Starkissed by Lanette Curington Read Free Book Online

one did not have to worry about electrocution when making emergency repairs. He hissed in exasperation. Why hadn’t he thought of the gloves when he charged the forcefield? His only answer was that his mind was clouded. His thinking had become impaired by—
    “When are you going to do it?”
    “Now.” He jerked on the gloves and shoved the tube into the forcefield. Sparks showered him and sizzles, crackles, pops filled his ears. He held it until the tube started to bend and twist, but the electronic whine did not lessen.
    He pulled the tube free, and silence settled over them. He tossed the piece of scrap, and it landed in a corner with a clank.
    “Didn’t work, did it?”
    “No.”
    “I’m sorry. I hoped it would.”
    “I, alssso.”
    “Any more ideas?”
    “Not at the moment.”
    They ate again, pouring hot water over the granules. Most of the flavors he couldn’t identify.
    “Mmmm, banana pudding. My favorite. What did you get?”
    “I do not know. I am not familiar with the tassste of human food.”
    “The little section in the center is dessert. What does it taste like?”
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    Lanette
    Curington
    He took a bite. It was difficult to describe unknown flavors. “Sssweet. Rich.
    Sssatisssfying.”
    “Must be chocolate cake. I had that last time.”
    The door to the anteroom opened, and Hancock, Phillips, and a third man walked in.
    “Sorry to interrupt lunch, but it’s time to go.”
    J’Qhir tossed the tray in the waste chute and stood, prepared. If there were an instant when he thought Hancock was off-guard, he was ready to take full advantage of it as long as it wouldn’t endanger the saàloh or himself.
    “What are you going to do with us, Steve?” Her voice trembled. Before she had sounded relaxed, but now J’Qhir could hear her fear.
    “If I tell you now, it won’t be a surprise.” Hancock punched keys, and J’Qhir’s forcefield shimmered out. “Come on out, Rep. Easy now. Carter, tie him up.”
    Hancock and Phillips held their weapons on him while Carter locked his hands in plasticuffs behind his back. Then Carter fastened his ankles with only enough slack for a half step. Hancock released the forcefield on the other cell, and Carter secured Leith’s hands behind her back also. He knelt to lock her ankles.
    “Never mind. She won’t run with the Rep hobbled. Besides, where would she go?”
    He laughed.
    All chances were gone, J’Qhir mused. He should have kicked Carter in the teeth while he knelt, but either Hancock or Phillips could have blasted him. That would have left the saàloh to face Hancock alone, and that was unacceptable.
    If he could not save them both then he would do nothing. As long as he lived he could keep Hancock away from her somehow.
    Hancock led them out of the restraining area into the hold. Their steps echoed throughout the empty cavern. The cargo was gone, sold to the Crucians. He had sacrificed the precious jewels for nothing.
    The saàloh recognized the path they took.
    “The lifecraft? Steve, where are you taking us?”
    Hancock smiled and kept a tight hold on her arm. He turned them toward another door and laid his palm on the identipad. He pushed them through first.
    The small lifecraft took up most of the bay. At a nod from Hancock, Phillips lifted the door. Hancock motioned with his Blaser. “After you.”
    “Not until you tell us where you’re taking us!” the saàloh exploded. “I’m tired of all this, Steve. Tell us where we’re going.”
    “I was saving it as a surprise, but since you’re so impatient…I’m taking you to Paradise.”
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    Starkissed
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Chapter 3
    Paradise, Arreisan Neutral Zone

    J’Qhir spent the greater part of the ride to the surface of the planet straining against the cuffs and fighting the pain that shot through his shoulder with every move. By the time they entered the planet’s atmosphere, he had given up. The cuffs were no looser and his shoulder throbbed