Ro opened her eyes to a hazy ceiling, blinking and gave an upset moan. Almost instantly a shadow blocked her light. "Ro? Are you awake?"

She squinted. "Zee?"

"Yes, Ro. It's me."

Part of her wince cramped and winced, and she asked, "I'm not dead?"

"No, you are not."

"Are you still a synthoid?"

Zee blinked slowly, as if seriously processing the question, then replied, "Yes, Ro."

"That's nice . . . where am I?" Ro tried to turn her head to look, but it was nice to just lie down and relax.

"At the Paulnovian Hospital. You have been in a coma for two weeks."

"What?" Comprehension jerked and Ro tried to sit up. "Two wee, oww, uhh . . ."

Zee took hold of her shoulders and gently pushed her back down. "You must rest Ro. And yes, two weeks."

A zillion theories whistled through her mind, and Ro tried to sort past them and make a coherent sentence. "No, no . . . impossible. I mean, Agent Bennett would have been here the—"

"Agent Bennett most likely believes we are on the opposite side of the country. Dr. Selig gave a talk three days ago in that area."

Ro gaped up at him. "Oh, Zee I'm so sorry," she whispered. "If I had known . . ."

Zee shook his head at her, giving a comforting, holographic smile. "You could not have known, and even if you did, it wouldn't have mattered."

"But Dr. Selig!"

He nodded his head solemnly, looking away for a moment, then back at her. "There will be other chances. I'm sorry you were shot though, Ro. I'm sorry. I should have protected you better."

She shook a finger at him. "Don't you start that, Zee. I'm not putting up with anymore of it." Ro paused to get her equilibrium back, then grinned. "And you do know you're expressing regret."

"Yes, I know. I will get a doctor."

Ro gave a small chuckle, mistaking the comment but understanding when he made a motion to leave her bedside. "No, Zee, don't go."

He paused, sensing the plea. "A doctor should be made aware you are awake, Ro."

"Yes, I know. But later?"

For a brief moment, indecision passed over Zee's face. His eyes danced between the door and bed, but then he carefully set up sentry next to her side. "Okay."

Ro smiled thankfully at him. "Thanks, Zee." She took his hand that was resting on the rail guard and took it in her hand, resting back. A brief smile came to her lips when she felt Zee give a small comforting squeeze before she felt herself slip back down into a peaceful oblivion.