Operation Artemis (The Drift Nova Force #4) - Susan Hayes Page 0,3
The guy who gets coffee for everyone?”
“You make the best mochas on the ship. You have a real knack for optimal sprinkle distribution.” Kurt raised a hand and rubbed his fingertips together. “It’s a true talent.”
“Will mochas be enough to keep me on the team?”
“No. The fact you’re a talented investigator with years of experience will do that. And it’s not like we’re all going to be immune to blaster fire and explosions. If we get dosed with medi-bots, we’ll still need a medic on staff. Or have you forgotten how many times your sister has patched up those crazy cyborg friends of hers?”
That made the other man laugh. “That’s a good point. Sometimes I forget my baby sister is a talented doctor too. I keep thinking of her as being tiny, sticky, and annoying. I’ll ask her to share what she can about that kind of treatment. She’s the closest we have to a specialist on the subject.”
“Do that. And don’t worry about your place on the team. You’re stuck with us. In fact, I’m going to need your help soon.”
“Whatever you need.”
“Great. Clear some time from tomorrow’s schedule. You’re giving me a crash course on how not to fraxx up while hobnobbing with corporate snobs and the upper echelons of society.”
“How long do I have to impart my wealth of knowledge to you, my farm-born friend?”
“Two hours.”
Cris winced. “Well, I do love a challenge. I think that’s enough time to make sure you don’t insult anyone or start a war.”
“Ha-ha. Funny. It can’t be that difficult.”
“Oh, yes, it can. You’re about to walk onto the galaxy’s most polite battleground, where words are weapons, and loyalties change faster than the appetizer trays.”
“Wonderful. I can’t wait,” he deadpanned.
“You’ll be fine. If all else fails, just stand at attention and don’t say a word. They’ll assume you’re part of Archer’s protection detail and leave you alone.”
“That would work?” If it were that easy, he’d imitate a statue all night to avoid small talk.
“Usually does. You’re not high ranking enough to be of interest to most of these people. Archer and Halverson will be their focus. Not you.”
“Hopefully that keeps Brigadier General Pain in Our Ass busy enough he stays out of our business.”
Cris pitched his voice low despite the fact they were the only two people in the room. “Until then, we just keep investigating him and the others.”
“Exactly.” None of them were happy General Halverson had somehow managed to get an invitation to the gala. After he’d interfered in Operation Fury and somehow allowed their prime suspect to escape from his brig, Halverson was banned from interfering in any future Nova Force investigations. He wasn’t supposed to be anywhere near this part of space. Hell, the man was on their list of potential spies, which was one more reason he’d been sent off to ride a desk somewhere far away from here.
Cris kept talking in low tones. “Do you think he’s gone Gray? I mean, it makes sense. But if he has, he’s not being very subtle about it.”
“I don’t think he knows the meaning of that word. If he did, he wouldn’t be coming back here so soon. As much as I want it to be him…” Kurt trailed off.
“It would be too obvious,” Cris agreed. “And nothing the Grays do is obvious. Whatever they’re planning, it’s part of a longer strategy. So he’s a distraction. Maybe accidentally. Maybe not.”
Kurt clapped him on the shoulder. “This is why you shouldn’t be worried about your place on the team. Good thinking. It might just be him being an ass, but what if it’s more than that? Check into his staff and anyone else in his immediate orbit. See if anything stands out. Dig into that aide of his, too. Clooney. We know he comes from money. Maybe he’s got connections we need to investigate.”
“Did you just reward me for my insight with more work?” Cris asked, his expression somewhere between bemused and incredulous.
“It’s the Nova Force way.”
“I’m starting to rethink my reluctance to leave the team. I could make a killing in the private sector.”
“Too late. You’ve proven your worth and I’m telling Commander Rossi to keep you forever.”
“Damn. Guess I better grab some sleep, then. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day.” Cris powered down the treadmill, stepped off, and then turned to face him. “And since I’m still the team’s medic, I’m advising you to get some sleep, too. The gala starts tomorrow, and you’ll be expected