Read Online Cassiel Winters 1: Sky's End by Lesley Young - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Lesley Young
Ads: Link
know or understand, replays in my mind. I want to pretend it doesn’t mean anything, but my other visions had connections to reality. So . . . there’s something he’s not telling me (or us). And then what about Lt. Lazarus showing up? Is it possible that Lt. Lazarus was spying on King? Was the report changed somehow? By who? King told Daria that whatever they were doing to the report would help Daz. Wait , maybe King’s protecting Daz. My heart embraces this notion and holds on with a tight grip. Why would Daz need King’s help? This is point that bothers me the most.
I look up, instantly uncomfortable that both King and Lt. Lazarus were observing my obsessing. What should I do? Wait — Daria !
Uh-oh . I check my com-tab, nineteen forty-nine. If I hurry, I can just get to Proxy to meet her in time. I fire her a Missive that I’m on my way.
“I have to go.” I stand up abruptly. “I need a break,” I think to add. Good cover, Cassiel .
The officers concede this might be the case. King’s occupied with his com-tab.
“What more do we have to do?” I ask, a wide open question for the room.
Lt. Lazarus speaks up. A chunk of his thick black hair’s sticking out funny. It makes him seem . . . less intimidating. I can’t help but feel my wall lower a smidge. His concern for Daz seems genuine.
King’s still absorbed in his com-tab. I hope he feels the same fears for Daz, and is choosing not to express them. How can he trust ESE so readily?
Lt. Lazarus mentions they will Missive me the details of the mission, including travel coordinates and information about the planet Taxata and its galaxy.
I’m annoyed when he adds that I’ll need to spend as much time as possible tonight being coached yet further in various situations that could arise when I engage the Thell’eon. I should be terrified. Nauseous. I’m no good at faking anything, never mind sexual allure. Instead, I’m totally exhausted, and, clearly, partly in denial, about the whole thing.
Lt. Lazarus explains that he’ll do the coaching along with Prof. Xeno and a specialist they brought in from Earth’s largest trans-space corporation Yamalda. Her name’s Cora Smith or something.
“Fine. Can you give me half an hour? I’ll meet you back here.”
Lt. Lazarus nods. King doesn’t raise his head from his com-tab.
Whatever . I decide to ignore him, too. I’m upset by the vision, and if I’m willing to admit it, put out. He should have told me what he knew about Daz, about Lt. Lazarus’s speculation a long time ago. He should be more supportive of me now. Suicide mission or no suicide mission, Daz’s life could be at stake.
By the time I get to Proxy, it’s twenty-thirteen, and the place is in full swing. I wander around quickly glancing at tables and combing the bar for Daria’s pretty face. One cadet mistakes my glance for a come on and winks. I smile back. I’m feeling reckless.
She’s not here. Women stand out in here like Tellurium Crystal.
Frustrated beyond words, what a flake!, I’m about to leave when I decide, I deserve a drink. There’s just enough time before I get back. I make my way to the bar, more relaxed than I have ever felt in Proxy, I wonder why ?, and wait for one of the three bartenders to come by.
“Can I buy?” asks a loud voice to my right.
Hey, it’s Mister Smiley, the one who checked me out before the test this morning , which feels like a lifetime ago.
I think of all the reasons I would have said no just yesterday. I haven’t got a single one now. In fact, he could be of some use to me. “Sure,” I say, forcing a smile onto my face.
“I hear the test didn’t go so well.”
“Wow.” Does everyone know? There’s pity in his eyes; maybe regret, too. “News does get around,” I mumble.
“Hey, don’t be upset. Women can’t change their shirt without it being noticed around here. Nature of the ratio, if you know what I mean,” he adds apologetically. “For what it’s worth, we think
I look up, instantly uncomfortable that both King and Lt. Lazarus were observing my obsessing. What should I do? Wait — Daria !
Uh-oh . I check my com-tab, nineteen forty-nine. If I hurry, I can just get to Proxy to meet her in time. I fire her a Missive that I’m on my way.
“I have to go.” I stand up abruptly. “I need a break,” I think to add. Good cover, Cassiel .
The officers concede this might be the case. King’s occupied with his com-tab.
“What more do we have to do?” I ask, a wide open question for the room.
Lt. Lazarus speaks up. A chunk of his thick black hair’s sticking out funny. It makes him seem . . . less intimidating. I can’t help but feel my wall lower a smidge. His concern for Daz seems genuine.
King’s still absorbed in his com-tab. I hope he feels the same fears for Daz, and is choosing not to express them. How can he trust ESE so readily?
Lt. Lazarus mentions they will Missive me the details of the mission, including travel coordinates and information about the planet Taxata and its galaxy.
I’m annoyed when he adds that I’ll need to spend as much time as possible tonight being coached yet further in various situations that could arise when I engage the Thell’eon. I should be terrified. Nauseous. I’m no good at faking anything, never mind sexual allure. Instead, I’m totally exhausted, and, clearly, partly in denial, about the whole thing.
Lt. Lazarus explains that he’ll do the coaching along with Prof. Xeno and a specialist they brought in from Earth’s largest trans-space corporation Yamalda. Her name’s Cora Smith or something.
“Fine. Can you give me half an hour? I’ll meet you back here.”
Lt. Lazarus nods. King doesn’t raise his head from his com-tab.
Whatever . I decide to ignore him, too. I’m upset by the vision, and if I’m willing to admit it, put out. He should have told me what he knew about Daz, about Lt. Lazarus’s speculation a long time ago. He should be more supportive of me now. Suicide mission or no suicide mission, Daz’s life could be at stake.
By the time I get to Proxy, it’s twenty-thirteen, and the place is in full swing. I wander around quickly glancing at tables and combing the bar for Daria’s pretty face. One cadet mistakes my glance for a come on and winks. I smile back. I’m feeling reckless.
She’s not here. Women stand out in here like Tellurium Crystal.
Frustrated beyond words, what a flake!, I’m about to leave when I decide, I deserve a drink. There’s just enough time before I get back. I make my way to the bar, more relaxed than I have ever felt in Proxy, I wonder why ?, and wait for one of the three bartenders to come by.
“Can I buy?” asks a loud voice to my right.
Hey, it’s Mister Smiley, the one who checked me out before the test this morning , which feels like a lifetime ago.
I think of all the reasons I would have said no just yesterday. I haven’t got a single one now. In fact, he could be of some use to me. “Sure,” I say, forcing a smile onto my face.
“I hear the test didn’t go so well.”
“Wow.” Does everyone know? There’s pity in his eyes; maybe regret, too. “News does get around,” I mumble.
“Hey, don’t be upset. Women can’t change their shirt without it being noticed around here. Nature of the ratio, if you know what I mean,” he adds apologetically. “For what it’s worth, we think
Similar Books
