Page 53 of My Alien Pirate

"Look at this," Daz said, his single eye focusing on a particularly complex pattern of lights. "The neural regeneration is progressing faster than expected. Your species has remarkable healing capabilities."

I leaned closer to the display, fascinated despite my worry. "Is that area showing increased activity in the speech center?"

"Correct," Daz confirmed, sounding pleased with my growing understanding of his equipment. "The damage there was extensive, but the nanites we introduced seem to be facilitating rapid repair."

Working with Daz had become one of the highlights of my days aboard the Nebula Striker. His enthusiasm for learningabout human physiology matched my own curiosity about alien medical technology. Plus, it kept my mind occupied while we traveled. This and every night in Zharrox's extra large bed where...

A slight movement caught my attention. Sara's fingers twitched, just barely, but it was definitely voluntary movement. "Daz!" I called, excitement building in my chest. "I think she's—"

Before I could finish, Sara's eyes fluttered open. She blinked several times, her gaze unfocused at first, then slowly sharpening. When her eyes found mine, I saw recognition flash across her face.

"N-Nova?" Her voice was barely a whisper, rough from disuse.

"I'm here," I said, grasping her hand. "You're safe, Sara. You're going to be okay."

Her eyes widened as she caught sight of Daz hovering nearby. She tried to sit up, panic flashing across her face, but I gently held her down.

"It's okay," I assured her quickly, just as I had Manny so many weeks ago. "This is Daz. He's been taking care of you. He's a friend."

Sara's eyes darted between me and the alien doctor, confusion evident in her expression. "Where...?" she managed to croak out.

"You're on an alien ship called the Nebula Stryker," I explained, keeping my voice calm and steady. "They found your escape pod and brought you aboard. You've been unconscious for weeks."

She processed this information slowly, her brow furrowing. "Manny?" she asked, fear creeping into her voice. "We had climbed into our suits but—"

"He's fine," I assured her quickly. "He woke up a while ago. He's probably on the bridge now."

Relief flooded her features, and I saw some of the tension leave her body. Then her eyes focused on something behind me, and the tension returned.

I turned to see Zharrox standing in the doorway, his impressive frame filling the space. His ridges were pulsing with what I now recognized as concern and curiosity.

"Nova," he said softly, his multifaceted eyes meeting mine. "Your friend is awake?"

I felt the familiar warmth spread through me at his presence, along with something else—a subtle tugging sensation in my chest that seemed to draw me toward him. I'd been feeling it more and more lately, especially when we were apart.

"She just woke up," I told him, a smile growing across my face, then turned back to Sara. "This is Captain Zharrox. He's the one who ordered the search that found you and Manny."

Sara's eyes widened as she took in Zharrox's alien appearance, but I was proud to see her managing her fear better than Manny had. Maybe it was because she'd already seen Daz, or maybe it was just her natural adaptability, but she gave a small nod of acknowledgment.

"Th-thank you," she whispered.

Zharrox's ridges pulsed with pleasure at her response. "You are welcome," he said, his deep voice gentle. "Nova has been very concerned for your well-being."

Sara's eyes darted between Zharrox and me, and I saw a flash of confusion cross her face. Even barely conscious, Sara was as perceptive as ever.

"Nova," she said, her voice a little stronger now, "how do I understand him?."

I turned my head and tapped the little disc behind my ear. "A universal translator. It's an amazing little bit of technology."

Her hand reached up shakily to feel for the metal behind her own ear. A slow smile played at her lips. Sara always did love a good piece of tech.

"I'm glad to see you awake, Sara. It is nice to finally meet you." Zharrox came to stand beside me, a hand resting on the small of my back.

Sara's blue-green eyes, though they watered in the bright light, sharpened as she studied us. Her lips twitched in an all too knowing way. Sara had always been too perceptive by half. "And you, Captain. And, I'm so glad you're here, Nova. You look like this ship is agreeing with you."

I felt my cheeks flush, knowing what she meant. I'd seen it myself in the reflection panels—a subtle glow to my skin, a brightness in my eyes that hadn't been there before. Daz said it was a physical manifestation of the changes the bond was creating in my body, though he still didn't fully understand the process.

"A lot has happened," I said softly. "But let's focus on getting you better first. There's plenty of time to explain everything."

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