Broken Soldier (Book One) Read Online Free PDF Page B

Thorian turned his back
on Mike. Was that a deliberate sign of trust, or was the creature
deliberately tempting him? Mike had no intention of turning his
back on any being, human or otherwise. Not without a great deal of
operational experience to develop trust.
    He had no idea as to the size of the spacecraft, in
which they rode. Although the overhead was greater than one would
find on a human ship, it seemed small because the passageway was so
narrow. The room he was guided to was his next surprise. It had
carpet and soft, sky blue walls. While the soft lighting and color
scheme put him at ease, he remained suspicious of the alien. He
wasn’t about to be conned by this pleasant environment.
    There were four tall chairs around a tall table.
They looked like padded bar stools to him, but at least they had
armrests. The alien said, “Please, Sergeant Hurst, sit down and get
comfortable. I’ll have water and food brought, if you wish.”
    Mike replied, “You’ve given me the impression you
were alone. Are there more of you here?”
    “No, Sergeant Hurst. This craft has a series of
machines, which provide the necessary items and services to sustain
biologic life forms. Thorians and Saurans are not the only
creatures that this small transport can support.”
    As he spoke, a panel in the table opened and a metal
jug along with two cups rose to the height of the tabletop. The
Thorian poured water into both cups and handed one to Mike. He took
it and sipped, finding the water cool and refreshing, just like his
first taste had been.
    Mike said, “I see you also drink water. Is that
normal for your people?”
    “Yes. You’ll find that many races have a need for
water. Of course, there are some who put additives in it to make it
acceptable for their taste and biologic needs. I’ve heard there is
one race that becomes ill from it.”
    Mike took a long drink, empting his cup. He really
was thirsty.
    The alien told him, “The regrowth process, demands a
great deal of water. I’m sure you are aware that the human body
consists primarily of water. So, please help yourself to as much
water as you wish. It will help you to gain strength, as the
regrowth process is completed.”
    “I am thirsty.” He poured himself another cup full
and asked the Thorian, “Do you have a name. What should I call
you?”
    The creature smiled, giving Mike his first glimpse
of the alien’s short white teeth. “Our people live much longer than
humans. We honor our blood ancestors by carrying a full name that
includes all of our parent’s names, going back four generations.
But, like humans, we each have an individual name, or as you would
call it, a first name. My first name is Jonelle.”
    Mike quickly followed, “And may I call you
Jonelle?”
    Again, the alien smiled. “In the brief time I’ve had
to research humans and their customs, I noted that most of you have
a first name, as my people do. Also I noted that many of you use a
shortened version their first name. On that basis, I would be
willing to accept the name of Jo, as appropriate. And would you be
offended, if I called you Mike? It would make our conversation much
simpler.”
    Now it was Mike’s turn to smile, as he answered,
“Yes, Jo, that would be fine. Now, may I ask what you want of
me?”
    Jo held his hands up high, smiled and said, “I want
your help in defeating the Saurans, of course. I can’t do it
alone.”
    Mike had been taking a sip of water and it went
shooting out of his nose and he began coughing at the alien’s
ridiculous statement.
    After clearing his throat, Mike pointed out, “My
people are untold thousands of years behind your people, or the
Saurans. How in hell am I going to be any help?”
    “Let me explain.”
    “Please do,” Mike shot back.
    “Very well. On the Mother Ship, there are machines
that can do amazing things with biological beings, such as you and
me. With genetic modification, your brain can be expanded to handle
several times the