Star Cruise - Outbreak by Veronica Scott Read Free Book Online Page A

had brought back some good memories.
    “How are you finding the ship so far? Sickbay set up to your specifications?”
    Fleming’s questions recalled her to the present. Striving for tact, she said, “I think the civilian standard is a bit different than what I required in the military, but yes, the staff appears well trained. The ship is certainly well stocked and equipped for most medical situations I can imagine arising.” Stirring the steaming coffee, she made her way to the chair.
    “Good. Anything I need to know on the personal level?” the captain asked. “I read your public record. Impressive. Brave, resourceful, skilled.” Eyes level, face expressionless, Fleming studied her as if she were a cadet reporting to her first assignment on his ship. “Heard rumors you’re having a bit of trouble with lingering effects from your experiences.”
    Gripping the mug so hard she was afraid it might shatter in her hand, Emily took a deep breath and sipped at the aromatic liquid. Who has he been talking to and what did they say? “I cleared the psychiatric evals, sir. I’m fine.”
    “PTSD happens to the best of us,” Fleming said. His tone was mild, but his eyes were narrowed, studying her. “Takes all different forms. Nothing to be ashamed of. As long as you can carry out the duties required of you on my ship for the next two months or so, we’re square.”
    Setting the spoon on the edge of the desk, she said, “I have the odd nightmare every now and then—who doesn’t? I’ll be fine watching over the health of your passengers and crew.”
    He nodded, although she didn’t believe he’d actually relaxed. “Jake’s your liaison, although obviously you can come straight to me with anything you deem significant enough to require my attention. Speaking of which, any concerns about the man who died last night?”
    “Groskin?” She shook her head. “Simple case of pneumonia overtaxing the heart, as far as I can see without an autopsy. He may not have been in the best of health to begin with. Somewhat overweight. I noted in the records I reviewed that he’d been at the clinic the week before I got here, with a mild gastrointestinal issue. Dr. Meers saw him and found nothing to cause unusual concern during the office visit.” She decided not to mention her plans to do a bit of discreet follow-up on Groskin’s contacts.
    “All right, then.” Fleming set his empty mug on the desk with a clink. “Thank you for agreeing to ship out with us. I hope you’ll have a peaceful voyage.”
    Taking his dismissal for what it was, Emily finished her coffee in one gulp, rose to place the mug and spoon in the cleaning unit on the side table and left the cabin. Fleming was already busy with Maeve and the reports again as the panel slid shut. She could certainly see why the Line hired a First Officer with deep qualifications in cruise operations—Fleming hadn’t lost an ounce of his frosty military demeanor, even if he was retired. She liked dealing with someone so straightforward and matter-of-fact, but the passengers probably wouldn’t. Unless there was an emergency. Fleming looked like the last starship captain in the Sectors who’d abandon anyone in space.

CHAPTER FIVE

    Jake was leaning against the corridor bulkhead and now fell into step with her. “Things go all right with the captain?”
    Annoyed, she stopped in the middle of the hall. “I don’t need a babysitter. As I told Fleming just now, I cleared my psych exams. I know my way around big ships, Officer Dilon.”
    Jake held up his hands. “Hey, I never said I was babysitting. Captain Fleming can be a hard-ass at times. And I’m assigned to be your liaison so it’s my job to keep everyone happy. Didn’t he mention that?”
    “Yeah, he brought it up.”
    Grinning, he said, “So here I am, liaising.”
    “Is that even a word?” Laughing, she shook her finger at him and kept her voice light. “Back off until I have something I need to talk to you