Delta Fringe Series Boxset: Books 1-3

by Heather Lee Dyer

  I hold up my hand. “Wait, you said mines, plural. There’ve been more than this one attacked? I just thought from the news vids there was some labor squabbles on several of the asteroids.”

  Dad looks to Derek who has the good sense to look sheepishly away.

  “You both knew there were more attacks? And didn’t tell me?”

  “I didn’t think they’d send you into the middle of all this,” says Derek as he turns back toward me. The concern on his face is heartbreaking, and it melts the anger spreading inside me. “I tried to get myself assigned to go with you on the hospital ship. They said I needed to stay here in case we were attacked again. And we were, so it is possible there might be more coming.”

  “Not after I leave there shouldn’t be. Right? As long as I’m here on the station with the data drive there’ll be other pirates coming.” I cross my arms, suddenly angry again. “I’m sure the Master Sergeant intends for me to take the drive with us. Then Delta will at least be safe and reconstruction can continue.” I look at my dad for confirmation. The strong square set jaw is rigid, telling me I’m right.

  “I’m the bait,” I say simply.

  “It’s not like that Bren.” Derek steps forward and places his warm hands on my arms. “He really believes you can help solve this.”

  I push Derek away. “But you looked just as shocked as I was up there on the bridge. You led me to believe you didn’t know they were going to ship me off.”

  “Bren, I was truly shocked. I didn’t think they were going to actually send you. I thought they’d give our security team more time to work on the problem.” His eyes are desperate, wanting me to believe him.

  I look away blinking back hot tears.

  “Bren, you know neither one of us wants you to be in this position. I too tried to get on that mission with you. But they wouldn’t let me either. But there is some good news to all this.”

  I turn to face my dad. “What would that be?”

  “They have already cleared the asteroid of all pirates, and the galactic ships will remain there to protect you and the others on the hospital ship. It should be just a routine investigative and body recovery mission. I don’t think the Master Sergeant would send you knowing you were in danger.”

  “But if he thinks there’s answers there…”

  “That’s only speculation. We need to be thorough.”

  “Then why send me to this asteroid and not to the others that have been hit?” I look between Dad and Derek.

  They just look at each other. Great. “Very helpful, guys.”

  “My guess is that this is the most recent attack. And some of the dead are pirates from the attacking vessel,” says Dad as he continues to sort piles on the counters behind us.

  I think about that. What am I worrying about? Isn’t this what I want, to be the one sent out in the field? I throw up my hands. “You’re right. It’s just another investigation, and I’m just all worked up. I think it was the galactic commander’s evil face that got my nerves tied up in knots.”

  Derek laughs. “All right, now that we’ve worked through all that, let’s get you packed up so you can go figure this out and come back home.”

  I smile at him thankful once again that he’s in my life. Dad, Derek, and I work for the next few hours packing several med bags for me to take. Even though I’m sure the hospital ship has everything I might need, I like having my own supplies. Once we’ve figured out the best options for anything I might encounter in an asteroid environment, Derek and I head to my room to pack my personal items.

  5

  Leaving Delta

  Derek stretches out on my narrow bed. I shake my head as I take my pack off. It reminds me of our close call with the security crew that sided with Scott. I had to hide an injured Derek right here in my room while I tried to find a way out without being seen.

  “Comfortable?” I ask.

  “Of course. Anytime I’m with you I’m comfortable.” His grin fades. “I sure am going to miss you.”

  I bend down and kiss him, taking care to keep out of his reach. I need to finish packing. “I’m going to miss you too. Now let me pack, while you tell me what else you know about this mission.”

  Derek folds his hands behind his head and grins up at me. Warmth blossoms in my belly as I gaze on the muscles bulging under his fitted uniform shirt. I blush and turn away to start packing.

  “I saw that,” he teases.

  “Whatever.”

  “You’re blushing. What could you be thinking about that would make you blush?” I hear in his voice that he’s grinning.

  “You can’t tell when I’m blushing.”

  “I can too. You get the warmest shade of pink undertones to your cheeks. And neck.”

  I look over at him and see the look in his eyes. My heart skips a beat, and it takes all my self-control to stay away from him. “We don’t have time to discuss personal matters. Tell me what you know about this asteroid.” I grab my backpack and empty all my school stuff out of it.

  He gives out a deep and overly dramatic sigh. “I really don’t know too much. I am low man on the security clearance, remember.”

  “I know, but you must know something if you tried to come with me.” I discreetly grab underclothes out of one of my drawers and shove them in the bottom of the bag. I then pick an extra pair of pants and shirt. I won’t need much because I have scrubs and haz mat suits in my med bags. I just need civilian clothes for when I’m not working. I have no idea how long I’ll be over there.

  Derek props himself up on one elbow. “All right. I know the asteroids that were hit this week were all in the same quadrant. Quadrant Epsilon.”

  “The last sector that’s been mapped and investigated.” I pause before the model of my space shuttle on my desk. “I think the Tempest had just come from that direction?”

  “No, they were heading outward after stopping here for supplies. But the courier family intercepted them. We don’t know if the Tempest was meant to get that drive, or they just happened to be in the wrong place at the right time.”

  I trace the lines of the space shuttle. It was one of the few items I brought with me from Mars. I have always loved space ships, and much to my mother’s disappointment, took classes and was eager to learn everything about them. Mom wanted me to study mining so I could eventually take after her as the mining medical examiner on Mars. I did study mining, but my heart has always been in the stars.

  “So we don’t know if the Tempest or Scott was originally involved in the whole theft of data.”

  “We think Scott only got involved after he discovered what the captain of the Tempest had. He was an opportunist. However, we aren’t sure about the Tempest. They were a science vessel, but they were studying space travel, not mining.”

  “But they did stop at a lot of mining colonies in their travels.” With a fingernail I crack open the edge of the shuttle where the wings are fixed onto the body. It fits together like a puzzle. The flash drive falls out onto the table with a metallic thunk.

  I stare at the dark object like it’s on fire. I remember taking the original one out of the dead captain’s arm, washing it off and watching the disturbing images of Scott arguing with the captain and in turn the little family that originally couriered the drive to the fated Tempest. Then there was the rest of the data: formulas, simulations, videos, and researchers explaining the advantages. Anti-grav mining machines are apparently worth killing for.

  “That’s the drive?” Derek sits up on the bed staring at me.

  I shake myself mentally trying to get the images out of my head. “Yes.”

  “And you know what’s on it? All of it?”

  “Yes, but I think there’s more to it than what this drive shows.”

  “Really? From what I heard, it was very detailed with the whole anti-gravity mining process and how it can be used without humans even needing to set foot on any asteroid mines.”

  “Yes, it does go into great detail about all of that.
But what about the problems or drawbacks to the project? Why is it all positive? There’s always some hiccup to every project.” I put my shuttle back together, smoothing the seam with my fingertips.

  “Maybe this is more of a sales pitch. To potential customers.” Derek answers.

  I pick up the drive and place it deep within my pack. “I bet you’re right. They wouldn’t want any potential buyers to know the bad stuff.” I wrap one of my curls around my finger and stare out the port window at the stars. I find it peaceful watching the ships leaving Delta as they pass in front of the stars, temporarily blacking them out. And then after a few seconds out pops a blanket shining with millions of twinkling lights.

  I suddenly turn toward Derek. “Oh my frozen stars, we’re dealing with several groups here!”

  He has his hand to his chest in mock terror. “You scared the crap out of me, Bren. Good grief.”

  “Sorry.” I pace in the small area in front of the bed. “You’re right, this is a sales pitch. Whoever is trying to sell this tech doesn’t want the buyers to know whatever is wrong with the mining process or equipment. So if Ash Corp is the original owner of these plans, not only are they trying to sell their product, but so are the pirates who intercepted and stole the information. But then there must be at least one other group somehow involved. The ones trying to get the tech back because they know something is wrong with it? Maybe the original researchers who don’t care about the money, just about stopping the project?”

  “Or maybe the third group is just miners who don’t want to lose their jobs because of this tech.”

  I stop playing with my hair and stop in front of Derek. “Yes, it could be. Or maybe a third group we haven’t even encountered yet.” I throw my hands up in the air. “I don’t know. Maybe that’s what the Master Sergeant hopes I’ll find evidence of at this last location. They were able to get to this asteroid faster and locked down, so there might be more evidence left than at the other asteroids.”

  “So which one of these groups do you think would have motivation to kill for?”

  I sit down next to Derek on my bed, our thighs and shoulders touching. “I could see any of these groups motivated.” I turn toward Derek and smile as a crease appears between his eyes. “I know that’s not really an answer. But if you think about it,” I hold up one finger, “Ash Corp is motivated because they want the tech to sell or use for themselves. They want the money, not for pirates to steal it and make a profit off their research. They’re a big corporation, so they could easily hire mercenaries without anything pointing back to them.”

  Derek nods, so I hold up two fingers. “There’s the obvious choice, the space pirates. This is what they do, they steal things for money, and they don’t usually care who gets hurt in the meantime.”

  I stand up and throw my pack over my shoulder. “Then the third option. Scientists or miners who don’t want the tech used at all, either because it’s dangerous or defective, or they just don’t want to lose jobs.” I blow a stray curl off my forehead. “Or some other third party who wants the tech more than the others. So maybe that’s four options.”

  Derek stands up and pulls me into his arms. “Whoever we’re looking for is dangerous. Please be careful over there Bren.” He kisses me and then reluctantly lets go, but continues to play with the curls around my face.

  “I will. I doubt anyone will come after me on a hospital ship. They’ll probably still think I’m here.” I poke Derek in the chest. “So, you be careful. It might be more dangerous staying here on the station.”

  He grabs my hand and pulls me toward the door. “I’m barely off light duty so I doubt I’ll get to do anything exciting while you’re gone.”

  Good. That’ll be one less thing I’ll have to worry about.

  We walk in silence until we get out to the main corridor. There are few people out since it’s past dinnertime and the nightshift has already started.

  Derek squeezes my hand. “I’m going to miss hanging out with you like this,” he says barely above a whisper.

  I grin and draw him closer. I’m not used to having anyone miss me. “Because you’ll miss our arguments about who knows more about electrical systems?”

  His deep laugh vibrates through me. “No, because it’s not even a valid argument, we both know I’ve got more experience.”

  I bump my shoulder into his, knocking him off balance. “And that’s where the argument always starts. Because I might not have your experience, but I’ve got more knowledge.”

  He just shakes his head and pulls me onto the nearest walking path. As we stand and let it move us along toward the space dock, Derek urges me to him and kisses me. I melt into him for a minute before I remember we’re in public.

  I pull back and look around. There are a few other people on the walkway, but they don’t seem to be paying attention to us. I still feel my cheeks warming as I look back into Derek’s passionate eyes.

  “Still not used to people seeing us like this?” he asks.

  I glance around. “I’m still not used to people talking to me, letting alone touching me.”

  Derek releases me so he can cup my face in his hands. “I think we’ve dispelled the whole muerta thing.” He then kisses me until we’re out of breath again. A soft beep warning us of the end of the walkway makes us break apart so we can step off the path without tripping. Derek doesn’t let go of my hand all the way to the docks.

  The crowds are thicker here, with commercial crews and tourists coming and going from their ships now that the alert is over. I see my dad’s head above the crowd and steer us in his direction. He’s got my med supplies on an anti-grav cart and is heading toward the hospital ship. Derek and I weave around people with luggage or supply crates as we make our way slowly after my dad.

  When we get to the main dock, Derek doesn’t let go of me. He tugs me to the side and presses me up against a wall. I glimpse my dad walking through the first entrance seal. He glances back at me and then faces forward.

  “Promise me you’ll be safe.” Derek’s voice is husky and low. “And you’ll keep in touch.”

  I step up and kiss him firmly. “I promise. I won’t be gone long.” I smile up at him.

  He turns slightly as we hear someone calling my name. We both look to see Markov taking long strides toward us, grinning with his blond hair bobbing above the crowd.

  “Great, not him,” Derek growls as he steps backwards. Markov was one of the medics who helped me with Derek and a few other injured security guards when the pirate ship crashed into the station. Markov and I became good friends, and we share a passionate geeky interest for all things medical. I suspected, but now realize, that Derek is jealous of Markov.

  “Derek you have nothing to worry about with Markov. We’re just friends.” I instantly miss the warmth from Derek’s embrace.

  Derek looks into my eyes, and his expression softens. “I’m sorry, Bren. It’s just — well I don’t know what my problem is with him. Did you know he was on this galactic hospital ship?”

  I shake my head. “No, he had been assigned to one of the private hospital ships.” I frown.

  Markov stops in front of us. Still grinning, he grabs me up off my feet and gives me a bear hug. He then plops me back down on the ground. Not many people can do that to me, but Markov is a good four inches taller than I am and built solid like the rest of his Russian family.

  I can almost feel Derek vibrating with annoyance beside me.

  “Hey Markov, great to see you.” I point to his uniform, which is from the private ship he’s supposed to be on. “What are you doing here instead of on your ship?”

  He runs his hand through his hair, which does nothing helpful since it’s practically shaved. “I heard you were going to the asteroid that was just attacked, so I requested to go along with you.”

  Slack jawed I ask, “And they let you? You just got your new position.”

  He grins. “Yes, thanks to you. Since you’re the one who recommended me for the positi
on, my supervisor thought it appropriate that I help you out again. Since we made such a good team last time.”

  I dare to take a peek at Derek and see that he’s fuming. I reach out and put my arm around him. “That’s great, Markov. And you remember Derek, right?”

  Markov reaches out and shakes Derek’s hand. “Yes, of course. Looks like you’re back on duty. That was a nasty wound you had.” Markov gives a low whistle. “We weren’t sure you’d make it.”

  He winks at me, and I swear I hear a growl from Derek.

  I hold firm around Derek’s waist. “He’s teasing, Derek. You were in good hands.” I smile, making sure he takes his glare off Markov and makes eye contact with me.

  He slowly relaxes next to me.

  I turn back to Markov. “My dad is already taking my supplies on board. I’m sure he’d like to see you before we leave. He has to stay on Delta station. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  Markov smiles. “Great. I love your dad. I’ll go say hi and see you later, then.” He waves at us as he heads toward the docks, his loping stride quickly getting him there to wait his turn.

  Derek slumps next to me. “Great. Now not only are you going on a dangerous mission without me or your dad, he’s going with you.”

  I let go of Derek and step in front of him. “Derek, I realize you don’t like Markov, but he’s my friend and coworker. I’ll be fine.”

  He shakes his head. “Sorry. I’m just not used to caring about anyone but myself.”

  I kiss him before he can say anything else. “That’s a good problem to have. I’ve got to go now. We’ll keep in touch, I’ll be just fine, and you work on getting completely healed up so you can go on the next mission with me.” I grin up at him.

  He finally smiles. “Yes, bad things do always seem to happen when you’re involved.”

  I try act hurt, but it doesn’t work. I end up laughing instead. “Of course they do. I am the coroner’s daughter. Remember our motto? Our day begins when yours ends.”

  We both end up laughing, and I’m glad when I finally have to go we’ve left things between us on a good note. We kiss one last time, and I go wait in line for the dock. I wave and smile back at Derek through the thick glass after I make it through the second seal. I wait until I turn around and am walking up the docking ramp into the hospital ship before I let my smile fall. My heart feels heavier the farther I get from Derek and the station. I didn’t realize there would be so many feelings involved with leaving on this mission.