"Yes, bring me some Thassalian, Alcoran," the surgeon assented wearily and half-rose from his couch with a sigh. "The sleep-freeze reaction is far worse than I'd anticipated!"
"The antidotes have been given—two antidotes Master!" The super-robot answered instantly.
"Two! For the love of Terra! If it took a double antidote I must have been given a dose big enough for a Hellacorium...."
"Doctor Verdugo," Lucero interrupted purposely, now entirely calm. "There's life ... intelligent life on Europa." She didn't intend that Alcoran should have a chance to disclose what he must have known.
"Yes?" Doctor Verdugo was all attention. "Bring the Thassalian!" He waved an imperious hand at Alcoran, "and don't stand there like an effigy! Must your orders be given twice?" He glared at the robot. "Proceed, Doctor Fortun. Intelligent life ... what's it like?"
"Humanoid, but furred against Europa's eternal cold. They seem to be telepathic!"
"Telepathic.... Remarkable! I must have a specimen without delay. Have my scientists been awakened?"
"We've just arrived, Doctor, they're being given the antidote now," Lucero was once again her coldly efficient self.
"Your Thassalian, Master." Alcoran extended the small glass and waited while the scientist drank, closing his eyes against the ecstasy imparted by the liquor.
"Help me up!" The girl complied stifling a grimace of distaste as his arm encircled her waist. Verdugo stood on his feet with the girl's help, weaving a little, and finally recovered his balance.