The Legacy of Lehr Read Online Free PDF

that the four other Aludrans were standing and kneeling around the chair of a distressed-looking elder. Though Aludrans normally were a colorful lot, especially the males with their iridescent plumage, this one looked almost monochromatic. Even the scarlet and yellow feathers of his crest seemed faded against the grayish down that covered his neck and the backs of his hands, and the skin stretched over the planes of his sharp, angular face was ashen. His eyes were closed, his head leaning against the chair back, and the fur-lined robes he needed to wear outside the warmth of his cabin had been thrown back to reveal a simple garment of amber crysilk that flowed from a scarlet scholar’s collar and stole and partially covered his claw-toed feet. The female who had opened the door, rose-gowned to match her plúmage, moved quickly to his side and knelt beside him, her delicate hand resting anxiously on the elder’s, to face Shannon.
    â€œThis Lai Muon, Doctor. You see now, he unharmed and resting. You go now?”
    Shannon, who had reviewed the basics of Aludran protocol when she scanned their medical records, gave careful salute in the prescribed manner of a healer to an Aludran elder, touching two fingers to her lips, to her breast, and then extending her open palm outward in the degree appropriate for near-equals. Several of the other Aludrans twittered among themselves in surprised approval at that, and the female kneeling beside Muon inclined her head cautiously in acknowledgement.
    â€œYou know our ways.”
    â€œSome of them,” Shannon conceded. “Must I go immediately? I am concerned that Lai Muon was distressed.”
    The female returned a curt nod, but it was not one of dismissal.
    â€œPlease excuse, Doctor, but our people very frightened by what happen to Lai Muon, and most not speak your language well. I speak for Muon. He rests now, as you see.”
    Shannon nodded, casually letting her left hand drift closer to the scanner controls on her medical kit.
    â€œCan you tell me what happened?” she asked. “My captain was told that Muon said something about—demons.”
    Unreadable emotion flickered in the female’s face, but before she could speak, Muon himself opened sharp yellow eyes and shook his head slightly.
    â€œCo-mekatta, Ta’ai,” he chided the Aludran woman softly. “Doctor, I apologize if I have caused your captain alarm. Someone misheard me, I fear. Please, do not concern yourself. We can deal with what must be done.”
    Shannon looked him over carefully, her physician’s eye evaluating the alien even as she moved slightly closer to him.
    â€œAre you certain you’re all right, sir?”
    â€œI am certain, Doctor.”
    â€œYou won’t mind if I scan you, then, to see for myself?”
    â€œIf you must.”
    She scanned him, but a quick glance at the status tallies confirmed that what Muon said was true, at least as far as his physical health was concerned. With a sigh, Shannon let the scanner back down on its strap, glancing at the others in the room.
    â€œWell, sir, you do appear to be in acceptable physical health. If only you would tell me—”
    â€œPlease, Doctor,” Muon whispered.
    â€œI know. I promised to leave, and I shall,” Shannon replied resignedly. “But if there should be any further problem, I hope that you’ll contact me. I want to help, if I can.”
    â€œThank you, Doctor,” Muon murmured in dismissal. “I should like to rest now, if you do not mind.”
    â€œAs you wish, sir.”
    Shannon withdrew with a slight bow, reentering the cooler corridor with relief. She had not been aware of it in the cabin, but her uniform was stuck to her back, and perspiration crawied along her scalp and beaded across her upper lip. She resisted the urge to look over her shoulder as the cabin door slid shut behind her, and she concluded that whatever had riled the Aludrans