Rykker climbed aboard, oblivious to the interaction. “We should get airborne. I want to get some distance from this place so I can power up a proper scan and see what’s really out there.”
Arkness simply nodded, giving Olivia a parting smile then following the other man.
“Hey, how are you feeling?” Olivia asked, climbing aboard and taking the seat next to her while the men made their way to their respective seats up front. The ship hummed softly as they powered it up.
Harper rolled her shoulders and neck gently. “I feel a little bit off, but a million percent better than yesterday, that’s for sure.”
“Leg’s not too bad, then? Arkness said he did what he could until we get you back to be properly healed.”
“Yeah, he was great. Took really good care of me, though the hike back hurt like hell. That guy was movingfast. I mean, I appreciated the urgency, but damn if it didn’t hurt. I’ve got a busted leg, here!”
Olivia chuckled. “You just sit back and relax. We’ll get you to the Maldonians soon enough. They’re good people and will fix you right up. Then we’ll get you your runes.”
“My what?”
Olivia pulled up her shirt, revealing the new designs connecting the symbiotic alien pigment runes now gracing her body. “You’ll see. It’ll all work out. And their city? It’s amazing. You’re going to love it.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Harper was met by an excited throng of men, all offering their services to help the newfound female arrival. Per Overseer Zoldana’s orders, however, the overwhelmed woman was spared most of the overly enthusiastic sausage fest and only escorted to the healing center by a half dozen of the men ranked just below Arkness and Rykker.
“Have fun,” Olivia joked as they loaded her friend onto a floating energy gurney and whisked her away. “I’ll catch up with you soon.”
Speechlessly ogling the hunky men tending her every need, Harper simply nodded, a shit-eating grin on her face. Olivia had to fight hard not to laugh at the sight.
Yeah. She’s gonna be just fine.
Arkness and Rykker were both summoned to speak with Overseer Zoldana as soon as they landed, but Olivia, being their guest, was allowed to freshen up in her domicile space before meeting with the older woman.
“Your pigment has been very active,” the AI noted as its various systems cleansed, soothed, and scanned Olivia’s body.“Might I inquire what sort of external influences you endured while on your task?”
“I wouldn’t exactly say I had toendureanything,” she replied with a little chuckle. “Let’s just say I got to know my companions quite well, though, to be honest, between the smells, and that weird pigment, that’s posed something of a problem in and of itself.”
“Oh? How so? I am inorganic, and therefore not subjected to pheromonal or pigment influences.”
“Just consider yourself lucky. It’s confusing as hell.”
“I see. I have an update on your friend, by the way. The healing facility’s operating intelligence has informed me that her bone has been mended with no adverse effects. However, given that she is of your species, and we are only beginning to understand exactly how your kind reacts to certain healing factors, it has been decided she will not receive her runes for at least several days as her bodily functions and tissue reactions return to baseline for your kind.”
“So, she gets a little reprieve, is what you’re saying. Good for her. I’m sure she could really use the rest.”
“I have heard the same. In fact, she will be provided a moderate sedative for two days to help her body fully relax and allow the bone mending to solidify completely without requiring further immobilization.”
“You’re drugging her?”
“Just long enough to prevent her harming herself inadvertently. And, I would add, this will allow her body’s natural healing functions to fully engage. As you may know, it is during the sleep period that most species enter their most robust healing cycle.”
Olivia did know that, in fact, though that factoid had been a tidbit from Earth, and, until this moment, she had no idea whether it was the same for Maldonians or other races.Apparently, it was. She decided to enjoy a little herself, in fact, taking a quick power nap after bathing while the opportunity presented itself.
“Olivia. Overseer Zoldana wishes to see you now.”
“How long was I out?”
“Only a half hour.”
“Feels like more.”
“I took the liberty of adding a restorative field to your sleep area to help oxygenate your blood and heal the minor strains from your endeavor.”
