Ammonite Planets (Omnibus): Ammonite Galaxy #1-3 by Gillian Andrews Read Free Book Online Page A

doesn’t happen often, but if it does then we are the ones they call in. Of course it is forty years since the previous intake. Even my father wasn’t in practice then; it would have been my grandfather.”
    “And this intake? Have you had to treat any of them? Did they all arrive safely? Do they get sick from being shut up in the bubbles?”
    He looked down. “I believe one died in transit, most unfortunately, but the rest arrived safely, and as far as I know, only one of them has shown the signs of claustrophobia. My father mentioned having been called in once.”
    “Then they are all right? It’s just that the boy I saw was struggling so much with everything, trying so hard to get away.”
    “I think so,” Vion said.
    “Do they know the purpose of the program?”
    Vion shook his head. “That they will be used to engender new radiation-free hybrids with the people from Cesis and Xiantha? No.”
    “What do we do with them after they donate?” She felt a cold shiver travel down her spine. “Do we kill them?”
    “Grace!” Vion was vehement. “Whatever else we are, we wouldn’t kill defenseless children!”
    “How can you be so sure?”
    “I …” Vion hesitated. “Well, now that you come to mention it, I never heard of any of the donors living outside the bubbles,” he said slowly. “That is strange. You would think that we would have met one or two of them if they were released here on Valhai.”
    “They could have been sent to Xiantha or Cesis,” said Grace doubtfully.
    “That would make sense, but I must say I never heard of any of them there, either. Perhaps they are sent back to their planets of origin?”
    Grace shook her head. “They surely wouldn’t be allowed to go. After two years of solid studying here they would know more than anybody else on their planets. Both Coriolis and Kwaide are at least a thousand years behind us.”
    Vion was puzzled. “It is odd,” he agreed. “Though I can’t believe that they are not living their lives out happily in some planet or other.”
    “I’d like to think so. But I feel I ought to learn more about all this.” She paused, and then went on in a rush. “The trouble is, if I look it up on our records, then Xenon will find out. It will look as though I don’t trust him with his new responsibilities …”
    “I will send you over a portable interscreen that will be uploaded to my skyrise. Since I started to practice my father has separated the house information channels, so I now have my own channel. That means only I will know what you have been looking at.”
    “Thank you.”
    Vion stood up, and touched his fingertips to hers. “I am happy to be able to help you. Oh …”
    “Yes?”
    “If you are going to make a habit of going walkabout bare planet you might think about taking me along too. It is against all regulations, let alone common sense, for you to go out on your own.”
    Grace smiled. “We’ll see. Thank you for your help.”
    “I mean it, Grace.” The good humour momentarily showed a hint of steel underneath. “Do not go out alone. You could get into trouble.”
    Grace lifted her own chin. “I am grown up now, Vion, and I shall take my own decisions.”
    “Probably get yourself killed,” he grumbled. “Well. Just make sure you don’t leave it another two months before you have your next non-virtual visit!”
    “Now that I will promise!”
    He put his head slightly to one side. “And now,” he said. “don’t you think you ought to take me to see Cimma?”
    “My mother? I … err … I am not quite sure where …” Grace looked around vaguely.
    He laughed. “Good try, Grace, but I am not going to take no for an answer. I’m glad to see you want to take care of your mother, and I know that you don’t want some intrusive doctor to interfere, but I really think I should see her. From what I saw on the voting tridi, she has got herself into a bit of a mess.”
    “Oh very well,” she said crossly. She was unprepared