Page 36 of Alien Engineer's Mate

A treatment schedule materialized in the air, dates and procedures laid out in precise detail. Her breath caught as she studied it... she couldn't even begin to work out how much it would cost. Back on the colony, even basic treatments had stretched their resources to breaking point.

"How much will it be?" she started carefully, fingers twisting in her lap. "I don't want to burden Maax with?—"

Kellat's head tilted, confusion flickering across his features. "Cost?"

"For the treatment," she clarified. "The colony doctors said his condition was permanent, that he'd need treatment his whole life. I can't expect Maax to take on that kind of..."

"Ohh!" Understanding dawned in Kellat's eyes, followed by amusement. "I'm sorry, Lady Coleman, I wasn't clear. Once we correct the genetic markers and repair the environmental damage, Kyle won't need long-term care."

The words didn't make sense. She just stared at the alien doctor. "What do you mean?"

"I mean," Kellat said, "that after about two months of treatment, Kyle should be clear of symptoms. Cured, as humans say."

"Cured?" Her voice cracked. "But they said... they told us..."

Tears spilled down her cheeks before she could stop them as years of fear and guilt and desperate midnight bargaining with the universe crashed through her carefully maintained walls. Kyle would be cured. Her baby boy would be able to breathe without struggling, run without wheezing, and live without medical debt hanging over him.

"Mom?" Kyle reached out; his small hand found hers. "Why are you crying?"

She tried to speak but couldn't form words. Kyle clambered off the treatment bed onto her lap and wrapped his arms around her.

"I apologize," Kellat shifted awkwardly. "I'm not... that is, with human emotions, I'm never quite sure of the protocols. Would you like me to call anyone?"

"No." She wiped at her eyes with her free hand, one arm tight around Kyle. "No, I'm fine. Sorry. We never thought... the colony doctors were so certain..."

"Ah." Kellat's expression hardened a little. "Yes, well, their equipment was quite primitive by our standards. And without understanding the genetic component..." He trailed off, but his opinion of the colony's medical care was clear in his tone.

Kyle looked up at the healer, his arms still around his mother. "So I'll be able to breathe properly like other kids do?"

"Better than properly," Kellat assured him. "Once we finish the treatment course, your lung function should exceed standard human parameters. The genetic correction improves overall respiratory efficiency."

Fresh tears threatened, but Eira fought them back. She had more questions about the treatment, about what to expect. She knew she should focus and ask questions to understand everything. But just for a moment, she let herself hold her son and feel the full weight of the miracle they'd been given.

"The first treatment cycle will take around two hours," Kellat said, giving her time to compose herself. "During that time, we can discuss any questions you have." He paused, studying her with knowing eyes. "Perhaps about the mate program? Or certain warriors?"

Heat crept up her neck. "Is it that obvious?"

"Maax is... well-known on the station." His broad shoulders lifted in a shrug. "And you're not the first prospective mate to have questions."

"Well-known?" She kept her tone casual as Kyle settled back on the treatment bed. "In what way?"

"He's one of our most decorated warriors." Kellat began preparing the treatment equipment with precise movements. "From an old bloodline, very respected. And his work with the station's systems is exceptional." A slight smile crossed his face. "Though lately he's better known for his dedication to Emily. The change in him since he took her in... many warriors have commented on it."

"What kind of change?" The question slipped out before she could stop it.

"He was always... serious. Focused on duty above all else." Kellat's hands moved steadily through the treatment preparations. "But with Emily... she brought out something different in him. A gentleness few knew he possessed."

Eira thought of Maax's tender way with the children at dinner, how his severe expression had softened when Emily and Grace played together. "He seems like a good father."

"One of the best I've seen." Kellat nodded. "Which is why?—"

A commotion in the corridor cut him off. A woman's voice carried through the treatment bay doors, sharp with command.

"I need to see Lead Healer Kellat immediately! No, it can't wait. I'm feeling quite faint and—oh!"

The curtain to the bay was shoved aside to reveal a human woman in expensive clothing. Eira recognized her instantly. Aisha, the one who'd been so concerned about warriors' status. She looked perfectly healthy, though she pressed one hand to her forehead dramatically.

"Lead Healer, I must insist on yourpersonalattention. These other healers don't understand the seriousness of my condition."

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