Read Online Dragonstar Destiny by Thomas F. Monteleone, David Bischoff - Free Book Online Page B

so.”
    “So, you’re going to approve of Takamura’s mission, then?”
    “Why not? I think everyone else favors it, anyway. I was just curious as to what your feelings were.” Mikaela cleaned up the empty paks and utensils.
    “Now that you mention it, I think I’ll volunteer for his little team.”
    “You’ll what?”
    “You heard me,” said Phineas.
    “Yes, but why? You just said it was probably silly for Mishima to even think he might be able to change the course of the ship.”
    “Of course, but it will keep me off the streets, so to speak. It will give me something to do all day.”
    “But you’re on the reconstruction and salvage committee,” said Mikaela.
    Phineas rolled his eyes. “Ghack! Need you remind me? We’ve just about salvaged everything that can be used. The ornithopter’s being worked on by Barkham’s crew and some of the men from Tactical Engineering—nothing much I can do except stand around handing people tools. Great fun, that.”
    “But Phineas ...” Mikaela was grinning in spite of what she felt.
    It gratified him that she wanted to keep him safe and out of any potential danger, but he just wasn’t the kind of person who would be satisfied with that kind of arrangement. Years ago, Becky Thalberg had told him that he was doomed to spend his whole life proving his worth to himself. She was undoubtedly spot-on correct.
    “I know what you’re thinking, my sweet paleontologist, but it’s all rather silly, don’t you think? I mean, I worry my ass off when you’re out in the Mesozoic, studying the beasts, but I just tell myself that it’s your job, and that’s that.”
    “I know you’re right, Phineas, it’s just that this place is always surprising us.” She walked over to him, put her hands on his shoulders, and administered some of her special Swedish massage. “I’m afraid you might be walking into something dangerous. At least I know what I’m dealing with out in the Preserve.”
    “Mikaela, you’re beginning to sound like a wife. He laughed softly, but she did not share this particular jest.
    “What’s wrong with that?”
    Phineas Kemp paused, considering his reply. Had to be careful here, since he knew that Mikaela was very much interested in more of a commitment than their adventurous relationship in the midst of possible chaos. One night in their shared bed, she had even wheedled a half-promise out of him that if they ever made it back to Earth, he would probably consider marrying her.
    “Oh ...” he said finally. “There’s nothing wrong with it, really. I was just kidding.”
    “I sincerely hope so, Phineas.” She came round and faced him, sat on his lap. “I really love you, you know ...”
    He nodded. “... and I love you, too.”
    Phineas kissed her, and she shot her tongue into his mouth. Instantly he wanted her. Incredible how women had such ultimate power over their men, he thought in a flash. Reaching down under her legs, he picked her up, preparing to whisk her off to their bed when another woman’s voice intruded upon the moment.
    “Hello? Anybody home?”
    Recognizing the perfect pronunciations of Kate Ennis, Phineas stopped in midstride and slowly eased Mikaela to the floor. “Just a moment,” he said hastily. “Be right with you.”
    “Expecting someone?” asked Mikaela, who had stiffened a bit in his arms at the sound of Kate’s voice.
    “No,” he said softly. “Of course not.”
    Mikaela turned away and moved quickly to the front flap of the tent, pulling it back to reveal the lithe figure of Kate Ennis.
    “Good evening, Ms. Ennis,” said Mikaela with just a slightly perceptible tinge of sarcasm in her voice. “Please come in.”
    Kate was tall and leggy, with shining dark hair that was a subtle blend of brunette and auburn highlights. Her face was angular, accented by large, glistening doe-eyes. She had a perfect media-smile, and even Mikaela had been known to admit that Kate projected a great image for NBC news. There