Chapter 9

Taryn followed Jorim through the sleek corridors of the alien ship, her mind buzzing with a mix of excitement and anxiety. She had left behind her old life on Earth, and now she was embarking on a new journey aboard this advanced vessel.

As they walked, Taryn marveled at the ship’s futuristic design. Smooth surfaces and soft lighting gave everything an otherworldly feel. Jorim led her to her lavish quarters.

“They will arrive shortly to take you to the medical bay,” he informed her before bowing in farewell then walking away.

Just like every time she entered her room, Taryn was amazed at the extravagance surrounding her. The furnishings were elegant and sophisticated, creating an atmosphere of luxury and comfort. The bed was small but inviting, covered in shimmering fabrics that seemed to emit a gentle glow.

Feeling slightly dirty from the brief trip to her apartment, Taryn quickly made her way to the bathroom, eager to try out its advanced shower technology again. Stripping down, she stepped into the enclosure and let out a sigh of relief as warm water cascaded over her body. The sleek and modern design of the bathroom added to her sense of calm.

After her shower, Taryn changed into some provided clothes, grateful for their softness even though they were slightly too big. She didn’t want to wear any of her own clothes until she could wash them properly. As she stepped back into the main room, still in disbelief at her luxurious surroundings, there was a knock at her door.

“Enter,” Taryn called out.

The airlock released, revealing a female alien. “Hello, I am Miran. If you are ready, I will escort you to the medical bay.”

“I’m ready,” Taryn replied.

They navigated through the maze-like hallways until they arrived at their destination. Taryn’s nerves began to kick in as she wondered what would happen during her physical examination.

She was greeted by a team of alien physicians. Their calm demeanor put her at ease.

“Good afternoon, Taryn. I am Persei, Healer Prime. I will be conducting your exam today. It will be relatively quick and painless. It will consist of a full-body scan using advanced technology to assess your health and reproductive capabilities.”

Taryn lay down in a sleek medical capsule, watching as the team worked outside through the transparent cover. She could hear a soft hum as the technology scanned her body, its efficiency leaving her impressed. Soon, the results were ready, and Taryn saw Miran turn to her with an expression of approval.

“You are healthy,” Persei announced. “Slightly deficient in Vitamin D, but otherwise perfectly healthy. Your reproductive system shows no issues, and you will be accepted into our mating program.”

Relief flooded Taryn’s body as Miran led her to a cozy room filled with shelves of books and holographic displays. This was the library, a sanctuary of knowledge and tranquility on the alien ship. As she explored the shelves, running her fingers along the spines of books adorned with intricate symbols, Taryn felt grateful for this opportunity—but also nervous for what lay ahead.

“I have brought you here because it is said that you enjoy research,” Miran stated as she dragged over a holographic screen. “This information will explain what to expect during the trip to our planet, Naar. For your safety, you will be placed in a medical capsule during the journey. The capsule will monitor your vitals and keep you alive if you experience any adverse reactions to space travel. That can all be a little disconcerting, so this information is being provided to help you understand it and to answer any questions you may have.”

While Taryn was saddened by the idea of being unconscious for the trip, she understood the need for precautions. It was clear they wanted to make sure she was safe and that she would be well taken care of.

“Thank you,” she replied before settling in to scroll through the information

Taryn learned about a translation implant that would allow her to communicate with the aliens and understand their language effortlessly. However, it didn’t clarify how they were able to speak English. She could only surmise that they’d taken language lessons to learn it.

Alone in the library, Taryn took a moment to gather her thoughts and prepare herself for what was to come. She immersed herself in researching Naar—its climate, landscapes, and diverse species. Even though it had some similarities to Earth, she was struck by its unique beauty and culture.

As she read about customs and traditions, values and potential challenges she might face, Taryn felt a mix of excitement and nerves building within her. But she was determined to make the most of this opportunity and learn everything she could before embarking on this journey into the unknown. Hours passed as she delved deeper into her research, expanding her mind with new insights and preparing herself for what awaited on Naar.

She explored the library, running her fingers along the shelves and pausing to examine the holographic displays. She marveled at the wealth of information available, proof of the Synthari’s advanced knowledge and dedication to education.

Taryn selected a book from one of the shelves, its cover adorned with intricate alien symbols. As she opened the book, a holographic display appeared. She had always been hesitant about taking risks, but as she read about the exotic destinations and cultural experiences waiting for her, a thrill ran down her spine.

As the sun began to set outside, Taryn closed the book with a determined smile. She knew she had so much to learn and experience, and she was ready to embrace it all with open arms. Despite her initial reservations, she had taken a leap of faith and was now standing in a place she never thought she would be.