The World of Beasts: She's Got Their Hearts

"A pocket drive? Used to contain out-of-control males?"noveldrama

Analise blinked and blew gently on her hot bowl of mushroom soup.

"Yes, this one's a bit smaller than the standard models. It's a recent release, and apparently, it's quite popular."

Scott nodded.

"Are we taking off now?" Analise asked, just as she heard the low rumble of the starship and felt it begin to move.

Then, that familiar wave of weightlessness hit her.

In an instant, Analise's mind went blank. A sharp ringing filled her ears, and a relentless buzzing clouded her thoughts.

The bowl slipped from her grasp, crashing to the floor. Doubling over, she clutched her chest as a wave of nausea surged through her.

What was happening? Was it because Echo was too far away, weakening the novice protection mechanism?

The thought sent a shiver down her spine, but it only strengthened her resolve. She needed to earn more purification points, exchange them for credits, and buy useful items.

But that would have to wait until Echo returned.

A deep sense of unease settled over her.

"Ana!" Scott's expression tightened. "Are you getting starship sickness again?"

She groaned.

It was too much.

She barely had the strength to respond, and the dizziness made it impossible to stand.

"Contact Finlay immediately!" Scott pulled up his interface without hesitation.

As soon as the call connected, he spoke urgently. "Finlay, bring the strongest clarity tonic you've got. Ana's getting starship sickness again."

Gently, he eased Analise onto the bed before stepping into the corridor to grab some warm water from the dispenser bot.

"Do you want some water to help with the discomfort? Finlay will be here soon," Scott said, helping Analise sit up as he held a cup to her lips.

Moments later, Finlay rushed into Analise's cabin, carrying a vial of clarity tonic. "Ana, drink this," he urged.

Instead of handing it to Scott, Finlay pushed past him and fed the tonic to Analise himself. It wasn't about seeking attention; it was just pure concern.

The bitterness hit her instantly. Grimacing, she blurted out, "I need water! It's too bitter!"

Almost instinctively, she grabbed the cup from Scott and took a deep gulp.

"What was that made of? It's so

bitter! Even drinking water doesn't

help. The bitterness still lingers. But I

have to admit, the dizziness and

have to

ringing in my ears have eased a

little."

Finlay watched as a dribble of liquid traced the curve of Analise's lips His mind drifted back to their kiss from earlier, and heat crept up his face. He quickly turned away, grabbing a tissue to gently wipe her mouth.

"Are you feeling any better?" he asked, concern laced in his voice.

"A little. My head's clearer, and I'm not as dizzy anymore. But my mouth is unbearably bitter." Analise looked like she might cry. "Do you have any candy? Anything sweet?"

"I don't have any candy... But I do have some nutritional supplements. They taste better than that, at least." He hesitated before adding, "Do you want one?"

Analise wrinkled her nose. "Forget it. I'd rather just suffer through the bitterness." She waved him off with a dramatic sigh.

"How about something to neutralize the taste? I'll get you another bowl of soup." Scott stood up and summoned a cleaning robot to mop up the spilled porridge.

"No, thanks. I don't have an appetite." Analise shook her head. "I think I'll go check out the ship's front cabin."

Ding!

Ding!

Two distinct notification tones chimed. One from Scott's wrist-mounted interface and the other from Finlay's.