Page 54 of Bred by the Alien Prince

"I think it's too late for that. It's not like it will take long for you guys to find our planet if you haven't already. At least here, I might be able to do something," I said, explaining myself, and I didn't even know why I felt the need to.

"The only thing you'll do here is whatever Lorvian tells you, just like me and everyone else here. However, if you wish to return to your people, I can arrange for that, and Lorvian will not be able to find you until it's too late."

"Whatever you're trying to do, you better stop right now. I won't tell Lorvian about this if you don't talk to me again."

"Fair enough." He smirked and walked away from me, and I felt unnerved by the encounter. How could someone have such a short conversation and make someone's skin crawl without saying anything creepy? Ugh. Could he be the Valisian who helped take Connor? Jesus, this place was annoying.

Cormac exited the medbay, most likely after the tests. Connor was running on his body, and apparently, I was changing, but Lorvian didn't go into detail about what that meant. I hoped that whatever the doctor did to me wouldn't have any adverse side effects.

"I didn't think he would finish so soon," I said, surprised.

"A lot of poking and prodding, but you know androids, they work fast. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm feeling better. A headache is lingering, but it's better."

He stared at me for a long moment before touching my ears before stating that he couldn't help himself. "Do you think something got inside of us while we were running around with no gear on?" He said, still staring at my new ears.

"It's possible. I've heard of the possibility of getting sick when we reached the colony. The Gen Ten created vaccines, but overall, it's up to the body to fight off some of the bacteria. What worries me was how this trip felt so rushed. We were just shuffled into the ship, and before I knew it, a needle was in my arm. How do we know if it was the right vaccine?"

"I didn't get vaccinated. Maybe that's why there's no change with me?" Cormac shrugged. "But also, I heard the doc here pumped you full of shit or whatever. I'm surprised your ears are all that's changed."

"Fuck. What did Connor say while testing you?" I asked, feeling even more anxious.

"Nothing. He's analyzing the data. In the meantime, I'd rather wait onmyship."

"Yourship?"

"Hey, your boyfriend promised me a ship, and I plan to make him keep his word. Might as well be that one."

"If you steal it, I think he could have you shot down."

"I'm not stupid," he said, walking off.

I went inside the medbay while Connor worked at a machine I had no clue what the heck it was.

"If Lorvian is ready, I'm here." He said, glancing at me and then back to the screen.

"I'll make sure he knows," I said, sitting down in a nearby chair. "You know he doesn't like AI. He believes you will gain your independence and rise or some sci-fi nonsense. I would say he's been watching too many movies, but it seemed to have actually happened to them."

"My creator prepped me on the mistrust organics can have for machines. She designed me to be more human because of it. I can't do that with him. The only way to alleviate his mistrust is to make myself more useful. However, if he dismantles me, then I will have no choice but to accept."

"It isn't his decision; it's mine."

"With respect, I don't think you could cease hostilities should he become hostile."

"Well…" I placed my hands on my hips, trying to think of a rebuttal, but I had nothing. "I won't let him do it. Even if it means putting you on an escape pod or something." I could at least do that much!

"Why are you telling me? Is it your wish that I run?"

"I'm just saying it's a possibility. I mean, everyone on Earth needs to know what's happening right now. We can't leave our fate in the hands of a possible enemy."

"I see." He nodded. "You would like me to return to Earth and report on the situation," he whispered.

"Yes."

"That has already happened."

"Wait, what?!" I said in confusion and dismay.

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