Page 41 of Reckoning
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Sharon felt like a heavy weight was pressing down on her, holding her in place. “What’s going on?” Why did her voice sound so scratchy?
“Easy, female, the nanos have done a great deal to help your wound heal, but you’re not ready to move around yet,” a young medic she didn’t recognize said.
“Where’s MarIK? Has he been found yet?”
“I do not know the answer to those questions. My only concern is for my patient.”
“Well, get someone who can answer my damn questions!”
The medic turned to an older male. “Medic DixON, the female is becoming hysterical. Should I tranquilize her again?
“No fucking way! You’re not knocking me out again.” As the medic attempted to give her some kind of injection, Sharon punched him in the nose and shoved him away from her. Other medics rushed forward to help the other medic up and they looked at her strangely.
“Easy, Sharon. Calm down.” TanAR approached her from the side, holding his hands up to show that he meant no harm.
Just then, the doors opened and Lieutenant Commander LazAR stormed in. “What’s going on in here? I was informed there was a security issue.”
“I want to know what’s going on with MarIK’s rescue.” Sharon stood up, grateful that she was wearing the scrub-like outfit that most wore when spending time in the medic wing.
“Did someone hurt you?” LazAR asked, looking at the group of medics standing around on the farthest side of the bed from her.
LazAR snorted. “It’s the other way around, Lieutenant Commander. They need you to protect them from her. She punched Medic WarrEN in the nose.”
LazAR looked from her to the medic holding his nose. Then he burst into laughter. The others joined in the laughter, except for the injured medic, whose pride was probably more injured than his nose. It wasn’t even bleeding. Of course, her hand was throbbing, but she would be damned if she admitted it.
LazAR finally stopped laughing and shook his head. “I knew you would be trouble, Sharon. What is it that has you so upset?”
“I want to know what’s going on with the rescue team for MarIK and I don’t want the medics to sedate me anymore. I don’t like feeling weak and vulnerable and extremely loopy.”
LazAR looked at the medics. “She seems fine and in her right mind. Can she go to her own quarters to rest?”
“Yes, but are you sure you don’t require us to sedate her? It will help her heal faster.”
“She doesn't want that.” LazAR turned to Sharon. Lieutenant TanAR will take you to your quarters and fill you in on what is happening.” LazAR nodded at her, then left the medic wing.
Sharon stared after him. “Does he always do that? Come in, give out quick orders, then leave without looking back?”
Everyone answered her at once. “Yes.”
She looked at the medic she hit. “I didn’t mean to hit you. I’m sorry.”
He smiled at her but kept his distance. “I’ll live.”
“Sharon, are you ready to go to your quarters?” TanAR asked.
“More ready than I can tell you. Except — where are my boots?”
“They were pretty torn up. I ordered a new pair to be made for you. Until then, we have sandals.” He dangled a pair of dainty Katieran-style sandals that the females on his planet usually wore.
“I guess these will do.” She took the sandals and slipped them on. Then she eased off the bed. Her side ached, but the pain was not as bad as she had expected. TanAR took her elbow and walked her slowly out of the medic wing.
“Tell me about the rescue team,” Sharon demanded.
“Eight warriors on two different shuttles have volunteered to go. All of his own team — and the rest are Katieran warriors. They left an hour after you gave them your detailed account.”
“How long was I out?”
