Turn of the Pipes (A Redpoint One Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page B

asked.
    "Smaller versions of what the parents do,
which is insects. They have plenty in the water
already."
    Rachel could only hope the warehouse possessed
a system to contain the insects. They didn't need an accidental
infestation of alien bugs on the station. A quick glance around the
warehouse revealed many robots of different sizes and shapes
working the various areas. The prongs of a forcefield array lined
the doors leading in and out of the main area.
    All in all, a very clean and organized
operation with good technology in use. So many different enclosures
and varieties of ecologies in such a small area, and none of them
showed any signs of inattention.
    "I had no idea we had a facility like this at
Redpoint One," Rachel said.
    "There are quite a few. Redpoint One has many
self-containment areas that are perfect for this type of program.
Add into it the annual Exotic Pet Show, and the location is even
more ideal."
    "I forgot it is coming up," Rachel said with a
groan. Just what she needed. More strange creatures on board and
getting into trouble. Well, not so much the creatures, but rather
some of their fussy owners who liked to complain about every little
tiny thing.
    She sharpened her eyes on him. "I thought you
said you release them back into the wild. Are you selling them as
pets?"
    "Oh, no, they are not sold as pets. However, I
do help organize the show and specifically oversee the exotic
animal portion. It helps bring awareness to the work people like me
are doing." Ignacio pointed to one of the enclosures on the other
side. "For instance, I displayed a few of my Frisky Daubian
Salamanders last year. When an illegal smuggling operation was
broken up, an officer remembered my display and contacted me to
rescue a few specimens. They joined my breeding program after they
healed from the trauma of their trapping."
    "Frisky?" Rachel echoed with a laugh. "I'm
sorry, but what a name."
    Ignacio gave an evil grin. "Oh, that's
nothing. Want to see my Pointed Spear Newts?"
    Rachel gave a fake over-dramatic outraged gasp
complete with a fluttering hand to her heart. "Dear sir, I do
believe you were just a little vulgar."
    "Thank you for laughing. Some people don't get
that joke, or truly do become scandalized."
    "So, Redpoint One management knows all about
this?" Rachel asked, stumbling over the words a bit. She didn't
want to insult the man, but she worked for the station. She needed
to find out, she told herself.
    "Oh yes, I have all the permits. All the
paperwork in order. I have to in order to qualify for the various
grants that help me fund all this." Ignacio walked across to the
other side of the wide aisle dividing the warehouse in half to grab
the white bucket she'd delivered the wayward newt in. "I put
everything into this, even to the expense of personal living
quarters. Which is why I applied to live on-site so I can be on
call for animal emergencies."
    Which answered her next question. Good. She
really didn't like the idea of getting him into any trouble with
the station. In fact, she didn't want to get him into trouble at
all. She reminded herself to say think you to Director Stemski for
being so broad and open-minded for the allowable activities on the
station.
    Instead, she had to suppress the offer to help
out in some way. She'd always been a sucker for animal rescue, but
right now her full focus needed to be on the station that supported
programs like this. No one would be able to live on the station if
she didn't find a way to get the plumbing issues under
control.
    And Irvine, the Mandian Ruffled Newt hissed at
her again.
    But, this time it didn't come from the pond
above the long waterfall. It came from the feeding door at the base
of the door behind Ignacio's feet.
    "Don't you dare, you crazy thing!" Rachel
shouted as she dove for the door.
    Ignacio froze, the bucket still in his hands,
watching her with dazed eyes as she dove for the door.
    She slid down on her knees, pulling down at
the sliding door