Page 51 of The Space Traveller's Lover
“Yes, I know Athguer. Even after they’re all converted, the conscious mind is the last to adapt as the new brain cells slowly assemble themselves into new pathways,” Zula-Or poignantly adds in a reminiscent tone.
“A few more steps and the double transfer process will be complete,” Athguer asserts, fully absorbed in his analysis. “Shaillah did go successfully through the first stage, from human to Rom-Ghenshar. There shouldn’t be any problems for every cell in her body to convert to advanced Rom-Ghenshar supercells in this second and final stage.”
“Yes, yes, Athguer, we all admire and appreciate your abilities. No need to remind us,” Zula-Or grumbles as she walks towards Shaillah’s motionless body.
“Rest for now, my dear child. You’ll be returning to us soon, Shaillah!” Zula-Or exclaims in anticipation as she leans forwards and wishfully tries to discern any slight move coming from Shaillah’s inert body.
“She may be half-awake from time to time during these last stages. She may be able to hear us now, but that does not mean that she can move freely,” Athguer adds, standing on the other side of the bed and facing Zula-Or.
The wise lady lifts her head and proudly stares at Athguer, arching her eyebrows and spreading her red lips into a satisfied grin. “It must be a moment of glory for you, Athguer. When she wakes up, we’ll have irrefutable proof that thisnaenshi,this double transition process, is successful. Think about what we can do to other civilisations—other worlds.”
“I don’t need the proof, Zula. I know it works,” Athguer replies starkly, crossing his arms over his chest, his deep black pupils gloating in her admiring gaze.
“Very well. I am pleased you are so confident,” Zula-Or says while in deep thought. She turns her attention to the symbol-packed images where the black markers keep disappearing, one by one.
“By the way,” Athguer impassively announces, “I haven’t erased her human memories or feelings. Her brain can form new neural pathways that we cannot predict. What the final Shaillah will be, only time will tell.”
“That is typical you, Athguer, halfway experiments, halfway results,” Zula-Or protests, sneering at Athguer in glaring displeasure. “That will make her more confused, more unsure of herself. She must be relieved of her human spirit.”
“One step at a time, Zula, one step at a time.” Athguer tilts back his head, looking down on Zula-Or while stressing his words as he starts walking away. “Besides, Rothwen explicitly asked me. And I agreed.”
“What are Rothwen’s plans? He keeps playing with her mind for his own selfish game. He is playing with her life, her destiny.”
Athguer stops and turns around to gaze undauntedly at Zula-Or. “You know Rothwen. He is unpredictable. You know he never tells us what he’ll do. All we can do is guess.”
“I’ve never seen him like this. I’ll guess that he’ll do anything to keep Shaillah by his side, even if it means not finishing our plans.”
“Then, my dear Zula, we must start thinking about that possibility … seriously,” Athguer warns as he swiftly walks towards the exit.
Zula-Or grudgingly swallows her frustration as she glowers at the back of Athguer until his figure disappears through the arched doorway. But soon, she has to forget her misgivings, as the ruffle coming from Shaillah’s tightly wrapped body suddenly attracts her attention.
The tight mesh loosens up and falls away while Shaillah sits up, instinctively opening her eyes and mouth as if emerging from under a deep ocean dive. As she draws in a deep gulp of air, she rapidly blinks to clear her clouded eyes and inspects her surroundings.
She slides out of bed and cautiously stands on the cold polished floor. She is entirely focused on finding the exit from the blueish dimly illuminated room, never noticing that Zula-Or is standing behind her, fully attentive to her actions.
“At last, my dear child, you are returning to us, Shaillah.”
Shaillah rejoices at the vaguely familiar honeyed voice welcoming her, even though, as she turns around to face Zula-Or, she struggles to recognise her.
But Shaillah’s lost distant expression does not perturb the wise lady in the least. “It has been a long journey, my child. But finally, you’ve made it.”
As Zula-Or congratulates her, Shaillah’s memories come rushing through her mind as a sudden unstoppable avalanche. She holds her hands firmly on her temples as her hurting head feels as if spinning out of control.
Zula-Or patiently waits as Shaillah goes through her trance, whispering and reassuring her that the writhing turmoil will soon be over.
Shaillah slowly slides her hands down from her tightly closed eyelids, over her cheeks, and through her neck as she feels her turbulent thoughts gradually settling into a peaceful, soothing stillness.
“That’s right, my girl, all your memories are back.” Zula-Or cheers.
As Shaillah slowly opens her eyes, Zula-Or’s radiant smile calms her even further. She smiles back at Zula-Or, but soon her gaze wanders around the room, looking for Rothwen.
“Oh, I see. Your very first thought is for him.”
“Zula, thanks so much for coming to see me,” Shaillah mumbles with a nervous smile.
“And how could I not?” Zula-Or opens her arms wide and beckons Shaillah towards her.
“My dear child, you are back. The naenshi has finished successfully.” The wise lady holds Shaillah’s arms while looking at her proudly. “Some minor adjustments to your cells were necessary to transfer you to our race fully. It was, as I call it, an upgrade.”
