Crisis Management Read Online Free PDF Page A

will be able to study on your way. So, you are up for this?”
    Devani shrugged. “How long will I be there?”
    “The vote will be finalized within ten days. If you can get her through it, her father is set to retire and he will leave Yagoth with her.”
    “So, his signature will be binding?”
    “It will. As high prefect, everything he officiates is bound for ten decades. The Yagoth instituted this system to slow down the assassination of their high prefects. It works, but Yagoth is going to arm themselves against their enemies whether the population wants them to or not.”
    Dev frowned. “What?”
    “The Yagoth are pacifists, but those who manipulate their system are satisfied with their constant influx of conquerors. The assassins that have been sighted are all off-worlders and Plenai. The Plenai have been raiding the Yagoth for centuries, and finally, the high prefect is putting a stop to it. They are hiring an army to not only guard them but to train young Yagoth who wish to defend their home. It is a world of farms and farmers, but they can’t continue to lose the fruits of their labours.”
    Dev took the data pad that he handed her and started to scroll through the file. “When do I leave?”
    “There is a shuttle standing by right now. Helsin will put the colour change implants under your skin and you will be off to your first assignment.” Guardian inclined his head. “I will see you when you get back.”
    Dev looked up at Helsin. “That’s it?”
    He smiled wearily. “That’s it. Come along. You have a pilot waiting for you.”
    Devani looked around as they returned to medical. “I was sure I was ready for this, but now, I am wavering.”
    He chuckled. “Don’t worry. You won’t be alone for long. I have two days of paperwork and medical checks from this last assignment, but I will come to Yagoth after that to check on you.”
    She blinked and watched him prepare a hypo. “You will?”
    He looked at her, “Of course. The Sector Guard does not throw you in and cut you loose. You are a valued member of our base. I intend to keep you safe.”
    He slowly pressed the hypo against her arm. The Masuo moved out of the way, exposing her skin. “I had to turn the speed of the hypo down to compensate, so this might be something that registers on your senses.”
    Helsin pulled the trigger, and the hiss was low and slow. Dev winced as the object pushed itself under the skin of her arm. It did not hurt, but it was uncomfortable.
    He repeated the procedure on each of her legs and her other arm. “Just a moment and I will activate the implants.”
    Devani sat up and flexed her arms. The peculiar feelings of the implants were fading.
    “Did you want to watch your transformation? The implants will make you look like a small Yagoth.”
    She nodded, so he followed her to the mirrored panel, and as she stared at herself, he keyed something in on his pad. “You should see the change…now.”
    He was right—lavender was creeping up her neckline and spreading across her face and hands.
    “Is my hair colour all right?”
    “It is fine. The Yagoth have hair in shades of yellow and brown. The implants are on automatic and after ten days you will return to normal when your body breaks them down.”
    She nodded. “Good. I think I am going to jump when I see my reflection for a few days.”
    Helsin nodded and stepped toward her. “Devani, I know you are basically impervious to damage, but be careful.”
    Dev turned and looked up into his face, and she went up on her toes to press a kiss to his lips. Her eyes widened in surprise when he wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss.
    Her senses were overwhelmed, and she pressed against him until he pulled away.
    Helsin’s teeth had sharpened, his ears were more pointed and a dark frenzy was in his eyes. “We will discuss this again when I join you on Yagoth.”
    She pressed her fingers to her lips and nodded. “Sounds like a plan to me.”
    Dev gathered her