Page 61 of Alien Healer's Touch

"What happens during integration?" Maya asked quietly. The former botanist had barely spoken since her rescue from Hammond's "decontamination" procedures.

I paused, aware that my experience with Kavan had been deeply personal. "It creates a connection. A sharing of consciousness that permits direct knowledge transfer. But it can't be forced. The system responds to compatibility."

"Compatibility," Mirelle repeated, understanding in her eyes. "Like the lifebonds."

Murmurs rippled through the group.

"I believe they're related," I admitted. "The ancient technology recognizes specific patterns between individuals—patterns indicating potential for successful integration."

"Is that why some of us feel drawn to particular Nyxari?" Elana asked, color rising in her cheeks.

I nodded. "The markings respond more strongly to compatible patterns. Similar to how Nyxari lifelines respond. It's not merely physical—it's neurological resonance."

"So our attraction to them isn't just..." Talia trailed off.

"It's not manipulation," I said firmly. "If anything, it's recognition. A biological and neurological compatibility that the markings enhance but don't create."

Rivera studied her hands. "And if Hammond figures this out? If he forces integration with incompatible subjects?"

"The results would be unpredictable. Potentially catastrophic." I recalled the guardian automaton's warnings. "The systems have safeguards, but they're ancient and deteriorating. Hammond's experiments have already destabilized environmental controls."

"You think the recent seismic activity connects to Hammond's tampering?" Mirelle asked.

"I know it does. The facility Kavan and I found linked to environmental regulation systems. The planet's natural cycles have been artificially managed for thousands of years."

Jen's eyes widened. "What happens if those systems fail completely?"

"Nothing good," I answered grimly.

Silence fell as each woman processed the implications.

"We need to stop Hammond before he worsens the situation," Mirelle finally said. "But first, we need more information about his plans for Claire."

Jen nodded. "I'll try to get closer to the perimeter patrols, listen for details."

"Carefully," Mirelle cautioned. "We can't risk losing anyone else."

As the meeting dispersed, the women drifted away in pairs, their hushed conversations filled with new questions about their marks and the Nyxari who might share their patterns.

Mirelle touched my arm, holding me back. "Walk with me?"

I nodded and followed her into the cool evening air.

We walked in silence until reaching a small garden nestled between two vashkai structures. The living stone emitted a faint warmth in the twilight, casting subtle light over the native plants.

"I come here to think," Mirelle said, settling onto a curved bench. "When things with Lazrin became... complicated."

I sat beside her, tracing the markings on my wrist. "Are they still? Complicated?"

A soft smile touched her lips. "Yes and no. The bond with Lazrin challenged everything I believed about myself. About my desires." She turned to face me directly. "Something happened between you and Kavan in those ruins. Beyond just discovering the purpose of our markings."

Heat crept up my neck. "We experienced neural integration through the ancient interface. It's... intimate. Nothing remains hidden when minds connect that way."

"And now?" she pressed gently.

"Now I don't know what we are to each other." I stared at my hands. "The connection hasn't faded. If anything, it's intensified. I sense him even when we're apart—his emotions, sometimes even fragments of thoughts."

Mirelle nodded, unsurprised. "That's how it began with Lazrin and me. The lifebond creates a telepathic link that strengthens with proximity and... intimacy."

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