Page 9

Grace

THE WARRIOR WHO GUIDED us out of the shuttle bay was slightly less muscular than the others. His shoulder-length hair was a deep shade of brown. Instead of being tied back, it was tucked behind his ears.

His face was unmarred, and his skin maintained a youthfulness that told me he was several years younger than me.

He spoke to me and the other women, urging us to follow him.

I shook away my thoughts of the sexy Captain and focused on my surroundings.

We made our way down a long corridor and I had my first clear view of the ship. A beige frame surrounded each door we passed, contrasting against pale gray walls. The carpet-like material on the floors muffled our footsteps.

The doors we encountered were tall, to accommodate our rescuers who were larger and broader than average human men.

Avery vented to Riley, who listened without saying much.

Olivia, with a face full of uncertainty, walked beside me. Fortunately, her level of fear had subsided. That was something, at least.

The warrior stopped before a set of enormous doors and pressed a panel on the nearby wall.

As the doors slid open, they revealed a sterile medical room. With eager anticipation, I swiftly scanned the space, my eyes hungry for a glimpse of otherworldly technology.

There was no longer an immediate danger, which gave me the confidence to seize this golden opportunity to unravel the mysteries of an alien culture.

Filled with fascination, I stepped inside the room, eager to explore every nook and cranny.

The room looked like something from a science fiction movie. Futuristic machines with holographic screens and flashing lights accompanied the hospital beds.

On one side of the room, there were a few closed doors. The wall was equipped with a couple of rows of built-in drawers. Everything appeared polished and sterile. Even the air was clean.

The usual electronic equipment we used back on Earth looked nothing like the sleek, smooth machines in this room. It was evident this was an advanced race compared to where I’d come from.

My passion for healing and medicine overcame any trepidation I had about being on the ship. I wanted to learn as much as possible about their medical tech.

“Why’d you bring us here?” asked Riley.

I spun around just as an older male entered from one of the rooms on the side. He wore a tunic over beige pants and looked like most of the other warriors on the ship, but had dark brown hair with streaks of gray.

I presumed he was the medic or a doctor and couldn’t help but smile. Helping others brought me joy and was the reason I became a nurse. It had given me a sense of purpose back on Earth.

“The Captain wanted any injuries seen to and permanent translators given to you before I show you to your quarters,” explained the younger warrior.

Stepping forward, the medic glanced over at us. “It falls on me, as the ship’s medic, to provide medical care. I’ll check everyone for injuries and will install translators.” Although he maintained a professional demeanor, a smile played on his lips as he finished speaking.

I held my breath and fought the urge to roll my eyes as Avery kicked off within seconds.

“Stay away from me. I don’t want a permanent translator. I’m heading home, back to Earth. We don’t need them there.”

He raised his brows and a brief flicker of amusement passed over the medic’s face as he glanced at our escort.

After the warrior shrugged, a lengthy, silent gaze was exchanged between him and the medic.

Their staring contest made me question if they were silently communicating. As the warrior left the room, the medic went to a nearby cabinet to fetch a pen-like device and a palm-sized object.

Olivia huddled near me, her hands anxiously twisting in front of her.

The medic approached me first, motioning me to sit down while holding the slender pen in his hand. He gestured with his head, silently telling me to tilt mine as well.

I pushed my messy hair to the side, revealing my neck. First, he took off the over-the-ear translator, then inserted a small object behind my ear. There was a brief twinge, but it ended in the blink of an eye.

He backed away and examined me. “Are you alright?”

“Yes. Thank you. I pressed my finger against the spot where the translator had been implanted and only a raised bump could be felt. “Can you explain how this works exactly?”

“It helps your brain interpret language and learn it faster. Several spoken words from a new language are all it takes for your brain to understand.” His smile exuded warmth, and he possessed a reassuring bedside manner that inspired trust.

Taking a step back, the medic surveyed me. He presented the rectangular box in his hand and said, “No physical contact is necessary, but I’d like to scan you with this.”

Olivia made a whimpering sound and hid behind me. Her powerful reaction made me curious rather than afraid.

“Please stand for this,” he asked me.

I stood. “Go ahead.” I mirrored the smile of the medic.

He scanned me from head to toe and back, using the device he held in front of me.

Then he pressed a few buttons on it.

“Aside from requiring hydration, you appear in good health. I suggest you eat and drink once you are settled in,” he said.

I said okay, knowing we were all going to be dehydrated.

The medic moved toward Olivia who was hovering behind me, and I sidestepped to look at her.

“The implant pinches for only a second,” I said, putting a hand on her forearm.

Olivia shuffled forward, nodding.

Prior to scanning her, he inserted the translator. Olivia’s eyes glistened with tears as his brows furrowed.

With a gesture of his arm, he invited her to lie on one of the beds. She obeyed, and I was curious to know what he had uncovered.

“Please lean back while I conduct a more thorough scan.” In a soft tone, he reassured Olivia that it wouldn’t hurt.

I moved to Olivia’s side and held her hand when she looked my way.

Worries swirled in my mind. Had the Zinids done something to her?

We’d been abducted around the same time and dropped off on the slave planet together.

The medic said I was okay, so I hoped Olivia would be fine too, despite needing more tests.

The medic deftly adjusted a tall piece of equipment at the foot of the bed. With a few button presses, it started to rise up off the bed, its sensors scanning Olivia’s body with no physical contact.

While we waited, I decided that now was as good a time as any to ask questions.

“Your technology is incredible.” I had little knowledge regarding aliens and their way of life and couldn’t wait to discover everything about this strange new world I’d found myself in. “Are there many humans inhabiting this area of space?”

His head bobbed. “Absolutely. Alaran space is home to several substantial human colonies on a couple of planets. In this area of space, I’ve encountered humans of both genders....” his voice trailed off.

Tension spread through my shoulders as I watched his face.

He smiled a reassuring smile. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. Humans in this system are afforded high protection by their own warriors and the Protectorate, ensuring their safety.”

It didn’t feel as though he was lying, so I smiled. “May I ask your name?” I had many more questions, but I decided to ask them later.

“Rekna.” His lips curled into a polite grin. “Do you have a name other than human female ?”

“Yes. Call me Grace.” I chuckled.

Having been introduced to the others, he nodded and took his place in front of Riley.

I was taken aback when she didn’t refuse. With her head tilted, she let her ponytail fall to one side, and he gave her a translator before scanning her.

Suspicion filled Avery’s eyes as she glanced at him. “Is there a microchip in there that might cause trouble if we try to make a run for it?”

Riley and I both shook our heads at Avery. She wasn’t convinced that the aliens had good intentions, even though they did nothing threatening.

Rekna’s head flew back as he frowned. “You are not prisoners here.” He paused a moment before asking if she was ready to receive her translator.

Avery grumbled and nodded, giving him permission to install it.

Riley stood beside me, waiting to hear what was wrong with Olivia.

After the scanning was finished, Rekna cast a quick look at Olivia and spoke softly. “Were you harmed by the Zinids during your time with them?” he inquired.

“I...what...what are you trying to say?” she asked quietly.

“You’re carrying a youngling.”

“Youngling?”

He compressed his lips together. “A child.”

She’s pregnant? I stared at her in surprised silence.

“I didn’t see that coming,” Riley noted with astonishment.

Olivia took a moment to clear her throat. “I’m aware. I should be around four months pregnant.”

Rekna’s brows furrowed. “Do you have a mate back on your home world?”

Olivia shook her head while her bottom lip trembled. “My boyfriend broke up with me when he found out I was pregnant.”

I squeezed her hand and smoothed hair away from her forehead. “I’m here for you,” I whispered.

Her cheeks were streaked with tears as she wiped them with the backs of her hands. “Th.. thanks.”

Rekna pursed his lips. “I see. This is a human youngling?”

Olivia confirmed with a nod.

“No problem. I will ensure its health and provide the necessary nutrients for its strength and development.”

Riley frowned. “How can you be sure that whatever you give her won’t hurt her or the baby?”

“Our medical database contains information on human physiology. Alara is one of several technologically advanced planets in this system. Inflicting harm on females or younglings is something we would never do. It goes against our principles.” Disapproval twisted his mouth.

“We would also never abandon our offspring.”

Olivia blushed and averted her gaze.

I helped her get off the table, and she smoothed down her blouse. I wondered how she’d manage being pregnant and alone in space.