Desperate Times: Ether War Book 9 by John Walker

Author:John Walker [Walker, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-06-27T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Dora checked on the bridge. Autopilot through hyperspace would be more than sufficient for their trip, but she wasn’t particularly used to it. Therefore, every hour or so she stopped in to physically look things over to ensure they were safe. Even with data being sent to her personal device, she wasn’t entirely comfortable.

“You gotta trust tech,” Graff’s voice surprised her. He sat in the chair behind the copilot’s seat. “That’s what everyone tells me, at least. I’ve been hearing that line for years, I gotta say. It’s getting kinda funny. I try to think about that from the perspective of someone from two hundred years ago. What do you think they’d say?”

“God knows,” Dora said. “What’re you doing up here?”

“It’s quiet.” Graff shrugged. “And I didn’t want to sit around with the alien. Not that I don’t trust him, but… I kinda don’t trust him.” He smiled. “What about you?”

“I wouldn’t have taken us on this trip if I didn’t trust something about him.” Dora sat beside him in the other seat to his left. “And as far as this tech goes, it’s brand new. Or at least, a prototype of different ideas than we’re used to. That’s why I’m up here checking on things. I’m not worried about our two passengers.”

“The young Harcourt fella…” Graff smirked. “He’s something else. Smart as a whip but not all that wise. Not like his friend Doctor Lyson. She’s been around. Seen a few things. I think getting stranded with Major Peck helped. Gave her some extra perspective. I think all those science people need a little of that, don’t you?”

Dora shook her head. “I don’t. I’m not one of those people who believes civilians require a taste of our life to appreciate their freedom. I’m not even offended when they aren’t respectful. I chose this. They didn’t tell me to do it. And in all honesty, they don’t owe me anything either.”

“Is that a popular opinion among your fellow soldiers?”

“No, quite the opposite, but you knew that.”

“So why do you think it?”

Dora hummed. “Probably because… I don’t know. I see the way they live. Some of them could never handle one of our operations. Not even the easiest. Even if they would’ve joined us early on this shit can be too much. I can’t wish death on them because they’re not prepared for some horrible situation we’re wired for.”

“I’d offer you a toast if I had a drink,” Graff said. “You’re one of the noble ones.”

“Thanks. But I don’t think it’s particularly noble. Just… realistic. Why’d you get into service? You were a lawman, right?”

“Soldier first,” Graff said, “wanderer second. Lawman by accident. One of those wrong place, wrong time situations. People needed me so I stepped up. Never got a chance to look back. That’s when you folks encountered me on that godforsaken planet. Glad you pulled us out.”

“Pretty lucky for them… and for you we came along.” Dora grinned. “I know you’ll probably give me the finger, but I gotta ask.

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