“Dr. Boston, I presume?” The attendant checks her clipboard, but the doctor brushes past impatiently.

“How about we deal with the technical stuff after I save the queen?”

“Oh, of course. Right this way.” Flustered, she drops her pen on the way out of the room, but after an impatient glare from the doctor, decides it can stay where it is.

“What are her symptoms?” He has a clipboard of his own now, and starts filling in information.

“Well, she hasn’t been eating, and her energy is down. I didn’t see any obvious symptoms, like vomiting, but I think it may be a stomach bug.”

“I’ll make my own decisions as to what is is or is not, thank you.”

“Of course. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. Just show me where she is.”

“Yes, of course. We’re here. I’ll let you handle it now—you’re the zoologist after all.”

He walks cautiously into the room, careful not to startle the lioness lying in the corner. “Now now, how is her majesty feeling today?”