Page 42 of Bernadette


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“It sounds promising.” Excitement was growing in Bernadette’s gut. “Such a place might very well welcome a doctor.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

“It’s worth checking into. If there isn’t a shipment scheduled from Haven to Lobam this week, I’ll toss my blades out an airlock when we hit space again,” Hal said.

“I wish to go with you, Captain Miller,” Tumsa said. “I can pay for passage if you prefer. Or I can crew, if you have rules against passengers. I don’t mind grunt work, since I doubt a cargo freighter worries about hiring a physical trainer.”

She regarded his hopeful expression. “You want to speak to Doljen? You were pretty certain yesterday that he’d never have anything to do with you again.”

“I’m still sure of it, but I have to try. I’d like to get him to talk to me, even if it’s just to scream. Anything’s better than being completely shut out.” His gaze darted to Hal, as if he wished the same from him.

Bernadette huffed. She had a vision of showing up with Tumsa and Hal, only to have Doljen slam the door in her face. “You can come on one condition, and the same goes for you, Hal. I approach Doljen first. On my own.”

She was met with twin scowls. “That isn’t what we agreed when I joined your crew,” Hal said.

“He is our clanmate. We have more of a right to talk with him than you do,” Tumsa added. His scowl had faded into patient determination, and his tone was gentle. The assertion didn’t hurt coming from him as it had from Hal.

Bernadette wondered if he’d always been good at bargaining or if coaching children had made him a successful negotiator. She was no kid, unfortunately for him and his reasonable argument.

“You want to bust in and wreck what may be my only chance to talk to him? Fine. Find another ship to take you. I haven’t cruised the length of this damned galaxy hunting for him to be sent away because he doesn’t approve of the company I keep.” She stood. “Where should I send your stuff, Hal? Here? Or do I just dump it on the dock’s floor?”

The Nobek threw his hands in the air, giving Tumsa an expression ofdo you see what I have to deal with?It was almost funny. “Okay, okay. Your ship, your rules. I’ll wait until you’ve spoken to him first.”

She stared at Tumsa, her brow raised. He gave in with better grace. “I’ll also wait. I appreciate you letting me come along.”

“I’m glad you two are as smart as you look. Oh, now what?” Her com was buzzing. It was Kom’s frequency. “What’s up?”

“My peckers. Beyond that, Fod begs a word.”

“He does, huh? I have several words for him, none he’ll enjoy hearing.”

“I was talking to the dockmaster. You know, Jackson. It turns out you’re his golden girl. He offered us first pick of the cargos going out, and I noticed a most tasty double shipment to Lobam and Kalquor that paysdunho miker. Fod overheard, and it turns out he was hoping to win that very shipment himself.”

Lobam and a massive payday to boot. She got over her grouchiness to grin at Tumsa and Hal. “I guess Fod will have his feelings hurt, because Lobam is exactly the destination I want. It’s where Doljen was last seen.”

Kom chuckled. “I guess it’s our lucky day then. Just so you know, Fod made some comment about you sleeping your way through the dockmasters to grab all the good cargo. I offered to tie his long neck in a knot before I informed him it was me whoring for freight, not you.”

Bernadette had to let laughter pass before she could answer. “I’m on my way before he and his crew pick a fight with ours. Go ahead and book that cargo.”

“Will do.”

“Do you need me for backup?” Hal offered.

It was on the tip of her tongue to say yes, but she remembered she was mad at him. Good news on Doljen and a shipment notwithstanding, she wasn’t over her irritation yet. “Not necessary. Kom will let you know when to be back. Tumsa, start packing. I’ll com you when liftoff is scheduled.”

* * * *

Tumsa and Halmiko had stood when Bernadette swept out of the home. They remained on their feet when the door shut behind her, gazing at each other uncertainly.

An edge of panic grated on the Dramok. He’d expected Halmiko to leave too, and he had no idea of what to say to keep him from doing so. Their past was a minefield. How did one talk to a clanmate who’d walked out on him eight years before? Especially when their last encounter had ended with Halmiko punching him?

It had been a well-deserved punch, no less.

When the Nobek hesitated, Tumsa grabbed onto the only subject that might be safe. “The captain’s an interesting woman.”

“Interesting. That’s a way to put it.” Halmiko helped ease the tension by laughing and sitting down again. Tumsa did as well.

“Yeah.” More than interesting, actually. She had strength, intelligence, and attitude. She was damned pretty too, especially when she smiled. Tumsa’s heart had beat a little faster when she’d laughed while talking on the com.

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