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

now. You will probably change your mind and pick someone more suitable.”
    “You are suitable. You have already absorbed the spark. If you were not a suitable mate, it would not have been possible.”
    Olena dismissed the idea of a spark. She didn’t feel any different.
    In the controller’s office, she waited until he looked up. “Yes, Salvager Olena?”
    “I would like permission to resume my salvage. The occupant of the pod is amenable to my continuing the deconstruction.”
    The controller looked at her and cocked his head. “In light of the discovery of the usefulness of the pod, I am assigning it to Salvager Mrekk. He will complete the deconstruction.”
    Olena felt her soul sink. “The ex-Avatar has indicated that if one of the Hrath attempts to remove the more delicate electrical units, they will be rendered inert.”
    The controller sighed. “I doubt it. You have the pay from the morning, minus the atmosphere fees for filling the workspace. The units you rescued are impressive enough to render a large payday for one of your seniority.”
    “Thank you for your consideration, Controller.”
    She fought tears as she turned on her heel and nearly plowed into the ex-Avatar.
    He caught her elbows and rubbed her back. “I will see to acquiring larger accommodation, and you will join me.”
    “The stationmaster’s office can arrange for larger rooms.”
    “That is our next stop.” He kept an arm around her and walked with her but let her lead the way.
    The stationmaster took the money out of her account, but they got a luxurious suite with an actual shower and tub. An attendant went to her quarters and brought her personal effects to the new suite. It didn’t take long.
    Olena took her data pad and entered in Lomit. She stared and read as fast as she could.
    “You can sit down and read that, or you can ask me what you want to know.” He was remarkably cheerful as he went through the menu on the food dispenser.
    “What happened to the planet?”
    “It ran afoul of a comet’s recurrence and could not move out of the way. The comet’s path had been altered by those seeking to destroy a living world, and they were successful... to a point.”
    Olena looked up from the images provided by the ancient Imperium archive. “To a point?”
    “Lomit saw the approach and evacuated his people and his Avatar. I carry his power within me, though not his consciousness.”
    “Where did his people go?”
    “A world called Echoheart.”
    “Is that where we are going?”
    He smiled. “I believe that we are destined for somewhere else. The Lomit have moved on. They do not need me to control or advise them. There is a moon in the system that will suit us. We will begin anew.”
    “Begin anew with what?”
    Brin Tai Wekk chuckled. “Starting a new colony for the Lomit. Those who wish to begin anew have the chance to join us.”
    “Why would they want to?”
    “The Lomit are creatures of intelligence and serenity. They value the ability to study above all things. A library is already installed in the heart of that moon, but it has been inaccessible to any but me. It has been waiting for me, and it will draw scholars to us from around the Imperium.”
    “You are very free with the us and we. ” She frowned.
    He shrugged. “While I abhor the necessity that drove me to share what Lomit had left to me, you do appear to be capable of handling it.”
    She snorted and watched as he collected tray after tray of food that didn’t match anything available on her personal dispenser. It actually smelled appetizing.
    “Come and eat, Consort. It will settle your stomach.”
    “My name is Olena.”
    He grinned. “Olena. Please, come and eat. You look exhausted.”
    He had set the table for two, and there were two chairs just calling their names.
    He held her chair for her and helped her settle in.
    The food was better than good. It was just what she needed.
    She asked him a question that had been bugging her. “Are all your