Ryan's Resolution by Craig Robertson

Author:Craig Robertson [Robertson, Craig]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-08-28T16:00:00+00:00

FOURTEEN

After we returned to the vortex and departed from the mining colony on Berarra Six—never to return there for any reason whatsoever—we were able to relax. The android Toño immediately began evaluating Dontiqui. He opined that she was in "fairly fragile shape," whatever that meant, so he started intravenous treatments and hooked her up to a bunch of medical monitoring devices.

"So, Doc," I asked as I uselessly peered over his shoulder while he tended to his patient, "are you an expert on Kaljaxians too, not just humans?"

He spied me dubiously over his shoulder for a second. "Yes, I am. I have constructed both male and female Kaljaxian-appropriate android hosts. I know everything there is to know about the species' anatomy and physiology."

"And you made these viable androids for what purpose? Ah, I'm asking for a friend, so no big deal if the answer's too personal to mention in front of—" I silently shoved my head and gaze down toward his patient, who, though fragile, was paying extremely close attention to what his response was to be. We were chatting in Hirn, so she was fully aware of what we were saying.

"To allow for the transfer of a living Kaljaxian into a suitable android host," he huffed. "Why else would I fabricate such units?"

"Why else indeed," I replied. Of course, I did discreetly wag my eyebrows at him in such a manner that Dontiqui couldn't possibly not notice.

"I'm feeling much be ... bett ... better now," Dontiqui said weakly, then launched into a coughing jag.

"No you are not, my dear. What you are is dehydrated, malnourished, frightened, and confused. Contributing to those ill-effects is an ignoramus standing behind me. For him, I do apologize."

"Thank you," she questioned more than stated.

"It's quite alright," he reassured, missing entirely her nuance. "Why, within a day or two, you'll be feeling almost normal."

Her head rested back from where it had been raised from by modest tension. "At least physically," she mused bitterly.

Toño sniffed loudly. "Yes. As to the psychological ramifications of your grueling experience, I can only say that, with time and therapy, those too shall pass. Please know that."

"Thank you, doctor," she responded distantly. "But as of this moment, I cannot imagine any such relief. My body is broken, my clan is dissolved, and my brood-mate is dead. Plus, where would I go where I would be safe? Even with Mangasour dead, my mortal enemies are quite numerous."

He patted the back of her hand. "Let us worry about tomorrow tomorrow. For now, you are safe and with people who care for you. Let's let the future sort itself out."

She smiled at him. "You are so kind. Thank you again."

"My pleasure. Now try and get some sleep. Sapale will be over directly to sit with you."

As he walked over to fill Sapale in on Dontiqui's condition, I trailed along. "Let the future sort itself out? Is that something they teach in medical school, you know, under the category of bedside manner?"

He turned to me with an irritated expression.

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