Ethan awoke to the quiet hum of his ship, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the dim light filtering through the sleeping quarter. He stretched, feeling a satisfying ache from the previous day's exertion but also a lingering sense of something… more. The aches and pains of combat had faded somewhat, and in their place, he felt an underlying energy, like his body was gradually adapting, growing stronger.
Sitting up, he replayed the battle with Raeth's forces, recalling with clarity the moments where his reflexes seemed almost unnaturally sharp. His hands had moved instinctively, his body reacting to threats before his mind could fully process them. It had saved him, but he hadn't trained for this, at least not in the way it had all happened.
"Iris," he called out, keeping his voice calm as he began making his way to the cockpit.
"Yes, Ethan?" Iris's voice responded in her usual tone, steady and attentive.
"I wanted to talk about what happened during that last fight." He paused, trying to choose his words carefully. "There were moments when my reflexes felt… heightened. My body reacted faster than it should have. It was like I was moving on instinct, almost as if I'd trained for it for years, but I haven't."
A brief pause as Iris processed his words. "To clarify, Ethan, you experienced enhanced physical efficiency, as well as a heightened awareness of your immediate environment?"
He thought back to the way his movements had flowed, how the world seemed to slow around him just enough for him to react. "Yes, exactly that. But it wasn't just the reflexes." He hesitated, feeling the urge to explain further but keeping certain thoughts to himself. "Ever since I've been on Kynara, things have been… different."
Iris's voice held a trace of curiosity. "Please elaborate."
Ethan let out a slow breath, leaning back in his seat as he searched for the right words. "I've noticed that I'm picking up skills faster than I used to. Back home, I wasn't exactly a fast learner with tech or machinery, but here… it's like my brain processes things differently. I've been absorbing information faster than ever, like with the ship systems, the guild protocols, everything." He paused, mentally cataloging each skill he'd picked up since his arrival. "And the languages…"
"Yes," Iris replied. "It is unusual for a human without a translation implant to comprehend alien languages seamlessly. However, you've shown an aptitude for understanding every species you've encountered, regardless of dialect or syntax. This ability aligns with the heightened learning capacity you've described."
Ethan nodded, considering her words. It was strange, to say the least. When he'd first arrived in this universe, he'd assumed his survival depended on adapting quickly. But what he hadn't expected was how instinctive it would all feel. He remembered the long hours he used to spend back on Earth, struggling through complicated work tasks or piecing together basic skills. But here, everything flowed. Almost like he'd been prepared for this universe in some way he couldn't yet explain.
Of course, he hadn't told Iris or anyone about the reality of his situation, that he wasn't native to this universe. It was a truth he kept tightly guarded, a secret he wasn't even sure he'd ever reveal. He'd arrived in this galaxy abruptly, one moment in his mundane life on Earth, the next waking up in the cockpit of a ship he'd never seen before. That secret was his to carry alone.
Iris's voice broke his thoughts. "Ethan, based on your description, it is possible that these enhancements are part of a larger physiological change, likely triggered by an unknown factor. Your improved reflexes, heightened learning abilities, and language comprehension all point toward an enhancement process within your body."
Ethan rubbed his temples, the implications of her words sinking in. He'd suspected that something about him was different, but he hadn't considered the possibility that it might be connected to his very biology. "So, you think my body is changing?"
"That is a reasonable hypothesis," Iris replied. "However, without a comprehensive examination, I cannot determine the full extent of these changes. While I can monitor basic biometrics, such as your heart rate and oxygen levels, a more thorough assessment is beyond my capabilities."
Ethan nodded, processing her analysis. A thorough assessment… But how could he even begin to find out what was happening to him? He wasn't exactly in a position to leave Kynara for a high-end medical facility, and the idea of entrusting someone else with his mystery made him uneasy.
As if sensing his hesitation, Iris continued, "In the Cygnar sector, there is a top-class medical space station equipped with the latest diagnostic and research technologies. They specialize in advanced human and alien physiology and may be able to conduct a full analysis. Given their access to specialized equipment, they could provide you with valuable insights into your condition."
Ethan absorbed the suggestion, picturing a sterile, advanced medical facility scanning every inch of his body, trying to make sense of his unusual traits. There was logic in the idea, but the practicalities of it loomed large. Traveling to Cygnar, for one, required a fully repaired ship. And then there was the matter of the cost. An examination like that wouldn't come cheap, and he was still scraping together credits to fund his current repairs.
"For now," he said slowly, "I think I'll stay on Kynara. I still have a lot to learn, and I can keep observing these… changes while I take on more missions. Besides, I don't have the credits yet for a long-distance journey. I'd rather build up my funds here, maybe get the ship in top condition before I even think about visiting the Cygnar sector."
"That is a sound approach, Ethan," Iris replied with her usual calm. "I suggest that you document any unusual abilities or experiences in detail. If your body is indeed undergoing an enhancement process, this documentation will allow us to analyze trends and gauge the progression of your abilities."
He nodded, taking comfort in her suggestion. He could monitor his experiences, look for patterns, and better understand the shifts within him. And Iris, for her part, would help him keep a prviate record as a way to make sense of these strange developments. He felt a faint sense of satisfaction knowing he wouldn't have to navigate it all alone.
"Good idea, Iris. I'll keep a log, and I'll let you know if anything else feels… off."
"As you wish, Ethan. I will monitor your biometrics closely and notify you of any irregularities I detect," she assured him.
Ethan sat back in his seat, feeling slightly more at ease, and glanced at his information tablet. His account balance displayed on the screen confirmed he was just under two million credits. Enough to cover a lot of the necessary repairs. a few more jobs, he mused, and he'd be set.
Scrolling through his messages, he decided to check in with a few colleagues on the mercenary network, his thoughts drifting to the connections he'd forged since arriving in this universe. He tapped into a group chat he shared with a few trusted friends, mercenaries like himself who each carved their own path across the planet.
Ethan quickly sent out a message to his contacts, giving them a heads-up about the syndicate's experiments with mind-control alloy and his run-in with Raeth. The replies came back swiftly: "Good intel Ethan. I will keep an eye out and speak with my contacts to see if we can learn more about this situation" Rourke replied. "I'll keep an eye out as well. Ive been encountering more signs of the Syndicate in my missions recently" Kara added. "Great, that's just what we needed. Things just keep getting worse on this damned planet." Dax complained. "Stop complaining Dax, that's what this job entails. Thanks for letting us know, Ethan." Leena wrote.
With a small smile, Ethan closed the group chat and set the tablet aside. It felt good to touch base with friends across the galaxy, a reminder that while the mercenary life was often solitary, he wasn't entirely alone in it.
As he relaxed in the quiet of his ship, he allowed himself to enjoy the peace, knowing that for now, he could rest and recharge. He was close to reaching his goal, close to the repairs he needed to restore his ship to its full potential. But for today, at least, he could take it easy, savoring the calm before his next adventure.