Joy.

Pure joy… it filled Marcus immediately as woke. He could hear the pattering of rain on the roof and tapping on the window. He walked to the window and looked outside where he saw he saw Armonians of all ages out in the rain dancing, and singing. The younger ones bounded into the mud and deeper puddles.

Marcus could not help himself as he laughed and smiled in a way he hadn’t since he had been here. The joy was just so infectious it was hard to deny it.

Marcus watched for awhile and then steeled himself as he got ready for the day ahead. There was work to be done after all. The flu had thankfully stalled with no new infections since the attack. It did not change Marcus’s work, or the need for the completed vaccine to be delivered to all.

As part of the peace agreement in place, the Vaadwaur agreed to receive the vaccine from Marcus.

The Armonians would be receiving the vaccine from Marcus as well, and of course his own crew.

The Vaadwaur demanded to go first and Marcus was told it was better just to allow it. In hopes of them leaving as soon as they all received the vaccine.

The Vaadwaur themselves showed good to their word as they were treated. Most of them even seemed upbeat. Marcus believed the exuberance of the Armonians was rubbing of on the generally more callous Vaadwaur.

Damel the Vaadwaur leader was last in line. After Marcus administered the vaccine. Damel regarded Marcus and said.

“My people are of our word Doctor, we will honor our peace with the Armonians,” Damel said ” and you have earned a reprieve for the Federation here at Armon III. ” Damel said darkly “My people and yours fight in so many battles across space. As I am sure you are aware.” Damel  said then regarded Marcus with a firm handshake. ” May we never meet as enemies Doctor. Enjoy this peace between our people while you can.”

Marcus watched him walk out the door for a moment feeling as if all the positivity from the morning had been sucked away. The door opened and he saw Izkra enter, they noticed that Marcus looked upset.

“Come Doctor” Izkra waved him to the door and guided him out into the covered entryway the rain still fell as a beam of sunlight cut through the clouds making a rainbow. The Armonians still celebrating the rain. “Look Doctor, my people are happy, and you will soon treat them to. You have done good here.” Izkra smiled “To us this rain after such a solemn event means that your friends soul has chosen to join ours. This is a good day.”

The happiness of the Armonians filled Marcus again as he walked out from the cover and stood in the rain his arms outstretched as he got soaked in the falling water.

For a moment the remaining work to be done was forgotten, for a moment there was nothing more then joy, pure joy.