Ghosting the Hero Read Online Free

time.”
    N’kad looked at Reset again. “Thank you.”
    She inclined her head. “It is all part of the service.”
     

Chapter Four
     
     
    Simry sat up and unplugged her monitors after working off her irritation for six hours.
    Rinway came to her and eased her back to the bed. “You were in there for a while. Your readings are a little extreme.”
    Simry snorted. “I feel more relaxed, so it was worth it. Seven stations cleared, and now, I am heading downstairs for something to eat.”
    “Do you need a hand?”
    “Just my cane.”
    Rinway winced. “Right. Give me a minute.”
    Simry tried not to use her cane unless she needed it. It was a reminder of her early years with a broken leg that hadn’t healed and a limp that came everywhere she did. During her first week on Teklan, Reset had healed her leg, but she still limped when she was tired, muscle memory took over so that she shifted her weight and staggered when she walked. Today was one of those days.
    Rinway brought in the cane and handed it to her.
    Simry smiled and got to her feet. The carvings were the same ones her father had etched into the wood when she was fourteen.
    Talents were not given medical intervention for any illness in her society. If the gods willed them to survive, they would and thereby prove their blessing. It was only when a hidden recruiter for the Citadel came through that Simry learned she was not blessed or not the way she had thought.
    Leaving old religion behind and escaping into a shuttle under cover of darkness had started her new life. Three years later, she had gone from Citadel Thoola to Teklan and was now fairly settled in her career.
    She walked slowly out of her workroom and headed for the lift. Today was no day to take the stairs.
    Simry made it to the main floor, and she walked over to the commissary. It would be awkward to get her meal with the cane holding her up, but she would manage. She always did.
     
    * * * *
     
    N’kad sat across from General Brodin, and he waited for the demand to come. It didn’t appear.
    Instead of a demand, the general smiled. “I would like to offer you a position in the Sector Guard.”
    N’kad leaned back in his seat and blinked. “What position?”
    “That of Guardsman. You are already trained and have control of a tremendous talent. You could save lives and help those in need.”
    N’kad rubbed a hand over his face. “I would rather take some time off.”
    General Brodin nodded. “Of course. The Citadel offers classes in a variety of disciplines if you are interested. There are also some music, dance and sculpture classes available.”
    The sudden shift made N’kad blink. “You are serious?”
    “Of course. If you choose to take assignments with the Citadel, you can earn funds over and above what you make as a Guardsman.”
    That surprised him. “I get paid?”
    “The moment that you sign the contract. Equipment, uniforms and accommodations are included as well as training and weaponry. Citadel courses are offered free to Guardsman.”
    “How long is the contract?” N’kad was smiling; they knew just where to tempt him.
    “Two years if you are already trained, three if you are not.”
    “Do I choose my assignments?”
    “No. We choose and you go where you are sent, even if you are not fond of the world that we send you to. One assignment and then home again.”
    N’kad sighed. “I don’t really have anything else to do, so where is the contract?”
    Brodin smiled, flashing his sharp teeth with his horns gleaming in the light. “Here you go.”
    The tablet slid between them, and N’kad looked over the contract, noting that the Sector Guard had the right to assign him a partner. The partnership was not permanent unless both parties agreed on it.
    “What is this about a partner? I work alone.”
    “We rarely send Guardsman out alone. It isn’t safe, and we want you back alive.” Brodin smiled.
    N’kad blinked. “Interesting. Well, nothing here is