Obsolete (Terran Times Second Wave Book 24) Read Online Free Page A

grabbed her boots and stepped into them.
    “That is an unattractive costume.”
    She felt like sticking her tongue out at him, but she wasn’t sure how his species would take that. “It is my only option. The robe is for inside my quarters only.”
    With her body clothed decently, she nodded toward the still-open door. “Let’s go.”
    He bent to clear the doorway, and he waited for her on the other side of the threshold. When she followed him into the hall and she closed her door, she got the strange feeling that it was for the last time.
     

Chapter Four
     
     
    Olena was bemused as she watched Brin Tai Wekk order the Hrath around and get what he asked for every time. The fear in their eyes was obvious.
    She sat back and tried to feel anything different inside her. She was aroused, but then, he was the nicest thing to look at that she had seen in months. Even back on Earth, she had been too absorbed in her work to go looking for a relationship.
    When she realised what she was thinking, she stopped lazing casually and sat upright. The last time she had a relationship, it had lasted fifteen years until her cat had died. Sparks had been a great cat and her best buddy. When he died, she hadn’t wanted to replace him with anything or anyone else. Now, her hormonal brain was trying to figure out how to fit Brin Tai Wekk into her life in a manner that would cause the least disruption. Olena’s logic centre knew that there was no chance that she wouldn’t be disrupted. He had already begun the process.
    The ex-Avatar was on the com and speaking in liquid tones that she couldn’t understand. When a surprised voice on the other end returned the greeting, her new companion grinned. The conversation was quick, and Brin Tai Wekk was sober when it was over.
    He glanced at Olena. “They are coming for us. They will be here in two days, and they will take on all financial issues we generate in the meantime.”
    She cocked her head. “What do you mean by that?”
    “I thought you might want to get some new clothing. You will need it as my consort.”
    Olena blushed. “There isn’t anything available here. Just the work suits.”
    The Hrath com officer shrugged. “Apologies, Avatar. While we have a modification centre, there is no place for clothing that would match your purposes.”
    “Fine. Bring me fabric. As much as you can spare.”
    The officer nodded and paused. “Where, sir?”
    He frowned. “I believe that I require some new quarters as my old quarters have a large hole gouged into them.”
    She shrugged. “Sorry. So, are you leaving the pod to the scavenger?”
    He nodded. “Of course. I have no need of it. He is welcome to the profits he can glean from it, though if the salvager does not have your touch, he will soon find it a mess of metal.”
    “I would like to think it is flattery, but I get the feeling you are serious.”
    “I am. Without a compatible mind, the mechanics will dissolve at the touch of the unsympathetic salvager and be rendered useless. What you have already removed was removed and stabilised by your mind. Well done, by the way.”
    Olena cocked her head. “We are still here for two days?”
    He nodded. “We are.”
    “I will take the rest of the pod apart, as long as the controller will allow it.”
    Her companion smiled. “Let’s find out. I would enjoy seeing you at work.”
    She nodded to the com officer. “Thank you for your assistance.”
    The com officer clacked his beak in acknowledgement.
    She was almost rubbing her hands together at the thought of taking that pod apart with wild abandon.
    “You enjoy your work as a salvager, don’t you?” Brin Tai Wekk was right behind her.
    “Yes, I truly do. I enjoy grafting pieces together more, but the salvage will get me enough credit to start over wherever we end up.”
    “Finances are not an issue. As my consort, you are entitled to half of my earnings.”
    She quirked her lips where he couldn’t see her. “I am your consort