Page 35 of Alien Healer's Touch

"I think..." I studied the image, noting how light patterns from both figures overlapped in specific areas, particularly around neural centers. "It's demonstrating the integration process. How knowledge was shared."

Kavan's golden eyes fixed on mine. "Would you consider attempting it?"

The question hung between us. Scientific curiosity pulled me forward while medical caution held me back. The potential benefits were enormous—shared medical knowledge could save countless lives. But the risks of using damaged, ancient technology loomed equally large.

"Not without further study," I answered. "We need to understand more before attempting anything so invasive. But perhaps..." I indicated a smaller, less complex interface. "We could try something more limited. A diagnostic scan."

Kavan nodded. "A reasonable compromise."

I approached the secondary console, my markings glowing more intensely in response. The guardian adjusted position but remained non-threatening. Placing my hands on the smooth surface, a tingling sensation spread up my arms.

"Something's happening," I said. "Not painful, but noticeable."

Text appeared on the wall display, initially too rapid to follow, then settling into readable segments. Diagrams of my body appeared, highlighting my nervous system and—most prominently—my markings.

"It's analyzing your physiology," Kavan observed. "Particularly the integration of markings with your neural pathways."

I watched, fascinated and unnerved, as the system mapped connections between my markings and brain. "They're far more integrated than I realized."

"Which explains why Hammond's attempts to remove them surgically would be catastrophic," Kavan added grimly. "Like trying to remove part of your nervous system."

The display shifted, comparing my physiological data with stored parameters. Symbols flashed that Kavan translated as "compatible but incomplete."

"Compatible with what?" I asked.

"The integration system, I believe." He studied the symbols. "But incomplete in some way it considers significant."

The scan ended, leaving a lingering tingle in my marked hands. The guardian returned to a neutral configuration, its scanning functions apparently satisfied.

"What I don't understand," I said, processing our discoveries, "is how these markings ended up on humans. If they're designed to interface with Nyxari medical technology..."

"I have a theory," Kavan said, his tail swishing thoughtfully. "The Great Division scattered our technology across Arenix. Perhaps the markings themselves are a form of that technology—designed to adapt to compatible physiologies regardless of species."

"Meaning the markings might have encoded medical knowledge all along? That's why I sometimes know things I shouldn't about Arenix plants and creatures?"

Kavan nodded. "It would explain why marked humans develop healing abilities that mirror Nyxari techniques."

I stared at my hands, seeing them anew. Not alien contamination as Hammond believed, but a bridge between species—a shared language of healing. The implications stretched beyond anything we'd imagined.

"Hammond won't stop," I said quietly. "Not when he's convinced the markings and artifacts are weapons."

"And that makes our return urgent," Kavan replied. "We must prevent further misuse of this technology."

The guardian hummed, moving closer to the central interface as if emphasizing our discussion. Its geometric segments shifted into a new configuration—less threatening but still imposing. A reminder that we'd gained only limited understanding of this place.

"Hammond isn't just wrong about the markings," I said, meeting Kavan's eyes. "He's dangerous. He's treating this technology like something to weaponize, when it was designed to heal and connect."

"Then we must ensure this knowledge reaches those who will use it properly." Kavan's voice carried conviction. "For both our peoples' sake."

The weight of discovery settled between us—dangerous in the wrong hands, miraculous in the right ones. Somehow, we needed to make sure it ended up where it belonged.

KAVAN

The resonance chamber hummed with ancient energy as I watched Selene work. Her fingers traced patterns along the wall console, her markings responding with subtle light each time she touched the right sequence. The guardian automaton hovered at the periphery, its faceted body refracting the chamber's blue illumination across her face.

"I think I found something," she called, excitement brightening her eyes. "Look at this."

I moved beside her, close enough that her scent—the unique human fragrance I'd come to recognize instantly—filled my awareness. The screen displayed schematics of an apparatus I'd never seen before, despite my extensive healer's training.

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