> Chapter 27: Blood Ties

  The blue-white light of the medical ptform cast an ethereal glow across Youzhen's sleeping form, her imperial features rexed in artificial slumber while Sam studied the holographic readouts hovering above her. His silver eyes reflected the scrolling data as the Engineering Gauntlets on his forearms interfaced directly with the diagnostic systems, providing molecur-level analysis of both the Empress and the child growing within her.

  "Maternal physiology stabilizing," reported the medical system in its precise, emotionless tone. "Toxin neutralization at ninety-seven percent completion. Blood volume restored to acceptable parameters."

  Sam nodded slightly, attention focused on the secondary dispy showing fetal development patterns. The holographic representation of the child—a female approximately six months into development—rotated slowly above the diagnostic panel, various areas highlighted in different colors to indicate physiological status.

  "And the child?" he asked, though he could already interpret the data himself. Something in him needed to hear it stated explicitly.

  "Fetal physical development consistent with gestational timeline, showing remarkable resilience despite sustained toxin exposure," the system reported. "However, neural activity dispys significant abnormalities consistent with trauma-induced coma. Brain matter shows extensive microlesions from targeted chemical compounds."

  Sam's expression hardened as he studied the neural activity patterns dispyed in pulsing red across the holographic representation of his daughter's developing brain. The poisoning hadn't been random or opportunistic—it had been precisely designed to cause maximum damage to the developing fetus while maintaining pusible deniability through apparent natural complications.

  "Fucking cowards," he muttered, rare profanity revealing genuine emotional response beyond his typical calcuted detachment. "Too afraid to face me directly, so they poison a pregnant woman instead."

  The Engineering Gauntlets hummed slightly as his anger briefly disrupted their calibration, power fluctuating before his iron self-control reasserted. Sam took a moment to center himself, analyzing his unexpected emotional reaction with the same clinical precision he applied to external data. The protective response toward both Youzhen and the child represented a significant deviation from his normal psychological patterns.

  "Fascinating," he murmured, acknowledging this development while refocusing on immediate medical priorities. "System, provide comparative analysis of fetal neural recovery prospects under current conditions versus external development matrix."

  The medical ptform processed this query for several seconds before dispying split projections side-by-side. The left image showed the child remaining in utero, while the right dispyed development within an artificial gestation chamber.

  "Maternal physiological rejection of fetal tissue has initiated due to toxin-induced pcental degradation," the system expined as red warning indicators appeared throughout the left projection. "Continuation of pregnancy presents seventeen percent probability of mutual termination within fourteen days. Artificial gestation environment offers ninety-three percent probability of successful physical development to term."

  Sam studied both projections carefully, noting the significant risks associated with allowing the pregnancy to continue naturally. The poisons had done their work well, creating an immunological rejection cascade that Youzhen's body had initiated as protective measure against what it now identified as hostile foreign tissue.

  "Neural recovery prognosis?" he asked, focusing on the critical question of brain function rather than mere physical survival.

  "Natural gestation projects twenty-seven percent probability of neural recovery sufficient for consciousness," the system reported dispassionately. "Artificial environment with specialized neural regeneration protocols projects sixty-four percent probability of consciousness recovery, though extended development timeline would be required—minimum twelve months to reach physiological term equivalent."

  The statistical advantage was clear, yet Sam found himself hesitating before implementing the obvious solution. In centuries of existence across multiple timelines, he had never paused to consider another's perspective before taking necessary action. Yet now, facing this decision regarding Youzhen and their child, he experienced unusual reluctance to proceed without consulting the Empress.

  "I've become... considerate?" he questioned himself, genuinely perplexed by this psychological shift. "How inconvenient."

  A soft sound from the medical ptform interrupted his self-analysis. Youzhen's eyelids fluttered as the sedation protocols automatically adjusted to allow consciousness return. Her dark eyes opened slowly, focusing with visible effort as she processed the unfamiliar surroundings bathed in blue-white technological illumination.

  "Sam?" she asked, voice stronger than during their previous brief exchange though still revealing significant weakness. Her gaze moved across the chamber, taking in the advanced equipment with remarkable composure given the contextual disconnect between imperial Chinese experience and futuristic technology.

  "Welcome back," he responded, moving closer to the ptform. "How do you feel?"

  Youzhen took a moment to assess her condition before answering, the careful self-evaluation revealing her characteristic precision even in crisis. "Better," she finally concluded. "The headache is gone. And the nausea. But I feel... hollowed out. Empty."

  "Blood loss will create that sensation," Sam expined, deliberately choosing simple expnation rather than overwhelming her with technical details regarding nanoscale cellur regeneration and synthetic blood repcement. "You nearly died."

  Her hand moved immediately to her abdomen, protective gesture now familiar in its instinctive execution. "The child?"

  Sam studied her face carefully, noting the genuine concern beyond imperial composure. This wasn't merely dynastic consideration or political calcution—she wanted this child despite its inconvenient timing and complicated origins.

  "Alive," he confirmed, then continued with uncharacteristic gentleness. "But in danger. The poisons targeted neural development specifically. Her brain shows significant damage—she's unconscious and likely to remain so without intervention."

  Youzhen absorbed this information with remarkable stability, though her hand pressed more firmly against her abdomen. "She? A daughter?" she asked, focusing momentarily on this detail among the more concerning medical information.

  "Yes," Sam confirmed, surprised again by the importance of this detail amid life-threatening circumstances. "She is female."

  A slight smile briefly softened Youzhen's imperial features before concern reasserted. "What intervention is required?"

  Sam gestured toward the holographic dispys, adjusting their configuration to provide simplified visual representation accessible without specialized knowledge. The comparative projections resumed their rotation, clearly showing different developmental pathways and associated risk factors.

  "Your body has begun rejecting her," he expined directly, recognizing Youzhen's preference for unvarnished truth over diplomatic obfuscation. "The poisons damaged the connection between you, triggering immune response that identifies her as foreign tissue rather than natural development. If she remains inside you, both of you will likely die within weeks."

  Youzhen's eyes widened slightly, the implications immediately clear despite her limited understanding of the biological mechanisms involved. "Can you stop the rejection?"

  Sam shook his head slightly. "Not without compromising your recovery. The process has cascaded beyond selective intervention."

  He gestured toward the right projection, highlighting the alternative development pathway. "However, I have technology capable of extracting her safely and continuing her development externally. A specialized chamber that replicates womb functions while providing enhanced neural regeneration protocols."

  "You want to cut her out of me," Youzhen stated pinly, imperial directness matching his own. "And put her in... what? A jar?"

  Despite the gravity of the situation, Sam found himself amused by this characterization. "A highly sophisticated medical apparatus," he corrected. "But yes, essentially correct in concept if not in technological sophistication."

  Youzhen studied the holographic projections for several moments, her intelligent eyes taking in the comparative risk assessments despite unfamiliarity with the technical presentation format. Sam watched her thought process develop behind carefully controlled features—the rapid calcution of alternatives, assessment of risks, and ultimately the pragmatic acceptance that characterized her remarkable adaptability.

  "She would survive this... procedure?" Youzhen asked finally, focusing on the critical outcome rather than the process itself.

  "Her physical survival probability exceeds ninety percent," Sam confirmed, then continued with unusual hesitation. "Her mind... is another matter. The neural damage may prevent normal consciousness development despite physical maturation. The chamber offers the best probability of recovery, but guarantees nothing."

  "Would she feel pain?" Youzhen asked, revealing maternal concern transcending imperial considerations. "During the... extraction or afterward?"

  "No," Sam assured her with absolute certainty. "You would be unconscious during the procedure, and she already exists in unconscious state that will continue throughout the developmental period. The chamber provides continuous neural support while repair processes attempt recovery."

  Youzhen nodded slightly, hand still protectively covering her abdomen where the child continued existing in precarious bance between life and termination. "How long before she could be... born normally?"

  "Approximately twelve months," Sam replied, then crified seeing her confusion. "The neural regeneration requires extended timeline beyond normal gestational period. She would emerge physically equivalent to normal newborn, but only after sufficient brain recovery."

  Youzhen closed her eyes briefly, absorbing these alien concepts with remarkable composure given their complete deviation from her cultural and experiential framework. When she opened them again, imperial determination had repced momentary vulnerability.

  "Will I see her during this time?" she asked, the question revealing emotional connection beyond physical gestation. "Will she know I'm there?"

  The question surprised Sam, highlighting psychological considerations he hadn't immediately prioritized given the medical urgency. "The chamber will be transparent," he expined. "You can see her development throughout the process. As for awareness... her consciousness remains unconfirmed, though sensory inputs will include recorded vocal patterns if you wish to speak to her."

  This answer seemed to satisfy Youzhen, who took a deep breath before delivering her decision with characteristic directness. "Do what must be done to save our daughter."

  The possessive phrasing—clearly identifying shared responsibility for this unexpected creation—triggered another unusual emotional response within Sam's normally detached psychological framework. Before this moment, he had considered the child primarily as biological curiosity and tactical complication. Now, hearing Youzhen's simple decration, something shifted in his perception.

  "Our daughter," he repeated, testing the phrase and finding it created unexpected resonance. "I will save her."

  Youzhen reached for his hand, an unprecedented gesture given their retionship's typical power dynamic. Her slender fingers, once adorned with imperial jade and gold now bare from medical necessity, wrapped around his with surprising strength.

  "And then you will kill them for what they've done," she stated, the cold certainty in her voice matching his own capacity for calcuted vengeance. "My brother, my uncle, everyone who participated in their treachery."

  "Comprehensive rectification," Sam agreed, using his earlier euphemism for systematic execution. "But first, we focus on saving what matters."

  He gently disengaged from her grasp, moving toward the medical controls with renewed purpose. "You should sleep through this," he expined, programming the sedation protocol with precise calibration. "The procedure is brief but would be... distressing to witness."

  Youzhen nodded acceptance, imperial practicality overriding potential objection to being rendered unconscious during critical procedure. "What will you name her?" she asked suddenly, the question emerging with unexpected urgency as sedation protocols initiated.

  Sam paused, genuinely surprised by the question. In his centuries of existence, he had never named anything beyond functional designation or tactical cssification. Yet without conscious deliberation, an answer formed immediately.

  "Lihua," he responded, the name emerging from ancient memory encoded in his maternal genetic lineage. "After my mother."

  Youzhen's eyes widened slightly at this rare personal revetion before sedation cimed her consciousness, features rexing into artificial slumber that revealed youth normally concealed beneath imperial composure. In repose, without the weight of Dragon Throne responsibilities hardening her expression, she appeared closer to her actual eighteen years—almost a child herself bearing another's life.

  "Prepare surgical extraction protocols," Sam directed once Youzhen's vital signs confirmed complete sedation. "Priority on maternal tissue preservation with minimal trauma."

  The medical ptform responded immediately, reconfiguring to surgical orientation while specialized implements emerged from concealed compartments. The Engineering Gauntlets on Sam's forearms pulsed with blue-white energy as they interfaced directly with medical systems, extending his control beyond mechanical precision into molecur manipution domain.

  "Beginning extraction sequence," he stated for the system's recording protocols, though no one conscious remained to hear.

  The procedure itself occurred with precision impossible through conventional surgical methods. Guided by the Engineering Gauntlets, a precisely calibrated energy field created molecur-level separation along optimal pathways through Youzhen's abdominal tissues. The field parted muscle and supporting structures without cutting or tearing, temporarily suspending cellur cohesion to allow access without damage.

  Blood vessels automatically sealed as the field progressed, preventing hemorrhage while maintaining optimal circution to surrounding tissues. Within seconds, the energy field had created direct access to the uterine chamber without conventional incision or associated trauma.

  "Pcental separation initiating," Sam narrated as the gauntlets projected specialized field around the fetal sac. "Maintaining independent oxygenation and nutrient supply during transition."

  The developing child—suspended in amniotic fluid now contained within temporary force field—separated gently from uterine wall along natural demarcation lines enhanced through molecur manipution. Sam controlled the process with micrometrical precision, ensuring complete extraction without cellur disruption that might compromise already precarious neural condition.

  As the fetal sac emerged completely from Youzhen's body, suspended in temporary containment field generated by the gauntlets, Sam felt unexpected emotional response watching his daughter's tiny form floating before him. Her miniature features showed clear mixture of maternal and paternal genetic contributions—Youzhen's delicate bone structure combined with something of his own stubborn jawline even in undeveloped state.

  "Transfer to development chamber," he directed, momentarily grateful for automated systems that continued functioning despite his uncharacteristic emotional distraction.

  Across the chamber, a cylindrical structure had emerged from previously featureless floor, its transparent walls enclosing sophisticated life support systems designed for extended fetal development outside maternal environment. The chamber filled gradually with synthetic amniotic fluid matched precisely to molecur composition of natural equivalent, including essential proteins and hormones necessary for continued development.

  With careful precision, Sam transferred the contained fetal sac into the development chamber, maintaining uninterrupted life support throughout the transition. Microscopic interfaces established connection between chamber systems and pcental structures, creating seamless continuation of nutrient delivery and waste removal functions previously performed by Youzhen's body.

  "Chamber functioning at optimal parameters," reported the medical system as monitoring dispys activated around the transparent cylinder. "Fetal vital signs stable during transfer. Neural support protocols initiating."

  Sam watched as specialized nanomachines began circuting through the synthetic amniotic environment, their molecur structures designed to facilitate neural repair through targeted support of existing self-healing mechanisms rather than direct intervention that might compromise developmental integrity.

  "Maternal reconstruction sequence initiating," he noted, turning attention back to Youzhen's open abdominal cavity maintained in stasis by the gauntlets' energy field.

  The reconstruction process reversed extraction procedure with equal precision, molecur bonds reforming along original pathways without conventional suturing or associated scarring. Tissues reconnected at cellur level while specialized nanomachines accelerated healing processes far beyond normal human capabilities. Within minutes, Youzhen's abdomen appeared completely normal, without external indication of the significant internal procedure just completed.

  "Reconstruction complete," Sam confirmed as final scans verified proper tissue integration and functionality. "Sedation reduction protocols engaging for controlled consciousness return."

  He stepped back from the medical ptform, allowing automated systems to manage Youzhen's gradual return to consciousness while he moved toward the development chamber containing their daughter.

  Standing before the transparent cylinder, Sam studied the tiny form floating within synthetic amniotic fluid, monitoring dispys showing heartbeat, neural activity, and countless other biological parameters in constant assessment.

  "Lihua," he said quietly, testing the name in direct address rather than abstract designation. "After my mother, who never saw me born."

  The parallel struck him suddenly—his own mother had died before witnessing his existence, her final moments spent in unimaginable suffering as Japanese soldiers extracted him from her womb through brutal vivisection. Now his daughter floated in artificial womb, extracted through precision technology rather than barbaric violence, yet simirly separated from maternal connection through circumstances beyond her control.

  "But you will know your mother," he promised the unconscious form floating in transparent chamber. "And unlike me, you will know your father from the beginning."

  The unfamiliar sentiment—paternal protection extending beyond mere genetic continuation into emotional commitment—represented significant psychological shift from his previous existence focused entirely on personal amusement and historical experimentation. Something fundamental had changed when confirming this child carried his genetic material, creating unexpected priority reconfiguration within his typically self-centered worldview.

  "Sam?" came Youzhen's voice from the medical ptform, consciousness returning according to carefully calibrated protocol. "Is it done?"

  He turned from the development chamber, moving back toward the ptform where Youzhen had begun attempting to sit up despite recovery protocols recommending continued horizontal positioning. Her hand immediately moved to her now-ft abdomen, momentary confusion crossing imperial features as she encountered physical evidence of the child's extraction.

  "It is done," Sam confirmed, reaching her side and adjusting the ptform to support sitting position despite system recommendations. "Successfully completed without complications."

  Youzhen's gaze moved past him, immediately locating the transparent chamber where their daughter floated in artificial amniotic environment. "Is that—"

  "Yes," Sam interrupted, understanding the question before completion. "Would you like to see her properly?"

  Without waiting for verbal confirmation, he assisted Youzhen from the ptform, supporting her weight as they moved across the chamber toward the development apparatus. Her steps strengthened gradually as they approached, imperial determination overcoming physical weakness with characteristic resilience that had initially drawn his sustained interest.

  They stood together before the transparent chamber, watching the tiny form suspended in clear fluid that occasionally rippled with currents generated by life support systems. The child's features remained partially formed given her developmental stage, yet clearly dispyed genetic combination of both parents in miniature configuration.

  "Lihua," Youzhen whispered, pcing one hand against the transparent surface. "She's so small."

  "But remarkably resilient," Sam noted, offering rare positive assessment based on objective medical data rather than calcuted manipution. "She survived months of deliberate poisoning that would have killed most developing humans immediately."

  Youzhen's expression hardened at this reminder of her retives' actions, though her tone remained gentle while addressing the floating form. "You are strong, daughter of the Dragon Throne. Strong like your mother and... formidable like your father."

  Sam raised an eyebrow slightly at this diplomatic characterization of his nature, finding himself strangely pleased by the implied acknowledgment of contribution beyond mere biological material. "The chamber's external receptors will record vocal patterns," he expined. "Though her current neural state cannot process consciously, subcortical structures may register familiar sounds during recovery process."

  Youzhen nodded understanding, continuing to watch the floating form with intensity suggesting memorization of every detail. "How long must she remain here?"

  "Approximately twelve months," Sam repeated his earlier estimate. "The neural damage requires extended regeneration period beyond normal gestational timeline. The chamber will maintain optimal developmental conditions throughout this period, including accelerated physical maturation to compensate for extended timeline."

  "And she feels nothing? No pain?" Youzhen asked again, maternal concern evident beneath imperial composure.

  "Nothing," Sam assured her with absolute certainty. "Her neural state precludes sensory processing of any kind, including pain. The recovery process occurs entirely below consciousness threshold."

  Youzhen absorbed this information with visible relief before asking the critical question they had both temporarily set aside during the medical crisis. "My brother and uncle—they still control the court?"

  "For the moment," Sam confirmed, silver eyes hardening as focus shifted from medical priorities to pending retribution. "Though that circumstance will be rectified immediately now that you're stabilized."

  Youzhen turned from the development chamber to face him directly, imperial authority reasserting despite simple medical garments repcing eborate court attire. "I want to witness their punishment," she stated with cold precision that matched his own capacity for calcuted vengeance. "They killed my sister. They tried to kill our child. I want to see them suffer."

  "And so you shall," Sam agreed without hesitation, recognizing the righteous anger driving this request transcended mere political calcution. "Though your physical recovery requires approximately three days before safely leaving these chambers."

  "Three days," Youzhen repeated, accepting this medical necessity with pragmatic imperial assessment. "Use this time to gather comprehensive evidence of their treachery. I want the court to witness not just their punishment but irrefutable proof justifying it."

  Sam inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the political wisdom of this approach. Public execution without evidential foundation might create martyrs rather than examples, potentially generating sympathy among factions not directly implicated in the treasonous activities.

  "I'll prepare suitable demonstrations of their guilt," he agreed, already calcuting optimal methods for information extraction and presentation that would satisfy imperial judicial requirements while ensuring appropriate suffering for the principal conspirators.

  Youzhen nodded approval before returning attention to the development chamber, exhaustion finally beginning to show through imperial composure as medical regeneration demanded energy resources. "I need to rest," she acknowledged with characteristic practicality. "But I wish to remain near her."

  "Of course," Sam agreed, directing medical systems to create comfortable recovery arrangement near the development chamber. A sleeping ptform configured itself from previously featureless floor, providing optimal support while maintaining clear sightline to the transparent cylinder.

  As Youzhen settled onto this ptform, physical exhaustion quickly ciming consciousness despite determined resistance, Sam found himself contempting the unexpected configuration of priorities now shaping his immediate objectives. For centuries across multiple timelines, his actions had been driven exclusively by personal amusement or abstract experimentation without genuine connection to outcomes beyond tactical success metrics.

  Now, watching Youzhen drift into natural sleep while maintaining visual connection with their developing daughter, he experienced unfamiliar protective impulse extending beyond mere territorial possession or resource management. Something fundamental had shifted in his psychological framework, creating unprecedented consideration for specific individuals beyond their instrumental utility.

  "Family," he murmured, testing the concept as applied to himself rather than abstract social construction observed in others. "How unexpectedly... non-terrible."

  The Engineering Gauntlets pulsed briefly with blue-white energy as he initiated secure communication with orbital systems, preparing comprehensive surveilnce and information gathering operations across the Forbidden City. The traitors who had attempted elimination of his genetic offspring and her mother would experience appropriate consequences for their miscalcution, their suffering precisely calibrated to reflect the severity of their actions.

  But first, he would remain here briefly, watching over the sleeping Empress and their developing daughter with unfamiliar protective vigince that somehow didn't feel entirely alien despite its deviation from his typical behavioral patterns.

  "Family," he repeated quietly, finding the designation strangely appropriate despite centuries of solitary existence. "Mine to protect."