Read Online Legend Beyond The Stars by S.E. Gilchrist - Free Book Online Page B

headin’?”
    “None so far. All I know is the Elite Forces want us dead in the water and these Darkons want us alive. Hence my choice of what I considered to be the lesser of two evils.”
    ”Bein’ alive is sure better than dead.” Jessamine nodded and her long dusky curls bounced on her shoulders.
    “Yes. Mmmm.” Alana hesitated, searching for the right words. It wouldn’t do to start a panic attack if what she suspected was true, at least not yet. “I believe they want to keep us unharmed.”
    “So what now, Captain?”
    “Now, I think we should all take some time out and get some rest. We’ve been on the go for—” Alana checked her watch. “Wow. It’s been almost twenty hours since we last slept. Now, is not the time to be making any decisions people. Grab a bunk and try to sleep. You too, Norman.” She reached out and briefly touched his arm. “I’m sorry your friends chose to leave us. But, at least they are free.”
    Norman’s small mouth puckered into a tight dot. He nodded.
    “What I sure wouldn’t give for a shower right now.” Jessamine sighed. Her pretty face registered distaste as she plucked at the sleeve of her flight suit.
    “You wish to be clean?” queried Norman. Interest flared to life in his eyes.
    “Well, yeah.”
    “Why do you not use the cleansing tubes?”
    Jessamine gaped at him. “You mean there is a method of actually gettin’ clean here and you didn’t tell us?”
    “I did not consider it relevant,” huffed Norman.
    ”Okay, settle down.” Alana felt her lips twitch with suppressed amusement at her friend’s outrage and the alien’s bewilderment. “Norman, please show everyone where these tubes are and how to use them.”
    “Very well, Alana,” he said in huffy tones and stalked over to the far wall, Jessamine hot on his heels. His lecture was succinct. Soon the women were lining up to use the facility.
    Some time later, having made use of the cleansing tubes with their blasts of hot humid air, water on the battleship being restricted for internal use only, Alana sat on the floor with her back propped against the wall. Her friends and Norman squatted close by and watched the line of tired but happy women moving in and out of the small passageway at the far side of the room, which led to the cleansing tubes. “This seems to be lifting morale a little.”
    “Definitely and you’re also avoiding the subject.” Elise narrowed her eyes at Alana. “Now we have a bit of privacy, you can tell us what you think is really going on. Seriously, you didn’t think we could be fobbed off with platitudes.”
    “Yeah, time to spill, honey.” Jessamine wriggled over to sit beside her and leant her head against the wall. “I sure am tired but I just know I won’t be able to sleep a wink. All I can think of is those damn experiments. I know if I continue to think about it, I’ll probably throw up those yummy rations we ate.”
    Tina grimaced and placed a hand on her tummy. “Ugh, now I feel sick again.”
    Ignoring the others, Elise continued, “Come on Alana. We’re not idiots and we can take it.”
    Alana sighed. “You’re right. I need to fill you in on what I know so far.” She went on to relate the brief history lesson Norman had given her earlier at the crash site.
    Elise wrinkled her brows. “Energy spheres, wow.”
    “Some form of energy source which powers their spaceships. They use it to get from different points in the universe by travelling through black holes.”
    “This is so totally amazing.” Elise eyes widened with delight. “I wonder how they work. I can’t wait to find out. This is so awesome!”
    “Please, honey. I beg you. Don’t get technical. I can’t stand it.” Jessamine groaned.
    Tina and Linette exchanged horrified glances.
    Jessamine heaved a loud sigh and said with slow emphasis, “Let me get this straight here. We are in the middle of a war between technologically advanced aliens and we’re also being hunted by all of