The Clock Winked (The Sagittan Chronicles Book 2) by Ariele Sieling Read Free Book Online Page A

the
lounge and now stood at attention against the walls of the room.
    “Well, to business, I suppose,” Chair Rizinski said. “Let me
introduce you to Heloise Mikkelson, my second; Arthur Robspar, my resident
expert on such matters pertaining to Meteor II, space travel, and space travel
technology; and Misty, my intern. I would like a complete tour of the facility,
Heloise would like to examine your books, and Arthur will be inspecting your
equipment and staff. You may proceed in whatever order you wish.”
    “Of course.” Samson nodded as Marge
stepped into the room with a tray. “Please have some coffee while I show
Heloise to my office. Marge will provide you with everything you might need.
Then I will show Mr. Robspar to the engine rooms where Lee,” Samson gestured
towards the line of employees, “will take you through the engines. Will this be
satisfactory?”
    “Yes, thank you.” Chair Rizinski nodded.
    “If you wish, you may also make use of our security guards.”
    “That will not be necessary.” Chair Rizinski stood, ignoring
the coffee. “Let’s begin.”
    Samson rose to his feet and clapped his hands once. “Risa and Tibalt to the kitchens, please. Begin preparing
this evening’s meal. Lee, you head down to the engine room with your mechanics
and double check to make sure everything is in tip-top shape, including your
hat, Reginald. Please wear a different one next time—without the grease stains.
Marge, Lisa and Penny will assist Heloise for the next several hours. Perkins
and Sarge are on guard duty. Misha and Kelvin to the monitoring room please.
And Copernicus, I believe Andre is due for a break from the pilot chamber. The rest of you, back to your regular duties.” He clapped
his hands again and the two neat lines broke and twisted and flayed in all
directions, spreading away from the walls and disappearing through various
doors. As the crowd dissipated, Samson turned to Chair Rizinski and smiled.
    “Shall we begin?” he asked.
    “Yes,” the Chair replied. “Lead the way,”
    Samson strode towards a set of double doors, turning to look
at Heloise. “Marge is my aide. She, Lisa, and Penny will find whatever
materials you wish to see, and provide whatever assistance you may need. My office
is just this way.”
    The hallways of Meteor II often seemed to stretch far longer
than fit the rooms that protruded from the hallway, but Samson had since
learned that this was because bits of the engine and machinery jutted up higher
than the floor and took up space that would otherwise be for rooms. One room
had a window into the engines; the view, which looked hundreds of feet
downwards into the always changing maw of the massive and dangerous machine,
was terrifying, and so the room was kept locked most of the time.
    “My office is just through here,” Samson said, holding open
a door and allowing the others to step through. The automatic shutters over the
window were half closed, and the glass was set to full tint so the shining rays
of Liera didn’t blind whoever occupied the room. “My office is your office,”
Samson added, following the others into the room. “Feel free to dig through my
files, use my desk and pencils, and even drink from my personal coffee mug, if
you like.” A smile slithered across his lips. “Please don’t touch the panel of
emergency switches, though. Mr. Robspar will have a look at that later.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Lebron,” Heloise said. “This will suffice. Marge, if you will find me a pillow and a glass of scotch, and point
me towards the drawer of financial records, please?”
    “This way,” Samson said, ushering the Chair, Arthur, and
Misty from the room. “Mr. Robspar, allow me to escort you to the engine rooms.”
    “I can find my own way,” Arthur grunted.
    “But it will be my pleasure. I insist.” Samson smiled again,
this time showing his teeth. “The engine rooms are on the first floor, and it
can sometimes be tricky to get there. The