"Phone call from High King Bo Catena." the astro-ship's A.I. informed the twenty-two-year-old Dr. Alma as she sat quietly in the living quarters of her ship.
"Thank you, Computer." Alma sighed in defeat as she got up from her chair and gracefully moved towards the large telescreen. As she pressed the blinking button, it stopped and the face of the High King filled the screen.

"Good morning, your majesty. It's a pleasure to hear from you." she greeted him as she gave them a small bow.
"There is no need for formalities. We are alone." the high king shook their head.
"Thank you. May I ask why you're phoning me?"
"I had been informed that you had refused the bodyguards I had sent to watch over you. I would like to hear from you the reason why."
"If I may be so bold, I sent them back since I don't trust them."
"You don't trust them? While I understand that Edgar failed tremendously as a bodyguard, it doesn't explain why you don't want any bodyguard to watch over you."
"It makes me feel uneasy. It makes me stand out too much. If it weren't for that bodyguard Edgar, then Dr. Blossom..."

"I understand better now, but you still need to have a bodyguard. You had informed me before that you want to participate in the 'Healing Hands' project, correct? The Nebula Galaxy is quite dangerous, especially Genie Deities have been found by Dirk the Smasher and he sells them to other people that are just as shady as him. Some of the shady people have even made sure to get rid of the doctors that healed their rivals. That's why doctors are so scarce nowadays."
"I understand, but it still makes me feel uneasy. Maybe I could find someone that could be my traveling partner and guide? Someone that could give me details about which planet isn't as safe to go to?"

The High King gave a loud, defeated sigh before they answered the doctor.

"What if you are not able to find someone? What then?"
"If I am unable to find one within four months, I will accept a bodyguard from you."
"Whoever they might be, I hope they will be trustworthy."
"I’m certain it should be fine."
"While you are not as naive as your elder siblings, you still have a lot to learn when it comes to the real-world."
"I know that! I am not the same naive woman that went to college and asked if a mansion was a small cottage. Besides, the incident with Dr. Blossom made me realize there's no point in being so bubbly and cheerful ..."

The high king rubbed the back of their neck.

"If only I reacted soon about Edgar. I should’ve sent someone out to replace him as soon as I found out --"
"You did what you could. At least you believed me when I informed you about how he failed."
"But, I still failed you! I still wish I could make up for it by suing Dr. Blossom for what he nearly did to you, but I respect your wishes."
"Thank you."

The high king gave a small nod.

"I have to return to my duties. Good luck with finding a traveling partner, Dr. Alma. Goodbye."
"Thank you, High King Bo Catena. Goodbye."

The young doctor gave a small smile as she switched the screen off. She quickly picked up a small file of documents and tucked it under her arm before she left the astro-ship.

The End