CalltheMoon Read Online Free Page B

the original, and he had to admit that while he missed the exposure, the new covering was far more suited to his sensibilities.
    For generations, Dhemons learned to control themselves with social strictures, manners and etiquette. Their past was bloody, but their present was one of self-control and well thought-out actions.
    As Viiko watched her look to the moon, her eyes closed and her lips flushed and moved slightly. He could finally understand his ancestors and their obsession with taking any woman who stirred them. He was fighting those same reactions right then.
    Shaking his head, he stomped back toward his home, the base that held all the botanical samples from Piq as well as the test samples from dozens of other worlds.
    First, he needed to determine if they could grow on Piq, and then, he would see if they would contaminate the environment. It was research that would take years. Years with Naka at his side.
    Viiko wiped the smile off his face and started tucking away the food. It was not a good thing that his first thought was a lengthy seduction and his second thought was a short one.
    * * * *
    There was a mind in the moon. Naka swayed when she first felt it and tried to pull back, but it gripped her and held her tight.
    Don’t be afraid. I have been waiting for someone who could bring me home.
    What?
    I am Piquaro, the mind of the planet you stand on.
    Uh, I hate to tell you this, but you are in the moon.
    I am aware. I have been trying to get back to myself for a thousand years.
    How did you get up there?
    I was pulled from my home by one like you, a planet carrier.
    That was news to her. I am a what now?
    A planet carrier. You can take the mind of a sentient world into you and carry it to a new location. I have only heard of three in the last ten thousand years. You are the third.
    Naka could feel her body swaying. I need to get back to myself. I think I am going to fall.
    Speak to me as soon as you are able. I want to go home.
    Naka snapped back into her own mind and immediately crouched, climbing down with shaking limbs. At the base, she leaned her back against it and braced her hands on her thighs while breathing in deeply.
    The shock overwhelmed her, and she wretched but nothing came up. Naka felt like smacking herself. Of course she was weak. She hadn’t eaten in over a day.
    With her legs trembling and her stomach spinning, she made her way to the entry of the base where she assumed Viiko was. First, she needed food, and then, they needed to talk.

Chapter Six
    He helped her to a chair and fetched her a ration pack that was marked with the icon of Resicor.
    “This has been approved for your people. I will get you some water.”
    Naka’s hands shook as she tried to open the packet. She dropped it three times before she managed to tear the wrap open. It was a cake with flecks in it.
    He brought some glasses and a carafe of water that had condensation forming on the glass. With formality, he poured her a glass and placed it in front of her.
    She sipped slowly at the water before she ate any of the ration bar. Putting that much dry food in her stomach wouldn’t be a good idea if there were no water to hydrate it.
    After sipping and nibbling her way through a third of the bar, she sighed and pushed it aside.
    “You don’t like it?” Viiko was concerned.
    “I don’t have room for it. I wasn’t eating much at the dome, and I haven’t eaten since.”
    He winced. “Of course. I apologize. I have been an inattentive host.”
    “Please don’t feel bad. I could have expressed hunger if I realized I was hungry. There was too much happening for it to make itself known.”
    He nodded. “When you are finished, I will show you to your room. I have placed you near the greenhouse so that you can enjoy the light coming through the glass.”
    She perked up, “Greenhouse?”
    “Of course. It is why I am here. Perhaps I should tell you what the plan is for Piq.”
    She sat back and sipped at her water. “That