Heathen

|21|

     I nod slowly, smiling when her face flashes red. I adore when her odd human ways show. I remember the first time I saw that red fill her little face. It fascinated me.

     Elodie grips me with as much strength as she has left in her trembling body when a knock reverberates through the room.

     Salsh jumps up, a fierce growl on his lips.

     "Come in." I say, and Fray's face appears, he glances at Slash who is still growling fiercely.

     He's on edge, we all are.

      "I have the translation chip." He holds up a sleek case to show me, Elodie nestles closer to me, averting her eyes as spasms wrack her delicate spine. "Should I bring it in?"

       I shake my head once.

      "She is too afraid. Put it on the ground and leave."

       Fray nods in understanding, slowly lowering the case to the ground, watching Salsh all the while. Finally the General leaves quietly, and it's as if he was never here.

      I make a click with my mouth, and the rasler jumps to attention.

     "Retrieve."  I command, glancing at the case to lock his target. He immediately grabs it in his mouth, carrying it eagerly to my side and placing it on the nest.

      I suddenly wish I had a treat to reward him.

      Shifting my precious arm full of soft female, I lift the case in my fingers, my hand flexing and jaw clenching as I realize what I must do. What has to be done in order to ensure our communication is not going to be easy.

      A small hand reaches into my line of sight, grabbing my wrist gently to gain my attention.

      "I know it'll hurt. I don't care. Nothing is worse than not being able to understand you." The dried tear trails on her face make my chest clench, how can I let more pain come to her when she's been through enough today?

       Elodie sighs, grabbing for the case with a speed that I wasn't expecting. She tries to pry it from my hands, but my grip is much stronger than hers.

        She is a threat level 1. That's a fact that I still can't quite grasp.

        "Okay, fine." I relent, disgruntled that she wants me to hurt her. I suppose it's a necessary hurt, and it'll happen at some point anyway.

      I click the case open, grabbing the little device and turning to Elodie with a glare. She shys away from me, and the slight hesitation on her face hurts. I close my eyes, gathering myself with a deep breath. I try to give her a convincing smile to win back her favor.

       It works, and she relaxes against me while I bring the translator to her ear. I cup her head in my other hand, keeping her as still as possible and comforting her with a brush of my thumb across her cheekbone.

      The translation chip attacks, burrowing into her ear without warning. Suddenly, she stiffens, but doesn't make a sound as pain flashes across her face. The amount of pride I feel in her for being brave is astonishing. I squeeze her tight as the agony passes.

     Her brilliant green eyes blink open. Anticipation glimmers in her gaze.

     "Say something." She commands breathlessly.

      "I love you."

     Elodie's eyes fill with tears, and she grabs my neck.

     "Really?" She wonders, and I nod, amused and annoyed at her for questioning me.