“Nothing that will cause harm. A basic medical examination and asking some questions.” The doctor glanced at the smart watch on her wrist. “And I just received word from the general that he’s agreed to submit to both.”
That didn’t sound so bad, but for one thing. “Does that mean you’re going to free him from that prison cell?”
“Not quite yet.”
“If he’s being cooperative, why have him locked up?”
“In a perfect world, we’d immediately trust this being from another planet, but we have to put the safety of humans first. We only have his word he’s not here to start trouble. Keep in mind, thus far, our only knowledge of them does involve the abduction of women who’ve never been seen or heard from since.”
“He says they’re happily married and popping out babies on his planet.”
Dr. Ouellet arched a brow. “And you, of course, believe him.”
When stated in such a manner, it did rouse a niggling of doubt. “I’m a good judge of character.” Partly why she’d been successful in the matchmaking business. Colette had a way of seeing into the hearts of people, especially when she got to meet them in person.
“What if you’re wrong? What if he was buttering you up to help them create a trafficking service?”
“What if you’re being stupid?” Colette retorted rather than contemplate that she’d too easily trusted an alien.
“Stupid how?” the doctor asked.
“He’s obviously from a technologically advanced race. They can travel easily to our world, and I imagine their ships are armed with weapons we can’t even imagine. And have you forgotten, he’s not here alone? What happens when Jaspar realizes we’ve been abducted and you’ve incarcerated Cade with plans to experiment?”
“Not experiment, examine.”
“Do you think Cade or Jaspar will see it that way, seeing as how you haven’t really given a choice?”
“We asked, and he agreed.”
“What else could he say?”
Dr. Ouellet pinched her lips. “You seem to forget which species should have your loyalty. You’re so quick to jump to their defense without asking the important questions.”
“Such as?”
“Do they carry disease?”
“Seems doubtful. You said it yourself, they’ve been visiting for more than a decade and not caused a pandemic.”
“Not all viruses are airborne. Some need touch, intimate exchange of bodily fluids to be passed on.”
Colette blinked. “Are you saying Jaspar gave me a venereal disease?”
“I’m saying that while they don’t appear to transmit any illness by their mere presence, we have no idea about anything else. Which is where I come in. I’m going to get some samples of blood and spit, tissue, too, if he agrees. We’re going to run tests and look for differences between our species. We’re also going to subject lab animals to his fluids to see how they react.”
“We already do know.” Colette spread her arms. “I had sex with an alien, and I’m still here and feeling great. Or did your tests this morning show otherwise?”
“It’s too early for some of the results,” the doctor murmured. “Also, this wasn’t the one you had intercourse with. Could be he’s a carrier and his friend isn’t.”
A valid point. “How long are you going to keep him locked up?”
Dr. Ouellet shrugged. “That’s up to the general. I’m just here to study the most amazing thing I’ve ever encountered.”
“He’s a person, not a thing.”
“I’m sorry. That was ill spoken of me.” Dr. Ouellet glanced at the door to Cade’s prison then to Colette. “Would you feel better if I allowed you to be present while I examine him?”
“Yes.” Colette couldn’t have said why she defended Cade and Jaspar so hard or why she felt responsible for their safety. She barely knew them, and the doctor made valid arguments. However, the need to advocate for their well-being wouldn’t be stifled.
