The Way It Is

For what feels like the hundredth time this week, I wake with a pounding headache. I need a vacation. I don't want to open my eyes.

Where in the stars am I?

Everything is quiet except for a rhythmic beeping of a machine. It's a soft, barely audible sound, and the only sound, thankfully.

A soft, warm bed is under me. Heavens that feels good. The pillow under my head is fluffy and cradles my aching skull perfectly.

Maybe I can just stretch a little, roll over and go back to sleep. I can figure out where I am later.

***

I wake again, not knowing how much time has passed. Barely awake, trapped between dreams and reality, I hear voices somewhere in the distance.

Or maybe they are whispering beside me? I can't tell. My brain is in a fog I can't shake. Everything feels distant and not real.

"If she doesn't wake up, what do we do?"

"She will wake. It's just a matter of when."

"How can you be so sure?"

"I have known Zea a long time. She doesn't give up. She's too stubborn."

I know that voice. It is right there. The person's name and face are teasing me but refuse to surface.

It just won't come out of the fog that is in my brain. I know he is important to me. I want to shake my head, but I am not ready for anyone to know I am awake.

"I will agree. She is stubborn." Another male snorts his amusement.

I know that voice too. But that one makes me want to punch him in the mouth.

Who are these people? Then a third chimes in. A female. I don't recognize this one.

"Gentlemen, she is strong and strong-willed. I wouldn't worry. But with you two carrying on in here, like two worried mothers, I can't do my job. So if you don't mind?"

"Sorry, Doctor Turin. Excuse us. ... But you will -"

"Let you know as soon as she is awake. Yes, gentlemen. Now go, do whatever it is you males do, to relax. I prefer zero patients in my Med Bay, so there is already one too many."

The males grunted consent, and a door slides open then shut. Small feet lightly pad in the same direction. A sequence of beeping sounds follow the pause in footsteps.

Then a new voice speaks its clinical way of speaking, giving away the fact it is an A.I.

"Med Bay doors locked. Approved personnel admitted only. Privacy mode activated."

"Thank you, Yomdi."

The feet add back to me. I had been hoping she would leave, too, so I could have a moment to gain my bearings. That isn't happening.

Maybe I will just go back to sleep. I am not overly eager to find out where I am or why. Procrastination is something I mastered a long time ago.

"Major Zea, I know you are awake. I could have left the males here to fawn over you. However, I thought maybe you'd like to take a moment first."

Something was off in the way she says this. Like she is disgusted at the thought of any male fawning over me.

"I need to monitor you. I don't expect complications, but your condition is unknown to me. Better safe than sorry. I don't need Armada floating me for malpractice."

She snorts like this is a hilarious idea. However, Armada has executed people for less. And she is right. They usually got floated.

Groaning louder than necessary, I flop over onto my back. My head pounds in protest. I don't want to open my eyes. If she's a doctor, how come I am not medicated?