“It’s distilled from a native plant,” she explained, carefully handing him the cup. “Use both hands, please.”
“Native Vladivostan plant?” Carlton’s small hands encircled the cup, and he began to sip the moderately-heated tea–it tasted slightly tart with a tangerine flavor.
“It’s brewed from Siberoot, which is grown mostly on the Meese Plateau, and it has two almost-immediate results–it partially numbs sensory effects, especially on the drinker’s skin, and it’s also strongly soporific.” Rebecca sat down on the edge of the junior bed.
Carlton finished gulping down the pleasant-tasting drink, then put the cup back on his stand.
“It would be interesting to analyze the plant’s biochemistry,” he mused, “To see what enzymes it secretes to produce those effects on humans.”
To his surprise, Rebecca began to laugh lightly while regarding him wryly.
“What’s so damned funny about that idea?” Carlton demanded, feeling confused.