Relic of Sorrows: Fallen Empire, Book 4 by Lindsay Buroker Read Free Book Online Page B

“Then the ship might at least be recoverable.”
    Abelardus made that choking noise again.
    “Or could we decontaminate them somehow?” Alisa asked.
    “No,” Yumi said, “not when the materials themselves are radioactive. If particles had just fallen onto them, such as onto Beck’s armor, it would be one thing, but not this.”
    “I’m leaving them,” Leonidas said. “And I could use a pickup.”
    “Heading your way,” Alisa said.
    “Should we risk getting that close again?” Yumi asked. “We’ve all already had some exposure, and as you admitted, this ship isn’t set up for decontamination. When Leonidas comes aboard, we’ll get another dose.”
    “He can take off his armor and stick it in his case in the airlock, the same as Beck did.”
    “Someone still has to open the hatch and hand him the case.”
    “We’re not not picking him up,” Alisa said.
    “Put the case in the airlock before I arrive,” Leonidas said dryly. “To further minimize exposure, I can push off the outside of the ship, and you can pick me up out in space.”
    Alisa was surprised he trusted her that much to suggest such an action. That would take a lot of faith, and she shivered as she imagined herself in that situation.
    “Would that make a difference?” Alisa asked Yumi.
    “It might help. Getting an airlock with a radiation scrubber would be even better.”
    “I’ll put it on my shopping list.”
    Yumi smiled faintly. “Before or after the sanibox upgrade?”
    All Alisa said was, “Get ready, Leonidas. We’re coming to get you.”

Chapter 4
    Alisa carefully guided the Nomad toward the red suit of combat armor drifting through space at the velocity with which he had jumped from the Peace and Prayer . She placed her freighter in his path, assuming he could find something to grab. Then he could magnetize his boots and lock onto the hull.
    Once again, she marveled at the trust Leonidas displayed by jumping into the middle of nothing and waiting for her to pick him up. What if she had never come? He would have floated in space until his oxygen ran out. Could she have done the same thing if she had been in his position, with him here at the helm?
    Yes, she decided. She wasn’t sure when it had happened, but she had also come to trust him that much. Even so, taking that leap of faith would have terrified her.
    “I suppose you would be irritated with me if I took over control of the ship and arranged for him to miss,” Abelardus said, his expression wry as he looked over at her.
    Yumi had gone to see if Alejandro needed help in sickbay, leaving Alisa alone in NavCom with Abelardus. Alisa now wished she hadn’t. The fact that he could make a joke about such a thing made her want nothing more than to dump him on the nearest planet or space station.
    “Irritated?” Alisa asked. “I’d do my best to choke you with your pendant.”
    “I’ve been choked enough for one day. I’ll pass.” He sniffed and looked at the control panel. “Besides, I don’t know if I could fly this ancient piece of takka.”
    Alisa clenched her teeth. “You know what’s a big bowl of steaming takka?” She turned toward him, pointing a finger at his nose.
    The comm flashed.
    “Captain?” Alejandro asked.
    “Hold that thought.” Alisa lowered her finger. She should probably thank Alejandro for the distraction. Getting in an argument with someone who could hurl a two-hundred-odd-pound cyborg across the cargo hold could not be good for her health. “What is it, Doctor?”
    “Beck is experiencing side effects, but I’m treating him. He’s decontaminated his suit. Mica and I verified that his case is equipped to do so. I’m prepared to do my best to get Leonidas aboard without further contaminating the ship.” Alejandro sounded tired, maybe queasy.
    “Thank you,” she said. “How’s Mica doing?”
    “I hate everyone and everything,” Mica wheezed in the background.
    “It sounds like she’s her normal self,” Alisa