Read Online Starlaw by Candace Sams - Free Book Online Page B

induced in your brain … by way of the communo-chip’s neural stimulation … will allow you to hear your language being spoken as other tongues are automatically translated. The processes induced by the chip also affect your eyesight in this respect. The most common colloquialisms will be transmitted in a way that will be perfectly clear. In short, you’ll hear and see languages spoken in your native, Earth tongue. You’ll be able to read many other languages as well. This should make life easier.” He lifted his chin in a superior fashion and looked down at her. “This is the advanced technology from which you now benefit, and which could save you a great deal of trouble. Conversely, we all see and hear you speaking in
our
various languages.”
    “I guess that accounts for how I’m hearing perfect English,” she grudgingly acknowledged, “but I’ve got a few choice phrases for your internal memory banks!”
    He looked her over in what he hoped was a deprecating fashion. Then he glanced at the nearly destroyed med bay once more. “Thus far, you’ve made your feelings abundantly clear, madam. I reiterate that what my medical technician did was standard procedure. The communo-chip must remain in place … unless you
don’t
want to communicate for the duration of this trip. This, of course, is up to you. But I wouldn’t recommend its removal.” He straightened and pulled his shoulders back. “Now … I’d like to consider your infantile behavior a thing of the past. Is it resolved or must I have you incarcerated?”
    She opened her mouth to speak but he walked toward the hatch and pushed several buttons on a bulkhead console. “Gemma … return to the med bay, please. Our guest is over her tantrum, and she’s agreed to help you put the space back in order.” He smiled when he saw the Earth woman’s murderous glare.
    “Yes, Commander,” Gemma responded.
    Darius stepped away from the communication console and walked slowly toward the Earther. She refused to back up and stared straight into his eyes as he approached. The creature was trying, with all her might, to show no fear. There was no hint of sniveling. That was a mark in her favor as he disliked those of the fairer sex who succumbed to tearful pleading in order to get their way. His once beloved mate had yielded to that habit and had gotten
her
way. An innocent child paid the price for it.
    His trust for the fairer sex wasn’t easily given nowadays, but it was easier when the woman in question looked him straight in the eyes. Just as this Earther did.
    “One more thing. You’ll need to stay in the med bay until I give you permission to leave. There are crew members and equipment aboard that you don’t need to see. You wouldn’t understand the technology at any rate. But there’s simply no need for you to go gallivanting in an area where you might be hurt.”
    Laurel put the jar she held down, grabbed her blanket closer, and shook her hair back once more. “How long will it be before I’m returned to Earth?” she asked in a furious, low tone.
    “I’ll ask about your return as soon as we get to our final destination, as promised,” he explained. “It could take up to a year for me to convince—”
    “
What
! You’re going to keep me a prisoner for an entire year?”
    “You’re not technically a prisoner. At least, we don’t consider you such unless your behavior indicates we must keep you locked away.” Darius softened his voice slightly. “You’ll only be kept in the med bay until such time as I can secure other areas of the ship. As I’ve said, there’re places aboard … and beings among us … that you don’t need to see.”
    “Why? What’re you hiding?”
    “As I’m sure your Earth law enforcement facilities have places where they wouldn’t want civilians wandering, and operatives whose identities should remain secret, it’s the same way aboard this vessel. That’s standard operating procedure. You don’t have a