Astray Among The Stars

Chapter 33: Recovery

Roger opened his eyes, finding a familiar world this time. Immediately he was met with the pain of a throbbing headache. He groaned. "Fuck."

Prill turned from his repair work on a circuit. "Good; you are awake. I will inform the captain."

"What happened when I was out?"

"You were not just out."

"Huh?"

"You died. I had to resussitate you."

Roger sat up, instantly wincing, returning to his previous position.

"Do not move around too much. I might have broken a few ribs."

He let out a painful sigh. "Yeah, I figured. . . How's Tevra?"

Prill continued his repair work, not turning to face him."Still unconscious."

Roger saw the Nevran's brooding reflection in the indoor window. There was a gleam of guilt in his eyes, something quite rare in a person so strong. "Everything all right?"

Prill frowned. "I should have never brought that prayer house on board."

"You mean the thing that had the demon spirit?"

Prill nodded. "I was stupid. I should have consulted at least another Nevran before buying it. This would have never happened if it was not for me." He waved his hand around. "Look at this mess. The whole place is in ruins. Look at Tevra. How much pain is she in right now? She already enough pain in her life. . . It is all my fault."

"Dude no, it's not. You can't just beat yourself up like that. How were supposed to know Kietzler was possessing it?"

"But I was ultimately responsible."

"That might be true, but your intentions matter more than your actions. You never wanted to bring me or Tevra any pain. You never wanted to damage and destroy the infirmary. You can't blame yourself for what happened, Prill, even if the captain holds you responsible. It was out of your control."

Prill shook his head, returning to the broken console chip. Silence hung in the air like a thick fog.

"When do you think she'll recover?"

The Nevran shrugged. "I am not sure."

Roger sighed as more silence followed. Getting a conversation out of him seemed more difficult than adjusting himself without causing pain. The teen grabbed a tablet, entertaining himself with a novel.

The medical doors opened, interrupting the stillness of the room.

Holloway smiled. "How ya doing, kid?"

"Better I guess."

Prill looked up. "Did the captain send you?"

Holloway nodded. "She wanted me to check in on how things are going, and also how Roger is feeling now that he's awake."

"Is she really that petty? Sending the corporal?"

Roger smirked.

"I also came because I felt bad for you, Prill. I wanted to help."

"Thanks, but the captain ordered me to do all the work."

"I'm off duty. Repairing things is a hobby of mine. . . call it recreation."

Prill gestured to the pile of broken medical equipment. "If you insist, you can help me by fixing those."

Holloway smiled. "Thanks."

Roger returned to his book, once more the room filled with nothing but the sounds of repair work.

Holloway stopped for a moment. "You two not in the mood for a conversation?"