Page 43 of Kiss of Steel

“Is that possible?”

“It’s possible,” Phibious answered for Fury.

Just what she was afraid of.

Fury sat up a little straighter. “But alien tech can’t account for every…malady…every sentient being might contract.”

“True,” the foreman admitted, “but if our infirmary can’t diagnose and treat an individual’s condition, I doubt anyone can. We have the best medical facility in the entire quadrant.”

The treatment room opened, and the doctor stepped out. Tall, thin, and green, he resembled a phasmid, a walking-stick bug. Bulbous eyes protruded from the sides of his head. Atop his skull, antenna twitched. In his pointy chin, his mouth seemed to be twisted into a moue of disapproval. Dr. Twygg glanced between her and Fury. “Is one of you Honoria Foster?”

“Me.” Her blood pressure spiked so high she saw gray spots and feared she would pass out.

“Against medical advice, the patient insists on speaking with you.”

“Get out of my way! Honoria?” came a rough voice, and a shirtless Jason shouldered past the doctor, almost knocking him over.

She burst into joyful, shocked tears. She didn’t know which astounded her more—that he was up and walking or that the injuries, while red and swollen, appeared half healed already. She had no medical training, but his injury looked weeks old. “Y-you’re all right. Oh my god. You’re all right.”

She gently closed her arms around his waist. The front and seat of his pants were wet with his blood. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered.

“No, I’m sorry.” He rested his cheek on her head.

“I don’t know why he’s alive, but he is,” Dr. Twygg said. “His body appears to be healing itself. I ran a complete diagnostic scan. Several vital organs were gored, resulting in significant internal bleeding, but it appears to have stopped and healed on its own. Is this common with humans?”

“Some humans,” Fury said quickly.

“I strongly recommend he spend the night at the infirmary for observation. I am very curious about the speed he is healing, and I’d like to run some tests in the interest of science and helping future patients.”

“No,” Jason, Fury, and Honoria said in unison.

“The doctor’s recommendation is sound—” Phibious objected.

“I’m no guinea pig. I’ve been poked, prodded, and scanned enough. I’m going home. I can rest better there,” Jason said.

If not for the risk of discovery, Honoria would have insisted he remain in the infirmary. “Nobody can sleep in the hospital. He’ll rest easier at home, and I’ll make sure he does. I promise,” she said.

Dr. Twygg huffed. “You young men think you’re invincible.” He shook a spindly finger. “I’m advising you to spend the rest of the day in bed. You will come in tomorrow for a checkup. I will not release you to return to work until you do. And if you begin to bleed, develop a hard abdomen, experience lightheadedness, you must return immediately. Do you understand?”

Jason looked like he intended to argue, so she jumped in. “I’ll bring him in.” There was no way around it. He couldn’t work until the doctor released him. Hopefully, the exam would be brief. “Thank you, Doctor.”

Muttering about crazy, stubborn humans, he retreated into the treatment room.

“You’re lucky to be alive,” Phibious said. “I wish you were spending the night here.” He looked at Honoria. “I’m counting on you to ensure he rests like the doctor ordered. I’ll have meals sent to your cabin.”

“I won’t let him leave the bed,” she promised.

Shaking his head, Phibious left.

“You are one lucky hombre,” Dusty said. “Is there anything I can fetch for you?”

“No, thank you. I guess we won’t be needing a vehicle today though.”

“Definitely not,” she said.

Dusty ambled out. Fury remained. “Honoria and I need to clear up some things. Catch you tomorrow?” Jason said.

Fury glanced at her. “Are you sure that’s wise—”

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