Angel in the Badlands: space opera sci fi romance (Sons of Amber Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

I approached your planet, so I have the most up to date data available. If the mapper isn’t fried as well.” He stood, taking a quick moment to cup her shoulders and deliver a smacking kiss to her lips before putting her aside so he could get to a different console in the tight command area.
    He felt her watching over his shoulder as he tapped some commands into the state of the art mapping unit. She jumped when the holo display zipped to life, its gentle glow lighting the cabin as he brought up a tridimensional representation of his route from the base on Atlantia Prime to his current position.
    “Is that where you came from?” Her voice brushed past his ear, reminding him how he wanted this dark night to end—if he could just get his transmission sent. With the jit threat looming, duty had to come first.
    “Yes. Atlantia Station is headquarters for the Quadrant Regimental Command. If I get this right, I might be able to tight beam directly to them, but we’ll probably have a very narrow window of opportunity.” He tapped out a few more calculations, feeding coordinates into two consoles now, utilizing both hands.
     
    “How do you do that?” Angela was amazed by the way he could perform two tasks at once, as if both of his hands operated independently of the other.
    “Sweetheart, I keep telling you. I was genetically engineered by one of the most brilliant minds in human history. All the Sons of Amber were designed to be multi-taskers with above average intellectual abilities. It’s no big deal.” He looked up at her and shrugged, his hands continuing their work even while he talked to her, further astonishing her.
    “Amazing. We don’t engage in gene sculpting unless it’s to prevent disease or other problems. What was done to you sounds much more extensive.”
    “You don’t know the half of it. They selectively bred each of us for different traits. Me, I’m what’s known as a Wildcard. Dr. Amber took genes from donors who had certain traits that made them take big risks that paid off well, more often than not. Some of my brothers are Dominants who were bred specifically for command. There are a few other designations, but mostly the Doms and the Wildcards work in the military, helping protect what’s left of humanity and looking for ways to improve our lot.”
    “That’s what you do—the second part—right? That’s why you were way out here in the back of beyond, and your risk-taking nature led you to try to walk across the desert at midday. Some might say you take too many risks Ezekiel.”
    Zeke smiled. “Yeah, but look how that worked out. It led me to you.”
    “More by luck than design,” she had to admit. “Although, there is probably some element of fate in all the events that have led us to this point. Or so Mother Rachel thinks. I’m inclined to agree with her.” She watched him tap a few final commands—each hand operating independently in a way that still astounded her.
    “Hold on, I think we’re about ready to try this.” He winked at her and put all his attention on the comm console, leaning in to the vid pickup. “There’s some risk involved in this…” he took a moment to meet her gaze, pausing before he input the final commands, “…but I believe it will work.”
    “Mother Rachel believes it’s our only chance. Without help from your people, the jits will find us anyway. If your signal goes astray, it will only speed up the inevitable.”
    He touched her hand with his, squeezing softly. “Have a little faith. I may be a Wildcard, but I never take foolish risks.” He smiled and his eyes crinkled up at the corners. “Well, not that often. The desert trek wasn’t very smart, but in my defense, I was injured and not thinking clearly. I’m back to normal now, thanks to your very fine care.” He paused and looked into her eyes. “Do you trust me, Angel?”
    “I trust you, Ezekiel.”
    “Call me Zeke.” He squeezed her hand once more and turned back to touch