Chapter Eleven

Luke’s fever hadn’t quite broken by the morning – Fleet standard time – so when he next awoke, 2-1B proceeded to re-examine him.

“Elevated temperature is a known response to systemic trauma,” said the surgical droid. “Your body is compensating. I would recommend limiting strain so as not to cause a spike. The fractures are mending; however, again, I would recommend limited movement. You may sit up if you no longer experience vertigo. Otherwise, remain lying down.”

Luke attempted to sit up, but the room tilted just slightly and he fell back onto the bed cushion. “Well, that answers that…” he muttered.

“Don’t rush it,” said Lisa from her position beside him, her hand on his shoulder.

He merely grunted, then sighed. “How much longer do you think this is going to take?” he asked 2-1B.

“Your fever should break within the next few standard hours, as long as you remain resting and hydrated. Bones, however, are notoriously slow to mend, even with treatment.” 2-1B brought up the newest body scan he’d had to do while Luke was horizontal. “Your Jedi healing is accelerating the process; however – ” He zoomed in on some new fractures that hadn’t been on the previous scan. “ – your relapse has caused new damage.”

Luke closed his eyes and breathed through the fresh wave of irritation that passed through him. He felt Lisa squeeze his shoulder. Fever or no, there was no way he could consider himself healed until those fractures were gone.

Bones are annoying, was Lisa’s silent quip. They’re always the slowest to heal, even for me.

It was a small comfort to know that, even with her ability to heal twice as fast as a human, a broken bone would still take her out for a time.

Hearing his thoughts, she gently nudged him. She was smiling to show she hadn’t taken that personally. He was just grumpy at the situation.

He sighed and reached for her hand. “How long?” he asked 2-1B again. “Roughly?” He had a feeling he wouldn’t like the answer.

“Three to four standard weeks.” Beat. “And that is only if you exercise caution and continue to rest until I determine you may return to limited activity.”

Luke pinched the bridge of his nose. He really needed to buckle down here and focus on healing. Lisa squeezed his hand sympathetically.

“I would recommend consuming more protein, calcium, and vitamin D,” said 2-1B. “I shall inform the mess hall.”

“Well,” said Lisa, “at least I was doing something good by bringing you those protein bars.”

“Indeed,” agreed 2-1B. “Your help has been invaluable.” The droid either ignored or didn’t notice her blush that turned the tips of her wings pink. He went on, “I can provide supplements if we find the mess hall lacking in the required nutrients.”

“Sounds good,” said Lisa, nodding. “Thanks.”

“I shall leave you,” said the droid, turning to roll away. “If I am needed, please do not hesitate to summon me.”

If Luke had had the strength, he would have rolled over and shouted his frustration into his pillow. He resorted to covering his face with both of his hands and groaning loudly.

Lisa leaned against his bed and waited for him to finish airing his grievances. When he did, she looked down at him. “Better?”

Luke ran his hands down his face and stared up at the ceiling. “Lisa, I’m going to go stir-crazy!” he complained. “A whole month or more of this!”

“I know,” she said, stroking his hair. “But you definitely don’t want another relapse.”

He grunted and briefly shut his eyes. Again, Lisa waited.

Finally, he slumped in the bed, defeated. He had no choice. If he had any hope of a full recovery, he had to focus his energies on healing and follow 2-1B’s orders.

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