Reckless Rescue by Rinelle Grey Read Free Book Online

Karla? She gave a sigh of relief when the crowd parted to let the nurse, leaning on her walking stick, through.
    Karla was the village’s only trained medical personnel. Nearing sixty now, she often left minor matters to the two villagers she had trained to help her. Marlee was glad she had come herself this time. Reluctantly, she released the stranger’s hand and stepped back to give the nurse room. Karla bent over the stretcher, muttering to herself.
    Reassured by Karla’s presence, Marlee turned to her mother. “Did you see, Mother?” she asked. “He came in a spaceship. It doesn’t even look too badly damaged. Maybe we can fix it.”
    A tumult of voices rose around them. Even a few cheers.
    Her mother frowned and held up a hand. Everyone quietened. “That ship crashed for a reason, Marlee. Just because it looks okay doesn’t mean it will fly.” Her voice rose enough for everyone to hear. “Don’t get your hopes up until we have more information.”
    Disappointment swamped Marlee. Her mother had done this all her life, telling her not to get excited about something, just in case. She stuck out her lower lip. A spaceship had just fallen out of the sky, and the injured pilot was right here. She had every right to be excited! “The Hylista,” she said.
    “What?” Her mother looked confused.
    “The ship. It’s called the Hylista. That’s what it says on the side anyway.”
    Her mother stared at her for a moment.
    “Even if his ship isn’t repairable, the Colonies will send another one, won’t they?” Jaimma asked.
    “We don’t know if the Colonies even sent him.” Kalim stepped forward and eyed the man lying on the stretcher. His brow creased.
    The urge to stand between Kalim and the man was strong. As though a suspicious stare could hurt him. What a silly thought. The man was unconscious. A look wasn’t going to bother him.
    “Well, why else would he be here?” Jaimma asked.
    “Because of the anysogen, you moron.” Weiss pushed his way to the front of the crowd and looked down at the unconscious pilot, his eyes narrow. The scowl on her stepfather’s rough, lined face sent a chill through her, and it took all her willpower not to take a step back.
    Weiss ignored her. “No one is going to rescue us, not after all this time. They’re only here for the fuel.”
    Everyone fell silent, as though his words had drained all their excitement. Weiss had a way of doing that.
    “What does it matter if he is?” Marlee said, her voice rising. “Either way, we’ll get off this planet!” Longing filled her chest.
    “Right now, our first concern is for his well-being,” Yasmyn interrupted. She turned to Karla, who was still bent over the motionless body. “How is he?”
    The diversion worked. Everyone’s eyes turned to the nurse as she gently pressed on his torso a few more times before she pulled herself up on her cane. “He has no broken ribs, and other than the injury on his head, I can’t find anything major wrong. He has a serious concussion, but we’re going to have to wait until he wakes to find out anything else. All I can do is make him comfortable and watch for any signs of fever that might indicate an infection.”
    Marlee looked down at him, and licked her lips. “Surely there’s something you can do? Some herbs? Or a poultice?” Karla often lamented the absence of the sophisticated equipment that they had left behind on Semala, but since none of them could increase her fertility, Marlee had never felt the lack herself. Until now.
    Karla nodded. “Of course, Marlee. I can give him something to reduce any swelling or bruising. He looks young and healthy. He has a high chance of surviving.”
    Marlee bit back a sigh. She didn’t want a ‘high chance’. She wanted a guarantee.
    “Where’s Nerris? He went looking for you,” Kalim said.
    “He and Nelor stayed behind to examine the spaceship,” Beren said.
    Kalim frowned and looked out the window. “I hope they have shelter from