Free Space Chronicles: The Last Human War by Dean Sault Page B

so-called career is over. This is all I’ve wanted to do with my life since the first time I read about human gene regeneration problems. I know I can solve these DNA anomalies. I can succeed where . . .” He trailed off awkwardly.
    “I know , I know. You’ve said it before. Let’s see, how did you put it? Oh yes, something about my ‘tired old theories,’ wasn’t it?” Dr. Hadje smiled. “Alright Dr. Lillip. It’s your career. I can certainly use your help, but when this is over, you have only yourself to blame for getting involved.”
    Jix took over pushing the heavy cart. The two scientists loaded gear into Dr. Hadje’s personal science transport and left the lab. When they arrived at Quarry 33, it was the middle of the night. The surprised Head Tasker met them at the gate.

Chapter 12
    Under the old man’s guidance, Simon entered a small room that reminded him of his worker’s quarters, although far more crude. It had a bed, a bathroom and a place where unfamiliar clothes hung. Not a single worker’s uniform was on any of the hangers.
    Shilgar directed the new arrival to sit on the edge of the bed and offered the young man a piece of smoked meat. It smelled different from the food Simon knew, but it was delicious.
    A young woman reached around Simon’s shoulders and began to remove the top of his work clothes. He leaned away from her unwanted attention, and she paused, looking at the bearded man for direction. The Elder made a simple nod at the doorway, and she left without hesitation.
    “It’s okay, young man. Kayli was just trying to make you comfortable. You can sleep in your worker’s uniform, for now. Try to get some rest. You have a long journey in the morning.”
    Simon did not know why, but he trusted th is old man.
    Shilgar removed the young boom operator’s work boots and lifted the young man’s legs up onto the bed. The pillow was soft but different, and the runner’s speech became unintelligible as he succumbed to exhaustion.
    The senior scout did not leave until his new ward was fast asleep.
    “Simon, it’s time to wake up. Simon?”
    A soft, female voice brought him out of his slumber. He noticed weight along the edge of his bed and opened his eyes to see the same young woman from earlier sitting there.
    “You’ve been asleep for nearly twelve hours. Shilgar asked me to wake you.”
    “Where am I?” he asked, disoriented by his new environment.
    “You’re in a scout camp. Tai found you and brought you here. Do you remember?”
    “Hey there.” Tai burst into the room. “How ya doing, buddy? See ya met Kayli. She’s a cutie, huh?”
    The young woman sitting on the bed shook her head, embarrassed by Tai’s remark.
    “I apologize for him,” she said. “He can be a little rough at times, but somewhere deep down, very deep down, he’s a good guy.” The young woman tossed a contemptuous look at Tai and handed Simon a large towel. “By the way, I didn’t introduce myself. My name is Kaylian, but most people call me Kayli. You can wash up in that room. I put some clothes on the chair over there. I think they’ll fit you.”
    Simon sat up and lowered a blanket someone had placed over him. Cool air sent a chill across his bare chest. He lifted the covers and saw that he was naked.
    “Where are my clothes?”
    “I took them off while you slept so they can be cleaned. In the meantime, you need to get used to our clothes. Your bright worker uniform shows up too well against the mountain.”
    She walked across the room and pulled back a curtain, revealing a crude shower.
    “ You don’t have much time. Shilgar’s coming soon. You have a long journey ahead.”
    “What do you mean? Where’s he taking me?”
    He sensed her urgency but was annoyed at being left out of decisions about his future.
    “Please , trust us,” she said. “Shilgar will explain everything, I promise. Get in the shower, and I’ll be back shortly.”
    As she left the room, Tai watched her every step,