Lost and Sound Read Online Free PDF Page A

at the suggestion that the computer displayed. Instruct pilot to reduce caffeine intake and meditate before flying.
    “Wow. That is just snide.” She was still grinning. The computer wasn’t wrong. She did have quite the jolt that morning in preparation for her new status as Specialist.
    “Allow me to treat you to a nutritious and stabilizing lunch.”
    Yllin snickered. “Did you want to take a shower to get that fear sweat off?”
    He grimaced. “No. I like to air dry.”
    She laughed at him and waved at him to precede her.
    He offered her his arm, and she followed etiquette, she took it.
     
    Her tablet chirped during the meal.
    Nearing sighed, “You are going to need to upgrade to a wrist unit or an implant. You need your hands free.”
    She wrinkled her nose. “Do you mind if I check my pad?”
    He waved his agreement. She was just keeping him company anyway. Her meal was long gone.
    She opened her eyes for the scan and a small icon was displayed on her screen.
    “Nearing, what does this mean?”
    She showed him the mark and he chuckled.
    “The flash of it that I saw was the dispatcher’s office. Your screen went dark the moment that it scanned my eyes.”
    She blushed. “Oh. I am guessing that I need to go now?”
    “It is usually recommended. Third floor of the administration building. The door is labelled.” He toasted her with his glass of water.
    “Thank you for your help today. Ever since I heard about riot runners, I have wanted to fly one.” She nodded her head in thanks.
    “You are welcome. I hear a good sweat like that is good for the pores.” He winked. “You had better get going. The dispatcher is not known for her patience.”
    Yllin settled her pad on her back again and headed to the building where Nearing had directed her.
    She got to the third floor, followed the signs and opened the door to Citadel Ohkhan Dispatch.
    The receptionist was mint green and had a twinkle in her eyes. All six of them. “Specialist Yllin Gerocard?”
    “Yes. I got a message?”
    The woman grinned. “Please enter the director’s office.”
    Yllin followed her gesture and blinked at the name on the door. Director Nearing .
    She opened the door and looked at the figure who was definitely not Specialist Nearing.
    The woman smiled, her scarlet skin and black eyes were complemented by waves of dark pewter hair. “Specialist Yllin. Please have a seat.”
    “Director Nearing?”
    The woman chuckled. “I see that you can see the resemblance to my son. He speaks very highly of you.”
    “Um, thank you?”
    The director laughed out loud. “And he did not mention that I am the dispatch director.”
    “Not so much, no.”
    “Well, he does speak very highly of you, as does Master Kibor and Master Loksel. They all describe you as businesslike and driven.”
    Yllin remained quiet.
    “You are going to need that businesslike attitude. I am sending you to work with an archaeological team. You will use their site as basecamp and any further dispatches for emergencies will be sent to you via this.”
    Dispatcher Nearing tossed her a wrist com.
    Yllin caught it handily, and she looked down at the sleek, flat screen. “Why am I being given this?”
    The dispatcher sighed and smiled. “Because my son ordered it for you as a gift. He thinks you have amazing potential and will do great things. You make him want to be a better Specialist, and as a mother, I can only hope that this will last.”
    Yllin looked wistfully at the com. “I can’t accept this. I mean, he is my instructor.”
    “Keep it. You are of equal rank, and though he isn’t being charged for it, you are teaching him quite a few things. Now, your pilot is waiting on the tarmac. Get your gear and launch.”
    “Just like that?”
    The dispatcher grinned. “Just like that. Now put that com on. I want you to check in with the base once per day.”
    “Yes, Director Nearing.”
    “Well, Specialist, you are dismissed. Get to your shuttle.”
    Yllin nodded and