Page 58 of The Alien's Major Dilemma

"She is happy and healthy and willing to let me help instead of dwelling on my role in the place that hurt her," Zoric said. "For that, I am grateful."

"And we are grateful for your assistance," the Base Commander said. "Do you have any other questions while we wait for word from Ms. Da?"

"So many questions," Cooper said and sat down next to Marissa. "And I think my first is going to be, why do you all have tails? Only children have tails, you're obviously past your first skin."

"What do you mean 'only children have tails'? They're a structural necessity and connected to our spines," Zoric said.

"Maybe it's from interbreeding with humans?" Cooper asked. "Do you have any children who are mostly Chelion?"

Zoric shook his head. "Interbreeding with humans has given up some interesting adaptations but everything we've been able to find in the medical systems that have survived have indicated that the tail is necessary to being a fully developed Chelion. It's where our second brains are."

"Second brain?" Cooper's mind reeled in shock then a strange static seemed to move through him.

"We've never really understood why we have them but damaging one is like damaging the parts of a human that keeps them from making rash decisions and gives them a clear definition of where their physical boundaries are. How do you survive without one?"

"Training," Cooper said. "Specialized training from the moment our tails fall off with our first skin and we move from the hatchery to the barracks."

"Hatchery? Barracks? Who runs those?" Zoric asked. "I knew the human influence had changed things but I've seen nothing about those in our records."

"The Dragor scientists," Cooper said.

The silence that filled the office filled him with dread and Cooper knew that something was very, very wrong.

"Sounds like you have some catching up to do," the Base Commander said.

"Yes," Cooper said. "Though I think I'd like my ship back sooner rather than later for this conversation. And maybe someone who can follow the message I sent."

"Understood. I think we've accomplished all we can with this meeting, don't you?"

Cooper nodded.

"Permission to be excused, sir?" Marissa asked.

"Check in with the Doc and get a status report on your concussion," the Commander said. "We've got more doctors on the way but they're still a few days out."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."

Marissa stood up and saluted then reached and hand out for his. Cooper took it. His mind was still reeling from everything Zoric had said.

Cooper?His mate's mind reached out and gently stroked against his. She was getting better at using their connection.Are you in there?

I'm here, my love,he said and felt her flinch. It wasn't as pronounced as the last time but he still hated that she did it.

Are you going to be okay?

That was the question, wasn't it? He wanted to say he didn't know but he did.As long as I have you, I'll be fine. Together, I get the feeling we can do anything.

Chapter 25

It took almost an entire week before Marissa was cleared for light duty. She'd been given strict instructions not to do anything that would raise her blood pressure or give her a headache. As she healed, following those instructions became harder and harder.

Especially since Cooper was healing with her. When they were both hurt and exhausted, it was easier to just hold each other and rest. As they recovered, however, the urge to do more than hold each other grew.

Cooper was kissing his way down her neck and across her collar, his hands beneath her shirt and stroking along her skin, when a throb of pain through her head had her pushing him away. Her hands flew to her head while he sat panting at the foot of the bed.

"Sorry," he said, struggling to catch his breath. "Are you hurt?"

Marissa closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and slowed her racing heart. The throbbing in her head eased but it was still very present.

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