Page 43 of Zalis
“Can you remove it?” She wanted it out. Now.
“I can’t. Kalen or another medic will have to do the procedure,” Daisy said. Gemma must have looked worried because she added, “It’s not a dangerous procedure but it is complicated and painful. Anything involving the brain is complicated. I’ll have Kalen follow up if you want it replaced.”
“Thank you.”
“Did you get enough sleep?” Daisy asked.
“Not really. It’s tough falling asleep,” Gemma answered. The strange sounds of the ship kept her awake, and when she did finally fall asleep, she had nightmares.
“Is your difficulty sleeping from insomnia or being in a new environment?”
“I don’t want a sleeping pill.”
“That’s good. I don’t want to give you one. You were in stasis not long ago and those drugs are slow to leave your system,” Daisy said. “How do you feel about drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bed?”
“Tastes like grass. I’d rather chew actual grass.”
The nurse snickered. “Totally, but a bedtime ritual can help ease your body into sleep mode. Any decaffeinated herbal tea will do.”
“Sure. I can try that.”
“Well, since you’re here, we might as well get started on the regenerative therapy.”
Mikah set up a footbath while Daisy removed the boot on Gemma’s ankle. Zalis loomed over the nurse’s shoulder, fretting. It was cute, in a hypercautious way.
Not that she was into that sort of thing.
Zalis ran a hand over his horns, mussing the hair long enough to brush the collar of his shirt. His dark eyes seemed to catch the light.
Oh no, she was into that sort of thing.
“Looks good, right?” Daisy asked.
“What? No,” Gemma said quickly.
“The footbath.” She gestured to the tub Mikah carried. “Think of it like getting an aloe pedicure.”
“The treatment would be more efficient if applied internally,” Mikah said.
“Yes, but it’s not practical to submerge her in the tank for a foot injury,” Daisy said. She turned to Gemma. “We’re not putting you in the goo tank.”
“Please don’t.”
The goo had a tingle, but it was warm and soothing. Much better than advertised. Zalis remained at her side, chatting about traditional spa practices on Sangrin, of all things. Apparently, there was a tiny rainbow-colored fish that nibbled on the skin. The practice was highly inefficient but gave a person time to relax in a hot spring while the fish did their thing. Symbiotic, he claimed, as the fish benefited from the collagen in the dead skin. Gemma wasn’t sure she’d call being fish food relaxing, but sure. Different strokes and all that.
As odd as the conversation was, it took her mind off the chip implanted in her head. She couldn’t picture Zalis soaking in a hot spring with tiny fish nibbling on his toes. Then again, she totally could see him up to his chin in water with colorful fish darting around like some sort of alien Disney princess. So precious and symbiotic.
Eventually, the nurse released her with an appointment to do it again in two days. Visually, Gemma could see the swelling had reduced and her skin looked less angry.
Maybe there was something to the goo pedicure after all.
ZALIS
“Zalis, you’re going to have to stop obsessing about how much I eat.”
Gemma was being unreasonable. While she sampled everything on the table, she did not consume enough to meet her nutritional needs. Two bites were not adequate.
He said, “You did not eat much last night, and your morning meal was insufficient. Your body needs energy to heal.”
