Page 16 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol. 1
“I can confirm,” Fanyoru replies. “If your little creature is capable, he should understand you instantly.”
“What about me understanding him?” I ask.
“He speaks? I thought he just growled.”
“Not exactly. He projects images and a few words into my mind. Maybe some kind of synthesis.”
“Ah. Sorry, that’s beyond the implant’s capabilities,” Fanyoru says, glancing at the data already collected on Wingo’s species. “There’s no mention of telepathic ability in the records.”
“Well, it’s not a dealbreaker. If we can at least communicate one way, that’s already a big step,” I say, trying to sound more resigned than disappointed.
Fanyoru scrolls through the data. “According to what we have, this young male isn’t actually that small. I’d say he’s already several years old. But it’s hard to be sure.”
“That doesn’t surprise me,” I reply. “He’s shown a lot of intelligence and maturity, especially considering the trauma he’s been through. Whatever his age, he’salone now. And I’m going to take care of him until I find someone like him. I’m not leaving him behind.”
Just then, Wingo stirs. His eyes blink open slowly.
“Ah,” Fanyoru says with a small smile. “Looks like your little friend is waking up.”
Wingo opens his eyes wide and carefully sits up on the examination bench. He looks over at me with a playful glint, as if to say,“I’m here, and I’m ready for what’s next.”
“Wingo, how are you feeling, my friend?” I ask in Asgarne.
“Pherebos, you’re here!”he exclaims in my mind, his tone full of relief.
“Were you afraid I’d leave you here while you were napping?”
“Wingo’s not afraid of anything! But I’m glad you didn’t leave.”
“Looks like it didn’t work,” Fanyoru mutters.
“Not at all,” I reply with a big smile. “It’s working perfectly. Right, Wingo? Tell the doctor you understand us now,” I say in English.
“The doctor’s not my friend. Pherebos is my friend.”he grumbles.
Well, there it is. Maybe I spoke too soon about his maturity. Looks like I’ve got a shy, temperamental teenager on my hands.
I turn to Fanyoru, who’s now staring at me like I just pulled off a magic trick.
“I can confirm the implant is working just fine. Wingo’s communicating with me telepathically, and it’sclearer than ever. He just seems a little intimidated and doesn’t want to talk to you.”
“Fine,” Fanyoru sighs. “I’ll note in his file that he has the implant and that he’s a telepath.”
“I’d rather you didn’t.”
Fanyoru pauses, his expression tightening.
“May I ask why?”
I run a hand through my hair and let out a slow breath.
“I’m on a sort of covert infiltration mission for the Confederation. I think Wingo could be a real asset—if we keep his abilities off the record.”
It’s a risk, telling him this much. But if there really is corruption at the higher levels of the Confederation, then keeping Wingo’s talents under wraps might be the only way to protect him—and the mission.
I’ve known the doctor for a while, and I trust him. He’s sharp, straightforward, and I can tell he’s reading between the lines.
“I get it,” he finally says, rubbing his chin. “I’ll note in the report that the implant I just installed was meant to replace yours, which was malfunctioning. I won’t mention Wingo’s abilities. Can you tell us a little more about yourself and your family?”
