The Caverns of Mare Cetus Read Online Free PDF

never happen here."
       "Y-y-you're all disgusting," said Richelle. "You've been talking about that poor woman like she was a piece of m-m-meat."
       "Not intended," said Garrett. "But Hunter needs the facts laid out."
       "I agree with Isis," said Richelle. "Let's d-d-drop the subject. It's scaring me."
       A smile spilled into Ramon's face. "M-m-me too. I-I-I'm terrified."
       "You are?" asked Richelle, appearing confused.
       "Oh, yes. My hair stands on end just thinking about some guy attempting to lay Renata…"
       Richelle huffed.
       "Shut up!" exclaimed Arielle. "Your wisecracks aren't needed."
       "Garrett," said Renata, ignoring Ramon. "This planet's been explored for a long time, and no life's ever been found on this ball of rock." She motioned toward some nearby outcrops with her hand. "Even all of these limestones are totally inorganic. Nothing has ever evolved here. Nothing lives here now."
       "Tell that to the men and women that never came back from Mare, and the ones that never even got out of the caves," said Garrett. He took the rifle back from Isis.
       "Accidents, incompetence, hotheads, a bad sense of direction?" smirked Renata. She rolled her eyes.
       "This is my mission!" said Hunter emphatically. "We're going to follow STEPS! The rifle stays here! STEPS don't permit it."
       "You do know since the Severon Incident," said Garrett, "Security Provisions can override STEPS."
    "A plague of freak events in no way justifies weapons!"
       "I'm following those provisions to the letter," said Garrett, as if he wasn't even listening to Hunter anymore. "I have some 4MEVelectras for the CG." He reached into his pocket and took out a small, dull-finished black pistol, holding it by its rectangular-shaped barrel.
       Renata waved Garrett off. "No thanks. I don't think they're necessary."
       "Why not?" asked Arielle. "Do you want to end up the way that woman did? With your insides spread all over the cavern?"
       "Get with it," said Renata. "My only worry down here is Ramon."
       Ramon chuckled. "I wouldn't worry none, Señorita Corazón de Piedra."
       "What about you, Trent?" asked Garrett.
       "I'll pass," said Trent.
       "Since the Command Group has declined, SP-7.2 states other party members have the option." Garrett held out a pistol, Arielle eagerly taking it.
       Edison reached forward. "With what you've just told us, this might not be such a bad idea."
       "What he just told us is pure fiction," said Hunter angrily. He turned toward Trent. "Come on, guy. Give me some backing on this."
       Trent put up his hands. "You know we can't overrule Security."
       "Like Garrett said, Hunter," said Arielle. "Since 97.3, Security Provisions override STEPS when a security officer is present. Besides, I would prefer to avoid being a fillet." She giggled.
       "That's not funny," said Richelle.
       "Hunter's right," said Ramon, grabbing for Arielle's electra as she pulled it away from him. "You don't need that. Shouldn't this be going to Junior Miss Security?" He looked at Devon, who appeared to be obliviously staring into space. "On second thought…"
       Devon turned to Ramon. "I have no use for it—like your comments."
       "Anyone else?" asked Garrett.
       "I've changed my mind." Hunter snatched the last pistol from Garrett's hand. "At least I know I can trust myself with this thing."
       "But can—we—trust you?" asked Arielle, flashing him a malicious grin.
       Hunter scowled. "In case you've forgotten, I am leading this expedition."
       "I'm painfully aware of that," she said. She pushed her hair back and began examining the electra. "How many charges does this model have?"
       "Fourteen with each insert," said Garrett. "There are two extra clips in the handle. Remember, there's four million volts in that baby. When you fire—make sure you mean it."
       "When you fire it?" asked Hunter, startled by Garrett's