The Archon Arc

Recovery and Preparations

Ryder pulled her arm through the sleeve and winced. It seemed that pulling and pushing motions were out of her repertoire for the moment. Button up shirts were the only thing she could manage by herself, unless she didn't mind walking around topless. No way! Her chest was no longer black and blue though so that's an improvement. Yay! It had been four days since the implantation, five since Jaal almost lost his life. No, none of that. He is fine and stop thinking about it! She spent two days recovering from the operation before being let loose to rest in her own quarters. Lexi made sure to extract a promise from her to come by for daily checks and scans. And the dressing is finally coming off and I get to see my heart's very own SAM.

Ryder sighed. There had been too much down time for her recently. It was just one thing after another - a series of shit hitting numerous fans. And heading back to the Remnant City is next on our to do list. After that, Meridian. Cora had reported to Ryder as soon as Lexi released her from the med bay. Orders were given and they were on their way to pick up the last probe. Once the probe was collected, it would be a quick jump to Remnant City. And maybe I will finally see the light at the end of the fucking tunnel. Let's not be TOO optimistic.

"Pathfinder, Jaal had been pacing outside your door for the past 3 minutes and 47 seconds."

Damn, putting on clothes is taking far longer than I like. She straightened her black Initiative shirt and palmed the door open. "Yes, Jaal?" she asked, her eyes couldn't help but to glance at his leg. "Should you even be up walking?"

Jaal laughed though it didn't reached his eyes. Ryder's heart sank a little. That's what interacting with human teaches the angaras, to hide their true feelings. It isn't right. "Jaal, what's wrong?" she asked. "You are no good at lying, please don't."

Jaal's laughter died on his lips. He couldn't bring himself to meet Ryder's hazel eyes. I failed you. "It's time for your check with Lexi." he deflected.

Ryder stood her ground, studying Jaal with intently. She didn't speak for a long moment. Jaal was sure she saw more than he wanted her to. The moment seemed to pass when she huffed a small sigh and walked towards the med bay.

Ryder sank down onto the bed. "How's your leg, Jaal?" Lexi asked as she waved her omni tool over Ryder's chest.

"It's fine. The wound had closed completely."

"No pain or soreness?"

"None," Jaal replied and found Ryder staring at him. Stars, this woman can read me like a scroll. "Maybe a little soreness."

Ryder dropped her eyes and returned her attention to Lexi. "Ryder, your implant is working perfectly. Now I need to check the wound site. Please take off your shirt."

Ryder shrugged the shirt off her shoulders after unbuttoning it. The fabric gathering around her back. Goosebumps flared across her back in the cool air. Lexi pulled the gauze that was taped to her chest. Ryder winced a little at the motion. Looking down at her own chest, she saw two silver circular discs, roughly 3cm in diameter, right over her heart. "Now if only they glow then I'll be Iron Man," Ryder quipped.

Lexi arched a questioning eyebrow. "Just an old comic character, don't mind me."

"Lift your arms straight in front of you," Lexi instructed. Ryder complied. "Any pain?"

Ryder shook her head. "How about to sides?"

She winced with the motion but accomplished it nonetheless. "I see your muscles is sensitive to the motion."

"Lexi, it is plenty sensitive," Ryder complained, putting her arms down.

"Here are some painkillers to take the edge off. It is mostly healed. Your body just need to adjust to the implant. You don't have to dress the wound any longer."