Page 175 of Seven Oars
Her tone and her assumptions vexed Rosamma.
“I’m not a healer,” she said, sharper than she meant.
“Oh, but do something!” Fawn whined.
Rosamma closed her eyes briefly, then glanced at Nud, sagging against the console. She definitely wasn’t spending herself on him.
Coincidentally, Nud happened to be blocking the golden panel. If he moved, even just a little, she could try to reach it. Tutti wasn’t here to prevent her.
Love, yearning for freedom, and bone-deep weariness pressed at her throat. If she sent out that signal, who would hear? Who would she save and who would she doom?
Tearing her gaze away from the console, she knelt beside Phex.
His third eyelid slowly pulled back, and he moved his head. His cracked lips parted.“This is hell.”
“I can imagine,” she said drily. She had almost no compassion left.
“Need… help.”
“I bet you do.”
Businesslike, she sent two short bursts of energy into his limp hand.
A deep breath of relief raised his chest.“Thank you, Rosamma.”
Leaning closer, she listened to his breathing, finding it even and deep. The blood seepage was slowing down.
“What would I do without you,” he murmured, barely distinct.
She wanted to laugh.
Oh, his affinity for her was real. Sure, he appreciated her, always there for him, at his beck and call, a kind, funny creature.
What would I do without you?She also thought, but it wasn’t him she had in mind.
*****
The smoke was still there, but it wasn’t increasing as Rosamma made her way to the Dome. By the time she got there, she was short of breath and so lightheaded that everything was wavering.
She settled by the window, contemplating a visit to the Meat Locker. Objectively, it would do her some good. Yes, she needed to go. Not right away, but soon.
Fincros and Thilza must have contained whatever outbreak Tutti had created. If they hadn’t, they were all going to die soon, in which case she wouldn’t need the Meat Locker anymore.
It wasn’t a very appealing thought, but the idea of not seeing Father Zha-Ikkel again was comforting.
Or you can escape and go home to Ren like Fincros wants you to.
The familiar conflicting feelings roiled inside Rosamma as she gazed at the stars, waiting for Fincros to come find her.
When he did, she felt his weariness. Not physical, but emotional.
“Tutti’s gone crazy,” he said.“It took itself to the Service Block and plugged into the station’s main system. Damn near fried the circuit boards.”
“Why?” Rosamma asked.
“Good question.”
“Can you fix Tutti?”
