks before long. I just hope no one gets hurt before this is over.

“You’ll have to let me know when there is something I can do.” Trip replied.

On reaching the farmhouse, Alexi went to find his father. Trip and Sergi went to check the barn. Alexi found Lara in the basement straightening the food storage shelves.


“Where’s Father?” he asked a little too excitedly.

“Is something wrong?” his mother asked.

“No, why do you ask?” Alexi said trying to appear casual.

“Alexi something has happened. You’re upset. I’m your mother. I can always tell.”

Alexi knew this was true, but he wasn’t ready to tell her everything just yet.

“I need to see if Father is going to a meeting tonight. Did he ask you to make the ‘call’?

“No, but I’m sure he will if it is important. Right now he is at the hospital. He received a call from Dr. Asmov and he left right away. Didn’t you see him as he drove out?”

“No, Trip and I were talking. He would like to do something to help. Is Katya upstairs?” Alexi asked as he nodded to his mother and left the room heading for the stairs.

“She should be in her room,” Lara called out to him as Trip and Sergi came in the back door.

Looking at them, Lara put her hand on her hip while pointing with her cooking spoon.

“Now I want to know what is going on?”

“Didn’t Alexi tell you?” asked Sergi. “We’ve just come from the Korbet place. There is nobody there. It looks real weird. There’s old food on the table and dirty dishes in the sink. The lights don’t work and the animals haven’t been fed.”

“Trip, is that the way it looked to you?” Lara asked trying not to look alarmed..

“It does look deserted, Lara. When did you last talk to Mrs. Korbet?”

“Sometime last week. I told her I was going to bring some yarn over to her. I just haven’t gotten there yet. Anton should be home very soon. I’m sure he will have some answers.

Alexi tapped on Katya’s door.

“Come in,” she called.

Alexi opened the door. He was surprised to see her putting curlers in her hair.

Seeing the look on his face, she snapped “What do you want?”

“Why are you fixing your hair up? We’re not having a party.”

“Never you mind. What do you need?”

“Katya, this may be serious. The Korbet farm looks like it’s been abandoned. Has anyone come around here asking questions?”

“No. And the Korbets have probably moved to Moscow. They were always talking about it.”

“That may be, but I don’t think so. It looks like they just got up from the table and walked out. Anyway, I think you should stay close to home for the next few days.”

“Why? What did Maman say?”

“I haven’t told her yet. I want to talk to Father first. Just keep quiet and lay low for the next few days.”

“You’re worried, aren’t you? I’ve heard them tell about that family in the next village that just disappeared. Did they ever find them? They had a girl my age.”

They were interrupted by loud talking coming from downstairs.

“Father’s home! C’mon,” called Alexi as he headed down the stairs.

As they came into the room, they saw Dr. Chekov’s expression of suppressed anger.

“What have you heard, Father?” asked Alexi.

“Dr. Asimov says they are thinking about leaving. The Administrator questioned Anna this afternoon – wanted to know what she thought about you, Trip.”

“Is Anna alright? What did they do to her?” Trip’s anger was showing, now.

“They didn’t do anything to her. They just questioned her.” reassured Dr. Chekov.

Trip didn’t appear convinced.

“Lara, if you saw Mrs. Korbet last week, then they must have disappeared right afterwards. I must let the rest know. Lara, make your call.” (Their secret way of calling a meeting was for Lara to call the wife and ask to borrow a spool of thread. Then the message was passed on.)

“We must continue to act normally, doing our usual things. Try not to call attention to yourselves. Let’s eat and then I will go,” Dr. Chekov stated.

TBC


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One person has made comments

Another great chapter keep them coming as I am now hooked