The medic approached me first, motioning me to sit down while holding the slender pen in his hand. He gestured with his head, silently telling me to tilt mine as well.
I pushed my messy hair to the side, revealing my neck. First, he took off the over-the-ear translator, then inserted a small object behind my ear. There was a brief twinge, but it ended in the blink of an eye.
He backed away and examined me. “Are you alright?”
“Yes. Thank you. I pressed my finger against the spot where the translator had been implanted and only a raised bump could be felt. “Can you explain how this works exactly?”
“It helps your brain interpret language and learn it faster. Several spoken words from a new language are all it takes for your brain to understand.” His smile exuded warmth, and he possessed a reassuring bedside manner that inspired trust.
Taking a step back, the medic surveyed me. He presented the rectangular box in his hand and said, “No physical contact is necessary, but I’d like to scan you with this.”
Olivia made a whimpering sound and hid behind me. Her powerful reaction made me curious rather than afraid.
“Please stand for this,” he asked me.
I stood. “Go ahead.” I mirrored the smile of the medic.
He scanned me from head to toe and back, using the device he held in front of me.
Then he pressed a few buttons on it.
“Aside from requiring hydration, you appear in good health. I suggest you eat and drink once you are settled in,” he said.
I said okay, knowing we were all going to be dehydrated.
The medic moved toward Olivia who was hovering behind me, and I sidestepped to look at her.
“The implant pinches for only a second,” I said, putting a hand on her forearm.
Olivia shuffled forward, nodding.
Prior to scanning her, he inserted the translator. Olivia’s eyes glistened with tears as his brows furrowed.
With a gesture of his arm, he invited her to lie on one of the beds. She obeyed, and I was curious to know what he had uncovered.
“Please lean back while I conduct a more thorough scan.” In a soft tone, he reassured Olivia that it wouldn’t hurt.
I moved to Olivia’s side and held her hand when she looked my way.
Worries swirled in my mind. Had the Zinids done something to her?
We’d been abducted around the same time and dropped off on the slave planet together.
The medic said I was okay, so I hoped Olivia would be fine too, despite needing more tests.
The medic deftly adjusted a tall piece of equipment at the foot of the bed. With a few button presses, it started to rise up off the bed, its sensors scanning Olivia’s body with no physical contact.
While we waited, I decided that now was as good a time as any to ask questions.
“Your technology is incredible.” I had little knowledge regarding aliens and their way of life and couldn’t wait to discover everything about this strange new world I’d found myself in. “Are there many humans inhabiting this area of space?”
His head bobbed. “Absolutely. Alaran space is home to several substantial human colonies on a couple of planets. In this area of space, I’ve encountered humans of both genders....” his voice trailed off.
Tension spread through my shoulders as I watched his face.
He smiled a reassuring smile. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. Humans in this system are afforded high protection by their own warriors and the Protectorate, ensuring their safety.”
It didn’t feel as though he was lying, so I smiled. “May I ask your name?” I had many more questions, but I decided to ask them later.
