FightingSanity Read Free Page B

training?”
    “How to use your abilities to your greatest advantage. The planet has allowed us a training ground for this purpose and I have no doubt that after you have recovered from your confinement, you will be up to the challenges.”
    “To what purpose?” She really couldn’t see any use for her skills that didn’t involve destruction.
    “Our Citadel outpost works with the Sector Guard. We go in where they can’t and do what no one asks of us. It is a far cry from the old ways of doing things. Now, we have a purpose beyond serving the politicians of the Alliance. We can make a difference.”
    Erinii ran her hand through her hair and idly started to braid a lock. “Isn’t that a little hackneyed? Make a difference?”
    He sighed and looked at her. “If I had not chosen to make a difference, you would not be here. If your caretaker had not chosen to make a difference, you would still be in a medicated stupor on Bassinor.”
    She blushed. “Ah, you are correct. Please pardon my slip. I am not used to thinking of myself as useful in any way.”
    Dravi’s lips twisted in rueful acceptance. “Please pardon my comment. I forget that we don’t know much about your planet or its customs.”
    Erinii was going to say something else, but their shuttle landed with a gentle thump.
    The silvery covering surrounding them dissolved and she was staring at a smooth, wide tower surrounded by buildings still in construction.
    “Welcome to the Citadel, Erinii Zakkata, your new home.” Dravi released his harness and got to his feet.
    Erinii used her mind to flick her harness loose and followed him to the back of the shuttle. Dravi grabbed the storage chip from the scanner as he passed, tucking it into the depths of his robes.
    The day was bright, Erinii held her hand up to her eyes as she struggled to adapt to the far more hostile light that bathed Morganti. She followed her rescuer slowly. Her slippered feet were not up for any speed over the rougher terrain of the construction zone.
    “The building will be completed within the year.”
    Erinii looked around her as she walked. She knew that she would never be able to find her way around until she spent some time learning this particular fantasy. A few figures in Citadel robes waved at Dravi as they made their way to the huge tower that the organization was named after.
    The medical centre was waiting for her and when the physicians swarmed her, panic set in.
    Memories of the crowd pushing in on her, kicking and striking her until she went down and stayed down ran through her thoughts.
    She pushed out with her mind to create a bubble of unoccupied space and though her power flickered wildly, she held them at bay until Dravi pressed his pale hand against the wall she had erected.
    “Erinii, you have a lot of toxins in your system that have to be purged as quickly as possible. Healer Brenak will attend you and the others will stand back. Is that acceptable?”
    She blinked rapidly, fatigue overwhelming her limbs. “Just the one?”
    Dravi smiled helpfully. “Just the one.”
    She shook and lowered her protective covering.
    A female extended her hand and the others faded back to watch the procedure. “Please come with me, Ms. Zakkata.”
    Erinii took her hand and let the healer lead her deeper into the facility and to an exam bed.
    “Instructor Nemilin, can you give me the readout from the ship?”
    Dravi reached into his robes and removed the small data chip. The healer took it and Dravi helped Erinii onto the exam table.
    She sat quietly with her legs dangling over the edge and her head spinning. Now that she had used her talent, she was becoming aware that the power had drained her completely. She was barely conscious as the healer returned to her side.
    “Lay back, Zakkata. When you wake up, everything will be clear.” The woman smoothed her hands over Erinii’s forehead and smiled, but there was a worried crease between her brows.
    Dravi’s quiet nod was what let