GATE: First Encounter

Chapter 13

I wiped the tears from my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to pull myself together.
I nodded and said, "Alright."
My voice was still a little shaky, but just being able to speak made me feel a bit better.

As soon as I responded, Lynx's tail began to sway.
Combined with her energetic demeanor, it was easy to tell she was happy.
With a cheerful voice, she said, "Great!"
Then, she began introducing herself:

"Then I'll go first. My name is Lynx. I'm from the Velocironix Semdralak species. I'm twenty-two years old. I've been training as a warrior since I was fifteen. Right now, we're on planet Aetherion, in the Zefirus Star System. This outpost is called Stormfang Outpost. I'm stationed here and continuing my training. My rank is Kael'rax—which means apprentice warrior."

At the end of her sentence, she pointed to a claw-shaped insignia on the left side of her chest.
She didn't explain its meaning, but I noticed a hint of pride in her eyes when she showed it.

When she finished speaking, she looked at me expectantly.
It was my turn now.
While she talked, I had managed to calm myself and steady my thoughts a bit more.

I took a deep breath and started introducing myself:

"My name is Okan. I'm human. I'm seventeen. I've been a student for eleven years, and for the last three years, I've been studying health care. My planet is called Earth..."

My voice faltered.
I wanted to continue, but I didn't know what to say next.
There was a short silence—my words had suddenly cut off, and it made me uneasy.

Lynx seemed to notice and offered a kind smile before gently asking:
"That's a good start. You said you're a health student. So... is that like training to become a doctor?"

I scratched the back of my neck and replied a bit hesitantly:
"Sort of... You need more advanced education to actually become a doctor. What I'm studying now is more like becoming an assistant to one."

Lynx listened carefully and nodded in understanding.
"Sounds interesting," she said with a touch of curiosity in her voice.
"I think the equivalent in our system would be a 'healer's bearer.' They assist doctors and learn from them. Later, they serve on the front lines of battle to gain experience. Through that, they improve their skills and eventually become full medical officers."

Her explanation surprised me and got me thinking.
"Healer's bearer..." I repeated, turning the phrase over in my mind.
"So in your system, even war zones are part of the training?" I asked, curious.

Lynx nodded slightly.
"Yes. In order to increase the chances of survival for the wounded, you need to be able to act quickly and effectively in the field. For us, practical experience matters more than theory. That's why the best medical officers are forged in the heart of battle."

Hearing that made me realize just how different our ways of life were.
On Earth, our education was focused on knowledge, in peaceful environments.
But for them, it was about survival.
Still... against what?
She had mentioned war.
But who were they fighting?

I looked at her and asked,
"Who are you fighting against?"
There was both curiosity and a hint of unease in my voice.

Lynx paused for a moment, her eyes drifting off as if lost in thought.
She seemed like she'd expected the question but still wasn't sure how to answer.
Her tail twitched slightly, and a more serious expression settled on her face.