Freedom's Ransom by Anne McCaffrey Read Free Book Online Page B

once I’m back in civilization,” she muttered under her breath. But redeemed herself in Kris’s good opinion by turning toward the group of women and making a broad gesture of farewell, giving the older woman a dignified nod. “Can I board the ship now?” she asked Kris.
    â€œCan’t wait to leave, can you?”
    â€œYou better believe it,” Floss replied and sauntered, still swinging her hips in a sexy manner, which Kris thought was provocative; she disappeared up the ramp and into the ship. By the time Kris, following her, had made her way to the flight deck, she heard more feet on the ramp and the whine of machinery as the ramp was retracted. Zainal came forward to the pilot’s seat. As if it were his prerogative, Peran took the secondary seat. Kris took the jump seat behind Zainal and motioned for the boys and Floss to strap in. As they took off and Zainal dipped Baby in a farewell salute over the Masai EnKang, Floss heaved a long sigh.
    â€œThank God you came. They were going to marry me off to a bag of bones and shriveled skin,” Floss muttered to Kris.
    Kris felt a pang of guilt for having forgotten Floss for so long and wondered how the girl had coped. There was little doubt in Kris’s mind that Floss had filled out in a very womanly fashion, and she was glad they had rescued her from an ancient spouse. That would only have caused more problems and indubitably Floss would never have waited passively to enjoy marital bliss.
    â€œSo what’s the caper?” she asked, leaning toward Zainal, her eyes glittering.
    Zainal responded in his best Emassi manner but the only words Kris recognized were “know” and “time.” Floss had no trouble understanding and leaned back in her seat, folding her arms across her breasts. Full breasts, Kris noticed, and hoped they could get the girl off-planet and to Barevi before she caused havoc among the unmarried males at the Botanists’ main settlement at Retreat. The girl was much too young to settle down, although she seemed to have learned manners and deference among the Masai. Oh Lord, they only had spare beds enough for Zainal’s sons. There were, however, bunks and cabins aboard the Baby, which must have been Zainal’s thought because he landed in the clearing he had used before, not all that far from their cabin.
    â€œWell, this is a step up,” Floss said and winked at Clune.
    â€œYou boys can bunk on Baby tonight,” Zainal said, gesturing down the companionway to the crew and officer quarters. “Floss, you’d better stay in the main house.”
    â€œMain house?” Floss echoed, glancing negligently at the cabin.
    â€œOur home,” Kris said with a quelling glare.
    â€œWell, it beats a straw hut all hollow,” Floss replied with more deference as Kris ushered her inside. “And I really do like the decor. Informal, rustic, but neat!”
    â€œThanks,” Kris said. She sniffed, aware of an enticing aroma, and noticed the stew pan on the stove. “That was kindly,” she said, picking up the spoon and stirring the mixture.
    â€œI smell spices,” Floss remarked, an anticipatory grin on her face. “Smells sort of like home and holiday.” And her eyes suddenly filled with tears.
    â€œWe don’t have many spices but this is one of Dorothy’s pots, so we’ll know who to thank. There are knives and forks in the second drawer in the chest, Floss, if you can remember how to set a table. I’ll call the others,” Kris gave Floss’s shoulder a gentle squeeze.
    Bread had also been left for them so they could make a good meal, which was devoured with much smacking of lips. Floss had forgotten which side forks go on but she had found glasses and poured water and put out plates. She was obviously accustomed to assisting, a definite improvement over her attitude before she was sent to the Masai camp.
    Clune had asked where to wash