Cloud Rebel: R-D 3 Read Online Free Page B

means that the aliens who killed all those people aren't included in that equation. They only see us as the perpetrators, and whoever they are, they want us to pay."
    "I suppose it doesn't matter that Phillips had world domination on his agenda? That he'd planned his moves carefully to pull world leaders together so he could bend them to his will?"
    "Somebody may want to step into his shoes," Matt responded. "Plus, we've never found those nuclear warheads he sent to the insurgents."
    "You had to bring that up, didn't you? At least they've been quiet lately. Maybe they're still terrified that Corinne will make more of them dead."
    "Or, if they learn she was taken away," Matt didn't finish.
    "You know she's back, don't you?"
    "I heard. I'm waiting for her to show up and slap me through a wall."
    "You may have to explain that to me," I said.
    "In time. Maybe. Look, I need to go. Just keep your eyes open. You may want to ask for additional security. It's times like these that I miss Nick and Maye the most."
    "Yeah. Well, I'll consider the security part. Thanks for the heads up."
    "No problem."
    * * *
    Corinne
    "My love, what have you been doing?" Valegar woke me with soft words.
    "Huh?"
    "This-siphon-that you've attached to yourself to draw in sunlight?" If he hadn't been sitting beside me, and if he'd been human, he might have been tapping a toe, waiting for me to answer.
    "Well, it's a way to get light at any time," I mumbled my excuse.
    "That should only be used for emergencies," he scolded gently. "You should be filling yourself with sunlight whenever it is available, instead of a constant, crippled pull provided by a siphon. Besides, sunlamps made with Earth technology are very poor substitutes."
    "Right." I sat up with his help, discovering that I lay naked on a bed inside a lavish hotel-one that bellied up to a beach in Oahu.
    "Come, I will take you elsewhere, and I will assist you in pulling sunlight into your body."
    "Can I have ice cream after that?"
    "If you want it, yes."
    "Do we have to be naked?"
    "It helps if you are in your natural state, blue skin and all." The corners of his mouth twitched.
    "Fine."
    "I like this very much-all my studies of Earth will be put to the test," he smiled and folded space with me.
    * * *
    Ilya
    At least nothing was broken when I woke on the floor in my hotel room. The mattress, sheets and pillows were strewn across the space, the chair and ottoman upside down against the window.
    I appreciated the fact that I could straighten everything without having to pay for damages when I checked out. While I worked to put the room back to rights, I cursed the former President in as many languages as I knew.
    "I'm leaving for the airport," I informed Colonel Hunter after buying coffee at a nearby shop and loading my bag into the rental.
    "Good. Matt and I want a meeting with you when you get back."
    "Tomorrow?"
    "I have a ten o'clock with the Secretary of State, but Matt and I are available for lunch. We can eat and talk if you want."
    "Of course."
    "Any uh, unusual charges on your room, this time?"
    "None, I'm pleased to say. Did Director Michaels say what his concerns are?"
    "He may have intel on those warheads."
    "I hope it's more reliable than last time."
    "They were moved last time before we made it to the storage area. Finding something there is next to impossible without good information."
    "Living informants are also an asset," I responded dryly.
    "We do have a problem keeping them alive," he agreed. "I wish, well, we all know what I wish."
    "I do." I stared at the wedding band I'd refused to remove from my hand. If I had my way, it would stay there as long as I lived.
    "I'm hoping I can convince another person or two to join us-they may be working with us as liaisons of some sort-if I can convince them to do so."
    "Who might that be?"
    "The ones Opal said pulled your fat from the fire yesterday."
    "Interesting choice of words, Colonel. I'll see you tomorrow."
    * * *
    Corinne
    "Thank you