Page 40 of Sol Survivor

He beamed.“Those are different with no oxygen, but I can do with your help.I’ll run it past the captain.Might be able to split your time.”He loped to the door leading out the pens.“Let’s get you a uniform.”He jog-walked along the passages, spinning to check she followed until they reached a locker room of sorts.

“Here’s the replacements.The first set is free, anything else comes out of your cut.”He thrust a shirt, cargo pants, a jacket, and boots at her.She couldn’t help but remember when Ande had done the same so many years ago.

Sighing, she placed the stack and unhooked her dress clasp.

“Wait.”Dieter gasped and spun on a heel, showing her his back.“I didn’t… You shouldn’t…” He chuckled.“That was unexpected.”

“Sorry.”She stripped off the dress and her boots.“Where I come from, nudity’s a non-issue.”

“Where is this place?Can I join?”His attempt at humor to disarm the tension in the air was appreciated.

“Trust me, you don’t want to experience or live through what I had to.”The pants had numerous pockets, the shirt was a sleeveless T-shirt in white, and the jacket had a place for a white name tag, just like Leah’s.The boots were too big, so she shuffled around Dieter to find a smaller pair.Once those were on, she stomped to ensure they fit well, then tapped his shoulder.

He faced her, his cheeks glowing.“Tiny will add your name.Speaking of which, you need a full medical.It’s protocol.She can’t fix you unless she has a baseline understanding of your health.”

“Sure.”Vic grinned.At the Ring, they had medicals after each battle and at least once a week before that.Carne took great care to protect their assets.

Grabbing her dress and old boots, she hurried after Dieter.He marched past the mess, the food storeroom, and a command center.A quick peek in showed Grunt stuck in front of a massive console with an extensive holographic map of their solar system.The sharp medical odors of the med bay made her grimace.Twitching her nose, she hoped to ease the sting of sterilizing agents.

Tiny wasn’t tiny.No, she was a short, plump woman with purple hair.When she smiled at Vic, she appeared to be the sweetest person.“I thought Dieter would never bring you.”

“Had to see the chickens first.”Vic chuckled.“But we saved the best for last.”

“Wait outside, Deets.”Tiny rose from her chair to approach Vic, gliding her hand along the steel counter.

“I’ll check on lunch.”He ran his gaze over Vic, blushed, and bumped his shoulder as he scrambled out of the med bay.

Tiny giggled.“I see you’re making an impact…again.”

“Sorry about yesterday.I saw bullies scaring the shit out of a weakling.”Vic winced, getting tired of having to explain herself.Would she do it again?Farg, yes.Where was the weasel?She’d ask Dieter later.

“I can believe that.Nikko’s scowl is quite intimidating, or so I’m told.”Tiny pointed to the threadbare gown.“Please strip, and put that on.”

“Nudity doesn’t bother me.”

Tiny met Vic’s gaze, but the solid white of her eyes made Vic twitch.Was she blind?Stripping off her newly acquired uniform, she stood before Tiny.

“It may appear as if I’m intruding on your personal space, but I see through my hands.I apologize if they’re cold.”What followed was similar to a full body massage but without the relieving of tension and aching muscles.

Vic gritted her teeth, enduring the constant stimulation, especially after Drafe touched her.

“Mm, you are in prime condition.The implants are new and well done.I’ve never felt such a masterpiece of craftsmanship.”Tiny grinned and stepped back.

“How do you know about the implants?”

Tiny held up her hands, and embedded in her fingers were sensory chips, no doubt to enhance touch.“Cybernetics respond differently to flesh.Yours are almost imperceptible, along with the barest of scars.Your new limbs must have cost a fortune.”

Why would I need your tokens?Sebastian Carne’s knowing smirk flitted across her thoughts.

“Yes.”A grin formed.Injuring asshat Ramirez was a bonus.

“I’ve documented everything.You may dress.”Tiny paused as she sterilized her hands.“Be gentle with him.He’s a sweet man.”

Vic pulled on her pants and clipped the magnets in place.“Who?”

Tiny took a while to respond.“Dieter.”

Ah, now Vic understood.“I’m not interested in him.”She tugged on her shirt and snapped her boots on.“Does he know?”

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