Page 4

“You sound like an old married couple,” Sloane said. “Don’t let things get stale too fast. I’ve got some tips if you’re out of ideas for getting his attention.”

“No, it’s not that. We’re both willing, but we’re so busy fending off the demands of High Command and working on this antidote, that we can’t focus on anything else. The Siblet are a real passion killer.”

“There’s always time for a little bump and grind.” Sloane flashed a saucy look at Dallin. “Isn’t that right, sugar?”

He turned away, pretending not to have heard her. “Cleo, if you need an energy boost, I can help. The same goes for Hunter, although his own healing ability should compensate for any exhaustion he’s experiencing.”

“Thanks, but I’m okay. A few nights of uninterrupted sleep and finally defeating the Siblet, and I’ll be back to normal.”

“We’ll keep working on the samples,” Sloane said.

“Good. I have another meeting to get to with High Command. And the Apexian leaders will sit in on this one, so we need to show progress. This development with the nanotechnology is just what we need. Keep working on these new findings and let me know if you find anything else.”

Dallin turned back to her and nodded. “Of course.”

Angel walked through the door just as Cleo had scooped up Pluto and settled him back on her shoulder. Her pink hair was pulled off her face and the sleeves of her jumpsuit were pulled up to reveal her tattoos. “Hey, have you had anyone in here complaining about feeling unwell?”

Dallin shook his head. “Not to me.” He looked at Sloane. She was often the shoulder to lean on when people wanted to unburden. She was always so sweet to everyone.

Sloane jutted out her bottom lip. “I’ve had no one rolling in saying they’re unwell. Why, what’s up?”

Angel’s gaze ran over Cleo. “I’m not sure. Are you feeling okay? You look pale. When did you last sleep?”

“I’ve been better, but it’s just tiredness. What were you saying about people feeling unwell?” Cleo said.

“Two members of the crew showed up an hour ago. Both had the same symptoms. They felt tired, sick, and were having visual hallucinations. When the first one came in, I thought it was something they ate, but now I’m wondering if it’s a bug doing the rounds. Have you had any of those symptoms, Cleo?”

“I’ve been feeling tired, but nothing else.”

“Come and see me if you get any worse.” Angel pulled out a scanner and ran it over Cleo.

She waved her away. “Please don’t find anything wrong with me. I’m too busy to be sick.”

Angel chuckled. “That’s what they all say. I’ll run a few tests and make sure it’s nothing serious. And get some rest. You look like death warmed up.”

“Thanks for the compliment,” Cleo said.

Angel grinned. “I’m thinking I should run the crew through a health scan. I don’t want anything spreading around.”

“You want to do that to all crew? Mission and support staff?”

“It would be sensible. We can catch this thing before it gets too many of us. I can make the arrangements. It won’t mean extra work for you.”

“Okay. You’re our medical expert, so if you think it’s necessary,” Cleo said.

“I do. I’ll get right on it.”

“I’ll come with you. I need an update on your work with Atticus before I meet with High Command.”

“Sure. Follow me,” Angel said.

Cleo and Angel said a quick goodbye to Dallin and Sloane and then left.

Dallin tensed as Sloane rested a hand against his forehead. “What are you doing?”

“Checking to see if you have a temperature. I don’t want you coming down with this bug.”

“It’s probably not a bug. Angel’s being overly cautious.” He stood, his hands clenched by his sides, resisting the urge to wrap them around Sloane.