[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
She climbed into the ship and closed the hatch behind her.
She stowed her gear and headed for the flight deck. Do you
know how much I hate the slingshot?
The pilot turned and grinned at her as she settled into the
navigator station.
I have only known you two months, and yet, yes, I do
know that you hate the slingshot, Specialist Artu. This
mission requires some aerial manoeuvers, so it had to be this
ship and it had to be me.
Thank you, Pilot Rorrom. I am blessed to be on this
mission with you. She buckled her harness and gave him a
short nod.
With the darkness all around them, they took off,
climbing straight up to clear the tarmac and then angling to
pierce the sky.
Where are we going?
33
Viola Grace
Sixth planet in the system. Urmak. I have to bring you
down, hold position and be ready to pick you up. They told
you, you can t touch down, right?
They did. I will drop, pull the heat and take off. I believe
the best option is for me to release the power just before I
return to the shuttle, if you don t mind. It will cause some
turbulence, but it will make the short flight easier for me.
No problem. It should be easy to catch you. He
approached the largest of the Ypra moons, and they
increased in speed.
She felt queasy as they went around the edge of the moon
before straightening suddenly and proceeding in a
calculated, straight line that would take them to their target.
The ship s stabilisers were good, but they weren t up to
fighting the gravity of a large moon.
She shook off her disorientation and spoke with Rorrom
about how they were going to make this mission a success.
Jimra had a slight headache as they went on their four-hour
blast through the stars, but she was confident that she could
do what she needed to the moment that Urmak was in sight.
The mine was damaged, and a sudden spark had caused a
fire in a combustible mineral that they were excavating. The
veins ran through the entire area, so she had to seek out and
pull all the heat she could. The locals had been evacuated,
and her work zone was free and clear of all living beings. It
would make things easier.
We are here. I am entering the upper atmosphere and
aiming for the site. I will send your tracker a signal when we
are in position.
Right, and I will signal you when I am on my way back.
Excellent. Good luck, Specialist. Rorrom smiled and
waved her off.
She unharnessed, got to her feet and did a check on her
tracker. It was working and in good condition.
34
Blazing Serious
Jimra put on her specialized breather, adjusting it so that
it wasn t grabbing her hair. The headache was still there, but
the moment that she got the signal, she jumped out of the
drop door and spurred her fire into life.
* * * *
Huros woke with his head pounding. Damn it.
His bonding partner had made it clear that the casual
connection was to remain just that. With her father looking
ready to rip him apart, it had been the more sensible
decision to just keep his mouth shut for a night.
At this particular moment, he wished he had spoken up.
A message was flashing on his com, and he took it.
Master Analyst Huros, there is a visitor here for you. Please
come to the medical centre as soon as you are able.
He blinked and grabbed a solar shower before dressing
and heading down to the medical offices.
Something small and a vivid blend of lavender and
purple was waiting for him with the healers surrounding it
and cooing at it. The small creature perked up when Huros
entered the room, and it pattered over to him with short,
hopping steps.
He scooped the small creature up, and a woman who was
leaning against the back wall stood up with a raptor on her
shoulder. Good. I wasn t sure but the little guy was positive
that he had to come here.
Huros looked down and felt the soothing of Tremor s
mind wash over his. He breathed more easily the moment
that he started stroking the soft fluff that covered the body.
The stranger beckoned him into an office, and she closed
the door. Where is your partner?
Huros blinked. What?
35
Viola Grace
The other person. Your mate or whatever you call it
here. He was certain that he was to bind to a couple.
Huros s brows knit together. I don t know. I assume she
is in her quarters.
She needs to be introduced to him as soon as possible.
I will see to it. He nodded. Jimra had to be housed
somewhere in the Citadel. She should be easy to find.
The bird on her shoulder screamed.
The woman sighed. Apparently, we will see to it.
Thathan is a bit bossy when it comes to settling her
children.
They left the office, and Citadel Master Yoris was
standing in the centre of the space.
Citadel Master, I am Priatta of Citadel Balen. This is
Thathan. We are here to see the settlement of her final
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]