"Norton, Andre - Redline the stars" - читать интересную книгу автора (Norton Andre)

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purpose, the woman stepped back, flushing hotly. "I'm
sorry, Sir," she apologized. "Mara had spoken of him, and
all the newstape coverage . . ."

"An interesting beast," Jellico agreed gruffly. "You ap-
pear to get along with animals," he added in classic under-
statement as he eyed the still humming hoobat.

"Aye, with nearly all subhuman-level biotics of reason-
able intelligence. I like them, you see. They seem to realize
that and respond to it. Plants grow well for me, too. I
managed the hydro on the Roving Star and her predecessor

for as long as I can remember."

"That may prove to our advantage at some point."
Jellico took her ID from her but did not insert it into the

Redllnelhe Stars 29

reader. "Your period of service will be from the present
until the Queen is ready to leave Canuche of Halio, with
the option to negotiate another run or a more permanent
contract should either course seem desirable to both of us."
Rael nodded. "Agreed." She smiled. "The gem market?"
"Mr. Van Rycke would like to test your skills there, aye."
"I'll be glad to put them to the Queen's service, though
a certain amount of luck is always a strong component
when buying jewels."

"We recognize that fact as well, Doctor."
The man looked thoughtfully at the disk in his hand,
then glanced back up at her. "Sit down for a moment,
Doctor Cofort."

He remained silent until she had complied, then went
on. "I've been in contact with your brother."

"A reference check was a logical move on your part,
especially after I admitted to breaching my contract with
the Mermaid." She said no more, although his silence
invited further comment.

It was the Captain who continued. "Cofort reports that
you're as good a general hand as is to be found in the
starlanes and that your medical qualifications are impres-
sive."