CHAPTER 22
Naïda is deathly ill again. It must be that. Her substance is undergoing serious chemical imbalances, but she cannot isolate the reason. There is pain—great pain—yet no indication of injury. Her bondmate Michael seems to be suffering a similar torment without physical cause.
It is puzzling that Michael's affliction can be linked to two events that occurred close together: a search through the night for his human life-partner, and his interaction with the outpost that resulted in the termination of its functions. Is it possible that a human can experience serious injury with no physical trauma? Naïda has witnessed his similar response to external events before. If so, it might explain her own state: his distress transferred to her.
She is not convinced. There is no doubt that
