Beyond Varallan by S. L. Viehl

Author:S. L. Viehl
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Group US

I monitored the Furinac for a few hours, then left him in the capable hands of Adaola so I could catch a sleep interval. There would be very few of them for me from now on. I’d be the only physician on duty until Squilyp recovered from Rogan’s attack.

I programmed an alarm for four hours and dropped on my sleeping platform. Four seconds later, the alarm went off. Well, it felt like four seconds.

I dragged my lethargic body off the mattress and into the cleanser. Of course my display’s emergency signal chose that moment to activate. I muttered dire threats against Jorenian tech as I left a trail of wet footprints across the deck.

I punched the keypad. “What?”

Salo’s image appeared. “Senior Healer, Xonea has requested your presence. Captain Pnor will permit a supervised interview.”

Pnor could go talk to him. I had patients to see to. “Tell him I’m busy.”

“Healer.” Salo tried to sound stern. “This is the only opportunity you will be given to speak to Xonea.”

“Why?”

“Xonea will explain.” Before I could say anything, Salo leaned forward and lowered his voice. “It is important, Cherijo.”

“I can’t do this over a channel?” Salo shook his head. “Okay. I’m on the way.” My brows drew together. “Just exactly where is detainment, Salo?”

“Level twenty-seven.”

Twenty levels down. Most of the gyrlifts were still out of operation. This had better be good.

Some time later, my tired legs stopped at level twenty-seven’s barricaded entryway. Two very large, armed crew members stood guard. No congenial kidding around here, I discovered as I was permitted access. Those pulse rifles meant business.

Xonea’s cell was a large, empty area, probably used for cargo storage most of the time. There weren’t a lot of reasons to detain a Jorenian. When there were, it wasn’t for the long term.

I strode up to the mesh barrier and halted where he could see me. “You rang?”

Xonea rose from the bunk he was lying on and approached the barrier. He looked terrible.

“Aren’t they feeding you?” I asked.

“Cherijo, thank you for coming.” He began to reach through the barrier, then saw my face and dropped his hand. “Before I go, I would express my regret over what I have done. You were correct. You never invited my Choice, and did everything to discourage it. Your pardon would mean much to me.”

“You’re forgiven,” I said. “Before you go where?”

“Captain Pnor has informed me of his ruling.” Xonea pressed one huge hand against his flat belly, and winced with a spasm of pain. “I am banished.”

“Banished?” My jaw dropped. “For what?”

“Pnor believes I intend to divert your path. That I would have, when I confronted you in Medical.” Another spasm made him take a quick breath.

“What’s wrong with your stomach?” I demanded, automatically looking around for a first aid kit. “And don’t say it’s nothing. That’s the third or fourth time I’ve seen you grab it like that.”

“It does not matter. Whatever is wrong will soon be of no consequence. I am banished.”

“So apologize and promise you’ll never do it again.

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