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“Is it?” he asked, sounding a curious rumble.

I worried for all the humans already in captivity among Talins who didn’t realize how smart they were. The only thing I could do at the moment was encourage patience and kindness.

“It can take time to earn their trust,” I warned him. “They are nearly powerless in this universe. It means that, despite their fragility, they have a strength of will that’s unmatched. Living in a harsh universe means they won’t be won over by some food and a soft nest. They need to be handled with tenderness and spoken to with compassion.”

“That sounds like a great deal of effort for a pet,” he said.

“The effort makes the prize,” I reminded him. It was something we all learned growing up in the cresh.

“Yes, that’s true,” he agreed. “I will reserve judgment until these two are healed and can better represent their species.”

“Opal was hurt attempting to save Sloane,” I said. It wasn’t the full truth, but it was enough that I didn’t feel guilty. “She’d only met the other human that day. They can be fiercely loyal, despite how long they’ve known someone.”

“That’s a quality to admire,” Dominus agreed. “There must be more to them than I realized.”

More than you'll ever know, I thought.

Chapter 18

Opal

Whatever they gave me did a good job of knocking me out. When I woke up, there was no pain, and I felt like I was floating. It was similar to being high.

This was nice!

Instead of only the bare, utilitarian medical mat that was on the bed before, there was a soft pad under me, fluffy pillows all around, and cozy blankets covering me.

The only parts of me uncovered were my head and one hand. That one hand was being held. I slid my gaze over to see Tolly sitting next to my bed. He was holding his Ident with one hand and reading a holo document. His other hand was resting on the bed and gently gripping my hand.

“You’re so cute,” I murmured, feeling happiness bubble up in me.

At my words his eyes shifted to mine. “You’re awake.”

“Unless this is a dream,” I said. “Wait, is this a dream? Oh no, this isn’t real. I’m asleep and in real life I’m dying!”

By the time I got to the end of the last sentence, I was wailing. My happy, floating feeling burst, followed by overwhelming sadness.

“You’re not asleep,” Tolly said, purring. He squeezed my hand. “I’m real. Can’t you feel me?”

“That’s exactly what dream you would say,” I told him. “Dream you wouldn’t want me to wake up and face the truth.”

“What’s going on here?” Grifforum said, appearing on the other side of my bed.

“She woke up and went into emotional distress,” Tolly said. “She thinks she’s dreaming and is actually dying in the real world.”

“Dreaming?” Grifforum sounded a questioning rumble, then sounded one of agreement. “Ah, yes. The act of hallucinating while sleeping. Poor humans, it must be so confusing not to know what is real or not.”

As they talked, my misery eased and a little bit of the floating feeling came back. Drugs. I was on drugs and had to remember that.

“You’re real,” I said, trying hard to sound calm and collected. Unfortunately I’d started crying, and now the tears didn’t seem to want to stop.

“Yes, I’m real,” Tolly agreed. “Do you remember where you are?”

It took me a moment. “Ortheema Station?”

Grifforum sounded a rumble of agreement. “Yes, very good, Human Opal. I need to uncover your leg to check your progress.”

“I still have a leg?” I gasped. “That’s great news! Did I get to keep my foot too?”