Reaching over, I open an intership link to the medical unit. The response is immediate. “Healer Jarnok speaking. Do you wish a status report on your mate?”
“Yes, please.”
“Captain Tarion sustained severe damage to his central nervous system and his wing base. His chance of making a full recovery is approximately thirty-seven percent. If he recovers consciousness, that will be a good sign, but I cannot promise his wings will ever be functional.”
“Thank you, Healer Jarnok. I appreciate the honesty, if not the news.”
“You are welcome, mate of Tarion.”
Not being able to fly is not going to go over very well with Tarion. Flying means freedom to him. Somehow the big, blustering dragon raider has snaked himself into my heart. As the battle rages on, I remember how put off I was by his arrogant ways when we first met. Now, I find his cocky manner adorable and endearing. It’s a big part of what I like about him. If that confidence takes a nosedive because his wings won’t work anymore, it’ll break my heart.
As I ponder Tarion’s condition, the insectoids make short work of the Pax vessels. They don’t go after the life pods. That’s a small consolation, I suppose. It tells me that they are rational creatures and not just heartless monsters. Their weapons are so superior to anything else in this sector that they have a bad reputation for shooting first and making nice later.
I activate the computer system and latch onto the Lehar’s signal. “I am just finishing the job now. Is there something else you need?”
“I just remembered that every time the insectoids interact with another species, they leave behind small bundles of random supplies. I think it must be their way of showing respect.”
“Let me guess, you wish me to gather some supplies to gift them with.”
“It doesn’t have to be anything costly.”
“May I ask, to what end?”
“I believe cultivating good relations with the insectoids would be in our best long-term interest. No one else in this sector knows what to do with them.”
“I agree. They’ve proven their worth as allies today. Do you have any idea what they value?”
“Their technology is superior to ours, but I’ve always wondered if they had access to knowledge of our sector and the member worlds of the Intergalactic Council. Would it be possible to download the non-restricted information from our database, star maps of the known universe and trade routes? I’d toss in a set of those tiny slides with tissue samples and our medical database. That would enable them to create DNA tissue samples. Being in a position to render appropriate medical care would make them a genuine asset in the event that they stumble upon a disaster.”
“That’s all too easy. We’ve got gobs of those kits. Anything else?”
“Maybe some high quality blankets. Those always seemed to be in short supply. Throw in some dry foodstuffs and seeds if you have any on hand. If you really want to be impressive, they like pins.”
“What?”
“I know this sounds odd, but they all wear sashes draped over one shoulder. I don’t know whether it’s ornamental or serves a purpose, but the fabric was always really luxurious. They clip the sashes to a shoulder harness with a fancy pin. They were made of different kinds of metal and were encrusted with fine gemstones.”
“I’m going to skip over how absurd that sounds, but I’ll have the gifts packed and on hover boards shortly. Are we inviting them here or are we going to their ship?”
“Neither. The insectoids are a reclusive species. They usually offload into space with a drone delivery.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep, they don’t seem to like direct contact with other species. They are solitary creatures.”
“That definitely works for me. How’s Tarion? I haven’t had a chance to check.”
“He’s not doing well. I want to conclude our transaction with the insectoids so I can spend a little time at his side.”
“I’m almost finished.”
“Great. It didn’t take the insectoids long to decimate the Pax. It looks like they are picking through the wreckage right now.”
“They’re what?”
“The insectoids are carrions, meaning they scavenge for metal and useful objects from the battlefield.”
“That make sense, considering everyone around these parts is reluctant to trade with them. I’m going to drop these packages off in the loading bay and then I’ll come back to the bridge to relieve you.”
It’s weird that I’m holding down the fort with a skeleton crew on the bridge. This time last month I was locked in the hold rationing food bars and now I’m here, making command decisions. Those were more like recommendations than decisions, but still, it’s a quantum leap forward from what I’m used to. Tarion has to be okay. Even if the crew accepts me, I don’t want to be on this ship where everything reminds me of him if he’s not here. It would be heart wrenching. Worry twists my gut and I know that won’t stop until I’m with Tarion and he’s out of danger.
Good as his word, Lehar returns a short time later, and we deliver the payment and tokens of respect to the insectoids without incident. They send a bundle back to us and while the crew is processing it, I run for the healing unit.
It’s difficult to see him laid out on a healing platform with sensors blinking around his head. I approach quietly, not wanting to disturb him or the healers working on other injured warriors.
“It’s about time you came to me.”
Moving at lightning speed, I sit on the edge of his floating platform. It bobs slightly as I settle in. “I’ve been really worried about you.”
“I was worried as well.”
“We need to get you to a fully functioning medical facility with specialized healers.”
“I can see you’ve been talking to Jarnok. I’m fine. I just need to rest for a minute.”
“Don’t
