Page 19 of Dark Survivor (The Qaldreth Warriors #2)

Chapter Eleven

Tiny inched toward the med bay’s door, angled her head to listen, then swiped her hand across the pad, sealing the door. “Computer, my beats, please.”

Vibrations traveled up her feet, the base thumped around her, and her heartbeat aligned with it.

She let the music move through her, urging her hips to swing, to swirl.

With her hands in the air, she allowed the tribal rhythm to consume her.

Song after song, she moved, lost in the moment without a care in the world.

When sweat dripped off her chin, her T-shirt clung to her, and thirst drove her to order a bottle of chilled water, she stopped to catch her breath.

“Computer, halt my beats.”

The deafening silence settled on her shoulders and slammed her back to reality.

“Analysis complete,” Computer intoned.

“Good. Read them to me.”

“Victoria Barnes’s blood contains an overabundance of nanites. This is to be expected with her recent implants. However, these nanites are not decreasing in number and dying off as designed. In addition, an unknown organism has merged with them and may be the reason for the nanites’ extended life.”

Tiny blinked. “Say again.”

Computer repeated the results.

“Any record of wounds, puncture holes, or do you think Vic drank something?” Tiny pinched the bridge of her nose. “If no to the first two, the last wouldn’t work either.”

“Her assessment revealed no unnatural holes in her body.”

Unnatural holes? Tiny rolled her top lip, trying to hide a chuckle. Though why she bothered, she couldn’t say. Computers couldn’t be offended. “Which leaves natural holes?” She laughed. “Thank you, Computer.”

She plucked at the collar of her shirt, using it to fan herself. Vic had said she had someone. Did she mean sexually? “Could this unknown organism hide in sperm?”

“That is the most plausible. It is not destructive and seems to have formed a symbiotic relationship with the DNA and nanites.”

“Print a 3D representation of it.”

“In process,” Computer said.

Tiny stood before the printer and waited, sipping her water as she pondered this organism’s existence. “No known record of it?”

“I have trawled all medical archives with no success.”

Excitement flared into a blaze of energy. She bounced on her toes then winced when her calves cramped. “Order a vitamin boost.”

Without Computer, she would’ve had to fiddle with the gun’s settings, slot the nozzle into place, and pray she hadn’t chosen the incorrect solution. She ran her hand over the face of the refiller to familiarize herself, angled the gun into the pocket, then pushed it in until it clicked.

“Refill in process,” Computer said. “Booster shot ready.”

Tiny unclipped it, grasped the grip, then pressed the nozzle to her forearm. A quick pinch was all she needed to endure. That sharp pain couldn’t compare to the days of agony from her scorched eyes.

“Model complete.”

She laid the gun on the table then glided to the printer, running her fingers along the counter’s edge. A pat confirmed her location in correlation to the model. With a delicate touch, she broke the structure off its support struts until a smooth, wormlike shape filled her palms.

“This has memory T-cells?”

“Affirmative,” Computer said.

“And it entered through natural holes…” Tears pressed at the backs of her eyes. “I haven’t had anything enter my natural hole for so long,” she wailed.

Why was seducing Dieter so hard? Every time she had any proximity to him, he treated her like a kid sister.

Maybe it was time to give up on getting dirty with her hero.

Maybe she needed to find another possible romantic interest. Trent?

He was sweet to her, too. Grunt came across as too young, so he was a no.

Sure, Captain had been specific, but with the way Leah’s voice hitched when she spoke to Nikko, some folks were getting it on despite the no-sex rules.

“We can replicate the organism if you wish to inject it.”

Tiny sniffed and offered the ceiling a watery smile. “Thanks for the suggestion, Computer, but I think I’m good.”

She could order a sex toy if need be, but it couldn’t compare to the intimacy she so desperately craved. “Damn blindness,” she muttered.

The door slid open.

She yelped and clutched her chest. A whiff identified the intruder. “Vic, you scared the shit out of me.”

“Sorry, Tiny. Did you get the results from my bloodwork?”

Tiny frowned. “Yeah, but they make no sense. Computer, explain Vic’s bloodwork results.”

While the computer repeated the findings, Tiny dried her eyes using the hem of her T-shirt.

“What?” Vic gasped.

“There is no clear indication of how they entered your system. Removing them will be impossible since they have fused with your DNA,” the computer continued in a monotone.

“What?” Vic thumped against something.

“It is unusual. The nanites encourage your body’s healing process and are integral to post-implantation. It now appears that they will remain indefinitely.”

“Thank you, Computer.” Vic neared Tiny, bringing her sunbaked scent with her. “What doesn’t make sense?”

“The existence of these organisms, Vic. When you enter a public area on the Lunar Base, a sterilization spray neutralizes all manner of bugs. Yours are…foreign. I can tell you that.” She held up the worm. “Although they carry the memory cells we find in human brains.”

“Right.” Silence settled before Vic drew in a sharp breath “Am I dying?”

“No, they’re not harming you. They’re communalistic since I can’t see what they gain in this symbiosis. They’re repairing minor damage to your liver and kidneys—the natural decay from a diet with insufficient hydration and nutrition.”

“Okay, fine, great, but can this explain the shimmer?”

“The what?” Tiny frowned. “As in glitter? You’re glowing?”

“Kind of. Nikko punched me, and I didn’t feel it.”

“Oh, dear.” Tiny giggled, wishing she could’ve seen it. “That must’ve irritated him.”

Vic crossed to the door. “According to you, I’m well, and I don’t need to panic.”

“Yes, and I’ll have to inform the captain.” Tiny offered Vic her back to type on a small console. “Only the captain. Medical results are considered confidential.”

“Good to know.”

“We are traveling to the best medical facility in the galaxy…” Tiny paused as butterflies exploded in her stomach. A chance to visit a place few medical students got to? She considered herself lucky. “Maybe we can get them to assess you?”

“Thanks, Tiny. I’ll find Sarg and let him punch me again as a peace offering for abandoning him on the training mat.”

“Enjoy.” Tiny waved the worm even as her fingertips registered its molecular substance. “Shit. I forgot to ask if she had sex with her man.”

“Probable,” Computer said.

A heavy tread reached her from the passage. Nikko. He walked past, so he wasn’t in need of medical treatment. Dieter’s drag-step followed him. Then Vic’s delicate footsteps headed to Tiny.

“Listen here, babe, gonna show you a few self-defense moves if you’re up for it.”

“What?” Tiny squeaked. “I’ll get my ass handed to me.”

“True, but what I’m trying to trigger is Dieter’s protective instincts. Want to work with me on this?”

“Hell yes.” Tiny grinned. “I can handle a punch or two if it gets me laid.”

“That’s my girl. Listen for my signal, then we’ll meet on the mat.” Without waiting for her response, Vic sauntered off like she hadn’t just brought a little hope to Tiny’s lonely existence.

Days passed before Vic set her plan in motion. Tiny had barely a moment’s warning. Nor had she expected the woman to spring it on her in the middle of breakfast.

“Meet you in five?” She squeezed Tiny’s shoulder.

Tiny nodded, brushing her hair off her face. Silence reigned, and she swallowed, aware she was the center of attention. “I messed up a test, so Vic agreed to let me scan her again.”

When the conversation continued around her, she picked at her half-eaten toast, too aware of Dieter sitting beside her. Time ticked by, her leg bounced, and she tried to participate, but the words lodged in her throat. Her cheeks flushed when anyone spoke to her.

Desperate to get this over with or, better yet, to talk Vic out of this crazy idea, she hurried to the gym. When she approached, she caught Vic’s chuckle.

“I can call you anything I damn well please, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Now, as I see it, you can help me bring her out of her shell and find her a good man to love her. For that, you need to step aside.”

Dieter’s familiar tread paced.

Tiny hesitated, not sure if she should announce her presence or eavesdrop. But because she couldn’t see them didn’t mean they wouldn’t spot her. “Oh, am I bothering?” She slipped into the room and waited, prepared to make a run for it.

He crossed to her then gathered her hands, his touch unexpected, even as he tugged her forward. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

Now was her chance to say no and leave. A part of her, though, wanted to know if there was a chance with him, or had she wasted all this time hoping he’d notice her? “Yes. I’m an easy target. It’s why I don’t leave when we dock.”

“I can protect you.”

She smiled and cupped his cheek. “What happens when you want to find companionship? Why would I play the third wheel?” She grimaced but lifted her chin. “I need affection, too, Dieter.” She offered him her back and faced the room, using Vic’s breathing to locate her. “Shall we, Vic?”

“Sure. What I’ll teach you can only be done if they touch you.” She clasped Tiny’s wrist. “I have you; now try and get away.”

Vic wasn’t hurting Tiny, per say, but wriggling and pulling didn’t free her, only bruised her wrist. Panic set in, stealing her ability to breathe. On the cusp of crying, she dropped to her knees, using her weight in the hopes it would force Vic to release her.

“Okay, stop.” Vic tightened her hold, drawing a whimper from Tiny. “Register where my thumb is. Can you feel it?”

Tiny nodded, trying to think. Vic pressed her thumb to the underside of Tiny’s wrist.

“Good, now, instead of yanking, curl your wrist inward and tug down.”

Tiny did as instructed, and when she broke free, she squealed. She swayed her hips in a happy dance. Dieter chuckled from the sidelines. Heat flushed Tiny’s cheeks. She’d half-forgotten he watched.

“Now, I’m going to breach your space. Don’t be alarmed. Listen for my breathing; that will tell you the location of my face.” Vic pinned her body to Tiny’s. Her scent engulfed Tiny. The earlier panic reared its head.

She relied on her technique to keep her grounded.

Five sensory connections around her.

The mat under her toes, cool and warm.

The gentle waft of air from the filtration system.

Dieter’s heavy breathing.

Vic’s scent.

And the bruising sting around Tiny’s wrist.

“Your chin is about here.” She touched Vic’s jaw.

“Good. Can you guess the location of my upper arms?”

Tiny thrust out her hands and caught Vic’s arms.

“Great, you’re doing well. Slowly, lift your knee.”

Despite being able to dance for hours, Tiny wobbled when she tried to balance on one foot.

“Tighten your grip on me. Use me as leverage.” Warmth filled Vic’s voice.

Squeezing as Tiny found her balance, she raised her foot and nudged Vic’s inner thigh.

“Good. When someone tries something you don’t like, do that, and knee them in the groin. It hurts just as much for a woman. Leap back, though, because they will double over.”

Tiny went from one foot to on her ass, a gasp escaping her when she hit the mat hard.

“What the farg, Vic?” Dieter kneeled beside Tiny, his presence pressing on her senses.

“She could be bumped while crossing a bar, Deets.”

“Vic’s right.” Tiny threw out her hands and found his.

The roughness of his skin changed when she slid her fingers along his forearms to his neck.

Rising onto her knees, she looped her arm across his shoulders and used him to stand.

Heat poured off him, and his huff fanned her face.

She was close enough to kiss him, if she could find his mouth with hers.

This was the nearest she’d been to him since he’d saved her at Celestial.

“Why the farg would she go to a bar? The men there are assholes.” He leaped to his feet.

The loss of stability sent her whirling. Before she could fall again, he scooped her into his arms, sending her sense of balance reeling.

“Stop giving her these ideas, Vic. You’re done. This is…done.”

Tiny clung to him, having not been carried since she was a girl. “Deets—”

“No, this is stupid. You’re safe here.” He lowered her feet to the floor and guided her hand to the counter. The smell alone told her he’d brought her to the med bay.

She folded her arms across her chest and glared in his direction. “I need sex.”

His breath hitched, and a growl slipped out. “No, you don’t.”

“Deets,” she whined. “You’re dooming me to a life of celibacy.” This overprotective brother act was starting to irritate her. She gritted her teeth then changed tactics. “I know Captain said no sex, but do you think Trent would be—”

“Maybe. I can’t speak for the man, but he’s better than a stranger.”

Ice drenched her, curling around her soul with a numbing grip. Dieter’s response said it all. “Thanks,” she managed. “I’ll get around to asking him.” Tears slipped free, forcing her to turn away from him. “I have work to do… If you don’t mind.”

“Oh—” He shuffled, bringing his grease, sweat, and subtle cologne with him. “We could…if you want.”

Fury fired through her veins and stiffened her shoulders. Farg no. She wasn’t so desperate that she’d be his pity fuck. “There’s the door.”

She clung to the counter and waited for him to leave. Only when his footsteps faded did she allow the sobs to escape. Her chest squeezed tight, her throat burned, and so did her tears where they traveled down her cheeks to wet her shirt.

Dieter was her hero no more.