fortuneswheel by Lisanne Norman Read Free Book Online Page B

what she thinks of the Terrans' relations with the Valtegans."

"Why are you so against the treaty?"

"Because I know the Terrans are in league with the Valtegans."

     
    * * *
     
    As the shuttle set down in the landing bay, Carrie woke, yawning and stretching.

"Why are my arms and legs never long enough when I want to stretch them?" she asked, stifling another yawn.

Kusac opened his mouth in a grin, the outer edges of which were beginning to curve, Terran style. "Are you sure you have no Sholan blood, cub?" he asked with a deep purr as he sat up.

Maybe it's catching, she sent with a grin of her own. "Where do we go now?"

"You go with Rhian and Askad for the moment. I'll have to accompany Captain Garras and the others for a debriefing. I'll join you as soon as I can."

The Sirroki crew left the shuttle last, accompanied by Rhian and Askad. Carrie hesitated briefly at the top of the ramp, then Kusac's steadying hand was there to reassure her as they stepped out into the chill and glare of the landing bay. As the cold air struck her, she shivered, remembering the last time she'd been in a spaceship. It was as cold here as it had been on the cryo level on the Eureka.

This isn't the Eureka, Carrie, Kusac sent. We don't have cryogenics on board. What happened to your mother can't happen here.

I know, she replied, giving herself a small shake. I'm all right.

It was with relief that she noted there was no sign of the Terrans. All around her was the hustle and bustle of the various craft being serviced and refueled. At the far end of the bay, through a group of disembarking Sholans, she saw the retreating backs of Guynor and his guards.

We're holding the others up, he sent gently, his hand tightening on her arm briefly.

She nodded and made her way down the gangway with him. At the bottom of the ramp her meager bag of possessions lay waiting for her.

Vanna sniffed the air dramatically as they all headed across the bay to the main exit.

"Gods, but it's good to be home again!" she said. "The familiar smells of reprocessed air, my own room, a shower, and a comfy bed! Shall we meet up for a meal in an hour or two?" she asked, looking first at Carrie then at Kusac.

"Sounds good," said Carrie.

Kusac nodded.

"Rec level mess?" asked Vanna, as they stopped outside the elevator, waiting for it to return to their level.

Reluctantly, Kusac nodded again.

The doors slid open and they stood back, waiting for those on it to leave. Carrie moved surreptitiously behind Kusac, trying to avoid the openly curious looks.

They piled into the lift, crowding toward the back of it to make space for the pilot and crew of one of the shuttles.

Sensing Carrie's need to orient herself, as well as her slowly rising tide of panic, Kusac leaned down to speak to her. "We docked on the lower level bay, our main one. Now we're going up to the ship level where we change elevators."

"Ship level?"

"The ship has two types of levels. The first thirteen are where our ground forces live and work, the levels above that are the ship levels, where all the officers, pilots and those involved in running the Khalossa live."

"Why separate levels? Aren't you allowed to mix?"

"Yes, of course, but apart from the main mess and the concourse where the supply store and the bars are, the troopers tend to stick to themselves. Being ground troops, they don't have a lot in common with us."

The doors opened, and Rhian touched Carrie gently on the arm, drawing her attention. "This is our level," she said.

Panic welled up and she was unable to take that first step away from Kusac's side. She looked up at him.

"I'll join you as soon as I'm finished," he reassured her. "You'll be fine with Rhian and Askad."

"I'll see you later, too. You won't get rid of me that easily!" joked Vanna as Carrie took a deep breath and followed the Leska pair out.

The doors closed and they continued on up to the administrative level.

"Is going to the rec level mess so soon a good idea?"