Chapter Eleven Zann
Davix opted to stay in our quarters rather than joining Krish and me in the medical bay, but not before expressing his displeasure with our decision repeatedly.
I have rarely seen him so agitated about anything, but he is adamant that we cannot trust the humans or Commander Corrina.
I am still reserving judgement, but Krish is far less concerned.
Speaking of Krish, I glance towards him.
He is lying on a metal bed – he is the only one of us who really fits on one.
I have settled into a sitting position on the floor and am leaning against a cabinet while I wait my turn to be examined.
Wenschel, the medical woman who helped Alek back on the ship, is gently poking and prodding Krish and asking many, many questions.
She is small like Corrina, but slimmer and less rounded, with yellow-gold hair and large brown eyes.
“How do you not know how old you are?” she is asking.
“Wait, genzu? What’s that? It doesn’t translate,” Wenschel says eagerly.
“Genzu. Past the age to reproduce. When we can no longer fertilize our females, we leave behind our cities and nest broods so that younger males can hatch their own young.”
“Hatch? Like an egg?
Krish nods. “Females birth the eggs, but males guard over the eggs until they grow and mature and are ready to hatch.” He smiles proudly. “My brood brothers and I hatched many kits before we became genzu.”
“This is so wild,” Wenschel says. “In some ways, you are so much like us in physiology, but in other ways you are so drastically different. It really is fascinating.”
“I agree,” Krish says. “I am enjoying learning all the many differences between my species and yours.”
Wenschel bares her teeth in a grin. “Wait until you encounter some of the other species outside the base.”
“There are other species outside the base?” I ask, suddenly interested in the conversation.
“Oh yeah,” Wenschel replies enthusiastically. “Commander is pushing for more recruitment among other species to the Consortium Force here, but historically this base has only had human soldiers.”
“Why is that?” I ask.
“Oh,” Wenschel says. She frowns and suddenly glances away. “Some humans are, um, less tolerant of individual differences. But not the Commander,” she adds hurriedly. “She’s honestly the reason I requested assignment to Azuris.”
“Azuris?” Krish asks.
“That’s the name of the station,” Wenschel replies. “Azuris Space Station. And we’re in the Inter-Planetary Consortium’s Kapoor Base.”
I shake my head. “So many names.”
Wenschel laughs. “I know. It’s a lot. But you guys are really smart. I’m sure you’ll catch on.” She pulls open a drawer and frowns. “Stay right there. I’ve got to go get something.” Krish nods, and Wenschel disappears through a doorway.
“These humans are pleasant,” Krish says idly. “I wonder if Davix will ever stop being angry long enough to notice.”
“He has a right to be angry,” I say. “We all do.” My mind wanders back to our captivity – to the pain and hunger and hopelessness.
We have been well fed and well-treated since our rescue, but all of us are still recovering from the abuse we endured.
I am about to remind Krish that Davix has also known suffering that neither of us have when I catch a now-familiar scent.
“Hello, Corrina,” I call over my shoulder.
“How did you know I was here?” she asks.
“We can scent you,” Krish answers. “Can you not also identify those you know by scent?”
Corrina moves to one of the metal tables and hops onto it, her feet dangling off the side. “I guess so. If someone has a strong enough scent or is close enough.”
“Your scent is very distinctive,” I say. “And we have been exposed to it for many days.”
“Right.” Corrina shakes her head. “Anyway, I’d like to have each of you make an official statement.”
“What kind of statement? And what does official mean?” Krish asks.
“I would like to record you talking about your experiences on Captain Lianov’s ship. We have a statement from Alek.”
“How is Alek? He is safe?”
Corrina frowns. “He is safe. He is in custody for now, but he’s been very cooperative and forthcoming. But what I’d like is to get each of you – or at least both of you – to speak about what happened. I’ll record it and use it to help prosecute Lianov’s accomplices.”
“Prosecute?”
“Punish,” Wenschel chimes as she emerges from the other room. “Or bring to justice, really. For the horrible things they’ve done or allowed to be done.”
“Exactly,” Corrina replies.
“Very well,” I say. “Davix will make his statement as well. I can translate for him. He will be glad for another chance at justice for those who were helping the Lianov creature. Though he will likely be disappointed to not carry out that justice personally.”
“Like I need that headache too,” Corrina mumbles as Wenschel gives her an unreadable look.
“Anyway, if you’re willing to make that statement,” Corrina says quickly.
“I can come back in about an hour to collect one of you. I’ll take one statement today and the other two I can hopefully squeeze in tomorrow.
” Corrina hops off the table and nods to Wenschel.
“I will come with you now,” I say, standing and stretching.
Corrina looks up at me. “That is not necessary. I have other things to do. I’ll just come back.”
“Can you do those things if I am with you?” I ask curiously.
“I, well, I suppose,” she replies. “If you can stay out of my way.”
“Then I will come with you. Then you will not have to take time to come back for me later. And Krish can explain to Davix when Wenschel is done.”
Corrina opens and closes her mouth a few times without making any sound and then lets out a sharp breath of air.
“Fine. You can come with me. But you’re going to be bored sitting outside my office,” she mutters.