Void Star Read Free Page A

was a little quirky.
         The interval between his seizures was shortening. Even though he had avoided a full attack, he wasn't sure how much longer he could hide his ailment. His eyes darted to his sword to make sure it was still there.
         A three-foot-tall Aquarian native arrived with a platter of assorted finger foods. Trev thanked the little critter. Its fur changed in cascades of colors, matching the wild beauty of the planet. The Aquarian bowed as it exited.  The simple gesture was the only communication these aliens performed.  It was possible they were just too hairy to speak.  Either way, they knew how to treat visitors.  The superb service doled out at this resort was refreshing and fully paid for, thanks to the woman who'd contracted them out for this.
         "What are you doing?" Trev asked.
         Boost set down the meat-and-cheese sandwich he'd made.
         "You don't have to mimic everything."
         Boost stared at him blankly.
         "Fine. Eat it." Trevor motioned for him to take a bite of it.
         Boost looked at the sandwich and then back at him. He set it back down and let out a long moaning bleep.
         "Just relax." Trevor pointed out to the beach. Boost did as instructed, though Trev knew he was only copying his reactions.
         Trevor's mind drifted to what he was going to do when the sun went down. He couldn't party it up with other flight crews unless someone else came in. They were really the only show in town at the moment. The resort did have some great simulators though. Even though he was the copilot, he had never been allowed to takeoff or land his uncle's ship. He believed he had to stay sharp in case that day ever came.
         Trev instead flicked his glasses off and enjoyed the setting sun.
         "That scientist can take as long as she needs." Trevor exhaled a smooth breath of enjoyment and let his eyes close; he wanted to take a quick catnap before the night began.
         "She appears to be finished," Boost piped back.
         Trev opened one eye and looked down to where the scientist who had employed them for this mission had been working. It was an unmarked building away from the resort. Kaida was dressed in orange robes that opened in the front. Her eyes were focused on the data pad in her hands. For a woman his uncle's age, she was quite fetching. Her long, coppery-red hair was pulled back in an organized bun that couldn't dampen her beauty. Her figure was curvy and full but toned. She looked up at him and grimaced. She didn't like him much.
         He ignored her and looked down the other way toward where their ship was parked. Her giant assistant, Daphkalian, an Ecath, was loading up all their equipment. He was just about finished by the look of it.
         Trevor had been enjoying the views too much to notice.
         "Get your things. We're leaving."
         Trevor nearly jumped out of his swim trunks. Though he was an older gentleman with a robotic leg, his uncle Nathan still had the drop on him. Trev looked up at his white-bearded face. His dark gaze was focused intently on him. He held memories of hundreds of fierce space battles behind those caramel brown eyes. Beneath that, his barrel chest heaved up and down like two massive kegs rising and falling simultaneously. His thin lips were spread out, which gave Trevor a sinking feeling his uncle's patience was running out.
         "Can't you give me two more minutes to finish my drink?" Trevor asked.
         Boost didn't hesitate. "Aye, Captain Sutherland!" He shot out of his hammock. "I'll get the preflight started." His legs folded up, and out came the wheels again as he rolled away.
         Trevor looked out one more time to sea and then took another pull of his drink.
         A hand shot across his line of vision and sent the drink flying into the ocean. "Nephew," his uncle grumbled. "Do I have to remind you that we don't drink before we fly?"