Dremiks by Cassandra Davis Read Free Book Online Page B

piloting a spaceship was physically demanding. The Hudson might act like a great plodding whale carrying them all along in the safety of her belly, but even she could turn unpredictable and cantankerous. Physical force would also be necessary to pilot the landing craft down through the atmosphere of Dremiks. O’Connell knew all of this would demand muscle tone and strength that she wouldn’t have if she didn’t work out every day.
    A stocky machinist mate passed her and nodded respectfully on his way out. She returned the nod, wishing she could remember the man’s name. A fleeting thought slipped through her mind that Captain Hill would not only have greeted the crewman by name, but would have known some detail of the man’s family or life to inquire upon. Before she could think further along that train of thought, Ryan Hill walked into the laundry facility.
    The captain’s younger brother was shorter than the captain and less well muscled. He was not, however, bad to look at. Maggie had to admit that he was actually very attractive. He did not give off the cold stand-off-ish vibes that the captain so often did, and that made Ryan Hill more approachable and inviting. His dark hair was longer and curled more. His eyes were the same startling blue. They twinkled, and his mouth slipped into an easy grin when he caught her stare.
    “Good afternoon, Commander. My brother has released you from your incessant duties long enough to wash your clothes, eh?”
    The comment, even said as it was in a light conversational tone, inexplicably rankled. “My duties are not as demanding as you seem to think. The captain—we—work hard to make sure that the crew have time for personal tasks and relaxation.”
    His grin did not slip. He moved with panther-like grace and slipped his own bag of wash off his shoulder. “All work and no play, something like that?
    “Something like that.” She turned back to her machine, hoping her tone and physical aloofness would end the conversation there.
    Ryan Hill had other ideas. “The preparations for the first jump are going well, I think.” He paused, obviously expecting a comment. Seeing the commander’s jaw clench, he continued. “This must be a very boring assignment for a top gun like yourself. I cannot imagine piloting this old girl is a very… stimulating… task.”
    Resigned to the fact that she would be forced to carry on the conversation until her clothes were finished, Maggie shrugged. “There are plenty of challenging tasks involved with this mission. It was an honor to be chosen.”
    Ryan’s smile slipped slightly, and his gaze sharpened. “Was it? I wonder if you will think that in a few months time.”
    Before Maggie could inquire what he meant by this cryptic statement, the younger Hill turned to greet another colonist. “Finally, Weathers. I thought I was going to have to wash these clothes myself. Well, here they are. Marissa will have your credit when you return the bags to our quarters.”
    Ryan turned back to Maggie. “I’ll pass on my compliments to your father. Good day to you, Commander.” He was out the doorway and up the tube before Maggie could respond. She stared at the young man now loading the Hill’s wash into the machines.
    “He pays you to do his laundry ?”
    Weathers did not even turn his head. “Yup. No skin off my back. If he’s so lazy that he wants to pay me to do his wash while I do my own, no worries for me. Besides, he’s vice chancellor of the colony. He’ll be a good man to have on my side, you know?”
    The pilot of the Hudson absorbed his words in silence. She wasn’t aware there were sides to be on.
    ***
    When O’Connell returned to her quarters, she was shocked to find Dr. Ruger awake. “Hi. Didn’t expect you to still be up.” She dropped her load of laundry on the bed and flung her lanky frame down beside the pile.
    Cassie finished pulling a tank top over her head and then crawled into her bed. “I wasn’t until a