A Time For Ryda Read Free Page A

Contemplar, a posh and busy café. Of course, an actual face-to-face encounter was extremely risky, but TAIN felt there was no other way. The Gandian authorities closely monitored all Rydian computer and communications systems, and a dead drop required more coordination than could be arranged through enemy lines. Relying on intermediaries also increased the odds of betrayal and detection.
    Thus, another example of hiding in the open. With the restrictions on travel and the overall degradation of the city since the Gandian invasion, cafes such as the Contemplar were even more popular than before. Wearing a holo-generated, scoop necked body suit that slowly pulsed through various shades of green, Eve fit in perfectly with the brightly colored, desperately festive young crowd.
    As arranged, Peter was sitting by himself at a two-seat table in the center of the room. Idly clicking through a virtual menu by the door, Eve scanned the packed restaurant through its floating, transparent pages.
    Peter seemed nervous, almost angrily waving away an attractive young woman offering to join him. Given his lack of professional training, perhaps that was to be expected. However, no one at the crowded bar seemed to be paying undue attention to him, nor did the occupants of any surrounding tables arouse suspicion.
    “Excuse me, miss, but you’ll have to wait in line like everybody else.” The hostess planted herself before Eve, hands on hips. She appeared to be from Ryda’s eastern continent, with yellow streaked auburn hair and golden eyes. Also attired in oscillating apparel, streaks of bright blue and yellow faded and reappeared in tantalizing fashion over her firm figure.
    “Thank you, but I’m joining that man over there.” As was the fashion, Eve let her own hand casually rest on the hostess’s waist as she brushed past her. While still several paces away from the table Peter looked up, meeting her gaze.
    Her former lover had become quite a man. The boyish features were now chiseled, his chest and arms more defined. Still, there was the familiar look of wonder in Peter’s eyes as he stared up at her. It was the same expression she remembered after they’d first met in a special art class, and again as he studied her naked, trembling body in the room by the river. Even now, after nearly a decade apart, his eyes touched a deep, natural part of Eve’s soul, drawing forth the girl she’d been, through the mind and body of the woman she’d become.
    How proud of him she was, fighting the Gandian thugs who’d destroyed their world! True, Eve had chosen to do the same, volunteering for the life of a TAIN operative. But perhaps his courage was of a more basic sort, as she had years of professional training behind her, while Peter and those like him had to go it alone. Suffused with a warm, gratifying glow, Eve fully realized just how well she’d chosen eight years before.
    “What the hell?” Peter muttered as she leaned down to kiss his cheek. “Eve? What the hell are you doing here?”
    Breaking the spell completely, it was all she could do not to visibly react. This was not good. They were supposed to be friends, happy to see one another. Bouncing down in the chair opposite him, Eve clasped Peter’s hand.
    “Peter!” she exclaimed, deliberately raising her eyebrows in warning. “You look wonderful!”
    Peter’s mouth jerked up in a taunt smile. “Thank you, Eve, so do you,” he said, running a hand through his hair.
    Something was very wrong. Of course Peter had been told to call her “Heather,” though he hadn’t been given her cover’s last name. Even for a rank novice, he was screwing this up very badly.
    The waiter darted over, a trendy young man in the café colors of blue and yellow. Still holding Peter’s left hand, Eve gave the waiter a bright smile, a happy student meeting her young man in the big city.
    “Blue wine,” she ordered, now deliberately looking back at Peter. “With lusatro chips on the