Page 28 of The Alien's Unwilling Bride

Roq nodded, his thoughts racing. “We have nano-regenerative technology we use in medicine. If we could recalibrate it to target soil compositions instead of organic tissue...”

“We could potentially restore the mineral balance much faster than natural processes would allow,” Mila finished, her own excitement growing. “Roq, that’s brilliant!”

He smiled, grateful for her quick understanding. “And for the deeper structural damage, we might be able to use ourgravitational stabilizers. They’re typically employed in space travel, but if we could reverse-engineer them...”

“We could potentially counteract the seismic instability caused by the mining,” Mila said, her eyes wide with the possibilities. “But, Roq, wouldn’t using technology on this scale require an enormous amount of energy?”

Roq’s expression turned thoughtful. “You’re right. We’d need to tap into something far more powerful than our standard energy grid.” He paused, considering. “There is one possibility, but it’s never been attempted on this scale before.”

“What is it?” Mila asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Core energy extraction,” Roq replied, his voice low and serious. “Tharvis has a molten core like many planets. But ours is unique – it’s composed of an element we call Tharvinium. It’s incredibly energetic and volatile if not handled correctly.”

Mila frowned. “Wouldn’t tapping into the planet’s core be dangerous? Especially given the damage Wrezen’s operation has already caused?”

Roq nodded gravely. “It would be risky, yes. But if we could successfully harness even a fraction of that energy, it would be more than enough to power our restoration efforts. And it might be our only chance to heal Tharvis before the damage becomes irreversible.”

As they reached the palace steps, Roq turned to Mila, his expression a mix of determination and vulnerability. “What do you think? Am I crazy for even considering this?”

Mila took his hand, squeezing it reassuringly. “Not crazy. Ambitious, yes. Maybe even a little reckless. But that’s one of the things I love about you, Roq. You’re not afraid to think big or take risks when the stakes are high.”

She paused, her blue eyes meeting his. “It won’t be easy. We’ll need to run countless simulations, consider every possible outcome. But if anyone can make this work, it’s you.”

Roq felt a surge of gratitude and love for this remarkable woman who believed in him so completely. “Not just me,” he said softly. “Us. Your environmental expertise will be crucial in ensuring our technological solutions work in harmony with Tharvis’s natural systems.”

Mila smiled, a determined glint in her eye. “Then let’s do this.”

With renewed purpose, they ascended the palace steps together. The path ahead would be challenging, fraught with both technological hurdles and political obstacles. But as Roq looked at Mila, he felt a surge of hope.

They had the knowledge, the technology, and most importantly, each other. Together, they would find a way to heal Tharvis and forge a brighter future for all its inhabitants.

As the palace doors swung open before them, Roq took a deep breath. The real work was just beginning, but for the first time since this crisis began, Roq felt truly optimistic.

They had a plan, they had each other, and they had the will to see it through. Tharvis would heal, and from its restoration, a new era of cooperation between their worlds would begin.

NINETEEN

The soft hiss of the healing chamber’s door closing behind her wrapped Mila in a cocoon of silence. The stark contrast between the chaos of the wild lands and the serene atmosphere of the royal palace’s private healing chambers hit her like a physical force. Warm, soothing light bathed the room in a gentle glow, and the quiet hum of advanced healing technology pulsed in the background, a rhythmic heartbeat of recovery.

Mila took a deep breath, inhaling the faintly antiseptic air. Her body ached, muscles protesting even the simplest movements, but it was her mind that truly resisted rest. The weight of recent events pressed on her, a constant reminder of the danger they’d faced and the looming threat to Tharvis.

“You should lie down, Dr. Arison,” a soft voice urged. A Tharvisian healer materialized at her side, gesturing toward the bed at the center of the room. “Your body needs time to recover. Prince Roq asked us to ensure you rest while he meets with His Highness and his brothers.”

Mila shook her head, a wry smile tugging at her lips. “My body might need rest, but my mind’s not getting the message.” She paced slowly around the room, her fingers trailing along thesmooth, metallic surfaces of various healing devices. “Is there any way I could access some research materials?”

The healer’s brow furrowed, clearly torn between duty and the determined look in Mila’s eyes. After a moment’s hesitation, he nodded. “I can have a data terminal brought in, but please, try to limit your work. Rest is an essential part of the healing process.”

As the healer left to fetch the terminal, Mila’s thoughts drifted to Roq. The memory of their kiss in the cave surrounded by danger and the pounding rain sent a shiver through her. It had been impulsive, born of adrenaline and fear, but it had awakened something in her that she couldn’t ignore.

The quiet whoosh of the door opening pulled Mila from her reverie. She turned, expecting to see the healer with the promised data terminal. Instead, her sisters Raelee and Zora stood in the doorway, concern and affection etched on their faces.

“Mila,” Raelee said, stepping into the room. “I thought I might find you here instead of actually resting.”

Zora followed, her gentle presence filling the room with warmth. “We brought reinforcements,” she added, holding up a bag that smelled suspiciously like their favorite comfort food from Earth.

Mila laughed, the sound a mix of amusement and sheepishness. “You know me too well. How was the honeymoon, Rae?”

Raelee’s eyes sparkled with happiness. “It was wonderful. Vexor and I had a chance to really connect away from all the political pressures.” She paused, studying Mila’s face. “But I think we have more important things to discuss. How are you, really?”

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