“Her brain is hemorrhaging, and the pressure is getting an outlet through her ears, eyes, and nose.The first treatment began to move the circulatory system in her brain, and it wasn’t done yet when she forced the machine open and got out.”
Aken-Var gasped.“What?”
“Yeah.You aren’t trapped in the things.You can get out if you want to, and Margo wanted to.”
“She came out covered in blood.”He was stunned.
“Correct.The unit removes all outer traces.”
Birun came in and said, “Oh, hey, Aken-Var.You must be nearby.”
“I am.”
“Did you want to see the base?We have it expanded, and we have a wide selection of Terran foods now.They are an acquired taste, but they make the Terrans so happy.Trin kept me in bed for two days when I managed to replicate coffee and something called hot chocolate.”
Aken-Var grinned.“I would love to see the base.”
“I thought you might.”
Chloe looked at Birun.“You are setting her up?”
“They are already lovers.His people were assholes to her, and she took action.Now, they need to come to an agreement.That is why Hmrain use contracts.Everything is very clear.”
Aken-Var paused.“Contracts.Could I see an example?”
“Certainly.I have mine and Trin’s.All you need to do is come down to the surface and wait for your lady to wake.Her colouration will probably have changed.”
“Do you have room for a small shuttle?”
“The area around the base is now cold but not deadly.You can land on the tarmac and be just fine.You and two guards should be just fine.I will have quarters for you.”
“Thank you, Birun.”
“I do warn you, if you successfully court Margo, one Terran brings others, like a magnet.Your home will be filled with them in rotation.”
Aken-Var looked around.“It doesn’t seem so bad.”
“You can’t predict them.They save etiquette lessons for last, and their food is odd, but when they laugh, your heart gets bigger, and when their joy spills over, there is nothing like it.”
Aken-Var nodded.“I know.We are en route.”
Birun chuckled.“I will be alert for your shuttle request.She is safe for now.We are moving her repair unit into the base as soon as we land.”
Chloe said, “I will get Geri to land this thing.She’s not the pilot, Margo is, but we should get down with minor turbulence.”
Birun chuckled.“I hadn’t considered that complication.”
Geri came in and perched on the command seat.“Right.Into the hangar we go.I haven’t actually had to fly something this big before.Pardon my turbulence.”
Chloe chuckled.“Watch your diet.”
Geri snorted, and she began to lower them through the atmosphere.Baket was sitting back and saying, “That is becoming less fun.”
Birun looked at him.“It is painful?”
“More emotional load.He’s fixated on her well-being and is frustrated that he can’t touch her.”
Birun frowned, and he checked something on his com unit.“Oh, your species is like that.”
