King of the Hive

Chapter 5: Case Closed Sherlock

Jeica sprinted down the corridor, shoving Jake out of the way as she did.

“Hey!” he cried as he struggled to keep his balance. She had to get to the bathroom... too late. She fell to her knees and vomited on the floor. She groaned and rocked back and forth slightly. Jake was at her side in seconds. He took one look at her pained face and held his hand on her forehead. “Jesus! You’re hot! Are you okay?” He blinked, surprised at how stupid the question he’d just asked was. “Of course not. What’s wrong? Are you sick?” She slowly turned her head to face him, face scrunched up in discomfort. “Oh it’s... um, do you need any help?” Jake had calmed down suddenly and was speaking in a soft, soothing voice.

“Yeah,” Jeica grunted. “You can help me to the bathroom; I need to pee.” Jake nodded and supported her weight on his shoulder, putting her arm around his shoulders to make it easier and more comfortable for her. He slowly walked her to the toilet, but not too slowly. He didn’t want her to make two messes on the floor in one day. He waited outside for her, like a silent sentinel. Eventually, she emerged, looking very worn out. Jake took her weight again.

“I’m going to take you to your room so you can rest. You look like you need it.” She rested her head on his shoulder tiredly.

“Thanks. I suppose I owe you an apology for being such an ass earlier. And Mozart... oh god, you need to take me to him! I’ve been so stupid...”

“No,” Jake told her, gently but sternly. “I’ll bring him to you. You’re in no condition to be stumbling around this ship.” Realising she wouldn’t get very far without his help, she accepted this with a sigh and a nod of her head. Jake opened the door to her and Mozart’s room and gently laid her on the bed. “I’ll be right back,” he assured her. He rushed off to eventually return with Mozart. They exchanged a few words in their heads, but Jeica was too tired to listen in on them. Jake left them alone.

“Are... are you alright?” Mozart asked cautiously, creeping over to the bed. Jeica nodded weakly. Mozart finally sat himself down next to the bed, afraid to come any closer. She slowly extended an arm and touched hi face lovingly.

“I’m sorry,” she rasped. Is she... dying?! Mozart wondered, starting to panic. She did not look good. He refused to think about it any longer. She’ll be fine. It’s just... indigestion! That’s it! She didn’t get any sleep last night either! I mean, anyone who is exhausted and has a sore stomach would look like that, right? Jeica’s eyes slowly drifted shut. Mozart scampered around the ship until he could feel Jake’s mind brush against his.

“Jake!” he screeched.

“Jesus Mozart! Are you trying to give me a headache?!”

“I’m sorry. I just really need to know; is she dying? Please tell me she’s going to live!” Jake jerked upright from his previous position of leaning against the wall. He was glad Mozart was in another room, because the expression on Jake’s face might have given him a heart attack.

“You mean you don’t know?” Jake asked incredulously.

“Don’t know what?” Mozart screamed in exasperation. Jake told him exactly what was happening with Jeica. He was glad he didn’t have eyes, because they would have been wide as saucepans right then. “But... but... no it... that’s impossible!” Mozart stuttered.

“I’ll explain it to everyone once she wakes up... if that’s okay with you of course.”

“Yes... it is something they need to know.” Jake jumped as Advena appeared behind him.

“Explain what?” she inquired. Jake sighed and got ready for a lengthy conversation. “Actually,” she decided, “I’ll wait with everyone else.” Jake rubbed her head gratefully.