Free Inescapable (Talented Saga #7) by Sophie Davis Page B

across as educational instead of nosy. Leslie
either already knew all about the sources and how they were
selected, or she wasn’t curious, because the older girl didn’t
probe the topic.
    “ How long was I out?”
Cressa asked, the first words she’d spoken since waking. Sliding
her arms free of the restraints, she rubbed her temples. The
pounding in her head was nearly gone, and she no longer felt sick
to her stomach. In fact, Cressa felt amazing, like she’d just woken
up from a restful night’s sleep after a week at the spa.
    “ Less than an hour,” Dr.
Masterson told her. “Take it slowly now. Do you feel
dizzy?”
    Cressa sat up, shaking her head in response.
Only an hour—that wasn’t bad at all. The first time, she’d
meandered in and out of consciousness for two days.
    “ The Phase Two injection
is typically much easier for the recipient, though a one-hour
adjustment period is the fastest I have ever seen, by far. I must
say, it is quite extraordinary.” The doctor grabbed hold of
Cressa’s chin firmly, forcefully turning her face from right to
left and examining her with a critical eye. “Cadet Abbot, please
pull up the skeletal images of source 4709.” Dr. Masterson
continued to study Cressa, her grip becoming painful.
    Cressa bit back a wince. As much as she
hated the feel of the doctor’s cold, dry fingers against her skin,
Cressa knew better than to argue or protest. She tried to relax
under the doctor’s penetrating gaze, though it proved quite
difficult. The scrutiny reminded her of the way ranchers examined
livestock at auction. Cressa fully expected Dr. Masterson to pry
her lips apart at any moment to count her teeth.
    “ Ah, yes, very
good. Very good,”
Dr. Masterson said, eyes flicking between Cressa and the monitor
behind her. “You have the proper foundation for your source, should
the need ever arise. The bone structure is not identical, but close
enough to make the adjustments.” Then, as if realizing she’d spoken
too freely, the doctor pulled her hand back and brusquely changed
topics. “You are finished here, for now. You may get dressed, and
then Cadet Abbot will take you to the 2P dorm.”
    Eager to leave med bay before Dr. Masterson
decided to make adjustments—whatever that meant—Cressa swung her
legs over the side of the table and slid to the floor. She changed
in record time, listening intently to the conversation between Dr.
Masterson and Leslie. Unfortunately, it wasn’t nearly as
informative as their earlier exchange.
    “ I am a little surprised
that you are not more interested in fieldwork, Cadet Abbot,” Dr.
Masterson began, over the clinking of vials. Though Cressa could
only see silhouettes moving on the other side of the privacy
curtain, she assumed the doctor was straightening the refrigeration
unit.
    “ I believe I can do more
good as a doctor, ma’am,” Leslie replied stiffly. “Unless you
disagree?”
    “ No, no, not at all. It is
just that I happen to know your source for mental manipulation is
one of the most powerful we have. It would be a shame to not use
it.” The doctor paused. “You are showing remarkable proficiency
with the ability already. I am sure Cadet Karmine would agree.
Perhaps I misspoke; having that talent in the medical profession
could prove extremely beneficial, as you demonstrated
earlier.”
    Cressa emerged from behind the curtain, once
again dressed in her regulation clothing.
    “ I would like to see you
back in one week, Cadet Karmine. The more talents we implant, the
more frequently my techs will need to perform checkups. We will
also be tracking how your practical progress corresponds with the
levels of abilities in your system.”
    “ Yes, ma’am,” Cressa
replied automatically.
    “ Thank you for your time,
Doctor Masterson. Follow me, Cadet,” Leslie said, turning towards
the door without waiting for a response.
    Cressa followed Leslie into the hallway of
the med bay, expecting to find it deserted. Instead, she