Phobos Station by D.M. Pruden

Author:D.M. Pruden [Pruden, D.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Fuzzy Slipper Publishing

Until Owen questioned me, I had full trust in Maggie to tend to my injured back. Now, all I can think of as I lie face down on the surgical table is that the fucking machine is going to mess up and turn me into a paraplegic.

“Uh, Mags?” I say, muffled by the pillow.

“Yes, Doctor?”

“I don’t want to...you know, hurt your feelings, but be careful, please.”

“You needn’t be anxious. Scans show two cracked vertebrae, L4 and L5. A minor procedure to address the injury is required. They will be repaired shortly. Please remain still.”

I grit my teeth and try to suppress my imagination as Maggie’s robotic arms perform the surgery. The operation is not trivial and is one I’d be sweating bullets over. Maybe I was too ambitious programming her for this.

“Your injuries are now repaired, Doctor. Please be cautious about your movements for the next twelve hours. To assist with your comfort and aid healing, I turned off Requiem’s gravity in here and your quarters.”

Reaching around my back, I touch my lumbar area but can detect no sign she was digging around in there. Tentatively, I wiggle my toes and move my legs, with no pain.

Delighted, I carefully roll off the table and stand still for a moment, waiting for shooting agony to tell me letting the AI repair me was a dumb idea. To my surprise, there is none, and I risk a few steps. I only experience a faint, dull ache with each step I take, certainly nothing debilitating. A simple analgesic should be all that is necessary.

“Thanks, Mags, it feels like new.”

“You are most welcome, Doctor. I appreciate you putting your trust in my abilities.”

Did she say, “appreciate?” Does an AI possess real feelings? I never gave the possibility much thought.

After dressing without any incident, I’m emboldened.

“Maggie, tie into the station’s hospital and find any update on Chloe’s condition.”

“Her injuries are severe; internal contusions, a fractured spinal column and brain trauma. She was scheduled for emergency surgery. The last available report from two hours ago states she is in recovery, but I can find no current updates in the hospital network.”

“Keep searching. How about Chambers?”

“He was being treated for multiple contusions and a broken left ulna. He informed me that he will remain at Miss Cabot’s side. Shall I update him regarding your status?”

“Yes, please.”

Why didn’t I do more to prevent them from walking into that trap? Fuck! I should’ve simply told them about the dead Martians. They might have decided it was too dangerous.

Chambers’ condition doesn’t sound too bad, but Chloe... All because I insist on being the loner all the time.

At least she is receiving the best care available. I just hope the local hospital is equipped to handle her injuries. Now, I can’t do anything to help her. I feel so fucking helpless and stupid for causing all this.

“Is there anything else I should know?”

“The tracker signal you asked me to monitor moved.”

“What? When?”

“Four hours ago.”

“Why the hell didn’t you tell me?”

“I deemed your injury a higher priority to address.

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