Gabatrix: Legacy

Chapter 13: Legacy

"Do you accept undergoing this operation?" Folar'sha asked.

Ioren was dressed in a surgical gown and sitting on the surgical bed of the medical bay. Her reptilian stature seemed like she was ready for anything. However, even the Aksren Itrean was showing a little bit of tension from the way that she was gripping her hands.

"Are you sure?" Chief Caeytano asked. "It will be an easier procedure. No need to feel anxious."

Ioren didn't have her tilon in hand. So much did she want to have the desire to speak. No words could ever leave her mouth. Yet, she tried so hard.

"H.....hi.........I.......," she tried to say physically. She had to say it with the breath of her lungs to mimic the sound. "....p.....paes......paeesss...."

There was a level of sympathy from Folar'sha's shark-like eyes. Both she and Caeytano were dressed for surgery. Next to the surgical bed was a container. Inside of it was an illuminated pair of vocal cords, ready to be given to the one that needed it the most. Ioren could feel the need and want. She knew that she was the freak.....the one born without vocal cords. So few cared.....so few wanted to help her....but the ones that wanted to be the people most dearest to her. So much hope was in her mind. If she could beg every good in the universe for it, then she would. It had to happen.

Folar'sha walked over. Her towering size quickly engulfed the little Aksren in a sympathetic hug. The very act of mercy by an alien race known as humans was a gift that could never be ignored. There was no way that Ioren could back out on this. The Shal'rein doctor released Ioren as she reached over and picked up her tilon. She began to type in on it.

"Thank you for caring," the tilon translated.

"Medical oath," Caeytano replied with his hand to his chest. "Always help everyone."

She repeated the message again and then typed in: "I'm ready to finally be able to talk."

"We will do everything that we can," Folar'sha said. "Remember....I can't make a promise that this will work, but we'll try."

The Aksren typed. "It's better than nothing. Thank you."

Caeytano pulled up a small hover table near both him and the Shal'rein. "Then....let's not hesitate any longer. I, for one, would prefer that this would work."

"Less work for you, my mate?" Folar'sha happily asked.

"Absolutely."

"In that case, let's get started. Ioren go ahead and lay down. We will put you to sleep for an hour, ok?"

Ioren nodded and complied. She adjusted her scaly body and table to lay down on her back. She took a couple of deep breaths. In a matter of hours, she would know if the procedure was a success. Even a small chance was feasible. Her thoughts went to her mate. Stone was strong and fortuitous, but this procedure was precious time away from the new recruits. Thankfully, the scenario today had granted enough time that Stone felt inclined to give the trainees a day to relax but only for this day. This would also give Ioren the necessary time to also undergo this operation. All she needed to do now, was wait......

*******

"I love you too, mom," Enlai said as he looked at his tablet. The face and image of seeing his mother was heartwarming. However, he seemed a little remorseful that his time was up. The countdown number on the tablet had expired just in time for the displayed image of his parents to end. The communication channel shut down and the device went dark.