Strange New Worlds 9 by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General, Fiction, Short Stories, Adventure, Science Fiction, Space Opera
ISBN: 1416520481
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: 2006-08-19T23:00:00+00:00

A pinprick of light flashed in her eye, slamming into her retina. She blinked quickly, trying to recoil against the intrusion, but her head was held steady.

"Eduow eil heisot shedult irodemtriec." The light slid off to the right and a figure pulled back and into her line of vision. "Weirld is owcsk qruistle eil pslor cifcord- "

She frowned, working to focus on the words, struggling to understand the strange accent. Squinting, she stared at the wide mouth, watching the lips move, forming around syllables that slowly took on meaning.

"- evorist blust relax and try to stay calm. Doctor Gretkora is on his way. He'll explain everything as soon as he gets here."

She blinked again, watching as her caretaker moved closer and reached to rest an elongated hand gently against her face. "Don't worry. We're taking good care of you."

The wide mouth spread, drawing across broad white teeth forming into something that she decided was a smile. She opened her mouth, but one of the slender fingers moved across her lips.

"No, not yet. Doctor Gretkora is almost here."

A loud scuttling noise drew her eyes toward the door as someone came rushing through, arms swinging awkwardly with legs moving stiltedly, giving the appearance of someone struggling to run while trying to keep himself from falling. Brown hair flew in all directions, framing a youthful humanoid face that topped a round, short body held up by mechanical legs that clicked loudly as they propelled him forward. Lights flickered and flashed in alternating colors of red and purple pulsating on a panel fastened across his chest.

He grabbed for the side of the bed, steadying himself as he leaned over her, round eyes intently studying her face. "Hello. I'm Doctor Gretkora."

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

"It's okay." He moved his hand to her neck. "We had to assist with your breathing so we installed an autobreather. You'll find talking difficult, but not impossible."

For the first time, she became aware of a rhythmic swooshing that matched each breath she took.

"Relax and try to speak as you exhale." He paused, then asked, "Do you remember your name?"

She concentrated on timing her breath so she could respond, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Seven of Nine."

"Very good." Obviously pleased, he spoke to the caretaker. "Please make note of that." Addressing Seven, he said, "It's nice to meet you, Ms. Nine."

She opened her mouth again and he fell quiet, waiting for her to speak. "I... prefer... Seven."

"Then we shall call you 'Seven.'" He glanced towards the machinery to her left, his eyes moving quickly back to her, a smile spreading widely across his face. "Your vital signs are getting stronger." She frowned and his smile immediately faded. "Ah, yes, well, I know you're wondering what happened to you."

He reached down and lifted a hand into view. She barely gave it any notice until she realized with a start that it was encased in metal.

It is my hand.

It is my hand, and I do not feel it.

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