Eternity's Mind by Kevin J. Anderson Read Free Book Online Page B

to Earth, give Rlinda my regards and my thanks. But we’re looking for a ship heading to Fireheart.”
    â€œShizz, you found one—we can do a cargo run from Newstation to Fireheart, and it’s important that we study our markets,” Tasia said. “We’ll take you there as soon as we finalize the load.”
    *   *   *
    The Curiosity easily arranged for a lucrative cargo of goods that Fireheart had requested. The facility personnel were so isolated inside the nebula that they needed all basic supplies, not just luxuries.
    As Orli rode in the ship, feeling anticipation build, she studied the pastel cauldron of the Fireheart nebula, the expanding gas lit from within by a clump of bright hot stars. The ship shuddered and shook as they passed through the shock front at the dust boundary.
    Orli had seen spectacular sights across the Spiral Arm, but she could hardly contain her excitement as they approached Fireheart. “It’s amazing.”
    â€œAnd a good place to do business,” Tasia said.
    Most important of all, Garrison was there.

 
    CHAPTER
    6
    XANDER BRINDLE
    â€œGood as new,” Terry said when he watched the Verne emerge from the Kett Shipping dock after more than a week of around-the-clock repairs, maintenance, refurbishments, and improvements. Since he didn’t have the use of his legs, the young man kept his balance by resting a hand on their compy’s shoulder.
    With a chuckle, Xander clapped his partner on the back. “Far better than new. By the Guiding Star, the Verne is better than any other Kett Shipping vessel, better than any vessel in its class across the Spiral Arm. We’ve installed every available upgrade.”
    Terry looked embarrassed. “Even the unnecessary ones.”
    â€œIf it’s available, it’s not unnecessary. Besides, ‘spare no expense’ is going to be our motto from now on. You deserve it.”
    Repair techs used the Verne ’s antigrav engines on low thrust to bring the gleaming ship forward into the open bay, where it settled down on the reinforced floorplates for their inspection.
    Rlinda Kett strolled into the maintenance hangar, hands on her generous hips. “Now that’s a beautiful spacecraft—new, shiny, and an excellent hull job. I think you’re showing off.”
    â€œMaybe a bit,” Terry admitted.
    â€œWe are definitely showing off,” Xander said. “A lot.”
    â€œI knew it. But with a ship this fancy, you’d better take her out and earn a few bumps. Right now the Verne has everything except for character. You’ve got to earn that.”
    Xander lounged with an elbow against the hull and sniffed. “We’ve made enough runs for Kett Shipping to earn a standard amount of character. In fact, I’d say that escaping the destruction of Ulio Station and running away from the bugbots earns us extra credit.”
    Rlinda pursed her lips. “Maybe, but you’ve rebuilt the whole thing. You need to start over.”
    â€œReady to get started on that, ma’am,” Terry said. “I don’t like sitting around. We’re eager to get back out and do some cargo runs.”
    The big trader walked beside them as Xander inspected the Verne ’s exterior. Wearing his antigrav belt to support him, Terry held OK’s shoulder and let the compy tow him around the vessel. While studying the ship, OK filed away all the improvements and accessed the detailed maintenance and test results.
    Rlinda gave the two young men a frank look. “You were among my best earners at Kett Shipping, and I’m glad to hear you want to fly again, but … do you have any conception of how wealthy you are, Mr. Handon? ‘Filthy rich’ doesn’t even come close.”
    Terry nodded nervously. “I’ve seen the numbers.”
    â€œNumbers are one thing, but do you understand, dear boy? You could buy my whole company several