BioCybe Read Online Free Page A

further.
    “It didn’t have to. Captain, I take it you didn’t scan the
dossier then?”
    As Sandon shook his head, the woman’s nostrils flared
slightly and he caught sight of a deep emotion in the depths of her eyes. “Fine.
Then I fear this has been a waste of your time and mine.” He heard the husky
tones as she turned away. “I’ll leave immediately.”
    The door slid open, and she was about to step through when
he bellowed, “ Wait !”
    The woman stilled, but didn’t turn around. He wasn’t sure
why that bothered him, but it did.
    “Captain?”
    “Your dossier. Could I…” He let the words hang in the air
between them.
    “I don’t think…”
    “I don’t pay anyone to think for me. Your file?”
    When she spun back, her face was a mask of icy resolve. She
located the screen command on the table and shoved her arm against the reader
slot.
    Information appeared; a brief overview of her skills and
awards. She was trained to fly an MX5, the same model and make as the Golden
Echo , also the GSL-23 and even the LD-5 mini-destroyer, he noted with
surprise. She was classified as competent on all land based conveyances and
even a variety of aquatic ones.
    “What is your planet of origin?”
    She stared at him, then her tongue flicked out and wet her
lips. “That’s need-to-know, Captain.”
    “Fine. You’re obviously ex-military forces. What rank did
you hold?”
    Her eyes narrowed at his question. “Is this somehow relevant
to our discussion?” She cocked her head to one side and he wanted to gulp. She
had an air about her now of leashed ferocity.
    “Uh, I thought…”
    “I was a commodore, but have been released from active
duty.”
    “Why?”
    She flinched just enough to let him know he’d somehow
triggered a nerve. “I was injured in the line of duty.”
    He looked her over, but she gazed at a point beyond his
shoulder, as if such careful looks were an everyday occurrence. That knowledge
bothered him.
    “Badly?”
    The woman before him bared her teeth. “Enough, but not so
much as I am incapable of carrying out the duties of a pilot. Are you
interested in my skills, Captain Daria, or shall I leave?”
    His lips thinned as he fought with himself. A woman aboard
the Golden Echo ... Yet, here was a pilot with skill. “Mechanics?”
    “I can take apart any vehicle I am classified as competent
in piloting.”
    “I can’t pay…”
    Her gaze whipped in his direction. “I’m not after anything
more than the remuneration quoted. I’m interested in finding employment away
from this sector.”
    Sandon’s gaze pierced Secombe, and he cringed from the fire
he probably saw flickering in Sandon’s eyes. “I only quoted—”
    “You and I will discuss this later, Secombe. When can you
start, Endrado?”
    The tension in her shoulders disappeared at his words. “Immediately,
sir.”
    “Good. Get your things. I’m offering you a trial.” And
God help me , he thought once the words were said.

Chapter 2
     
    Levia piloted her tiny personal shuttlecraft to the surface.
The ZZ8 was modified, kind of like herself, she thought. The computational
in-ports drew information and instructions direct from her cybernetic
syntha-derm. It made piloting and downloading updates a simpler affair.
    Though she’d acquired abilities in piloting, driving, riding,
and sailing, among many other skills, during her time with the militia forces,
this time alone remained the one thing that made her life bearable. She could
look out at the stars and planetoids and think.
    In the distance and growing smaller was the inter-spatial
cruiser, Golden Echo . It glowed in the reflected light of a small sun.
Up until several days before, she hadn’t known anything about it. A chance
meeting in a bar had brought the fact that they were seeking a replacement
pilot for their craft.
     
    “Hey, Endrado! Heard you’re looking for a new gig.” The
bartender, Cample, plonked the brew down before her, and she watched as the
froth