Page 15 of Bound to the Bounty Hunter

My mind buzzed as I read through the information. This wasn’t just any microorganism - it was specifically adapted to thrive in the harsh environment of Kervant-9. And its unique properties...

“Oh my god,” I breathed, the pieces falling into place. This could be it. The key to creating a counter against the mind-control plant.

I dove deeper into the data, my fatigue forgotten. With each new detail I uncovered, my excitement grew. The microorganism’s rapid reproduction rate, its adaptability - all of it could be harnessed to combat the Consortium’s bioweapon.

My hands shook as I ran simulations, testing the microorganism’s potential interactions with the mind-control plant’s genetic structure. When the results flashed across the screen, confirming my theories, I couldn’t contain myself any longer.

I leapt to my feet, knocking my chair over in the process. “Yes!” I shouted, pumping my fists in the air. “We did it!”

My chest tightened as my heartbeat quickened, fast and unrelenting, as the full implications of my discovery washed over me. We had a chance now.

The door burst open with a thunderous crash. I whirled around, startled out of my celebratory moment, to find Arkon filling the doorway. His massive frame blocked out the light from the corridor, his weapon drawn and ready.

“Samira!” he barked, his red eyes scanning the room for threats. “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”

I blinked, momentarily confused by his alarmed state. Then I realized how my shout must have sounded to him.

“No, no, I’m fine,” I said quickly, holding up my hands. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you. I just... I found something. Something big.”

Arkon lowered his weapon, but his body remained tense, ready for action. “Explain,” he demanded, his eyes never leaving mine.

I rushed towards Arkon, my excitement overriding any concern for his combat-ready stance. Words tumbled out of my mouth in a rapid stream.

“Arkon, I found it! A heat-loving microorganism native to Kervant-9. Its enzymes are incredibly heat-resistant. Don’t you see? This could be the key to stabilizing the counteragent!”

My hands flew through the air as I explained, sketching out molecular structures only I could see. “The microorganism’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures is exactly what we need. Its enzymes could protect the counteragent from breaking down in the heat of Kervant-9’s environment.”

I paused to catch my breath, and finally noticed Arkon’s expression. His weapon lowered slowly, confusion replacing the alarm on his face.

My heart skipped a beat as I realized how much my shout had scared him. A warmth spread through my chest at the thought of his concern for me.

“We need to go to the hot springs,” I concluded, determination surging through me. “That’s where we’ll find the highest concentration of these microorganisms. With samples from there, I can synthesize a stable counteragent.”

I braced myself, anticipating Arkon’s resistance. I wasn’t disappointed.

“I’ll go,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. “You’ll stay here where it’s safe.”

Frustration bubbled up inside me. “No, Arkon. This isn’t just about collecting samples. I need to observe the microorganisms in their natural habitat, study how they interact with the local flora. That kind of firsthand observation could be crucial to developing the counteragent.”

“It’s too dangerous,” Arkon growled. “The hot springs are exposed, difficult to defend. If we’re attacked-”

“If we’re attacked, having me there could make all the difference,” I interrupted, my voice rising. “I know this planet, Arkon. I know its plants, its terrain. That knowledge could save our lives out there.”

I stepped closer to him, my gestures growing more emphatic. “And what if something happens to you? What if you’re injured or captured? Then all of this,” I waved my hand at the monitors, “becomes useless. Because I’m the only one who can interpret this data, who can create the counteragent.”

My breath came faster as I argued, and I suddenly realized how close we’d gotten. Arkon towered over me, his presence overwhelming in the small space. Heat radiated from his body, and I suddenly was far too aware of every inch of space between us.

Our eyes locked, and the world narrowed to just the two of us. A confusing mix of anger and attraction swirled through me.

Arkon broke the contact first, stepping back with a growl of frustration. “Fine,” he bit out. “But you follow my lead out there. No unnecessary risks. Understood?”

I nodded, triumph and nervousness warring in my stomach as the reality of our impending journey sank in. “Understood.”

Then I steeled myself for what I knew would be another difficult conversation. The elation from my discovery had faded, replaced by a gnawing anxiety in the pit of my stomach.

“Arkon,” I said, then stopped. Started again. “There’s something else I need to tell you.”

He turned back to me, his expression guarded. “What is it?”

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