“I’m a doctor,” I said finally. “I help people who need me. That doesn’t mean I’ve accepted this... arrangement.”
Helix’s lips curved in what might have been respect. “Fair enough, Dr. Parker.”
As the leaders exchanged their goodbyes, I hung back slightly, my eyes cataloging every detail of the council chamber. Three exits: the main entrance we’d come through, a smaller door behind Helix’s position, and what looked to be a garden access to the right. The building’s design suggested organic integration with the planet’s ecosystem, which meant possible structural weaknesses I could exploit later.
“It was an honor to meet you, Doctor,” Councilor Mira said, her hand cradling her swollen belly. “Your assistance with Serena gives us hope.”
I nodded politely while noting the security protocols—two guards at the main entrance, biometric scanners beside each doorway. “I’m glad I could help.”
Aeon’s hand found my back again as we departed, this time making contact. The warmth of his palm seeped through my thin scrubs shirt, oddly reassuring despite the circumstances.
“The colony isn’t what you expected. Is it?” he asked as we walked through what seemed to be the central plaza.
“I wasn’t expecting anything,” I countered, though it was a lie. I had expected cold, emotionless machines. Not pregnant women and concerned leaders building a society. “Where are we going? Back to the medical bay?”
His jaw tightened. “Not exactly.”
As we walked, I mentally mapped our route. The colony appeared to radiate outward from the central plaza in a spiral pattern with various sectors dedicated to different functions. I spotted the agricultural domes we visited earlier, residential clusters, and a marketplace buzzing with activity.
“Your people seem very... organized,” I offered, hoping to extract more information.
“We value efficiency,” Aeon replied and then surprised me with a wry smile. “But we’ve learned that community requires more than just efficiency.”
We approached a small building adjacent to the medical bay—sleeker, more modern, with reinforced windows and a security terminal at the entrance.
“What’s this?” I asked, already sensing the answer.
“Your new quarters.” Aeon placed his hand on the security panel. “Now that you’re awake and alert, protocol requires more secure accommodations.”
The door slid open to reveal a spacious room that, despite its comfortable furnishings, was unmistakably my prison cell. My momentary goodwill evaporated instantly.
“So, you’re locking me up?” I whirled to face him. “After I helped Serena? After I met your leaders?”
His blue eyes darkened with what looked suspiciously like regret. “It’s colony policy, Olivia. One I agreed to when we decided to bring you here.”
“Oh, when you decided to kidnap me, you mean?” I stepped away from his reach. “I thought maybe—” I cut myself off, embarrassed by the direction of my thoughts.
“You thought what?” His voice deepened, a challenge in his tone.
“I thought maybe you actually saw me as a person, not just a resource to exploit.” I gestured around the room. “But this proves otherwise.”
Aeon stepped closer, his massive frame blocking the doorway. “I see you exactly as you are, Olivia. Intelligent, resourceful, and determined to escape at the first opportunity.” He leaned down, his face inches from mine. “Am I wrong?”
My heart hammered against my ribs. “No.”
“Then we understand each other.” Something flashed in his eyes—frustration, conflict, maybe even admiration. “I wish circumstances were different.”
“You had choices,” I hissed. “You made this one.”
“For my people,” he countered. “For those unborn children.”
“Don’t pretend this is noble,” I shot back. “You took my freedom.”
His jaw clenched. “I’m just following orders, same as I’ve always done.”
“Hiding behind orders is cowardice,” I said, each word precise and cutting.
For a moment, raw emotion flashed across his face—anger, hurt, and confusion, somehow all at once—before his expression hardened again. “Rest well, Doctor. We’ll continue your orientation tomorrow.”
