>>42313415
176

>You spend several days in your bed, partially asleep, and partially awake.
>And in contrast to your previous blackout moments, you actually have real resting phases now.
>No coma, but genuine, proper sleep.
>You rest and recover, and you can almost sense that the symptoms of your quasi-poisoning are fading as your body gains the upper hand.
>The number of fits decreases, the temperature sinks back to mostly normal levels, and you generally do not feel as if you were on your last leg anymore.
>All in all, you are making progress.
>And roughly sixty hours later, you feel fit enough to get one step further.
>It is time for you to test your boundaries.
>So you take one deep breath and mentally prepare yourself for whatever is about to happen.
>Then you raise your upper body and try to sit up straight on the edge of the bed.
>Naturally, #deca.mare is right here too.
>She has stayed with you almost without pause.
>The exceptions were a few hours at a time in which Sky Squall or Firefly have taken her spot whilst she was taking a break.
>And she sees what you are doing.
>"Anon? Do you feel ready to get up?"
>#deca.mare's tone is genuine and friendly, albeit slightly reserved.
"Yeah, I've got to give it a try. The forced off-time is starting to get dull."
>#deca.mare comes closer to support you.
>"I understand that, Anon. But please do not rush these things. You might harm yourself."
>You look her in the eyes and smile.
"It's okay. I think I know how much I can push myself."
>She sighs, but ultimately plays along.
>"Very well. Let me help you."
>Which she does.
>#deca.mare helps you to free yourself of all the external sensors that are attached to your body.
>The respective readings disappear from the nearby screen one by one as the attachments get removed.
>Once you are free, you decide to test the waters by standing up.
>It is a fairly unsteady affair at first, but thanks to the lowered gravity on the ship, you manage to hold your weight relatively competently.
"Hm, not bad."
>#deca.mare watches you as you take your first careful steps, and she remains close by.
>Likely to catch you if something goes wrong.
>"And? How are you now?"
>You assess your impressions for a few seconds before you respond.
"Not fully there yet, but it works well enough."
>Her watchful eyes are still focussed completely and solely on you.
>"Any signs of symptoms? Or side effects?"
>You shake your head.
"I'm a bit shaky, that's all."
>#deca.mare nods and heads for the door.
>"Just a moment."
>She disappears into the corridor, and re-emerges less than a minute later.
>With a familiar wristband between her teeth.
"Oh, the health screen."
>#deca.mare nods and stops right in front of you.
>Nothing needs to be said.
>For you know what #deca.mare is asking for.
>You take the wristband and put it on.
>The device activates itself as soon as it registers your presence.
>Its tiny screen lights up, indicating that the wristband is working correctly.