Broken Wings Read Online Free PDF Page A

the tray. “It sounds like a plan. Ready when you are.”
    He smiled. “You are a glutton for punishment.”
    “I am eager to do something. Fixer understood it.”
    “Of course she did. Her own father was taken in an act of violence and she had to hide her mother from those who would have sought them out and killed them.”
    “Is that common knowledge?”
    “No, but I have met Fixer before, and her husband is a bit of a talker when he is bragging about his wife. That is the only point in which Shadow is a little chatty.” He chuckled.
    “His wife?”
    “And his children, but only with authorized Citadel or Sector Guard personnel.”
    She chuckled. “He is sensible and very pretty.”
    “Indeed. He is a rare one.”
    Kibor finished his tea and rose to his feet. “Shall we?”
    She stood and tucked Poppy back on her shoulder. Minerva picked up the tray and brought it back to the dispenser.
    After a clear scan at Medical, Kibor took her through the public pathways to a workshop where an arrangement of wires was all she could see.
    “What is this?”
    “A test. Around the facility, machines have been stationed. I wish to see if you can set them off without seeing them.”
    Poppy chirped enthusiastically.
    “Oh no. Not with you on me. I don’t want to take anything from you while I do this, Poppy.”
    She lifted her little buddy and put her down on a chair in the corner of the workshop.
    “So, what do I do?”
    “Whatever you can to figure out the machine and set it off.”
    The challenge was down, and she picked up the first cable.
     
    One hour later, she finally figured out how to send a signal down and have it bounce back again. Once she could feel what she was aiming at, she pulled the pin, loosened the cog and set a windmill spinning.
    Poppy chirped in triumph, and Minerva made her way through the collection of cables, idly watching the lights on the wall turn on.
    “What are those?”
    “Acknowledgements. Anyone who sees the machine operating is to push the button that activates the light.”
    She nodded and kept working. When all twelve had been activated, she just had to wait.
    Kibor was feeding a cookie to Poppy when the last light flicked on.
    “Bravo, Minerva. I am impressed. I have never seen anyone try to lick the power into anything.”
    She sighed and walked to crouch next to the chair where Poppy was delicately munching away. “It was harder than it looked.”
    “And yet, you managed it. Tomorrow, we will begin speed drills.”
    “Why not today?”
    “Because I have checked your schedule and you have enough time to eat and no more before you head off to your clay class.”
    “Oh.” She smirked. “Am I dismissed?”
    “You are. This will be your classroom while you are here at the base. Come in to practice anytime you wish.”
    “Just for me?” she looked around.
    “Yes. The tech talents will resituate the machines this afternoon. You should have a new challenge every day.”
    She blinked. “That sounds like you are amusing yourself at my expense.”
    “Nothing of the kind. I am simply trying to keep your talent limber and ready for action.”
    Minerva snorted, stood and put Poppy back on her shoulder. “Sure you are.”
    He grinned. “Go to lunch, Specialist Minerva. You have earned some peace and quiet.”
    She bowed, one hand going up to steady Poppy, and she left the workroom.
    The sun of Ohkhan was bright on her skin. Poppy lifted her head up and they walked off in the sunlight in search of lunch.
     

Chapter Five
     
     
    Several members of the Citadel came over to meet Poppy, and it was a busy lunch until her wrist link chimed and she had to attend her class.
    The map on her wrist took her out of the commissary and to another satellite building around the huge tower.
    She introduced herself to the only other person in the room, and when Poppy chortled, she threw in that introduction as well.
    “Hello, I am Minerva. This is Poppy.”
    The man standing in the shadows