Black Dawn Read Online Free PDF Page A

There was a moment of awkward silence.
Then, “You were asking about my biology?”
Perhaps it was right and a more concrete medical approach
was safer. “You said you had been ‘fiddled’ with. By Riga, I assume?”
Coy obviously hesitated before answering. Ceal took a chance
and forged ahead anyway. “Your personal issues are not my business,
I admit, but that sounded physical, and that is in my job description, I
do believe. Besides, Captain, I’m your Med Tech. Nothing goes any
further”.
Lamont let its gaze relax just a little. “I was a military experiment. A lot of chemicals have little or no effect on me. For interrogations, I assume. I was supposed to be able....” It paused again. “I’ve
got a file that explains some of it. I can give it to you.”
“I would appreciate it.” Ceal said simply. She actually would
appreciate its life story . A military experiment? She admittedly had
very
little experience in the greater universe but that sort of thing would be
illegal on most of the worlds she had had contact with.
Coy was watching her again. “You’re very good at this you
know. Being a medical officer. I was fortunate that you came along.”
“So am I.” She smiled sincerely. “Even if I’m still not dead
sure why we’re all here. What is it we’re all working so hard to do?”
Coy paused again, then finally sighed and said, “I’ve been
thinking a lot about that lately. With this ship I have an opportunity.
Have you ever been in a position when there was no good answer?
There was something you had to do? People that needed help. And
there was no ‘right’ way to help them? I’ve decided I want a unit to
be able to do what needs done without the chains of command or red
tape. Without having to get permission or....To be able to go where
we’re needed and do what we have to do.”
Ceal was quiet for a moment. “Yeah. I know exactly what you
mean….. Who were they?”
“They?”
“The people who needed your help and you couldn’t because
of red tape.”
Ceal couldn’t even begin to guess the myriad of emotions that
were passing behind Coy’s eyes. She mentally kicked herself. So much
for any bedside manner. She kept opening tender wounds. “When do
you suppose things will slow down enough for me to do proper physicals on everyone?” she changed subjects again.
Lamont gave one of its short, tired sighs. “I couldn’t tell you,
Ceal. Hopefully soon. I would like to run this outfit as properly as
possible no matter what its size.” It forced itself to sit up straighter.
“Look, I’ll set a precedent. Schedule a time for mine and I’ll bring my
file.”
She returned the smile. “Thank you, Captain. I appreciate...”
she paused. “Well, I appreciate it all. Your trust and support. I don’t
know what I would’ve done. I couldn’t stay there any longer.”
“Should I be aware of who’s after you? For the Fleet’s sake?”
At her shocked look, it added. “I’m your Captain, Med Tech. It would
go no further.”
“I guess I owe you that, don’t I?” She took a breath. “It’s my
uncle. He took over when my father and the others were… killed.”
“Took over what?”
“The government. The planet. He’s my guardian until I’m 25.
I couldn’t stand being there under his control so I ran. His agents catch
up with me every once in a while. They found me on Servati in Med
school. That’s why I’m a Med Tech and not a physician. I left before I
graduated. I was afraid if I stayed on Alluria any longer they’d find me
again.”
“What would happen if they did?”
“I, I don’t really know. Best case, they would take me back.
Worst...I’d rather not find out.” She looked Coy in the eye. “Does this
change anything?”
It shook its head. “No, you definitely belong here. And as your
commander, I’ll do my best to protect you from your enemies.”
Ceal stared, eyes filling with tears. “I have a feeling you mean
that.”
“Would I lie to the person in