Read Dawnwind 1: Last Man Standing for Free Online Page B

mirror-mode and the two academics pressed close to John.   They didn’t make a fuss, just succumbed to their Junian impulses, letting their close presence reassure him.
    At the house, the three of them settled in the kitchen.   John took off his comm and considered it.  
    “Is there something the matter?” asked Vesu.
    “I’m not sure,” said John.   “The peacekeepers thought my comm had been compromised.”
    “Really?” Vesu looked scandalized.
    “Yes, I’m just wondering if it’s all right to use it now.”
    Olu set cups of yellow tea before them, and settled herself at the table.   “You should check it.”
    “How?”
    “Contact the Communications Authority,” said Vesu.   “Ask them to run an integrity check on your personal comm.”
    John slid his comm back on and tapped it.   It trilled softly.   “Device ready.”
    “Contact Communications Authority,” said John.
    A synthesized voice responded.   “This is the Communications Authority. How may we assist you?”
    “I’d like to run an integrity check on my personal comm.”
    “Please provide your comm-code.”
    “Epcott-593103829.”
    “Checking....checking....checking.   Integrity check complete.   Personal comm Epcott-593103829 was compromised on 58.18608 at 0914 hours.   Integrity restored on 58.18608 at 0930 hours.   Integrity compromise reported to Ted Dov Peacekeepers on 58.18608 at 0935 hours.   Personal comm Epcott-593103829 is secure.   Do you require further assistance?”
    “No,” said John. “Disconnect.”
    His comm warbled.   “Disconnect confirmed.   Please note that you have seven-hundred-thirty-seven messages awaiting your review.”
    John blinked.   “Repeat that.”
    The comm repeated its last message and John shook his head.  
    “What is it?” asked Vesu.
    “I’ve got over seven hundred messages waiting for me.”
    “Most of them are probably from complete strangers,” said Olu.   “Like the well-wishers who gathered outside the hospital this morning.”
    “Are you going to listen to them all?” asked Vesu.   He looked intrigued.
    “I’ll probably have to see about filtering them.     Some of them might be from people I actually know.”
    “You can do that later,” said Olu, firmly.   “For now, you will relax.”
    “I slept for four days, Olu.   I think I’m pretty relaxed.”
    “No,” she said, “you were in a coma for four days.   That isn’t the same thing.”
    He covered her hand with his own.   “Olu, I’m fine.”
    “You had a violent confrontation, John.   I’ve studied enough human psychology to know that you may experience a delayed reaction to those events.”
    “It was just a fight,” said John.   “I’m fine.   Honestly.”
    “Were all humans so accustomed to violence?” asked Vesu.  
    John’s eyebrows shot up.   “I wouldn’t say that I’m accustomed to violence.   That makes it sound like I treat it as something casual.   Trust me, I don’t.”  
    “My apologies, John.   I didn’t mean to offend.”
    “You haven’t,” said John.   He patted Vesu’s hand.   “But this wasn’t my first fight. I’ve been in others.”
    “Really?” said Olu.   Her expression wavered between intrigue and shock.  
    “Ignoring playground scuffles, I didn’t always live in the nicest neighborhoods.   When I was seventeen I was beaten so badly that I went to the hospital with cracked ribs and a broken wrist.”
    “How awful!” said Olu, her eyes wide with shock.
    “Was your attacker brought to judgment?” asked Vesu.
    “No,” said John.   “It was my word against theirs and I had no witnesses or evidence to prove my claim.”
    “There was more than one?” asked Olu.
    “There were four of them.”
    “Why did they attack you?”
    John shrugged.   “They were drunk and thought I insulted them.”
    “That must have been traumatic,” said Olu.
    “It wasn’t pleasant,” admitted John.   “I had nightmares for weeks afterward and