“Assume I don’t know anything. The more detail you give me, the better I can put together a case file.”
Eleri nodded and started to recount her harrowing encounter with Minio in the clinic. S’samph’s grip tightened around her shoulders as she described her scramble for the pharmacy cabinet and her eventual escape from the clinic aided by S’kasia.
“S’kasia. That’s your mate’s clutch-sister?” Yina annotated something on her datapad.
“Yes.”
“Perfect. I will plan to interview her next.” Yina pressed a button. “Is there anything else of importance to share? Were there any other incidences of statixol intoxication in your clinic records, either from the kyrot or from any other resident of Laurus?”
Eleri’s shoulders stiffened. She hadn’t had a chance to tell S’samph what she’d learned from Niis about iridescence. If she played this correctly, she might also be able to honor her promise to the singularity. “The raviks are helping source the iridescence through Indras. Minio’s older sister has been in contact with them about getting a supply for her brother.”
If Yina was surprised, there was no indication on her smooth, tanned face. “We were aware of Indras and the ravik encampment's involvement in the supply chain here on Cassiaq-IV, but I didn’t think I’d be so lucky as to have easy access to a buyer.” She noted something down on her datapad. “Do you have any idea what could get the raviks to talk to me? They’re notoriously uncooperative with the IA.”
Eleri nodded. “Their singularity has a sick mate. If you offer her medical refugee status, they might be willing to talk to you. Myla knows how to contact their binaries if you ever find her.” She wasn’t sure how the request would be received, but Yina seemed affable enough.
The IA agent let out a low chuckle. “I like you, Eleri Lewis. You’ve been remarkably helpful for a kidnapping victim.”
“Are you finished with your questions?” S’samph cut in. “My mate needs to rest.”
“I can sit and answer questions,” Eleri protested as she turned back to Yina. “If there’s anything I can do with your efforts, I’d like to help.” She paused, not sure how much she wanted to reveal. “I know how much damage statixol can do.”
“I appreciate that. If I think of anything, I’ll let you know. It is regrettable that it’s made its way into our colonies.” Yina tucked her datapad into the bag on her shoulder. “We are doing all we can to contain the effects, but it’s about as effective as fighting an entire klatch of raviks singlehanded.” She sighed. “Leave it to humans to make a mess of an entire planetary consortium.”
“We do tend to make a mess of a lot of things,” Eleri agreed.
“But that’s why I’m doing my best to set things right. Humans created this problem, so the least I can do is try my best to fix things.” Yina patted the edge of the bed. “It was nice meeting you, Eleri. Once you’re well enough, you can sit for your healer exam. Someone from the IA will be back in Laurus after the floods to wrap up any loose ends.”
Eleri stared hard at the other woman, who had a ferocious grin on her face. “Are you sure?”
“Why wouldn’t I be? It probably won’t be me coming back, no offense, but someone will be here once things dry out.”
Eleri stared down at her hands and then burst into inexplicable tears. “I can sit for the written exam after the floods.”
S’samph stiffened beside her. “Eleri, why are you leaking sadness?”
“I’m just so relieved. I can earn my own credits now. I won’t be a burden.” The tears fell harder,choking her as she tried to breathe through the crush of emotions. “I’ve wanted this for such a long time. I just didn’t think I’d ever get here.”
“No one ever doubted your ability to become a healer except for you.” S’samph smoothed a hand over her hair. “You are already a skilled healer; the exam is only paper.”
Yina gathered her belongings and started toward the clinic exit. “I’ll leave the patient to enjoy some peace then. My job gets far less fun from here. Myla and Minio have been spotted on some of our feeds heading for the spaceport at Abwele. My associate is heading them off, but for now you should come with me, head of security.” She nodded at S’samph.
“I will not leave my mate at this time.” S’samph remained seated at Eleri’s side.
“I need to review the protocols with someone,” Yina insisted. Eleri placed a hand on S’samph’s arm.
“Go. The sooner you can help Yina come up with a plan for Myla and Minio, the sooner we can put this all behind us. My head is starting to hurt. I should probably lie down for a while anyway.”
“I am not leaving you while you are unwell.” Stubborn as ever, S’samph refused to budge from his seat.
“I will stay with her until you return,” S’kasia came around the other side of the bed holding a small basket. “I have things to discuss with her away from your hearing.”
S’samph’s frill flattened as he returned his attention to Eleri. “I will return as quickly as possible. If she becomes more unwell, you will come get me immediately.”
“Are you suggesting I can’t look after my little sister?” S’kasia asked with an annoyed swish of her tail.
S’samph made a low noise and then stalked toward Yina. “Come, human. Let us make this interrogation quick.”
“I prefer to call it an interview.”
