73

ORCHID

I wake up with a start.

At first I think I'm still inside the cathedral - there's the same kind of eerie reverberation in the air that tells me this is vast empty space. But I soon realize that this place is different.

Very different.

It's a huge vaulted room, dark and cavernous, with high-tech metal panels across the ceiling and rounded walls. I look down at my body and see that I am completely naked, lying on some kind of mattress. The air is cold, but my body is covered in sweat.

I try to sit up, but my muscles are weak and uncoordinated.

"Come quick," someone yells, "She's awake."

It's Dog's voice. The last sound I heard before passing out and the first I hear upon regaining consciousness. His voice is stern and militaristic as ever, but there's a clear note of concern.

As I struggle to sit up, his strong arm slides under my shoulders, supporting me. He places his other hand on my chest, over my heart.

"Easy," he whispers. “Just relax, Orchid. Don't strain. "

I part my lips