Warrior Davens pulled up the information on his computer. “Four human females, two of them children, were registered with names and facial recognition. Three males came in, but two of them refused to register.”
“Were they still treated?”
“Yes, our healers would not refuse someone injured.”
“Was there at least facial data taken?”
“No, but I do have a listing of what their injuries were. Would that help?”
“Yes, it would.”
“One male was treated for a shoulder wound made by a blade. The other male had his leg and side treated. Suspected blaster wound.”
That was the male they were looking for, she thought. “Is the male still here or has he left?”
“I am unsure. The healers have staffing available overnight. You might find more information from them.”
She frowned, not sure whether she should go back to get Corey or go see the healers to find out what she could from them. Wasting time could cause them to lose their only lead. “I have one more favor to ask of you.”
“Whatever you need, Lieutenant.”
*****
Corey shook hands with the tribe leader, Turner Parks. Parks was very open and seemed to be telling the truth. He unfortunately didn’t have any details about anyone coming in and out for treatments, only about his own tribespeople.
“Thank you for your time,” Corey said politely. He was about to leave and go in search of Nix when Parks stopped him.
“Nash, I have something to ask of you.”
Corey looked at him in surprise. “Of course, what is it?”
“The resistance is rumored to be spreading and heading in this direction. I haven’t experience any problems, but I’m worried after talking to other leaders who’ve had to deal with them that I won’t be able to handle them with the security we have now. There have been tribe wars and even struggles for leadership. I’ve sent a request for more security from the dome leaders, but haven’t gotten a response. The Drastan warriors have been great, but they’ll be leaving soon and we need a more permanent solution until these resistance rebels are handled.”
“I’ll notify Commander Estro of the situation. He can meet with the dome leaders to discuss providing more security to all the tribes.”
“Thanks, and good luck.”
Corey turned and began walking back to the travel cart, looking for any sign of Nix. A warrior stood next to the cart, putting Corey on alert. He slowed his steps and looked around to see if he was being surrounded. The warrior caught sight of him and moved in his direction.
“Are you Warrior Corey Nash?”
“Yes,” he answered, feeling uneasy about this. Why had he been addressed as a warrior unless Nix referred to him that way?
“Lieutenant Saber asked me to relay a message to you that she is going to the healers’ campsite to question them. I told her of the visitors that came in for treatments. Not all of them registered with the healers, but Lieutenant Saber recognized one by his injury. She went to speak with the healers and asked that I come here to inform you.”
Fuck! She’d gone there alone. After the warning the tribe leader had just given him about the unrest, it was far too dangerous for her to be out there alone. “Show me where the healers’ campsite is located. Now!”
*****
As Nix approached the building the healers were using, she became aware that someone was watching her. She turned but didn’t see anyone. She knocked on the door and waited. A tall Drastan healer opened the door cautiously.
“Can I help you?”
“Yes, may we speak privately instead of out in the open?”
“Are you injured?” The healer opened the door wider to allow her to enter.
“No, I just have a few questions for you.” She walked in and was grateful the hallway was empty. She waited for the healer to show her where to go.
