Page 39 of Volunteer 4711

“You do not want your attacker to be brought to justice because you struck the Water woman who wronged you, to begin with?”

“I do not want to risk this agreement over this. I was stupid,” she says. “You warned me.”

“I did warn you,” I say. “But that does not mean you do not deserve justice. Also, the other commander will seek it anyway, so there’s no point hiding anything. You go to sickbay and make a record of everything that happened. You will be punished for striking her, but she will also be punished for deliberately tricking you into danger.”

“And the male attacker,” she asks.

“Possibly put to death, it depends on various things I do not want to discuss now. Go to sickbay,” I command her.

“But your clothing,” she counters.

“Go.”

I watch her walk out and have to stop myself from going with her. I want every bruise detailed, as whoever that male is who attacked her will feel the full extent of my fleet’s law.

CHAPTER21

VOLUNTEER 4711

I walk into sickbay.It’s dark except for some lights. I walk to the back, and the junior doctor is there. He’s surprised to see me.

“Let me wake the doctor.”

“It’s not necessary,” I say.

“He will want to see you himself. Please wait a minute.”

I agree and wait in the semi-dark space. I’m so tired I want to go to sleep.

“Volunteer 4711,” the doctor says, buttoning his uniform as he comes out. “Oh,” he says when he sees my face. “Let’s come over here. I think you remember the medical bed. Please,” he gestures for me to lie down, and he turns it on with a wave of his hand.

He doesn’t ask me any questions as a purple light scans me. He makes some noises to himself, and I assume he’s just thinking.

“You have only got some bruising and small cuts. I’m healing all of it now. Just relax. Thankfully, you are a strong female.”

When the purple light disappears, the doctor comes over to my side and touches the top of my hand, “Was it the other Water woman?”

“Yes,” I say, not wanting to get into details just yet.

“Do you need some medication to take the edge off these emotions?”

“No, thank you. It won’t happen again. Tonight was my fault.”

“I doubt that. Most of the time, like sex, fights take two unless you have mental problems, and I know nothing is wrong with you. Although, the other Water woman, I am not so sure about.”

I shrug my shoulders. “I just want to sleep now.”

“Unfortunately, I must take a statement first. Please, if you would follow me into my office.” I follow the doctor, and he sets everything up in a second and then has me sit on a chair.

“What do I do now?” I ask.

“Please give all the information of what happened tonight, including your attack on the other Water woman. This will be your official account so try not to leave out any details,” the doctor says.

I begin with the Water woman telling me she had purchased my grandmother’s necklace and how much it meant to me. By the end, I feel like a fool for allowing myself to be tricked, but what’s done is done.

“Volunteer 4711, I would advise you to stay away from the other Water woman.”

“I’ll take that advice. Thank you.”

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