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“Like seeing through me?” Talia asked.

“Exactly like that.” She helped her onto the bed. “I’ll be right here the whole time.”

Thraxar stayed with Rory in an adjoining room, visible through a large window. Rory seemed content to explore the space, running his fingers along the smooth walls and furniture.

As Neva operated the scanner, Kara watched the images appear on the display. The technology was impressive, showing tissue layers in remarkable detail.

“You have medical training,” Neva observed, noticing her focused attention.

“I was a trauma nurse. On Earth.”

“I am not familiar with that planet.”

“It is a long way from here. It wasn’t my choice to leave,” she said quietly.

Neva nodded, understanding in her eyes. “Well, your expertise is evident. See how you identified the inflammation pattern here?” She pointed to the scan. “Most people wouldn’t catch that.”

The scan revealed no additional tracking devices, but showed that Thraxar’s field extraction had left some tissue damage that needed repair. Neva prepared a regeneration treatment while Kara explained each step to Talia.

“This will feel warm,” she told the child as Neva applied the treatment. “It’s helping your body heal faster.”

Talia remained perfectly still, her trust in Kara evident. When the procedure was complete, Neva applied a small protective patch.

“All done,” she announced. “You were very brave.”

“Kara said it wouldn’t hurt,” Talia replied simply. “And it didn’t.”

Neva smiled, then turned to Kara. “Would you mind assisting me with the final readings? Your perspective would be valuable.”

As they reviewed the data, Neva spoke casually. “We’re short-staffed at the moment. Lost two trauma specialists to the central system last month.”

She gave her a curious look. “Are you offering me a job?”

“Would you consider it?” Neva asked earnestly. “Your skills are evident, and we could use someone with your experience.”

She glanced through the window to where Thraxar sat with the children. He caught her eye and raised a questioning brow ridge.

“I… haven’t thought about practicing professionally again,” she admitted.

“Think about it,” Neva suggested. “The hours are flexible, and we have excellent childcare facilities attached to the center. Many of our staff are parents.”

The idea settled in her mind like a seed finding fertile soil. Working in a proper medical facility again, using her skills to help people rather than just patching them up enough to send them back to dangerous work. Having colleagues, resources, clean equipment.

“I’ll consider it,” she said finally.

When they rejoined Thraxar and the children, Neva gave them a brief tour of the facility. Kara noted the advanced equipment, the efficient layout, the staff moving purposefully through their duties. It was everything the mining settlement’s makeshift medical unit wasn’t.

“What did the doctor want?” Thraxar asked as they prepared to leave.

“She offered me a job,” she replied, still processing the idea. “As a trauma nurse here.”

His expression remained neutral, but his tail twitched with interest. “What do you think?”

“I think…” She paused, watching Rory as he examined a display of anatomical models with fascination. “I think it might be good. For all of us.”

Outside, the morning sun had risen fully, bathing the landscape in golden light. Talia skipped ahead with Rory following at his own pace, both children seemingly unburdened by the dangers that still loomed.

“Do you want to take the position?” he asked quietly.