Warrior's Valor Read Online Free PDF Page B

coffee, which warmed her stomach and rejuvenated her instantly. “You seem as if you could care less about this place. To me it’s wondrous.”
    â€œIt’s a forest. Nothing more, nothing less.”
    â€œA rare forest. A life-sustaining, one-of-a-kind forest.” Dwyn spoke softly, sensing that if she pressed too hard, she’d lose this more benevolent connection with Emeron. She didn’t want that.
    â€œI can see its ecological value. I can even understand the anthropological interest some may have in the lives of the Disians.” Emeron gestured dismissively with her free hand. “I simply don’t admire its inhabitants. There’s nothing to admire about a people who make a point of being different, of being backward .”
    Dwyn blinked. “Backward?” Certain she must have misheard or misunderstood, she searched Emeron’s pitch black eyes. “The Disians aren’t backward at all. A famous Earth anthropologist recently called this an amazing society with traits many people would do well to emulate.”
    The blackness in Emeron’s eyes cooled as she slowly placed her mug on the table. She snarled quietly, “I don’t agree with some enamored Earth anthropologist who views these natives through a romantic filter. They’re nothing but a stagnated people, caricatures of ‘sons and daughters of nature.’ Once you see them for yourself, you’ll be disappointed.” Emeron tossed what was left of her coffee into the bushes. “I understand why Corma needs this forest intact, but trust me, Corma doesn’t need the Disians. They contribute nothing .”
    Emeron’s opinion stunned yet intrigued Dwyn. The words “backward” and “caricatures” showed more than indifference. Such language revealed disgust and contempt.
    â€œI disagree,” she said softly. “Without the Disians, this forest would be in even greater danger of extinction. They’re one with nature, both flora and fauna, and their mythical reputation ensures that no one blatantly violates the Thousand Year Pact. Without them, Cormanian exploiters would have leveled this paradise centuries ago.”
    â€œGod, you’re blind.” Emeron sighed, obviously frustrated. “Finish your breakfast, Dwyn. It’s time to wake the others and break camp.”
    Within minutes, the camp buzzed with activity as the team collapsed the habitats and quickly stowed everything in the back of the three hovercraft. The men and women paid Dwyn little attention, and she knew not to get in their way by trying to help. Instead she readied her sample kits and handled her own gear. She had learned the hard way to never rely on or expect anybody else to carry her personal equipment.
    She stashed the daypack behind her seat in the hovercraft and sipped the last of her coffee, then refilled her mug. Glancing over at Emeron’s stark features she knew she would need all the caffeine she could find.

    *

    Weiss Kyakh stood behind her helmswoman who, during the last twenty years of avoiding SC authorities, she had come to trust with her life. She heard shuffling from behind, combined with M’Ekar’s annoying yet well-modulated voice. Already exasperated with the pompous man, she focused on the reward waiting after they kidnapped the woman M’Ekar would then deliver to the Onotharians. Weiss would be happy when they finally reached intergalactic space.
    â€œAre we there yet?” M’Ekar asked as he entered the small bridge.
    â€œThe Keliera space station is only fifteen minutes away, Ambassador. We’re right on schedule,” she said, suspecting that her impatience with this petulant man shone through.
    â€œAnd your sensors say that Jacelon’s ship is there?”
    â€œ Yes .” She swiveled and glowered at M’Ekar. “Take a seat over at the navigation station. There’s an extra chair.”
    â€œThank