Dawnwind 1: Last Man Standing Read Online Free PDF Page B

commed Aunt Olu while I was getting the water, John,” said Iseta.   She moved the chair and settled into it, watching the medic run the handscanner over John’s torso.   “She’ll be back in just a few minutes.”
    “That was very kind of you, Iseta.   How long have you been here?”
    She lowered her head and murmured, “Not long.   Just a few hours.”
    “Just a few hours?   You must be hungry.”
    “A little.”
    “When Olu gets here, you should go get something to eat.   Perhaps Medic Imisu could take you down to the cafeteria?”
    Iseta’s fingertips turned scarlet, and she curled her fingers against her palms.   Imisu smiled broadly.   “It would be my pleasure.”
    “Well,” said the young woman, shyly, “if I wouldn’t be any trouble....”
    “None,” said the young man.   “My relief is due any minute now.”
    Damn, thought John, watching the smiling couple.   Olu, you’re rubbing off on me.
    * * * * *
      Moments later, Olu arrived wearing a sheer blue robe decorated with thousands of tiny golden flowers. She looked tired, but happy.   The moment she arrived, she took both of John’s hands and bent over the bed to kiss his forehead.   Behind her aunt, Iseta’s eyes widened at this shocking display.   Medic Imisu turned away, fiddling with the collar of his tunic.   The tips of his fingers were scarlet with embarrassment.
    “John, I swear by the pantheon that you are going to turn my hair white before its time,” said Olu, with fond irritation.   She settled herself in the visitor’s chair, and glowered at him.   “What in the world were you doing in the Alien Sector?”
    While John began to recount his story, Iseta and Medic Imisu made a discreet exit.   Olu listened to John recount his encounter with the Zerraxi.   After he had finished, she shook her head.   “I should warn you.   The incident is all over the newsfeeds.”
    “The incident?” said John.   “That sounds ominous.”
    “Apparently this Vezex character has been connected to a number of other attacks in the Sector.   Since his capture a number of other victims have come forward.”   She shook her head.   “It’s all very unpleasant.”
    John frowned.   “I can imagine.”
    “There is also,” said Olu, “a political dimension.   One of Vezex’s accomplices is the son of the Zerraxi ambassador.”
    “Ouch.”
    Olu frowned.   “Are you in pain, John?”
    “No,” said John.   “I’m fine.   What’s going to happen next?”
    “Vezex will be deported to Zerrax.”
    John frowned.   “Won’t he have to stand trial for his crimes here?”
      “He’s not a Junian citizen.   He’ll be deported to Zerrax and stand trial there.”
    “That doesn’t sound fair.   His crimes were committed here.”
    “If you’re concerned that he won’t be punished, John, calm yourself.   The Zerraxi legal system is much more ruthless than the Junian.   Vezex will not escape unscathed.”
    “That’s something, I suppose.”
    “Although,” said Olu, “I’m not sure any Zerraxi judgment, short of execution, could be worse than what you did to him.”
    “Oh please,” said John.   “I kicked him in the balls.   Big deal.”
    “It is a big deal,” chided Olu.   “The Zerraxi male reproductive system is very sensitive.   It took more than fifty hours of nanoreconstructive surgery to save Vezex’s testicles.”
    “He’s a lousy rapist, Olu.   Losing his balls should be the least of his punishments.”
    Olu clasped his hand, and smiled sadly.   “Sometimes, John, I forget just how alien you   are.”
    * * * * *
      The next morning, John was unwinding the bandages from his head when he received unexpected visitors, a man and a woman from the peacekeepers.   They wore the same blue and pink uniform, but the woman was tall and thin, her dark yellow hair starting to fade to gray.   Her partner was much younger, with shoulder-length dark blue hair and a small build.
    “John