Warrior's Valor Read Online Free PDF Page A

kind.
    â€œI do. It’s easy to adopt the view of everyone else. Staying true to your beliefs and honoring old traditions—”
    â€œTraditions?” Emeron had to laugh and wondered if Izontro detected her bitter undertone. “Tradition is just another word for stagnation, and it also stands for nostalgia.”
    â€œAnd you have no use for nostalgia.” Izontro’s voice turned annoyingly mild. “Makes me wonder what you have against these people, Commander. It sounds personal.”
    â€œI don’t have anything against any individual. But every person should evolve, not hang on to tradition and use it as an excuse for not growing or being ambitious.” Emeron punched in new commands and flew the hovercraft in an elegant curve, following the outline of tall, dark trees. “We’ve entered the forest. We will reach our coordinates for the landing site in half an hour.” Emeron hoped her tone would ensure that the subject was closed.

    *

    Ambassador M’Ekar walked on board the matt black spaceship. A smaller vessel had taken him off-planet and delivered him safely in high orbit. He now admitted this part of the escape had made him nervous. This was a critical moment. He automatically felt the side of his neck where Desmond had used the instrument provided by Weiss Kyakh to configure and remove the insidious implant. The only trace of the chip that would have directed the lethal poison into his carotid artery was a small ridge of scar tissue. He shuddered involuntarily, then immediately straightened and stared inquiringly at the woman before him.
    â€œI am M’Ekar. And you are?”
    â€œM’Ekar. Strange, I somehow pictured you younger.” The tall woman stood inside the docking port and regarded him with a crooked smile. Dark brown hair, kept in a short, tight ponytail, emphasized her sharp features. Her deeply set, frost green eyes clearly appraised him, and the fact that she seemed to find him lacking infuriated M’Ekar.
    â€œYou have yet to identify yourself,” M’Ekar hissed. “Where’s Kyakh?”
    â€œYou’re looking at her.”
    M’Ekar blinked. “I thought you were older. And male.”
    â€œWe were both wrong.” Weiss Kyakh shrugged and smiled maliciously. “But we don’t have time to stand around debating our flawed perceptions of each other. The sensor scramblers can hold off the authorities for a limited time, but let’s not push our luck. Come on. I’ll show you to your quarters.”
    â€œHow long before we reach our target?” M’Ekar asked as they started walking down the corridor.
    â€œFive days. The Viper is faster than most SC vessels.”
    â€œA lot can happen in five days.”
    â€œYou can always try to get another ride.” Kyakh looked expressionlessly at M’Ekar. “Here we are now. Your quarters.”
    M’Ekar sighed at the sight of the miniscule cabin. The term “quarters” was entirely an exaggeration. This was little more than a bunk bed with walls. “Hmm. Thank you.” He tried not to let his exasperation show. Couldn’t Desmond have arranged for something a little more in his league?
    â€œI hope you don’t mind sharing.” Weiss Kyakh motioned to the young man behind M’Ekar. “Quarters are cramped in such a small and insignificant ship, so we have to bunk where we can and share when we must.”
    â€œShare?” This was too much. M’Ekar had to object. “Not only am I traveling under deplorable circumstances, but must I share quarters with a servant?”
    Desmond’s eyes darkened. “I am not your servant, not anymore, Your Excellence,” he said, sounding both hurt and angry. “I have risked everything to help you escape and I, if anybody, deserve to stand by your side.”
    â€œNow, now, boys,” Weiss Kyakh said slowly. “No fighting. Ambassador, cut the