We needed to tackle the current problems in our section of space before it was too late. If not, there might be nothing left to govern once I became King.
7
Grace
THE WARRIOR WHO GUIDEDus out of the shuttle bay was slightly less muscular than the others. His shoulder-length hair was a deep shade of brown. Instead of being tied back, it was tucked behind his ears.
His face was unmarred, and his skin maintained a youthfulness that told me he was several years younger than me.
He spoke to me and the other women, urging us to follow him.
I shook away my thoughts of the sexy Captain and focused on my surroundings.
We made our way down a long corridor and I had my first clear view of the ship. A beige frame surrounded each door we passed, contrasting against pale gray walls. The carpet-like material on the floors muffled our footsteps.
The doors we encountered were tall, to accommodate our rescuers who were larger and broader than average human men.
Avery vented to Riley, who listened without saying much.
Olivia, with a face full of uncertainty, walked beside me. Fortunately, her level of fear had subsided. That was something, at least.
The warrior stopped before a set of enormous doors and pressed a panel on the nearby wall.
As the doors slid open, they revealed a sterile medical room. With eager anticipation, I swiftly scanned the space, my eyes hungry for a glimpse of otherworldly technology.
There was no longer an immediate danger, which gave me the confidence to seize this golden opportunity to unravel the mysteries of an alien culture.
Filled with fascination, I stepped inside the room, eager to explore every nook and cranny.
The room looked like something from a science fiction movie. Futuristic machines with holographic screens and flashing lights accompanied the hospital beds.
On one side of the room, there were a few closed doors. The wall was equipped with a couple of rows of built-in drawers. Everything appeared polished and sterile. Even the air was clean.
The usual electronic equipment we used back on Earth looked nothing like the sleek, smooth machines in this room. It was evident this was an advanced race compared to where I’d come from.
My passion for healing and medicine overcame any trepidation I had about being on the ship. I wanted to learn as much as possible about their medical tech.
“Why’d you bring us here?” asked Riley.
I spun around just as an older male entered from one of the rooms on the side. He wore a tunic over beige pants and looked like most of the other warriors on the ship, but had dark brown hair with streaks of gray.
I presumed he was the medic or a doctor and couldn’t help but smile. Helping others brought me joy and was the reason I became a nurse. It had given me a sense of purpose back on Earth.
“The Captain wanted any injuries seen to and permanent translators given to you before I show you to your quarters,” explained the younger warrior.
Stepping forward, the medic glanced over at us. “It falls on me, as the ship’s medic, to provide medical care. I’ll checkeveryone for injuries and will install translators.” Although he maintained a professional demeanor, a smile played on his lips as he finished speaking.
I held my breath and fought the urge to roll my eyes as Avery kicked off within seconds.
“Stay away from me. I don’t want a permanent translator. I’m heading home, back to Earth. We don’t need them there.”
He raised his brows and a brief flicker of amusement passed over the medic’s face as he glanced at our escort.
After the warrior shrugged, a lengthy, silent gaze was exchanged between him and the medic.
Their staring contest made me question if they were silently communicating. As the warrior left the room, the medic went to a nearby cabinet to fetch a pen-like device and a palm-sized object.
Olivia huddled near me, her hands anxiously twisting in front of her.
