Page 23 of Salvation
“It is well, Disipula Yamata,” she said, taking the clean towels. “The spillage I will attend. You are needed in a different capacity.”
In the living room, A’paz reclined against the back of his large, well-cushioned chair, Nick was bent over him, fingers on the Anferthian’s pulse-point.
“Where does the pain emanate from?” Nick asked.
“Gastro tract,” A’paz said, his voice weary. “This is in my notes, but the illness strikes the weakest points of the victims’ bodies. I have had digestive issues all my life. Tokki had respiratory problems as a child and, as you probably know, her heart and lungs were most affected.”
“Do you take anything for the pain?”
A’paz shook his blond head. “It is not yet bad enough.”
Nick huffed and placed his fingers against the man’s wrist. “Seems bad enough now.”
“Ah, Healer, I am useless if my mind is clouded with drugs.”
K’rona muttered something under her breath as she wiped the floor. Just her expression was enough to tell Sakura that the other woman had been trying to convince A’paz to take something prior to their arrival.
Nick made a noncommittal noise. “Disipula Yamata and I can try to block the pain. It’s only a temporary measure, but it won’t cloud your mind.”
A’paz nodded. “Very well, Healer Bock. I am intrigued enough to allow you to try.”
Sakura moved to stand on the Anferthian’s other side. “Same as before? I’ll follow you?”
“Yup.”
She set her hand on A’paz’s lower abdomen, her fingertips just brushing against Nick’s. Then she centered and focused on their patient, calling on her Gift to reveal the inner organs of the friendly Anferthian.
Red, inflamed hot-spots dotted A’paz’s stomach and intestines like glowing ulcers. The disease must be creating weaknesses to breach in the final moments. Battering the same spots over and over until it made its final assault.
“I can set up a block while you soothe the inflammation, magister.”
“Let’s do it,” Nick replied.
Sakura refocused her concentration to A’paz’s spinal cord. Blocking this way was very similar to an epidural, but without a needle or drugs.
The sick man grimaced. “I did not learn any of the Asiatic languages of your planet. Does your name, Sakura, have a meaning, Disipula Yamata?”
Sakura slid her hand under his lower back, and pushed forward until her fingers felt the knobs of his spinal cord.Torpe. The power of her Gift tingled in her fingers for a couple of seconds, then receded. “It means cherry blossom in Japanese, my native language. They bloom on cherry trees every spring. How do you feel now?”
“Lovely.” The strained edge had disappeared. “You and Healer Bock complement each other well.”
Warmth rose to her cheeks and she slipped her hand out from under him. “That is fortunate since we will be working so closely together to find a cure for your people.”
“Most true.”
“I’m finished, Sakura,” Nick said.
“Me too.”
She studied A’paz’s face. His eyes seemed clearer than when they had arrived.
“My thanks, healers.” The Anferthian sat upright. “How long will it last?”
Nick shook his head. “Normally, a full day, but this disease isn’t normal.”
“No, it is not,” he sighed. “I have kept you long enough. There are others worse off than I who need your help.”
Nick stood. “We’ll check in on you tomorrow. If you need us before then, don’t hesitate to comm.”
