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

about.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Jake touched his forehead in a mock salute. “You sure left the party in a hurry last night. My friends wondered where you’d gone. I didn’t have a chance to ask you about it while we were in Groskin’s cabin. Was everything okay?”
    Tapping her thigh, she said, “Pulled hamstring, needed ice.” Before he could answer, she continued to the gravlift, relieved he wasn’t following.  

    Grumbling, she allowed Maeve to dock her wages an inordinate amount for a CLC dress uniform, which her employment contract stated wasn’t provided at company expense but was required for certain functions. “Fine print indeed,” she muttered as she thumbprinted the screen. “Management gets the working stiff coming and going, right, Maeve?”
    “The CLC Line must make a profit in order to continue flying, Doctor.”
    “If the company is relying on screwing me out of the cost of a dress uniform to stay in the black, CLC’s in bad shape.” Chuckling at the thought, Emily felt her spirits lift a bit.
      Maeve having no comment, Emily reluctantly left her cabin and headed to the Level A dining room to do her duty at the captain’s table. She couldn’t imagine anything worse than spending a few awkward hours hobnobbing with civilians and making small talk. At least at the crew party the night before, she’d been able to play volleyball and avoid talking about anything but points scored or lost.
    The maître d’ personally conducted her to the table in the center of the room. “You’re the ranking crew member present, Doctor,” he said as he seated her at the head, much to her dismay.  
    Right on her heels, Meg arrived, shepherding what must be the contest-winning family.
    “Dr. Shane, I’d like to introduce you to Stev and Trynna Enzell, and their three children, Marc, Kirk and Syl,” Meg said.
    The ordeal begins. Trying not to grit her teeth, summoning a smile that felt fake, she shook hands with the adults and nodded at the children, who already projected massive boredom at having to attend an adult dinner. If I was going to stay on this ship, I’d have to study a bit of basic pediatrics. The idea was intriguing. It had been a long time since she acquired new skills. Surprised by the direction her mind was going, she uttered polite greetings to the expectant passengers. “Pleased to meet you all. Hope your voyage is going well so far.”
    Mr. Enzell laughed as he held the chair for his wife and then sat in his own place. “We’ve got nothing to compare the experience to. So far, this is like inheriting a billion credits and moving to the Inner Sectors, right, Trynna?”
    She nodded enthusiastically. “Part of the prize we won is credits to use aboard ship, so Stev and I are hitting the casino later, doing major shopping tomorrow. Meg said she’d watch the kids for us tonight.”
    Meg nodded. “My fiancé’s on duty, so this will be my pleasure. Better than hanging out in our cabin alone. I have nieces and nephews at home, so I started babysitting pretty young. I figure we’ll stay in their suite, play games with the AI, watch a few trideos, fun activities.”
    “Room-service desserts, you promised,” said Syl, pointing her finger at Meg. “Frozen cream clouds and syrup and sprinkles and—”
    “All the fixings, right.”
    “Sounds like fun,” Emily said, realizing parts of the outlined evening did have an appeal. Better than studying more medical records or traveling to the cryo deck to examine the late Mr. Groskin again. Stifling a sigh, she greeted three more guests who were joining them at the table. Platters of various appetizers were brought by the efficient wait staff.  
    Mr. Enzell was a tech engineer and not conversational once his serving of rare Azrigone beef arrived. He concentrated on the meal as if someone was going to take the food away any second. Mrs. Enzell was preoccupied with the children and correcting their manners, although Emily appreciated how polite