The Caverns of Mare Cetus Read Online Free PDF Page B

choice of words.
       "Calm down," said Trent. "Everyone has gone through weapons review."
       "One more thing," said Garrett, "I've left two SQUID robotics on board the ships. I don't want anyone coming here and sabotaging our rides home while we're jerking around in the caves. I've transferred the SQUID disable codes to your Vimaps, so any of you can shut them down."
       "Right," said Ramon. "Like someone's really going to fly out here just to mess with our ships. How paranoid can you get?"
       Garrett stepped up to Ramon, the rifle clenched in his hands, his eyes blazing with scorn. "Just remember who is security around here, wise ass."
       "You just keep your eye on your pet," said Ramon. "Make sure nothing harms her priceless body." He took a step toward Renata and nudged her in the side with his fingers. "Isn't that right, Miss Ren-ny whose name rhymes with Jenny?"
       "Hey," said Renata. "Get your hands off me. And I thought I told you already—you have no business calling me by my nickname. And what's with the cheap shot equating me with Jennifer Astoni?"
       Devon looked puzzled.
       "Ah," said Ramon. "I can see you're confused. Let me enlighten you."
       "Shut up, Ramon," said Renata.
       "Her precious nickname is pronounced wren, like the bird, and knee like…well, your knee." He reached down and tapped Devon's knee, and she pulled her leg away. "She spells it R-E-N-E. Most places I've been, they'd say that was Re-nay, but not for Renata 'cause she's one-of-a-kind as you'll soon find out."
    "Shut up, Ramon," repeated Renata, her face growing red.
       "Your nickname is Rene?" asked Devon. "I like that pronunciation. That's a pretty name, actually. Is it okay if I call you Rene?"
       "Absolutely not!" resounded Renata.
       "I'm sorry, Devon," said Ramon, bringing his hands to his head. "I forgot to tell you. Only her handpicked friends get to call her Rene, so I guess this means you're not one of her friends. That is the way it works, isn't it, Rene?"
       "I just told you not to use my nickname," said Renata. "Is there some problem with your hearing…"
       "Trent, look at this crap," said Hunter as Ramon and Renata squared off. "We're not even in the caves and they're at each other's throats."
       "Well, do something," said Trent. "You are the commander."
       "Like what? Clobber both of them?"
       "If that's what it takes."
       "You know damn well why I won't do that," said Hunter. "It probably wasn't the brightest idea to bring those two together on this mission, but I had my reasons." He glanced back at the Canopus. "What about those SQUIDS? Where does Garrett get off bringing them along?"
       "Security Provisions," said Trent.
       "Don't remind me. But those sentries are some wicked bastards."
       "Garrett's the best. Would you expect anything less?"
       Hunter sighed and placed the pistol in his pack. "I guess not. But if he is the best, why do we have two security personnel?"
       "We don't," said Devon who was standing behind Hunter. "I thought you knew. I'm not Security. I'm an Internal Observer."
       Hunter turned toward her. "An Iob? That's the last thing I need."
       "Didn't you read the BioForms?" she asked.
       "Well, uh," stuttered Hunter. "I didn't have time. I just assumed you were part of Security since the P-File had you listed as Security."
       She raised her hand in a gesture of revelation. "That's where the confusion lies. IO is a branch of Security, but doesn't have true security authority. If you didn't read all of the P-File, then you wouldn't have known management felt it was essential to have an Observer on this mission, especially in light of what happened on the Banyon mission."
       Hunter crossed his arms in a defiant stance. "Well, let me tell you, I am command here. I don't expect any interference."
       "No arguments from me. Frankly, I didn't want this trip, but the MAO came in. You know how that