Page 47 of Breaking Ties

“Nope. They just wanted me out of the way while they talked. Come on. I will just swing by Vress and let him know where we are going.”

“I don’t want extra attention.”

“Tough. You need it. Aten’s repair units are a few days away. I don’t need you getting weaker before then.” Aubrey got to her feet. “Come on.”

Whisper got up, and they walked together to where the Hmrain were chatting. Aubrey walked up to Vress and said, “We have to take Whisper to medical to get her food classification changed. She’s losing weight on the processed rations.”

Vress blinked and looked at Whisper. “Really?”

Aubrey held up a finger and whispered to Whisper. “Sorry.”

She gathered the loose tunic on the arm and the torso. Whisper’s thin frame was outlined. She said softly, “I have been losing weight since I was processed. I just haven’t found anyone willing to listen.”

Vress’s eyes were alarmed. “Aubrey, you aren’t...”

“No. I am fine. You have checked me regularly. Her body is reacting to her situation, which has nothing to do with mine. I had food nearly up until my last day. She didn’t. If her body doesn’t recognize it as food, it doesn’t absorb it.”

Nerigot was staring at Whisper. “I will take her. It is not an unfamiliar situation to some of those who come to the academy.”

Vress paused and nodded. “We can finish our conversation later.”

Nerigot smiled slightly. “Of course.”

Whisper looked at Aubrey with wide eyes.

Aubrey said, “I can take her.”

Nerigot shook his head. “The medic on Vress’s ship is a Hellaz. They can be intimidating for females if not accompanied. Also, you have not been to medical on the vessel?”

Aubrey grimaced. “I can read the signs.”

Nerigot said, “Your friend will get assistance faster if I simply take her now.”

He didn’t say anything else, just walked to her and lifted her, letting out a soft hiss. “How are you moving?”

“Practice.”

His wings flared wide, and he launched upward. Whisper’s eyes closed, and she went limp.

Aubrey clutched Vress. “What happened?”

“He did a rapid launch, and she has limited vascular activity. She fainted because her body depends on the circulation being calm and controlled. A launch if you aren’t expecting it is neither calm nor controlled. If I lift you for a sudden takeoff, lock your head to my shoulder and stiffen your neck.”

“Oh, okay. Can we check on her?” Aubrey felt incredibly guilty.

“No. Medical will let me know if anything occurs that requires my authorization.”

Vress touched her cheek and offered his arm. “There is one thing that I am sure of in regards to your friend.”

“What is that?”

“I don’t have a Hellaz medical officer, but Nerigot does.”

Aubrey took three long strides, and Vress lifted her. “He has mirror mind. When you touched his thoughts, he saw what you were thinking. He is willing to wait for Whisper until she is healed and until she qualifies for the academy.”

She grimaced. “He’s bringing her back for dinner?”

“He is. His population is varied. There are a few that can become acolytes in each population. If they wish to study, they are welcomed.”