Page 61 of Made For The Alien Warrior

Each of the neon projections had heart, blood pressure and pulse rate graphics and a whole slew of other measurements that she didn’t recognize.

Symphony’s hand slipped away from Tiegan’s as she marveled at the display of alien technology. The term ‘cool’ could not even begin to describe how impressed she was.

A metallic thrum filled the room. She glanced to her left and froze in horror when she saw Adhi floating in the air, just like the lights.

Four large metal panels bracketed her on either side and a faint energy wave emitted from them. It was probably the reason she was floating. Two giant rings swooped over Adhi’s body, intertwining in and out in a powerful scan. Adhi bawled out, whimpering when the lights grew brighter.

Rushing forward, Symphony reached out to her friend while screaming at Rune. “What are you doing? You’re hurting her!”

“Sim-pony!” Tiegan called out.

She ignored him and grabbed Adhi’s hand. At that moment, a spark of electricity spurted from their fingers and caused one of the metal bases to catch on fire.

“Watch out!” Tiegan yelled. He threw himself over her, knocking her out of the way. The metal plate banged to the ground. Adhi jolted, turning upside down as the loss of the metal plate threw the energy pulses off-balance.

Urgent footsteps pattered toward her. Rune knelt by her side, a hand on her shoulder. “Sim-pony, are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” She jerked away from his touch. “What are you doing to her?”

“It’s okay, Symphony,” Adhi said, wearing a brave smile. “It doesn’t hurt as much anymore.”

“You said it wouldn’t be painful. What the hell is that?” She pointed up.

Rune looked sheepish. “She was fine until a moment ago. I am not sure what happened to make the machine emit more energy than she could bear.”

“You can’t hurt her,” Symphony snapped, staring him down.

“Sim-pony, Rune is only trying to help,” Tiegan said, stroking her arm. “He has not seen his mate and his brood in many sun rotations in order to be of assistance to your comrades.”

“I know. I know, I just…” She sighed. “I remember when the doctors amputated my arm.” A lump formed in her throat and her words dropped to a husk. “I felt so alone. So unheard. It hurt, but no one cared or believed me.”

Tiegan pulled her into his arms. “This is not the same, Sim-pony.”

“I would have taken off the machine immediately,” Rune explained. “But you went in and touched her, ruining the scan.”

“I’m sorry.” She bent her head.

“Don’t be sorry, Sim-pony.” Tiegan curved his finger under her chin and lifted her head. She stared into his blue face, hearing all the patience and tenderness in his voice. “I admire your bravery and your willingness to step in for your comrade. But you have to trust us. Rune knows what he is doing.”

Adhi spoke up. “It’s okay, Symphony. I don’t mind trying again.”

“You will have to wait while I fix this scanner,” Rune said, lifting the reflective square that had clattered to the cavern floor.

Symphony sheepishly cleared her throat. “Sorry.”

“Perhaps now is a bad time to suggest a scan of Sim-pony’s arm?” Tiegan asked.

Rune sighed. “Adhi, are you in discomfort?”

“It feels like I’m floating on water,” she said, lying flat so the energy pulses from the three remaining metal reflectors pushed her up. Waving at them, she nodded. “Take your time.”

“This way,” Rune indicated a small cot next to a row of glowing orbs. He waved his fingers over the orbs and more holograms jumped up.

“I really am sorry, Rune,” Symphony whispered to him.

He gave her a tight smile.

She hung her head. “I’m alive because of you and your nano-tech. And I know it must be tough to be away from your family right now. I really appreciate everything you’re doing for us.”

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