Wanderer 3: Tainted Universe Read Online Free PDF Page A

group that turned on you before?”
    Once again Jess caught a brief flicker of something on Dash’s face.  This time it looked as if he’d taken a bite of something unpleasant.  Then it was gone again, wiped away from one moment to the next.
    “Anyone who tried that would regret it,” Dash said, voice still calm.  “Believe me.”
    Jess thought for a moment.  What should he do?  Should he push Dash or let it go?  He made his mind up.
    “But you don’t believe it,” Jess said calmly.  “I could tell.  You’re worried about the chance we’ll get a hostile reception, and Hackett’s betrayal still stings you.”
    This time several emotions flew across Dash’s face.  Surprise, worry, irritation and anger.  By the time he spoke they’d all gone.
    “Really? And what makes you say that?”
    Dash’s voice was gentle but there was no mistaking the steel underneath.  His eyes locked on Jess’s, glaring a challenge.  Jess felt almost physically rocked back and started to look away, feeling cowed.  Then anger flared to life in his chest.  No!  He would not back down.  This was his ship.  These were his friends.  Dash was a guest, and one with much suspicion hanging over him at that.  Jess forced himself to meet Dash’s gaze.
    “This…” Jess said.
    He gestured towards a wall where a screen flashed into life.  It showed Dash in slow motion, the reactions clear on his face for all to see.
    Dash and the others watched the screen.  Jess watched Dash.  Watched him and checked the Wanderer ’s defences were ready for action.  He didn’t particularly want to hurt Dash, he definitely didn’t want to kill the older man, but Jess wasn’t going to take any chances.
    For a moment Jess thought he’d need to use the defences.  Anger twisted Dash’s face as he watched the slow motion display of his earlier reactions.  His body vibrated slightly, as if straining to lash out.  Jess waited, ready to fire the weapons the moment Dash moved.
    Then Dash took a deep breath, followed by another.  The anger seemed to drain out of his body.  Jess relaxed slightly as the danger seemed to recede, but left the weapons armed and targeted.  He wasn’t convinced this wasn’t another ploy.  Dash smiled tightly at Jess.
    “ I just keep on underestimating you Jess, don’t I?  You’re right.  Hackett’s betrayal cut me deeply.  I lost someone recently.  Dozer.  My best friend and a great second officer.  Hackett’s betrayal, following so close on Dozer’s death, made me realise how many of those close to me I’d lost down the years.  And how few of those now around me I could truly trust.
    “ Am I sure those I left running Desolation will be friendly?  Yes.  Am I sure they haven’t been replaced and possibly killed?  No.  And there’s no way of telling without going there.  In fact I’ll probably have to go into the base personally to be sure.”
    “ Why lie?” Sal asked coldly.  “Other than the obvious reason, you seem incapable of telling the truth.”
    Jess didn’t need his mind sped up to see the hurt on Dash’s face at her words.  It must have been clear to the others, though Jess wasn’t sure Sal would let herself see it.
    Dash composed himself and gestured around the room.
    “ I’m not exactly trusted.  I don’t blame you.  I led you into great danger, then brought troops aboard the ship who tried to kill you.  And yet you’re having to trust me.  You’re having to trust that the base is what I say it is, and that you’ll be safe there.  I didn’t think adding my own worries would be particularly constructive.”
    “ So you lied,” Sal said.  “Again.”
    “ No… well, yes… but…”
    Jess stared at Dash in surprise.  Sal’s attack seemed to have stripped Dash of all his confidence and certainty, leaving him tongue-tied.  And Jess was pretty sure this was for real.  He almost felt sorry for Dash.  Ali had left him in the same state many times.
    “… it