The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2 by Elizabeth Price (good e books to read .txt) 📗

“Hover chair is your only option. I didn't rescue you so you can die on the operating table.”

“Sedom, it's my choice. I don't want to live in a chair for the rest of my life,” Ratisha protested, her teeth bared. “How would you feel if you were me?”

“Grateful to be alive,” Sedom smarted back. “Find a cure for this disease, which you helped create, and maybe I'll allow it. For now, figure out a way to make it work,” Sedom ordered. She turned to Noral. “Come to my quarters later. I have some information I want to go over with you.”

Noral nodded, his hand on Ratisha's shoulder, keeping her from hurting herself. “Of course, Chadon.”

Sedom gave Ratisha one last glance, leaving without saying another word. The regret and hatred on Ratisha's face was clear enough that anything else she would say would be wasted.

Noral turned back to Ratisha. “You help create this?” he asked sternly.

”In a different time, when I was a different person,” Ratisha admitted. “But I don't know how she knew about that.”

Outside the infirmary, Rosanheer was sitting on a wall, waiting for Sedom to emerge. He stood and hurried over to her. She paused, focusing her vision on him, finally realizing something about the man.

“You're Zalmin?” she surmised, looking into his eyes. It was the first time she realized the man did not have black eyes like a Clove, but bright green eyes.

He nodded, a sense of amusement clinging to his lips. He blinked, turning his eyes orange and then blinked again turning them back to green. Sedom chuckled, amused. “High and low beams so I can see in different light. My father was Clove, mother Zalmin. I, unfortunately, inherited the brunt of my father's charming looks.”

“Sorry to hear. I thought you'd be long gone,” she admitted. It was rather odd the man was sticking around, considering the large firestone she paid him.

“I wanted to talk to you before I left. It was a pleasure working with you and I would like the opportunity to do so in the future,” he stated as they walked down the dark street of Gathow.

A lone street sweeper rolled by, causing Sedom to wonder where it came from. She knew Gathow housed a number of service droids, but this was the first one she had ever seen since she arrived.

“Interesting,” she murmured to herself. “Uh, yes… you're an interrogator, right?” she asked, her thoughts turned from the droid to finding food in the cafeteria.

“Yes, I was an interrogator. I had too many situations I had to deal with, similar to the situation with your friend we rescued. I started questioning superiors and they didn't like it. The only solution was to do what I'm doing now,” he explained. He paused, glancing around Gathow. “Well, that's only half of the story. I won't bore you with the other half.”

“How about another time? You can read minds?” she asked out of curiosity.

“Some, yes, depending on the species. I mostly feel emotions. I can tell when people are lying or hiding the truth. My mind-reading talents are not as pronounced as your friend Zion. Other talents, though…” he admitted.

“I’ve seen.” Sedom turned to him, looking into his eyes. “And if I ask you, in all honesty, if you trusted the man before me, what would you tell me?”

Rosanheer pierced his dark lips nervously. “I would tell you, like most Clove, you should be wary. Trust is earned, not given. You should research my past before making any commitments. I know who I am now, but you may not like who I used to be. And if you feel you cannot trust me, then I would prefer we part ways as friends. If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I will be your humble servant.”

“Huh. Not the answer I expected. Now you have me curious,” she admitted.

Rosanheer held out his arm, forcing Sedom to remain on the curb as another street sweeper rolled by. “Those are new,” he mentioned.

“Yes, they are. Very well, we could use someone like you,” she stated, her hand on the cafeteria door. “You're welcome to stick around, if you want to wait until I research your background.”

“You would allow me?” he asked amused. “I’ll take you up on your offer. I can see great potential here.”

Sedom grinned. “Says you and everyone else who’s ever visited here. I'm planning on building an army. If you can help in the process, all the better.” She motioned for him to follow her into the cafeteria. “All I ask, for now, is to keep yourself from entering any restricted areas. The orbs can be a bit testy.”

“Understood, Chadon,” he said with a nod.

Once again, she noticed Zion and Lolum sitting at a table, eating mid meal alongside Evolanc and Cidele. It was odd to see Dranuim was not with them.

“Hey everyone, this is Rosanheer. He came to help Zion's friend Qilo,” Sedom introduced.

Lolum rose, taking his hand. “Lolum. Zion told us what happened. Good work out there.”

Rosanheer nodded. “Thank you.”

Sedom continued, pointing to the group. “Cidele and you've met Evolanc.”

Evolanc stood also taking the man's hand in friendship. “Yes. Again, sorry about the pistol,” she mentioned.

“If the situation was reversed, I would have done the same,” he grinned back. “Good to meet you… officially.”

Sedom rested her hands on Zion's shoulders. “Our new friend has decided to stay and lend us a hand. Normally I would say no, but since he's crazy enough to almost die helping us free Ratisha, I figure why not.”

Cidele shook her head, disturbed by Sedom’s sudden announcement. She took her tray and walked away from the table without saying a word.

Rosanheer glanced over at Sedom as if to ask if he had done anything wrong. A deep heaviness centered over Sedom's