Page 52 of Obsessed

"Good." She turns back to her labeling. "Because we have sixteen more crates to go."

I leave Alice to her work and head to the kitchen. My datapad sits on the counter, Navi's interface glowing softly in the dim light.

"So." Her digital voice carries a hint of uncertainty I've never heard before. "What happens to me when we leave this rock?"

I pull out a chair and sit, running my fingers through my hair. "Planning to get a new ship as soon as we're planetside. Installyou in that one." I tap the screen. "If you can manage to keep the attitude in check."

"My primary couplers took severe damage in the crash." Her display flickers. "The transfer might not-"

"Found you in a dumpster behind that parts shop on that station, remember? Half your circuits were fried, and look at you now." I lean back, crossing my arms. "Pretty sure I can handle a simple system transfer."

The screen pulses with soft blue light. "That's twice now you've salvaged me from certain doom."

"Don't get sentimental on me, Navi. It's weird coming from you."

"Just stating facts." Her display returns to its usual steady glow. "Though I suppose I should mention your landing protocols could use some work. That last one was particularly graceless."

"There's the Navi I know." I smile despite myself. "Already critiquing my flying again."

"Davrik!" Alice's voice carries through the station. "Just one more crate to go!"

I push away from the kitchen counter. "Navi, we'll finish this conversation later."

"Of course. Don't let me keep you from your... scientific pursuits."

"Your humor algorithms need work," I mutter, heading back to the lab.

Alice stands amid a sea of perfectly packed crates, hair escaping from her once-neat bun. Her cheeks are flushed with accomplishment, and possibly something else. "Think you can handle one more?"

"Watch me." I grab the foam blocks and get to work, carefully nesting each specimen container. The sooner this is done, the sooner we can move on to more interesting activities. Myfingers work quickly but precisely – I won't risk damaging her discoveries just to save time.

"Careful with that one," she says, pointing to a particularly vibrant sample. "It's especially reactive to pressure changes."

"You know, for someone who fell into a hole to make her breakthrough discovery, you're awfully particular about proper handling procedures."

"That was..." She steps closer, trailing her fingers along my arm. "Field research."

"Is that what we're calling it now?" I secure the last specimen, double-checking the seals. "There. Done. Now about that field research..."

"First, help me move these crates to the loading bay." She gestures at the stacks of boxes. "Then we can discuss methodology."

CHAPTER 27

ALICE

The Nova BioTech board room gleams with its pristine white walls and chrome accents. My palms sweat as I stand before the gathered executives, but I keep my voice steady. The holoscreen behind me displays detailed molecular structures of my discovery.

"The anti-inflammatory properties of this specimen are unprecedented," I say, advancing to the next slide. "Initial testing shows it's ten times more effective than our current leading treatment, with none of the documented side effects."

"Impressive results, Dr. Watson," Board Member Chen leans forward. "But how can we verify these findings without a larger sample size?"

"I've successfully cultivated the plant in controlled conditions." I bring up a new image. "The germination rate is ninety-seven percent, and it reaches maturity in just six weeks. We could begin mass production within months."

"And you discovered this entirely on your own?" Director Voss's antennae twitch skeptically.

"Yes. While conducting my assigned research on Meltor IV." I straighten my shoulders. "The hostile environment requiredinnovative thinking and adaptability - traits humans are known for."

"Your time on Meltor was meant to study agricultural applications," another board member cuts in. "This seems rather... off-course."

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