Sang the Stray (Completed)

64.Cat and Lab Rat

Shutting down the aether meant I had shut down the entire Pillar.  Gates and Spaces were all adjusting and so the Setari were all restricted to killing Ionoth in Tare Near-Space.  They were still very busy training and being deployed around Tare and to any problematic Gates.  The KOTIS Council were just as equally pleased that the Pillar had been neutralized as they were distressed about the consequences.  One of the most populated Spaces had been completely closed off.  This was good because the Ionoth could no longer escape and hurt people, but also bad because it had been part of a direct pathway to the Dohl Array, an underwater seaweed 'farm' which provides a good portion of Kessine's foodstuffs.  Kota assured me that the Lentses were doing well though.

Except for Kota, who had rarely left my side since the incident, the guys were gone a lot and I was once again quarantined to MedBay.  The green-suits were practically salivating over the news of my immunity to aether.  My purple-suit caretakers kept them all away.  Though they did their own share of medical tests, poking and prodding. 

Eventually, some petition must have been granted and a very stern Tsur Buble came in to MedBay accompanied by an eager but harrassed-looking green-suit that I recognized as one of Isten Hendricks' lackeys.  Kota was with me and he clearly wasn't pleased.

"You will adhere to the parameters set forth in our earlier discussion.  I'll remind you only once that Tsen Sorenson is under Council jurisdiction and is recognized as Setari staff.  You will treat her with proper care and respect due her rank," Tsur Buble firmly cautioned the green-suit.  I was intimidated by him, but glad he was here.  He turned to me and said, "Tsen Sorenson, I will be observing from the connected room. Tsen Lee, we will need your help in just a den, but for now come with me." He turned on his heel and marched out.

Kota followed, but shot the green-suit a dark look before exiting. The green-suit gulped and then turned to introduce himself to me.  "I'm Tsa Carlson...uh, Jimmy.  I am part of the Science Division.  We want to get some scans of you during exposure to the aether."

I sighed, "Okay. Did they tell you exactly how it affects me?"

He checked his notes and then said, "You reported a feeling similar to inebriation from fermented klavi."

"Yes," I said.

He smiled kindly and I started to reassess my initial opinion of him.  Just because he was in the same department as Isten Hendricks didn't mean Jimmy meant me harm. "Well, we will just expose you for a few den at first then increase to a few joden.  I need to place these sensor modules directly on your skin.  Are you ready?"

I nodded and he started applying the sensors in various spots, touching only as necessary.  I appreciated his professional demeanor as he completed the task. 

When the sensors were set he pointed to a tube overhead, "We will pipe the aether in here, then drain it away through that vent there.  Use the Interface and send an alarm if you feel any pain or illness."

Jimmy retreated before the aether vapors started whispering out of the tube above me.  Even the few den that they allowed it to run left me feeling with a sense of lightness.  When they extended exposure to a couple joden I was downright giddy. 

They must have decided I shouldn't be the only lab rat and sent in Kota for the next round after I sobered up a bit.  At first, Kota just stood near me and the usual painful effects of aether on Tarens was evident in his face.  However, as soon as I grabbed his hand, that changed immediately.  Kota looked down at our intertwined fingers in wonder.  Tension leaked away and he sort of slumped down into the bed next to me with a sigh. His gaze lifted to mine, pupils dilated and face flushed.

"Wow," he said with a broad smile.  "This is..." He made a sweeping gesture with his free hand.

I giggled and replied, "Yeah, I know Moonlight is great!"