𓆩 𝕆ℕ 𝕋ℍ𝔼 ℝ𝕌ℕ 𓆪

𝟡. 𝕋𝕣𝕦𝕤𝕥

Astrid attentively scrolled through her datapad, momentarily losing awareness of her surroundings. When Tech's voice called her name she startled in response but quickly regained her composure.

"Hmm? What was that?" She asked.

"I said the surgical pod is now prepared for my operation."

She breathed in deeply. "Right. Let's get started then, shall we?"

Tech took note of the reluctance in her tone and offered helpfully, "Would you like me to review the surgical methods of the operation for you before we begin?"

The duo locked eyes. "Yes. Yes, that sounds like a good idea."

Tech explained the procedure to Astrid with patience. Seeing as Astrid was a skilled medic, he knew she was fully capable of successfully completing the task without his assistance. However, if it put her at ease in the slightest bit, he would explain it to her a dozen times.

"Are you sure you trust me to do this?" She blurted, unable to stop herself from asking.

Tech appeared surprised at her honest outburst of anxiety. "Of course," he answered straight away, "There isn't a shadow of a doubt in my thoughts - and since I was born with an exceptional mind, you may find comfort in my saying so."

Astrid couldn't help but smile at his endearing boast. "Thanks, Tech." 

Finally, Astrid had gained an ample amount of confidence from Tech's medical review and she was prepared to perform the surgery independently.

Tech settled his armored body onto the medical pod and relaxed his limbs.

"I'm ready when you are." He informed Astrid.

The medic nodded in reply. " Okay, let's do this."

As she watched the cot move into the surgical pod, she whispered encouragement to herself.

"I can do this. I can do this. I can do this." She inhaled the stale med-bay air until she wondered if her lungs might implode. Astrid moved to the control panel and watched the current surgical display closely, waiting for her queue to begin.

The minutes following the procedure whizzed by with surprisingly less anxiety than Astrid had originally expected. It felt as if she were watching someone else's body function, for she worked with utter diligence and expertise.

At last, the surgery was complete.

Since the others had gone topside a bit ago, Astrid was left with the company of her thoughts. The medic had faith in her medical ability, however, she couldn't be certain if it was a success until her patient woke up. Minutes stretched into an hour and Astrid grew more worried with each passing second. In hopes of calming her spiraling thoughts, she rhythmically tapped her slender fingers against Tech's cot. She focused on her breathing to steady her jumpy heart.

A gloved hand grasped her elbow startling the medic. Astrid whipped her head around to find the source of the hesitant touch.

She beheld Tech's wonderful brown eyes.

"See? You didn't kill me." He praised her.

Astrid laughed breathlessly from relief. In an act of pure spontaneity, she threw her arms around his shoulders. Upon realizing the awkwardness of her action, she hastily removed herself from the puzzled clone.

With heated cheeks and downcast eyes, Astrid strung together a stuttered apology. "S-Sorry! Sorry. I was - uh - excited is all." She cleared her throat and then repeated for good measure, "Sorry."

Tech, whose own face was a pinkish shade, also cleared his throat. "It is alright."

"I . . . Am glad you're okay, Tech." Astrid risked a glance at those beautiful brown eyes only to find them already locked on her own hazel orbs.