Read Discovery (Hybrid Book 1) for Free Online Page B

room had the usual Federation dark red colour accents, in the form of bedding and couches. The bathroom even had ‘feature’ red tiles and red towels. As she wandered over to the bed, to test how hard or soft it was, she stopped in her tracks at the ‘dress’ laid out for her. Immediately, she touched the com link button under the skin behind her ear.
    “Are you kidding Connor?  I can’t wear that in public,” she almost screeched at him.
    “Thanks for checking I was alone before calling. You know these people don’t use com implants, and what’s wrong with the clothing?” He sounded a little weary. But seriously, she wasn’t a dress up doll, no matter what the character she was meant to be assuming for the convenience of the locals.
    “It’s beach wear with tassels,” she said holding up what looked like a pile of green shimmering fabric strips.
    “It’s what all the other young women will be wearing. Local tradition dictates that women only cover up when they get older,” he explained patiently in a tone that indicated she was being childish. “You had the guidance notes on your desk. I know you were tired, but didn’t you read any of it?” He sounded a little exasperated.
    She knew discussions about ‘fashion’ weren’t his thing, but this was more than an ‘I’ll look fat in that,’ moment and he was starting to annoy her. It was all right for him, all he had to worry about was getting lint on his ninja outfit. She knew he always carried a lint roller in his bag, the big girl’s blouse.
    “Well excuse me. I’ve been a little ‘busy’ today so forgive me missing the local fashion handout, instead of the political information.”
    Her annoyance started to drain away as she knew she’d probably end up wearing the damn thing. A sense of impending doom occurred as she eyed the garment. Much as she wanted to appear to be a sophisticated, together woman, outside of medical situations, which were her comfort zone, she really wasn’t. She winced as she heard a whine entering her voice as she continued a last ditch defence.
    “I can’t walk about in public in this, especially as you’re not coming. I bet the not so Honourable Lord Tenset has octopus hands, why can’t you come as well? Please?”
    Chesara heard a sigh before his reply came through. “Planetary etiquette doesn’t allow people with active implants to attend because of security fears, and one of us needs to remain in touch with the Apollo. They wouldn’t try anything Kittycat. If anything happened to you the Federation would come down on them like a ton of bricks, and they know it. I’m sure Lord Tenset will be the perfect gentleman, but I’ll be having a word before you go. Just to make sure he knows I’ll turn him into a pretzel if he makes you feel at all uncomfortable.”
    Exceedingly few people had the guts to ignore a ‘word’ from Connor. Even though it was annoying, he was right as usual. There was a Federation cruiser in orbit after all. It could pulverise all the major cities on the planet in a few hours. With her worries mostly settled, she remembered what else he’d said. She hated being sedated.
    “We only have an hour, so please get into your costume, and I’ll be down with my box of tricks to deactivate your implants while you’re in the Palace. It’ll only be for a couple of hours.” The connection went dead, and she started to swear. Quietly. Just in case anyone was listening.
    “Son of a Kackbad, save me from bloody backward yokels. Why the hell can’t they just pop up to the ship for me to sort out their infertility problem, instead of making me go through this song and dance? They’re probably both so fucking ugly, putting bags on their heads would work, or maybe they didn’t get the birds and the bees talk cos no one thought they’d ever need it.”
    Chesara carried on muttering as she stripped off her stained white shirt, trousers and black boots. Looking at the garment, she sighed and