The spacecraft hummed with a low, constant thrum, a stark contrast to the fragile sobs echoing from the medical cabin. Every Sentinel aboard snapped to attention, their enhanced hearing amplifying the quiet distress. Seth's hand hovered over the cabin door, his brow furrowed with concern for the female Guide inside. He wanted to ask if she was alright, but the sound of her weeping – a sound that spoke of deep, unyielding pain – froze him in place. His fist clenched, knuckles white. Vernon and the others exchanged worried glances, a palpable tension filling the corridor. They could all feel it: the crushing weight of her sorrow, a grief that resonated far beyond the physical. It was a Guide's pain, shared and amplified through their unique connection. They sensed years of pent-up frustration, unspoken grievances, and silent complaints finally breaking free in a torrent of quiet sobs. Each one was a hammer blow to their hearts.
They could only imagine the hardships she had faced, the burdens she had carried. The raw emotion pouring from the cabin painted a picture of a life lived in shadow.
A guttural sound escaped one of the Sentinels, and he slammed his fist against the spacecraft wall. The metal groaned under the impact, leaving a visible dent. His voice, when he spoke, was low and dangerous.
"Whoever did this to her," he growled, "I'll tear them apart, limb from limb, and scatter their ashes across the stars!"
A wave of agreement washed over the other Sentinels. They stood guard, silent and watchful, offering their unwavering support without intruding. They understood the delicate balance of a Guide's spirit, the importance of respecting her privacy, even in her moment of deepest despair. They would stand vigil, unseen protectors, until her storm had passed.
Mira had no sense of how long she wept, but after finally releasing the heavy emotions that had been buried deep within her heart, a sense of peace washed over her, and she drifted into sleep. Crying truly drained her energy.
When Seth could no longer hear her sobs, only the soft, even rhythm of her breathing, he cautiously peeked into the medical cabin. He saw the female Guide sleeping peacefully, though faint tear tracks still stained her face, and her lips were cracked and dry.
He breathed a sigh of relief, sensing that her spirit was now calm. He checked her medical record and frowned. The results indicated a weakened body due to cancer, which was easily treatable by the medical cabin. His frown deepened as he noted the additional diagnosis: malnutrition, and a history of untreated childhood infections that had left subtle scarring on her lungs. Furthermore, she wasn't yet considered an adult. In their society, females reached adulthood at 30, but her bone age indicated she was only 20.
Seth felt a surge of anger towards those responsible for her suffering. How could anyone be so callous as to neglect the well-being of a female Guide? What kind of environment had she grown up in? Her illness was curable, and malnutrition could be easily addressed, yet she was the only female diagnosed with such a condition. Females were treasures in every galaxy, their health and well-being meticulously cared for.
Seth's heart ached for this vulnerable young Guide, and he silently vowed to protect her with all his strength.
Even as Mira slept, they arrived at the East Galaxy. Though still unconscious, she vaguely registered the voices around her.
She was lifted somewhat unceremoniously into an airship by medical personnel. Someone followed her on board. She heard a voice say, "Put her in the recovery pod first. She needs to be brought back to a healthy level." The Medical Cabin could cure diseases, but the recovery pod was like a charger for the human body, optimizing physical and mental health.
Moments later, an alarm blared across the hospital's networked computer system: "Level 3 Alert! Level 3 Alert! Attention all personnel! Unknown precious SSS female Guide detected!"
The entire hospital erupted in alarm, red lights flashing. Level 1 meant an unknown female was detected; Level 2, a female's life was threatened; Level 3, an unrecorded Guide above S-level had been identified.
Simultaneously, news of the new Guide's discovery at the First Hospital of the main planet was relayed to the Women's Management Committee and relevant government departments. The entire planet mobilized at top speed, warning lights illuminating the cityscape, and a flood of manpower and resources poured into the hospital. Top medical experts from the main planet and surrounding systems received the notification and immediately departed. Armed forces swiftly cordoned off the hospital, securing a five-kilometer radius against any potential threats.
All of this was to find and protect this precious SSS Guide.
"Move her to the VIP room on the top floor," came the order. The discovery of the SSS Guide must remain secret to avoid unnecessary commotion.
From the early hours of the morning, medical experts streamed into the hospital, rushing to the VIP room. Despite test results showing she was recovering from her illness and minor wounds, and that the recovery pod was addressing her malnutrition, the fact she had been malnourished at all was a serious matter that demanded investigation. Any harm, however slight, inflicted upon a female was punishable by law.
When Mira awoke, she was met with a magnificent crystal chandelier, snow-white walls, and the sterile scent of disinfectant. The room's decor was lavish, yet somehow felt out of place, as if it wasn't originally intended for this space.
She almost thought she had traveled through time again.
As she stirred, the instruments monitoring her vital signs immediately triggered a warning. Almost instantly, there were a few polite knocks on the door before it swung open.
A large group entered, a mix of uniformed personnel and white-coated medical staff, the latter in the majority, but all of them were men.
They spoke to her in soft, soothing tones. Several doctors approached and gently performed examinations with their instruments. Then, they praised her with smiles, "Everything is normal. You are recovering very well."