Free Degrees of Wrong by Anna Scarlett Page B

genuine smile, one which revealed dimples and perfect teeth and warm eyes.
    “Nicoli,” she exclaimed. “So good to see you. What brings you to our end of the ship?”
    He didn’t seem to mind—or notice—her informal address. He glanced in my direction.
    Again, we exchanged polite nods instead of words. My nerves danced to the tune of my grinding teeth. I never wanted to see him in this lab, never wanted to test my theory that he couldn’t affect me while in doctor mode.
    “I’m sorry my visit isn’t for pleasure, Dr. Folsom.” He did seem happy to see her and just as regretful that he hadn’t come for the company.
    She smiled with a motherly familiarity. “I figured as much. I know you’re busy, but you could at least drop by sometimes. We don’t bite.”
    My cheeks felt melty when he cast a doubtful glance at me.
    “My lieutenants are complaining that their personnel have become excessively ill.” His smile vanished.
    Dr. Folsom nodded. “I have seen a large influx. We’ve had our hands full these past weeks. They aren’t really ill, but they seem alarmed enough by their symptoms to seek medical attention.”
    She hadn’t told me that. I just assumed she was overwhelmed, in general. She hadn’t mentioned anything about an influx .
    A small suspicion lumped in my throat.
    “What symptoms?” he asked, keeping his expression neutral.
    Dr. Folsom thought for a moment. “A wide variety of symptoms, actually. Nausea, dizziness, earaches, a sore throat, muscle pain.”
    “None of which can be proven. I believe they’re fabricating symptoms in order to see Dr. Morgan,” he said.
    “Why?” I blurted. But I knew why.
    He turned to me. “I would like for you to stop seeing patients for a while, Dr. Morgan.” When he saw that I would protest, he added, “For the greater peace and unity of the ship. Surely you can see the commotion you caused a couple weeks ago has still not subsided.”
    I exhaled in a gust, shaking my head. My efforts at normalcy had been wasted. “Yes,” I agreed. “However, I’ve taken every step to correct my actions. I’ve done everything asked of me.” I lifted my chin. I thought about trying Ebony’s nose maneuver but decided I needed more practice before unleashing it on someone as unnerving as Captain Marek.
    “Yes,” he agreed, to my surprise. “I’m aware of that. However, people are more inclined to remember the bad instead of the good. After they realize that Dr. Folsom— only Dr. Folsom—will care for their needs, I’m sure their symptoms will abate.”
    Dr. Folsom nodded. “Yes, Elyse, I think he’s right. I wasn’t overwhelmed before you arrived. I needed help with the initial physicals, but that chaos usually subsides after a few days. Besides, you were just telling me how you were having trouble with your research.”
    Boy did I wish she’d kept that private. I tried to indicate this to her with a glare but could feel Captain Marek looking at me, and it distracted me.
    “Is there something I can do for you, Dr. Morgan? I’m at your disposal,” he said solemnly.
    What a loaded question. I’d bet Lt. Sheldon would give one of her big hands for him to ask her that. I considered asking him to do something about Pretty Princess, but refrained. He still appeared to be blaming me for the entire unfolding of events that first day, so it’d probably be treading upon his hospitality to request that Lt. Horan be executed.
    “No, of course not. I have everything I need to conduct my experiments.” Or at least I thought I did. I was still missing something critical. I frowned.
    He noticed. “Are you sure?”
    “I’m sure. If I need anything, though, I’ll let you know.” Never would happen.
    He seemed satisfied. He turned back to Dr. Folsom with much less formality and smiled again. “I’ll let my lieutenants know.” He headed toward the door.
    “Try not to be such a stranger, Nicoli,” she called after him.
    As he exited, I noted the uniform fit