Page 20 of Grulen

“Hop onto the med bed and let’s see if you need anything specific.”Lezon gestured to a table.

Morgan ignored the internal wince at the thought of an examination.Her breathing sped up.

“No one is going to hurt you or do anything you don’t want, Morgan.”Lezon’s sky blue eyes showed compassion.“We just want to make sure the Zuvgran didn’t do any permanent harm.”

Abby patted Morgan’s arm.

“Just lie down and let the med bed scan you.There is no invasive portion of the exam and it’s painless.”

“No restraints?”The hesitancy in her voice shamed Morgan.

Abby’s nose wrinkled in disgust.A low growl emanated from Lezon’s chest and his tail flicked.

“No, no restraints.If you move too quickly, it might interrupt the scanner and skew the readings, but that’s the worst that can happen.”Lezon’s tail slowed.

Morgan let Abby help her into position.A soft green light shimmered around her.Lezon tapped a control at the side of the bed and a hologram appeared above her, but she couldn’t read it from her position.Several minutes passed, then the light winked out.

“You can sit up now.”Abby raised the head of the med bed.

“It looks like you’re malnourished and dehydrated.Several contusions, but no breaks.With your permission, I’d like Abby to draw some blood and obtain some DNA so we can run some other tests to see what any potential long-term effects of the Zuvgran’s experimentation might mean for you,” Lezon said.

“Okay.”

“After Abby is finished taking the samples, she’ll take you to the cafeteria to eat.I’m going to prescribe a daily nutritional supplement and a salve to help your body heal.We’ll scan you weekly in case we need to adjust the supplement until everything is balanced as it should be.Hopefully, the samples won’t indicate any other necessary treatment for you.”Lezon’s fangs peeked out as he smiled at her.

“Is there anyone we should contact to let them know you are here?”Abby tilted her head and gently rubbed the top of Morgan’s hand.

“I need time to process before anything else.Is that okay?”

“Whatever you want, Morgan.I believe Captain Makai will offer you options to stay with us or take you to a settlement or colony if you would prefer that.Right now, I see no reason for you to rush to a decision.”

“What are the Wing Raiders?Abby said something about that when we met.”

“We’re mercenaries.”

Morgan’s lips pulled tightly together.Abby interrupted.

“They’re the good kind.They rescue beings, provide security, although admittedly sometimes they also spy.”

“Nothing illegal or immoral?”

“Immoral, no.Sometimes we skirt the boundaries of legal.”Lezon chuckled.

“Okay.”

“Let’s get you something to eat, then we’ll set you up in your own quarters.If they’re done on the bridge, maybe you can meet everyone else before you rest.”Abby lowered the med bed and Morgan hopped off.

“Food sounds wonderful.”Anything has to be better than the slop the Zuvgran gave us.

Chapter 6

Thenextevening,Grulenapproached the females in the dining area.

“Ladies.I understand Commander Durek rescued Lady Talia earlier.”He looked at their group.“How is she feeling?Is she resting in her quarters?”

“Jevax,” Lady Rachel said.“Sit with us.”

“Talia isn’t onboard,” said Lady Lin with a trembling lip.“She’s recuperating on a shuttle with the Commander.”

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