Free Starlaw by Candace Sams Page B

intellect he credited to his Lusterian heritage.

Chapter 3
    “I don’t understand,” Gemma said as she watched Laurel straighten the mess she’d made of the med bay. “What did the commander say to change your demeanor?”
    Now sporting a blue robe made of some thick, warm fabric, Laurel stopped picking up surgical tools and stood to speak to the other woman. She sighed heavily and shrugged. “It’s simple. I want to get home but I’m out numbered and out-gunned. I realized that even if I were to fight my way out of this place, where would I go? Out there?” She waved a hand toward the vastness of space just outside the view port. “At first, I convinced myself this was all some kind of crazy setup—something to get even with a cop. But no one would go to these lengths over me. I’m just a street pounder. I wouldn’t be worth it.”
    “I know that seeing people from other planets must have been quite a shock. I’ve done it all my life so it’s nothing to me.”
    “You don’t know the half of it,” Laurel replied heartily.
    “You must be a very good enforcer on Earth. Despite your fears, you’ve managed to gather yourself quite well.”
    “What choice do I have?” Laurel responded as she bent to retrieve more equipment.
    “Look, after we get this place picked up, maybe you’d like to see where you are and some of the ship’s functions,” Gemma offered.
    “As advanced as you people seem to be, don’t you have robots or androids to clean up messes?”
    “Not aboard a standard enforcement vessel of this type, no. Our space is limited and everyone is expected to take care of the ship and personally inspect their work stations. We have to report in regularly on any problems. Helps keep us all safe if we don’t depend on technology in that respect.”
    “Sorry … I was being sarcastic,” Laurel said. “As to leaving this space, I don’t think the commander would approve.”
    Gemma pursed her lips. “Well, there are things you’re going to have to know. How to get food when you’re hungry and how to get clothing to wear. These are essential. Your uniform was ruined when you were attacked.”
    “If I ask a few questions will that get me into trouble?” Laurel tentatively asked.
    “Not with me.” Gemma smiled. “I have orders concerning certain … issues … but other than those ask away.”
    “Okay. The first thing I noticed was that you and I are fairly the same as far as body structure. Oh, I’ll grant that there are few changes, but not as many as I’d expect.”
    “Are you asking if there are others who vary greatly from your own form?”
    “Yeah. I guess that’s what I’m asking,” Laurel said with a shrug.
    “The answer is yes. There are those aboard who’re quite a great deal less humanoid-looking than you, me, and the commander. Barst, the second-in-command you’ve already seen, is one of those beings. But despite his gruff appearance he’s really a sweetheart when you get to know him.” Gemma bowed her head coyly.
    Laurel registered there might be some romantic connection between the med-tech and the bear man she referred to as Barst. But she kept the obvious questions concerning how-do-you-do-
it
to herself. Besides it being none of her business, she wasn’t altogether sure she wanted to know. There were other things she needed to wheedle out of Gemma. These had to do with her immediate safety.
    Gemma continued her instruction. “Our teachings tell us that, thousands of years ago, the Creator of all things sent out explorers to inhabit different parts of the known universe. Earth was one of those planets. We’re all supposed to have descended from those same explorers though we’ve evolved, technologically speaking, faster on some worlds than others.” Gemma kept speaking when Laurel didn’t acknowledge that Earth might be one of those “other” worlds. “Many races have kept their original appearance. Many more have altered theirs as a direct result of