Free Terran Times 02 - Deal with a Dhemon by Viola Grace Page A

those of her human friend. She had chosen to be female shortly after meeting Moran, and used Sam’s features as a template as she began her transformation from gender neutral. She bore no jealousy towards Sam, Moran’s best friend and partner hunter for the past three years. They had fought together, been sent to a mining colony to track a slaver together, and been assigned to Nodak together. But the Ontex could only mate and reproduce with their kind. No alien species could possibly take Adal’s place in the mating bond.
    “Do you think I can get another holo deal out of this performance?” Her eyes sparkled. Their moss green depths amused to the core that she had become a star performer. The holos were 4

    Deal with a Dhemon

    exceedingly profitable. Her voice and dance recordings were plastered across the galaxy and people paid to look.They were very popular with the crews of deep space vessels. She guessed that all of those belly dance classes she had taken back on earth were finally being given a practical application. She also combined elements of hula and ballet, performing in a natural manner that was moving and graceful.
    “Probably. Heads up, Moran’s trying to get your attention.” Adal jerked her head in a manner she had copied from Sam.
    She turned to face him as he bore down on her location near the bar. “What is it, oh illustrious manager?”
    “You need to do another set. The Rranik are getting restless and demanding more entertainment.” Moran looked harassed.
    “Wow, come to think of it, they have been getting louder.” She looked through the crowded room, noticing the variety of species present.
    There was an Enjel, obvious by his wingspan, several Wyorans both male and female, Ontex and even a few Azon whose eyes followed her carefully as she moved around the room. Her eyes focused on the large gathering near the stage, and as she watched they began to pound their tankards against the table with a steady beat.
    As she watched, one of the mauve skinned 5

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    Rranik stood and began to recite one of the laments. The goblin-like creature was off-beat and off key. In a few seconds the other patrons would riot.
    “Oh, holy crap. I’d better get over there.” She strode over to the rear entrance of the stage and took the steps two at a time. She cued up the sound with a few gestures and stepped into the spotlight.
    She was on her third number, the audience rapt with attention when the attack came. She was halfway through a spin when the blast struck her.
    She flew backward, striking the floor. Pain flowed through her, emanating from her shoulder. Dazed and disoriented she sat up slowly. There was a tangle of bodies at the base of the stage and Moran and Adal running toward her. Sam felt a warm river running down her arm, and looked down to see a trail of crimson snaking its way to the floor.
    That was the last thing she saw for several hours.

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    Deal with a Dhemon

Chapter 2
    edical bays were the same all over the MAlliance. Designed to accommodate any number of species, they were extremely utilitarian.
    Foreign metals were everywhere, diagnostic equipment, and medical devices designed to cater to the needs of aliens from across the galaxy were carefully stored against the walls.
    It was the clean, metal-washed ceiling that Samantha noticed first as her eyes fluttered open.
    The second thing she noticed was the medical tech that was bustling and clicking around her arm.
    Several species were unable to speak Alliance common. It did not mean that they were unable to participate in Alliance matters. The C’vil were crablike, short and stocky. They also made excellent physicians. With practice, a well trained medical assistant could learn to speak C’vil. They acted as translators as well as assistants. It was the assistant who addressed her as the doctor made unintelligible sounds as he prodded at her arm.
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    “The blaster impact did not go all the way through, but