Page 64 of Healing Creek
“I’ve heard of them, but don’t they have to be programmed for a specific surgery?”
“Usually, they do. But mine are special. Mine run more sophisticated programming. Together, the whole network functions like an artificial intelligence. They can diagnosis and decide how to treat any illness. My family developed them.”
“This is why you heal so quickly?”
“They’re always healing me.”
“The disease you were born with. These special medi-bots are what cured you?”
“Not exactly. You remember I told you what’s wrong with me is on a genetic level?” He made a noise of agreement and she continued. “The bots can’t rewrite DNA. They can only fix things as they begin to break down. They don’t cure me. They’re always healing me.”
Her words terrified him. “You’re always sick. Always dying?”
She smiled. “We’re all dying from the day we’re born.”
“This isn’t funny, my Grace. Tell me you haven’t endangered your own life by saving mine.”
“It’s a risk. If I’m seriously injured, with fewer bots in my system, they might struggle to heal me. But the bots are self-replicating. They’ll eventually multiply enough to return to full strength. Before that happens, I could suffer some of the effects of the Batten disease I told you about. Those effects could get worse over time if I don’t take care of myself.” She grinned. “A few good meals and some sleep will help.”
Creek pulled her down onto the bed of leaves and wrapped his arms around her. She rested her cheek on his chest.
“This is why the medic stole you.”
“He tested my blood and found the bots. He thought they could resolve the fertility problem, but it shouldn’t work that way. Not if it’s genetic, like Jennifer claimed.”
“They did much more than heal my wounds.”
“Yes, but they followed your genetic code. They didn’t alter it. And they won’t work long term. They were designed to shut down within twenty-four hours of leaving my system.”
“So, the medi-bots in me—”
“They’ll start shutting down, but everything they’ve healed or regenerated should remain. Just don’t get fatally injured again, okay?”
“It isn’t in my plan, Butterfly. I plan to be at your side as long as you want me.”
Grace pushed up on one side. She looked at him a long while then leaned down to press her lips against his. She tasted sweet and, even with the smell of the chiluy plants around them, her scent enveloped him. Everything about her was right. She was his.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Haven,Umbria
EarthAllianceBetaSector
2210.202
Grace walked hand in hand with Creek through the halls of Haven Base. Standing next to him had become familiar. Feeling worthy to be there among these fierce, proud people was new. The halls of the Haven base were lined with Arena Dogs welcoming them back. As they moved through the corridors, Creek spoke soft words of gratitude for everyone who’d helped search for Grace and all barked back in acknowledgement. Many reached out and tapped his shoulder or his back as they passed. This time when they walked into the meeting room, only the members of the guiding council and Mercury’s pack were present.
Samantha was first to come forward, hugging Grace and squeezing Creek’s hand. “I’m so glad you’re safe.”
One by one they each welcomed them back. Last to step forward, Maximus and Eve were no less generous in their welcome. With her curly black hair around her shoulders and tired eyes, Eve looked softer than the last time Grace had seen her. Maximus looked strong as ever, the fatherly figure for all the Dogs of Haven.
Eve spoke first. “I’m sorry Grace. I take full responsibility for my error in judgement that placed you and Creek and all our family in great danger.”
Creek acknowledged the apology with a brief bark. “Where is Zachary?”
“He’s locked in the level one storage room,” said Maximus. “After being questioned all night, he gave in to exhaustion.”
Eve frowned. “So far he denies acting as a double agent for Roma and claims to have told them nothing.”
