Page 34 of Salvation for the Alien Mercenary
"Continued monitoring," Jex replied. "Would like to observe physiological responses under controlled stress conditions."
"Because almost getting shot this morning wasn't stressful enough?" A bitter smile twisted his mouth.
"Controlled conditions allow for precise data collection."
While they talked, Mira drifted back to the diagnostic display, eyes scanning the highlighted genetic sequences. The pattern repeated across multiple sections… three base pairs, followed by a gap, then five more. The configuration nagged at her.
“Jex… can you see this?" she asked, pointing to the recurring sequence. "This pattern shouldn't be replicated across these different sections."
The Scorperio suit stood motionless. "Excellent observation. That is not a normal distribution pattern."
"I feel like a fucking lab rat,” Davis grumbled as he lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling as Jex attached monitoring sensors to his chest and temples. The scanner hummed, projecting his vital signs in glowing blue figures.
"Commencing controlled stress test," Jex announced. “We’ll increase the electrical stimulation gradually. Inform me when you start to feel uncomfortable."
Davis nodded, jaw set. The first wave of stimulation registered as a spike across the monitors. His vitals remained steady, only his eyes betraying his discomfort as they fixed on a point on the ceiling.
She watched his expression, noting each tiny change. His breathing remained measured, deliberate. His heartbeat accelerated but stayed within normal parameters. Only his hand, resting at his side, showed any reaction… a slight tremor that she wouldn’t have noticed if she wasn’t watching him so closely.
She moved without thinking and slid her hand over his. Davis glanced at her, surprise flickering across his expression. He didn't pull away, though. Instead, his fingers curled around hers, rough calluses against her smoother skin.
The monitor readings shifted immediately. His heart rate smoothed, respiratory rate stabilized, all his levels dropped back to normal. Jex's helmet swiveled toward their joined hands, then back to the monitors.
"Interesting," he said. "Your presence appears to have a stabilizing effect."
Heat crept up her neck, but she kept her hand where it was, anchored in his grip. His skin felt fever-warm against hers, his pulse thrumming where their wrists touched.
The scan completed with a series of soft beeps. She stepped back as Jex processed the results.
"Results remain inconclusive," Jex finally stated. "Genetic anomalies are present, but their purpose and full effect are unknown. Without understanding these genetic modifications, we cannot accurately predict progression."
Davis sat up, pulling sensors from his skin with quick, efficient movements. "So you're telling me I'm a walking question mark."
"An accurate, if simplified, assessment."
Her datapad chimed again. Another message from Jex.
Physiological indicators have intensified by 27% since physical contact. Subject is exerting considerable effort to maintain composure.
She hid her smile as she read, then glanced up to find Davis watching her, his eyes lingering on her face with an intensity that sent a slow warmth pooling in her stomach.
"What?" he asked, catching her expression.
"Nothing." She tucked the datapad away. "Just some interesting data."
For the first time that day, something genuine flickered across Davis's face… a half-smile that reached his eyes and made him look younger, less burdened. A warm, fuzzy feeling spread out from the center of her chest.
"We'll figure it out," she said, surprising herself with her certainty.
Davis nodded, reaching for his shirt. "Yeah," he said, pulling it over his head. "We will."
The simple response shouldn't have felt like a promise. But somehow, it did.
* * *
Sleep wasn't happening.
Mira kicked off the blanket with a frustrated grunt. Three fucking hours of staring at the ceiling, and all she could see when she closed her eyes was Davis… the way he'd moved during the firefight, that weird glow in his eyes, how something animal had crept into his movements.
