Ghosting the Hero Read Online Free Page A

objectionable.”
    He signed the contract and slid the tablet back.
    “Did Reset show you your quarters?”
    N’kad nodded. “She did. Reset and Mist have been most helpful.”
    “They are that. Have you met Fixer and Shade yet?”
    “I was introduced to Fixer. I have never seen a woman eat that much.” He chuckled.
    “Her talent is for molecular manipulation. She has to replace what she uses or she burns up her own body mass.”
    N’kad was surprised that he was getting the details of someone’s talent.
    Brodin witnessed the contract with the tap of his finger, and he smiled. “Welcome to the Sector Guard Base Teklan. You can have as much acclimation time as you need. Visit the Citadel when you wish, and the course list is on a flagged file on the terminal in your room. Food and drink is in the commissary with a small dispenser in your quarters, specifically equipped uniforms are available on appointment with Fixer.”
    N’kad put his hands on his thighs. “Is that it?”
    “Yes. There is a com system built into your suit. If there is anything urgent, we will contact you.”
    Being free to wander on an alien world was a new experience. Emror had been his home for his entire life. He had never anticipated leaving, but then, he had never imagined that his people wouldn’t pay a modest ransom for him. He had been their hero. In their eyes, he should have saved himself.
    He stood, inclined his head and left the office, heading for the door to the fresh air of Teklan and the path to the Citadel.
     
    * * * *
     
    Simry worked her way through her meal and settled in one of the comfortable chairs with a tea tray next to her.
    A few friends came by to see how she was doing, and even Leodar settled into a chair nearby to apologize.
    “I am sorry. What I said was...It was uncalled for.”
    “What you want, I can’t give. I am not the one for you; our minds are on such different frequencies, it is sometimes painful to be near you. You know that. At least let me think about a life with someone I could partner up with, in any sense of the word, without giving me attitude.”
    Leodar sighed and put his head in his hands. “I know. I am sorry.”
    “I am not a damsel in distress, and you don’t need to rescue me. I am a bitchy cripple who just wants to do her work and occasionally have cake.”
    “You are not a cripple, you know it is mental.”
    Simry grinned that he didn’t refute the bitchy portion of her comment. “I know, but ten years of motion doesn’t just disappear when Reset does her thing. She can’t reset my muscle memory, so this is what happens when I get irritated and stressed. I didn’t have my cheering and massage squad today when I woke up, so I will have to sleep it off.”
    “Don’t you have a class tomorrow?”
    “I do. I can teach astral manipulation as well with my cane as without it.”
    A deep voice sounded nearby. “You teach?”
    She looked up, way up, and there was a face she thought had to be an egotist’s memory.
    Simry smiled up at him. “You made it.”
    N’kad inclined his head. “I did. Thank you.”
    He reached for her hand and bowed until he brushed his lips across her skin.
    Leodar got to his feet. “You have met?”
    Simry felt the tingling on her skin from the light contact as she retrieved her hand. “Yes. Dozens of worlds ago. It is good to see you up and around. You are taller than I thought.”
    He smiled. “And you are actually real.”
    Leodar cleared his throat. “Pardon me. Who are you?”
    N’kad turned to him and extended his hand. “I am N’kad, new Guardsman attached to Teklan Base.”
    Simry made the rest of the introductions. “He is Leodar and I am Simry.” She winked.
    Simry looked at the pleased expression on his face. She knew he was relieved to have found a place to belong and a duty to follow. “Congratulations.”
    “As I am new here, I would be honoured if you would give me a tour.”
    “I would be delighted.” She took her cane and