“I heard good news,” Gabriel said and walked over to the two doctors.

“Yes, well not all, but all things considering, I find this to be very good news,” Morthri explained. “Get changed and I will show you what we’ve found in the lab.”

After a quick shower and change, Gabriel joined the rest at the exit. Madeline had not quite worked up the same level of sweat, nor did she seem to sweat that much so she had just changed.

“Gabriel?” Alith said as Morthri was in a discussion with the Justicars, “We have to share what we have discovered with the Union for reasons I hope you will understand when we get to them. And so, we think Zura and Rik’Tensel should hear what we have found.”

“I guess that’s fine, if you need to give them the data, they will find out in either case.”

“Yes,” Alith nodded and they all began walking. Gabriel tried to pry some information out of the doctors but got nothing. They headed for the red section of the Union building. Medical, and something else, Gabriel could not quite remember. Eventually though, they ended up in a lab.

“So,” Alith said and sat down next to a screen. “This might be a long explanation, I will avoid medical terms but if you have any questions please ask any time.”

Gabriel grabbed a chair and sat down. “Alright, I’m ready, I suppose.”

“As we said, what we discovered is not dangerous to your health, but I want to start from the beginning and explain why it took so long to find. Do you remember when you first were on Kanthuas, ship, and Taurana tried to calculate your world's measurements, weight, length, time?” Alith asked.

“Yeah?” Gabriel said.

“As it turned out, a mistake was made during that process. We assumed you knew your own weight better than some common measurements from Earth, distance especially.”

“What? I don’t follow.”

“We found an inconsistency. Either you mistook your own weight by about 15 percent, or you misremembered the gravity or your planet.”

“I can’t have lost that much weight, right? Some I suppose was expected.”

“Correct, we anticipated some weight loss, but that’s it. At the time you weighed about 15 percent more than you told us, which threw the rest of the measurements off when we adjusted for it.”

“More?” Gabriel looked down at himself. He had gotten into a good training schedule and from his best guess, he was back to where he had been on earth strength-wise.

“Correct, we first simply adjusted the weight of everything else to match, but after your first physical test and more scans, we became more and more unsure. At first, we assumed you misremembered your calculations for gravity, or even that your water was heavier. But the suit you are wearing is calculated after your specifications and should make you feel like you are on Earth.”

Gabriel nodded, “While it’s been a while, I think so.”

“Once we came to the conclusion that something was off, you went off with Captain Scarrusk and the Azik, Micia was it?” Gabriel nodded. “That is why we wanted more scans and tests when we finally met again. Apart from providing help if needed of course,” Alith clarified.

“So, just to make sure I’m following. I weigh about 15 percent more than I said I did and every weight I have given you, water and the like have been wrong?”

“Yes, your system for measuring weights, kilos, has been wrong with 15 percent. And after we took the blood and muscle samples we discovered why.” Alith typed on the screen and text Gabriel could not read showed up. Morthri took over the explanation while Alith was busy.

“This might seem like a strange question, but do humans have access to nanomachines for treating bone brittleness, muscle deterioration, similar faults in ligaments, tendons, or joints? And have you had any such treatment?”

“No and no,” Gabriel said.

“I expected as much. You have nanomachines in your body that have strengthened everything I mentioned. This has increased your weight to match the extra density.”

“And this is good news?” Gabriel asked.

“Somewhat,” Morthri said. “It means no danger to you and the machines will help you keep strong. We believe they were developed as a cure for some muscle disease or, as I mentioned, bone brittleness. But the bad news is that creating nanomachines that changes someone's body in this manner is very illegal. These machines are self-replicating which means that they can be adjusted to affect the entire human population, granted with some substantial work. Which I don’t have to tell you is bad news. However, your nanomachines cannot be changed and will remain as they are.”

“Shit,” Gabriel said.

“Quite so, while you are perfectly safe, whoever designed the machines could make some adjustments and… well.”

“In the worst-case scenario wipe out all humans?”

“Perhaps with some major redesigns, as it stands, the purpose appears to be beneficial. But it is still highly illegal to create self-replication nanomachines in this manner, even for a good cause.”

“Not that I doubt Union medicine,” Madeline said. “But how do you treat muscle disease or anything else you mentioned?”

“Without making the nanomachines self-replicating or making them, for the lack of a better word, bound to the individual,” Morthri said. “In short, one or two injections of nanomachines each year that work much the same as nano stims, just with another focus. They can of course still be used as a weapon, but unless they are coded to an individual or race it will affect everyone, friend, enemy animals, plants.”

“And doing so will bring the entire Union and Roniean government after you and your associates,” Rik’Tensel said. He walked over to Alith at the computer, “Have everything been sent to the Union.”

“Everything on the nanomachines yes, the specifics regarding Gabriel is still his choice to share.”

“So,” Zura said and looked at Gabriel, “How much stronger is he?”

“We cannot be absolutely sure, at this time we only have the test from US535 to compare with. And while we have compared those results to the ones Gabriel had recorded in his Earth pcu, it is not an exact number across all tests.” Morthri pulled out a tablet and brought up some graphs. “Comparing the test results to his previous records tells us that he is 7-16 percent stronger.”

“I see, but a test group of one might not produce the best results.”

“Indeed, these results were after a week of little training and no weight training at all,” Alith said and gestured to Gabriel. “Do you feel stronger or weaker now?”

“Stronger,” Gabriel said. “I would guess about the same as when I was back on Earth.”

Rik’Tensel nodded and chuckled, “So I would have a better chance at winning without these?”

“Don’t suppose you can give yourself a handicap?” Zura asked grinning.

Gabriel shrugged and grinned back, “Maybe.”

“While it would certainly be closer,” Alith said and typed away on the computer. “Gabriel’s, and I suppose humans' strength when fighting does not lie only in how much they can lift. If you are planning on sparring I feel like I need to tell you that humans are very good at punching.”

“And throwing,” Gabriel added.

“And that. Gabriel can deliver two to three times the amount of force a well trained Roniean can. If we were to take 20 percent off his lifting strength he would be close to a very strong Igris, Kirini, or Roniean. But still hit much harder.” Alith finished.

“And how strong are Cecaiampals? Their arms are like twice the size of mine.” Gabriel asked.

“Very strong,” Alith said. “One moment.” He pulled up some more text that Gabriel could not read. “Every fully grown individual we have tested is 6-23 percent stronger than you Gabriel.”

“Huh, that would be an interesting sparring partner.”

“Not at all,” Alith shook his head. “Cecaiampals have slow reactions and do not have the quick movements needed for strikes.”

Zura nodded, “Yeah, you would just dance around them. I suppose if one did get hold of you they could just sit on you until you gave up. They are certainly strong and tough enough for that.”

“Maybe not then,” Gabriel said. “So, about the nanos, anything else I should know?”

“I think we covered it all, you are not in any danger as the nanomachines inside your body cannot be altered, but you understand why we need to share this information?” Morthri said.

“Yes, potential weaponized nanos and such.”

“Then I thank you for your time, and I should add that Krihana has contacted us about joining the crew on the borrowed ship,” Morthri said and nodded. “As we said earlier, we are happy to join.”

“Fantastic,” Gabriel grinned. He heard a beep from Rik’Tensel’s pcu and looked over.

“Krihana has time to see you now,” He said.

“Alright,” Gabriel stood and nodded to the two doctors, “I’ll see you later. Oh, and are you done with my phone? I mean Earth pcu.” He corrected himself.

“Yes, when you want to transfer pictures just let us know.” Alith nodded and handed over Gabriel’s phone.

“Thanks,” Gabriel and the rest walked out and headed around several bends and closed doors and up a few floors until they ended up in front of an office. Zura knocked and opened the door.

“Mr. Walker and Miss Nioni, good,” Krihana said and rested all four hands on the desk. “Please come in.” Gabriel and Madeline walked in and took a seat. “I have approved both doctor Morthri Pequen and Alith Sooma, both will be joining you on your trip.”

“Thank you,” Gabriel said.

“You’re welcome, now can we talk business?” she asked, after a nod from Gabriel she continued. “I would like to purchase your scans and test data. The same as doctor Pequen and Sooma have been working on. In addition, if you are willing, Rik’Tensel and Zura will be sending me more during your travels. These latter ones will be more related to Human culture and information about your planet, Earth.”

“Yeah, I think I can agree to both, as long as I won’t be bound by contract to give away information I want to keep to myself. If any such questions would come up.”

“Then I will begin working on a contract, we are of course interested in anything you are willing to share, but if you feel the need to keep some information secret we will not stop you,” Krihana said and smiled, a bit stiff but maybe she was not used to the gesture. “Now that we are in agreement, let’s talk about payment. As doctor Pequen and Sooma will be hired by us for this venture, the pay you have received from them will change. Instead of hourly pay, we are willing to offer you 8500 a month for the time we work together, regardless of the information we receive or what remains to be discovered from your previous tests.”

Gabriel nodded slowly to himself. It sounded like a good deal to him. Morthri and Alith were likely close to done with what they had, considering the nanomachines had been discovered and analyzed. With this deal he could earn almost as much by talking about culture or Earth, something he was already doing with Madeline, though not to any substantial degree.

“Sounds good to me,” He said. “I’ll even throw in some pictures after I have copied them to my pcu.”

Krihana nodded “We would be most grateful. Now I’m afraid I have a lot of work to do, is there anything else?”

“I don’t think so,” Gabriel said and stood up. “No, wait, one more thing. The arrested Roniean we arrived with?”

“I am working on it, but I’m afraid I don’t know much at this time,” Krihana said and extended a hand. “I cannot release her from jail, but I think I can change the punishment. However, as before, I will not make any promises.”

“I’m not looking for miracles,” Gabriel said and shook her hand.

“Good, though I will still do what I can,” Krihana nodded and turned to the Justicars. “I need to talk to you two for a moment.”

“We’ll wait outside,” Gabriel said and walked out with Madeline.

“Chancing the punishment sounds vague but promising,” Madeline said.

“Agreed,” Gabriel nodded. “So, what now? You want to go shopping?”

Madeline shrugged, “I would like to see your pictures first, but after that, I wouldn't mind some new clothes. Do you think Zilgi fashion has made it here?”

“Wouldn’t bet on it but what do I know.” Gabriel found a bench and pulled Madeline over. “I think we need to find someone willing to make custom clothes.”

“I suppose so, but it takes most of the fun out of shopping, I can't try different outfits or anything. Just order from a database.” She sighed and leaned against him.

Gabriel draped an arm around her. “Sounds convenient to me. Though I will admit, seeing some different alien fashions does have a certain appeal. Or rather, seeing you in different outfits might.”

Madeline chirped, “While I don’t mind dressing up for you, you could learn a bit about fashion.”

“I’ll have you know that my fashion on Earth was only one or two generations behind,” Gabriel huffed.

“Oh,” Madeline said and smirked at him. “A real trendsetter.”

“Correct,” Gabriel and swept his arm in a broad gesture. “Soon everyone will walk around in jeans and bomber jackets.”

“Of course,” Madeline said and patted his arm.

“I’m feeling patronized.”

“Strange, I’m usually very supportive,” Madeline said with fake surprise. Gabriel chuckled and kissed her head. But before they got any more flirting done, Rik’Tensel and Zura emerged from the office.

“We have some news,” Zura said. She didn’t look too happy.

“Related to?” Gabriel asked.

“You in particular. Someone is stirring up rumors about you,” She said.

“What kind?”

“Unflattering ones, saying you fought in an arena willingly and toyed with your weaker opponents. Or that you always share your rooms with different unwilling women for… well reasons you can probably guess.”

“And what exactly can we do about it?” Madeline asked, her voice steady but she was clearly angry.

“First, we would like to involve you in our operation to shut down the gangs going after Aziks and Cecaiampals. You don’t need to actually do it, but even leaking rumors that you are against them will help. The second rumor is harder to fight. I suppose just being around Miss Nioni in public will help.” Zura scratched her head just at the base of her tentacles. “I suppose we could arrange a public meeting, talking about something inconsequential, just so the public can see how you act. But that’s harder to pull off.”

“That it is,” Gabriel said, “Do you imagine there will be any trouble?”

“There might be,” Zure confirmed. “Whoever is spreading the rumors can likely use it to their advantage.”

“So, what do we do?” Gabriel asked.

“Just be careful, but if you are willing, showing yourself in public will not hurt, but try and do it during the day and stay close to the center of the city.” Zura sighed and her tentacles twitched.

“We can do that, we had planned to go shopping soon,” Madeline said.

“That works, would you mind guards? I’m afraid we can’t go with you but we can send two ‘off duty’ officers. Make it a double date?”

Gabriel looked at Madeline. She met his gaze and nodded, “Yeah, that will work.”

“Good, we will arrange it, please stay in the building until after lunch. Which by the way will be served in half an hour.” Zura said and nodded to them both before she and Rik’Tensel walked off.

“I almost want to go out and find trouble after hearing this,” Madeline said. “I can't wait to try out the roundhouse kick.”

“While that might feel good, I don’t think it will help our case,” Gabriel said.

“Maybe not,” Madeline agreed and huffed. “What are the odds that it’s the Syndicate spreading the rumors?”

“If it is, we are getting closer, or at least we are annoying them which I see as a win.”

“When you put it that way,” Madeline sighed and shook her head. “Fine, I’ll try diplomacy before kicking someone's head off.”

“That’s my girl,” Gabriel chuckled and kissed her cheek. “And our date is further postponed,” Gabriel said.

“Could be worse,” Madeline sighed again. “We can still go shopping and look at pictures together. And we are still going to be here for another week or so. We might still have time.” She removed her head from his shoulder and ran a hand through his beard. “You should trim this… Are you not bothered by the rumors?”

Gabriel scratched his cheeks, “I mean of course, but for now, they are only rumors. And I don’t care what the Syndicate or whoever thinks of me.” Gabriel shrugged. “I will act as an ambassador while I’m here. Show them all what humans are like,” He said with a serious tone.

“That does sound like a good plan, we should get you some clothes to fit your position.” Madeline grabbed her pcu and brought up a catalog. “We will have to make something custom.”

“Sounds good to me,” Gabriel said. “Just one question.”

“Yeah?”

“What do ambassadors do?” Gabriel asked innocently.

Madeline burst out chirping. “I really love you, Gabe.”

“What? it was a serious question!” Gabriel grinned. They got up with Madeline still chirping and made their way towards the exit… After getting lost twice.