Micah fought his way awake. Cold sweat drenched him and he felt totally drained. Ionoski and Davies swam into focus above him, expressions concerned and serious.
"I'm here," said Micah. Mushily but still understood.
Davies moved and Micah felt something at his lips. He drank and the world around him sharpened into being.
"I'm glad you're awake," said Davies, "More glad that you're alive."
"Me too," said Micah weakly, "What happened?"
"You performed an incredibly foolish act, Agent Stone," said Ionoski, "I don't see a particularly good explanation for it, either."
Micah sat up, amazed that he could.
"Easy, now," said Davies, "You're not all the way back yet."
"Good luck," said Kidwell's voice, "He never listens to us when we say that."
Kidwell, Ferrel, Barstein and Siffai all sat at a table in Davies' sickbay. Micah blinked hard and worked to pull up his memories.
"I have a report to make," he said, "Someone record, please."
Ionoski switched on a datacaster while Davies pulled up two chairs. Then, precisely and dispassionately Micah gave exacting reports on what he'd experienced.
"Stupid dosha," said Siffai, but without any punch, "We could have lost you!"
"I doubt that," said Micah, "Doctor Davies has developed several counteragents to the bacteria's toxins. I did not deem myself in danger at any time."
Davies exhaled explosively. "Toxins! Toxins yes but I told you I hadn't traced the physiopsychological effects."
Micah shook his head experimentally. "Nothing rattling, Mike. I'm fine."
"You are a long way from fine," said Ionoski, "And as much so in trouble, Agent Stone. I doubt anything you say can excuse your actions."
"It had to be done, Ted," said Micah simply, "We needed the information. As to my volunteering to discover it I offer no excuse. I shall accept whatever discipline you set. Subject only to my giving Doctor Davies the necessary details he currently lacks."
Ionoski's expression hardened, then softened. "I shall take the matter of your discipline under advisement. What more do you have to report."
"Those were just the facts," said Micah, "That leaves the feelings. Those may be the most critical part."
Ionoski sighed. "I suppose you're going to quote Unoffial Rule Fourteen now."
"Pardon after is easier than permission before," quoted Micah, "I thought about that first."
Ionoski finally relaxed. "Since you did survive and did not jeopardize the mission... Pardoned. But don't do it again!"
Micah half-grinned at that.
"Now report on," said Davies.
Micah collected his thoughts. "I've told you about the situations. In its own way each was a first and traumatic experience. Each was emotionally charged with negative or, well, bad feeling. Terror in combat or great pain. Fear of loss with my friends. Opening... Opening up or losing Jenn. Very... difficult to handle or in some cases survive.
"Each time, though, there was someone I respected or even trusted present. I knew they weren't really there. They all told me things I already knew but... but I felt them there. I felt them there and they inspired me or showed me things. Things I knew but needed to know. Again. Things that helped me."
No one spoke for a long time.
"Rest," said Davies finally, "I'm going to give you a mild sedative. We land on Triumph tomorrow, you should be ready for it."
Tomorrow! That told Micah just how long he'd been out. Perhaps Davies' remedies weren't quite as good as he first thought!
One by one the others left. Micah felt the sedative starting to act. Only Kidwell remained. She leaned over him and spoke softly.
"Trust, you said." She smiled. "That means a lot to me, Micah. More than you can possibly know." She kissed him lightly on the forehead. "Now get some rest... Brother."
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. An Ordinary Day
Chapter 2. A New Job
Chapter 3. I-Jacked!
Chapter 4. Rescued?
Chapter 5. Building a New Life
Chapter 6. To a New World!
Chapter 7. Epiphanies
Chapter 8. "Meat On My Plate"
Chapter 9. The Seduction
Chapter 10. Facing Problems
Chapter 11. Setting a Trap
Chapter 12. Old Friends, New Enemies
Chapter 13. Burned Bridges
Chapter 14. Under Arrest?
Chapter 15. Hard Choices
Chapter 16. A Mother's Pride
Chapter G. Glossary
Chapter X: Afterword
Chapter Y: Preview